This year’s Agriculture and Forestry (AGFO) Expo offers significant networking opportunities for the agriculture, forestry and farming sectors, while giving members of the public a chance to enjoy some active, outdoor fun.
The AGFO Expo, which takes place at the Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre in White River from 8 to 10 November, this year incorporates the SAMAC Macadamia Industry Day and the Fire-Tech Day.
The AGFO Expo takes place from 8 to 10 November 2018 at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre in White River. Credit: Creative Commons
The Fire-Tech Day, on Thursday 8 November, will include demonstrations of and discussions around various fire equipment and products and their uses. Topics include risk mapping; the influence of climate change on fire trends; computer-generated wind and weather modelling; detection and management of forest fires; the ops rooms and fire prediction modelling within forestry.
The day will also cover an integrated approach to successful fire suppression using fire tenders, strike craft, fire equipment and fire-fighting personnel; fire suppressants, applicators and the latest on pumps hoses and nozzles. The cost to attend is R100, which includes entrance to the expo, the Fire-Tech Day and a light lunch.
The SAMAC Macadamia Industry Day, on Friday 9 November, has world-renowned plant pathologist from Australia, Dr André Drenth, as the keynote speaker; and various other industry experts who will share their knowledge with visitors. Well-known economist Dr Roelof Botha will share the results of a study on the impact of land expropriation without compensation and how this will affect the local economy.
Some of the other topics under discussion include an update on the macadamia tree protection programme, enviro-friendly stink bug control, transformation in agriculture and the macadamia industry, an outlook on the global macadamia market, macadamia water use, tree diseases and pests and the management thereof.
A VIP networking event – for SAMAC Industry Day attendees and AGFO Expo exhibitors and sponsors only – will take place on Friday evening.
For more information on Fire-Tech Day and the SAMAC Macadamia Industry Day visit: www.agfo.co.za. To book your tickets, click here.
Something for the family
This year’s expo also includes various equipment demonstrations and the ever popular chainsaw competitions. Forestry companies and harvesting contractors are encouraged to enter their teams to stand a chance to win great prizes and walk away with the floating trophy, sponsored by Rudamans Nelspruit. Entry forms are available online at: www.agfo.co.za.
Members of the public can enjoy various fun competitions, including tug of war, axe chopping, pit saw and boeresport. Take the family and relax in the ‘Chill Zone’ beer tent and enjoy a traditional South African braai and entertainment from local bands on Saturday. And, don’t miss the LEFPA Bomber fly by!
The AGFO Expo Trail Run, in aid of Hospice, also takes place on Saturday 10 November, with a choice of either a 5km or 10km race. Entry forms are available from Fit To Go Training Centre or email: lindivr@gmail.com.
Support for the industry
AGFO organisers appreciate the support of its various sponsors, which show their support of the agriculture and forestry industries. Sponsors already onboard for AGFO 2018 include Agricolleges International and Mascor (prestige sponsors); Ezigro Seedlings (diamond sponsor); Novon Retail Company, Nedbank and Systeco Automation (gold sponsors); Adama, Silvix Forestry, United Forest Products, Sanlam, Green Farms Nut Company and GAC Laser (silver sponsors).
There are a limited number of exhibition stands and sponsorship opportunities still available. For more information about AGFO 2018 and bookings for the SAMAC Industry Day and Fire-Tech Day, visit: www.agfo.co.za, email: admin@agfo.co.za, or contact: +27 (0) 82 854 6155.
