The agricultural theme of the show was highlighted when about 100 producers gathered in the JDI tent on Saturday, for an address by the CEO of AgriSA, Omri van Zyl, on the future of agriculture. The event was co-sponsored by the Land Bank and the National Wool Growers Association.
Old Tractor: Agri SA CEO Omri van Zyl addresses about 100 producers in the JDI Tent at the show. In the foreground is and old John Deere Model D from 1945. The tractor, was originally sold to a farmer as new, but was later traded in at JDI and now belongs to Emilius Tomlinson, and while its fully operational, it is only exhibited at shows.
This year the show boasted unprecedented attendance with over 7 000 tickets officially sold for the event, which was held from 2 to 4 March. According to Media Liaison for the show Miriam Basson, the show is “the third oldest annual ongoing agricultural show in the world and it opened its doors for the first time 186 years ago. I wouldn’t want to go on record to speculate exactly how many people actually attended the show this year, but with all the exhibitors and invited guests it was quite significant,” she says.
The show brought a festive buzz to Swellendam over the weekend with visitors enjoying equestrian events, livestock demonstrations, the election of the show beauty queen, carnival attractions and, without a doubt the highlight of the entertainment, a performance by Afrikaans music superstars Bok van Blerk and Snotkop.
Some added good news for JDI staff from the show is that STHIL Group Manager, Louis Brooks, and his four legged canine best friend, Turbo, walked off with two first prizes at the dog show event. Turbo barked his way to the finish line in the categories: Best Small Dog and the Obstacle Course. Turbo, a cute 11 week old Beagle, bagged prizes which included dog food, a rubber chicken toy, a genuine leather leash, fly and flea repellent and a R200 voucher, which can be redeemed at a visit to the vet or for purchases at the vet. Meanwhile Turbo’s master pocketed a meal voucher for two. Congratulations Louis and Turbo, Woof Woof!