The return of Marlow Agricultural School’s Boeredag weekend in 2022 proved so popular that some 80 exhibitors have signed on this year.
Farmers, families and industry stakeholders from all over the Eastern Cape will descend on Cradock for three days from this evening, when the show kicks off at the school grounds.
The Boeredag seeks to address every aspect of agriculture while exposing the next generation of farmers to the vehicles, tools and innovations that are making waves in the sector.
To this end, there will be everything from tractor and car displays to animal feed and packaging presentations. There will also be plenty to see and do on the peripheries of the main exhibit.
The programme proper starts with a wine tasting and introduction evening at 6pm today.
A full line-up of events is scheduled for Friday, including a women’s programme, demonstrations, guest artists and an auctioneer competition – rounded off with a performance by Afrikaans crooner Adam Tas.
The final day is all about braaivleis and rugby. The Marlow grounds will be a cauldron of excitement as the school’s teams come up against their peers from Grens and Lillyfontein.
There will also be plenty of food stalls, overseen by learners and parents, to satisfy lovers of traditional Karoo fare.
Those who will one day enter the farming sector will be able to find out more about the latest trends and what to expect after leaving school at the Marlow Boeredag in Cradock. Photo: Supplied
Marlow teacher and marketing liaison Rikus van Dyk explained that the Boeredag had been brought back after a break of many years.
“Thankfully it was a big success and now we have 80 exhibitors on board. What we love about the event is that it attracts people from all walks of life.”
Kelston Motor Group, whose Toyota dealership in the town serves the agricultural community, is one of the exhibitors and Van Dyk said it was an important collaboration since generations of local farmers had been brought up on the brand.
One of the major benefits of the festival is that those who will one day enter the farming sector will be able to find out more about the latest trends and what to expect after leaving school.
“We have invited all agricultural science learners from the schools in our district. One school is even bringing a hundred learners,” said Van Dyk.
“The other benefit is that it brings the entire farming community together, not only from Cradock but from across the Eastern Cape.
“The farmers bring their families along as well which is good for local business. At the end of the day, it’s about investing in the town.”
Kelston Toyota Cradock sales manager Simon Ward said the dealership had leapt at the chance to support schools in the district.
“We are really looking forward to it. You’ll see everything from John Deere tractors to yellow metals and then of course there’s the rugby on Saturday.”