11 Aug 2024

The inaugural Bobirwa Farmers Partnership (BOFAPA) field day has left organisers both astonished and concerned about how to maintain the high standards set during the first event. 

Despite being held in a cramped venue, the field day attracted over 3 000 members of the public and 19 business partners, far exceeding expectations. 

Organisers had anticipated around five business partners for this new event, which initially lacked a well-established reputation. 

The field day, however, was supported by reputable sponsors including Choppies, FMK Trust, and Gabana Genetics, enhancing its appeal. The partnerships established during the event, according to organisers, would continue to grow and flourish in future shows.

 “The success of this first show really shocked me because it appeared like it has been running for more than five years,” chairman of BOFAPA, Mr Comic Letsweletse said in an interview, Saturday.

“The long and short of it is that it is a huge success, and with this success we’ve set the bar so high that replicating it in future would require doubling up our efforts,” Mr Letsweletse added.

He said that the joy expressed by patron and Babirwa at large propelled organisers to start early preparations.

 “All we appeal to is for people to change their mindset towards livestock farming like where we keep a large head of Tswana cattle in order for it to be profitable,” the BOFAPA chairperson and added that farmers needed to employ improved farming methods and rear quality breeds to sustain them in droughts.

In a region plagued by drought and shortage of enough communal grazing land, farmers in Zone Six and seven were urged to change their mindset towards livestock rearing and adopt the commercial route.

“We held a bonfire event where we discussed several farming ideas, but it culminated in us agreeing in principle that unity and togetherness were key components of success,” he said.

With the intention of breeding quality stocks in both Zone six and seven, Mr Letsweletse said that members encouraged each other on the best breeding and farming methods.

Although they are yet to host some auction sales, the organisers used the field day as a launchpad for many activities to come. Members are charged with ensuring that the future shows were greatly advertised.

In the past, members have been attending renowned shows like one in Ghanzi and Letlhakane to equip themselves with requisite skills of hosting successful shows. ENDs