The Sernick Group hosted its annual Emerging Farmers day on Friday 31 January 2020 with more that 450 registered delegates. The day was highlighted by an opening address from Mr. William Bulwane – MEC for Agriculture and Rural development in the Free State, and an informative and practical demonstration by  Dr. Faffa Malan on how to control Brucellosis in South Africa. Mr. Aubrey Dladla from OBP Animal Health spoke about controlled and non-controlled diseases in South Africa. Mr. Nick Serfontein addressed the attendees on the importance of hope and how the Sernick Group is committed to emerging and commercial farmers in South Africa.

After lunch an astounding 140 farmers, who form part of the Sernick and Jobs Fund Emerging Farmers programme received their National Certificate: Animal production – NQF 4 during a special ceremony. Mavis Motlokwa was announced as the Female farmer of the year for 2019 and Bodulo Mabote was announced farmer of the year.

Petro Naudé – Project Manager for the Emerging Farmers programme made an announcement that had the attendees very excited. Tier 3 farmers who prove their skill and successful management will be invited/selected to become members of the Black Emerging Farmers Trust that own 50% shares in Temong (Pty) Ltd. Temong owns 26% in Sernick Abattoir (Pty) Ltd, 51% in Sernick Wholesaling (Pty) Ltd and 26% in the newly acquired Vierfontein farm and feedlot.