Sluit by ons aan by die Chrissiesmeer-boeredag!

Sluit by ons aan vir ‘n onvergeetlike dag van samewerking en samesyn by die Chrissiesmeer-boeredag! AFGRI is opgewonde om ons betrokkenheid te verdiep en vennootskappe met die boeregemeenskap te smee. Maak gereed vir kultivarproewe, toerustinguitstallings en die kans om met ons uitvoerende bestuurspan te netwerk.

Join us at the VKB Bieliemieliefees in Reitz, Free State, from 22-25 February 2024

Visit the AFGRI stand at A10 to take a closer look at the latest John Deere equipment, including the S440 harvester and the 9R590, 8R410, 6155MH, 6140B, 5080E, 5075E and 5045D tractors.  You can also explore the John Deere Grador 620G, Loader 644K and Skidsteer.
And be sure to check out our product range from ROVIC, KRONE, KUHN, LEMKEN, FALCON, AMAZONE, AGRICAD and ORTHMAN!
Whether you are a seasoned farmer or just starting out, we have just what you need! From the latest technology to expert advice, we are here to support you in your agricultural journey.
Come visit us at the Bieliemieliefees to learn more! See you there!

NORTJE TO LEAD THE HERD AS BOK TRIO RETURN FOR TRIP TO JOHANNESBURG

Ruan Nortje will lead a Vodacom Bulls side that sees the return of Springbok duo, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie for round 10 of the 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship. The Tshwane outfit will travel down the N1-M1 to the Emirates Airline Park for what promises to be an enthralling spectacle of Rugby if the last meeting was anything to go by. A fortnight ago, the noisy neighbours visited Loftus in what ended up being a six-try thriller to the finish, as the men in blue held their own to take a 2-point victory. That performance by the Jozi side earned praise from the director of rugby, Jake White.

“We must give ‘Cash’ [Ivan van Rooyen] some credit, he has done well with the conditioning of his team, they really get back up well. They are very good at understanding counterattacks because they do it so well. Their wingers are also good at closing their outside so well so we will have to find a new way of getting through them. One thing about them is that they are very good.”

MUCH IS AT STAKE

Much is on the line this weekend for both teams. A victory for the Vodacom Bulls would close the gap to the three teams above them on the log standings whilst a four-point win would bring the Emirates Lions back into the top eight of the competition as the race to cement playoff spots intensifies.

White believes the side is playing for more than just solidifying their chances of playoffs but also building momentum in playing well in the later stages of the competitions.

“We are going to have to play well, almost our best rugby like it’s test rugby. The next two weekends are like trial runs for the big knockout games that are coming. We have made one or two tweaks with our changes, not for any other we r reason but to continue learning who can play with whom because we are never going to have the same 23.”

NO SURPRISE PACKAGE

Asked if the Lions were the surprise pick of the season, White said: “They have played well and together for a prolonged period, they have continuity and cohesion. They have managed to keep their squad together and Ivan van Rooyen is a conditioning expert, so he probably knows how to keep his players fresh; the longer you keep a group together, the better they play.”

Asked about the last matchup against the Lions and this trip to Johannesburg: “Sometimes you need those kinds of games (close results) to give the group a wake-up call. We let slip 21 points and there aren’t many teams you can give that amount of points and expect to win, so we will be better.

“The ironic thing is we play really well against them at their ground which is probably better than most in the league. Who knows, this is probably the one game we need on the road. To be fair, we have a few guys who have played there, and this will be like a home game for them.”

The Vodacom Bulls will have a front row comprising Gerhard Steenekamp alongside Johan Grobbelaar and Mornay Smith. Behind them will be a lock combination of Reinhardt Ludwig and captain, Ruan Nortje. Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom will complete the forward pack in the third row. Embrose Papier swaps partners at half-back as he pairs up with Jaco van der Walt for round 10 of the competition. Behind them will be Canan Moodie at left wing and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the right side of the park, with David Kriel and Stedman Gans combining at centre. Fresh off his new permanent contract with the herd, Devon Williams will get a run from full-back, giving cover to the side with his versatile left boot.

This weekend’s impact squad will see Akker van der Merwe, Simphiwe Matanzima, Francois Kloppers, Janko Swanepoel, Marcell Coetzee, Keagan Johannes, Johan Goosen and Mpilo Gumede all on standby to provide fresh legs when duty calls.

Kick-off for the second Jukskei derby of the season is set for 15:00.

EMIRATES LIONS vs VODACOM BULLS STARTING XV: 1. Gerhard Steenekamp (Laerskool Mooirivier), 2. Johan Grobbelaar (Paarl Gymnasium), 3. Mornay Smith (Hoerskool Eldoraigne), 4. Reinhardt Ludwig (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool), 5. Ruan Nortje (c) (Hoerskool Wonderboom), 6. Marco van Staden (Hoërskool Bekker), 7. Elrigh Louw (Transvalia High School), 8. Cameron Hanekom (Paarl Boys High School), 9. Embrose Papier (Hoerskool Gaasfontein), 10. Jaco van der Walt (Laerskool Randfontein), 11. Canan Moodie (Boland Landbou Laerskool George Suid), 12. David Kriel (Eikestad Primary), 13. Stedman Gans (Laerskool Vredenburg), 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse (Paulus Joubert High School), 15. Devon Williams (Paarl Boys High)

VODACOM BULLS IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Simphiwe Matanzima (Queens College), 17. Akker van der Merwe (Laerskool George Suid), 18. Francois Kloppers (Winterton Primary School), 19. Janko Swanepoel (Gene Louw Primary School), 20. Marcell Coetzee (Suid-Natal Primary), 21. Keagan Johannes (Avondale Primary), Johan Goosen (Grey College), 23. Mpilo Gumede (Durban High School)

MANAGEMENT: Jake White – Director of Rugby, Chris Rossouw – Assistant Coach, Werner Kruger – Assistant Coach, Gary Gold – Assistant Coach, Andries Bekker – Assistant Coach, Jean Tiedt – Assistant Coach, Kennedy Tsimba – Assistant Coach, Phiwe Nomlomo – Assistant Coach, John-William Meyer – Technical Analyst, Dr. Herman Rossouw – Team Doctor, Lance Lemmetjies – Physiotherapist, Darryn Berry – Physiotherapist, Andre Volsteedt – Strength & Conditioning, Yusuf Vahed – Sport Scientist, Elias Bennett – Team Manager, Simon Dyidi – Logistics Manager.

Cover photo supplied by © Vodacom Bulls

AFGRI Animal Feeds – dedicated to ensuring peak production for your livestock!

At AFGRI Animal Feeds, our commitment transcends mere feed provision – it’s a dedication to securing peak production for your livestock. With a diverse range of rations tailored to the unique needs of your animals, we promise optimal nutrition and unparalleled efficiency.
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Share the love with our Valentine’s Promotion!

Shop for the perfect gifts for your loved ones – human or furry – here: online.afgri.co.za.

Hurry, this promotion is valid until February 29, 2024!

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

The African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo is almost here!

Mark your calendars for the African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo on 8-9 February 2024, proudly sponsored by AFGRI. This dynamic platform is not just an event, hosted at Birchwood Hotel, JHB; it’s a force driving empowerment and innovation in agriculture.

Delve into the future with the theme “Creating a Better Future through Inclusive Growth and Shared Success.” The event, featuring influential industry speakers, covers essential topics including finance, markets, skills, training, and project development. Come and share in this transformative experience and be part of the conversation shaping the future of agriculture!

Did you know? AFGRI Retail has an extended footprint in South Africa

AFGRI Retail has a footprint of 33 stores and 29 fuel stations in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Free State. Our goal is to support the backbone of our nation – farmers!
We take pride in offering expert advice, trusted brands, and quality products at the best prices. From fertilisers to tools, seed to animal feeds, we’ve got it all under one roof.

Grobbelaar returns, Nortje starts as Vodacom Bulls lace up for Jukskei Derby

The Vodacom Bulls welcomed the return of Johan Grobbelaar to match fitness. The front-rower had been side-lined since mid-December after picking up an injury when the herd travelled to Lyon in round 2 of the Champions Cup. ‘Grobbies’ forms part of the impact squad as the men in blue await the arrival of their noisy neighbours, the Emirates Lions for round 9 of the 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

The Jukskei Derby will kick off at 15h00 and tickets start from R 25.00c with school-going kids entering the stadium for free as the franchise celebrates the ‘back to school’ season.

Grobbelaar will also be joined by his captain, Ruan Nortje in the list of notable returnees, although Nortje has featured in the last two fixtures for the Tshwane-based side. Nortje will start his first match since being sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in round 6 of the competition against Connacht.

Nortje, who captains the side this week, will line up at lock alongside Deon Slabbert to his left. Ahead of the lanky pair will be a front row comprising Simphiwe Matanzima at loosehead prop with Mornay Smith at tighthead as Akker van der Merwe slots in between the bulky pair, at hooker.

Marco van Staden returns to action after his mandatory rest and he starts at openside flank, pairing up with Elrigh Louw at blindside with Celimpilo ‘Mpilo’ ka Gumede on eighthman duties.

Embrose Papier at scrum-half and Johan Goosen at fly-half, once more combine at halfback with the centre combination of Harold Vorster (inside) and David Kriel (outside) behind them. On the wings, the Vodacom Bulls will see Sergeal Petersen run out at left wing with Sebastian de Klerk on the right-hand side of the fortress. Willie le Roux completes the starting fifteen at fullback.

The returning Grobbelaar will form part of a 6-2 split impact squad that will feature Dylan Smith, Khutha Mchunu, Reinhardt Ludwig, Cameron Hanekom, Keagan Johannes, Devon Williams and Marcell Coetzee.

VODACOM BULLS vs EMIRATES LIONS STARTING XV: 1. Simphiwe Matanzima, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Mornay Smith, 4. Deon Slabbert, 5. Ruan Nortje (c), 6. Marco van Staden, 7. Elrigh Louw, 8. Mpilo Gumede, 9. Embrose Papier, 10. Johan Goosen, 11. Sergeal Petersen, 12. Harold Vorster, 13. David Kriel, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 15. Willie le Roux

VODACOM BULLS IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Dylan Smith, 18. Khutha Mchunu, 19. Reinhardt Ludwig, 20. Cameron Hanekom, 21. Keagan Johannes, 22. Devon Williams, 23. Marcell Coetzee

MANAGEMENT: Jake White – Director of Rugby, Chris Rossouw – Assistant Coach, Werner Kruger – Assistant Coach, Gary Gold – Assistant Coach, Andries Bekker – Assistant Coach, Jean Tiedt – Assistant Coach, Kennedy Tsimba – Assistant Coach, Phiwe Nomlomo – Assistant Coach, John-William Meyer – Technical Analyst, Dr. Herman Rossouw – Team Doctor, Claudette Eckard – Physiotherapist, Darryn Berry – Physiotherapist, Andre Volsteedt – Strength & Conditioning, Yusuf Vahed – Sport Scientist, Elias Bennett – Team Manager, Simon Dyidi – Logistics Manager

Photo supplied by @Vodacom Bulls

AFGRI’s Lemang Agricultural Services appointed as training provider to global baking group

We’ve got exciting news – we have been appointed by BIMBO QSR Holdings South Africa as its training service provider. The Grupo Bimbo is a multinational baking group that was established in 1955. The first phase includes the rollout of an NQF Level 2 National Certificate in Mixed Farming Systems at our Vastfontein Training Academy. Theoretical training will be complemented by practical sessions at our farms and selected sites.

The photo is of the enthusiastic young farmers, poised to embark on their learning journey – this diverse cohort is dedicated to acquiring key skills in agriculture for a sustainable and food-secure future. We’re eager to witness them flourish as future leaders in the industry!We’re eager to witness them flourish as future leaders in the industry!

For more information on BIMBO QSR, please visit www.grupobimbo.com/en/brands/europe-and-africa/south-africa

ROUND 9 JUKSKEI DERBY FIXTURE MOVED TO EARLIER TIMESLOT

The kick-off time for the round 9 Jukskei Derby scheduled for Saturday 27 January has been moved to an earlier time slot. The 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter between the Vodacom Bulls and the Emirates Lions at Loftus Versfeld will now begin at 15h00 on Saturday afternoon.

The derby will also celebrate the back-to-school season and all kids under the age of 18 will enter the stadium for free. Tickets for the clash start at R 50.00c and can be purchased via TicketPro, here: R9 – Vodacom Bulls vs Emirates Lions

BBCo Chief Executive, Edgar Rathbone says the decision to move the kick-off times is for the betterment of both rugby and cricket.

“We appreciate that our province is one that many championship teams call home and that presents the unique challenge of trying to ensure that our fixture schedules to clash as far as we can control. We believe that this effort will allow families to have a full day of LIVE sports which will start at the home of rugby in the North for the derby and then move on to SuperSport Park for some cricketing action,”

“The earlier kick-off time slot allows our visitors enough time to move between the two stadiums, especially when you consider the connected transport system between Tshwane and Centurion.”

“We tout our stadium as being the place to be for the entire family and as our young ones return to school, we are happy to open the gates for them to enjoy some fun in the sun before their academic calendar kicks into gear. They will have a bucket load of fun as the D-field market will have some exciting fun and games awaiting them,”

“We would like to thank our friends from Johannesburg, the Emirates Lions for being collaborative and agreeing to the time move and I am confident that we will give sport fans from across this great province a memorable day of entertainment.”