NEWS
Winners crowned at 2018 Free
State Agriculture Gala Dinner
There was huge excitement this year about the announcement of the top agricultural
associations in the Free State. Senwes Scenario was there.
By Aubrey Kruger
Senwes Scenario Editor
A
Free State Agriculture's Farmers' Union of the Year! Agri Hertzogville
won the title for the third time. Francois Wilken (President: Free State
Agriculture), Gerhard Kriel (CEO of Free State Agriculture), Tania
and Marius Groenewald (Agri Hertzogville) in the middle, followed by
Danie Minnaar (Chairman, Senwes Board) and Tommie Esterhuize
(Vice-Chairman: Free State Agriculture).
The second place was won by Steynsrus District Farmers' Union.
Francois Wilken (President: Free State Agriculture), Gerhard Kriel
(CEO: Free State Agriculture), Louis Koch (Chairman), Danie Minnaar
(Chairman: Senwes Board) and Tommie Esterhuize (Vice-Chairman:
Free State Agriculture).
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SENWES SCENARIO | SUMMER 2018
Free State Agriculture 2018 gala dinner
was held at Leopards and Lace on
15 August in Bloemfontein, proudly
sponsored by Senwes. Well-known
comedian Andries Vermeulen was the master of
ceremonies.
The regional representative of the year was
once again Willie Weich from the Tokologo
district, who was the winner in 2017 as well.
The winner of the Agricultural Association of
the Year was the same as the past two years,
namely Agri Hertzogville. Marius and Tania
Groenewald received the title on behalf of Agri
Hertzogville. In second place was Steynsrus
District Farmers' Union. It moved up one position,
after having won third place in 2017. In the third
position was Karee Farmers' Union and Miekel
van Dyk (Chairman) and Willie Maas (Vice-
Chairman) received the prize. Karee Farmers'
Union was also amongst the top three in 2017,
and walked away with second place.
These farmers' unions distinguished
themselves as pillars in their communities. They
excelled in agri-related matters and are known
for their co-operation with stakeholders such as
the SAPD, municipalities, agri-businesses and
government departments. They are also involved
with non-agricultural projects such as schools,
senior citizens, welfare, shows and emerging
producers.
Senwes is proud to have been involved with
the Free State Agriculture annual congress and
the gala dinner for many years. Congratulations
to all the winners. You really are pillars of strength
in agriculture!