Saturday 24 July 2010:

07:00 Leave for OP DIE AARDE BONSMARA (Reivilo), about 200 km: Op Die Aarde Bonsmara stud received the ARC award for best performing Stud Beef Herd in the North West Province several times and the National Award during 2007. They also received the Voermol Award for the Best Beef Farmer in South Africa during 2008. Op die Aarde Bonsmara implemented the controlled fodder flow grazing management strategy during 2002. Their current stocking rate is 35% higher than Departmental norm for the area.
09:00 Arrive
09:00 Presentation by the owner Op Die Aarde Bonsmara
10:00 Field Visit
12:30 Lunch
13:00 Leave to Maketlele Landcare project , about 110 km: Maketlele Landcare project implemented the controlled fodder flow grazing management strategy during 2000. They received an award for Best Landcare Project in the North West Province during 2006 and iarerecognized widely for a leading example of communal rangeland management. Their stocking rate is considerably higher than Departmental norms.
14:30 Arrive Maketlele
14:30 Overview of Maketlele project
15:30 Field Visit
17:00 Depart for Kuruman
17:30 Overnight at Kuruman, venue to be confirmed

Sunday 25 July 2010:

08:00 Depart to Fourie Vennootskap (Danielskuil), about 100 km: Fourie Vennootskap implemented the controlled fodder flow grazing management strategy during 1995. They implemented the strategy in its most extensive format with average camp sizes of 1000 ha and cow herds with around 200 cows per herd. They practice continuous stocking on half of their property annually while the other half is rested for the whole year from August to July. They are producing heifers for the commercial market and run their own feedlot for finishing of steers.
09:30 Arrive
09:00 Overview of Fourie Vennootskap
10:00 Field Visit
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Depart for Kimberley, about 150 km
16:00 Arrive Kimberley

Transport: Participants on this tour are encouraged to use their own vehicles. LDV’s and SUV’s are preferable, but Sedans with generous ground clearance will also do. LDV’s can be shared during field visits.

Accommodation and meals: The tour will cost R750 including VAT per person. This includes two lunchs, one dinner, one breakfast and accommodation on Saturday night. Transport costs are NOT included.

Booking: Please email congressatgrassland.org.za to book your place. Include your name, those of your colleagues/friends, and details for invoicing. Bookings will close on 2 July 2010. Payments must be received in full.