Receiving the trophy for Master Agronomist of the Year (Irrigation) from Mr. Loffie von Landsberg, last year's winner, is Mr Richard Himmel of NAMFO. Observing the occasion are Mr. Hannes Arangies and Mr. Christoff Brock of the Agronomy Board. (Photograph by Agriforum)

Mr. Louis Steyn of Farm Frauenlob was recently named the Master Agronomist for the Year for dryland crop growing, while Mr. Richard Himmel of NAMFO received the same award for crop production under irrigation. The two farmers received their awards on 17 April in Frauenlob. Called Master Agronomist Day, the day is dedicated to conservation agronomy, referring to crop production practices that do not degrade the land.

Mr. JR Otto, last year's Master Agronomist (Dryland) present the trophy to Mr and Mrs Louis and Jakkie Steyn of Farm Frauenlob. On the right is Mr Christoff Brock of the Agronomy Board.

Some 170 people attended the event. It started with a meeting of agronomists after which Mr Oliver Horsthemke of First National Bank gave an overview of the economy and of conditions in and expectations for agriculture.
A farmer from the Drakensberg area in South Africa, Mr. Zunckel, was the guest speaker. He discussed the principles of conservation agronomy and the benefits from a new technique in crop production, so-called zero tilling.
His farming philosophy intrigued many of the Namibian farmers to such an extent that they said they would consider switching the zero tilling.
After receiving their awards, Messrs Steyn and Himmel had the opportunity to tell other farmers how to grow crops so successfully and how they have managed their high yields.
Both farmers emphasised the importance of a dedicated and motivated management team, especially when production methods aim at reducing costs. Spiralling costs were mentioned several times during the deliberations of the day.
The agronomist meeting also discussed the possibility of finding local sources of certain fertilizer elements for instance phosphates.
Master dryland farmer, Steyn, progressed in six years from a beginner to a master. Himmel, in turn, identified the potential of growing vegetables for the local market and started investing in this industry.
Total, Namib Meulens, Agra, ABC and the Namibian Agronomy Board sponsored the Master Agronomist Day. The Agronomers Association conveyed its thanks to the Grootfontein Boerevereniging and Steyn for organising and hosting the very successful day.