We got to sleep in a bit this morning. We started off the day with breakfast at 7AM at Trekpad Safaris. Then we loaded the vans and hit the road for Mr. Groothof's farm on the other side of the mountains. At the farm, we observed a sorghum trial and learned about the harvest techniques used from Mr. Zandré Nel. This is considered a more technologically advanced farm in South Africa. 

After looking at the crops, we learned about the Bonsmara cattle. They are a mixture between British and Indigenous breeds. Dr. Rensburg, a veterinarian, farmer, and member of Vlakte Bonsmara Club, spoke about the history and management of the Bonsmara. Mr. Malan, a MSD Pharmaceutical representative, spoke about the vaccination program of these cattle. 

We then loaded up the vans, and headed for a communal farm. The communal farm was much different than the previous farm visit. On the communal farm, we visited with a man who owns 50-60 head of cattle. The cattle were a mixture of Brahman, Nguni, and Afrikaans. He is what they call an emerging farmer. Emerging farmers are black men and women who had much of their land taken away during apartheid. The ARC is helping these farmers grow their operations through selective breeding and improved management.  They are now working on growing their herds and land. This emerging farm we visited is considered a bigger farm. Many farms only have 1-10 head of cattle, while this one had 50-60. 

It was a great learning experience to see the different levels of farming in South Africa. On the way back from the farms, a few of the interns from ARC rode in our vans. This was a great opportunity for us to ask them questions and them ask questions of us. It was a great way to learn about each other's countries. We are all tired once again, with a few sunburns to come home with!

Several of our students looking at sorghum plots.

Students learning about Bonsmara cattle.

Addie and Jaden taking a selfie with cattle at the communal farm we visited.