This group of B Tech students in Agricultural Management and Game Ranch Management from NMMU’s George Campus recently visited Assegaay Bosch Ranch close to Vanwyksdorp in the Kannaland district as part of a pre-scheduled practical excursion. In this instance the aim was to teach the students the practical methodology to assess veld conditions and to determine the carrying capacity of the land. According to the Department of Agriculture, Western Cape the stocking rate norm for succulent Karoo is 66 hectare/Large Stock Unit.
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This particular farm had been rested for 13 years. It is located in the transition area between summer and winter rainfall and the average annual rainfall is ±300 mm/year.
“It is imperative that students are taught to measure and monitor the veld condition to maintain sustainability for generations to come”, says Ms Maryna Lehmann-Maritz, lecturer in Agricultural Management at NMMU (George Campus).
From 15 to 17 August NMMU lecturers and senior students will again have a presence at the university’s stall at the annual George Agricultural Show at the Outeniqua Show grounds. There will be a strong focus on agriculture, but information will also be available on other programmes and services offered by NMMU.