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Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute has three main functions, namely:
The function of formal education and training is performed by the Grootfontein Agricultural College. It's basic task is to provide vocational agricultural education to meet the demand for technically trained manpower for the small-stock farming sector and related industries. The formal training programme offered at the college is a three year full-time programme, leading to a diploma in agriculture. Provision is made for an exit level after successful completion of two years of training, after which a Higher Certificate in Agriculture is awarded. Various short courses are offered throughout the year, e.g. gas and arc welding, farm mechanics, veld management, crop production, wool classing, etc. The functions for the promotion of production technology and resource utilisation technology jointly focuses on three main programmes, namely:
The Black Farmer Development and Support Programme mostly aims at improving the farm and stock management skills of emerging producers through the lodging of development projects in the communal grazing areas of the Eastern and Northern Cape Provinces. Other activities under this programme include assistance with the Integrated Programme of Land Redistribution and Agricultural Development, such as, viability studies and advisory services, livestock improvement projects, etc. Under the programme for Norms and Standards for Optimum and Sustainable Resource Utilisation, research studies on the influence of stocking rates and camping systems on animal production from natural vegetation, and the sustainability of cultivated winter and summer pastures are conducted and advice is given. Under the programme for the Building of an Efficient and Competitive Agricultural Sector, research projects are lodged in collaboration with the different small stock industries of South Africa for the improvement of livestock production and profitability. The research results and knowledge obtained from the latter two programmes are essential elements to provide both emerging and commercial producer with best technology and advice towards successful livestock farming in the extensive grazing areas of the Republic of South Africa. |
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 Grootfontein's
history goes back to 1903 when the British department of War purchased certain
portions of the farms Grootfontein, Leeufontein, Bultfontein and De Poort
for the purpose of establishing a military camp and training centre for
British troopsWhen the Union of South Africa was established in 1910, the farm Grootfontein together with some military buildings and other equipment was purchased from the British Government and converted into an agricultural school and experimental station. Mr RW Thornton, the first principal, arrived at Grootfontein in June 1910. The Grootfontein School of Agriculture was officially opened in 1911 with an enrolment of 42 students, 15 professional and technical officers and an administrative personnel of six. A special dairy course was introduced in 1913 with ten students, the maximum that could be taken. The first three-week short course was held in June 1913 and was attended by 30 persons. This was a course in Home Economics. The well-known sheep-and-wool course was introduced in 1919. This course was extremely popular from the beginning and the School could hardly keep up with the demand. In the course of time the number of students grew, the courses and syllabi were progressively extended and adjusted to the requirements of the time. The educational facilities and number of staff accordingly increased so that by 1939, Grootfontein could be given College status and became known as the Grootfontein College of Agriculture. Because of the Depression, a two-year course in agriculture was introduced in 1934. It was subsidised by the Government. This was followed by the introduction of an eight month sheep-and-wool course in 1936. The college was evaluated by the HEQC (Higher Education Quality Committee). Both the Higher Certificate in Agriculture, the Diploma in Agriculture and the Institute as a whole were accredited by the HEQC. This means that students who attain their certificates and diplomas, may further their qualifications (eg. B.Tech), including degrees at certain Technikons. |
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For more information contact the Public Relations Officer: Ms Joan Oosthuizen E-mail: joan@ndagadi.agric.za Web site: http://gadi.agric.za Tel: + 27 (0)49 842-1113 Fax: + 27 (0)49 842-4352 Correspondence: Senior Manager: Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute Private Bag X 529, Middelburg, Eastern Cape, 5900 |
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Contact the Middelburg Karoo Tourism Office |
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Rialize
Hayes
Tel/Fax: + 27 (0)49 842-2188 E-mail: tourismmid@adsactive.com Internet address: www.middelburgec.co.za |
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8
Meintjies Street
PO Box 475 Middelburg Eastern Cape, 5900 South Africa |
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