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Staying relevant in a fast-changing agricultural environment

02 June 2022 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied

Being relevant in a constantly changing agricultural environment. This is one of Dr Walter van Niekerk’s biggest motivations in his working life. The place where he believes he will be able to do just that, is the University of the Free State (UFS). “The university was the best plan for my life,” he says.

Whether it is in research or in learning and teaching, Dr Van Niekerk, Lecturer in the UFS Department of Agricultural Economics, believes that with a positive attitude and the ability to be adaptable to change, one will be able to make the most of any opportunity crossing your path. If you give 110% every day, you will be ready for any possibility. He is lecturing Agricultural Finance and Agri-business Management, focusing on agricultural business plans, to first- and third-year students, respectively.

Contribute to findings on predation management

At the recent April graduation ceremonies, he was awarded his PhD. The title of his thesis was: An estimation of the downstream economic implications of predation in the South African red meat industry.

In his thesis, he outlined the economic impact of predation in the livestock sector and red meat industry. He believes the significant damage caused by predators cannot be controlled by man-made borders. “There is a reason for these animals' existence; they just need to be managed properly at national level by government,” he says.

The aim of his study was to contribute to and combine any findings on the predation problem, and to put these findings on a macroeconomic platform to inform government of the extent of this problem in order for them to develop strategies, policies, and mitigation methods to reduce predation and lessen the impact thereof.

Thus far, excerpts from his thesis have also been published as two articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals – a peer-reviewed journal of the National Museum, Indago, as well as the journal, Frontiers in Sustainable Supply Chain Management.

With predation being a constant point of discussion at agricultural associations’ monthly meetings, he believes that the research topic he has selected for his PhD is relevant and that the outcomes of his study will be able to make a difference in the agriculture sector. His work is more than just theory. He identified a problem – the damage that predation does to the red meat industry – and found a practical solution to it.

Students staying relevant in a fast-changing environment

Besides the possible impact he will have on the red meat industry, the PhD was also a means to an end – to develop himself as an agricultural economist in order to become an industry expert in his field.

He also takes his role as lecturer very seriously. It is important to him that his students, once they have completed their studies, must have an actual understanding of the field and that they must be able to stay relevant in a fast-changing environment by practically applying what they have learnt.

In his free time, Dr Van Niekerk enjoys applying his knowledge. Besides his consultancy work with farmers, he also serves on Free State Agriculture’s Young Farmer Committee, and he is a technical adviser to the National Lucerne Trust (NLT), assisting them with their grading processes to ensure that their quality system is free of any irregularities, and that they stay relevant in the industry.

News Archive

The UFS #FaceOfFacebook

2014-11-14

At the UFS, we are committed to our Human Project, which sets the standard for good behaviour and care. It reaches internally to our students and externally to our prospective students and our communities.

And so, the Kovsies #FaceOfFacebook was born from the need to communicate with students and thus become a virtual friend. Yearly auditions are held to choose the new face representing the UFS on Facebook. The successful candidate holds the title #FaceOfFacebook for the next 12 months, attending events and filming short video clips to post on our Facebook page.

We had a quick chat with our current #FaceOfFacebook, Katleho 'Blue' Letube …

Who is Blue?

"Media mistress, fashion phenom, diva divine darling, superwoman and lover of life.
I was born in a small town called Bothaville, where my mom and her side of the family are living . I started pre-school there, moved and completed my schooling career at St. Andrew's High School (a very proud S aint) in Welkom. That is where my dad and his side of the family are living . Also, I am a proud resident of House NJ vd Merwe and I am studying Governance and Political Transformation."

How do you balance everything you do?

"It's relatively easy for me to strike a balance between my academics, social life and leadership duties, because Jesus is at the centre of all that I do. He is my guide and my strength. However, I also take it upon myself to prioritise. Although I am a '' liker of things'' , I ensure that my academics are the priority and everything else falls into place perfectly."

Are you dating someone?

"Hahaha, wouldn't you just love to know? Well, yes I am off-market. I'm completely taken and I'm happy."

What drives you?

"I always feel the urge to expand myself by working harder, smarter, stronger, and more efficiently. If there's an extra mile to go, the strength inside me draws out the willingness and ability to go that extra mile."

What is it like being the #FaceOfFacebook?

"I have been privileged to be entrusted with this duty and I carry it out with pride and passion. Being the #FaceOfFacebook means you get to meet a new face on campus almost every day, because people recognis e you and want to know you better. This opportunity has opened many doors for me and has equipped me with skills that have allowed me to grow as an individual. Therefore I will forever be grateful."

Where are you going to be in five years from now?

"Five years from now I would like to see myself as a better person both personally and professionally, in a respectable and reputed position earned through my hard work and skills. However, do not be surprised if you see me as a presenter on Vuzu.TV."

Advice to prospective students?

"Do not be that pupil who enrolled at this awesome institute and never takes advantage of its kindness. The University of The Free State is an institution that offers an excessive amount of opportunities to students. Step up and get out of your comfort zone. See an opportunity, seek the opportunity and cease it. You are at a university that provides you with a platform for you to grow."

What's your favourite colour?

My favourite colours are Black, White and Blue – hahaha!!

Kovsies can keep in touch:

Facebook: Katlego Blue Letube
Twitter: @Princess_blue31
Instagram: katlegoletube

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