Table Grape Block Competition 2022

The purpose of this competition is to give recognition to our farmers together with their production teams, mainly made possible by sponsors. Bergrivier Besproeiing was the main sponsor of the competition with the support of our reliable suppliers Netafim, Agriplas and Macsteel Fluid.

The participants were on each other’s heels with only percentage differences between the finalists. This indicates the high quality that this region produces. The main varieties judged were Sweet Celebration, Sweet Globe and Midnight Beauty. The competition mainly consists of two categories, the Production Block and the Young Block. The aspects that were judged in the production block category included the long-term decisions, the soil preparation, cultivar selection, profiling, irrigation, weed and pest management, crop control and general appearance. In the Young Block category, the focus was on the soil preparation and the successful establishment of the young vines. The quality of the material used to get the vines on the wire was also looked at.

The entire team of assistants was scored on their knowledge and assessment on the block. The importance of teamwork is indispensable.

Stephan Naudé, managing director of Bergrivier Besproeiing, mentioned in his speech that it is important for us to look at the running costs such as electricity and keep it as low as possible. “You have to farm smarter, that is what will make the difference if your farm will be successful in the long run. You have to surround yourself with the latest proven technology and knowledge and this is where we can make a difference on farms.”