By 
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs (DARDEA) will host the Provincial Youth Farmers Day this Thursday, 11 June 2026, at Meadows Farm in Bloemfontein.
The event aligns with the 50th anniversary of June Month, celebrated this year under the national theme: “RESET@50 – The Future Calls.”
According to the department’s Spokesperson Ms Moliehi Moeng, the gathering aims to unite young farmers from all four districts and the Metro Municipality across the Free State. The initiative is designed to create an inclusive platform for collaboration, innovation, and actionable solutions to pressing provincial challenges. Key focus areas include strengthening food security, driving local economic growth, and mitigating high levels of youth unemployment.
The MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Ms. Elzabe Rockman, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. Rockman is expected to outline various departmental programs and support structures aimed at fostering youth development, promoting entrepreneurship, and accelerating skills acquisition within the agricultural sector.
In addition to young agriculturalists, the event will convene agricultural students, graduates, entrepreneurs, government officials, academic experts, farmers’ unions, and private sector stakeholders. Discussions will centre on the future of young farmers and their strategic role in shaping the Free State’s agricultural landscape.
Event Details at a Glance:
- Date: 11 June 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM (10H00)
- Venue: Meadows Farm, Bloemfontein
