Taylor McNeel visits South Africa

 

 Taylor McNeel poses with two South Africans while visiting their farm

(Thanks to the generosity of a donor, Taylor and many other students had the opportunity to travel to further their education. The Honors College appreciates the efforts of Jeanie Bismark, Josh Kee, and everyone else at the SAU Foundation. Without them this educational experience would have been impossible-Ed K.)

Last June, I was elected as the 2013-2014 Arkansas FFA State President that gave me the opportunity to travel to South Africa for ten days in January with 74 other State FFA Officers from around the United States.  Before the trip I believed that South Africa lacked modern technology, that belief was shattered during my visit; South Africa is a very modern country, much like America.  

We visited many farms and other agricultural sectors.   The farms included a 10,000 head crocodile farm, where these massive animals were raised solely for their hide – which runs about seven dollars per square centimeter.  The largest farm was a 42,000 acre row crop farm owned by a first generation farmer.  Also on our agenda was a visit to Senwes, an agricultural company that provides co-ops, insurance, accounting, farm equipment, seeds, and logistics. Other places we visited included a dairy, a cattle ranch, vegetable farms, a market, a 25,000 cattle feedlot, grain silos, packaging and processing facilities, and a private game lodge.  Everywhere we went, the people were so hospitable, welcoming us into their homes, feeding us, and sharing their experiences. We learned some of the issues facing South African farmers, including the lack of suitable agricultural land and water scarcity. The entire county has only seven lakes.

We were also exposed to the economic and social issues.  The unemployment rate in South Africa is around 22% with a huge gap between the rich and poor.  This really hit home when we visited a ‘shanty town’ – small, one-room homes lacking plumbing, water, and electricity with poverty and an unemployment rate in these areas of 80%.  Traveling abroad has encouraged me to understand better our world and to learn how other cultures vary from ours. Travel taught me things that will help me later when I look to a career in agriculture.