The Goosen family from Botswana stole the spotlight at this year’s Boerepatente competition during the Nampo agricultural show, with 15 entries between father Bertus and daughters Nicoline and Samantha.
The family’s participation was praised by Nampo’s Boerepatente convenor, Chris Schoonwinkel, who noted that this year’s competition received about 31 entries from 13 participants. Most of the entries came from the Goosens, with Bertus submitting 10 inventions, Nicoline four, and Samantha one.
Bertus and Nicoline travelled more than 800km from their mixed farm near Matlakeng in Botswana to take part. “Samantha would have loved to attend Nampo, but she could not make it this year because her sheep are lambing,” said Nicoline.
Despite having won numerous categories over the years, Bertus remains focused on innovation rather than accolades. “For me it is not about winning but bringing practical solutions to everyday problems. I love the thrill of creating something new and seeing people react with, ‘why did I not think of that?” said Bertus.
His inventions, ranging from a masher to a floater valve for water troughs, reflect the practical challenges faced on farms. Among this year’s submissions were a rubber band spanner, a tool for removing alien plants by the roots, a rust-removing screwdriver and a water control device, all aimed at making farming life a little easier.
