Willie van Heerden, merino lecturer at the animal production division of Grootfontein Agricultural College has been appointed as the new Merino SA manager from June 1.
“Oom Willie,” as the students call him, is a passionate merino man and has mentored many young enthusiasts with his role at Grootfontein Agricultural College.
Van Heerden graduated from Grootfontein in 1988 and returned to the Institute in 2010 to share his knowledge and experience in the merino and wool industry with the students at the college and especially the merino “mini farm” student production unit.
Danie Vorster, the current manager at Merino SA, will be retiring at the end of May. Vorster joined Merino SA in 2004 when the organisation was in a dire situation financially.
For the last 18 years, Vorster’s astute administrative and creative skills have ensured that Merino SA is in a much better place than when he arrived.
Vorster and Van Heerden will work together for the month of May to ensure a smooth transition. The merino family will be bidding Vorster his deserved farewell at their annual function in August.
After 12 years of being a lecturer at the college, Van Heerden says he will definitely miss the students and specifically the presentation of the practical classes at the college the most.
Van Heerden sees this challenge as a privilege and honour to be the new manager of Merino SA.
This has been a life-long dream that came true for him and he is excited to take up this opportunity to invest his knowledge and love for the merino breed into the industry.
