This story is one in a series from Frances Chisholm highlighting stories of lives impacted by World Poultry Foundation programs and workshops both in the U.S. and abroad. We encourage you to learn more about Ms. Chisholm and our poultry projects in South Africa.
Future Farmer Bongani Cele arrived at the Wood Acre South breeder layer farm, part of Rose Acre Farms, in Seymour, Indiana, in summer 2018. His first impressions were the size of the operation – it’s “huge,” he said – and the high level of automation.
Only four interns and three permanent staff oversee the operation in the two barns that produce fertile eggs. Even the system for picking up eggs from the nest and moving them to the packing station is automated, he exclaimed. “The whole system is different.” Bongani is also impressed with the barns’ multi-level heated floors and the close attention to temperature control. He has an inkling that some very cold weather is coming!
With his housemates – Filipino interns and fellow South African Future Farmer Lindelihle Nxumalo, Bongani has begun to explore life in Seymour and get to know America in his free time. “It’s a very friendly place.” Feeling like an ambassador for South Africa, he takes on some of the darndest questions about life in Africa!
Bongani also appreciates that management understands and appreciates the interns’ value beyond their labor and takes its role as trainer seriously. While carrying out his duties, Bongani is also avidly seeking insights into the management of this large, family-owned farm. He says this successful ownership model provides a vision for his own future in the poultry industry back home. “It’s inspiring!”
Ms. Frances Chisholm
Friend & Supporter of the WPF
Learn More About Frances
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- Bongani, enjoying his first American steak!
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- Bongani and Lindelihle dining out with their Filipino fellow interns, housemates
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- Bongani Cele, off work!
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