Stellenbosch, 7 May 2026 – Stellenbosch University (SU) has relaunched the piggery at its Mariendahl Experimental Farm following a major upgrade to strengthen student training, applied research and sustainable livestock production. 

This marks an important step in restoring and expanding the farm’s role as a leading experimental platform within the animal sciences in South Africa. 

The modernised piggery has been redesigned to support contemporary teaching, research and innovation in pig production systems. Improvements include upgraded infrastructure, enhanced animal welfare measures, and facilities aligned with the latest standards in management and sustainability.

The refurbished facility will provide hands-on training to undergraduate and postgraduate students. It will also support advanced research focused on challenges facing the livestock sector, including responsible pork production, food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

“We’re proud of our upgraded facilities, but it’s much more than a physical structure – it’s an investment in people and in science,” said Professor Kennedy Dzama, Dean of AgriSciences at SU. 

“It will give our students exposure to modern production systems and enable cutting-edge research contributing to more efficient and sustainable livestock farming practices.”

The facility will support a range of research activities within SU’s Department of Animal Sciences, including studies related to animal nutrition, health and welfare, genetics, production efficiency and environmental sustainability. The aim is to generate practical, evidence-based knowledge that can be transferred to commercial pig production systems in support of local industry.

The relaunch was attended by industry partners, such as Plantkor, PIC Africa, SAPPO, Meadow Feeds, NOVA, My Feed Group, Alltech, MSD Animal Health, Vitam, Lionel’s Veterinary Services, and Biofarm. Partnerships play a vital role in strengthening links between higher education and industry practice, while also supporting ongoing research initiatives at Stellenbosch University. Plantkor contributed to the upgrade of the facilities, reinforcing the value of a collaborative approach to advancing livestock research and training.

The upgrade forms part of SU’s broader commitment to strengthening agricultural research and innovation while preparing graduates to contribute to a rapidly evolving agricultural sector. 

SU’s Faculty of AgriSciences is consistently ranked top in Africa for agricultural research and education, and has a sterling international reputation.

The Mariendahl Experimental Farm, which is directly adjacent to the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute, has long served as an important site for training and research, supporting teaching and experimentation across several agricultural disciplines in South Africa.

Mariendahl Farm Manager John Morris speaking at the relaunch of SU’s upgraded piggery. 

Plantkor MD Joos Solms in conversation with John Morris of SU’s Mariendahl Experimental Farm and Elaine Naidoo from SU Facilities Management.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES ONLY:

Liney Hugo
Department of Animal Sciences
Faculty of AgriSciences 
Stellenbosch University
Tel: 021 884 4460
Cell: 079 512 6020
Email: [email protected]