CP van der Merwe has been named as the recipient of the HORTGRO Science/Daan Strydom Award as the best student in horticultural science at Stellenbosch University.

In 2015, at the end of his third year of study, CP also received the Ballie Wahl Award as the best student in citrus studies. Last year his hard work was also acknowledged when he received the Faculty of AgriSciences' Perold Medal.

Van der Merwe grew up on a farm outside Piketberg. In his matric year, this top achiever was head boy and Dux pupil of Piketberg High.

He says that he started studying horticulture because of his love for farming. He also wanted to find out more about how plants grow, and the methods that can be used to increase yield.

"I chose horticulture as a career because there are so many challenges in the industry," he explains. "I can seldom say 'no' to a challenge."

He believes in the value of having good mentors so that he can learn as much as possible to set himself up as a horticulturalist.

He is currently working for AnB Investments.

CP's advice to prospective horticultural science students:
* Chose a field of study that you can identify with, and that you can enjoy.

* Try to spend a week or two working on a farm, to find out if plants and the activities that are part and parcel of the horticultural industry is to your liking.

* Talk to lecturers and people working in the industry to get a clearer picture about what the work entails.

 * Try to decide which line of horticulture interests you the most.

CP's advice to current students:

• Spend as much time as possible on your studies.
• Your lecturers are invaluable sources of information. Make full use of every learning experience.
• Do holiday work or job shadow to get a foot in the door.
• Chat to your lecturers about your goals and options for the future.
• Make time for old and new friends – one day they will be your contacts in the industry!

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