Bester Feed & Grain

About Bester Feed & Grain

Bester Feed & Grain (Pty) Ltd is a South African agribusiness founded in 1994. It is based in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. The company trades grain, oilseeds, animal feed ingredients and lucerne, both at home and abroad. It is part of the BexGroup, a holding company with several businesses in the agricultural and logistics chain.

Bester sits between farmers who grow crops and the processors and feed makers who use them. This work needs more than farming knowledge. Traders, logisticians, finance staff and marketers all play a role, so the company looks beyond agriculture graduates when it hires.

How the Bester bursary supports students

Bester runs a combined Bursary and Graduate Development Programme. The idea is to build a pipeline of skilled people for the company itself. Funding is available for degree study in Agriculture, Business, Finance, Logistics or Supply Chain, and Marketing.

Published details describe a full-cost bursary that covers tuition fees. Students also gain real work experience. They spend two weeks in June and July and two weeks in November and December working at the company during their holidays. This vacation work is paid at market-related rates. In addition, each bursar receives guidance from a senior manager.

The programme comes with a service obligation. After graduation, bursars are expected to work for Bester for a period equal to the years of funding they received. In return, they step straight into a job where they already know the people and the business.

Vacation work is a real advantage. You learn how grain trading, feed supply and logistics work day to day, and you build a reference for your CV before you graduate. Bester's bursary notices have also been listed by universities such as Stellenbosch and Cape Town, so your campus funding office may hold further details.

What to know before applying

Recent calls were aimed at South African citizens who were entering their second year or higher at an accredited institution. Applicants needed an overall average of at least 65%. Bester also asked for good analytical and communication skills, a team spirit and the ability to read and understand Afrikaans. Employment equity candidates were given preference.

Candidates completed an online form and then supplied certified copies of their ID and academic transcripts, a motivational letter and an up-to-date CV. Since the process may change, follow the instructions in the current advert.

The programme is not open all year. When we last checked, applications were closed, so look for the next intake on the Bester website. Meanwhile, keep your marks strong and prepare your documents. If you speak Afrikaans and want a career in agribusiness, this is a good fit.