Yvette is currently a production scientist at the North West Provincial Government, Department Agriculture within the pasture Science Division. Yvette’s research are in conjunction with a Zimbabwean seed company (under the parent company in Australia) with regards to Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), tropical grass mixtures in cultivations and fertilisation of old cultivated lands.

Yvette matriculated in 2002 at Hartbeespoort High School.  Her graduate studies commenced in 2003-2005, at North West University. In 2006, post-graduate studies where undertaken (B.Sc. Honors) and M.Sc. in 2007.  Her M.Sc. project was focussed on the comparison of enhanced and non-enhanced grass species for the re-seeding of disturbed areas, under supervision of Prof Kellner and Dr A Jordaan (co-supervisor).  She was appointed in April 2008 at North West Provincial Government, Department Agriculture (the then NW DACET), as Agricultural Scientist within the pasture Science Division.  She was promoted to Production Scientist A in 2009 and to Production Grade B in 2013.  Member of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa from 2007 and presented posters and attended various congresses within the GSSA (2007-2008 and 2010-2014), as well as one Arid Zone Ecology Forum Congress (2006), and various in-house research Symposia, and farmers days.  Yvette is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, as a Professional Natural Scientist in the field of Agricultural Science.

Past duties as Scientist within NW Department of Rural, Environmental and Agricultural Development included, research and development, with regards to cultivated pastures and animal production on different pasture-supplementation systems, as well as fattening of animals on alternative feed mixes, i.e. lucerne hay, maize, etc., in conjunction with Molatek Animal Feeds.

At present, Yvette’s research are in conjunction with a Zimbabwean seed company (under the parent company in Australia) with regards to Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), tropical grass mixtures in cultivations and fertilisation of old cultivated lands.

Future plans include strategies regarding the use of fertilisers on old cultivated lands coupled with animal production, more intense research on pastures systems under irrigation and practical control of Thatch grass in old cultivated lands.

Contact information
Private Bag X804

Technology Development and Transfer
Dr Kenneth Kaunda District
Potchefstroom
2520

018-294 3049 / 018-299 6518 (W)
086 690 1250 (fax)
ybrits@nwpg.gov.za