Table of contents for 16 December 2016 in Farmer's Weekly

I recently asked Agbiz CEO, Dr John Purchase, whether or not, all things considered, he would, in good conscience, advise someone with no current investment in agriculture to go ahead and buy a farm in South Africa. Stripped of nuance, Purchase’s answer basically boiled down to another question – how much risk are you willing to take? According to the Agbiz Agribusiness Outlook for 2017, the current investment environment in South Africa is defined by risk and uncertainty due to the deteriorating political situation. This includes anti-white rhetoric and dangerous and inflammatory political statements from the EFF on illegal land grabbing and the nationalisation of land without compensation. As a result of these political statements, racial tensions in South Africa seemed to be on the rise, Purchase said. The situation…

FARMERS CANNOT OBTAIN FUNDING WITHOUT LAND OWNERSHIP At the African Investment Indaba recently held in Cape Town, I presented the business case for commercial farming in Africa. This week, I will present some of the facts and points I made during my presentation. It should be remembered that the quality of primary data determines the quality of secondary strategic development, and that this also applies to agricultural strategies in Africa. • South African commercial agriculture is growing rapidly, evolving into the most mature and lucrative sector on the continent South Africa is currently the most food-secure country in Africa, and the only net exporter of produce on the continent. Net income from South Africa’s farming sector amounts to an average of R80 billion/annum and the sector provides about 8% of formal…

The Eastern Cape’s Department of Roads and Publics Works has not performed any road maintenance in the Gamtoos Valley, one of the prime vegetable- and citrus-producing areas in the Eastern Cape, for more than a year. According to organised agriculture in the region, gravel roads were in such a parlous condition that it was risky to use cars on them, while large potholes in tarred roads could cause considerable damage to vehicles, or even serious accidents. Petrus du Preez, chairperson of the Gamtoos Agricultural Association, said that the patchwork carried out at some points on the R331, the region’s main road, could not handle the growing load volumes. “Because of this critical situation, Gamtoos citrus producers are currently doing a long-term evaluation so that we can approach the powers-that-be on…

A survey by the Organic Trade Association has shown that in 2016, growth in organic farmland in the US reached a record 1,66 million hectares, an 11% increase from the figure of 2014. The number of organic farms increased by 6,2% to 14 979 over the same period. Scott Shander, an economist at US market insights company, Mercaris, attributed this growth to factors such as consumer demand for organic food. The survey also found that in 2015, US organic sales reached US$43,3 billion (R609 billion). This is the largest dollar gain ever for the sector. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the market for organic vegetables, fruit and herbs had been developing for decades in that country. Compared with other products, fresh produce was still the top-selling organic category…

Testing for bovine tuberculosis (TB) for cattle imported from Namibia was still ongoing, despite over 20 000 head of cattle imported from that country testing negative for TB since July. The decision to keep testing was made after a meeting between the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana, and the Namibian minister of agriculture, John Mutorwa. According to a statement released by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Namibia had claimed to be TB-free and had submitted information to that effect to South Africa’s veterinary authorities, but it could not be scientifically proven that the country was completely free of the disease. “If the certifying vets in Namibia are confident that the herds from which the animals originate are free of TB, then they will be…

Due to extended drought conditions, in February only 10% of the bed of the 350km² Lake St Lucia system in iSimangaliso Wetland Park was covered by water. At that time, parts of the system, situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal, were reportedly as much as five times more saline than the sea water in the adjacent Indian Ocean, posing a serious threat to the internationally recognised biodiversity in and around Lake St Lucia. However, according to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, recent rainfall in the area had led to a dramatic rise in Lake St Lucia’s water levels. “With 90% of the lake’s surface area now covered, the lake is once again a single body of water [and] no longer compartmentalised, and joined via the Narrows [section] to the mouth,” said iSimangaliso…

Buhle Farmers’ Academy in Delmas has introduced an after-care support programme for alumni to assist them with the transition from course completion to commercial farming, or subsistence farming to farming for profit. This was according to Zamo Shongwe, director of business and finance at the academy, who spoke at the Agro-processing Africa Conference 2016 held recently at Irene Farm Estate in Centurion, Gauteng. “Buhle Farmers’ Academy wants to ensure that its graduates start farming at a commercial level and not at a subsistence level,’’ said Shongwe. She added that the support programme would assist farmers to learn more about agri-business and thus enable them to participate in the entire food production value chain. “The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries [DAFF] identified barriers of entry for small and medium agroprocessors…

NEVER, EVER TAKE ASSETS ON THE BALANCE SHEET AT FACE VALUE Many years ago, I was responsible for the citrus nursery of the farming operation where I worked. We’d had a bad year with an extremely poor budwood take. I was included in the meeting with the auditors during the review of the draft annual accounts. As we were lamenting the high nursery costs, and I was explaining the reasons, one of the auditors chipped in. “Why don’t you just plant the orange pips and avoid grafting?” he asked. We were gobsmacked. He was simply unaware of the horticultural necessity for rootstocks and their function, so I was duly asked by the CEO to provide an explanation, and it was the auditors’ turn to be amazed. GET TO KNOW THE…

‘GROWING WAS OUR PRIMARY FOCUS, BUT NOW IT’S PROCESSING’ In 1996, Julian and Rozelle Abramson bought 10ha of land in Tierfontein near Malmesbury. They planted chillies and peppers – first in tunnels and then in the open with drip irrigation. Julian and Rozelle make a formidable team: he is a trained horticulturalist with an interest in niche markets, and she is passionate about product development. Julian worked in Canada for BC Hothouses for seven years, with Punjabi colleagues who planted a few chillies for themselves alongside the tomatoes. “I used to eat with them because I love hot food,” he recalls. STARTING OUT After buying the Tierfontein property, Julian and Rozelle built their house, then put up a high-tech greenhouse to grow peppers. They started with 1,5ha of shade cloth…

According to data recorded by TAU SA, 63 people were murdered on farms in 2012. Of these, 39 were farmers, 17 were direct family members, six were farmworkers and one was a visitor. Statistics SA’s 2007 Census of Commercial Agriculture recorded that there were 32 375 commercial farmers in the country. (No figures are available for the total farming community.) Taking this figure and the murder of 39 farmers in 2012 gives a ratio of 120,4 per 100 000 people. This is 2,2 times higher than that of the police and 3,8 times that of the general population. Comparing the ratios for the murders of farmers and farmworkers with those of police officers and South Africans in general provides an indication of how serious the problem is. According to official…

Unlimited coverage The SS388 provides unlimited coverage, thanks to existing GSM networks. Dispatcher The platform offers dispatcher software that allows the user to control a personal network. Private calls The user can make a private call by choosing the required radio ID. This places the two radios into a private group. Once the conversation is over, the radios automatically revert to the original group. Stun function The user can ‘stun’ a radio should it be stolen or abused. It can be reactivated later by the controller. Global positioning system The SS388 features GPS tracking, showing speed, distance travelled and time, via the dispatch station software. Voice recording All communication is recorded on the platform and available for instant replay. Recordings remain available for a month and can be easily downloaded…

‘A 1% INCREASE IN ORGANIC CONTENT CAN INCREASE SOIL’S WATER-HOLDING CAPACITY BY 170 000L/HA’ Many consultants and farmers dismiss the idea of “farming with nature” as pie in the sky, arguing that the omission of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has a negative impact on production and renders a farm unprofitable over time. However, Fritz Breytenbach, who applies biological farming methods to his wine grape production and canning fruit business in the Western Cape, has experienced the opposite: his production volumes have increased, while his input costs have come down. Sterik de Wet, CEO of Ashton Winery, confirmed this: “The quality of Fritz’s wine grapes is so outstanding that they sell as soon as they hit the barrel, in spite of tight market conditions. He has also been among our top…

NOZZLES WEAR OUT AND DELIVER MORE MIXTURE – CHECK THEM REGULARLY All too often, I come across farmers who are not accurate enough with their sprayer calibration. The consequences, especially with a herbicide, can be costly. Apply too much and the crop may be damaged or suppressed; apply too little, and weeds may be inadequately controlled. Using more than is necessary is also a waste of expensive product. When calibrating the spray rig, first carry out the necessary calculations and adjustments on a section of road. Next, test the rig on the land; wheel slippage might result in a slightly higher volume than that used on the hard road. The difference will not be enough to be harmful, but it is worth taking into account – especially as it may…

Most modern cars are fitted with complex, expensive, luxury items that are simply unnecessary. If they break down, it’s often not worthwhile to have them repaired. The following two items fall squarely into this category. AIR SUSPENSION: NOT DURABLE ENOUGH This was introduced about 20 years ago on some luxury vehicles to provide a smoother ride than steel springs. But some of their components are unsuited to the harsh environment underneath a vehicle. These units consist of inflated rubber (or similar) air bags kept under pressure by an air pump and associated controls. But rubber bags and plastic airlines lose their elasticity over time and harden, allowing leaks to develop. What’s more, the wire connectors, solenoids, compressor and height sensors that make up this complex system are prone to corrosion…

To make Steak Béarnaise for four, you will need: 1kg fillet or rump 180g butter 2 large spring onions 2 eggs 60ml white vinegar Salt to taste ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1,5 tablespoons fresh tarragon 1 lemon We begin with the meat. I am a convert to cast-iron skillet cooking – it’s a splendid way to grill beef. Season the steak with black pepper. Bring the skillet up to medium high on the hob for a few minutes, then cut the heat to medium. Add a little canola oil and grill the steak to the doneness you like. Turn the meat every thirty seconds to create a light crust of caramelised blood sugar. Remove to a warmed plate, cover with aluminium foil or a large lid and let…

Aloe bitter crystals are produced from our indigenous Cape aloe (Aloe ferox). The Cape aloe produces 20 times more bitter sap than the better-known A. vera. This sap has potent colon-cleansing benefits when used as a laxative in stubborn cases of constipation – whether the cause is a refined diet, periods of inactivity or a benign blockage in the colon. Prolonged constipation is both uncomfortable and unhealthy. Faecal matter is potentially toxic and the toxins can be re-absorbed. IT’S SAFE, BUT START WITH A LOW DOSE Aloe bitter crystals are widely available. To be on the safe side, take them with water at night after eating. This is a generally safe remedy, but it’s a good idea to start with a low dose to test if your bowels can tolerate…

The all-in-one field guide, WILDLIFE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (Struik Nature, R300) was first published 20 years ago and celebrates this landmark with a makeover. Still edited by award-winning environmentalist Vincent Carruthers, it has eight stellar contributors, including Bill Branch on reptiles and Elsa Pooley on plants and trees. The succinct descriptions and excellent illustrations of more than 2 000 plants and animals with new range maps make this the ideal one-volume field guide to South Africa’s remarkable flora and fauna. 5 copies of Wildlife of Southern Africa to give away! TO ENTER: SMS the word WILDLIFE, your name, postal address, physical address and ID number to 48404. Each SMS costs R1,50. Free SMSes do not apply. Competition opens on 12 December 2016 and runs until 13 January 2016. Visit www.farmersweekly.co.za…

Wifey Dear’s studio is in a separate building adjacent to our house. It is her private place where she can escape from me to sculpt and paint in peace. Some days ago, while I was towelling off after my morning shower, my reverie was shattered by a nearby gunshot. Nearly jumping out of my skin, I leaped into my clothes, grabbed my revolver and rushed out to investigate. There I found neighbour Jan with a smoking gun standing outside the studio. At his feet lay a dead puffadder, and at his side stood a remarkably calm Wifey Dear. Raised on a farm, she has no unreasonable fear of snakes, unlike me. My heart rate soars to cardiac arrest levels at the very sight of one. “You’re a bit late, Townie!”…

IT IS CRITICAL TO EMBRACE DIVERSITY WHEN FORMULATING AGRICULTURAL POLICIES Policy and investment decisions should be informed by the realities on the ground. This perspective resonates with the findings of the recent Africa Agri Investment Indaba hosted by the African Agri Council – a network of global executives, decision-makers and key stakeholders in the agricultural industry. The indaba took place against a backdrop of growing optimism about agriculture’s potential contribution to economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction in Africa, as well as growing investment interest in the sector. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, from policy to technical challenges on farms and agribusinesses, all in an attempt to establish practical solutions that could make African countries an attractive investment environment for investors. WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SECTOR…

Livestock farmers have been urged to ensure careful selection and sound grazing management following the drought. Despite reports of good rain during the past month, there were still vast areas that were desperately dry, according to Dr Pierre van Rooyen, CEO of SA Stud Book. The central, western, and southern Free State and Karoo, among others, were still very dry, and temperatures up to the mid-40s in the past few weeks had further damaged already depleted grazing, he said. It was vital for livestock producers to apply sound and disciplined grazing practices for at least two years after good rain to ensure integrity of their rangelands. Van Rooyen added that while it was understandable that producers would want to rebuild herd numbers rapidly, this practice should be approached with caution.…

A South African company that produces animal feed from flies has become the most valuable fly farming business in the world. The company, AgriProtein, announced in a statement that it had secured an investment of US$17,5 million (about R247 million) from its partners in Europe, North America and Asia. This capital injection would enable AgriProtein to meet the growing demand for a natural, cost-effective alternative to fishmeal, which is widely used in the poultry and fish farming industries. The company’s co-founder, Jason Drew, said the investment demonstrated a growing global interest in fly farming. “[This will help us] pursue our mission to find a better way to feed the world,” he said. The high-protein feed is made from the processed larvae of black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens). The flies feed…

In order to win the war against food insecurity in Africa, it was time to do things differently. This was according to Adeoluwa Adetunji, research and development technologist at AFGRI Animal Feeds, who was addressing delegates at the Agro-processing Africa Conference 2016 recently held at Irene Farm Estate in Centurion. “Adopting a complementary action plan will assist in creating growth of agricultural activity [and] development of the agroprocessing sector, which [will enable] effective economic growth and lasting solutions to Africa’s food crisis,’’ said Adetunji. Africa was over-dependent on cash crops such as maize, rice and wheat, which contributed about 60% to protein and calorie sources, he said. Instead, farmers should look at unlocking the potential of indigenous foods, such as bambara beans, locust beans, teff, marama, fonio, marula, and sorghum.…

ATTEMPTS TO ‘LEGISLATE’ NILE TILAPIA FROM SPREADING ARE DOOMED TO FAILURE The spread of the Nile tilapia into the Limpopo river catchment has been well documented. Originally stocked in Zambian community fish farms by the Peace Corps, the species was translocated to dams in Matabeleland in Zimbabwe in the 1990s, from where it escaped via the Shashi River to the Limpopo River system. Dr Ben van der Waal, an aquatic scientist, collected samples of Nile tilapia and hybrid fish for scientific identification in Limpopo in 2000 (Van der Waal, B. & Bills, R. 2000). In the same year, Nile tilapia and hybrid species were also identified in the Levuvhu River near Pafuri, and the species has continued its upstream spread ever since. THREATENING THE BLUE KURPER The Mozambican government has…

READY-TO-EAT CONVENIENCE AND HEALTH BENEFITS ARE MAJOR DRIVERS IN PROMOTING AVOCADO CONSUMPTION WORLDWIDE The recent 10th Subtrop Marketing Symposium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, saw a record turnout of more than 350 delegates. Speakers at the symposium shared the latest marketing trends and information on avocados, mangoes, litchis and macadamias. The highlight was undoubtedly the address by the keynote speaker, Khanyi Dhlomo, of Ndalo Media. Dhlomo, a high-profile figure in South African business and society, spoke about trends in the local and international media. AVOCADOS (South African Avocado Growers’ Association – SAAGA) Delegates were updated on the recent establishment of the World Avocado Organization (WAO). Zac Bard, SAAGA’s WAO representative, highlighted the following principal points: • Peak season avocado production in the European Union (EU) increased from 600 000 cartons…

Dr Jane Buys, risk analyst at Free State Agriculture, says the White/Blue Light patrols came into being as part of the rural safety plan negotiated nationally between the SAPS and Agri SA. ‘Blue Light’ refers to the police’s involvement, and ‘White Light’ to farmers. Bright white lights are often affixed to farmers’ vehicles to make them more visible when taking part in such operations. The goal of such operations is to cover an area as one unit and prevent crime, explains Buys. In most areas, weekly operations are the norm, and are organised by farmers and rural safety coordinators from the SAPS. Cluster or area operations take place monthly, and provincial operations occur bimonthly. Safety coordinators from agricultural associations, and rural coordinators from SAPS, conduct pre-planning. They identify a crime…

By the time you read this, 2017 will be fast approaching. So today I’m offering a general optimistic comment on South Africa’s farmers that I hope will resonate with you. When I travel around the country, I enjoy looking at farms – and am invariably surprised and delighted at what I come across. For example, on the Schoemanskloof road to Mbombela, at the entrance to the valley, is the citrus farming operations of Joubert en Seuns. Over the years, I’ve watched how they have expanded their orchards, applying the latest farming methods. It is exciting to think that one day this already substantial grower business will provide work to hundreds of people and fruit to the world. Beyond Mbombela, through the spectacular Crocodile River Gorge on the way to Komatipoort,…

CINNAMON HELPS THE CELLS TO RECOGNISE AND RESPOND TO INSULIN Over the past number of years, people have relied more and more on sugar to make horse feeds more appetising. This has increased the incidence of insulin resistance and obesity. I visit many stables, and have noticed ever-greater numbers of horses carrying too much weight. Many well-meaning horse owners think that the fatter and shinier their horse is, the healthier it is. Sadly, the results of this erroneous thinking show up in the ring. My approach to any horse-related ailment is to look at what horses did (or still do, here and there) in the wild. Under natural conditions, horses do not have access to very good pasture for long periods, and grass is generally not too high in sugar…

I recently received a call from Angela, inviting me to attend a site meeting in a Durban suburb to discuss the design of two cottages on her property for possible letting. She wanted the cottages to be simply constructed and aesthetically in keeping with the existing home. The first, a ‘granny cottage’, had to be no larger than the 80m2 permitted by the local authority, but the open porch in front of the living area would have exceeded this legal limit if covered with a roof. I have therefore designed open rafters over it instead, which will allow a covered roof to be added in due course, as shown in the sketch. The second cottage will initially be used as staff quarters. Being a pensioner, Angela and her family need…

The Yara TankmixIT smartphone app makes use of a database of results from thousands of individual two-way or multicomponent tank mix tests of YaraVita crop nutrient products. The app, which is free and downloadable for Android and IOS (iPhone), enables better planning of spray programmes. The tank mix tests are carried out under controlled conditions in product development labs following strict guidelines. Each time a test is carried out using new mixtures, the online database is updated. YaraVita acknowledges that there are many variables involved in making tank mixtures under field conditions. The app, says the company, merely provides guidelines and is not a guarantee of either physical or biological compatibility. After downloading the app, you then have to select your country of residence and agree to all the disclaimers.…

Thousands of honeybee colonies are used every year to pollinate crops across South Africa. More than 50 crops, amongst which are deciduous fruit, rely on insect pollination. But it is difficult for beekeepers to sustain their colonies after the blossom season has passed. For honeybee populations to withstand pests (for example, the Varroa mite) and diseases (such as American Foulbrood), as well as some degree of pesticide exposure, a healthy diet is crucial as it keeps the insects’ immune systems fully functioning. Beekeepers use a variety of flowering plant species to provide forage for their colonies throughout the year. Eucalyptus trees, certain crop species, indigenous trees and shrubs, and even urban gardens and roadside weeds are used to provide the pollen (protein) and nectar (carbohydrates) that the honeybees need to…

Wool traded 1,5% higher and the Merino indicator increased 222 points to close at R155,40 (clean). On the Australian market, the EMI increased 2,8%. The finer end of the market performed particularly well, with significant gains recorded. The auction was sizeable as a result of producers delivering their wool to market before the December recess, according to Cape Wools. Competition among buyers was fierce, especially for the longer and better quality wool lots. Buyers noted that the market was firm and the keen demand experienced throughout the season maintained its momentum. The price for fine wool of 18,7 microns and finer gained 3,7%, wool of 19 microns rose by 2,6% and wool of 20 microns was 1% higher. Wool of 21 to 23 microns traded at unchanged prices. A large…

By the end of November, relatively few hectares had been planted to summer grains in North West, as rainfall had been erratic and large areas had not received any rain at all. According to Schweizer-Reneke grain producer, Jozeph du Plessis, only a third of the grain producers in his district had received enough rain to start planting. “The rest of us are still waiting for rain. It’s very stressful to feel as if we were left behind in the desert, without any rain. We can still plant until Christmas, but the livestock are suffering in the heat and drought,” he said. In the eastern summer grain production region, grain planting had been completed by the end of November, according to Grain SA economist, Petru Fourie. In the western production region,…

Zambeef Products, Zambia’s largest integrated agribusiness and food processing company, has entered what chairperson, Dr Jacob Mwanza, described as a ‘new era’ of doing business. He was speaking at the announcment of the company’s financial results, saying that it had achieved a K157,4 million (R270 000) profit after tax for the financial year ended 30 September 2016. Zambeef made a K50 million (R86 000) loss for the corresponding period in 2015. This turnaround has been attributed to a combination of increasing production and sales margins, maintaining other margins, and effective cost management. Debt reduction gearing was a result of US$65 million (R900 million) in funds raised from the development finance institution, assisted by the CDC Group in the UK, according to the company’s latest annual financial statement. Zambeef is involved…

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has made an additional R25 million available for drought relief to developing grain farmers from the West Coast, in its recently tabled mid-term budget. This brings the province’s total allocation for drought relief to R61 million. The Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde, said in his budget speech that crop failures as a result of the drought had resulted in many developing farmers being unable to cover their operational costs. “The Western Cape Department of Agriculture, through its commitment to supporting land reform, had already made significant investments in these farmers. We are determined to walk the road with them, to ensure their enterprises grow into thriving agri-businesses.” The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) had also allocated R12 million for…

The drought in the Eastern Cape was worsening daily in large areas of the province, despite erratic rainfall over the north-eastern and eastern coastal regions, according to Douglas Stern, president of Agri Eastern Cape. “Almost the entire province is affected by the current drought conditions, but at this stage the western part of the province is probably worst hit,” he said. “There are farmers in the Steytlerville, Jansenville, Willowmore and Graaff-Reinet areas who have informed me that they have received as little as 20% of their average annual rainfall so far this year. “Livestock production has decreased dramatically, with farmers experiencing losses, with cows and ewes battling to lamb as a result of their poor condition.” Farmers’ cash flow throughout the Eastern Cape had taken a severe knock as farmers…

The agro-processing sector has the opportunity to make a significant contribution to SA’s export earnings and employment, according to Cliff Rasoesoe of the Department of Trade and Industry. “Agro-processing is, however, a highly diverse and complex industry, with no distinct boundary between agriculture and agro-processing,” he told the Polish poultry sector seminar hosted by the Polish National Poultry Council Chamber of Commerce in Pretoria recently. “On the other hand, food systems are increasingly detached from agriculture and, being industrial in nature, are dominated by large firms that benefit from economies of scale,” said Rasoesoe. Agro-processing was the third biggest contributor to manufacturing, but employment in the sector was growing at a slower pace than it should. Statistics from Quantec showed that agro-processing employment increased by 4,5% from 254 901 in…

Modern biotechnology and selection of genes has led to increased yields in hybrid food crops such as maize and sorghum. However, many self-pollinated and open-pollinated food crops are still not achieving a significantly improved yield potential. A wide range of options to increase yields are being researched. These include improving photosynthesis efficiency, biological microbes that benefit plant growth and development, adopting improved farming systems, and exploiting symbiotic nitrogen-fixing between legumes and Rhizobia bacteria, based on chemical signals. New approaches to extend N-fixing to other crops include: • Modifying grains such as wheat and rice to mimic legume-Rhizobium symbiosis by detecting chemical signals. • Altering N-fixing bacteria to work in non-legume species. The chemical and genetic basis for the symbiosis-signalling pathway has already been established, offering an opportunity to co-opt part…

IN 2015, THE US POULTRY INDUSTRY SUFFERED ITS LARGEST LOSS EVER Global chicken sales are dominated by the US and Brazil, accounting for 63,7% of exports between 2011 and 2015, according to the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC). The two countries had been vying for the top spot until last year, when avian influenza broke out in parts of the US, and many importers, notably China, banned US poultry imports. Following US sanctions imposed on Russia due to the invasion of Crimea, that country also stopped buying US products. Together, China and Russia had accounted for about 40% of US chicken sales. As a result, the US poultry industry suffered a US$4,2 billion (about R58 billion) loss in 2015, the most devastating in its history, according to the…

In South Africa, being a farmer is more than twice as dangerous as being a police officer, and a farmer or farmworker is almost four times more likely to be murdered than the average South African (see panel on opposite page). Henk Boshoff, who lives on a farm near Standerton, Mpumalanga, and his partner Mark Wilson, who works from the Strand in the Western Cape, are partners in a security company, Community Assets Tactical Security (CATS). They advise farmers on how to approach farm and community security, and put them in contact with those who can implement security infrastructure at the best prices. The area in which Henk lives was known for high crime rates, but after the community organised itself, this rate dropped drastically. “Farmers and farming communities are…

Farmers need ultra-reliable, crystal-clear communication. The new Smart SS388 PTT (press-to-talk) radios from Halo Technology provide this and more, at an affordable price. The direct range of a traditional, two-way radio transceiver system – a ‘walkie talkie’ – depends on frequency, antenna height, atmospheric noise, transmitter power and receiver sensitivity, and other factors. Two-way radio systems operating in the VHF and UHF bands rely on line-of-sight propagation for reliable coverage. The shadowing effect of tall buildings may therefore block reception. Weather conditions, too, can affect the range. A BETTER CONCEPT! Smart PTT radios utilise a new type of technology that changes all this by combining conventional two-way radios with modern cellular technology. Smart radios look and feel like two-way radio transceivers, but operate through the existing cellular mobile network for…

Highveld Île de France Champions Highveld Kalahari Red Champions Contacts: Corné Els: 082 456 9213 | Gert van der Linde: 079 524 7954 | Johan Roarty: 082 494 7579 | Kgosi and Lucy Pilane: 083 660 6569 Bakgatla Bagafela Tribe: 083 660 6569 (Jan Hepburn) or 073 451 7707 (Vincent Segale) | Attie Brits: 083 773 6234…

AFTER HARVESTING, THE DISC CAN BE REVERSED AND USED TO CUT STUBBLE Erdvark Engineering, based today in Klawer in the Western Cape, has been manufacturing ploughs, harrows and related implements for more than 60 years. Amongst its innovations is a maintenance-free bearing system, claimed to be one of the best in the world, used in its specialised disc implements for cultivating new crops. The company is a major exporter into Africa. THE ERDVARK RIDGER In response to requests from nut and fruit growers, the company has developed a sturdy implement for building the ridges on which the trees are planted. Good pre-preparation is required before building ridges. The entire area must be ripped – even cross-ripped if required – and slopes planned so that the ridges can cope with stormwater…

 At the recent ‘Sacred Assembly’ event at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, we saw more than 60 000 people praying for our beloved South Africa. God showed me one thing very clearly through this event: people are desperate to hear the truth. AS FARMERS, EMPLOYERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, WE MUST SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” Yet the Roman governor was staring truth in the face, because Jesus is truth; Pilate just could not recognise it. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth”, the Gospel of John 17:17 says. It is the truth that sets us free, not lies. Lies deceive, and are therefore wrong. But more than this, one lie leads to another and we struggle to remember our previous lies.…

ON TOP OF TABLE MOUNTAIN By Joan Kruger (Paternoster Books, R300) “My favourite book about my favourite mountain.” This is what photographer Scott Ramsay (whose splendid book is reviewed elsewhere on these pages) says about Kruger’s On Top of Table Mountain. High praise indeed. This historical anthology of visitors to Table Mountain underlines the fact that everyone has his or her own vision of Table Mountain. Awe, comedy, adventure and artistry all feature here. The book begins with an overview of 500 years of visitors to the mountain, from explorers and scientists to royals and mountaineers. This is followed by a focus on 27 notable visitors and an excerpt from their Table Mountain experience. Kruger’s tales are well-chosen and she employs a delightfully light touch. (Also available through www.paternosterbooks.co.za.) THE…