Table of contents for 5 February 2016 in Farmer's Weekly

FARMER’S WEEKLY IS BIGGER THAN ANY EDITOR When I first walked into the offices of Farmer’s Weekly thirteen years ago, I could never have foreseen the impact that its staff and readers would have on my life. It was just another job, I thought. My father taught me that anything worth doing is worth doing well. So naturally I worked hard, expecting the return to come in the form of satisfaction in seeing a job well done. However, this job, this magazine and the industry it serves wasn’t satisfied with only my inputs – it wanted nothing less than my heart. And in the end, that is what it got. The agricultural sector won’t allow you to simply function within its sphere of influence. The sincere and straightforward…

Dr Sue Taylor’s letter titled, ‘Climate change – the writing is on the wall’, was published in the 29 January issue of Farmer’s Weekly. She is a development and environmental researcher and communicator and is interested in topics that include climate change, landscape governance, mountains, human development and livelihoods. Sue is currently programme coordinator for AfroMont at the Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Pretoria. AfroMont is the African chapter of the Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) based in Switzerland. She says her position at AfroMont gives her an opportunity to liaise with research specialists from around the world.…

That some farmers treat their foremen like sons, while others treat their sons like foremen, is only half a joke. Fathers and sons should, of course, sort out their differences in their own unique way, especially if the son is heir to the business. But the farmer/manager relationship deserves special attention. Being a general farm manager can be a fulfilling vocation, but it can also be hell under a demanding boss who cannot formulate a proper job description. Yet, despite the potential hazards of the job, youngsters keen to live and work on a farm, and older couples with farming experience, apply for such positions. The latter are often only too happy to have somewhere to stay, even if it’s in a disused farmhouse. Naturally, a farm manager must know…

Parliament’s portfolio committee on public works recently held its first meeting of the year on the controversial Expropriation Bill, and while ANC MPs on the committee backed the revised bill, opposition parties objected to numerous clauses during a clause-by-clause reading of the bill. The clause relating to the determination of compensation was among those that sparked hefty objection from DA and EFF MPs. “It is not that we are against compensation. On the contrary, we are in favour of it, provided that it is fair and market-related,” said DA MP Anchen Dreyer. According to Dreyer, the problem with the clause in its current state was that it was too ambiguous. “We want to know who will determine the price and how it will be calculated,” she said. The DA’s biggest…

Rhino Oil and Gas Exploration South Africa (ROGESA) has been accused of underplaying the negative environmental and socio-economic impacts its activities would allegedly have, should the Petroleum Agency of South African approve its highly controversial application to explore up to 1,5 million hectares of central KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for a variety of energy resources. There was “not nearly enough information” being made available to Interested and Affected Parties (IAP), the Midlands Conservancies Forum (MCF), a voluntary association of eleven conservancies spread throughout the KZN Midlands, told Farmer’s Weekly. “We feel that the precautionary principle should be applied, namely that nothing should be done until more information is available on potential damage that is irreversible. We are particularly concerned about the pollution of our water resources,” said MCF spokesperson, Twané Clarke. The…

Uranium mining is threatening the Karoo, says Dr Stefan Cramer of the Southern African Faith Communities‘ Environment Institute (SAFCEI). According to a report by him, an Australian-Russian operation was planning to extract uranium in the Karoo and had acquired licences for uranium prospecting of more than 750 000ha close to Beaufort West. Explorations by Tasman Pacific Minerals Limited and Lukisa JV Company (Pty) Ltd commenced in 2005/2006, with environmental impact assessments conducted by Ferret Mining. The question of whether or not mining rights would be granted was difficult to answer, according to Cramer. “I usually argue that there is a slim chance; the economics don’t look good as the spot prices are low and there is a surplus of uranium. But I believe this is more of a political issue…

Prices of dried grapes have increased across almost all categories by more than 40% since 2015. International prices were up due to hail and frost damage in Turkey and drought in the US, according to Leon Loubser, agricultural manager at the SA Dried Fruit Co-operative in Upington. However, the weak rand was the primary reason for the high prices, he said. According to Dappie Smit, Dried Fruit Technical Services general manager, raisin production had become more lucrative over the past five years and farmers had been expanding production. Vredendal farmer, Wilfred Stephan, would expand his dried grape production from 4ha to 20ha over the next few years. He said he could generate higher earnings with dried grapes than wine grapes. “With the price of dried grapes around R16/kg, I can…

There were high levels of livestock mortality in drought-stricken areas despite attempts by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) to intervene. This was according to Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senzeni Zokwana, Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Gugile Nkwinti, and agriculture MECs from drought disaster areas, who addressed the media in Pretoria recently. About 5 000 head of livestock had been lost in Limpopo, but interventions had stabilised the mortality rate, according to Limpopo agriculture MEC Joy Matshoge. In the Eastern Cape, 3 731 cattle, 5 598 sheep and 3 056 goats had reportedly died due to the worsening condition of grazing since October 2015. Another 17 456 head of livestock had also died as…

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is intensifying efforts to protect lions by introducing new rules for US hunters who visit South Africa to hunt the big cats. The FWS has listed African lions as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act. The Washington Post reported that although the act did not prevent lion hunting, amended regulations could substantially increase fees for hunting permits. Hunters could also struggle to import their trophies as some carriers may introduce policies to preclude their shipping. Teresa Telecky, of Humane Society International, said hunters would be eligible for permits if they could show that hunting of the trophy enhanced survival of the species. Pieter Potgieter, president of the SA Predator Association, said it would be a significant setback if hunters struggled to get…

‘THE GOVERNMENT’S FEED PROCUREMENT PROCESS MAY BE OPEN TO ABUSE’ Leaders of the National Emerging Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (Nerpo) and the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (Afasa) recently held a three-day meeting to discuss pressing issues in the agricultural sector, including the drought and transformation. Leaders of both organisations from eight provinces also met to talk about matters affecting the sustainability and future of the sector. DROUGHT Prolonged dry weather and accompanying extremely high temperatures have created a serious situation for farmers, agri-businesses and banks. Ultimately, the effects of the drought will be felt by all South Africans. LIVESTOCK MORTALITY Cattle farmers have lost animals because there is no grazing. In many cases, farms are not big enough for extensive grazing, so the grass had already taken a…

Water has negative and positive polarity to hold itself together, while different atoms in a drop of water (H2O) show different gravity. A drop of water consists of one-third oxygen, while rocks and soil consist of two-thirds oxygen. According to Greg Butler, who manages the Southern Australian No-Till Farmers’ Association, most people do not realise this. The question arises: how many positive charges in water can be held by one negative charge? When it reaches saturation point, drainage occurs. “It’s called a water deficit, which means you need more rain,” Butler explains. Crop producers want good plant growth without going into a water deficit. The ability to get water and plant potential is the same thing. If water is positioned deep it will be harder for the plant to get…

A SERIOUS INCIDENT MUST BE REPORTED TO THE COMMISSIONER WITHIN SEVEN DAYS The Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993) regulates health and safety in the workplace. Both employers and employees have a responsibility to ensure that these regulations are carried out properly. EMPLOYERS Apart from ensuring that all employees understand the Act, the employer must: • identify potential hazards relating to the type of work being done as well as the equipment used, and ensure that every employee clearly understands these; • establish and enforce precautionary measures to protect employees against potential hazards and provide the means to implement these measures; • provide the information, instructions, training and supervision needed for employees to complete their tasks safely; • ensure that the work done and equipment used are…

Meat MEAT PRICES MIXED International: New Zealand steers traded 0,43% higher at NZ$471/head and cows slightly lower at NZ$298/head. US beef prices were lower: topside was 8,33% lower at US$249,72/cwt, rump was 2,83% higher at US$301,51/cwt, strip loin was 5,83% lower at US$512,51/cwt, chuck was 0,74% lower at US$267,05/cwt, and brisket traded 8,45% lower at US$270,38/cwt. New Zealand exports to China have slowed down as the deadline for Chinese New Year shipments has passed. Recent rain in New Zealand and Australia may bring some relief and add support to prices. Domestic: Local prices fell. Prices for the different classes were as follows: Class A prices were 0,78% lower at R34,55/kg and Class C prices were 1,83% lower at R27,30/kg. The weaner price was R17,70/kg week-on-week. The hide price was slightly…

The study will confirm an existing simulation model for developing breeding objectives for Continental and British sire lines on Afrikaner, Bonsmara and Nguni cows in order to improve beef production. The Simmentaler will represent the Continental breeds. With more than 19 000 breeding cows in the country, it is the most abundant Continental beef breed in South Africa in terms of seed stock numbers. The Angus, with almost 10 000 breeding cows in South Africa, will represent British breeds. The findings will make it possible to provide informed advice on how crossbreeding can be used under different rural and environmental conditions in arid areas.…

The Qualidisc Farmer 3000 from Kverneland is a compact disc harrow designed to work up to 100mm deep. The compact cultivator frame makes it easy to lift, even when fitted with heavy rollers. The large 520mm discs, set at an aggressive angle, are designed for optimal cutting, even at shallow depths and in high-residue soil. The discs are 5mm thick and hardened for long life, and their conical shape ensures that the cutting angle remains constant even when the disc diameter is reduced through wear. A drill is available for establishing cover crops during the stubbling action. The trailed Qualidisc Farmer T comes in 4m and 6m widths with 520mm heat-treated discs and maintenance-free disc hubs for long life. The frame is designed to carry the heaviest rollers, such as…

ALWAYS REMOVE OLD GREASE BEFORE ADDING NEW GREASE Grease is a thixotropic emulsion of soap and oil. An emulsion consists of two substances that cannot normally be blended. When at rest, it has a high viscosity. When stirred, the viscosity is lowered to the level of the oil component, a process called shear-thinning or thixotropy. Shear-thinning allows grease to be used as a lubricant in an application where oil would leak out, and as a coolant to conduct heat away from the working elements. The thickening effect of the base allows the grease to act as a sealant to keep out water and dirt. ANCIENT GREASE The Romans used grease made from goat fat and wood-ash treated with salt. The Vikings used black slugs as axle grease. The lubricating property…

To any gentleman out there. I’ve been a widow for five years now and have a five-year-old son. We are happy, but a male figure is needed, and I would like to have a family again. He must be stable, a non-smoker, white, Christian and not obese. I love the outdoors, the sea, swimming and nature. I am in my early 40s, pleasing to the eye and slim. I’m caring, responsible, can cook and have a sense of humour. I live in an Eastern Cape coastal town. My son means a lot to me, so if you’re willing to have two new friends, please write to me. Looks are not important but we should both enjoy what we see. Please send an email address and a photo. BEAUTIFUL CARING HEART,…

YOU COULD VERY WELL BE ON THE BRINK OF A WONDERFUL TURNAROUND IN YOUR LIFE One of my heroes in the Bible is the Apostle Paul. He says very clearly in Acts 20:24: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul finished his task. God gave him a specific mandate to go into the world and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul did this and it eventually cost him his life. He was beheaded in Rome, his only ‘crime’ being to tell people that Jesus Christ was Lord. “A religion that…

Australian author, Tony Park, spends approximately half of each year in Southern Africa, researching and writing his novels, but also enjoying the wildlife. Here, he discusses what delights him about Namibia, where he has set his latest thriller, AN EMPTY COAST (Pan, R285). The novel blends modern rhino poaching and the earlier liberation struggle. • Landscape The extremes – freezing sea waters and the world’s oldest desert – are so different to the rest of Southern Africa. I couldn’t help superimposing choppers and action adventure on the dramatic landscape. • Culture Namibia is so culturally diverse that it’s mind boggling – from the red ochre of the Himba and the 19th-century dress of the Herero women, to all the German influences. • Peace It’s striking how peaceful and smoothly functioning Namibia’s young democracy…

Mhlobo Mbane: It’s really bad – I have to flush feed my ewes and they are not in good condition at all. If this current situation continues until the winter, I will lose a lot of goat kids and it will need a huge budget to feed them throughout winter. Zindlovu Mdlalo: It’s very bad, but our last year’s maize harvest is helping to keep our livestock in a better condition. We should buy enough feed for winter before the feed prices rise even higher. Nhlakanipho Siyolo: I think migrating is the best possible solution. GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your letters and photos to: Farmer’s Weekly, PO Box 1797, Pinegowrie 2123, SA, fax 011 889 0862, or email farmersweekly @caxton.co.za . The views and…

South Africans needed to realise that the current drought was far from over and would have far-reaching consequences for the entire country in the medium and long term. This is according to Bennie van Zyl, CEO of the Transvaal Agricultural Union (TAU). It was essential to keep as many farmers as possible on their farms to ensure sustainable food production or at least mitigate the impact of food imports somewhat, he said. TAU had therefore embarked on a large-scale drought relief drive along with, among others, the Solidarity Helping Hand charity, Solidarity, and AfriForum. TAU intended to provide as much support as possible to all commercial farmers in South Africa and was prepared to work with any group or organisation that had the same objectives, Van Zyl said. AfriForum was…

The SA Sugar Association (SASA) would not be drawn on the opportunities or threats China’s sugar production and sugar imports may present to the local industry. In an interview with Farmer’s Weekly, SASA’s executive director, Trix Trikam, said that it was not possible for SASA to speculate on this. China currently holds about 10% of the world’s sugar reserves. Despite being the world’s fourth-largest sugar producer alongside Thailand, with annual sugar production of 10 to 11 million tons from sugarcane and 1,5 million tons from sugar beet, China is unable to keep up with domestic demand. About 20% of the world’s population live in China, and the country is the world’s third-largest sugar consumer [about 14 million tons annually], and the biggest sugar importer – almost five million tons in…

‘PRICES FOR BREEDING ANIMALS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE SHARPLY’ Red meat prices in South Africa have remained relatively stable despite producers’ ongoing reduction of animal numbers due to the drought. This is according to Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) chairperson, Lardus van Zyl. He said that widespread rain had brought some relief, but follow-up rain was critical. “Follow-op showers are needed to ensure sufficient grazing for the rest of the summer and to build up reserves for winter. Remember, it doesn’t rain grass and the veld needs time to recuperate,” he said. Without rain for the remainder of the summer season, producers would have to cut already vastly reduced livestock numbers further, said Van Zyl. “There are not many herds that haven’t been reduced significantly already. In the Molopo area…

Drought-tolerant maize varieties have improved crop yield by 20% to 30% in 13 sub-Saharan African countries. The hybrid varieties were developed by the Drought-Tolerant Maize for Africa project launched eight years ago under the Global Maize Programme of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre. According to SciDev.Net, more than two million farmers have grown the new varieties in Angola, Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The project plans to approach private seed companies to produce 12 000t of the certified seed in the next three years.…

US-headquartered plant biotechnology company, 22nd Century Group, reported recently that it had developed a world-first very low nicotine tobacco plant. The company was already holding meetings with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review its Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) application to manufacture and market the Very Low Nicotine cigarette brand. “Conclusive independent laboratory testing proves that 22nd Century’s Brand A cigarettes contain less than 0,6mg of nicotine per cigarette and less than 0,05mg of nicotine yield per cigarette,” a company statement said. According to 22nd Century, these levels represented at least 95% less nicotine than in existing big-name cigarette brands in the US. “I’m very pleased with the FDA’s prompt attention to our MRTP application. For US smokers who wish to reduce their exposure to nicotine, 22nd…

Ex-Land Bank officials who allegedly stole nearly R24 million in 2007, are to appear in court again within the next two months. It is alleged that a Land Bank AgriBEE fund was used to direct funds into an agricultural project that belonged to the officials. The deposits apparently did not have the required Land Bank documents. According to media reports, the accused includes Philemon Radichaba Mohlahlane, who was a deputy director at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries before being seconded as acting CEO to the Land Bank in 2007. He resigned from the latter five years ago. Others are Ruben Mohlaloga, chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on agriculture and land affairs, Polokwane attorney, Dinga Rammy Nkhwashu, businessman Mpu Daniel Mofokeng, and attorney Matuba Maponya. All were charged in…

Pairing unproductive land reform farms with unemployed black agricultural graduates could ensure improved food production and employment opportunities. This is according to KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) MEC, Cyril Xaba, who was speaking at the Youth in Agriculture Summit held recently in Durban. The summit, the first of its kind in the province, was attended by more than 700 unemployed agriculture graduates. “Many land reform farms have collapsed and beautiful productive land lies fallow. We have well-meaning trusts that own land but do not have the skills to farm. Let us start building a bridge to span the divide between unemployed graduates and their skills, talent and love for agriculture with the land that is lying fallow and unproductive,” Xaba said. All role players – graduates,…

Both the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD) and People’s Bio Oil (PBO) appear to have gone to ground. This follows Farmer’s Weekly’s latest attempt to obtain clarity from the KZN DARD on the outcome of a reported investigation into how PBO utilised an R8 million department grant. Farmer’s Weekly also once again tried to obtain a response from PBO regarding the alleged non-payment of returns-on-investment that the company had guaranteed more than 1 000 of its investors. In early 2015, the KZN DARD reportedly instituted an investigation into whether or not PBO and its owners, Vusi and Nomzamo Khoza, had utilised the grant for purposes stipulated by the department, namely infrastructure development, such as the construction of a moringa processing factory and associated equipment, office premises,…

The protracted drought in Zimbabwe has meant that many of the country’s dams have fallen to operational levels of less than 50% of capacity. However, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) said that dams in the wetter northern parts of the country were on average 70% full in early January. Lake Mutirikwi, Zimbabwe’s largest inland dam, used as irrigation supply for cane fields in the south-east lowveld, was 25% full. Sugarcane farmer, Rangarirai Muzorori, said the dam level was dangerously low “and recent rains were not heavy enough for any meaningful flow into the lake”. Muzorori said that farmers were uncertain if or when water rationing would be introduced. Apart from threatening the viability of irrigation farming in the southwest, the low dam levels were also a problem for residents…

THE MOST IMPORTANT MORAL PRINCIPLE IS INTEGRITY During a recent visit to a friend in Limpopo, we stopped at a local watering hole for a beer. A farmer there was complaining vehemently about the latest petty thieving incident he had experienced, and maligned the local police for their incompetence. My friend, who is also a farmer, later told me that this man was well known in the district for employing illegal workers from Mozambique. On another occasion, I attended a business lunch. At my table, one of the guests started the conversation with: “Have you heard? We now have school headmasters ‘selling’ jobs to teachers!” This opened up a round of corruption-by-the-authorities stories, all discussed with indignation. A short time later, when the conversation had moved on, the first speaker…

IT’S PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND PRACTICALLY UNPRODUCTIVE TO KEEP SAYING ‘THE RAIN WILL COME’ The dry period is critical for post-calving performance. If you are a split season operator coming up to autumn calving, you will benefit if you keep a target body condition score (BCS) of between 3,25 and 3,5 at dry-off. Plan to feed different rations for autumn fresh cows and spring stale cows to keep the feed budget tight. Stay on track with young heifer vaccination programmes and prepare calf facilities for autumn calves. Finally, check pasture residuals ahead of autumn planting. PLAN AND REVIEW Well-managed, effectively rotated pasture operations have some built-in drought resilience, but they require considerable work. The effort is well worth it, however, as efficient pastures keep the cost of feed intakes down, says Llewellyn…

‘MOST APPLES FOR SALE HAVE BEEN IN STORAGE – IN THIS REGION YOU’RE ASSURED OF FRESH APPLES’ Pitso Sekhoto’s connection to agriculture goes back to his father, who speculated in cattle while Pitso was growing up. Now chairperson of the Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber (a Hortgro affiliate), and a busy commercial farmer in his own right, Pitso has made large strides in his farming career. In 2008, Pitso bought Makolobane, a farm near Senekal in the Free State. At the time, there was a 5ha block of apples under irrigation, a Charolais herd, a small Dohne Merino flock and 700ha planted to sunflower and maize. Since then, the cattle herd has grown to 500 Charolais/Boran crossbreeds and a small Santa Gertrudis herd. This season, because of the drought, the crop…

AS SOON AS YOU SPOT A PLANT WITH SYMPTOMS, REMOVE IT FROM THE LAND Having ignored my own advice – given to readers in a past column – I recently ended up paying the price. This prompted me to take another look at the topic of cucurbit viruses, as I’m sure I’m not the only one taking chances! Viruses infecting the pumpkin family have always been a major problem. Susceptible crops become almost completely infected late in the season. Four main cucurbit viruses do the rounds in Southern Africa. According to the ARC, the dominant virus varies from year to year. In areas that receive frost, infection usually starts in mid- to late summer. In subtropical regions, it usually starts in spring. Where planting takes place in autumn, outbreaks occur…

When I fitted new tyres to my DTV Roadrunner 4x4 in 2011, I chose the Firestone Destination 4x4, size 215/80R15C on its 7J x 15 steel wheels as recommended by the manufacturer. Five years later, I have no hesitation about replacing them with exactly the same make and model of tyre. FACETED TREAD BLOCKS AND DEEP SIPES IMPROVE THE TRACTION OF THE TYRE ON LOOSE SURFACES AND IN SNOW The overall diameter of the tyre is 725mm and the tread is 215mm wide. The DTV, a small, rugged 4x4 vehicle manufactured in Bloemfontein, weighs 880kg empty and 1 280kg laden. This relatively low footprint pressure on what is really a heavy-duty bakkie tyre enables the tyres to run at 1,2bar. The manufacturer recommends 1,0 bar front and rear (no load),…

To make this stir fry for four hungry diners, you will need: • 800g steak • 3 onions • 100ml sweet soy sauce • Canola or sunflower oil on demand • 1 lemon • Salt and coarsely ground black pepper • Rice or ultra-thin pasta The big deal in stir-fry cooking is the preparation of the ingredients and the careful management of time. Stir frying happens at the highest of high heats. Catastrophe, chaos, conflagration – all these are seconds away if your concentration isn’t set to maximum. Ideally, you should buy a wok and use it over a high gas flame. But sadly, as life continually reveals to us (cue violins), the ideal is not always at hand. Since this story assumes you are a brand-new stir fryer, you can achieve a superb one-shot stir fry…

For years, we have been told to drastically reduce our salt intake – especially in the case of high blood pressure and heart disease. But many researchers now say that moderate salt intake is actually vital for health in most cases. “If people eat a diet like the one we recommend that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, they probably won’t be consuming a lot of sodium,” says Prof Lichtenstein of the American Heart Association. Most of the ‘table salt’ we consume is not sprinkled on our food from a shaker; it is already present in processed foods, where it helps to prevent spoilage and adds flavour. The problem is that ordinary salt is bleached, its trace minerals are removed, and ‘free-flowing agents’ are added. As a…

WHAT IF THERE WERE NO WHITES IN SOUTH AFRICA? by Ferial Haffajee (Picador Africa, R275) Weaving her own reminiscences among pen portraits that range from tart to fond, Haffajee asks why we haven’t thrown racism aside and why its flames still flare repeatedly two decades after the formal end of apartheid. She reflects on fragile relationships in settings such as townhouse complexes and the workplace, and the throwaway stereotyping we seem unable to grow out of. She also wonders whether lingering race markers do not hold back the development of our country and its people. FLAME IN THE SNOW edited by Francis Galloway (Umuzi, R350) SA literary giants, André Brink and Ingrid Jonker, loved each other “reservedly, quietly, with abandon and in the wilderness” and had a bittersweet love affair…

Avocado prices recently skyrocketed, increasing by almost 100%, and causing South African consumers to respond with incredulity on social media. An Internet meme calling for ‘Zuma to drop the price of avocados’ was shared by many South Africans on Twitter and Facebook. According to industry sources, avocado lovers needed to brace themselves for several more months of high prices. The weaker rand was mostly to blame for this, said Clive Garret, ZZ2’s marketing manager. “Basically, avocados are out of season. It’s the end of the season for locally produced avocados and we’re currently importing our avocados,” he said. “A weak rand makes imports more expensive.” It was also a matter of supply and demand. “The global demand for avocados has never been higher,” said Garret. In addition, the avocado was…

The South African Table Grape Industry (Sati) has announced that South Africa’s table grapes can once again be exported to Thailand. This is good news for producers as it gives them a broader choice of market destinations, and acts to relieve market pressure on traditional markets. Michael Laubscher, Sati chairperson, said the Thai market for South African table grapes had been significant. The market had been expanding before its unexpected closure eight years ago, he said. Sati commended the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the South African embassy in Thailand for working with the table grape industry to reopen this market. In a statement, Laubscher said the closure of the market had demonstrated the importance of industry compliance with market requirements. “There’s great excitement among South African growers…

Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance has destroyed about 588kg of banned vegetables from Poland and Turkey. Some 338kg of Turkish tomatoes and 250kg of Polish mushrooms were seized, Freshfruitportal.com reported. Polish imports have been banned by Russia since August 2014 as part of counter-sanctions against the EU. Turkish fruit and vegetables were banned in response to the shooting down of a Russian warplane near the Turkish-Syrian border in November last year. Analysts have warned that Russia’s decision to ban food imports from Turkey could be detrimental to Russia’s economy. According to CNBC, the country’s deteriorating exchange rate had already increased food price inflation, which was at about 15,6%. Almost half of the country’s food was imported. According to Russia’s agricultural ministry, Turkish vegetables accounted for 20% of…

The price of rooibos has increased by 80% since 2015, from R28/kg to about R46/kg, and more than doubled compared with the 2014 price of R17/kg. Martin Berg, managing director of Rooibos Limited, ascribed the higher prices to low supply levels. “Production went down in 2015 due to unfavourable prices in the previous few years. Production this year, however, is estimated to be low due to dry climatic conditions,” he said. Rooibos Limited forecasted that the industry would produce about 11 000t of rooibos this year, similar to last year’s output. “Last year we had enough carry-over stock to make up for the shortfall, but this year there’s nothing left. The current demand is about 15 000t, with the local market accounting for 8 000t.” The supply shortage would most…

There are 40 000 farmers subscribed to Kwanalu, KwaZulu-Natal’s agricultural union. “If one in 20 of these farmers could be persuaded to take on a young black graduate as an intern, all 700 of you graduates sitting here would have jobs,” said Future Farmer founder, Judy Stuart, speaking at the Youth in Agriculture Summit held recently in Durban. Stuart, a dairy farmer, said her non-profit organisation had grown from four or five applicants in 2006 to more than 600 applicants presently. “Unfortunately we don’t have the resources to help everyone. We’ve started to get a bit of funding, including from AgriSETA, which will make a meaningful difference. It’s important that young people placed on farms and/or receiving training are paid for their work so that they are not draining communities…

Nearly one million tons of animal feed are needed to ensure that livestock survives the drought in the Free State, according to a recent drought assessment survey by Free State Agriculture (FSA). A total of 600 FSA members took part in the survey, which concluded that 66% required production financing this year to make it financially. “These farmers will have to spend an additional R2,9 billion in feed until grazing has recovered sufficiently. Crop losses have been calculated at R443 million. This means that the drought resulted in losses of at least R3,4 billion in the province,” Henk Vermeulen, CEO of FSA said in a statement. Jaco Minnaar, Hennenman grain producer, said the state needed to consider support measures to keep farmers on their land and to ensure sufficient grain…

A senior state security officer, suspected of being the ringleader of a gang that poached four rhinos in southern Zimbabwe, has been granted bail of US$100 (R1 600) after a court appearance. Munashe Mudenge Murwira, senior Central Intelligence Organisation officer, is suspected of having led a four-member outfit that killed the rhinos and hacked off their horns in the Sango Valley Conservancy in Chiredzi. The rhino were poached between February 2014 and December 2015 and had a total value of US$500 000 (R8,2 million). Murwira, fellow Zimbabweans, Jason Chisango and Dumisani Moyo, and alleged Zambian accomplice, Chris Kombayi, were arrested on 29 December. Murwira was charged on four counts of illegal hunting and killing a protected animal on 18 January. The case was remanded to 4 March. Murwira’s arrest confirmed…

Over 700 unemployed graduates attended an Unemployed Youth in Agriculture Summit on 19 January in Durban, headed up by KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Cyril Xaba. The summit created a platform for robust dialogue between the department and the youth, with Xaba speaking of the need to unite dormant land reform farms with skilled agricultural graduates.…

Chemical pesticides may have a negative effect on the environment. Now, promising new harmless chemicals that boost natural plant defences will help prevent these negative impacts. Plants have natural defence mechanisms that kick in when signals are detected from plant-eating insects. The three major natural defence chemicals are jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and ethylene. These chemicals and their synthetic analogues, or chemical elicitors, can be applied externally as sprays to boost internal defences. Elicitors are not toxic to insect pests and have no harmful effects on non-target beneficial insects or the environment, unlike most pesticides. China has a serious problem with the white-backed plant hopper, Sogatella furcifera, which attacks rice and carries the pathogenic southern black-streaked dwarf virus. It stunts plant growth and interferes with head development of plants and…

The weather over the Christmas period was exceptionally hot across most of South Africa. In the Eastern Cape, we experienced temperatures well into the 30s, coupled with high humidity, for three weeks. This poses all sorts of difficulties for tunnel-based fish farms. The problem is particularly severe in the Lowveld and provision for cooling is essential here. Tunnels used in aquaculture typically elevate water temperatures by 6°C to 7°C over ambient. Thus, with no ventilation, water temperatures can rise into the mid-30s or higher. An unventilated tunnel can experience air temperatures of above 50°C. Such levels, coupled with the 100% humidity, make for very unpleasant working conditions. And if you think you’re suffering, the fish are having a worse time. Although most tilapia species thrive in water of around 30°C,…

THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN MARKETING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS How do South African livestock genetics compare globally? South Africa has some of the world’s best livestock genetics and top stud breeders. A number of locally developed breeds flourish on other continents such as South America, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Some examples would be Bonsmara cattle, Dorper sheep, Boer goats, Dohne Merinos and Mutton Merinos. The South African Boer goat was exported to Australia and then marketed elsewhere in the world by that country. Can SA livestock genetic industries act to regain lost markets? South Africa must seize every opportunity to capitalise on the global multibillion dollar genetics industry. Lately, with the weakening of our currency, it has become increasingly profitable for breeders to export genetics. We now…

‘NO BREED IS THE BEST IN ALL ENVIRONMENTS’ Research into, and acceptance of, crossbreeds is important for the sustainability and competitiveness of the South African livestock sector, says Prof Michiel Scholtz, head of the Vaalharts Crossbreeding Programme. The programme was established to demonstrate how genetic selection and crossbreeding can optimise economically important traits such as fertility, growth, efficiency, health and carcass characteristics in cattle. Trends indicate that crossbreeding will become more widespread in many other developing countries in the southern hemisphere. The programme, now in its second year, is a joint initiative between the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production Institute, the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, and the University of the Free State. Afrikaner, Angus, Bonsmara, Nguni and Simmentaler breeds are used. DRIVERS OF CHANGE…

BASELINE PRICES ON FRUIT AND VEGETABLES ARE SET TO MOVE UP SEVERAL NOTCHES It’s February already! At this time of the year, I usually make my annual forecast of the fresh produce markets. I peer deep into my crystal ball and, with uncanny accuracy, predict that prices for fruit and veg will go up… and then come down. This year, my sense of modesty precludes me from repeating my refrain. People might begin to wonder about my secret sources, so I’ll leave the natural laws of supply and demand to get on with it. Making predictions is one thing, but with the prices of many products having gone ballistic, it has become another matter entirely. Who would have imagined that the lowly cabbage would fetch a price exceeding R100/bag or…

Paul, a previous client, has requested that the wedding facility he had been thinking of for the last six months go ahead. I suggested to him that browsing through some of my 750-odd articles which I’ve produced for Farmer’s Weekly readers over the past 15 years, would be sure to engender some concepts and conclusions. One of these plans caught his eye and led to the plan shown here. Paul wanted his chapel to be rustic and blend into the natural environment; he had plenty of timber, rocks and thatching as building material. It had to be large enough to accommodate 200 guests. Above is the layout sketch of the interdenominational chapel. It shows a cockerel on the chapel spire; this is removable so that it can be replaced with…

CHICKENS REMOVE FEED FROM THE FLOOR, HELPING TO PREVENT SAND COLIC IN THE HORSES Hens and chicks are often kept in stable yards to control insects. The birds scratch through the bedding and manure to find fly larvae, ticks and other undesirable bugs. They also turn over the manure in compost heaps. Chickens are easy to keep as there is normally enough organic fowl feed in a stable – bugs and horse-feed – to provide a full ration for them. The only cost is a small amount of oyster shell to boost the birds’ calcium and phosphate intake. Another advantage of fowls is that they clean up after horses that are messy feeders. The horses are then less likely to get sand colic from swallowing a mouthful of sand along…

THE APP WILL RECOGNISE BOTH LANGUAGES AS THEY ARE SPOKEN AND TRANSLATE EVERY PHRASE AS SOON AS IT IS UTTERED Google Translate has been available for some years. Since the end of 2013, the Android version of the app has had the capacity to translate the spoken word. However, it could translate only one phrase at a time. Now, like some technology out of a science-fiction film, the new version of Google Translate can act as a real-time translator between two people speaking different languages. This makes it ideal for those travelling abroad. In order to use the real-time speech translation in a conversational setting, you need only open the app and press the microphone button. When speech in a foreign language is detected, it is immediately translated into your…