Table of contents for 13 May 2016 in Farmer's Weekly

Considering the serious business of farming, the question, ‘does farming make you happy?’ may seem silly and perhaps superfluous. However, happiness is fast gaining traction as the leading measure of wellbeing, replacing the current favourite, real gross domestic product per capita (GDP). An article published recently by the World Economic Forum, written by Richard Easterlin, a professor of economics at the University of Southern California in the US, argues that happiness should replace GDP as a guide for policy and as the primary indication of societal wellbeing. Happiness, he says, is a more comprehensive measure of wellbeing as it takes into account a range of concerns, while GDP is limited to narrow economic concerns. “Happiness is a measure with which people can personally identify. GDP is an abstraction that has…

Snake alert! Dieter Hoffman, who plants sorghum and beans for the Botswana government in Pandamatenga, recently found this 4m long python on a neighbour’s farm after it had attacked and killed a dog. “Dogs and cats don’t last in Pandamatenga. If it isn’t pythons, it’s leopards that catch them,” he says. Dieter, who drove 20km out of town to set the snake free, is the ‘go to’ person in the area for anyone who has a snake problem. He works closely with snake researchers in Botswana. 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 opinions expressed on the letters page do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly or Caxton.…

6 JULY 2001 The dung beetle’s demise 15 YEARS AGO Several animal health products used on livestock resulted in the death of large numbers of South Africa’s dung beetles. “The dung beetles that laboriously roll along balls of dung many times their own size, were once a familiar sight on the SA veld. No more. Their demise – or partial demise – may be a mystery to most people, but an entomologist will tell you the true story. Cattle dung that’s meant to nourish the beetles, is killing them. Dr Clarke H Scholtz, Professor of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria, explains: ’Tick-borne diseases are the curse of SA cattle farmers. Hence the traditional practice of regularly dipping cattle in many parts of Africa with its spectrum of…

Analysts at the annual International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) conference in Sydney, told delegates that the outlook for wool remained positive, according to a report by Cape Wools. Research by Mecardo Expert Market Analysis showed that wool price performance (excluding 16-micron and finer) was well above that of most other fibres, except mohair and silk. A combination of favourable exchange rate movements during the past 24 months and limited supplies of medium and broad Merino wool had supported prices for these wool categories. According to the research, oversupply was mostly to blame for the poor performance of cotton and 16-micron wool, with low oil prices putting pressure on man-made fibres. Peter Ackroyd, president of IWTO, said the wool industry should remain vigilant to counter the growing threat posed by animal…

The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform’s (DRDLR) so-called 50:50 Policy Framework, according to which 50% of the ownership of all commercial farms are transferred to workers employed on farms, has to be expedited, DRDLR minister, Gugile Nkwinti, said during his budget speech in Parliament. He added that R500 million had been set aside for this purpose in the new financial year. “We know that the previous method of simply buying the land and transferring it to workers or applicants sometimes led to a total stop in production,” Nkwinti said during a media briefing. “Workers don’t understand what it means to become shareholders in an enterprise. They need mentors to help them ease into the process of becoming landowners.” So far, more than 100 commercial farmers have expressed an…

Black Boerboel breeders have lodged an appeal against the Registrar of the Animal Improvement Act, Joel Mamabolo, for not accepting the South African Boerboel Breeders Society’s (SABBS) constitution, and for not granting the approval of the export of Black Boerboels. As reported by Farmer’s Weekly in February, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) said that the Black Boerboel was not a recognised breed in South Africa, and that advertising them as part of the Boerboel breed and exporting them were illegal. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Mamabolo said that advocate Masenyeletsa Simon Phaswane had been appointed to evaluate the appeal. “Phaswane will work with Prof Antoinette Kotze from the national zoological gardens and Dr Cindy Harper, [the] Director of Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of Pretoria. They will…

Despite an improvement in the working conditions of employees in the forestry sector, the sword of mechanisation now hangs over their heads. “Government has played a substantial role in improving the poor working conditions of forestry workers,” said Jeanette Clarke, independent researcher and writer for the trade magazine, SA Forestry. The main changes have been as a result of government’s modifications to labour legislation and an increase in the minimum wage. In 2012, Clarke completed a study on working conditions in the forestry industry, commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The study found that most labour was outsourced and the workers were working under fixed, short-term contracts, undertaking identical work to unionised employees at a lower wage. Although Clarke made several recommendations to the industry to improve…

The new legal limits on the brining of poultry meat, gazetted by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), have been met with mixed reaction by the industry. According to the new regulations, chicken processors cannot add more than 15% brine to individually quick frozen (IQF) chicken pieces. (There was no previous limit.) The total brine injection permitted for a whole carcass is now restricted to a maximum of 10%, compared with 8% previously. Kevin Lovell, CEO of the SA Poultry Association (SAPA), said the regulations would make IQF chicken pieces unaffordable for the poor, shrink the local poultry sector and lead to job losses. The new legislation would add about 20% to the production cost of a 2kg bag of mixed portions. Lovell was disappointed that DAFF had…

Due to a decrease in production, South Africa will this season be a net importer of soya beans. The country would import about 300 000t of the crop, a figure well above the previous season’s imports of 125 000t, according to Grain SA economist, Wandile Sihlolo. “In Grain SA’s database, dating back to 1997, this would be the largest soya bean import volume on record,” he said. He attributed this to lower production and higher soya bean demand from additional crushing plants that had come into production. SA soya bean crushing capacity had increased from 600 000t in 2012 to more than one million tons in 2015. However, local crushing volume for 2016/2017 was expected to be 840 000t. With South Africa a net importer of soya beans this season,…

The time has come for South Africa’s wildlife ranching industry to create a new wave of growth and prosperity, according to Wiaan van der Linde, Wildlife Ranching South Africa president. He was speaking at the recent Free State Agriculture conference in Bloemfontein. Van der Linde said that the industry was increasingly faced with misconceptions and half-truths about hunting and wildlife ranching. Trophy hunting was confused with poaching more and more. “Our actions will have a huge influence on wildlife and the business of wildlife ranching in future,” he said. The industry needed to clearly identify its role in conservation and commercial wildlife ranching. It also needed to define its role in the wildlife value chain in such a way that employment benefits, tourism, the contribution to social investment and its…

Dalewood Fromage, an artisanal cheese producer in the Cape Winelands, has been awarded the South African Dairy Product of the Year award for its 12-month matured Huguenot cheese. This semi-hard, brushed rind cheese was chosen as the winner from among 800 dairy products entered into the recent South African Dairy Championships’ Qualité Mark of Excellence awards. Dalewood Fromage’s six-month matured Huguenot cheese received the same award in 2013.…

THE ANC MUST DELIVER ON ITS PROMISES – THESE SHOULD NOT BE MERELY STATEMENTS TO SCORE VOTES A message from Aggrey Mahanjana, secretary-general of Afasa: Afasa has noted with excitement the recent events that give South African smallholder farmers some hope. The first is the recent statements made by President Jacob Zuma during the ANC local government election manifesto launch in Port Elizabeth, and the second is the latest developments in the Anheuser-Busch (AB) InBev-SABMiller merger. Although we welcome the plans that the ANC has put forward, we would like to caution them and call on them to ensure that they deliver on their promises; these should not be mere statements to score votes. LAND, DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY Afasa is happy about the ANC’s plans to promote food security.…

The National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (Nerpo) has welcomed the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ (DAFF) interventions to ensure that the South African livestock industry remains competitive and contributes to the economy. In his budget speech, agriculture minister, Senzeni Zokwana highlighted several government achievements. These included the newly developed heartwater vaccine from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the initiation of compulsory community service (CCS) for newly qualified vets, and maintaining a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status. Nerpo is pleased with several of these achievements and agrees with the minister that the development of new vaccines will play a vital role in expanding the number of successful livestock farmers. Lack of access to important vaccines and other animal health care products and services are significant challenges for smallholder farmers in…

The Solvita test measures the rate of CO2 respiration in parts per million (ppm): • < 5 ppm CO2 : very low activity associated with depleted and dry sandy soils, and little or no organic matter; • < 12 ppm CO2 : soil is marginal in terms of biological activity and organic matter; • < 30 ppm CO2 : soil is moderately balanced and has been receiving organic matter; • < 70 ppm CO2 : soil is well supplied with organic matter and has an active microbial population; • < 160 ppm CO2 : high or well equipped with organic matter.…

THE REMOVAL OF NON-EDIBLE PULP DOES NOT ALTER THE FACT THAT THE PRODUCT IS INDEED CRUSHED The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) recently delivered a judgement against SARS, which had wished to overturn a High Court ruling dealing with the classification of coconut emulsion, milk and powder. Had SARS succeeded, higher duties would have been paid for these products. The case was The Commissioner, SARS v Coltrade International CC (54/2015) [2016] ZASCA 53 (1 April 2016). Classification is a three-stage process. The first stage involves interpretation, or ascertaining the meaning of the words used in the relevant passages of the Customs and Excise Act. In the second stage, the nature and characteristics of those goods are considered. In the third, the heading that is most appropriate to such goods is…

INDUSTRY ROLE PLAYERS CANNOT AFFORD TO PULL IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS Are commodity organisations, such as Grain SA, still relevant in South Africa? Organisations such as Grain SA are needed now more than ever. South Africa’s primary product off-takers and suppliers are faced with a government more loyal to voters than to economic drivers. It is impossible for individual grain producers to lobby effectively on their own, and they therefore need a collective lobbying mechanism, such as Grain SA. Grain SA is focused on providing much-needed services and support to producers to ensure long-term sustainable and profitable grain production. Our main objectives include providing support to farmers to increase productivity through the ongoing supply of correct, applicable and timely information, research, lobbying and influencing the policy and legislation environment, expanding markets,…

Genetic infusion, like crossbreeding, is used to introduce, or enhance a particular favourable trait, in a breed. However, unlike crossbreeding, genetic infusion is used to improve a specific breed, rather than produce an entirely new breed. For example, since the 1990s, the Afrikaner has been infused with Bonsmara genes to improve its performance in the feedlot. Initially, Afrikaners were mated with Bonsmaras. The progeny (F1 – first generation) were crossbreeds, with 50% Afrikaner genes and 50% Bonsmara genes. The progeny that best demonstrated the favourable Bonsmara gene, but resembled the Afrikaner, were then mated with Afrikaners, and produced the second generation (F2). F2 was no longer a Bonsmara-Afrikaner crossbreed, because it had a larger percentage of Afrikaner genes. F2 was then bred with Afrikaners, producing F3 progeny, with an even…

A quiet revolution has been taking place in Msinga, the rural heart of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). While the drought has devastated cattle herds, goat numbers have held up. This is partly because goats are resilient, but also because the Mdukatshani Rural Development Project has been working at ways to keep these animals healthy and productive. Launched nine years ago, the successes of the Mdukatshani Rural Development Project have encouraged the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform to put R50 million into a project that aims to boost goat production in five districts in KwaZulu-Natal: Mzinyathi, Thukela, Uthungulu, Zululand and uMkhanyakude. The total investment, which includes funds from the agriculture department and the European Union (EU), comes to over R70 million. The project aims to stitch together, within five years, a…

The agricultural sector is set to benefit from the power of collaboration with industry leaders Nedbank, Old Mutual and Mutual & Federal at the 50th Nampo Harvest Day show between 17 and 20 May 2016. The show, on the outskirts of Bothaville in the Free State, takes place against the backdrop of South Africa’s worst drought in decades. The drought has had a significant impact on food security, adding complexity to labour and land issues already under the spotlight. After five decades, Nampo continues to bring together business, government, policymakers and enthusiasts in the agricultural sector in ever-greater numbers. Last year saw a record attendance of 70 000. As a bank committed to growing its base in the agricultural sector, Nedbank continues to play an active role through various partnerships…

Market agents sell fresh produce on behalf of farmers. They negotiate with buyers, pay over the money received to farmers, and in return, earn a commission. In accordance with the Agricultural Produce Agents Act (No. 12 of 1992), all agents must be registered with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC). The council ensures that farmers who entrust their fresh produce to agents are protected. Farmers can lodge a claim against the Fidelity Fund for losses incurred if a fresh produce agent is found guilty of theft. In addition, APAC provides the following services: • It conducts stock audits, in which a farmer’s produce on the trading floor is calculated per consignment, class, and quantity delivered, and then compared with the data on the market information system; • It conducts compliance…

A gearbox is a torque multiplier that enables the engine to operate in a speed range that generates enough power to keep the vehicle moving. • Manual gearbox Early gearboxes were very crude. The teeth were straight-cut, the gears had to slide on a shaft to engage with each other and the clutches were noisy, fierce, in-out affairs. In time, the gearbox became easier to operate. The first step was to keep the gear-sets in perfect mesh and fix each gear in succession to the main shaft by means of a sliding-cone clutch. Helically-cut gears, introduced later, reduced the noise level considerably. • Automatic transmission General Motors was the first to offer a successful automatic transmission – on the 1937 Oldsmobile. The modern automatic employs hydraulically-operated clutches and brake bands to grip…

Run your finger along the middle of your horse’s back toward the tail and you should feel a dip just past the flanks. This the lumbosacral space, where the lumbar vertebrae end and the sacrum begins. The sacroiliac is the joint between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis. Hidden under the large gluteal muscles on the top of the horse’s rump, the sacroiliac sits at the highest point of the rump. The bony tubular sacral is referred to as the ‘point of hip’ even though it has nothing to do with the hip joint. This area has two ligaments which, when damaged, can cause pain. Most injuries in this region are thought to be due to uneven stress being applied to the pelvis. Here are some ways you…

Dear Jonno At long last, we are now preparing to build a house on our game farm near Modimolle. Thank you for the drawings, they are almost perfect. However there are a couple of points I would like to highlight. We have decided to go ahead with a full thatched roof for the whole construction and then have steel tiles placed on top of it. We would like to position the garages on the left-hand side of the house, with the entrance at the back and windows in front so that they do not look like garages. The idea is that if we need more bedrooms in the future, we could change the garages into bedrooms with en suite bathrooms without affecting the appearance of the structure. New garages could…

POCKET GUIDE TO INSECTS OF SOUTH AFRICA by Mike Picker & Charles Griffiths (Struik Nature, R150) The global bee crisis has focused attention on the conservation of the smallest creatures contributing to our planet’s biodiversity. The authors reinforce this with their coverage of the ‘pushpull’ of companion planting for pest control in their useful introduction. The array of pictures alongside the ID guide includes the world’s only jumping cockroach, discovered by Picker himself. The authors have had to limit themselves to 260 common and interesting species out of about 100 000 in South Africa, but this makes a fascinating starter pack. WE NEVER ASKED FOR WINGS by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (Mantle, R279) The imagery of birds’ feathers and flight weaves elegiacally through this successor to Diffenbaugh’s bestselling…

The Canon IXUS 180 has an 10x optical zoom lens which helps you keep your subject in the frame by automatically detecting the number of people and adjusting the zoom level to determine the optimal size. The IXUS 180 also features Intelligent Image Stabilizer technology, which constantly adapts to the scene to ensure the best images and movies, even when you are on the move. Equipped with the best of Canon’s imaging technology, the IXUS 180 packs a 20 megapixel sensor and advanced DIGIC 4+ processor for ultra-fast responses and superb image quality. Visit www.canon.co.za.…

Critically low inland water resources across much of South Africa’s drought-stricken summer rainfall areas are likely to pose a problem for the control of wildfires during the winter fire season. According to government’s Working on Fire (WoF) programme, which assists public and private sector landowners to manage and control wildfires, many specialists had expected an increased risk of veld and forest fires this season. WoF said it already had more than 4 000 trained fire-fighters stationed at over 150 bases countrywide. Annual community fire awareness campaigns were launched in the summer rainfall areas during April this year. “Landowners are sinking new boreholes and rehabilitating old ones where possible. This does not solve the problem, as the water table is very low in places [and groundwater] is not an infinite resource.…

A livestock supplement manufacturer in Kenya has developed an organic supplement claimed to improve chicken health and nutrition without using chemicals. According to Africanfarming.net, the product, known as MolaPlus Poultry Microbes, comes in liquid form, which makes it easier for chickens to absorb feed faster while consuming less. MolaPlus CEO Henry Ambwere said that with the increasing cost of feed, poultry farmers needed a formula that offered a good nutritional mix, while keeping birds free from disease. He added that the MolaPlus supplement could improve the weight of birds, increase growth rates and help chickens reach maturity two-and-a-half weeks earlier. The microbes created a protective environment in the gut of the bird that prevented the spread of disease. Dr Charlotte Nkuna from the SA Poultry Association told Farmer’s Weekly that…

Small-scale farmers can achieve greater market access and improve their competitiveness through group GlobalG.A.P certification, which is an internationally recognised set of farm standards that promote good agricultural practices. Uptake of group accreditation, known as Option 2 certification, was still low in South Africa, but in Kenya and Ghana this form of accreditation had been successfully implemented for many years, according to Christi Venter, GlobalG.A.P expert and product developer. She said that GlobalG.A.P was not only an export demand, but any farmer who wanted to supply the local formal retail markets must be GlobalG.A.P certified. “In many cases, small farmers have a lack of resources, technical expertise and funding. Then they also compete with larger commercial producers in terms of volume and market access,” Venter said. Farmers could achieve greater…

Total maize production in South Africa is set to decline by 30% year-on-year, according to the fourth summer crop production forecast released by the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) recently. The CEC estimated that the commercial maize crop would amount to just over seven million tons. The fourth estimate was adjusted downward by 0,15%, or 10 900t from the previous forecast. The area estimate for maize remained unchanged at around 1,9 million hectares, down from 2,65 million hectares planted in the 2015 season. The expected yield was 3,62t/ha. The production forecast for white maize was about three million tons, 0,1% or 3 200t less than the previous forecast. The expected yield for white maize was 3,02t/ha. For yellow maize, the production forecast declined by 7 700t to 3 987 million tons.…

SA HAS A GRAIN STORAGE CAPACITY OF 20 MILLION TONS Nearly 1,5 million tons of yellow maize have been imported from South American countries through the ports of Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and East London so far in the 2015/2016 grain production season, according to Annatjie Loio, chairperson of the Grain Handlers’ Organisation of Southern Africa (Gosa). In an interview with Farmer’s Weekly, Loio said that local ports were under pressure because of the approximately five million tons of grain that would have to be imported in 2016 because of the drought. However, the industry was geared for the large-scale imports. “The Durban port, for instance, currently operates seven days a week 24 hours per day to ensure efficiency,” she said. White maize, wheat and grain sorghum were some…

A January move by 12 members of the European parliament for a written declaration to ban the import of hunting trophies to Europe has been blocked. “The EU is a major source of trophy hunters, and a frequent destination for trophies… Clearly, the current rules are insufficient and inadequately applied,” the submission to ban trophy imports stated. It also called on countries issuing permits to trophy hunters without due consideration for the impact of trophy hunting on conservation to halt this practice. “This decision means the world to marginalised communities that are dependent on income from hunting,” Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa CEO, Tharia Unwin, told Farmer’s Weekly. “Take, for example, [the town of] Lephalale. The whole economy depends on the game industry. If you take that away, the…

Through the empowerment of smallholder farmers, the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation’s (Nerpo) Livestock Syndicate Scheme is radically transforming the livestock industry. The scheme was a result of the resolution taken at the organisation’s 2014 AGM, at which Nerpo vowed to take a leading role in the development of livestock farmers and transformation of the red meat industry and its value chain. This involved black farmers not only being suppliers but taking ownership of certain parts of the value chain. Although Nerpo’s target was to have at least 200 farmers who would each be able to sell a minimum of 20 animals a year, the response from smallholder farmers has been overwhelming – with more than 600 farmers having signed up as members. This means that the scheme expects…

VOERDOKTER DIATOMS ALSO COUNTERACTS MYCOTOXINS Voerdokter Diatoms is now essential for all livestock species. This is clearly shown in the field and through extensive research. CASE STUDIES • Lasarus Game Breeders Located near Albertina, Lasarus Game Breeders is owned by Nico Lerm, a well-known game farmer and breeder of rare game. This year, on 2 April, he once again held a highly successful game auction. He has little doubt about the importance and benefits of Voerdokter Diatoms. “I’ve been using Voerdokter for a few years. It reduces many problems and simplifies my management,” he says. “Animals with a regular Voerdokter intake have significantly fewer internal parasite problems. Their condition and general health is also better. I can clearly see the difference. “I mix Voerdokter Diatoms into the feed ration, thereby reducing…

White button mushrooms have a tendency to go brown when unpacked and used at home due to the formation of the natural melanin pigment. A minor genetic change in the mushroom succeeded in preventing expression of the gene that controls melanin synthesis. Browning in white mushrooms renders them unattractive to consumers, reduces their shelf life, and affects automated mechanical harvesting. Researchers at the Pennsylvania State University in the US applied a new genetic technique whereby only a miniscule molecular alteration is effected in the target mushroom’s DNA code of the specific gene that controls melanin synthesis. This disables the gene’s function and no melanin can be produced. The university submitted an application for the approval of the new mushroom to the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Animal…

In recent years, more and more farmers struggling to stay profitable have turned to game farming, and the number of wildlife ranches has mushroomed. According to wildlife management authority and author Ron Thomson, there are approximately 10 000 registered private game ranchers in South Africa managing more than 20 million hectares of land. The following are some of the factors that influence the value of a game ranch: CLASSIFICATION Game ranches vary in function, and may include: • Those used for hunting, breeding and live sales; • Those used solely for breeding purposes, including small farms where exotic game are bred in captivity. These are not considered proper game farms because the animals do not live under natural conditions; • Ranches with or without lodges that are used for conservation…

WHEAT IMPORTS WILL REACH THE HIGHEST VOLUME ON RECORD With the planting season for South African wheat producers having arrived, the National Crop Estimates Committee forecasts that plantings could decrease slightly (0,06%) from last season to 481 850ha. South African wheat producers planted 482 150ha to wheat in the 2015 season, a 1% increase on the area planted in 2014. Nonetheless, production was lower than expected as a result of ongoing dry conditions in some areas of the Western Cape, such as the Swartland, which led to lower yield. Weather conditions are currently still dry, but indications from a number of forecasters are that South Africa may receive some rain later this season, as the El Niño weather system transitions into a La Niña cycle. Market conditions are also slightly…

Angus Champions Dexter Champions Contacts: Piet Delport: 082 550 7847 or Hendrick Delport: 082 222 4269 André Markgraaff: 082 7974366 | Coen van Tonder: 082 571 2818 Brahman Champions Brangus Champions SA Mutton Merino Champions Contacts: Schalk Erlank: 082 558 6891 | RC Malherbe: 084 851 8262 André Malherbe: 084 645 9335 | Neil Malherbe: 071 473 5322 | Jan Haasbroek: 082 466 8319 | Theuns de Bruyn: 082 527 5026…

Since Farmer’s Weekly last spoke to Jacky Goliath in 2012, (28 December 2012 issue), she and her business partner, Elton Jefthas, have grown their De Fynne Nursery business into a renowned supplier of high-quality potted plants. Raised in Abbotsdale near Malmesbury, Jacky says her passion for growing plants started as a child. “I always knew I wanted to work outside,” she says. “So I studied horticulture, and worked at the Agricultural Research Council, where I gained experience. Back then, I never even dreamed of having a farm. I didn’t think it was possible. Now my passion is my business.” De Fynne was established when Jacky and Elton planted 1000 fynbos plants in three varieties in Elton’s garden. The operation was then moved to a 0,5ha property in Kylemore, and then…

F230 flail cutter. Agricultural Equipment’s new locally manufactured cutters have been subjected to exhaustive field tests over the past year and will be launched at NAMPO. New software. New GPS section control software will further increase the versatility and proficiency of the Amazone ZA-TS fertiliser spreader. The machine will now be able to perform an almost infinitely variable section control, with up to 128 part width sections. Recent tests have shown that section control results in a significant increase in spreading efficiency and considerable savings, as the fertiliser is placed only where it is supposed to be – on the crop.…

JCB Loadall telescopic handler. The JCB 531-70 Loadall can lift 3,1t to a height of 7m. It has an air-conditioned cab, high-rate hydraulic flow and a multi-control joystick that enables the operator to perform several separate operations at the same time. With three steering modes and parallel, two- and four-wheel drive that can be selected on the go, the 531-70 has remarkable manoeuvrability. It also has a quick hitch drawbar with a towing capacity of 10t, while the Q-fit hitch on the boom allows for easy attachment of a variety of tools.…

Monosem frame model planters. One of the trends in SA’s agriculture sector is a movement towards closer row-spacing. With this in mind, Monosem has introduced its new frame model planter, the Quad-Max. Large flotation wheels in the front and the rear allow for row spacing as narrow as 450mm. At the same time, there is generous fertiliser and seed capacity. For every 525mm row on a 12-row machine, 350› of fertiliser or seed can be carried. This significantly reduces refilling time. Another trend is for wider and larger machines. The Quad-Max can offer this by joining two or three sections of six, eight, 10 or 12 rows together. Planters of up to 36 rows are also available with row distances ranging from 914mm to 450mm. For transport to and from…

THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT IS THE FIRST OF A NEW CLASS OF CHEMICAL South African farmers have long struggled with resistant and difficult-to-control weeds. BASF’s Intelex herbicide offers a brand new mode of action for managing these effectively yet with reduced toxicological impact. The solution offers exceptionally long pre-emergent weed control and gives farmers the flexibility to consider whether they will need to apply a post-emergent herbicide at a later stage of crop development. NEW COMPOSITION The advanced new active ingredient in Intelex, Kixor, raises the standard for broadleaf weed management. Kixor is a protoporphyrinogen-IX-oxidase (PPO or Protox) inhibitor (HRAC mode of action Group E), and is the first of the new pyrimidinedione class of chemicals. The chemistry behind Kixor offers a radical solution for maize farmers who have glyphosate, ALS…

US-based Valley Irrigation, renowned and trusted by farmers worldwide, manufactures a centre pivot system unique for its quality and durability. The simple design, rugged construction, easy-to-operate controls and reliable operation ensure a higher yield, even during drought. This increases overall profitability, which means a Valley Irrigation system essentially pays for itself. In 1999, Valley Irrigation made South Africa one of its regional offices and oversaw the building of an ultra-modern factory in Nigel. This guaranteed the availability of complete irrigation systems, components and professional technical support. Locally manufactured centre pivot systems are now exported to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Swaziland, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania and Mauritius. COMPLETE SERVICE FOR CENTRE PIVOTS Valley Irrigation offers a wide range of products and can advise farmers on selecting the optimal, most cost-effective system for their…

SMALL, FLAT RIB BONES CAN GET STUCK IN THE DOG’S PALATE Canine experts and vets have differing opinions on the safety and benefits of feeding bones to dogs. Many people have fed bones to their dogs for years and have never had problems. Others have done it only once, and their dogs have developed an intestinal blockage. The fact is that some dogs simply handle certain foods better than others. THE GREAT CHICKEN BONE DEBATE Chicken bones are the subject of much discussion amongst dog owners. I tend to agree with those who say that raw chicken bones are not dangerous, while cooked bones can be very dangerous indeed. Chicken bones become very hard and brittle after cooking and can form sharp splinters during chewing that damage the dog’s gums,…

I USED TO LIKE VISITING HER – TO ENJOY THE LOVE THAT CAN COME ONLY FROM A MOTHER I hope all fathers, sons and daughters in our farming communities remembered Mother’s Day on 8 May this year, because we must never ever forget the vital role a mother plays on the farm. Jesus placed the role of mother right at the top of His list. In fact, if we look at John 19:25-27, we see that when our Master was hanging on the cross in excruciating pain, He looked down and saw His earthly mother Mary and said, “Behold your mother!” And Mary was cared for. We are so busy trying to make ends meet and taking care of our young children that we sometimes forget our mothers. We need…

Sending or sharing files over the Internet or cellphone networks can be a tedious affair, especially with a poor rural network connection. Now, a new free app developed by Lenovo called SHAREIt has revolutionised file sharing between devices. Simply put, the app enables computers and cellphones to communicate without passing through a central server, router or network – a system called Wi-Fi Direct. The file transfer is said to be 200 times faster than Bluetooth, and files are saved directly to your device and not in the cloud (servers). Bluetooth also enables direct communication between devices, but sometimes suffers from compatibility problems between various makes of phones, and devices can fail to ‘connect’ and share data. With SHAREIt, users can share files between any Android, iOS, Windows or Mac OS…

‘IT IS PRECISELY URGENCY THAT IS MISSING’ Time to act on aquaculture potential I read the aquaculture column with keen interest, as I have some interest in this area. On 8 April, President Jacob Zuma was scheduled to give an update in Port Elizabeth on the key government initiative, Operation Phakisa, as it relates to the marine economy. I scanned your subsequent editions for news on what he said, but was disappointed. This initiative, I understand, holds the potential to create 750 000 jobs. I scanned the Internet – again, nothing. What is happening with Operation Phakisa, which supposedly brings together the best minds in the private and public sectors? A report from the department of agriculture, dated 31 November 2015, summarises the opportunity that is being wasted. Globally, of…

CONFERENCES & EXPOS 9 TO 12 MAY SA Society of Dairy Technology Symposium. Gateway Hotel, Umhlanga. Email Yvonne Steyn at yvonne@sampro.co.za. 9 TO 13 MAY World Brangus Congress, Thaba ’Nchu, Free State. Visit www.brangus.org.za. 24 TO 25 MAY Inaugural Ukulinga Howard Davis Memorial Symposium, Ukulinga Research Farm, Pietermaritzburg. Phone Dr Gareth Lagerwall on 033 260 5177, or email lagerwall@ukzn.ac.za. 1 TO 2 JULY SA Bee Industry Organisation’s Annual Conference, Oudtshoorn. Phone Lynette Barnes on 021 865 2050, or email info@capehoneyfactory.co.za. 27 TO 29 MAY 23rd Annual Gauteng Outdoor Eco Adventure and Travel Expo, Waterfall Polo Estate, Midrand. Visit www.gauteng.outdoorexpo.co.za. 31 MAY TO 3 JUNE Hortgro Science Technical Symposium, Allée Bleue, Simondium. Visit www.hortgroscience.co.za/hortgro-sciencetechnical-symposium-2016. COURSES & TRAINING 10 MAY One-Day Practical Home Gardener, Beula Park, Meadowdale. Phone Neill Jackson on 082…

The SA Mohair Growers’ Association has issued a pneumonia caution, following post mortems on Angora goats showing clinical symptoms of pasteurellosis (bontlong) on three farms in the Eastern Cape. The disease usually occurs in late autumn and early winter. Losses vary between 2% and 8%, but 10% to 50% of the young in a flock can show signs of the disease. An increase in pneumonia cases was attributed to the greater variation in day and night temperatures during this time of the year. Other factors which predispose animals to pneumonia include: • Stress as a result of herding and kraaling often in dry, dusty conditions. Sprinklers can be used to settle dust in kraals, and flocks should be moved slowly to prevent open-mouthed breathing or panting; • Shearing and stress…

A recent spate of unlawful use of pesticides highlights the risk that unscrupulous pest control operators pose to the environment and to humans, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, Griffon Poison Information Centre director. “Substances such as methamidophos, chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin are increasingly erroneously used by operators not officially registered. This inaccurate application could have disastrous effects on humans and the environment,” he said. CropLife SA and the SA Pest Control Association called on the public to ensure that pest control service providers were registered under the Registrar of the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (No. 36 of 1947). A pest control operator was legally obliged to have the registration certificate on his or her person when performing pest control services, according to Verdoorn. A team performing…

The 2016 Royal Show, which runs from 27 May to 5 June in Pietermaritzburg, promises to have a significant livestock section again this year, with various categories of livestock competitions. While cattle, sheep and goat stud breeders and commercial producers will be competing for the top places, the general public will also be able to view these animals and learn about South Africa’s livestock farming sector. One of the show’s notable livestock section events is the beef, lamb and pork carcass competition and auction. According to Terry Strachan, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society of Natal (RASN), the cattle competition section will host a commercial slaughter ox competition, a commercial weaner competition, a competitive bovine stud section, and the renowned interbreed stud competition. Some competing beef cattle breeds include Angus,…

While some retailers had reportedly told South African consumers that the current drought was cause for “disproportionately high” red meat prices, this was “not the case at this point in time”, the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) said in a statement. Current national red meat supply was actually exceeding demand, and previous high prices should have been declining across the board, according to the RPO. The producer price for lamb had decreased by 30% over the past nine weeks, and the year-on-year producer lamb price was currently 5,8% lower than in 2015. “The producer price of beef also decreased in the past four weeks by 8%, and year-on-year the producer price of beef is now 4% higher than in 2015,” the RPO said. The organisation added that producer prices for…

The forces of the free market system were particularly merciless in the South African agricultural industry, according to Prof Johan Willemse, agricultural economist at the University of the Free State. Reacting to the liquidation of grain trading and production financing company, Vrystaat Mielies, Willemse said it was difficult for SA agricultural producers and businesses to survive in a free market system without state support. “Businesses such as Vrystaat Mielies supply finance to producers in exchange for grain. Without grain, as happened this year, there are no profits for either party,” he said. Vrystaat Mielies was recently placed under final liquidation. This followed the Land Bank’s decision to no longer do business with the company. “This incident underscores the importance of state support for all players in the agricultural value chain,”…

South African wildlife ranchers have expressed disappointment at the cabinet’s recent decision not to legalise the trade in rhino horn, but instead stick to anti-poaching efforts. Jeff Radebe, minister for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, said that the cabinet had approved the recommendations made by the committee of inquiry on the feasibility of trading in rhino horns. “The committee recommends that the current mode of keeping the country’s stock levels be kept, as opposed to the trading in rhino horns,” he said. Dr Peter Oberem, deputy president of Wildlife Ranching SA, told Farmer’s Weekly that the decision marked “a sad day not only for those who propagate the legalisation of controlled trade but in particular for rhino and for local conservation”. He added that the decision flew in the face of…

The African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (Afasa) has noted with concern the budget of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) recently tabled by Minister Senzeni Zokwana. This year’s budget was R6,33 billion, a reduction on last year’s budget of R6,38 billion. Afasa is concerned that the reduction could compromise the government’s goals of boosting the economy and creating employment. In addition, due to the many challenges faced by the sector, demand on the budget is expected to grow significantly. Afasa is of the opinion that this reduced budget does not demonstrate government’s commitment to the objectives of its National Development Plan (NDP) to create a million jobs and boost the economy through the agriculture sector. We cannot talk of food security without providing adequate resources, and we…

Mike Mlengana, president of the African Farmers’ Association (Afasa), is pleased with provincial leaders’ reports on the progress and successes of the association’s roadshows, as well as engagements with key stakeholders. At the recent Afasa National Executive Council meeting in Pretoria, he expressed satisfaction with the participation of Afasa’s and the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation’s leaders in district land and agri-parks committees. At the roadshows, the effects of the drought were discussed at length, and farmers have resolved to continue lobbying for the agriculture department to implement several suggestions put to the agriculture minister, Senzeni Zokwana, in writing at the beginning of 2016. In addition, the various districts have noted that although several submissions have been put forward to government, little has been done with regard to farmer…

SOIL IS MANAGED WITH GREATER PRECISION A growing interest in soil health and conservation agriculture, as well as criticism of unsustainable farming practices, have increased the need for soil testing techniques that provide a more holistic assessment of soil health. According to a recent paper by Prof Alan Franzluebbers from the Department of Soil Science at North Carolina State University in the US, soil management worldwide is under threat because of practices such as high-intensity agriculture. This approach to farming largely ignores soil’s biological function and relies solely on chemical inputs. This has led to soil depletion reaching critical levels in many countries. In his research, Franzluebbers found that traditional soil testing services overlooked the importance of biological soil health. Soil analyses have always focused on total soil organic matter…

INCREASED EXPENDITURE ON RESEARCH IS A PREREQUISITE FOR AGRI SECTOR GROWTH To feed our growing population we have to increase the speed of agricultural development, especially the development of large-scale commercial farms that can afford to use the latest technology. But the agriculture sector is in a recession, shrinking by annualised values of 18%, 19,7%, 12,6% and 14% in the four quarters of 2015, according to Statistics SA. The sector’s contribution to the GDP for 2015 contracted by 8,4%. The drought, high input prices and weaker product prices had a negative effect on farmers, and for the first time in many years, South Africa must import maize. Commercial farmers are also discouraged from investing in improved production by a plethora of laws that increase the cost of doing business. The…

USE A TOURISM EXPERT TO HELP YOU GET THE VENTURE OFF THE GROUND More and more consumers are becoming interested and concerned about how their food is grown. Farmers can benefit from this by becoming involved in discussions with potential customers and interest groups, many of whom could be potential tourists. This is often difficult, however, as farmers have time constraints, and it is therefore important to involve family members and farm workers in an agritourism initiative on a farm. A good place to start would be to form a farmers’ agritourism group for a specific area or for a particular product. A good example is the Stellenbosch Wine Route. The first step would be to arrange a meeting for interested farmers, and invite a guest speaker to address them…

It’s Nampo Harvest Day again – and New Holland SA is back, with a bigger, better product line-up than ever. Visit stand 52 to see the very latest New Holland equipment, keeping an eye out for the following highlights: NEW HOLLAND T8.435 SMARTTRAX This tractor is a completely new addition to the popular T8 range and is fitted with standard front wheels and tracks at the back. It’s the connoisseur’s choice: you get all of the handling and comfort of a normal tractor with the additional traction provided by flotation tracks. This unique system offers a long list of advantages, including the ability to make small turning circles without excessive soil disruption. The 280kW T8.435 has 762mm-wide tracks and is the first New Holland tractor equipped with a constant variable…

NEVER PLACE CUT BUNCHES ON TOP OF EACH OTHER ON THE TRAILER Banana fruits develop in a large hanging cluster, made up of tiers (called ‘hands’), with up to 20 fruit to a tier. The hanging cluster is known as a bunch, and can comprise three to 20 tiers. Once your banana plants are growing, cover the bunches with bags for protection against insects and wind. At the same time, remove lower-hanging yellow leaves. This will result in better quality bananas. Remove the lower leaves from the plant as they get old because they can spread diseases and scratch the bunches. Use a knife to cut off the leaves – do not pull them. Place the leaves on the ground as mulch to increase the nutrient content of the soil.…

Dear black market agents, Over the years I’ve met most of you and have noticed two consistent themes. The first is a commendable enthusiasm to become a market agent. The second is concern about how to break into what is perceived as a ‘closed industry’. Many of you have asked me for advice and my answer has always been the same: • It’s never easy Working in a free market economy on a commission basis is never easy. Ask any of your white colleagues and they’ll tell you that starting a market agency takes time and requires a lot of calling on farmers. Farmers don’t simply change from one agent to another. • It requires deep pockets You will need enough money to finance your agency through the early years until it…

New Deutz-Fahr tractor series. The new Deutz-Fahr 9 TTV series comprises four models ranging from 202kW to 255kW. TTV continuously variable transmissions provide fast, safe and precise reaction and optimal fuel efficiency both in the field and on the road. The Maxi-vision cab is very quiet, while the single piece windshield provides excellent all-round visibility. Maximum lifting capacity of the linkage at the ball ends is 12 000kg. Power is provided by Deutz TTCD 7,8-litre twin turbo 6-cylinder engines.…

Farming is defined by unpredictable rainfall, increasing temperatures and rising electricity costs. With this combination of factors, it’s no wonder irrigation is one of the main consumers of energy on a farm. Modifying irrigation practices and adopting new low-energy technology is becoming ever more important to ensure profits. LOW PRESSURE Most irrigation systems still use high-pressure impact sprinklers that release an enormous volume of water using pressures between 2,7 bar and 5,2 bar (40 psi and 75 psi). Yet energy-efficient, low-pressure irrigation systems like those from Senninger are available – and have been proved to offer massive savings in energy and water costs. These systems use low-pressure sprinklers designed to operate between 0,7 bar and 1,7 bar (10 psi and 25 psi). Their secret? They reduce pumping demands without significantly…

South Africa is a water-scarce country, a fact emphasised by the current drought across much of the country. Meagre water resources are also under increasing pressure. For most farmers, the need to save water is no longer negotiable. DFM Software Solutions develops and supplies software applications that help farmers save significant quantities of water – affordably and conveniently – and saves time, money and electricity without compromising productivity. In addition, DFM Software Solutions provides efficient after-sales service and support. PRODUCT RANGE DFM Software Solutions’ product range includes a continuous logging soil moisture probe that comes in different lengths – from a 30cm bag probe to a 1,8m probe – to accommodate any crop variety. Long-distance (GPRS) probes allow a farmer to download information directly via the Internet, while short-range probes…

Recycling cooking oil, a readily available commodity, into biofuel to power farm machinery makes economic sense, says Graham Rebello, managing director of Bio-Dynamic Fuel. The company has developed a fully automatic compact stand-alone machine that easily converts used cooking oil sourced from local restaurants, retailers and food outlets into environmentally friendly biodiesel. Biodiesel can be used safely in any diesel-powered engine, whether it is fitted on a forklift truck, a combine harvester or anything in between. Biodiesel is completely biodegradable and far safer to store than fossil diesel. Harmful emissions are dramatically reduced and biodiesel lubricates more efficiently than fossil diesel fuel, so it has the potential to increase engine life. The B-Tech 40 produces 40l biodiesel from 40l used cooking oil per cycle of 10 to 12 hours. The…

Feeding bone meal to your dog could be risky – cases of pet food contamination are reported from time to time. In addition, certain types of bone meal are subjected to manufacturing processes that may result in a difficult-to-digest product. At the same time, cooking at a high temperature might result in bone shards with the potential to cause an internal injury to a dog. I do use bone meal for my own dogs, but in a fine meal form produced by a reputable manufacturer. I also mix it well into other rations to coat any splinters that may be present, making them more palatable.…

To make Kroonstad marinated game steaks for four hungry diners, you will need: 1kg leg or loin steaks cut fromthe game of your choice150ml dry red wine50ml brandy150ml lemon juice plus the zestof two lemons300ml olive oil75ml Worcestershire sauce200ml heavy soy sauce4 cloves garlic1 tablespoon chopped freshparsley1 teaspoon fresh ground blackpepper2 teaspoons (or more to taste)coarse salt2 tablespoons dry mustardpowder My cousin recently reminded me that I spent most of my time in Kroonstad cruising its quiet streets in my uncle’s red Dodge V8 bakkie. Yes, I was 14. Yes, I was a traffic outlaw. Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, let’s begin with the game. I used wildebeest, but this isn’t the only game in town – feel free to pick your own. The big deal is the size of…

Many people don’t like black pepper, claiming it makes them colicky after a meal if applied too liberally. If you are one of these, try using black cumin (Nigela sativa) instead. Ground over your food, it looks and tastes very similar to a kind of mild black pepper. It is also highly regarded as a ‘tonic food’. MANY MEDICINAL USES Herb expert Margaret Roberts recommends taking the herb as a tea with conventional medicine to help recovery from colds, bronchitis, rheumatic pain, fever, nausea and other ailments. Black cumin is said to be especially good for the elderly, as it boosts the immune system, keeping colds and flu at bay during the winter months. It is also recommended for nasal catarrh, intestinal worms, toothache, colic, spasms, stomach ache and flatulence,…

Pieter van Deventer farms Beefmaster stud cattle part-time on the farm Klipfontein near Coligny. In 1993, he bought his first Beefmaster bull, which he mated with several commercial cows, thus initiating the VAN-DEV Beefmaster herd. Pieter was impressed by the improved quality of the Beefmaster bull’s progeny and by their excellent weaning weights. Furthermore, the bull’s strong genetic prepotency ensured that his first-born calves strongly resembled Beefmasters. ESTABLISHING THE HERD Thereafter, Pieter bought several old Beefmaster cows from a well-known breeder. While unable to buy the calves, he selected cows with the best calves at foot. He considers this purchase one of the best decisions he ever made, as each cow was still able to produce a few calves, and so established the herd he has today. Meeting the high…