Table of contents for 8 July 2016 in Farmer's Weekly

The SABC’s Hlaudi (Good-news) Motsoeneng has joined the philosophical school of thought popular with political leaders such as President Jacob Zuma and EFF leader Julius Malema, which contends that if you are unfamiliar with something, it simply does not exist. For Malema, there is no such thing as an hermaphrodite (remember the Caster Semenya affair?), Zuma lives in a world where corruption does not exist (it is a “Western paradigm”), and Motsoeneng does not believe in a thing called censorship (it is an “English concept”). The SABC’s banning of any news or commentary related to service delivery protests on all its radio and television stations, as well as other restrictions placed on journalists with regard to news reporting, may be the most overt case of media censorship in a free,…

SA sheep farmers needed to be on the lookout for infestations of sheep lice (Bovicola ovis) as outbreaks were particularly common in winter. This was according to Jannie Fourie, Western Cape National Wool Growers’ Association’s (NWGA) production advisor. Bovicola ovis is a reddish-brown, chewing louse, 3mm in length. “The timeous treatment of sheep lice could prevent serious financial losses. Even a light infestation of about 5 000 lice per sheep could result in a 5% decline in production, while a heavy infestation of 25 000 lice per sheep could mean a production loss of as much as 20%,” Fourie said. The female louse produces many white eggs that are visible to the naked eye. The lice could cause pediculosis, resulting in incessant itching, scratching and rubbing of infested areas. Older…

Namibia recently announced a ban on the importing of pork from South Africa, following the recent swine-fever outbreak in North West and KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa exported about 12 000t of pork a year to Namibia, according to Simon Streicher, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO). The ban would last for only a short period and would not have a major impact on exports for South African producers, he said. Streicher said that systems had been put into place to prevent further problems. “It’s similar to the mad cow disease outbreak, where imports were also halted, but have now been lifted,” he said. The Meat Board of Namibia said that it produced about 52% of local needs, according to Wallie Roux of the Namibia Agriculture Union. A press…

The South African poultry industry must become more “outwardly focused” if it wants to grow the sector and achieve long-term sustainability. This was according to Ernst Janovsky, head of Absa Agribusiness, speaking at the AVI Africa Conference in Johannesburg. Janovsky said the industry was “lagging behind because of its inward focus”. “Poultry farmers must start thinking about the world market and look outside South Africa’s borders, because the weakening exchange rate is an opportunity to earn dollars.” Janovsky said the poultry industry was under pressure as a result of factors such as the drought and higher input costs, but other livestock sectors also faced similar challenges. Beef prices had increased far beyond that of poultry meat and eggs, he said, yet the industry was not seeing similar growth, despite having…

In 2014, the level of methane and nitrous oxide (N2 0)emissions from crop and livestock management started to grow faster than fossil fuel emissions, reversing trends from the 1960s, when fossil fuel emissions were the main culprit. This was according to a recent report by the University of Minnesota in the US and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), indicating that global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture represented around 14,6% of total carbon emissions. “Fossil fuel emissions are expected to decrease, a scenario not likely for agricultural emissions,” the report said. Dr Hendrik Smith, conservation agriculture facilitator at Grain SA, said that the local agriculture sector generated 10% of South Africa’s total GHG emissions. He said that numerous steps had been taken to reduce local agriculture’s GHG emissions,…

A comprehensive US scientific overview of related studies conducted by the US National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine shows that GM crops and their derived products are as safe as their conventional counterparts. Conclusions from the study were as follows: • Framework GM is a complex science and not a single entity. New genetics will challenge an exact definition to separate GM from non-GM techniques. Assessments are based on a case-by-case approach. • GM crops Genetic traits have been brought into wild species through domestification and selection over thousands of years. Modern genetics facilitates new techniques. GM has been introduced to 15 commercial crops: soya (83%), cotton (75%), maize (29%) and canola (24%). • Agronomic and environment impact Generally, GM crops have had a positive impact, with very little evidence of adverse…

POLITICIANS CLAIM TO SUPPORT AGRITOURISM, YET BUDGETS SHOW A DIFFERENT PICTURE Anew voluntary, non-profit association for agritourism in South Africa is currently being registered. The aim of this body is to coordinate and speed up the growth of this industry, and its members will include farmers and businesses involved in agritourism. Initially, support will be provided online for agritourism providers. However, the goal is to create an umbrella body that will set guidelines and a code of conduct for the industry. The association will also undertake the marketing of the agritourism sector to the South African public, government and tourism bodies. Consumer education and farmer support programmes will therefore be the key focus for the remainder of this year. POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF AGRITOURISM Active promotion of this potentially dynamic sector…

• Albedo effect: This is a measure of how much of the sun’s energy is reflected back into space. For example, white surfaces reflect the sun’s energy, while dark surfaces absorb the sun’s energy. Global warming, an increase in atmospheric temperature caused by greenhouse gas emissions, has resulted in nearly all of earth’s ice beginning to melt. With the decrease in white surfaces, the earth will absorb more of the sun’s energy, thus causing a further increase in temperature (Source: www.skepticalscience.com/earth-albedo-effect. html. Accessed: 24 June 2016). • Carbon sequestration of vegetation: A natural or deliberate process by which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and diverted into vegetation (Source: https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2008/3097/pdf/ CarbonFS.pdf. Accessed: 24 June 2016).…

North West Simbra Champions Angus Champions Contacts: Gawie Coetzee: 072 262 7036 | Gillie Visser: 060 532 3697 | Piet Delport: 082 550 7847 or Hendrick Delport: 082 222 4269…

This week, we look at a number of products manufactured or supplied by Pietermaritzburg- and district-based businesses on display at the Royal Show. 1 Great for cane The Agriserve Multi-Tasker fertiliser applicator is a highly versatile implement, particularly for sugarcane. It can create the furrow and place fertiliser in it, or apply fertiliser after the cane is planted. It can also be used to apply side-dressing for the growing cane. The fertiliser metering units are the same as those used on Monosem planters. 2 Irish immigrant Imported from Ireland by Agriserve KZN, the Major Swift MJ70-240 is a rigid deck finishing mower that combines the simplicity of a rotary with the professional finish delivered by a cylinder mower. It attaches easily to the tractor, and the mowing height can be…

If you are willing to put in the time with trotting poles, you will be rewarded with better balance, more elegance and a generally superior riding experience, says Kim Dyson. Trotting poles, or cavaletti (small jumps), are used to improve a horse’s technical skills and help with rehabilitation after injury. Traditional trotting poles are heavy 3m-long rails not less than 10cm in diameter. The X-shaped design enables you to raise the trotting pole easily. Horses clear the poles using increased flexion in all of their limb joints, rather than pushing their body higher off the ground. This means that the vertical force between the hoof and the ground does not increase. Thus, there is no increase in weight-bearing when horses are trotted over poles – an important consideration when overcoming…

Dear Jonno We have a stand on a small private game farm in North West, and hope that you’ll be able to convert our ideas into something unique. I’ve attached a rough sketch of what we have in mind, but essentially it must be a comfortable getaway for my wife and me. As I am self-employed and work long hours, I need a separate study cum computer room where I can attend to my business. The kitchen and central living area must not be too small, as this is where we will spend most of our time. We need only a master bedroom and one additional bedroom, as extra beds can be placed in the study or the lounge to accommodate guests. We look forward to see what you come…

EVERYONE’S GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICAN LAW by AM Anderson, A Dodd & MC Roos (Zebra, R260) This guide has always offered a useful and accessible starter pack for all kinds of legal queries. The fourth edition includes updates on DNA sampling, harassment, electronic fund transfers and sports law, amongst others. AFRICA SOLO by Mark Beaumont (Bantam, R340) This year’s Tour de France started last week and runs until 24 July – but Beaumont reminds us of the world-class cycling challenges to be found on our own continent. A Scot in the mould of South African adventurer Riaan Manser, Beaumont started off riding the length of Britain, Italy and both Americas, then went on to take the record for cycling around the world. He has also attempted…

‘FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE WORLD IS AT A POINT WHERE IT CAN GO PAPERLESS, THANKS TO DIGITALLY STORED DATA’ “The world is changing substantially due to current developments in technology – and agriculture is deeply involved in these changes. While some people may disagree, evidence suggests that the education gap between the rich and the poor is rapidly closing. Smartphones are a major reason for this, as they enable their users to access and share information from across the globe. They also allow people to get in direct touch with organisations and global experts in any field, and information is thus no longer limited to schools and classroom lessons. HOW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE WORLD OF WORK This narrowing education gap and increased access to technology has resulted…

The agriculture division of Omnia Holdings Limited has performed well despite difficult market conditions. “The division had surprisingly good results considering the effect of the El Niño [event] and we maintained sales despite the massive drought,” said Omnia CEO Rod Humphris. According to the company’s results for the year ended 31 March 2016, its agricultural division saw revenue growth of 13% to R8,29 billion on the back of a 4% decrease in total volume of fertiliser sold. The volume of fertiliser sold in South Africa declined by only 1%, however, despite a 27% reduction in the area planted to maize, and a 22% reduction in the area planted to summer crops. The company also achieved record sales of liquid fertiliser, despite drought conditions. Humphris said forecasts had shown El Niño…

Brazil has expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties with Kenya by increasing exports and imports between the two countries, according to Standard Media report. In 2010, Brazil signed six bilateral agreements with Kenya to boost trade and investment. Kenyan exports under discussion are cut flowers, tea, vegetables, sheep and goat leather, and milk, while imports are agricultural machinery and equipment. Horticulture, which includes flower exports, generates US$1 billion (R14,6 billion) for Kenya annually. The country also produces 5,4 million tons of goatskin and 2,7 million tons of sheepskin a year. Dr Koos Coetzee, chief economist at the Milk Producers’ Organisation, said it was unlikely, however, that Kenya was currently in a position to export milk to Brazil. “Kenya produced 4,4 million tons of milk in 2013 and the estimated…

South African poultry imports are at their highest levels ever and the South African Poultry Association (SAPA) is concerned about how this will affect the economy, unemployment, and enterprise development. Speaking at the AVI Africa Conference in Johannesburg, CEO of SAPA, Kevin Lovell, said that the poultry industry could not remain sustainable if the current rate of imports continued. “At no time before in South Africa’s history has the local industry faced such a deadly combination of conditions that are threatening the very survival of established enterprises, and destroying the prospects for emerging poultry farmers,” he said. According to SAPA, the industry had been accused of seeking to protect inefficient producers, being anti-competitive, and stifling industry transformation. However, Lovell said statistics reflected the negative impact of imports. For every 10…

South African farmers will not plead for clemency if the Expropriation Bill is promulgated and does not comply with the Constitution, Johannes Möller, president of Agri SA told delegates at the 73rd annual congress of the SA Mohair Growers’ Association (SAMGA). The congress, held in Graaff-Reinet, was attended by 200 delegates. Möller, who was guest speaker, stressed that Agri SA had clearly stated that government would not be allowed to expropriate land when and how it wanted to. “We will take any planned actions to court should it not be in line with the Constitution of our country. It will keep the courts busy for many years. There are thousands of farms available on the open market that government can buy. Agri SA will not allow any irregular expropriation to…

Bruce Moffat, an ancestor of Zimbabwe’s first missionary, Robert Moffat, is embroiled in a legal wrangle with fellow Zimbabwean, Sibongile Shava, over the ownership of a farm in central Zimbabwe. Moffat is also the grandson of the former Southern Rhodesia’s second prime minister, Howard Unwin Moffat, who served from 1927 to 1933. Robert Moffat built the London Missionary Society’s first mission station in Zimbabwe, Inyati Mission, in 1859 after he had befriended Mzilikazi, the Ndebele king who ruled over the western parts of present day Zimbabwe. Shava is seeking Moffat’s eviction from the historical 216ha Oaklands Farm in Shangani. She said the government had allocated the property to her in 2014, but Moffat was refusing to vacate it. In court documents filed in the Bulawayo High Court, Shava cited Moffat…

TECHNOLOGY THAT IS TOO EXPENSIVE WILL CAUSE, NOT SOLVE, PROBLEMS Technology can be highly seductive, as any parent of a teenager will know. It is very easy to get so involved with technology that you neglect the other important aspects of managing a farm business. New technology usually follows what is known as the Gartner hype cycle. First, there is the trigger – the announcement of some new advance. Then there’s the hype, leading to inflated expectations about the benefits of the technology. This is followed by a period of disillusionment, when it becomes clear that the claims were vastly exaggerated. As practical ways of implementing the technology become clear and second- and third-generation products appear, users begin to understand and apply the technology properly. This is followed by a…

Parts of South Africa have the world’s best climate for growing pecan nuts (Carya illinoinensis). In an interview with Farmer’s Weekly in January 2011, Philip Antrobus, pecan nut farmer and then chairperson of the SA Pecan Nut Producers’ Association (SAPPA), said that pecan nut production was a lucrative industry. “Income harvested from two pecan nut trees is equivalent to that from 50t of maize,” he was quoted as saying. The pecan nut industry continues to expand, as indicated by SAPPA’s statistics, with 327 900 trees planted in 2013, 341 000 trees planted in 2014 and 340 000 trees planted in 2015 (source: www.sappa.za.org/information/industry-statistics). Similarly, according to Pecans SA, consumption has more than doubled since 2007, with 90% of the country’s pecans exported to China. While pecans may seem like a…

Meat BEEF PRICES DOWN International: New Zealand steers traded 2,14% lower at NZ$503/head and cows traded 2,09% lower at NZ$375/head.US prices were mostly lower: topside was 6,64% lower at US$188,13/cwt, rump was 5,33% lower at US$270,10/cwt, strip loin 5,80% lower at US$568,82/cwt, chuck 4,93% lower at US$193,27/cwt, and brisket 6,33% higher at US$295,26/cwt. The carcass price was 2,21% lower at US$300,80/cwt. New Zealand cattle slaughter numbers are declining rapidly as winter sets in. Domestic: Local prices declined. Class A prices were 0,29 lower at R37,40/kg and Class C was 0,39% higher at R28,50/kg. The weaner prices was 1,18% lower at R19,33/kg. The hide price was 0,93% higher at R15,25/kg. Month-end buying and a decline in slaughtering numbers may support prices. Outlook: International prices continue to remain stable due to the…

Estimated breeding values (EBVs) indicate the genetic potential of an animal for a specific trait. This value is calculated relative to the average values of animals born in the base year (1990 for most breeds and traits). The birth weight and weaning weight of calves (Table 1) is taken into account when measuring some of the sub-values of Cow Value such as Calving Ease and Calf Growth (Table 2a and 2b). The EBV index helps farmers to interpret EBVs. The base breeding value on the index is set at 100, the average for all the live animals in the breed, and all other values are expressed relative to this value. Generally, values above 100 are more desirable and represent the percentage that an animal or herd scores above the breed…

Frans and Meg Gerber bought their original 109ha farm from Meg’s father’s estate in 1986. They built a packhouse and signed a deal with Kenlly Farms to harvest the Knysna fern (Rumohra adiantiformis). When the contract ended less than two years later, Frans went from door to door seeking new customers. His determination paid off: he signed five contracts and the family business Forest Ferns grew from there to harvest a variety of ferns on more than 150 000ha. “Overseas clients came out to visit and suggested new products. They’d walk in the forest and see products they liked. If these were viable and sustainable, we went into commercial production,” says Johan Gerber, CEO of Forest Ferns. Exposed to his parents’ business since the age of 10, Johan started a…

Germination is influenced by various factors, starting with the temperature of the growing medium. Different species have different preferences, but it’s not always practical to provide the optimal germination temperature for each species if several species are grown simultaneously in relatively small volumes. In this case, aim for an average temperature that will yield satisfactory germination for the range of species – in the region of 20°C – 25°C. STACKING TRAYS It’s a good idea to keep a germination room moist and at a regulated temperature – as long as you follow proper procedures. For example, most seedling trays are made of polystyrene, an insulation material. When they are stacked on top of each other, the temperature of the growing medium in the middle may be cooler than the ambient…

WE MUST TRUST GOD TO WORK MIRACLES IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS Arguably the most famous chapter in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – the ‘Chapter of Love’. As followers of Jesus in these perilous times, we have to exercise love. In fact, in verse 13, at the end of this famous chapter, we read: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” For our beloved South Africa and the continent to have any hope of a peaceful and prosperous future, we have to start loving each other. You might say, “That’s impossible! Not after what I’ve been through. Not after the murders, the injustice, the unfairness, the corruption, the hatred!” But the only remedy, the only way to be healed and gain the…

A recent agreement has seen the amalgamation of remote sensing technology and crop science. US aerospace technology company, Planetary Resources, has developed low-cost sensor platforms to better manage natural resources. Bayer, the agricultural inputs manufacturer, has signed an agreement with the company to use its Earth observation system, Ceres, to collect a new level of crop intelligence. “The combination of Bayer’s scientific and agronomy expertise and Planetary Resources’ sensor capability will improve our ability to deliver practical intelligence to growers anywhere,” says Liam Condon, chairperson and CEO of Bayer CropScience (see www.digitalfarming.bayer.com). With these technologies, farmers will be able to better time their irrigation systems, thus saving water, and also receive recommendations on planting dates. Ceres satellites will use infrared imaging to monitor crops and supply information on the crops’…

Desperately little rain fell in our valley during summer, with the result that neighbour Jan’s dam was slowly reduced to hard-baked sand. Jan, however, used this bad situation to his advantage: he increased the height of the dam wall by transferring soil from the floor of the dam. It was a major project. Initially, the tractor bogged down frequently in the few muddy pools left, and had to be dragged out with the TLB. That problem disappeared as the mud dried out, but the difficulty of the task remained. Due to the height of the wall, the tractor had to climb at precarious angles. Jan did not want to expose his driver to this danger, so did the job himself. It also cost a small fortune in diesel and repairs…

CONFERENCES & EXPOS 19 TO 20 JULY 4th Annual Africa Women in Agriculture and Agribusiness Summit, Midrand. Email Kelly Siasamba at kelly@amabhubesi.co.za. 21 JULY Intensive Growers' Association's (IGA) Annual Spring-Summer Symposium, Durban Botanic Gardens. Email iga@sai.co.za. 25 TO 27 JULY 1st Annual Agribusiness Forum, Gabarone, Botswana. Phone Kabo Kote on +26 77 334 4001, or email info@fresh-taste.com. COURSES & TRAINING 4 TO 6 JULY Sheep and Goats: Artificial Insemination, Krugersdorp. Phone Di Rothman on 082 772 1208, or visit www.rltsafrica.com. 4 TO 8 JULY Beekeeping Winter School, NGK Bergsig, Durbanville. Phone Robert Post on 021 971 1022, or email crpost@telkomsa.net. 11 JULY Heat Observation, Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Check, Bloemfontein. Phone Peter Milton on 083 630 8868. 14 TO 19 JULY Commercial Gourmet Mushroom Cultivation, Cape Town. Phone Adriaan Smit…

Free State Agriculture (FSA) has issued an urgent notice, warning farmers about the activities of illegal miners, commonly known as zamas, on farms surrounding provincial mining regions. Tommie Esterhuyse, FSA Safety and Security chairperson, said that farmers and landowners needed to be on the lookout for zamas illegally occupying empty buildings on farms. “Illegal occupation by zamas is a serious problem, particularly in the Odendaalsrus, Welkom, Virginia and Allanridge districts,” he said. Esterhuyse said that an incident had recently been reported in Odendaalsrus, where a farmer, his wife and his children had been telephonically threatened after the farmer had discovered evidence of zama activity in unused worker quarters. Zamas had seemingly used the empty buildings for the preparation and packaging of food for the illegal miners working underground in nearby…

Mlibo Qoboshiyane, MEC for the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), recently secured an offtake agreement with international food giant, McCain Foods. The agreement, which expires in 2020, was announced at the Potato SA transformation symposium held in East London on 9 June. It is expected to benefit more than 1 000 small-scale potato farmers throughout the province. Last year, South Africa produced 2,5 million tons of potatoes, with the Eastern Cape contributing only 6%. Qoboshiyane said that the province needed to increase production of the vegetable. According to him, McCain Foods required nearly 50 000t potatoes from the province. ”To assist in the expansion of the Eastern Cape’s potato industry, McCain Foods would work directly with emerging farmers by providing good quality seed, skills development…

Britain’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) has sparked concern about South Africa’s agricultural trade relationship with the UK. However, Agbiz agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo said that he did not foresee any immediate changes in South Africa’s exports to Britain. “We’ll still be sending our agricultural products to the UK as before,” he said. On 23 June, in a move commonly known as ‘Brexit’ Britain became the first country to withdraw from the EU. Over the next two years, the UK will have to negotiate the terms of its departure as well as new trade agreements with European countries and other trading partners such as South Africa. Dr Flippie Cloete of North-West University also did not anticipate negative ramifications for South Africa in the short term. Of concern, however,…

The SA poultry industry needed to review its approach to creating market access for small-scale poultry farmers. Speaking at the AVI Africa Conference held recently at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg, Justice Zotwa, chairperson of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), said that not all farmers had access to the same markets. Zotwa told farmers that they had to create different markets for their products. “Just because there is transformation doesn’t mean that we can all become suppliers to Pick n Pay or be contract growers. As emerging farmer[s], you should also focus on differentiating yourself so that you can get your own share of the market,” he said. Zotwa added that not all farmers would become large-scale commercial poultry producers; some would remain small but profitable. “You might say that…

Agri-investment company, Zeder, recently reached an agreement with the PSG Group to exchange the latter’s management fee contract for additional equity in Zeder. A special shareholder meeting will now be held to give Zeder shareholders an opportunity to vote on the proposal. If approved, 208 million new Zeder shares will be issued in exchange for the shares in PSG, increasing PSG’s stake in Zeder from 34,5% to 42,4%. Zeder shares traded for R6,70 at the time of going to print, putting the value of the transaction at around R1,4 billion. Following approval, Zeder’s management function will be internalised, with the PSG Group subsidiary no longer having any contractual rights with the existing management agreement. Zeder CEO, Norman Celliers, told Farmer’s Weekly that PSG and Zeder had been negotiating alternatives to…

In future, it will become much more important to adhere to sustainability guidelines, especially determining the origin of natural fibres in clothing. This was according to Cobus de Klerk, chairperson of the SA Mohair Growers’ Association (SAMGA). De Klerk delivered his annual report at SAMGA’s 73rd congress held in Graaff-Reinet recently. He stressed that although adherence to sustainability guidelines was not required in the past, they were becoming very important to consumers. “Producers must ensure that they know which kinds of dipping products may be used in the past three months before shearing, especially as clips will be tested regularly for banned active materials,” he said. In his report, De Klerk noted that grazing conditions were still very poor in many production areas. Some areas had received good rainfall, but…

A project aimed at furthering scientific ostrich breeding is showing impressive progress, thanks to the work of Stellenbosch University (SU) researcher Dr Marna Smith. The project involves students and staff at the university as well as members of the Western Cape department of agriculture. As part of her PhD in animal sciences from SU, Smith has established a protocol by which ostrich semen can be cooled successfully for up to two days, or stored indefinitely after freezing, until required for the AI of female birds. Further refinement of the protocol will lead to improved assisted reproduction techniques, according to a statement released by the university. In future, stored semen from birds of outstanding genetic merit can be bought in from other studs to be used for fertilisation. This should enable…

GRAPE PULP IN WINE IS STILL INDENTIFIABLE AS‘FRUIT OF THE VINE’ Are a farmer’s pulped grapes, when mingled with pulped grapes from other farmers and turned into grape juice and then wine, a separate, taxable item? This was the issue in the Supreme Court of Appeal Judgement Avenant v CSARS (367/2015) [2016] ZASCA 90 (1 June 2016). The appellant delivered grapes to a co-op for making into wine, marketing and sale. The Commissioner of SARS (the respondent) added back a certain value to the farmer’s tax return and assessed him on the grapes pulped by the co-op. The farmer contended that the grapes, mingled with pulp from other farms, were no longer ‘produce on hand’ and could thus not be taxed. The Court of Appeal deliberated on whether the grapes…

What is South Africa’s current soil erosion status? Since Lindeque’s article in 2010, South Africa’s erosion problem hasn’t significantly worsened, but it has also not improved. Annually, we’re still losing an estimated 500 million tons of sediment, composed of mainly soil and topsoil. South Africa’s soil erosion is [thus] too high, and may have a [negative] impact on future food security, as it decreases soil fertility, thereby reducing productivity. Currently, although soil loss has decreased during the drought, ground cover loss has significantly increased, as has the potential loss of soil structure due to trampling. This is of great concern, as many areas have now become especially susceptible to soil erosion. When the expected heavy spring rain arrives, erosion is likely to be particularly severe. Therefore, it’s extremely important that…

THIS INCOME HAS SUSTAINED MANY FAMILIES IN DIFFICULT TIMES When Buffeljagsbaai community leader, Sarah Niemand, returned to her hometown 15 years ago after a period in Cape Town, she was struck by the poverty and hardship that the local people, especially women, endured. This small fishing community, 35km from Gansbaai in the Western Cape, is almost entirely dependent on the sea for food security and income. Sarah wanted to utilise local resources to establish a sustainable venture that would create jobs. “We depend on the food [we harvest] from the sea to feed our families. Why not use it to our advantage to earn some money?” she asked. MINIMAL FUNDING TO GET STARTED In 2006, Sarah applied to the Overberg District Municipality for funding to start the Buffeljagsbaai Women’s Project.…

COMMUNAL LAND RESTRICTIONS ARE A MAJOR CHALLENGE “The Merino is the world champion in wool,’’ says Goodman Ginyigazi (51). “I advise people to go straight for it.’’ In 2004, Goodman farmed a small flock of 60 Dohne Merinos. Now, 12 years later, the former teacher has transformed his flock, and currently farms 261 pure Merinos, including 150 breeding ewes, as well as a small flock of crossbred goats. Goodman’s dedication to wool production has paid off; he generates over R50 000/year from his wool clip, and for five consecutive years (2009 to 2013) his flock received the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform’s (ECDRDAR) award for the best Eastern Cape communal fine wool clip. Determined to improve production, Goodman has bought Merino flock sires from Merino stud…

I was delighted to read Wilma den Hartigh’s interview with Deon van Zyl on tactics to achieve successful sales on markets (Farmer’s Weekly, 27 May 2016). At last, here is an industry leader saying what I’ve been writing in my column for years. This is not about vindication, however. All that matters is to get this crucial message about good fresh produce marketing across to farmers. And Van Zyl is the ideal person to do that. He has an uncanny ‘feel’ for markets and how they operate. For this and many other reasons, he is highly regarded by his peers in the fresh produce sector. In the Farmer’s Weekly interview, he touched on one or two issues that are well worth reiterating. For example, he mentioned the importance of regular…

A tow-hitch can be fitted to any vehicle on the road. This does not mean, of course, that its owner is thereby equipped to tow any caravan or trailer available. For towing to be safe and enjoyable, the towing vehicle must have the correct characteristics for the job. This involves mass, power and torque, as well as the mass of the trailer. (In this article, the term ‘trailer’ refers to either caravan or trailer). MASS LIMITS The law and most manufacturers specify mass limits for the vehicle as a whole, for the wheels and axles, and for the car-trailer combination. Commercial vehicles usually show these details on a plate but private cars seldom display the complete mass breakdown. SA towing regulations have often been promulgated without informing the motoring associations.…

Begin with the Asian noodles, which you will find without difficulty in a large supermarket. Asian noodles require less cooking than pasta, so follow the directions on the packaging. Cool with running water, drain and reserve. Mix the dressing. These quantities will make double the amount required for one serving, so store the remainder in the fridge for later in the week. Don’t use olive oil, as the flavour is inappropriate for this dish. Combine the lime juice (or lemon as a substitute), the canola oil, coarse mustard and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a small lidded container, close it, and shake it until a partial emulsion is formed. Let this settle down until later in the proceedings. Season the steak (cut off the fat if using sirloin)…

The pumpkin seed is a chewy, tasty and healthy snack. It contains a variety of nutrients in a natural form, including vitamins A, E, K, thiamine, folate, niacin and B6; minerals such as iron, copper, zinc, magnesium and potassium; and 18 amino acids. One of these is tryptophan, which is associated with restful sleep. Zinc is especially important in winter, as it helps maintain optimal immunity. It is also good for prostate health. Magnesium improves the motility of the colon, which helps to rid the body of toxins. Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants such as carotenoids, phytosterols and alpha linolenic acid (omega-3) that are good for your heart’s health and combat aging. BAKE OR FRY Pumpkin seeds should be fresh when you buy them; if they taste rancid, take them back.…