Table of contents for 3 February 2017 in Farmer's Weekly

Whenever I see a rhino these days, I wonder if these remarkable creatures will still be around when I reach old age. Cape Vidal, which is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, is a favourite holiday destination of my family. In recent years, when driving from the St Lucia gate to Cape Vidal, we were always on the lookout for a family of rhinos grazing on a low hill near the road. Two years ago, these rhinos were killed by poachers, and my family and I were so distraught by the news that we cancelled our plans to meet at Cape Vidal for Christmas that year. This December, we went back and it was painful to drive past the empty hills where our rhinos (as we had…

CONFERENCES & EXPOS 17 FEBRUARY Wheat Indaba, Pretoria. Phone Lizbé Esterhuizen on 012 807 3002, or email lizbe@agbizgrain.co.za. 21 FEBRUARY Wheat Indaba, Elsenburg. Phone Lizbé Esterhuizen on 012 807 3002, or email lizbe@agbizgrain.co.za. COURSES & TRAINING 30 JANUARY TO 1 FEBRUARY Registration of Artificial Insemination in Sheep and Goats, George. Phone Di Rothman on 082 772 1208, or visit www.rltsafrica.com. 31 JANUARY TO 1 FEBRUARY Manufacturing of Yoghurt and Maas, Irene. Phone Annetjie Loubser on 012 672 9153, or email aloubser@arc.agric.za. 6 TO 9 FEBRUARY Artificial Insemination/ Semen Collection in Pigs, George. Phone Di Rothman on 082 772 1208, or visit www.rltsafrica.com. 6 TO 9 FEBRUARY Three-day Basic Conservation Agriculture Course, Meadowdale. Phone Neill Jackson on 082 407 6774, or email neill@foundationsforfarming.org. 6 TO 10 FEBRUARY Introduction to Poultry Production,…

Any industry is affected by the demands of the consumer. In the local red meat market as well as the more sophisticated international market, consumers are increasingly interested in the way in which farmers deal with natural resources, their livestock and their farmworkers. The RPO, in cooperation with the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (NERPO), has developed a code of best practice that incorporates the strategies relevant to agricultural and environmental sustainability outlined by the National Development Plan 2030. The code is ideal for both primary and emerging farmers. The following are some of the key issues addressed by the RPO/NERPO Code of Best Practice: • Mlimate change Climate change projections are in agreement that Southern Africa will become drier and warmer. The predicted higher temperatures will mean that animals…

Despite UK Prime Minister Theresa May recently outlining some of the government’s key priorities in negotiating an exit from the European Union (EU), UK farming organisations say there is still considerable uncertainty about the future. May said that the UK would be seeking a free trade agreement with the EU, as well as new trade agreements with other countries. “I want tariff-free trade with Europe and cross-border trade there to be as frictionless as possible,” she said. The UK’s National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Council said in a statement following the speech that it had long called for clarity from the government on the intended trading environment for Britain post-Brexit, as 72% of agricultural exports went to the EU. The council added that it was seeking urgent talks with the government…

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) officials have met with a delegation from China to discuss possible red meat exports to China. According to a statement by DAFF, cooperation in sanitary and phytosanitary matters were discussed. “Parties reviewed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on entry and exit animal inspection and quarantine and discussed veterinary measures relating to the export of South African beef to China. The reviewed MoU and the veterinary documents from the discussions are to be subjected to legal consideration by both parties. The parties also facilitated the engagements between the Agricultural Research Council and the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine,” the statement said. The Chinese delegation also visited selected feedlots, abattoirs, and beef-processing plants, cold storage facilities and ports of entry to assess the South…

The latest statistics released by industry organisation Forestry South Africa (FSA) have revealed that, despite a 19,3% decrease in total forestry plantation area from 1998 until 2015, the industry has increased its roundwood production. The country’s total annual roundwood production in 1998 was just over 15,6 million cubic metres from 1,38 million hectares. By 2015, it was about 18 million cubic metres (15,3 million tons) from 1,2 million hectares. FSA operations director, Roger Godsmark, attributed the decline to six factors: • Increasingly environmentally conscious foresters collectively removing more than 80 000ha from ecologically sensitive riparian zones; • Government exiting its forestry operations in the Western Cape (56 000ha); • Felled plantations not being replanted due to stringent tree genus-to-area matching regulations; • The data of small-grower forestry co-ops not being…

Plans are afoot for the South African agricultural industry’s expansion to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and the first sods will be turned later this year. This is according to Dirk Hanekom, CEO of Agri All Africa. Hanekom said that the Côte d’Ivoire project was headed by a conglomerate of companies, including Prorustica, John Deere and Nulandis. Agri All Africa had been responsible for drawing up the farming business plans and the implementation thereof. “We’ve identified an area in the central part of the country suitable for the production of, among others, grain, beef cattle, poultry and subtropical fruit,” he said. According to Hanekom, the establishment of South African farmers in that country and the development of a commercial agricultural industry would be rolled out in phases, and would be undertaken…

The Australian Seawater Greenhouse in Port Augusta was built to address a range of challenges that are similar to those encountered in South Africa. These problems include water scarcity and salinity, rising input costs, and the lack of year-round supply of ethically sourced fruits and vegetables. The photograph shows an array of solar-collecting, sun-tracking mirrors around a high tower in the foreground. Several seawater greenhouses are alongside the mirrors. The latter reflect the sun’s rays onto the top of the central tower, where the energy is stored in the form of latent heat. This is used to melt a particular salt at a far higher temperature than the boiling point of water. The salt is then stored in its liquid form, and the heat used to generate steam for the…

THE GENERAL RULE IS THAT THE STATUTE MUST BE INTERPRETED IN FAVOUR OF THE SUBJECT In the 20 January issue, I discussed the Annandale Farms judgement involving Shell and SARS. Here, you will recall, Shell contended that the expropriation of land did not involve the supply of goods and services; therefore Section 7(1) (a) of the VAT Act did not apply. The company went directly to the High Court for a declaratory order (sought when there is doubt as to the legal rights of parties). The case rested on a perceived ambiguity in the VAT Act’s use of the word ‘supply’. Was it to be taken as a given in the transfer of property, in which case VAT was due? Or did a vendor have to actively supply services? If…

A maize plant uses sunlight as an energy source to produce carbohydrates, protein and oil, which are stored as grain. The raw materials for this process are water and mineral nutrients (from the soil), and carbon dioxide (from the atmosphere). The maize plant depends largely on nature to shape its growth, development and yield. However, a farmer can manipulate the environment by managing factors such as cultivar choice, soil tillage, crop rotation, fertilisation, irrigation and pest control. If he understands the principles of maize growth and development, he will be able to apply these crucial production inputs at the correct time and rate to achieve the optimal yield and profit. THE HIGHEST VISIBLE COLLAR The leaf stage of the maize plant is identified by the top leaf that has a…

Gibberella or red ear rot is caused by fungi belonging to the Fusarium graminearum species, which also causes root rot, crown rot, stalk rot and seedling blight of maize. Symptoms include reddish kernel discolouration, usually beginning at the ear tip. Husks may rot and become cemented to the ear. LIFE CYCLE The fungus survives winter mainly on the surface of maize stubble. It can also survive in the soil or on lucerne and grass cover crops. This explains the presence of red ear and stalk rot on lands that have been cropped to ‘non-hosts’ for several years. Air currents transmit spores onto maize stubble. Spores infect the maize silks and grow down into the tip of the ear. Cool, wet weather within three weeks of silking favours red ear rot.…

BALING CONTINUED WITH NO STOPPAGES New Holland recently tested the BigBaler 1290 by linking it to a T7.315 tractor and working it for 17 hours over two days. The BigBaler exceeded all expectations. “It delivered exceptional productivity, with every bale of consistently high quality and weight,” said Simon Nicholl, head of hay and forage crop production at New Holland. “Moreover, it achieved this outstanding performance in the real conditions that straw contractors operate in, with hot and dry weather and long hours.” The trial took place at La Duranderie Farm in the Pays de la Loire in France. The straw baled was from crops of durum wheat and the results were certified by the Société Générale de Surveillance (www.sgs.co.za). On the first day, the baler worked in sunny conditions in…

KEEP THE FEED ROOMS AS CLEAN AS YOU WOULD YOUR KITCHEN Your horse should produce a well-formed, firm to slightly soft ball of faeces containing properly chewed and digested grass, with no slime. When the spring grass appears, the faeces may turn bright green and runny. This is normal, as is any brief variation in the stool caused by a sudden change in the environment. Diarrhoea, which is a symptom of several diseases, can result in a loose stool or a mush similar to a cow patty. If this persists, contact your vet. Mild diarrhoea can go unnoticed for a long period, especially if your horse is always out in the veld. As the severity increases, you may notice a stain under the tail and down the legs. ACUTE &…

Stephen, for whom I had previously done design work, recently approached me with a further request for cost-effective tourist accommodation in a rural, farm-style design. In the sketches herewith, I’ve kept the floor layout compact but functional, which is ideal for day visitors. Tourists will probably be out sightseeing for most of the daylight hours and come back only in the late afternoon. Therefore a small functional kitchen and outside braai facility should be adequate for catering purposes. The styles depicted are typical of early settler homes in South Africa, with a high-pitched roof that can accommodate an additional sleeper-deck. Typical too is the material used for the roof – corrugated iron, which is cost-effective and traditional. To save costs, I’ve also kept the windows contemporary, rather than opting for…

 Artist Leigh Voigt’s acclaimed work ranges from Nguni cattle to birds, trees and portraits of people, but the assignment she could not refuse involved travelling across SA to track down members of the amaryllis family for THE AMARYLLIDACEAE (Umdaus Press, R1 200). ‘I READ BOOKS BECAUSE I LOVE THEM, NOT BECAUSE I THINK I SHOULD READ THEM’ – SIMON VAN BOOY (1975-) She spoke to FW: 1. Legacy: Before my mother, botanical artist, Barbara Jeppe, died in 1999, she made me promise to complete her special project, painting all the Amaryllidaceae in Southern Africa. 2. Tenacity: She got the idea for the book back in 1971 during a trip to Lake Sibaya, and worked on it for nearly 30 years. In all, it took our two generations 45…

“This year I’ll start my blog” is a frequently heard resolution. So British digital strategist Natasha Courtenay-Smith’s handbook, THE MILLION DOLLAR BLOG (Piatkus, R310), makes a great starting point. Only a few bloggers earn substantial advertising or product placement income, but that should not stop you trying if you have an unusual and entertaining twist on current affairs or a personal pet subject, from wildlife and fishing to motivation and consumerism. A blog is also an effective marketing tool for a business. So if you're running a B&B, catering or a landscaping business in addition to farming, a well-constructed blog is a great way to get the word out – and keep it out there.…

While some rain fell in our valley in January, it was not nearly enough to fill Jan’s dams. So I cannot say that our drought is finally over. Some farmers in our district, however, had an 85mm deluge that flooded their lands. They were delighted, despite some damage caused. Jan’s cattle up in the mountain have survived due to the misty rain that falls frequently up there. Now, at last, down here in the valley, the pastures have begun to recover and the lucerne lands are sprouting verdantly. Our garden has sprung back to life too, with the lawn needing to be mowed yet again. Snakes have made their unwelcome appearance again, and ticks are plaguing the Jackies too, so life on the farm seems to be returning to normal.…

“The world’s food systems play a central role in the well-being of ecosystems and human societies, and are a key driver of economic livelihoods. They contribute to most of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN in 2016. However, today’s food systems will not be able to feed the world’s growing population both nutritiously and sustainably. If the situation continues as it is, four future scenarios are likely: • Survival of the richest Here, the patterns of 2016, wherein the richest 20% of the world’s population consume 86% of the world’s resources, are amplified. A few isolated, wealthy populations are able to produce and innovate to meet their needs; most countries experience intensifying hunger and poverty. An increase in migration leads to increased xenophobia and isolationist policies. Climate…

THE INCREASED USE OF OATS AS A BREAKFAST CEREAL IS DRIVING CONSUMPTION LEVELS South Africa’s consumption of oats has doubled over the past 19 years – from 33 000t in 1997/98 to 71 699t in 2015/16 – an increase driven largely by its increased use in breakfast cereals. In line with this trend, domestic oats production has trebled over this period, increasing from 9 200t in 1997/98 to 38 463t in 2015/16. South Africa remains a net importer of the grain, with imports constituting roughly a third of the country’s annual oats consumption. South Africa imports oats from Finland, the UK, Australia, Ukraine, Brazil and Uruguay. In 2015/16, the country imported 30 232t of oats; of this, 90% was from Finland, 9% from the UK and the remainder from Australia…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and AfriForum have signed an agreement that promises to strengthen community participation in the fight against crime. Ian Cameron, AfriForum’s head of community safety, said that it was still too early to predict how the agreement would affect crime prevention on farms and in remote areas, but closer cooperation with the police in rural areas in Gauteng during December was already starting to bear fruit. AfriForum has more than 90 neighbourhood watches across South Africa. Members have access to various services, including legal support and training in how to patrol, self-defence, first aid, and what to do at a crime scene. “This type of training is extremely important, since community members are usually the first to arrive at crime scenes, especially in rural communities…

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has extended the zero quota for leopard (Panthera pardus) hunting to 2017. Lizanne Nel, conservation manager at the South African Hunters’ and Game Conservation Association, said the hunting sector, government, landowners and trophy hunters had not done enough to show that leopards were being managed and utilised responsibly and sustainably as a resource. “Government and landowners must work together to determine the state of leopard populations and whether there is a healthy quota that can be used sustainably,” she said. Their habitat must also be conserved, and if landowners could use the resource, it would provide a financial buffer that would help counter the impact of leopards predating cattle, she added. A DEA press release said the decision had been based on a review…

A specific strain of the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuriengiensis (Bt), is widely used as a biological pesticide and insecticide. This strain was first identified in 1905, and further described by German scientists in 1915. It subsequently became the driver of bacterial proteins to combat insect pests, and was first used in 1930s as a bacterial spore. Bt produces crystalline proteins (Cry), which is toxic to some insects. The genes responsible for producing these proteins were identified and inserted into host crop plants about 20 years ago. By 2015, Bt insect-resistant crops were grown on 84 million hectares globally. However, its widespread use has resulted in some insects developing resistance. This was counteracted by planting conventional crop refuges, later reinforced by adding additional Bt genes. New genes (Vip) with different modes…

Employees who are unable to perform their duties at the required standard can have a major impact on a business, as most employers do not have spare capacity to compensate for a deficit in productivity. Employers have the right to establish a fixed standard in the workplace in terms of quality and output of work, and to give reasonable and lawful instructions. INCAPACITY Incapacity is the inherent inability of an employee to perform work to the employer’s established standards of quality and quantity due to ill health or injury, which can be temporary or permanent. The Code of Good Practice in the Labour Relations Act (LRA) sets clear guidelines on how employers should deal with incapacity in the workplace. It is important to note that the employer can under no…

Floor management is one of the pillars of successful broiler production, as important as biosecurity, climate control and general animal welfare. Yet this essential aspect is all too often overlooked. “Neglect any of these and the business will be at risk,” says Kobus Visser, managing partner of Mabron Broilers on Löttershof Farm near Caledon in the Western Cape. He owns the business with partner Grant Harper. The operation produces broilers on contract for Elgin Free Range Chickens (EFRC) in Grabouw. Löttershof is not a typical broiler farm. It produces free-range chickens in three 2 025m² houses located 300m to 400m apart. All EFRC farms are stocked at a far lower density than the norm, at Mabron Broilers the stocking density is about three quarters of the stocking density of controlled…

TRY TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM YOURSELF BEFORE CONSULTING AN EXPERT When a farmer has a problem with a crop, his first inclination is to turn to someone he considers knowledgeable about cropping. However, the farmer himself is often the best person to identify the problem! We are taught to respect ‘authority’. However, pride may see an expert proffering a solution without fully understanding the problem. I had a case in Mpumalanga some years ago where this happened. A tomato farmer noticed mottling on the lower leaves of his plants and consulted the seed company representative. The latter did not admit he was stumped, so he hazarded a guess. Aware that tomatoes are often given potassium while growing, he suggested applying potash, which the farmer duly did. When I visited the…

We call it a handbrake. The Americans call it a parking brake or an emergency brake. It’s usually activated by pulling a ratchet-controlled lever between the front seats, but there was a time when many vehicles employed a pull-squeeze, palm-grip hand lever. On some Mercedes-Benz models, it’s activated by a pedal and released by a lever on the dashboard, but this works well only if the model is fitted with an automatic transmission. If not, pulling away on a hill involves rather nifty coordination and does not endear this design to everyone. On many of the latest cars, the handbrake is electrified or even completely automatic. The earliest, simplest handbrake design employed a cable that moved the rear brake shoes into contact with the brake drums. Today, less expensive cars…

 Have you ever taken a minute to watch a cow grazing? Normally, she will graze early in the morning before it becomes too hot, and she will do so without stopping, as though it’s the last meal she will ever eat. Then, after a couple of hours, she will lie down quietly in the shade and start to regurgitate the grass she has taken in and chew the cud. EVEN GOD WORKED FOR SIX DAYS AND RESTED ON THE SEVENTH We too need to take time to rest. Many of us run far too fast. As a result, life passes us by and we waste it because of our extremely busy programmes. Jesus Himself was aware of the need to draw aside for rest and refreshment. “And He said to…

The consumer may have the final say on the beef price, despite the low supply of weaner calves as a result of producers being forced to slaughter their herds during the drought, which has resulted in an increase in prices. Farmers in the Memel, Free State, region reported that combined weaner calf/heifer sale prices rose sharply to R28/kg in mid-January, compared with the norm of between R14/kg to R16/kg. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Cobus Oberholster, general manager of livestock, auctioneering and properties at BKB, said that these producer prices would lead to a rise in the consumer price. “The consumer is the mightiest link in the value chain. When the lamb price reached about R70/kg last year, the market price corrected itself within a week, as stock did not sell.…

South Africa has lost 900 wine producers over the past decade, according to Rico Basson, managing director of Vinpro. “Annually, we lose about 100 producers,” Basson said at the recent annual Nedbank Vinpro Information Day held at the Cape Town Convention Centre. “In 2016, the average return on investment at producer level [fell] to below 1%, largely driven by the prolonged drought in certain regions, stagnant wine prices and cost inflation.” Although the local market had grown more than 14% or 50 million litres over the past two years to more than 400 million litres, the industry was still in a slump, he said. Only 13% of the 3 300 producers farmed at sustainable income levels, while 44% operated at breakeven point, and 40% made a loss. Basson said that…

The recent call by the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal for government to dramatically speed up land reform through a large-scale ‘take land first, negotiate payment after’ strategy, has been met with concern. This call was reportedly made by KZN ANC chairperson, Sihle Zikalala, at the recent provincial celebrations. CEO of the KZN Agricultural Union (Kwanalu), Sandy la Marque, said that her farmers’ union was “concerned” about these statements. The SA Constitution did not allow for land to be expropriated without just and equitable compensation, and neither the Property Valuation Bill, nor the Expropriation Bill allowed for the valuer-general to determine the compensation, she said. La Marque added that the valuer-general could only make recommendations with regard to compensation, and the courts would make the final decision in cases of dispute. “As…

Proposed regulations for the grading, packing and marking of edible oils in South Africa would protect local consumers from being hoodwinked into paying good money for sub-standard products. The draft regulations, open for public comment until 28 February, were compiled by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) under Section 15 of the Agricultural Product Standards Act No. 119 of 1990. DAFF spokesperson, Bomikazi Molapo, told Farmer’s Weekly that the move had followed a June 2016 request from the SA Olive Industry Association (SAOIA) to draft mandatory regulations for olive oil sold in the country. “The department, furthermore, took cognisance of the fact that local production [and] processing, as well as the importing of olive oil, as well as various other edible vegetable oils, had grown exponentially over the…

Since the launch of a vaccination project in May last year, South Africa has reported no further cases of canine distemper virus (CDV) in its African wild dog population. This is according to Grant Beverley, senior field worker at the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). The SA National Parks’ (SANParks) Veterinary Wildlife Services, the SANParks Honorary Rangers, state veterinary services and the EWT launched a project to carry out a health survey and targeted vaccination of the Kruger National Park (KNP) wild dog population to prevent further CDV infections. This was after the Lower Sabie pack died after contracting the disease. “The aim of the project is to establish a baseline of disease exposure and antibody levels pre-intervention, as well as to assess the extent of exposure to various diseases that…

THEY USE MINIMAL WATER, YET MAXIMISE CROP YIELD The recent drought in South Africa has made us acutely aware of water shortages, with many municipalities introducing water restrictions in their efforts to curb water wastage. The drought underlined the importance of water for the survival of man, beast and vegetation. A total of 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. However, 97,5% of this consists of salt water. The rest, a mere 2,5%, is available for domestic consumption, as well as for industrial, mining and agricultural purposes. A 2006 report released by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), shows that 69% of global freshwater is used for irrigation. GLOBAL CHALLENGES: WATER AND LAND Over the years, agriculture has been more and more heavily criticised for its inefficient…

MAIZE PRODUCERS TREAT SAFEX MERELY AS AN INDICATOR OF POSSIBLE PRICE LEVELS South Africa’s summer rain arrived very late last year, especially in the country’s western areas. In the end, 1,9 million hectares of white and yellow maize were planted, often well after the traditional cut-off date. And the average yield was surprisingly good: 3,2t/ha for white maize and 4,6t/ha for yellow. In all, 7,5 million tons of maize were produced, a remarkable achievement considering the terrible drought. Without doubt, the 2015/16 summer grain season highlighted the resilience and skill of our commercial farmers. It also underscored the importance of irrigated maize, as well as the contribution of modern technology (bio- and otherwise) to maize yields. Finally, it demonstrated that one can save a great deal of money by using…

 How long have you been a wildlife veterinarian, and what does your job typically entail? ‘YOU REALISE THE PAIN THE ANIMAL MUST HAVE GONE THROUGH BEFORE IT DIED’ I began working for the then KwaZulu-Natal Parks Board, now Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, in 1995. For many years, my job involved ensuring the welfare of animals that were captured and translocated to other conservation areas. At the same time, I conducted disease surveillance and control in game populations within KZN Wildlife’s protected areas. I also had to treat animals that were caught in poachers’ snares. However, over time my work priorities have changed, mostly due to rhino poaching. Whereas I used to conduct only two or three forensic post-mortems a year on poached rhino, since about five years ago this has rapidly…

National Persian Champions Kalahari Red Champions Damara Champions Savanna Goat Champions Contacts: Johan van Zyl: +264 81 321 2353 | Dirkie van der Merwe: +264 81 261 0007 University of Namibia: +264 81 752 6363 (Paul Beukes) | Piet Coetzee: +264 81 124 2242. Daan van Vuuren: +264 812457239 | Wykerd van Staden: +261 81 129 0988 | Nico and Maryke Truter: +264 81 129 0701…

Budgets and financial records make up another kind of infrastructure, and it’s just as important as pens, clamps and troughs. Your records should cover all production and financial management aspects of the beef operation, and you should constantly re-evaluate your business to make sure you’re using your resources efficiently and maximising productivity. Records are also important for planning ahead, tax reporting and applying for credit. Budgets provide the information for making management decisions and allow you to anticipate problems and alleviate or avoid them. There are several ways to keep records; the key is to use a straightforward system that helps you run your business as efficiently as possible.…

According to the PMA SmartBrief, fruit has entered the realms of romance and cyberspace. In late December, to market its Cuties mandarins, Sun Pacific introduced a marketing campaign on Snapchat, the social media messaging and imaging app. Users were invited to add “a digital Cutie of your own to give you a smooch” to photographs and videos sent to friends. The campaign achieved enormous brand exposure, reaching 70 million users! Users of social media apps, meanwhile, are using different fruit to indicate their relationship status ahead of Valentine’s Day. Here’s what each fruit means: • Blueberry: Single • Raspberry: I don’t want to commit • Pineapple: It’s complicated • Apple: Engaged • Cherry: In a relationship • Banana: Married • Avocado: I’m the better half • Strawberry: Can’t find Mr…

PHONE YOUR VET TO WARN THAT YOUR DOG HAS BEEN POISONED, AND GET IT THERE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE Most households contain substances or food that can be dangerous to canines if ingested. Therefore the first step in protecting your dog is to ensure that items such as rat poison, human medicines, chocolate, coffee sweetener and radiator anti-freeze (a sweet substance that dogs will readily lick) are kept safely locked away. Always mop these up if they are spilt where a dog can find them. In South Africa, there have been many cases of criminals poisoning dogs before robbing a property. Criminals often use fast-acting substances such as aldicarb, the active ingredient in the pesticide Temik, and rat bait, which works more slowly and is a concentrated mix of blood-thinning…

Start with the rotis. You can, of course, buy frozen rotis, which cuts down on labour, but fresh is best. To make fresh rotis, combine the sifted dry ingredients and mix well. Add the warm water in small quantities, mixing as you go. Knead the fresh dough for five minutes, then break the mass into six equal balls, which you roll out into a thinnish circle. Fry these one at a time in canola oil, turning once. Remove and store between greaseproof paper for later in the proceedings. Filling time. Crush, peel and mince the garlic. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Remove the roots of the spring onions and then carefully – a spot of finesse required here – cut each in half along its entire length. Chop the…

The past few decades have seen an alarming increase in auto-immune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis and Parkinson’s disease. It is thought that the following may play a part in the onset of auto-immune diseases: toxins (pesticides, solvents and industrial chemicals); exposure to toxic metals (mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic and aluminium); stress; and nutritional deficiencies. Heavy metals cause us to produce antibodies that can lead to auto-immune disease. Nutritional deficiencies promote the creation of free radicals that damage our cells. Unmanaged stress increases the risk of all diseases. TREATMENT Glutathione may help prevent auto-immune problems. Synthesised in the body from the amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamine and glycine, it is the ‘mother of all antioxidants’. It helps your immune system fight infections, control inflammation, and detoxify the body.…

COLOUR BAR by Susan Williams (Penguin, R230) This 2004 account of the interracial marriage between Seretse and Ruth Khama that helped bring Botswana to independence, has been reissued to tie in with the film release. The couple met and married while Seretse was a law student in London, only to be rejected by his people. Eventually, political realism allowed them to return to Botswana, where Seretse was elected the country's first president. Williams, a senior research fellow at London’s Institute of Commonwealth Studies, brings to life the period’s political scheming and trade-offs. FEAST WITH SABABA by Tal Smith (Jacana, R310) Smith is back with more of her Middle Eastern-Mediterranean blend of fresh and colourful cooking. You can dress it up or down for high days, holidays and off-days, but with…

With farm attacks a grim reality in South Africa, anything that gives you an advantage over potential robbers is to be welcomed. This is especially so as most attacks on farms and smallholdings occur between 8pm and 3am, when victims are asleep or less likely to be alert, according to Lorraine Claassen of AfriForum’s research unit. EVERY SECOND COUNTS The Air Block, a revolutionary wireless, early warning security device designed for the US Department of Defense, and now available commercially, could give you that advantage and even save your life. It alerts you the moment an intruder tries to enter the premises, by tampering with a window, for example. This gives you crucial seconds in which to react. The Air Block is a standalone device about half the size of…