Table of contents for 28 April 2017 in Farmer's Weekly

I was recently paid a visit by an Eastern Cape farmer who is an ardent reader of the Farmer’s Weekly. You might know him better as the secretary-general of the ANC. Gwede Mantashe’s reason for visiting was to express his grievance at my regular references to the ANC in my weekly editor’s letter and the lack of response sought from the ANC to some criticism levelled against the party and its leaders in these columns. This is not the best of times for the ANC. South Africans from all walks of life are uniting in a way never seen before to call on the ANC to show that it cares more about keeping this country afloat than keeping the party in power. But seeing as how, despite the efforts of…

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Maybe President Jacob Zuma has a problem with numbers, but would you like to meet him in a dark alley? The man who ran ANC prison camps, was the head of ANC intelligence in KwaZulu-Natal, survived Robben Island and former President Thabo Mbeki, and seemed to prosper at every challenge? I underestimated him. I did not think he would be able to take on the ANC, Cosatu and the SACP and drive through his own personal agenda regardless of all the negative consequences. The rumour mill spoke of mass resignations and strong opposition – so maybe it was the opposition I misjudged. Or will the effects of Zuma’s actions work like a slow poison and leave him isolated by 2019? Given Zuma’s background and the fierce about-face of some in…

The chicory crop in the Eastern Cape has suffered greatly because of the drought, according to Loddie Greyling, spokesperson for the Chicory Producers’ Organisation. Greyling added that the chicory industry was experiencing one of its most difficult years yet. “The expected yield of 13?200t being harvested this season will be one of the worst in more than 30 years, much less than the 18?000t initially expected,” he says. But Greyling pointed out that although the yield was “very poor”, the quality of the product was good, and that if it weren’t for the irrigation farmers, this year’s chicory yield would have been even smaller. He said “they reaped between 60t and 65t per hectare, and at R1?800/t, it is not to be sneezed at”. The harvest also affected processing; the…

Numerous requests by Farmer’s Weekly’s for feedback on progress made by government organisations tasked with implementing recommendations by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to prevent farm attacks, remained unanswered by the time of going to print. The SAHRC’s Safety and Security Challenges in Farming Communities report was published in August 2015. It highlighted the scourge of farm attacks and farm murders in SA, and made 14 recommendations for action to be taken by various government departments. These included the SAHRC; SAPS; Department of Rural Development and Land Reform; Department of Justice and Constitutional Development; National Prosecuting Authority; Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; and the Presidency’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster Priority Committee. DA MP Annette Steyn, said she did not believe that any action had…

The SA agricultural industry is part of mainstream South Africa and the country’s young farmers should position themselves accordingly. Given the current political upheaval, they should take care not to become part of the extreme right or left and deny themselves the opportunity to become part of change. This was according to Dan Kriek, Free State Agriculture (FSA) president. Speaking at the 2017 FSA Young Farmer conference in Bloemfontein, he said it was understandable that farmers, and young farmers in particular, were uncertain about the future. It was especially so in the light of unfortunate and irresponsible statements made by politicians about land reform and ownership. “You nevertheless are not helpless victims. Being part of the South African mainstream you are members of an extensive network that will call them…

Many consumers allege that modern tomatoes do not have the taste and flavour of tomatoes grown years ago. Recent studies are now confirming these allegations. The tomato is the highest-value fruit and vegetable crop in the human diet, and an important source of micronutrients. Research institutions in China and the US have been studying the complexities of the chemistry, genetics and human perceptions involved in eating tomatoes. Tomato quality depends on market preferences: size, firmness and shelf life under cold storage systems. Taste is determined by human taste bud responses to sugars and acids. Flavour is determined by the response of the human olfactory system, activated by volatile chemical compounds. These molecules occur at a level of up to one billionth of a gram, making quantification difficult. So tomato breeders…

There are many examples of mechanisation throughout the history of agriculture. Defined as the process of changing from working largely or exclusively by hand or with animals, to performing the work using machinery, these implements have been used in agriculture, since the Industrial Revolution. As a result, farming have become much less labour-intensive. It is thus not a new trend, as some may believe, but actually a trend that started as far back as 1760. However, over the past two decades, the trend has accelerated at a tremendous rate for various reasons. The most important contributing factor has been the improved productivity achieved by using machinery. With technological advancement, whether improvements to the internal combustion engine or information communication technology (ICT), tractors and other machinery have become more efficient, leading…

There are many people outside the fresh produce market sector who don’t seem to understand how prices are determined on a market. I can understand their lack of knowledge, because South Africa’s system of commission markets is unique in the world. People naturally assume that products are bought from farmers and resold on the markets for a profit, as happens on a wholesale market. Some even believe that the commission charged by the market agent and the market dues charged by the market authority are added to the selling price. The implication is that this affects the price paid by consumers in stores. The reality, of course, is that both amounts are deducted from the selling price. The combined amount is currently 12,5%, and this is paid by the farmer.…

Gentle push-ups As noted previously, with the right kinds of exercise, you can have strong bones regardless of your age. To begin with, we covered ‘impact’ exercises, so called because your feet or hands connect with the ground; they include arm exercises and squats. We then looked at lunges and stair climbing, which strengthen hip bones and their surrounding muscles, a particularly important requirement for older people. This week I want to discuss the final batch of exercises: floor and wall push-ups. These are excellent for the wrist and arm bones, as well as muscles. Remember, it’s muscle movement on bone that stimulates bone growth. HOW TO DO IT The floor push-up I have in mind is gentler than the one you might remember. Bend your knees as you lower…

Increasing incidences of drought and worsening environmental conditions, including soil infertility and higher than average temperatures, raise serious questions about South Africa’s ability to farm sustainably in the long term. Oxfam SA argues that South Africa can only continue to produce enough food if it addresses societal inequalities. The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly. The information in this article was extracted from an Oxfam South Africa report entitled, ‘A harvest of dysfunction: Rethinking the approach to drought, its causes and impacts in South Africa’. The full report can be accessed at oxfam.org.za/wpcontent/ uploads/2017/03/Final-Final- OZA-Oxfam-Drought-Report.pdf. The recent drought, and predictions that El Niño weather patterns and climate change may increase the incidence of this type of extreme weather in South Africa,…

Buoyed by strong demand the Cape Wools Merino index improved by 0,3% and by 49 points to close at R164,34 (clean), while the Australian market lost 4,9% at the 29th auction on 5 April. Most of the wool on auction was fine and of medium length and drew keen competition, with Standard Wool purchasing nearly twice as many bales (3 166) as its closest rival, Modiano. Prices for wool of 18,7 microns (μ) and finer gained a full 5%, said CMW’s James de Jager. “By contrast, wool of 19μ shed between 1% and 2%, while 20μ to 23μ was down by some 4% despite the stronger rand.” The current market volatility was expected to continue for some time. “Some role players foresee a downward correction in the market with most…

As a challenging pear season nears its end, South Africa has still managed to produce some of its best quality fruit. Pear farmers have had to contend not only with lower prices, but also a general drop in the Middle Eastern markets due to a lack of demand; the drought’s effect on fruit sizes; and the current political turmoil and uncertainty in South Africa. According to Jacques du Preez, general manager of trade and markets at Hortgro, there has been a drop in green and low blush pear exports (37% and 24%, respectively) to the Middle East. However, Du Preez sees no cause for concern, saying that blushed pears showed a 16% increase in Middle Eastern export volumes. “Last year the Middle East was the second largest export market for…

Drought relief has emerged as a key priority for the Western Cape government in the year ahead to mitigate further losses in the agriculture sector. The Western Cape government recently set aside R797 million for its department of agriculture for the 2017/2018 financial year. Of this, R48 million was allocated for drought relief. Western Cape Agriculture MEC, Alan Winde, said during his provincial budget speech in parliament at the end of March, that the funds will be used to support farmers by purchasing fodder. All farmers in drought declared areas could apply for assistance, he added. “To date, the Western Cape department of agriculture has assisted 564 smallholder and 234 commercial farmers in the West Coast and Central Karoo with fodder.” Winde said one of the biggest threats facing the…

The University of the Free State will soon establish and manage a Predation Management Information Centre (PMIC). This follows it signing service agreements with the four industries represented on the Predation Management Forum (PMF), said Bonita Francis, a spokesperson for the PMF secretariat. The wool, mohair, red meat and wildlife industries pooled their resources to develop the centre to collate and analyse information on predation and predation management methods. “This will be made available regularly to a management information system (MIS). This system, a national asset, will make information readily available to all users, ” said Francis. She added that the centre would be responsible for information resource management such as providing contact details for regulatory authorities and specialists managing damage-causing animals. “It will also source all relevant policies of…

Endorsed and supported by the minister of agriculture, more than 100 participants representing the entire red meat value chain met in Pretoria recently to discuss the future of the red meat industry. Organisations represented at the event agreed that there was overwhelming support for an improved funding model to enable red meat to become internationally competitive. A task team will identify the strategies, structures and action plans needed for the red meat industry to become a worldclass player. These include: •• Fostering good relationships with government departments that influence the red meat value chain; • Supporting national structures established to assist the red meat industry. These include the Agricultural Policy Action Plan, the Red Meat Value Chain Round Table, the National Development Plan and others; • Cooperating with the Animal…

King David of Israel was a talented man of great integrity and strong principles, widely respected and loved by all. As a result, his people prospered. One day, while taking time off to stroll on the roof of his palace and bask in his success, he sees a beautiful lady taking a bath in a nearby building below. He is overcome with desire. Her name, he learns, is Bathsheba, and she is married to Uriah, a military officer with whom David has served. Unwilling to control his lust, and knowing that Uriah is away at war, David proceeds to use his exalted position to seduce Bathsheba. She conceives. When Uriah returns home, and refuses to help David hide his adultery, the king arranges to have Uriah sent back to the…

Why is it important that trust administration is up to date? Trust assets are managed for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries; it is not the founder/ trustee’s property to deal with as if it is part of his or her own estate. If the founder/trustee manages the trust assets as if they were his or her own, the court could come to the conclusion that the trust is the founder/ trustee’s alter ego. If this is the case, the trust assets might be deemed to be the assets of the founder/trustee in his or her personal capacity on date of death, which could amount to an increase in estate duty. In the case of divorce, if the court finds that the trust is the founder/trustee’s alter ego, it could…

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I am a widow in my late 60s, still working and positive. I love children, animals, and the simple things in life. I don’t smoke or drink. I’d like to meet a good, honest gentleman in his late 60s or 70s; he must be Caucasian and enjoy gardening, fishing, and the outdoor life. Send a photo with your letter, please. A Friend, 4700 I am a fit, healthy 70-year-old gentleman with no baggage. I am financially secure and semiretired. I live and work on a game and cattle farm with beautiful scenery, near East London. It is peaceful and safe with good neighbours. I enjoy conversation and being at home. My best friend is my dog. Life is simple, that’s me. I hope to hear from you. I Am Also…

TURNING POINT by Theuns Eloff (Tafelberg, R265) Reading this a few days after Standard & Poor’s ‘junk’ verdict and calls for a national stay-away added a vivid edge that the author might have hinted at here, but could not have predicted. Eloff’s reflections have particular resonance for Freedom Day 2017 as he was involved in the negotiations on the Constitution and Codesa, which gave the nation hope in the 1990s. Despite the despair that sounds in the title of his final chapter, ‘Reconciliation and tolerance: fading fantasies?’, he still believes that we should “all pitch in to make it better”. How we can do that and what we can hope to achieve are discussed in this important, provocative and absorbing read. THE DREAM HOUSE by Craig Higginson (Picador Africa, R180)…

The editor’s letter titled ‘The safety of our farming communities’ (FW, 24 March) refers. I agree with the sentiments expressed; we have become immune to statistics instead of expressing greater outrage. The yearly murder rate in SA, farm murders notwithstanding, is on a par with the civilian deaths in a country like Iraq, which finds itself at war. I would like to connect a few dots between land invasions, farm attacks and stock theft (because there is a connection between all three – at a minimum, to destabilise the lives and livelihood of farmers). Let’s start with land invasions. It’s clear that the ANC and President Jacob Zuma apparently don’t value the agricultural sector sufficiently to condemn the land invasions with any conviction. These invasions are partially being provoked by…

One of the more direct implications of the current political uncertainty and ratings agencies’ decision to downgrade South Africa’s credit score to sub-investment grade, is reflected in the depreciation of the rand. The currency has substantially weakened over the past few days. While the implications are manifold, a weaker rand has a significant impact on the food value chain – from farm to fork. HIGHER INPUT COSTS From a farmer’s perspective, the fallout could be twofold. On the one hand, South Africa’s agricultural sector imports a significant amount of inputs – 80% of annual fertiliser consumption, 98% of annual agrochemical consumption, as well as fuel, machinery and capital equipment. All these imported products have a direct impact on farmers’ input costs, and therefore, global competitiveness. For example, fertiliser costs constitute…

Willie and Sonja Esterhuizen from Britstown recently became SA’s first internationally certified organic sheep producers. According to the Esterhuizens, their ultimate objective was to gain access to global markets. Meat from their farm Elandsfontein in the Northern Cape was the first to be marketed according to international standards as being organically produced in South Africa, said Sonja Esterhuizen. “Local farmers are price-takers. In order for our business to remain sustainable and profitable we decided to become organic mutton and lamb producers and remain involved in the entire value chain,” she said. The farm, which has been in the Esterhuizen family for three generations, received its certification in February from ECOCERT Organic Standards (EOS), a French-owned certification body that promotes sustainable development worldwide. The abattoir and butchery used by the Esterhuizens…

Scientists in Japan seem to have found an alternate means of pollinating flowers, by using a drone. Researchers at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science in Tsukuba were using a makeshift pollinator, a drone, to artificially pollinate a pink Japanese lily (Lilium speciosum), Designboom magazine reported. The scientists added patches of horse hair to the drone to create a greater surface area for pollen to adhere to, and to generate an electric charge that keeps the pollen grains in place. The team then painted the drone with a liquid gel to make it sticky. Project leader Eijiro Miyako, told Designboom the project could be feasible, but the drone would need high-resolution cameras and be programmed with pollination paths using GPS. Agricultural Research Council (ARC) senior researcher, Mike Allsopp, said…

The Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform raised some red flags about the Ingonyama Trust Board’s (ITB) expenditure, at a briefing on the trust’s third quarter financial results. The ITB, which administers 2,8?million hectares of land on behalf of King Goodwill Zwelithini‚ was established in 1994 to take over the management of the land previously administered by the then Natal provincial government. According to Amin Mia, the ITB’s chief financial officer, the ITB had spent only 66,1% of its total third quarter budget of R21,6 million. Administration costs accounted for more than 70% of total expenditure. Mncedisi Filtane of the UDM said this was very concerning, since the ITB had not been established to spend money on goods and services. Mamagase Nchabeleng of the ANC concurred and added…

South Africa’s young farmers need to forget the political sideshows in South Africa and continue producing food and fibre to the best of their ability. This was according to Dr Dirk Strydom, Grain SA’s manager: grain economy and marketing. Strydom was speaking at the recent 2017 Free State Agriculture Young Farmer conference held in Bloemfontein. Strydom said it was common knowledge that politicians were increasingly focused on commercial agriculture. ‘ SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE FARMING IS ESSENTIAL FOR STABILITY IN ANY COUNTRY’ “You are the future of agriculture and will be well advised to rather concentrate on the supply and demand side of your businesses,” he said. “But you have to make sure you select qualified leaders who will lobby on your behalf.” Agriculture was and would remain the anchor of…

Selective breeding of animals has taken place for at least 8 000 years, since livestock was first domesticated. These animals were then bred to fix certain desirable attributes. Although there is evidence that the ancient Egyptians practised aquaculture in ponds adjacent to the Nile River, as depicted in hieroglyphic images and descriptions of Oreochromis niloticus, there is no evidence that they ‘improved’ the wild species. However, the Japanese have certainly been selectively breeding goldfish and koi?-carp for hundreds of years, resulting in many of the colourful strains seen today. ORNAMENTAL FISH ‘Man-made’ fish are seen in both the ornamental and food fish sectors. In the former, there is a profusion of selected strains that hardly resemble the original wild fish. Guppies are an example; the original, rather dreary little fish…

Ebenhart, a pipe-maker from the Klein Karoo town of Calitzdorp in the Western Cape, has made about 20 000 pipes by hand during his career. However, he says he is always on the lookout for ways to improve his products, both in terms of their filtering systems and smoke quality. Before embarking on a career in pipe-making, Ebenhart was a police officer for almost a decade. The aroma coming from a colleague’s pipe enticed him into trying his hand at pipe-making. What started as a hobby was soon earning him additional income, which was very welcome after having bought a house on his meagre salary. “I started out with a drill and file that I bought at a pawn shop,” he recalls. Today, he is a full-time pipe-maker. Ebenhart began…

Watch your words! I have to be so careful of what I say, because I tend to overreact. It’s not a trait I’m proud of. If somebody says something that’s uncalled for, unjustified, or maybe just ugly, the best thing to do is to keep quiet. As the old saying goes: “If you can’t say anything good about someone, rather don’t say anything at all.” When we start to mock other people, God is not pleased. If we continually complain and speak negatively about our employees or our employers, we are sowing the seeds of destruction. IMITATE GOD AND WALK IN LOVE – FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR FARM AND FAMILY We need to change the way we talk. Some of us are so negative about people and our circumstances…

The Postcode Meerkat widearea surveillance system was officially put into operation in the Kruger National Park (KNP) at the end of January. It was developed through a partnership between SANParks, the Peace Parks Foundation and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The system utilises radar and electro-optic sensors that detect and track moving people. It can distinguish between humans and animals, and provide day and night surveillance, according to Werner Myburgh, the Peace Parks Foundation CEO. This is the first time this type of technology is being used in a counter-poaching role in a bushveld environment. Acting as an early warning system, it enables rangers to be more prepared and proactive, allowing them to intercept poachers before they do harm. This can save the lives of humans and animals.…