Table of contents for 5 October 2018 in Farmer's Weekly

If you surf the Internet, read magazines or watch television, you are likely to come across a lot of information about the terrible state of our world. Greenhouse gas emissions keep rising, and extreme weather events are occurring more frequently and more intensively, with cities across the world recording their highest temperatures in known history. Rainfall patterns are more erratic, and groundwater is becoming increasingly scarce. All of this is resulting in more people suffering the effects of drought, and for prolonged periods. Ecosystems are also being destroyed, and according to Dominic Kailash Nath Waughray, a member of the executive committee of the World Economic Forum (WEF), researchers warn that a “biological annihilation of wildlife means a human-driven sixth mass extinction event is under way”. In an article presented at…

On 23 April, during the cross-country phase of the Kentucky Three-Day Event in the US, RF Scandalous was pictured with blood dripping down from her mouth. Scandalous was being ridden by well-known US eventer, Marilyn Little, and the bleeding incident has since attracted great international scrutiny. BLEEDING MOUTHS While a bleeding mouth is not unheard of in horses, this is at least the seventh time that one of Little’s horses have been pictured with a bloody mouth. Moreover, during the dressage phase of the event, Scandalous’s flash was tied extremely tightly. The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) has a ‘one finger’ rule, and it is quite clear that the rule was not followed in this regard. Furthermore, after the cross-country phase, Little’s groom was seen wiping Scandalous’s mouth with…

The US Department of Agriculture predicts dramatic improvements in global food security over the next 10 years. In its ‘International Food Security Assessment Report: 2018-2028’, it is stated that the proportion of the world’s population who are “food insecure” (people whose food availability falls below 2 100 calories/ day), will drop from 21% in 2018 to around 10% in 2028 across 76 low- to middle-income countries. This trend will be driven by a combination of rising incomes and continued downward pressure on grain prices, mainly maize, rice, sorghum, and wheat. Of the 76 countries covered by the report, 39 are in sub-Saharan Africa, and the region, said to be home to nearly one billion people, has the highest share of food-insecure people (35%, or 346 million). Although food insecurity is projected…

While many regions in the Eastern Cape appeared much improved following good rain, organised agriculture in the province emphasised that the drought was still far from broken. This was especially true in light of forecasts of a hot, dry mid-summer period. Agri Eastern Cape president, Doug Stern, said although not ungrateful for the good rain received in critically dry areas, follow-up rain was needed. “If we do not get follow-up rain within the next month, with the [predicted] heat we’re going to be experiencing, we’re almost going to be ‘burnt back’ to square one.” Farmer’s Weekly previously reported that in early August, the combined level of the five dams within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) had been 18,15%. Surrounding rural areas such as Gamtoos, Hankey and Patensie had also…

Despite the debate about expropriation without compensation and the economic impact thereof on the agriculture sector, there is still demand for agricultural land in South Africa, according to Karl Markram, CEO of Farm Expert Properties and Auctioneers. Specialising in farm sales in the greater North West, Northern Cape and Free State regions, Markram said that in his experience, the current market showed that farms up to the value of R3 million were in demand. However, farms valued above this threshold were often on the market for long periods of time. “Farms sell at bank valuation prices. I would advise sellers to obtain a bank valuation or a sworn appraisal to [ensure they obtain an accurate price for their farms],” Markram said. Many buyers up to the R3 million threshold who…

South Africa’s commercial forestry sector is pinning its hopes for an improved operational and business environment on President Cyril Ramaphosa and the changes he is expected to bring about in the country’s political leadership. Forestry SA’s executive director, Michael Peter, said it was therefore hoped that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries would effectively follow up on its commitment to ring-fence funding for the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme, which was specifically targeted at small-scale timber growers. Peter also expressed hope that the new Forest Sector Transformation Charter would galvanise “government into action around its commitment to transformation and growth of the sector”. “We believe that the Forest Sector Code for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment will become a benchmark for other sectors.” Peter did, however, express dissatisfaction with “the extremely…

Western Cape canola producers have expressed optimism about the current production season compared with the previous season, due to favourable weather conditions. According to André Kirsten, Grain SA’s representative for the Swartland region and a grain farmer near Darling, the area was on track for above-average yields. “Due to late rain, an average to above-average canola harvest is possible in the Swartland [Philadelphia to Eendekuil]. It will, however, not be a record harvest.” He said the area experienced a good winter season, with average rainfall. He added that farmers in the Eendekuil and Riebeek-Kasteel districts experienced some problems this year, which could result in lower yields than anticipated. “In these areas, many farmers had to sacrifice their potential due to the poor germination of certain cultivars, as well as the…

With ever-increasing input costs and fluctuating market prices, farmers are under constant pressure to ensure their businesses are both profitable and sustainable. Effective communication in the workplace plays a key role in this regard. In short, employers should communicate clearly with their staff in order to create a working environment receptive to growth. In particular, they must consult with employees regularly and keep a record of all consultations. This will create a platform for employees to voice their thoughts and ideas, as well as discuss any specific needs. COMMUNICATION To make sure everyone is on the same page, communicate clearly with regards to the following important aspects: • Terms and conditions of employment The employment contract is the most important document in the workplace. It defines the terms and conditions agreed…

Swiss chard should be planted in rows spaced 25cm to 30cm apart, with an intra-row spacing of 15cm to 20cm. In my previous columns (FW, 21 and 28 September), I explained that this plant is a heavy feeder, and is usually in the soil for a long period, so it’s wise to ensure good soil fertility before planting. Organic matter will also help to keep nutrients secure and available. Dressings of nitrogen, preferably LAN, will be needed to keep the vigour up. This should start at a young stage; thereafter, apply when necessary based on vigour and leaf colour. LEAF AREA When harvesting, make sure there is enough leaf area left on the plants so that growth does not slow down. Energy for growth comes from sunlight. As young leaves…

To make chicken and potato curry for four diners, you will need: 4 chicken breasts 5 potatoes 2 onions 2 large tomatoes 1 or 2 large green chillies 3 sprigs of curry leaves 5 tablespoons of freshly chopped coriander 30mm of fresh root ginger 4 cloves of garlic 2 tablespoons of garam masala 1 teaspoon of freshly ground cumin 4 tablespoons of canola or sunflower oil Salt to taste A word of advice before we begin. Buy the garam masala from your supermarket, but only in a small packet, unless you plan to use it again in the near future. The shorter the period between grinding and using spices, the better the flavour and aroma. 1 Here we go. Peel and cube the potatoes, crush, peel and mince the garlic,…

Demand for Gordon Bailey’s new self-published memoir, GAME RANGING: A LIFE WORTH LIVING, has proved so popular that it has just been reprinted. (For a copy at about R250, contact gordonandmollybailey@gmail.com or 072 237 3358.) Energetically written, the book tells of Bailey’s involvement in the pioneering days of the Natal Parks Board and shines a fresh and fact-packed light on the early days of conservation. Bailey sums up the success of his project, and the reasons for this: 1. It’s the truth: While we were living in such beautiful settings in the reserves, we had many visitors. They often told me to write down the incidents I talked about, so I tried to follow their advice: “Write it as you tell it.” 2. Mentors: Col Jack Vincent, Dr Ian Player…

40 YEARS AGO FG Mitchell, of the University of California in the US, discusses tests done on the cooling and warming of Bon Chretien pears in the state, and their affect on pear quality. “In recent years, many changes have occurred in pear handling procedures in California. Small field lugs have been replaced by unitised pallet handling, individual handling of shipping containers has been replaced by unitised pallet handling, and maximum storage periods have been lengthening (now about two months for processing and three to five months for fresh market). These changes have caused cold-storage operators to attempt fruit cooling under difficult conditions, and to store a greater volume of product. As these changes occurred, and as deterioration problems become more severe, there was a tendency to blame the difficulties…

Creating demand for developing farmers’ produce among consumers could mean that emerging farmers are effectively integrated into the food value chain, according to Raldu Nel, chairperson of the African Sustainable Development Association (ASDA). Speaking at the launch of the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (NERPO) Agrarian Transformation Fund, he said the fund would aim to formalise demand for beef products from emerging farmers. According to Nel, representatives of large supermarket chains had already “bought into this idea”. Also speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Sifiso Buthelezi, said some provinces were already procuring foodstuffs from emerging farmers, and other provinces had to follow suit with their own preferential procurement initiatives. A blended financing model would be used to operate the fund, and would consist…

Police in both Queensland and New South Wales in Australia are offering a reward of A$100 000 (R1,06 million) following the discovery of more than 20 incidences of sewing needles being inserted into strawberry punnets, injuring one person. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is now rushing legislation through Parliament that could see ‘food terrorists’ face 15 years in prison. Truckloads of strawberries were being sent to landfills, and one Queensland grower announced that he laid off his 100 staff members and ploughed under the strawberry fields on his farm. The Australian strawberry industry is worth A$288 million (R3,06 billion), with farmers producing 15 million kilograms/year. The crisis began when needles were found in four packets of strawberries in Queensland, with one person hospitalised after consuming the fruit. Queensland strawberry industry…

The findings of a Global Economic Governance Africa programme (GEG Africa) study on economic development in the border towns of Beitbridge in South Africa and Chirundu in Zimbabwe indicate that in the long term, border towns will need to find new ways to leverage growth. Trade researcher at the Tutwa Consulting group, Anna Ngarachu, said GEG Africa was working with the Zimbabwe Trade Forum and the University of Zambia to examine the two case studies. “These are borders, between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe and Zambia, which represent critical links in the International North-South Transport Corridor, and are vital in both regional development initiatives as well as bilateral ones between the countries.” The findings of the study were presented at the recent 2018 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation…

Two recent court rulings on commonages have outlined the rights of those using these areas, as well as the responsibilities of official custodians. According to a statement by the Mawubuye Land Rights Forum, small-scale farmer Pops Samuels had been reunited with his horses, which had been impounded by the Theewaterskloof Municipality in the Western Cape more than a year ago. “The horses were returned to their owner after the municipality dropped its plan to appeal against a Magistrate’s Court ruling last year that the impounding was in fact illegal,” the statement said. Meanwhile, the Ndlambe Municipality in the Eastern Cape had been ordered by the High Court in Grahamstown to enforce an order handed down last year, or face being held in contempt of court. The municipality incorporates Port Alfred,…

Income from ostrich production has been under severe pressure over the past year. This was due to drought conditions in major production areas that have resulted in escalating feed costs, combined with an export ban on both fresh and heat-treated meat. According to Francois de Wet, managing director of the Mosstrich Group, meat, which usually accounted for 60% of farmer income, could only be sold on the local market, resulting in contribution to farm income declining to about 25%. Better leather and feather prices, due to improved supply and demand levels as a result of lower slaughter numbers, have helped to alleviate the impact of lower earnings from meat, with leather earnings increasing from 45% to 55%. Most of the feathers were sold in China, the US and South America,…

“When you boil it right down, a company is simply the people who work for it, nothing more, nothing less. If you hire brilliant people, you have a far better chance of building a brilliant business.” So says Richard Branson. And whatever you might think about the British business tycoon’s well-reported and often irreverent behaviour and views, he has one outstanding characteristic: deep empathy for his employees. He understands that they are not mere cogs in the wheels of his businesses. Unless they are happy and fulfilled at home and work, they will not perform to their full potential. Branson’s phenomenal rags-to-riches success would never have been possible if he had not nurtured the people working in his Virgin organisation. And this has meant taking an interest in all their…

A popular perception of smaller towns far from the main centres is that these places simply don’t have the selection or quality of fresh produce available in the cities. I confess that I recently arrived in Port Alfred with this prejudice. But I was no sooner here than I had my misguided ideas soundly trounced. Keen to see what the local retailers had to offer, I took a close look at their fruit and veg shelves, and was pleasantly surprised. GOOD QUALITY AND ATTRACTIVE DISPLAYS I went into two shops belonging to competing chains and came away impressed. The quality was generally good: they sold a wide variety of produce and their displays were attractive. Moreover, they offered the full range, from bulk to pre-packaged produce to prepared items. Their…

Most people are happy to leave their cars exactly as purchased from the dealer. Others feel they have to impress their personality on the vehicle by changing something. Buying aftermarket alloy wheels to replace the steel or alloy wheels fitted at the factory is a popular option. These were initially cast in expensive magnesium alloy, but today most of them are cast in an aluminium alloy, which is more suitable and less expensive. This explains why they are sometimes incorrectly called mag wheels. ADVANTAGES There are two advantages of alloy wheels: • They weigh less than steel wheels. This reduces the unsprung weight of the car (the weight not supported by the springs). In theory, this should improve the roadholding, but the effect is so slight that only a racing…

A good curry is a thing of beauty, from light and fragrant to hot and spicy. This is a Durban-style curry, which tends to be a little more robust: it is warm, spicy and packed full of flavour. Feeling quite brave while preparing this recipe, I added an extra chilli; this made the wine choice a little narrower. The pairing needs to be aromatic with some sugar to balance the spice. A wine with high acid or tannin will clash with the heat. Rhebokskloof Wine Estate makes the most delicious white grape juice. It is unfermented and contains no alcohol at all, which is perfect for those who don’t drink. It’s made from Muscat Seedless grapes, which give the juice beautiful aromatics with hints of ripe litchi. The grapes are…

Diabetic nerve pain relief Diabetic neuropathy is irreversible nerve damage, particularly in the legs and feet, due to long-term high blood sugar levels. Half of diabetes sufferers have this complication. Initial symptoms include numbness and pain in the legs and feet, and problems with the kidneys, eyes and heart. Diabetic neuropathy is the leading cause of foot ulcers and non-trauma-related amputations. In a study, reported in the Journal of Neurophysiology, researchers treated diabetic mice with fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, and the results give hope to those suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Previous studies of diabetes reported that omega-3 treatment resulted in better blood sugar control and liver function, and reduced inflammation. This was due to protective molecules produced from omega-3 fatty acids, including a type called…

Instagram was founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger in October 2010. Now owned by Facebook, it operates independently of the social media giant. It is available for all mobile device platforms and can also be accessed from the web via your laptop or desktop. When signing up for an account after downloading the app, you must choose a username. You can also sign up through your Facebook account. PICTURES, VIDEOS AND MARKETING Instagram enables you to share photographs and videos. Users garner ‘followers’ and can in turn ‘follow’ others. The app can be a useful marketing tool for your business, allowing you to interact with your clients on a more personal level. After you have created an account, the pictures you post can be seen by anyone on the…

HIGHEST: (BULL) R90 000 Aliwal North – OVK held a production sale for Johan du Randt and Geoff Orpen of the Avoca and Mountain Shadows Sussex Stud at The Toll Inn Farm on 4 September. The highest-priced bull, MS 160 005, was sold to the Rhys Evans Group from Viljoenskroon for R90 000. Bulls sold for an average price of R34 379, while cows sold for an average price of R15 000. In-calf cows sold for an average price of R17 000, while in-calf heifers sold for an average price of R18 000. The auctioneer was Jakkie Nel.…

Agri-Expo Livestock 11 TO 13 OCTOBER THIS AGRI-EXPO IS A WORLD-CLASS SHOWCASE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY AND ITS VALUE CHAINS. A FIRST AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT IS THE SOUTH AFRICAN HOLSTEIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, DURING WHICH VISITORS CAN EXPECT TO SEE TOP ANIMALS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS & EXPOS 9 TO 10 OCTOBER Agri SA Annual Congress 2018, Menlyn, Pretoria. For more information, email Thea Liebenberg at thea@agrisa.co.za . 9 TO 12 OCTOBER Second African Congress on Conservation Agriculture, Johannesburg. For more information, visit africacacongress.org . 10 TO 11 OCTOBER Undercover Farming Conference Western Cape, Allée Bleue Estate, Groot Drakenstein. For more information, email iga@sai.co.za . 15 TO 17 OCTOBER Second International Conference for Food Safety and…

In two previous articles, I looked at South Africa’s AGOA poultry rebate. The first explored the reason why the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, should withdraw the rebate provision, and the second explained the risks that may make him reluctant to do so. The first article noted that US tariff increases on South African aluminium (10%) and steel (25%) would trigger item (i) of Annexure 1.1 of the AGOA Poultry Rebate and result in the minister withdrawing the rebate. In the follow-up article, I outlined the risks that such a decision would pose, not only to the negotiations for the exemption of South Africa’s steel and aluminium tariffs, but also the likely fallout and retaliation that would arise from the US as a consequence. IT IS DIFFICULT…

Announcing government’s economic stimulus plan last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that the plan centred on the reprioritisation of existing budget funding for agriculture, among other sectors. Speaking at a media conference at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said agriculture had the potential to create jobs immediately and in the long term. “Interventions will include support measures for black commercial farmers to enable an increase in entry to food value chains through access to infrastructure [such as] abattoirs and feedlots. Blended finance will be mobilised from the Land Bank, the Industrial Development Corporation and commercial banks to give full effect to this,” he said. According to Ramaphosa, the Land Bank was concluding transactions that would create employment opportunities in the agriculture sector over the next three to five years,…

The Land Bank managed to raise R1,5 billion through a bond auction held late last month. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Land Bank CFO, Bennie van Rooy, said the funds were spread across three kinds of bonds: a three-year floating rate listed bond (R306 million), and two different five-year listed bonds. One of the five-year listed bonds was a fixed rate bond for R274 million, and the other a floating rate bond for R920 million. Of the 18 investors participating in the auction, consisting of asset management companies and commercial banks, 14 had been awarded bids. According to Van Rooy, despite the current uncertain economic and political climate in South Africa, the Land Bank had a solid track record and maintained a high level of corporate governance. He also said these…

Countries located at lower latitudes, including nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America, would be at far greater risk of poverty and malnutrition as a result of the adverse effects of climate change on many regions in the world. This was according to a new report, ‘The State of World Agricultural Commodity Markets 2018’, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). FAO director general, José Graziano da Silva, said in a statement it was necessary to ensure that agricultural trade was equitable to prevent economic and food security gaps between developed and developing countries. “International trade has the potential to stabilise markets and reallocate food from surplus to deficit regions, helping countries adapt to climate change and contribute to food security.” Climate change would have significant implications for agriculture…

UNITED STATES Nearly one-third of the world’s farms have adopted more environmentally friendly practices while continuing to be productive. A global assessment by scientists in five countries analysed farms using some form of “sustainable intensification”. In an article in Nature Sustainability, co-author John Reganold, professor of soil science and agroecology at Washington State University in the US, said the new practices could improve productivity, biodiversity and ecosystem services, while lowering costs. – Alan Harman ZIMBABWE The price of a loaf of bread in Zimbabwe has increased by US10c (R1,45) as a result of a wheat shortage due to a lack of foreign currency to import the commodity. Zimbabwe needs 350 000t of wheat a year for national consumption, but consistently harvests far less, due to a lack of irrigation capacity…

‘INNOVATION WILL HELP FARMERS GROW MORE WITH LESS’ Following the recent US$63 billion (about R903 billion) acquisition of Monsanto, the crop science division of Bayer is in the process of being restructured. The company had to sell off some of its crop science businesses to BASF, as a key condition of the US Department of Justice’s approval of the Bayer-Monsanto deal was that the German pharmaceutical and pesticide giant divested some of its crop science assets. Speaking at the Future of Farming Dialogue 2018 held in Germany in early September, Liam Condon, president of Bayer’s Crop Science Division, told delegates that “farmers are hungry for innovation that will help them grow more with less and help ensure adequate access to safe, nutritious and affordable food now and in the future”.…

Once land is expropriated it will go directly to the people who need to use it, as the ANC has “seen the mistake of putting land in the hands of the state”. This was according to the chairperson of the ANC’s subcommittee on economic transformation Enoch Godongwana, speaking at a recent meeting between the party and African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) held in Johannesburg. The meeting was aimed at providing a platform for AFASA to engage with ANC leadership on issues affecting black farmers, such as access to grazing land, and support and subsidies for developing black farmers. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Godongwana said both parties agreed to build a working relationship and establish task teams, incorporating members of both organisations, to implement decisions taken…

The final production figure for the 2018 macadamia season is more than 52 400t, an increase of nearly 8 000t or 16% on the previous season, based on nut-in-shell (NIS) at 1,5% kernel moisture content. The past few years’ drought resulted in a significant decrease in the macadamia crop, resulting in South Africa temporarily losing its ranking as the world’s largest macadamia producer. In 2016, production stood at 38 000t and in 2017 it was just over 44 600t. Traditionally, more than 50% of the crop was exported NIS to China, but this season the kernel market gained more prominence, with 65% of the nuts exported as kernel. According to Pieter van der Westhuizen, chairperson of the Southern African Macadamia Growers’ Association (SAMAC) NPC’s handlers’ forum, the increase in kernel…

Freshwater aquaculture in Africa is finally coming of age, but only north of our borders. A colleague recently completed a continent-wide tour of aquaculture facilities, and his findings reveal exciting developments in many countries, which suggest that Africa may at last be catching up with Asia in this regard. Egypt stands head and shoulders above other African countries, with an annual fish production of more than 750 000t. Given that this is a desert country with one river, and cool winter temperatures, this is testimony to its spirit of entrepreneurship, good management, skilled operators, and, of course, government support. The country has predominantly fertilised and fed earth ponds, with some cage culture and a few recirculating systems. Government sponsorship of feed mills catalysed the industry’s success 15 years ago. Cage…

Most people will probably be able to recognise good-quality produce, but they may have difficulty in defining it. This is not surprising, as many factors, including texture, flavour, colour, size, shape, scarring, bruising, presence of insects or insect marks, diseases, shelf-life, freshness and cleanliness, are all components of quality. In addition, vegetables should be clean, fresh, well-sized, uniform in colour, shape and size, succulent, not obviously fibrous, and free of blemishes. The discriminating buyer will be prepared to pay a premium for good-quality produce. It has a longer shelf-life, which means there is more time available to resell it, and there will be less wastage. It will also ensure the buyer a quicker turnover and a higher price, because the product has more eye-appeal. Consumers prefer blemish-free produce that keeps.…

Field trials of maize silage processing by both John Deere and well-regarded independent research institutes have shown that JD’s 9000 Series consistently delivers 10% higher kernel processing scores. At the heart of the three largest models (the 9700, 9800 and 9900) is the powerful 24,2-litre V12 Liebherr engine, rated at 727kW on the 9900 model. This high-performance power unit is designed to operate efficiently at lower engine speeds. Even below 1 400 rpm, it still provides outstanding torque and copes easily with peak loads. This feature, combined with several other efficiency-enhancing developments such as optimised component speeds at low engine speed, forms the basis of John Deere’s new HarvestMotion concept, which significantly increases throughput and achieves industry-leading fuel efficiency. The large, 850mm-wide crop channel is tailored to handle the huge…

Most cattle farmers own a crush and if they also own horses, use the crush to dip, deworm and vaccinate their horses, as well as to perform general health checks. Although not ideal for horses, a cattle crush is better than no crush at all. Even if you keep only one horse, a crush certainly makes life a lot easier. A CRUSH PEN FOR MULTIPLE HORSES If you own a large herd of horses that normally run together, it is worth building a solid crush made from creosoted wooden poles that can hold five or more horses. The general height required is 1,2m to 1,4m. If most of your horses are about 16hh or higher, build the crush at 1,4m. You need four uprights for every horse, and these need…

Dear Protus, Based on our on-site meetings and the basic sketches I’ve prepared, I’ve amended the layout and styling to be one of a kind, while incorporating some of the contemporary features that you and your wife mentioned. Here, then, is the layout of your eight-bedroomed home. Many hours will be spent in the living room (particularly on weekends), so I’ve made this area spacious and comfortable to accommodate your large family. As you can see, it has three half-round seating areas that should serve everyone’s social needs: a teenagers’ corner; a chat-room; and a pub corner. The plunge pool has been placed in full view of the living area, so that the little ones can be watched easily. A safety net will cover the pool when it is not…

Harold Trollope’s desire to conserve nature was fuelled by a passion for hunting that began in his youth. By the time he died in 1949 at the age of 67, he had been involved in the development of both the Kruger National Park (KNP) and the Addo Elephant Park (AEP). Trollope was born in 1882, and hunting was part of his childhood on his family’s farm, Hartebeesthoek, near Pretoria. When the Second Anglo-Boer War broke out in 1899, he became President Paul Kruger’s telegrapher and saw action against the British with the Pretoria Skiet Commando. After the end of the war in 1902, he helped his brother, Wesley, rebuild the looted Hartebeesthoek and hunted as far as the Zambezi Valley. In 1911, Trollope and his wife, Irene, accepted a management…

September, supposedly the month of spring, has come and gone. With the trees covered in blossom, we were expecting warmer weather; instead, we got an unpleasant surprise. Cold fronts invaded us, and the temperature plummeted to freezing. Why ewes have to lamb at this time of year I’ll never know. Can nature get it wrong sometimes? Anyway, it’s warmer now, and even neighbour Jan is wearing his usual shorts and T-shirt at our morning coffee on my stoep. The conversation inevitably turned to sport. “How about that? The Bokke beat the Kiwis for the first time in decades, Townie!” he exclaimed. “It was a close call, Jan. Only a single point separated them after the Bokke’s substantial half-time lead. The next game will prove whether or not their performance was…