Table of contents for 26 January 2024 in Farmer's Weekly

Since 8 January, farmers in Germany have been protesting on mass scale against the government's recent decision to eliminate tax breaks on diesel-powered agricultural equipment (see story on page 19). This protest is taking place nationwide, with tens of thousands of farmers and other citizens blocking highways and other roads. According to Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch journalist who extensively covered the Dutch farmer protests last year, these latest protests in Europe are a result of new so-called climate change-mitigation strategies and restrictions that specifically seem to target farmers. Vlaardingerbroek told American anchor Tucker Carlson that German farmers felt they were being “harassed off their land” by the German government, and were being ruled by “people who hate them”. The elimination of the diesel rebate could mean that many farmers in…

Ten postgraduate students who were previously unemployed recently embarked on a remarkable journey from Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, to Tzaneen in Limpopo as part of the SA Harvest entrepreneurial incubator initiative. Supported by Naspers Labs, this programme aims to equip young individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become selfsufficient agri-food entrepreneurs. These students have taken an incredible step towards transforming their lives and making a significant impact on their local community. Their week-long training programme, facilitated by Agricolleges International, focused on providing them with a National Certificate in Plant Production, a crucial step toward agricultural management and entrepreneurship. The Lusikisiki branch of SA Harvest, a food rescue and hunger relief organisation committed to ending hunger in South Africa, is unique in its approach to addressing the systemic causes of…

Africa-based global charity World Animal Protection recently launched a report detailing how factory farming contributes at least 11% of the global greenhouse gases fuelling climate change. The international charity's ‘How Factory Farming Emissions are Worsening Climate Disasters in the Global South’ report also details how intensive animal agriculture is impacting smallholder farming, which contributes to the livelihoods and food security of 1,7 billion people. According to the report, the Global North's factory farms are responsible for US$8,65 billion (about R161 billion) worth of damage across recent disasters in Africa, Asia and South America. By 2050, the economic costs associated with climatedriven disasters globally could exceed US$1 trillion (R18,6 trillion) annually as the impacts of climate change intensify. A resource-intensive business, factory farming releases a large proportion of greenhouse gases into…

Farmers in Canada are trying to remain optimistic despite worsening drought conditions around the country. This was according to Ian Boxall, president of the Agricultural Producers’ Association of Saskatchewan. Boxall, who is also a farmer in the area, told Global News that despite the lack of rain in the area, they were looking forward to a good spring planting season. The Canadian Drought Monitor said in a statement the region had experienced an abnormally dry winter and a large part of the agriculture sector had been affected. A climatologist, David Phillips, said: “Winter has not happened yet, and here we are, with days getting longer. I think nature is showing its personality and character right now.” He said not all parts of Canada had been lacking precipitation though, as the…

The Zimbabwean Department of Veterinary Services requested livestock producers to remain on high alert following an anthrax outbreak in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. The outbreak had been traced to the activity of hippos in Kariba and the Zambezi basin. The country's acting chief director of veterinary services, Pius Makaya, told the New Zimbabwe news service the animals were infected from anthrax spores while grazing. He warned that humans could also become infected by consuming meat from anthraxinfected animals, especially cattle. “We have managed to map 31 anthrax hot spot disticts out of the 60 districts in the country. These are the districts we are targeting for the control of the disease,” said Makaya. According to him local veterinary officials were working with their Zambian counterparts to contain the spread of…

The draft Integrated Resources Plan 2023 (IRP) that the South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) published on 9 January 2024 has received some strong criticism. It makes the case for a fossil-heavy electricity generation system on the basis of unrevealed and unsubstantiated assumptions, according to James Reeler, a senior manager at Climate Action with WWF South Africa. It also did not take into account the uncompetitive future to which it would bind the South African economy. “This is not only a step back for the DMRE in terms of consultation and clarity of work, it is a high-risk pitch for special interests at the cost of the citizens’ futures. We can and must do better.” Reeler described the draft IRP as “not only disappointing, but it also…

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) hosted the Litchi Cultivar at the Tropical and Subtropical Crops campus in Mbombela in January. Researchers, small-scale farmers, growers and buyers from KwaZuluNatal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo attended the annual event. According to ARC, the objective of the event is to educate communities and those involved in growing fruit on how the cultivation of fruit trees can contribute to long-term food security, equally strengthening rural economies. Senior manager of marketing and communications services, Joy Nonzukiso Peter, said: “Litchis are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, potassium, and dietary fibre. By promoting the cultivation and consumption of litchis, the event contributes to diversifying diets and enhancing nutritional intake.” This year's cultivar featured a display and tasting of the recently imported litchi cultivars, litchi-flavoured dairy…

GLOBAL FARMING Consumer demand for dairy products is decreasing. The joint organisation for the dairy industry, Milk South Africa, recently published a report on the retail sales of dairy products, based on surveys by the Nielsen company and compiled by the dairy processing industry's organisation, SAMPRO. In the 12-month period to September 2023, the retail demand for all dairy products, with the exclusion of cream cheese, decreased 1,1%–10,7%. Prices of dairy products increased from September 2022 to September 2023 by between 8,6% and 16,8% (see table). The sharp increase in retail prices led to the retail sector being able to maintain, and in some cases increase, retail turnover. Milk processors did not share in the higher retail prices. According to Statistics South Africa, the price of fresh milk and UHT…

At 28 years of age, Hlobi Yende demonstrates the energy and aspirations of her generation. A confident, influential and competitive millennial, she has added several successful divisions to the family farm in the three years since she swapped her city shoes for gumboots. And while her plans for the future seem even more daring, her track record speaks of a woman that perseveres to the end, pivoting when obstacles block her way. As director of The Yende and Partners (Pty Ltd), in Ratanda, near Heidelberg in Gauteng, she is responsible for the day-to-day running of the 1 064ha farm. The main commodities are 120ha of maize as well as butternuts, cattle, sheep and goats. She recently added beekeeping to aid pollination and income through honey sales. Yende has five brothers…

From The Baobab To The Mosquito by Letlhokwa George Mpedi (Tracey McDonald Publishers, R320) Mpedi, a professor of labour and social security law and vice-chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, believes that Africa needs to find its own solutions to rebuilding post-COVID – but that the leadership model on the continent is dominated by Western, colonialist approaches rather than authentically local models. Using a collection of African sayings as a springboard, he rethinks leadership concepts for contemporary contexts. Interwoven in his discussion are everything from Ghanaian fables to critiques of leadership approaches in the Harvard Business Review, including one article with the resounding title “If humility is so important, why are leaders so arrogant?” There are 32 chapters on themes from corruption to teamwork. Pondering one chapter a week will…

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer's Weekly. This article was first published by The Conversation. Read the original at an-african-history-of-cannabis-offers-fascinating-and-heartbreaking-insights-an-expert-explains-216281. “When I tell people that I research cannabis, I sometimes receive a furtive gesture that implies and presumes, “We're both stoners,” as if two members of a secret society have met. Other times, I receive looks of concern. “You don't want to be known as the guy who studies marijuana,” a professional colleague once counselled. Lastly, some respond with blank stares: “Why do academics spend time on such frivolous topics?” I've learnt that all these attitudes reflect ignorance about the plant, which few people have learnt about except through popular media or their own experiences with it. I study cannabis, but…

As part of their Livestock Production Improvement Scheme (LPIS), the Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nonkqubela Pieters, handed over 17 Nguni cattle bulls to farmers in the Sarah Baartman, Amathole and OR Tambo districts. Pieters highlighted the provincial department's proactive efforts in promoting the commercialisation of livestock development within communal and smallholder farming communities. The overarching goal, she said, was to boost red meat production in the Eastern Cape region. “The department, in collaboration with both private and public sectors, remains committed to empowering farmers through ongoing support initiatives. These strategic partnerships aim to enable farmers to actively engage in the agricultural value chain, thereby making significant contributions to the local economy and job creation,” said Pieters. This initiative became a reality through a collaborative effort…

While last year marked the final Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg, the Royal Agricultural Society has already begun planning for the Royal Agricultural Exhibition, which will replace the Royal Show. The Royal Agricultural Exhibition will be focused on livestock competitions and agrarian-related exhibits, and will take place from 24 to 29 May 2024 at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. According to a statement by the society, the changes to the format of the shows and exhibitions will see a return to their core focus on agriculture, and promises an exciting new phase for the organisation. “Part of this plan ultimately entails moving from the premises we have called home for 120 years, but our next show (an agriculture-only event) will be held at the present grounds, pending finalisation of the…

NEPAL The Nepal government announced that while the country's bee farmers had a bumper honey season, there was no improvement in the export of the item. However, the Integrated Agriculture and Livestock Development office said that the harvest had just started, so there was no need to worry about sales as yet. Due to Nepal's diverse climate conditions, the country is home to five species of honeybees, making it a top producer of honey. UNITED STATES According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), a senator is calling for government to investigate the imports of garlic from China. In a letter written to government, the senator claims that the garlic is unsafe due to unsanitary production methods. The senator referred to garlic being grown in sewage, and added: “Food safety…

Smallholder farmers in Zambia and other African countries should resort to biological methods rather than chemicals to mitigate the devastation being caused to their crops by fall armyworm (FAW). This was according to the International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF). The institute, which specialises in the sustainable management, protection and regulation of tropical rainforest and natural reserves, uses its research to advance policies and practices to benefit smallholder farmers. Zambia is once again under threat from the perennial FAW, which devastated farms around the country during the 2023/24 farming season. There are fears that this may reverse the projected food production in various crops, maize included. Last season, a total 319 611ha of planted land was lost to FAW. Flash floods and other climate change incidents, including dry spells,…

Cannabis cultivation is a delicate balance of numerous environmental conditions that is part art, part science. Among these, light stands out as a key player in influencing plant growth, development, and, ultimately, the yield of the crop. Understanding of light spectra and its impact on cannabis development has advanced dramatically in recent years, paving the path for advanced growing practices. Light is essential for photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants transform light energy into chemical energy to fuel their growth. Cannabis plants, like other green plants, absorb light largely from the blue and red sections of the spectrum, utilising particular pigments such as chlorophyll to do so. The interaction of different light wavelenghts influences plant shape, nutritional intake, and overall development. Photosynthesis occurs most efficiently when plants receive…

LIVESTOCK Merino Artificial insemination in sheep is used to improve reproduction efficiency, ensure continuous genetic improvement and practise disease control. In addition, some stud farmers often provide buyers with semen from purchased rams as additional insurance. Ram semen can be collected using various techniques such as the use of an artificial vagina or electro-ejaculation. Electro-ejaculation, a procedure that does not last longer than a few seconds, is an effective and practical method to collect semen from animals that are not able to mate or from untrained rams. The semen sample collected is usually of good quality but recently concerns have been raised by retailers and consumers about animal welfare issues associated with electro-ejaculation. Currently, in South Africa, electroejaculation is an approved procedure by most animal welfare organisations, but it is…

Jacobus Hercules (Koos) de la Rey was one of the greatest Boer War generals and leaders during the conflict with Great Britain from 1899 to 1902. Wherever he went he exuded a strong presence. He was born in 1847 at Doornfontein in the Winburg District of the Orange Free State, where his parents were farming. They later moved to the Wolmaransstad District in the Western Transvaal, where he spent his youth and at an early age learnt to shoot while riding bareback. He received no formal education and was taught the basic skills of reading and writing at home, or by ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church. After the discovery of diamonds, his parents moved to Kimberley and the young Koos became a transport rider across vast areas of the…

Dear Prof McCrindle, My cows with calves died in the winter when it was dry. How much water does a cow need to drink every day? Kind regards, Colin Dear Colin, Cows with calves will drink more water than a pregnant cow, and the amount depends on the age of the calf. Usually, herds go down to the water source at dawn and dusk and sleep close by. The day is spent grazing. If your cows are staying close to the water source all day on extensive grazing, it probably means there is not enough water. Unfortunately, bulls and larger cows need more water and chase others away if there is not enough to quell their thirst. That is when weaker, old cows and heifers with calves start to lie…

An increase in political uncertainty adds to a decline in business confidence due to its impact on predictability. In an ideal business situation, predictability provides the comfort of planning. Without the comfort of planning, innovation and agility become important partners in business. In May, South Africa will have a national election in its five-year cycle, and witness the inauguration of its seventh administration. South Africa will not be the only country having elections; more than half the world's population that is eligible to vote will take part in more than 70 elections in 2024. These include Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, the UK, Belgium, Germany and Portugal. In the Americas, the US, Mexico and Brazil will have elections. The largest democracy, India, will be voting, as will Russia, Pakistan and Turkey. CHALLENGE…

Five small-scale timber growers in KwaZulu-Natal have made history, as the first participants in the Sappi Khulisa programme to achieve forest certification through the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) in the Sappi Group scheme for small growers. Sappi, a member of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), announced that the five timber growers, with a total 8 143ha of timber area, have been successfully audited and awarded a PEFC Group Scheme certificate. The recipients of the award and founding members of the Sappi PEFC Group Scheme are the iMfume Cluster, consisting of more than 20 small growers from the Mfume district, near Scottburgh, Sobengwe Trading from Ixopo, MG Farming from Richmond, Mclean M from Underberg, and Braecroft Timbers from Underberg. According to the company, the…

The establishment of a sustainable cassava industry in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by AVCO Foods is making its mark in agriculture as one of the largest industries of its kind in Africa. Project White Gold, launched by AVCO co-founders Zin Mabaso and Markus Fröhlich in the uMkhanyakude District in KZN, leverages their more than 25 years in agro-processing and more than seven years of combined experience in cassava operations across Africa. Spearheading the local cassava value chain, they aim to cultivate up to 10 000ha of land and substitute up to 20 000t of imported starch annually. According to Mabaso, AVCO Foods’ true passion lies in economic and social transformation. “Project White Gold brings economic and social transformation to the rural communities of northern KZN. By establishing cassava production on this…

Grain and oilseed production in the Southern Hemisphere typically faces heightened scrutiny during the first weeks of the year, as the progress and development of crops in this region significantly influence international grains and oilseed prices. Brazil's weather conditions have been unpredictable, characterised by some regions experiencing hot and dry spells, while others grapple with excessive rainfall. These extreme weather variations have contributed to volatility in maize and soya bean prices since the beginning of the 2023/24 Southern Hemisphere production season. MAIZE The Chicago Board of Trade's (CBOT) maize prices followed a decreasing trend, dropping 2,3% month-on-month (see Graph 1), underpinned by rain at the beginning of 2024 in Brazil, which has improved crop prospects after hot, dry weather had earlier prompted analysts to lower production estimates. Brazil is still…

Climate change has topped every government's priority following COP28. The pressure with regards to greenhouse gas emissions and beef farming was in the spotlight during the conference as well. With this in mind, a group of researchers from the Breakthrough Institute in the US used years of data collected over the years in cattle farming and applied the latest soil technology available today. Cattle that are used for beef production on a lifelong grass diet may have a higher carbon footprint than those that are fed grain, the new research shows. It was published in the journal PLOS ONE and the results will not only help beef farmers reduce their carbon footprint, but also help consumers to make smarter choices. This research team calculated and compared the carbon footprint of…