Table of contents for 13 October 2023 in Farmer's Weekly

South Africa's currency has been taking a beating over the past couple of months. At the time of writing, for example, the rand was at R19,03 to the US dollar, down from its peak earlier in the week of around R19,20 to the US dollar. This is the response I mostly get when engaging with people about the current high cost of petrol and diesel: the rand's poor performance is seeing a major increase in the price of fuel. This is, of course, partly true; as the rand depreciates, commodities we import in US dollars are bound to increase. But this, perhaps surprisingly, is not the major driving factor for the current massive increase in the price of petrol and diesel. (In September, the petrol price increased by R1,71/l, while…

WWF South Africa recently announced its Believe in Better campaign, a call to action designed to ignite hope for a brighter, more sustainable future. As South Africa approaches the 2024 elections, this campaign serves as a powerful reminder of our shared national vision: to heal the wounds of the past and pave the way for a brighter, more promising future for our country. WWF South Africa wishes to inspire its compatriots to be heartened by its stories of success and embrace hope rather than despair. It wants everyone to Believe in Better, three words that serve as a balm against the constant barrage of negativity we face and an uplifting reminder of the value in believing in something good. At the heart of WWF's mission lies the protection of our…

In the face of the formidable challenges and uncertainties affecting poultry in certain regions of South Africa, there is an urgent need to underscore the pivotal role this industry plays and the need for us all to come together in its steadfast support. The South African poultry industry extends well beyond the mere production of chicken and eggs: it serves as a fundamental pillar of our agricultural economy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security and making a substantial contribution to the overall well-being of numerous people. A LEADING POULTRY PRODUCER South Africa stands at the forefront of Africa's leading poultry producers, confidently competing on the global stage alongside the world's poultry giants. This translates into generating significant employment opportunities that span every facet of the extensive value chain.…

Government has called on the public to submit comments on a draft policy position regarding the conservation and sustainable use of elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino. This followed the publication of the draft policy by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy in the Government Gazette on 24 September 2023. “The draft policy position focuses primarily on correcting unsustainable practices, promoting conservation and sustainable use of the five species (elephant, lion, leopard, black and white rhinoceros), and providing policy direction for international commercial trade,” the department said. According to Deon Furstenburg, a South African ecologist and zoologist, the draft document implied that the state was considering opening up the trade in rhino horn and ivory. “We do not know how this is going to play out. Neither do…

Ireland's farmers are aiming to increase their profits by practising more nature-friendly approaches. Seventeen farmers took part in the ‘Striking the Balance’ project, conducted by the Nature Friendly Farming Network. It included cattle, sheep, mixed farms and dairy farms. All the farms looked at moving to a maximum sustainable output (MSO) approach that could increase their profitability by 35%. They came to this figure after support payments were taken into account. “The MSO is a metric that determines at what point a farm achieves its optimum output while harnessing the natural resources available to it,” the study said. The use of fertilisers and feeds was reduced and natural resources were used more efficiently. The move towards MSO is seen as “potentially transformational” for the economic outlook of farming in Northern…

Speaking at a farmers’ day held recently in Kuruman, Dr Japie van der Westhuizen, general manager of the South African Stud Book and Animal Improvement Association, said it was important for beef cattle producers, both stud and commercial, to be aware of the profit drivers for female animals in their herd. The efficiency of female breeding animals determined the efficiency of any beef cattle production concern, he said. Van der Westhuizen said awareness of profit drivers determined the sustainability of a beef enterprise as more than 95% of all breeding animals on a beef farm were female. The check list included profit drivers such as breeding and mating efficiency. This pertained to matters such as early maturing, regular calving early in the season and raising a strong and healthy calf.…

Lobbyists against crop protection chemicals have spurred protest action in the Western Cape and Kenya, with calls for African agriculture to mimic chemical usage in the EU. It is however the lack of protective clothing worn when handling the chemicals that is creating the furore, rather than the products themselves. The Women on Farms Project (WFP) in the Western Cape marched to the offices of agricultural company Bayer over the use of pesticides on farms, which they said affects the health of farmworkers. They claimed that many products were used in South Africa that were banned in Europe, and called for their banning locally. The memorandum, handed over at Bayer's office gate to a company representative, stated there were at least 54 such products. The exact products were however, not…

The fate of the sugar industry in South Africa remains uncertain as sugar producer Tongaat Hulett has received another extension to complete its business rescue plans. Tongaat Hulett was placed in administration after failing to recover from accounting irregularities last year. Since then, sugar cane growers have been uncertain as to whether the country will have enough capacity to continue processing their crops, and if operations in that regard should continue. The initial date for Tongaat Hulett to publish rescue plans was at the end of September 2023. Creditors then voted for the publication date to be extended to the end of October. This has exacerbated uncertainty in the sugar industry and farmers were hesitant to continue sugar operations. Wilrik Scheepers, a farmer in Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal, said sugar farmers…

In his second book, titled A Country of Two Agricultures, Wandile Sihlobo identifies bottlenecks in the agricultural value chains that are sustaining the duality problem in the country. These range from the deteriorating farm and off-farm infrastructure, institutional and market failures, land and finance hunger amongst black farmers, and the biosecurity threats that are compounded by climate change and limited access to technologies. Very boldly and insightfully, Sihlobo then accounts for the positive contribution of the democratic government on the trade front. He provides concrete evidence of how agriculture has grown and become a globally competitive sector in the past 25 years. He attributes this success to progressive and market-friendly trade policies that have led to the opening of new agricultural export markets, an area in which government continues to…

Where were you born and raised? I was born and raised on a Karoo sheep farm in the Hanover district and attended school at Union in Graaff-Reinet. I studied home economics in the Cape where the link between good food and nutrition, with soil as the basis of health in plants, animals and people starts. You are what you eat! When did you get into agro-processing? In 1990, my husband Mike and I established our first factory (in the recycling or circular economy) for local supply to animal feeds, and local and export to nurseries and farmers for fertiliser. What drove you to begin Talborne Organics? We initially exported natural organic fertilisers to Germany for use in the vineyards and herb farming as traditional slow-release fertilisers, for farmers to comply…

A group of researchers from the University of California have come up with a solution to assist farmers with combating root-damaging nematodes using precision farming. In a research paper published on Science Daily, the group, led by Prof Nicole Steinmetz, introduced their newly developed nanoparticles. Fashioned from existing plant viruses, they are used deliver pesticide molecules to previously unreachable soil depths. According to the research paper, the method will enable farmers to save money by cutting down on pesticide use. Steinmetz said her team drew inspiration from nanomedicine, where nanoparticles are being created for targeted drug delivery, and adapted this concept to agriculture. “We're developing a precision farming approach where we're creating nanoparticles for targeted pesticide delivery. This technology holds the promise of enhancing treatment effectiveness in the field without…

Dear Prof McCrindle, What is the best time to neuter a tomcat? Kind regards, Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Over time, the opinion regarding the optimal age for neutering tomcats has changed. At one time there were worries about early neutering being a risk for urethral blockage in tomcats. The urethra is the tubular structure in the genital organ through which a tomcat urinates. Urinary blockage can be fatal in adult male cats. However, it has been discovered that the main cause of this disease is an incorrect diet, not neutering at an age younger than six months of age. Research has shown that there is no significant difference in the size of the urethra before the age of six months. Most cats, both male and female, become sexually mature in the…

To make sure his plants are virus-free, this nursery owner never allows the roots to come into contact with the soil. Producing virus-free citrus plants for sale takes rigorous management, says Trevor McKenzie of Nucellar Nursery in Simondium, Western Cape. He produces under the Citrus Superplant Scheme, which means all the plants he grows must be certified by inspectors to ensure they conform to the scheme standards. SPEEDLING TRAYS To prevent any possibility of contamination by viruses, plants must never at any stage come into contact with the soil. The plants are produced in a controlled environment in Speedling trays, with the roots being air-pruned as they poke through holes in the bottom. Seeds for seedling rootstock are obtained directly from the scheme, which is run by the Citrus Exchange…

Globally, the economic downturn has had a negative impact on the dairy industry, but South African producers face far more challenges as consumers are battling load-shedding. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ price index of dairy products traded internationally decreased in the 14 months that ended in August 2023 to a level lower than in August 2022 and August 2021. Locally, the South African Milk Processors’ Organisation (SAMPRO) reported that the retail sales quantities of dairy products in South Africa had been consistently declining year-on-year since 2020. This was as a result of erosion of consumer purchasing power brought on by the widespread increase in the prices of consumer goods and services (including high increases in the prices of dairy products), poor service delivery by the public…

WWF South Africa and the retailer Woolworths this month celebrated the 15th year of their commitment to a shared vision of environmental stewardship, namely the Woolworths Good Business Journey. Dr Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa, said: “Long-term partnerships with businesses help us to achieve an equitable and inclusive, nature-positive, and carbon-neutral world. WWF South Africa's partnership with the retailer reaffirmed our steadfast commitment to a shared vision of environmental stewardship.” Fifteen years ago, Woolworths became the first retailer to align forces with WWF in South Africa to pioneer a better way of doing things. “For us, the ambition is not only to change and improve how we do things, but also how our broader industry operates into the future. Together, we have spearheaded advancements in sustainable farming…

BRAZIL After reports that cattle ranching and clearing land for crops had drastically increased, large meat company JBS said that to effectively prevent deforestation, Brazil needed a government programme to track cattle being raised for beef. JBS CEO Gilbert Tomazoni said the company tracked its cattle suppliers with geomonitoring to help prevent deforestation in its supply chain. However, an audit by the government found that 17% of the cattle bought by JBS from 2019 to 2020 allegedly came from ranches with irregularities such as illegal deforestation. UNITED STATES The US agriculture department was set to invest US$300 million (about R5,75 billion) to improve the reporting of global-warming emissions by the agriculture and forestry industries. The investment, made from the country's climate law funds, aimed to create a network that will…

After facing a whopping R2,84/l diesel increase in September, thr October outlook has added more woes to already hard-pressed farmers in South African While the latest unaudited information from the Central Energy Fund shows the fuel price outlook has imprved since mis-month on the petrol front, it remains bleak on the diesel front. Current information points to an increase of just over R1,70/l, however more positive data seen in recent days may see it drops lower before the hike takes effect. According to Pual Makube, senior agriculture economist af FNB, following signs of moderations in costs at farm level with fertiliser prices declining by over 30% relavtive to last year, hopes of redused pressure on profit margins are almost dashed after the recent hefty increase in fuel price, particularly dieselfor…

The future looks promising for canola production, according to speakers who participated in a Nation in Conversation discussion at Nampo Cape in Bredasdorp. Pieter Malan, the chief operating officer of SSK, said the area under canola production had increased from a mere 68 000ha to an average of 190 000ha over the past decade. He foresaw average production increasing from 1,8t/ha to between 2,2t/ha and 2,5t/ha this year thanks to favourable climatic conditions, which would push production to between 215 000t and 263 000t. Kellie Becker, managing director of SOILL, said canola oil accounted for roughly 12% of the 250 million tons of fats and oils produced internationally. He said canola prices skyrocketed, following the war in Ukraine, which had a negative impact on demand. It has since emerged that…

Zimbabwe Sugar Sales (ZSS) general manager Tracey Mutaviri recently painted a bleak picture of local sugar sales in a report to the members of the ZSS board. She said that as a result of depressed local sales, stock had been building up and warned that high closing stocks would delay closure of the 2023/24 season and continue to pose liquidity challenges for farmers as cash would be tied in stocks for a longer period. “If the current trend persists to March 2024, stocks will potentially close at 94 000t by March 31, 2024, which will be 64 000t more than the planned closing stock of 30 000t. “A high closing stock will delay closure of the 2023/24 season and continue to pose liquidity challenges for […] farmers as cash will…

For South Africa, the current El Niño weather phenomenon presents production risks for summer grains and oilseeds. However, production sentiments remain optimistic. This piece considers the dynamics in grains and oilseeds markets to explore what price trends could look like over the coming months. MAIZE Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) maize prices firmed by 1,9% compared with a month ago as harvesting in the US progressed slower than analyst expectations. The US maize crop was 15% harvested, compared with estimates for 17%. There are currently no immediate concerns regarding US maize supplies, as this exceeds the five-year average of 13% harvested during this time of the year. Furthermore, the September World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report indicated that the maize production projection was raised by 0,2% for the…

Talborne Organics is a family-run business with a footprint across various agriculture sectors throughout Southern Africa. The company manufactures and distributes high-performance commercial organic fertilisers and solutions for soil and crop health. Their website says: “With patience and perseverance, and the support of our loyal customers, Talborne Organics has grown to be the partner of choice for thousands of famers, growers, landscapers and gardeners, who have seen their crops, fields and gardens regenerate and thrive. Our team continues to be motivated by the enthusiastic feedback from our customers, who have, by growing health, achieved excellent, sustained results when using Talborne ranges. What's very important to us is knowing that our products are not harmful to people, animals or the planet, as we believe that future generations should also be able…

Putin's Prisoner: My Time As A Prisoner of War In Ukraine by Aiden Aslin with John Sweeney (Penguin, R370) This latest contribution to the literature of the Ukraine war tells the saga of a Brit in the Ukrainian army in February 2022, who found himself in the frontline at the Mariupol's stand against Russia. As luck would have it in war, Aslin was captured and identified as a foreigner, giving Russian propagandists plenty of opportunity to parade their prize before the world's media. He was ill-treated, tried and sentenced to death. Fortunately, he lived to tell his tale and six months later was part of a prisoner exchange. Partly as a riposte to being turned into a propaganda zombie, Aslin tells his story, assisted by veteran war correspondent and writer…

I recently published an optimistic view about the 2023/24 global grains supplies outlook, drawing on from data from the US agriculture department. However, the 2023/24 global wheat production prospects need a closer look as we continue to see reports of poor yields in the EU, Russia, Canada, Ukraine, Australia, the UK and Kazakhstan. The drier weather conditions over the past few months are the primary reason for the decline in yields in these countries. Consequently, the latest report from the International Grains Council places the 2023/24 global wheat production at 783 million tons, down 3% from the previous season. Still, this would be the second-largest global wheat harvest on record. In line with these downward revisions in production estimates and increased consumption, the 2023/24 global wheat stocks could fall by…

Vegetable farmers’ declining profit margins are placing food production at risk, with many farmers exiting the industry. Research by the Global Coalition of Fresh Produce (GCFP), an international thinktank, shows that 60% of global fresh produce is being traded at levels that are unprofitable. This is as a result of big increases in production and operating costs. The report, which is based on results of a survey conducted in early 2023, looked at the increasing cost of fruit and vegetable production around the world, as well as its impact on the industry and consumers. Meanwhile, celebrities in the UK have created a campaign to urge supermarkets to give a fairer deal to the country's struggling farmers. The campaign states that 49% of British fruit and vegetable growers say it is…

The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture's Farm-Smart programme aims to create jobs and sustainable food security in the region with the launch of their new programme. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in partnership with Afrika Wireless Tech launched the Farm-Smart Programme in Kimberley earlier in October. According to the department, the programme is aimed at backyard farmers, small-scale farmers, emerging farmers, and all those who are interested in agriculture. MEC of Agriculture Mase Manopole said that the Northern Cape's GDP currently stood at 2,1% of all the provinces’ comabined contribution to the national GDP, which was the lowest in South Africa. “What contributes to this is the fact that the Northern Cape exports raw materials versus finished products. This has been an obstacle created by the…

With the intention of paving a way forward in the current difficult agricultural and rural landscape, political and economic specialists outlined the prospectus for the future of the sector at the 24th annual KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) Congress. The event took place at the Pietermaritzburg Royal Agricultural Showgrounds, bringing together influential voices in the political, economic, rural and agriculture sectors to provide valuable insights into the prospects for the industry. Affiliates from throughout the province convened for a full day of presentations and discussions centred on the union's theme, ‘Kwanalu speaks farmer, Kwanalu speaks member, Kwanalu speaks agricultural and rural matters’. Kwanalu's adoption of resolutions for the year ahead was presented by Kwanalu board member Dr Kathy Hurly. Kwanalu CEO Sandy La Marque said: “Increasing challenges to KZN's agriculture sector…

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently announced the appointment of Zibusiso Dlamini as its new head. Dlamini has extensive senior management experience in provincial and national government. He was appointed as acting head of department in September 2022, a role he performed simultaneously with his responsibilities as the deputy directorgeneral of Agriculture Development Services in the department. According to agriculture MEC Super Zuma, Dlamini has substantial senior management experience in the department and has cultivated his career well, serving in various technical and leadership positions within the sector. “These positions include serving as senior manager: Macro-Planning, Chief Director: Agricultural Services, chief director: Rural Enterprise and Industry Development, chief director: Food Security at the National Department of Agriculture, and chief executive officer for Fresh Produce Market in…

Retail prices move up with the speed of a rocket when upstream prices increase but go down like a feather falling when input prices decrease. The Competition Commission (CC) recently published a report on retail prices that clearly shows this trend. It quotes several South African studies that confirm this trend in terms of local beef, maize meal, bread, sunflower oil and fresh milk value chains. The CC explains that retail prices in food value chains are formed by markups being added at every point. When input prices increase, the different role players increase prices in order to maintain their mark-up percentages. According to the CC, this practice is not necessarily uncompetitive: the market power of firms allows them to increase prices to levels that boost their profits. If input…

FEATURE Regenerative Agriculture With food security at the forefront of many discussions and interventions around South Africa and the world, regenerative agriculture may be the solution to many of the challenges being faced by prime food producers, farmers. Described by the Regenerative Agriculture Association of Southern Africa as farming with nature rather than against nature, there is no one definition of regenerative agriculture. WHAT IS REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE? According to Regenerative International, regenerative agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that regenerate soils by restoring the carbon cycle, the water cycle and the nutrient cycle and, in the process, produce nutrient-dense foods while restoring the soil's other crucial ecosystem services. Regenerative agriculture is farming in a way that improves agricultural ecosystems by farming with nature rather than against it.…