Farmer's Weekly 21 October 2022

South Africa has set a new record high for the number of hours of load-shedding experienced thus far in 2022. At the time of writing, South Africans had experienced several weeks of continuous load-shedding; so far this year, we have had 2 022 hours of load-shedding, up 75% from 2021, according to various sources. Farmer's Weekly has reported on the impact of load-shedding on farming operations in past issues and online, but parts of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni recently saw the implementation of water-shedding, a direct result of the unabated rolling blackouts of the past few weeks. On 4 October, Rand Water implemented Stage 2 water restrictions, which means a 30% reduction in water usage. The Mail & Guardian reported that "[r]epeated and prolonged blackouts in recent weeks have affected Rand Water's…

Vaccines differ considerably in their production characteristics and physical properties; their modes of application and action; the nature and duration of the protection they provide; the target hosts in which they can be used; the unwanted side effects and risks associated with their use; and their dependence upon complementary control measures. However, an almost universal feature of vaccination is that it is a complex process that depends upon not only a good vaccine, but also the correct strategy and implementation involving multiple steps, procedures and players. Problems can arise at various stages in the production and application of vaccines, leading to suboptimal performance and failure to fully realise the potential of vaccination. Common problems with vaccination are: • Loss of vaccine efficacy due to overheating or freezing during storage, transport or administration; •…

31 October to 4 November, Delmas, Mpumalanga The Introduction to Basic Vegetable Production short course focuses on the principles of vegetable production under irrigation. The course presents the procedures of soil analysis and land preparation, correct planting procedures, harvesting methods, and more. Phone the Buhle Farmers' Academy on 063 287 2732, or email applications@buhle.org.za. Visit buhle.org.za. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND EXPOS 17 TO 18 NOVEMBER Agribusiness Conference 2022, Protea Hotel, Sandton. Email Buhle Ndokweni at buhle@mathema.co.za, or phone 011 862 4001. 17 TO 18 NOVEMBER Sustainable Innovative Producers and Emerging Farmers Conference, Protea Hotel Balalaika, Sandton. Email Karabo Ramabu at karabo@mathema.co.za. 24 TO 25 NOVEMBER Drones and Unmanned Aviation Conference 2022, Emperors Palace. Email info@bussynet.co.za. COURSES AND TRAINING 16 OCTOBER TO 5 NOVEMBER Sheep and Goat Training Module, George. Email Rothman Livestock and Training Services at office@RLTSafrica.com. 26 OCTOBER Profitable Boer Goat Production, Potchefstroom. Phone Johan…

The decision to euthanise an animal is seldom an easy one for an owner to make. And neither is it for a veterinarian, since having to put an animal down can be fraught with emotional hardship, as morals, ethics, empathy, practicality, and the professional obligation to provide humane care collide. The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) spoke to veterinary professionals to hear their thoughts on the complex and multifaceted issue of euthanasia. Their considered and often poignant responses show that every day, these animal-health professionals have to weigh up many factors when exercising their duty to ease animals' pain and ensure their quality of life. This includes dealing with the very human emotions - their own as well as those of the owners - that come with having to make life-or-death decisions. FAMILY PETS "If…

MOST POPULAR ON FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA 'HIGH DIESEL PRICES WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE UP PRODUCTION COSTS' The latest increase in diesel prices is a severe blow to grain farmers, according to André Kirsten, vice-chairperson of Grain SA's Winter Grain Working Group. Read the full article at bit.ly/3eawRSR, or scan here: Posted: 4 October 2022. Follow us at @FarmersWeeklySA FROM FACEBOOK @FarmersWeeklySA We posted a link to an artide titled, 'Dehorning your beef cattle can help boost profits', and a few of our followers shared their thoughts on the topic. Posted: 5 October 2022. READERS' COMMENTS Keyasi Saranji: "In some parts of Zimbabwe, horned cattle have become easy targets for cattle rustlers, as they can easily rope them. Dehorned cattle are difficult to leash." Johan Robbertse: "Putting castration rings [around the horns] is much easier and [painless]. The horns fall off after a month." John…

28 YEARS AGO 1911 23 December 1994 2022 In this article, an expert stated that careful observation and strict selection were needed to combat pigmentation in sheep flocks and improve the quality of the clip. Foreign objects such as twine, wire and pieces of sacking are usually seen as the main culprits in wool contamination. However, colour and the presence of black fibres are also significant. At the outset, wool growers must appreciate the importance of clean, uncontaminated wool in their bales, says Smiley de Beer of the [then] Wool Board in Caledon, Western Cape. Cleanliness is the primary requirement in the manufacture of tops. The wool industry dictates that in the manufacture of white and pastel-shade materials, there may not be more than 100 dark fibres in 1kg of wool. SELECTION Fortunately, farmers traditionally select against sheep that…