Indholdsfortegnelse for 13 December 2024 i Farmer's Weekly

I recently came across the interesting concept of the Farmer Field School (FFS), led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). While this is the first time I have seen information on this initiative, it was first established in 1989 and has thus been around for 35 years. It is not currently active in South Africa, which may explain my ignorance of FFS, but it is a fascinating premise that I think may have some potential in South Africa, considering the large number of small-scale and communal farmers we have in the country. The premise of FFS is based on the fact that 72% of the 570 million farms in the world are smaller than 1ha. This essentially means that the majority of the world’s farms…

The agriculture sector, particularly livestock farming, plays a critical role in South Africa’s economy, providing food, employment and raw materials for various industries. However, the sector is under mounting pressure to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. Challenges such as climate change, rising input costs and diminishing natural resources demand innovative approaches to optimise feed production methods that enhance efficiency, reduce waste and ensure economic sustainability. Livestock farming, which includes cattle, poultry, sheep and pigs in South Africa, is heavily reliant on feed as a primary cost driver. With South Africa’s semi-arid climate, the availability of natural grazing lands is under stress due to erratic weather patterns and soil degradation. COST OF COMMERCIAL FEED Many farmers depend on commercial feed to sustain livestock health and productivity. However, the increasing cost…

SA Stud Book recently renewed its International Committee on Animal Recording (ICAR) Certificate of Quality. SA Stud Book has been a member of the organisation since 1997 and obtained its first Certificate of Quality in 2007. According to Koos Vosloo, president of SA Stud Book, the renewal underpinned its dedication to the provision of top genetics to the South African livestock production sector. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, he said the certification placed the country’s stud breeding on par with its global counterparts. “It is the responsibility of stud breeders to supply the best possible genetics to South Africa’s livestock producers to remain economically resilient and profitable,” Vosloo said. According to Dr Bobbie van der Westhuizen, manager of professional and advisory services at SA Stud Book, this accomplishment confirmed the organisation’s…

The death knell for the use of crop protection products containing chlorpyrifos and cartap hydrochloride has finally sounded after years of warning. While the agriculture sector has had ample time to prepare for the reduction in pesticide options, the slow pace of registration for alternative products has left farmers with reduced protection. In November, an announcement in the Government Gazette amended the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (No. 36 of 1947) to prohibit the acquisition, disposal, sale, or use of agricultural remedies containing chlorpyrifos and cartap hydrochloride as active ingredients. Although this amendment had been under consideration since 2020, the widespread deaths of school children that ingested pesticides after eating food sold in spaza shops resulted in the amendment being fast-tracked. Chlorpyrifos and cartap hydrochloride are…

Despite fears over low tomato supplies caused by adverse spring weather and the increasing incidence of the Tuta absoluta moth, supplies and prices are expected to remain firm over the December period. These factors are, however, placing increasing pressure on tomato farmers, leading many to exit the industry. Jannie Potgieter, a market agent from Grow Fresh Produce, told Farmer’s Weekly that the tomato market was difficult to get into, with potatoes and onions presenting a far easier route. “You require a strong brand and consistency in supply to maintain market access, which is difficult for tomato producers who do not farm in optimal areas, or do not have sufficient volumes to build a brand,” he said. Many who have, however, successfully made the entry are falling by the wayside. Potgieter…

SLOVENIA Mateja Čalušić, Slovenia's minister of agriculture, forestry and food, stated in a recent interview with China Daily that her country aimed to improve co-operation with China by emphasising trade, research and sustainability. Čalušić called attention to Slovenia's strengths in ecological farming and China's scientific and innovative capabilities. “[Slovenia is] currently collaborating very well with China, and we have a good trade balance in areas like honey, wine and other products,” she stated. UNITED KINGDOM The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), an economic think-tank, has warned that new inheritance tax (IHT) rules could unfairly impact farmers and is urging the government to provide them wirh temporary relief. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced in October that farmers with businesses valued at over £1 million (around R23 million) could face…

At the African Agri Investment Indaba, held recently in Cape Town, Western Cape, Kazuhiro Numasawa, manager of agriculture finance and rural infrastructure development at African Development Bank in Cote d’Ivoire, spoke about the importance of agroparks and agricultural transformation centres to increase agricultural productivity and improve lives and food security in Africa. He defined agroparks as designated areas that integrated agricultural production, processing, logistics, marketing, training, and extension services to enhance efficiency and innovation. Agricultural transformation centres, in contrast, were facilities focused on processing and value addition of agricultural products, thereby promoting the transition from primary production to more lucrative agribusiness activities, he added. According to Numasawa, a holistic approach that entailed the development of these entities was more sustainable and transformed more lives than mere farm support, where farmers…

The EmpowaWomen in Agriculture Summit was recently hosted by the Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The event aimed to address key issues facing the industry, with a particular emphasis on climate resilience and financial sustainability for women farmers. Medupi Shabangu, executive manager of Learning Programmes and Projects at AgriSETA, spoke about the importance of equipping women farmers with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges posed by climate change. “What practically needs to happen is that every farmer needs to be taught the essence of the challenges society is facing, particularly around climate change and its impact on agriculture,” he said. “Farmers must be trained in new ways of farming, what we could call ‘climate-resistant agriculture’, which includes shifting to crops that are more resilient…

I was up at dawn. It was cool and clear after the rain, and with a mug of coffee in hand, I stood overlooking the river. It was dead quiet. The only sound was the babble of the stream. While savouring the moment, I saw movement. An African finfoot had awoken. After stretching, fluffing up her feathers and preening, she slipped into the water and quietly swam upstream, hugging the reeds. A few moments later, a shy family of nyala emerged cautiously, tiptoeing towards the stream and nibbling on the occasional leaf. The silence was rudely broken by the harsh ‘wa-hoo!’ of a baboon, and the hysterical squeal of some youngsters being disciplined by their elder. Moments like these make me realise just how privileged I am to have been…

With the support of the Komati Fruit Group, the Motsepe Foundation, Absa, and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Majeje Citrus Farm near Letsitele in Limpopo is well on its way to fully participating in one of South Africa’s most thriving agricultural industries – citrus fruit. Majeje Citrus Farm is among the major players of citrus producers, representing a beacon of hope for the agriculture sector in Limpopo and symbolising a broader vision of economic revitalisation through strategic investments. Established in 2020, Majeje Citrus (Pty) Ltd in Limpopo is a partnership project between the Majeje Traditional Authority, Komati Fruit Group, and Boela Bruwer, agricultural economist and business adviser. Piet Smit, CEO of the Komati Fruit Group, explains: “In 2020, the Majeje Tribal Authority contacted us with the view…

Dear Jonno, I need a home for me and my family. I have seen your A-frame designs in previous issues of Farmer’s Weekly and would like my new home to be the same. We are a traditional large family and want space for the parents on one side of the home and my married son on the other side. Each side will be self-catering and independent of the other. Each side must also have a living area at ground-floor level, with one bedroom and a toilet/shower room. Upstairs must be the attic main bedroom, with toilet and wetroom shower. If the house can be constructed entirely of wood, that would be best, as there are two sawmills in our area with lots of accessible timber as well as throwaway pieces.…

Twice the Glory: The Making of the Greatest Bok Team in History by Lloyd Burnard and Khanyiso Tshwaku (Jonathan Ball, R325) The Boks rule right now: a clean sweep of their UK series, seven nominated for the World XV, and now, a must for every Bok supporter is this praise chant about their backto-back wins of the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023. That was no mean feat given their up-and-down performance in between, when it sometimes seemed as if a good puff of wind, or rain in their eyes, could shatter morale in an instant and allow the most insignificant team to nip past and score. These two experienced rugby journalists share their knowledge and passion for the game as they tell this story, complete with inside info and…

CATTLE 4 FEBRUARY Overhex Boerdery Total Dispersal Sale, Molteno, Eastern Cape. On offer: purebred Tuli cows, purebred Brafords and crossbred cows. Phone Jannie van Straaten on 082 891 7172. 7 FEBRUARY • Next Generation Tuli Sale, Kimberley Veemark, Northern Cape. Phone Allan Sinclair on 082 528 0059. • SJ van Jaarsveld and Kruger Glen Bonsmara Sale, Kimberley Veemark, Northern Cape. Phone Allan Sinclair on 082 528 0059. 15 FEBRUARY Northern Nguni Club Sale, Warmbad Veemark, Bela-Bela, Limpopo. Phone Stefan Greyling on 083 379 7297. 19 FEBRUARY Pot Boerdery Total Dispersal Sale, Barkley-East, Eastern Cape. On offer: 150 + 150 cows and calves, 54 paired heifers, 45 open heifers, seven Beefmaster bulls, four dairy cows and five riding horses. Phone Rupert Potgieter on 082 418 8118. 20 FEBRUARY Nu-Alcade Bonsmara Production…

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly. Phyllis Ndlovu is the founder and CEO of Kisima Psychological Services and a sessional lecturer at Wits Business School. Gauteng-based Kisima Psychological Services is a specialist organisational development firm that provides a range of clinical and organisational psychology services to corporate companies. Email info@kisima.co.za, or visit kisima.co.za. "Africa generally, and South Africa in particular, needs to generate leadership solutions that are contextually suited to Africa rather than adopt fads or imported solutions. To this end, a South African workplace that is conducive to high performance starts with leadership that creates an appropriate environment for employees and all role players to play their part. In this sense, steward leadership seems the most appropriate way for…

The 2024 Conference of the Parties (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November, brought together delegates from nearly 200 countries. During the conference, a breakthrough agreement was reached, according to Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Stiell described the new finance goal that was agreed upon as “an insurance policy for humanity”. The agreement included tripling the financial support to developing countries, from the previous goal of US$100 billion (around R1,83 trillion) annually to US$300 billion (R5,48 trillion) annually by 2035. “The finance agreement at COP29 comes as stronger national climate plans become due from all countries next year. These new climate plans must cover all greenhouse gases and all sectors, to keep the 1,5°C warming limit within reach. COP29 saw two G20…

The past year saw an increase in the number of countries allowing for the cultivation and import of crops that have been genetically engineered (GE). GE crops include those that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or those whose genes have been edited (GEd) to mimic natural breeding processes. Reports from the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) list several new adopters of GE crops. These include China, which has issued the first batch of GE maize and soya bean seed production and operation licences. Ghana has also approved that country’s first-ever GEd wheat and maize for domestic cultivation. In Taiwan, new approvals for the import of GE products for processing, food, and feed use have been granted. The Dakar region, composed of Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger,…

Despite the early frost that had significantly affected South Africa’s cherry crop, Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing’s (Tru-Cape) cherry producers remained upbeat about the season’s quality and local and international market opportunities. According to Tru-Cape, frost during the flowering stage destroyed between 40% and 60% of early cherry varieties, which accounted for roughly 10% of the total crop. However, later varieties, which made up the bulk of the harvest, were spared. “While there may be less fruit on the trees this season, the quality and size of the fruit are outstanding. The season is also running about 14 to 16 days later than last year,” the company said in a statement. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Nico Verhoef, financial director at Witzenberg Properties, which has an agricultural enterpise element that includes cherry farms,…

A favourable business environment is needed to allow small-scale farmers and agribusinesses to thrive. This was according to Chris Hart, executive chairperson of the Impact Investment Group in South Africa, who spoke during a panel discussion at the African Agri Investment Indaba, held in November in Cape Town, Western Cape. He added that a lot of lip service was paid to the creation of a favourable business environment, but nothing concrete was being done about it. Creating a favourable business environment would start with a friendlier tax regime and regulatory policies. He explained that small-scale farmers and agribusinesses were heavily taxed even before they made a profit, by a “vicious and aggressive tax authority that thought these enterprises were the enemy and out to do it in”. “The amount of…

Free State Agriculture (FSA) strongly opposed Eskom’s proposed tariff increases at the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) public hearings held recently in Bloemfontein. The power utility had asked NERSA to approve its multiyear price determination, which for direct Eskom customers would mean a 36,15% hike in electricity tariffs for 2025/26, an 11,81% increase for 2026/27 and a 9,10% rise for 2027/28. According to a statement by Dr Jack Armour, commercial manager of FSA, Eskom’s inefficiencies, coupled with load-shedding and inflated costs from projects like Kusile and Medupi, had destroyed the economy. “Farmers, who are critical to ensuring food security, are now paying the price. “We demand accountability, a rationalised pricing strategy and urgent reform at Eskom.” Meanwhile, government was preparing to present an intervention regarding Eskom’s proposed tariff…

The proliferation of invasive trees and plants such as black wattle, blue gum, Port Jackson, and Lantana camara is a growing problem. Not only do these plants have the ability to detrimentally affect biodiversity because of loss of habitat for fauna and fragile flora but most of them are also aggressive consumers of water. In addition the shade they create can result in the eradication of valuable grasses, shrubs, and forbs. Plants like lantana are toxic to livestock and game. I have heard of home remedies used to kill invasive trees and weeds, such as strong saltwater solutions mixed with vinegar (this disrupts plant cell structure and affects water absorption), and while they may seem to be environmentally friendly, they can affect surrounding soil and inherent soil organisms that can…

Dear Prof McCrindle, I have sold my dairy farm and will soon be moving to town. While I was packing up, I discovered a lot of expired cattle medicines like tetracyclines in a cupboard marked ‘Medicines’ in a room in the dairy. Some of them are very old and include stuff like arsenic and silver. Is there a legal way to dispose of them? Bernard Dear Bernard, In a recent online article, the deputy president of the South African Pharmacy Association, Prof Renier Coetzee, mentioned that the increasing levels of medications, especially tetracyclines, in municipal waste water was a threat to human health. He said registered pharmacies were obliged by law to accept expired remedies for disposal, and emphasised that this was the only legal method to dispose of expired…

This pig farmer diversified to spread the risks and cut costs by using his own products and by-products. As rapidly rising costs increase the risk in farming, it becomes important for farmers to diversify their operations, not only to spread the risks, but to cut costs by using one part of the operation to support another. SC van der Woude of Banksloot farm, at Roossenekal in the Eastern Transvaal [now Limpopo], believes in this holistic approach. He now runs a unit of some 770 sows and has expanded into crop farming and dairying. He has also just started beef-cattle ranching. His total enterprise is integrated, with each section directly or indirectly supporting the others. His decision to start a dairy unit was sparked off by the need to get rid…

Government is continuing with its plans to ban captive lion breeding in what has been labelled as an easy way to sweep the issue under the rug, rather than find a win-win solution. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has called for the voluntary surrender of African lion bones and announced a draft notice to prohibit new captive lion breeding facilities. DFFE Minister Dr Dion George stated that there were sufficient lions in the wild and in Kruger National Park, and that it was not necessary to have lions held in captivity to safeguard the species. Wildlife Ranching South Africa has, however, stated that while the draft notice was being marketed as progressive, it would actually curtail lion conservation efforts, and leave the welfare of captive lions…

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has confirmed that the organophosphate terbufos that has led to hospitalisations and deaths due to foodborne illnesses was not produced in South Africa, but rather came from neighbouring countries. The countries reportedly involved had not yet been confirmed. Steenhuisen’s statement followed the deaths of at least 22 people, with many others hospitalised due to chemical poisoning in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Free State. In an interview with news channel Newzroom Afrika, Steenhuisen said samples of the organophosphate found in various locations were subjected to independent laboratory testing. However, the tests revealed that none of the samples matched products currently being produced by local manufacturers. “The terbufos samples that were found clearly do not come from South Africa,” he said. He added that the…

South African food price inflation dropped to 2,8% year-on-year (y/y) in October 2024, marking its lowest level since May 2019. This decline, down from 4,1% in September, brings much-needed relief to consumers and optimism for the agriculture sector, despite ongoing production challenges. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB, said there were implications of this trend for consumers and producers. “Falling inflation means improved affordability for consumers, boosting demand for agricultural commodities. This, in turn, benefits farmers through increased demand,” he explained. Makube added that declining inflation offered broader economic advantages. “The South African Reserve Bank now has room to cut interest rates, which could reduce debt servicing costs for farmers. This creates an opportunity for producers to revisit previously shelved expansion plans and increase investments,”…

According to a report by Reuters, US President-Elect Donald Trump said in late November that on his first day in office, he would impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported into the US from Mexico and Canada. He added that he would impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese products. Trump justified these tariffs by citing concerns over illegal immigration and the trade of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl. He stated that the tariffs would remain in place until Mexico and Canada took a stronger stance against drug trafficking and illegal migration. He criticised Beijing for not doing enough to prevent drugs from crossing into the US from Mexico. (Trump claims that Chinese chemical companies knowingly or negligently sell precursors for the manufacturing of fentanyl to Mexican drug cartels. China…

The role of banks in reducing risk and ensuring sustainable development was highlighted during one of the panel discussions at the African Agri Investment Indaba, held recently in Cape Town, Western Cape. Themba Rikhotso, CEO of Land Bank, said the bank had moved beyond the mere provision of financial services and products to also look at ways of improving the sustainability and resilience of clients to put them in a stronger position to repay loans. To this end, the bank came up with various creative funding solutions, of which the blended finance solutions is a good example. Rikhotso said blended finance was more than just the blending of a loan and grant to reduce risks and leverage the impact of finance. Six percent of the finance was put aside for…

The Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA) recently hosted the EmpowaWomen in Agriculture Summit in Johannesburg, Gauteng with the aim of empowering women in South Africa’s agriculture sector. The summit brought together industry leaders, stakeholders and aspiring women farmers for a day of networking and learning. The event opened with an address from Sibongile Gangxa, the head of EmpowaWomen, who set the tone for the day by emphasising the importance of women’s empowerment in agriculture. “We are not here because we lack purpose,” Gangxa said. “We are here to reground ourselves, to find ways to navigate this turbulent sector and make farming work for women, the youth and those with disabilities.” Following Gangxa’s speech, the chair of AgriSETA, Gaitsiwe Sharon Sepeng, delivered the keynote address. She spoke about the…

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) hosted the Provincial Extension and Advisory Services Awards 2024 in late November at Mentorskraal in Jeffrey’s Bay, Eastern Cape. The event honoured the achievements of agricultural extension practitioners who played crucial roles in advancing sustainable farming practices, supporting rural development and improving food security across the province. The day included a workshop led by industry experts, aimed at equipping extension officers with new skills and knowledge to better serve farmers. Recognition was given to 25 officials in various categories: top performer in specialist agricultural advisers, top performer in extension supervisors, top performer in technical support services, and the best extension practitioner awards for certificated, candidate and professional levels. Speaking at the event, MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe commended the dedication of…

The South African table grape industry experienced a strong recovery during the 2023/24 season, with export volumes reaching 74,2 million cartons. This performance reinforced the country’s reputation as a key global supplier, particularly to Europe and the UK (see Graph 1). Shipments to the EU increased to a 57% market share, while a 20% market share in the UK was maintained. Exports to the US and Canada resulted in an 18% increase compared with the five-year average. The Middle East experienced modest growth of 2%, while exports to China and Hong Kong saw a significant decline of 40%. The industry’s performance was supported by efforts to address logistical challenges, with collaborative efforts making headway in resolving key bottlenecks. The 2023/24 season proved to be successful overall, but not without some…

Tell us more about the history of AGOA. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), formulated in 1999 during then US president Bill Clinton’s administration, is a cornerstone of economic engagement between the US and African countries. This followed then secretary of state Madeleine Albright and first lady Hillary Clinton’s tour of African countries in 1997. The tour was initiated to legitimise a comprehensive initiative to partner and collaborate with African countries on trade issues. The US Council on Foreign Relations subsequently established the Task Force on Promoting US Economic Relations with Africa. What does AGOA entail in terms of agriculture and related industries? Of the more than 7 000 products eligible under AGOA, there are also over 800 agricultural products that the US government could consider. These include basic…

Biologists at Brown University in the US have studied how tomato plants respond to extreme heat, aiming to protect these crops from the damaging effects of climate change. In their study, published in November in the journal Current Biology, the researchers found that tomatoes are most vulnerable to heat during a specific phase of their growth cycle, called the pollen tube growth phase, which is crucial for fruit and seed production. By focusing on heat-tolerant tomato varieties from the Philippines, Russia, and Mexico, the researchers identified molecular mechanisms that help some tomatoes thrive in hot conditions. This discovery could lead to strategies for improving the heat resistance of commercially popular tomatoes without affecting their flavour or other traits that consumers find desirable. Instead of waiting for slow natural evolution to…