Indholdsfortegnelse for 3 May 2024 i Farmer's Weekly

South Africa recently announced an official consultation with the EU and the World Trade Organization regarding the former’s phytosanitary trade regulations for citrus (see story on page 17). The action specifically regards the EU’s regulations in terms of citrus black spot, a fungal infection of citrus fruit. According to the EU, the regulations are also aimed at preventing the spread of false codling moth, a more severe threat for citrus, in my opinion. I previously wrote about the regulations introduced by the EU against South African citrus imports following the initial implementation of these regulations in June 2022. Carla Espinoza Gutiérrez for Freshfruitportal.com reported that in November 2023, the Spanish Interprofessional Citrus Organization (Intercitrus) reported a supposed “record” 21 rejected South African imports due to citrus black spotting. Then, she…

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of our co-founder, Vito Rugani. In the midst of our grief, we find solace in the belief that he has found eternal peace in the presence of God. On 15 April 2024, Vito took his final step into eternity, leaving behind a legacy that will forever influence our lives. Vito was born on 18 May 1959. As a farmer, husband, father, friend, business partner and deeply admired mentor to many around the world, his passing is a massive loss to the family, the business, and the industry. Vito’s influence on the South African agriculture sector entrenched free market philosophies to maintain principles and practices for farmers which advocated for and strengthened food supply and sustainability in our country.…

Last year, the European Parliament adopted regulations aimed at slowing down the rate of deforestation around the world. From December this year, companies that export cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soya, rubber, charcoal or paper products to the EU will require a comprehensive set of documents proving that the supply of these products does not contribute to deforestation in their country of origin. Make no mistake, deforestation is a global challenge and research indicates that an area the size of Europe was stripped of its forests between 1990 and 2020. IMPACT ON DEVELOPING NATIONS Aside from pressures brought by growing populations, commercial deforestation is largely marketdriven, and the EU regulations seek to reverse the trend through an intervention in the European market. As an environmentalist myself, I fully appreciate the…

Roy Jankielsohn, DA leader in the Free State, expressed serious concern about the situation on the border between the province and Lesotho and described it as “shocking”. This followed an oversight inspection by the DA in the south-east Free State, outside Wepener. According to Jankielsohn, the only evidence of border infrastructure was a single steel pole and no fence. “The area is known to be a hotspot for Lesotho nationals crossing into South Africa illegally and also acts as an entrance point for stolen vehicles and livestock crossing into Lesotho. This poses a massive threat to the local community and farmers who are regular victims of cross-border crime,” he said. According to Jankielsohn, the crossborder crimes included arson, illegal grazing, farm attacks, livestock theft, vehicle theft and drug trafficking. “While…

Canada’s latest Food Price Report shows that citizens should brace themselves for more drastic food price increases. According to the report, the 2024 predictions show that food bills could go up by anywhere between 2,5% and 4,5%. In most of the farming provinces, farmers have moved to monoculture farming, especially the industrial farmers. According to a statement from the National Farmers’ Union of Canada, industrial farms use more expensive inputs like fertilisers and pesticides and their biggest challenge is adapting to the changing weather. The union released its statement in response to the food report in an effort to get industrial farms to change to a more ecological farming method that adapts to changing weather. “Agroecology refers to the use of specific farm management practices that recycle nutrients and resources…

South Africa’s eco-warriors will soon be celebrated, with entries for the 2024 Eco-Logic Awards now open. The awards are a celebration of South Africa’s eco-champions, groundbreaking projects, and innovative solutions, and have been running for over 12 years. According to David Parry-Davies, editor of Enviropaedia and founder of the Eco-Logic Awards, it serves as a call to action, supporting initiatives that not only benefit “people and planet” but also spark inspiration and empowers consumers to embrace ecoconscious choices and decisions daily. “It honours the pioneers and innovators spearheading the movement towards a more sustainable future. The awards are a platform not only to recognise eco-champions, but also to inspire consumers to support sustainable initiatives through their purchasing power,” Parry-Davies said. This year, a partnership with Biomimicry SA aims to mark…

An average of 85% of people polled worldwide, including in South Africa, supported a global plastic pollution treaty banning single-use plastics. Singleuse plastic accounted for more than 70% of ocean plastic pollution, according to an Ipsos survey. The survey polled more than 24 000 people in 32 countries and was commissioned by the WorldWide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Plastic Free Foundation, preceding a soon-to-be concluded global plastic pollution treaty. These results came ahead of the fourth and penultimate plastic pollution treaty negotiations, taking place in Ottawa, Canada in April. According to a statement by the WWF, South African participants in the survey were united with the global averages pertaining to the overall importance of the issue. With more than 430 million tons of virgin plastic produced each year,…

The Transvaal Agricultural Union of South Africa (TLU SA) has raised concerns that the South African authorities focus more on crime statistics than on crime itself. According to TLU SA’s latest statistics, 18 farm attacks and two farm murders were reported during January and February 2024. While this was lower than in January and February 2023, when 38 farm attacks and five farm murders were reported, TLU SA said the problem could not be a statistical exercise. It said behind the numbers were the realities of traumatic loss of life, threatened food security and jeopardised job opportunities. “While there is a decrease in the number of farm attacks and murders reported in the first two months of the year, TLU SA still wants to warn the public to remain safety…

I was recently asked whether a cow with eight teeth can be regarded as an old cow. It is a complex question, because livestock, unlike horses and donkeys that have incisors or cutting teeth on both the top and bottom gums, have incisors only on the bottom gums. While sheep, goats and cattle do have molars on the back aspects of the upper gums in order to crush grass or grains, the top gum in front has a toothless pad that is assisted by a course tongue in gripping grass before the bottom incisor teeth are used to cut such grass in a sideways motion, and then the chewing or crunching process begins. When people talk of “looking at the teeth” in order to judge the age of livestock, they…

Cannabis was often vilified and dismissed, but these days, its ability to improve athletic performance, help with recovery after exercise, and manage pain is being closely examined. However, sportspeople must negotiate a complicated network of laws, unanswered scientific questions, and moral dilemmas as they enter this unexplored area. This article explores how cannabis use among athletes is changing, looking at the legal frameworks surrounding its use in sports, the scientific data supporting its usefulness, and the supposed health advantages. ENHANCING PERFORMANCE Cannabis has historically been linked to recreational use and its intoxicating properties. But according to new research, certain of the cannabinoids in cannabis, such as cannabidiol (CBD), may have performance-enhancing benefits without having the same euphoric effecs as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The anti-inflammatory qualities of CBD are one of the…

HIGHEST: (BULL) R620 000 Bela-Bela – The Nu-Alcade Bonsmara Group’s Production Sale was held at the Warmbad Livestock Complex on 15 February. The highest price of the day was paid for the bull TMB 13 002, which was sold by Thinus Maritz Boerdery in Vaalwater to Allem Brothers in Viljoenskroon for R620 000. Bulls achieved an average price of R141 190. STUD In-calf cows achieved an average price of R40 000, while 3-in-1 cows were sold for an average price of R70 000. In-calf heifers achieved an average price of R29 375. COMMERCIAL Cows with calves were sold for an average price of R31 827, while 3-in-1 cows were sold for an average price of R45 000. In-calf cows were sold for an average price of R30 238, in-calf heifers…

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly. This article was originally published by The Conversation. Read the article at bit.ly/4d1qPNW. "Wildebeest, large African antelopes with distinctively curved horns, are famous for their great migrations on the grasslands of East and Southern Africa. One hundred and fifty years ago they migrated in huge numbers across the continent in search of grazing and water and to find suitable areas for calving. Migration is crucial to sustain their large populations. But their routes are being interrupted by roads, oil and gas pipelines, railway lines, fences, cities, livestock and farmland. Today, the only remaining large migration is East Africa’s famous Serengeti-Mara migration. About 1,4 million wildebeest, accompanied by about 200 000 zebras, 400 000 gazelles…

Following a week’s recess in wool auctions, the 28th sale of the selling season took place with a larger offering of 11 112 bales, after 401 bales were withdrawn beforehand, according to Cape Wools SA. Although less than half of the offering consisted of long-length wools, nearly 70% of the offering tested 20 microns and finer, with 52,6% of the Merino wools being certified as sustainable. Although the market had to deal with pressure from a stronger rand against all major currencies, it showed a satisfactory performance, especially for the better-quality Merino fleece wools. The market delivered positive results in US dollar terms. The good competition from the buying houses for the betterquality wools resulted in an overall sales clearance of 92,5%. The non-certified indicator eased by 1,2% to close…

INDIA The demand for pineapple in India has seen the prices hit a record high. According to the Pineapple Growers’ Association Keralam, traders reported an all-time high of 60 rupees (about R14) per kilogram, compared to 48 rupees (R11) the previous year. The association said that demand had increased because the fruit was refreshing as the weather heated up. However, despite the good returns for farmers this year, there is a struggle to keep up with demand as the plants are drying up before harvest season. PHILIPPINES The country reported its lowest milk production in the past few years due to rising temperatures. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that the weather in the Masbate region, where the country’s largest dairy farms were situated, reached over 42°C…

Ireland-based forklift company Combilift unveiled a new anti-overload device, Combi Safe-Lift, at an online media briefing of the company’s performance over the past year. The Combi Safe-Lift incorporates a strain sensor on the mast section of the forklift and a lift cut-out valve on the hydraulic line to disable lifting if the unit is being potentially overloaded. There is also an audible alarm that warns the operator of an overload situation, and a load moment indicator is fitted to the dashboard in the cab. From the dashboard, the operator can instantly see from the green, amber and red ‘traffic light’ signalling when there is a risk of overloading or when the forks are not fully engaged, for example, to take appropriate action. Managing director Martin McVicar said the safety feature…

The Zimbabwe Grain Marketing Board (GMB) owed an estimated R660 million to wheat farmers amid fears that further delays may derail preparations for the forthcoming winter cropping season. The Zimbabwe Mail reported that the payment delays were likely to be heightened by Zimbabwe’s recent introduction of a new currency, which has triggered a payment hold-up across markets. The Zimbabwe Central Bank introduced its new currency early last month, with the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) notes and coins coming into circulation at the end of April. According to Bloomberg.com, the new unit was backed by bullion and foreign currency reserves held at the central bank. The ZiG was the country’s sixth attempt at establishing its own currency since 2008, when inflation crossed 500 billion percent, according to International Monetary Fund estimates. According…

This piece considers the dynamics in the livestock industry to explore what price trends could look like over the coming weeks. BEEF Class A carcass beef prices held firm, hovering around the R55/kg mark since the second week of January and continuing post-Easter. This trend exhibited a departure from the historical post-festive season downward trend, which typically reversed due to the Easter holiday-induced demand. We are of the opinion that Class A carcass prices have remained predominantly bullish largely influenced by an uptick in beef exports. However, the beef export data for the first quarter of 2024 is not yet available to confirm this trend. Class C carcass prices eased monthon-month (m/m) by 5,6% (see Graph 1), reflecting subdued consumer demand attributed to ongoing consumer income pressures. Class A carcass…

Although the decision ultimately rests with the minister of Employment and Labour, there are quite a few people and institutions involved in the process to determine what the national minimum wage will be. The National Minimum Wage Act, No. 19 of 2018 (NMWA), provides that the national minimum wage must be reviewed annually and that the minister of Employment and Labour must, by a date fixed by the president by proclamation in the Government Gazette, determine the adjustment to the national minimum wage, and by notice in the publication, amend the wage. The NMWA also provides for the establishment of a commission, known as the National Minimum Wage Commission (the commission), which annually assesses and reviews the national minimum wage. The core functions of the commission are to review the…

My five key words: Angela Makholwa The Reed Dance Stalker (Macmillan, R350) is Angela Makholwa’s sequel to Red Ink (Macmillan, R260), recently seen on Showmax, and takes her heroine Lucy Khambule back into the world of outwitting serial killers. The first of her six novels so far, Red Ink, was published in 2007, having morphed from a biography of serial killer Moses Sithole into a crime thriller featuring a fictional serial killer. Makholwa runs two companies specialising in TV production and in PR and branding. Here she spotlights five qualities that drive her: 1. Imaginative: I grew up in Tembisa on the East Rand, but I was a voracious reader with plenty of imagination. I wrote about fine dining and having Dom Perignon and caviar! 2. Laughter: I was the…

Sometimes what might still be is more important than what is. In the case of Tim and Angelique Carr’s Reflections Eco-Reserve, which abuts the Rondevlei, what you see is only part of what may yet come. So it is with conservation work, which is also never truer than when it is being funded and built by the Carrs themselves. What began in 2007 as 27ha of degraded pine forests that was overgrown with alien species is already transformed. The Carrs have expanded their conservation footprint with an additional 60ha. And now have their sights on more neighbouring property with a plan to open it all to the greater nature reserve to encourage the free movement of species. “We planted over 3 500 trees and cut these paths ourselves,” Tim Carr…

ARCHIVE This new system had the advantages of both saving time and labour. It also appeared that spoilage, with regard to Valencias at least, had shown a slight decline. A labour-saving system of harvesting citrus, in which fruit is plucked rather than clipped from trees, is giving encouraging results in a countrywide research project. Although a final decision on whether the new method can be adopted by growers of all types of citrus has yet to be taken, there is now the distinct possibility that it will get the green light. The Citrus Exchange is to evaluate the results of tests in which snap-picking, as the system has been dubbed, are to be reviewed. Preliminary findings have, however, given rise to the hope that savings of as much as 33%…

South Africa has requested consultations with the European Union (EU) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) with regard to phytosanitary trade regulations imposed on South African citrus by the union. The announcement was made jointly by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. The reason behind the action is to protect the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in the local citrus industry. Government hopes to find a lasting solution to the EU’s phytosanitary regulations on citrus black spot (CBS). The action by government seeks to safeguard the local agriculture sector, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy. In a statement, the department said it was looking forward to constructive consultations with the EU to find an amicable…

After 70 years, the Letaba Show is bidding the farming community farewell. According to Agri Letaba, the Letaba Show was hosted for the last time in 2023. The first Letaba Show was held in 1953. Agri Letaba played a more prominent role throughout the years, not only as owners of the show grounds, but also as organisers. Countless people have offered their time and knowledge over the years, supporting the show and the role it played in the community. Since 1966, the chairpersons of the Letaba show have been: • 1966 – 1967: Perry Joynt • 1967 – 1968: John Smith • 1968 – 1969: Bertie van Zyl • 1970 – 1977: Dick Chambers • 1978 – 1988: Attie Bester • 1989 – 1995: Phile van Zyl • 1998 –…

Cotton production in Zambia, which averages 55 000t annually, is too low and has prompted a collaboration with Brazil to bolster growth in the sector. The country’s cotton sector faces a high incidence of pests and diseases, climate change, weed pressure, lack of modern farming practices and technology and the lack of proper price settings, among other challenges. This situation has also affected output by 90% in the past 10 years following farmers’ frustrations, according to research by the UN Conference on Trade and Development. Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo said the deal was anchored on three pillars: technological transfer, and increased cotton and seed supply while improving research facilities. It would be a game changer in Zambia’s quest to regain its past cotton production and compete in the international market.…

Do you get deeply involved in the work of your subordinates, frustrated by their lack of perfection and attention to detail? Are you constantly seeking reassurance, breathing down their necks? Does their performance rarely meet your standards? Do you find them morose, pessimistic and lacking in creativity? If you answer ‘yes’ to any one of these questions, beware – you may just be a micromanager! Successful business management is among the most complex tasks on earth. No individual has the ability to be the perfect manager. It needs a team with diverse skills and perspectives. That’s why the most critical task of any manager is selecting and building a team of competent subordinates. Identifying individuals who complement you and your team members’ skills; building a cohesive unit; taking account of…

Among the crucial reforms the new democratic government undertook between 1994 and 1998 were the liberalisation of agricultural trade, privatisation of rural finance, the removal of farm subsidies, and the deregulation of agricultural markets and inputs. Following reforms were the restructuring of state institutions, which led to the abolishment of agricultural marketing boards and the emergence of farmer commodity associations. Farmer co-operatives were turned into agribusinesses while the Land Bank slowly lost its market share in the agricultural financing space. The closure of the Agricultural Credit Board and the Land Bank’s weakened ability to provide credit to small-scale and subsistence farmers are perhaps the most important reforms that ensured South Africa still has “two agricultures”, as articulated by Wandile Sihlobo in his latest book. While it was a noble intervention,…

The most harvested crop on the planet is modern hybrid sugar cane due to the many products that are made from it, so it comes as no surprise that it has complex genetics. This is according to a joint research team from the US that works at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. They developed techniques to map out the genetic code of sugar cane. Using this map, they were able to find the specific location that provides resistance to brown rust, a disease that can destroy a sugar cane field. According to the researchers, they can also use the genetic sequence to better understand the many genes involved in sugar production. The crop has a complex genome because it contains more copies of chromosomes than a typical plant. Adam Healey,…

Marvellous holiday experiences while growing up made Conraad de Rosner respect the bushveld as “nature’s cathedral”. When wildlife poaching boomed before his eyes, he felt the cathedral defiled and “the soul of the planet at stake”. Called By The Wild, written with Elaine Bell and Graham Spence (Jonathan Ball, R340), is his memoir of fighting back using specially trained dogs to help track poachers, their loot and their weapons. Poaching doesn’t exist in a vacuum, he stresses, as he finds himself in a web of crime from rampant bushmeat trading (he declares tolerance for subsistence hunting) to farm murders. His tone is both gung-ho and vehement, but the cost is clearly high: one ‘soulmate’ relationship lost, death threats and attacks and injuries, and nearly 20 ‘fallen heroes’ – dogs lost…