Indholdsfortegnelse for 13 September 2024 i Farmer's Weekly

Last week, I wrote about the importance of farmers embracing indigenous and generational knowledge for the advancement of their operations. This week, I want to focus on why it is important for farmers to embrace new technologies to improve production, and why this may be a problem for some, particularly in South Africa (or Africa, as a whole). My sister and her fiancé work in fintech (financial technology, such as online banking), and at the time of writing, they were hosting a conference in Cape Town on fintech crime. Their company organised the conference and shot a rather impressive video to advertise it. I was sent a link to the video and was amazed at the quality thereof. I was under the impression that they had hired a production company…

Agiant tree fell when TruCape producer Robert Zulch (69) passed away in mid-August, and it is with great sadness that Tru-Cape honours Zulch's legacy as a passionate pome fruit producer, innovator, mentor, and community leader. “Everything he did, he did to advance the industry he was so passionate about,” recalls Roelf Pienaar, managing director of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing. Zulch, who hailed from the farm Wakkerstroom near Ceres in the Western Cape, is widely considered a pioneer in the pome industry. At the age of 35 he was the youngest farmer to be lauded as South Africa's Farmer of the Year (1990). He also found and developed new apple varieties, such as Royal Beaut (1996) and Fuji Royal (2011), and did groundbreaking work with high-density plantings and dwarfing trees. ROYAL BEAUT…

I have highlighted the South African agriculture sector's gains in the first three decades of democracy. The sector has more than doubled in value and volume terms. Better seed varieties in crops, vegetables and fruits, as well as improved genetics in livestock and poultry, have, among other interventions, been the catalyst for output growth. The opening up of export markets over the years has also created a solid demand so that today, we export roughly half of what we produce in value terms. Our agricultural exports amounted to a record US$13,2 billion in 2023 (R234,8 billion). In appreciating this progress, some ask about black farmers’ contribution. The data on this is shaky, but based on various industry research, we can state that black farmers account, on average, for around 10%…

South Africa saw a slight decline in agricultural exports in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024 following a large increase in the previous quarter. According to data from TradeMap, exports were valued at US$3,37 billion (around R60 billion) in Q2, reflecting a modest year-on-year (y/y) decrease of 0,1%. This comes after a significant 6% rise in Q1. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, attributed this slight decline to moderated prices for some agricultural products as well as decreased export volumes. “The drop in export value is primarily due to lower prices and reduced volumes rather than any inefficiencies at the ports,” he explained. “The efficiency at South Africa's ports has improved over the past year, demonstrating that operational issues are not the main factor.” Despite the minor decline in export…

The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture convened in Parliament in late July to discuss the annual performance plans and budgets for the 2024/25 financial year for five entities under the Department of Agriculture. A critical issue raised during the session was the ongoing shortage of veterinarians in South Africa, which is increasingly jeopardising the country's agriculture sector. Mongezi Menye, CEO and registrar of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), highlighted a 2022 policy shift aimed at improving veterinary services in rural areas. “Former [agriculture] minister [Thoko Didiza] approved a rule allowing animal technicians and animal health promoters to operate on their own account. They can now open animal health facilities in rural areas,” he said. However, while this initiative is currently being implemented with support from the SAVC, Menye underlined a…

The Swiss food and agricultural landscape ofers a full view of the consequences of a disconnect between consumers and food producers. In that country, policies have been shaped in accordance with consumer calls for greater environmental consideration and higher animal welfare standards. The result is food that is more expensive, with consumers turning to cheaper imports that go against their supposed morals. At the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists congress held in Switzerland in August, speakers lamented the conundrum faced by the EU food industry. While consumers call for greener food, purchase decisions are based on price. And while agricultural policy has already resulted in greening efforts, which have led to costlier food, large portions of the population seek to take these measures even further. In September, the Swiss government…

The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) recently announced four new major projects amounting to over N$1 billion (the Nambian dollar to South African rand is 1:1). Lot Ndamanomhata, spokesperson for NamWater, said the projects were earmarked for Henties Bay, Ondangwa, Eenhana and Rundu. According to a report by newspaper The Namibian, only 87% of the country's population had access to potable water. “These projects are set to close the 13% gap in water access, enhancing public health, supporting economic activities and improving the quality of life for all Namibians,” Ndamanomhata said. He explained that the Henties Bay project involved the replacement of a critical 5km section of the pipeline from the Omdel aquifer to the town's reservoir at a cost of N$15 million. “This initiative will ensure reliable water supply for…

After an interest rate hiking cycle that began in November 2021, resulting in a 475 basis point increase in South Africa, 2024 began with expectations of a loosening monetary cycle. At the start of the year, analysts anticipated interest rate cuts of up to 100 basis points in 2024, driven by expectations of a declining inflation trend. However, inflation proved to be stickier than expected. As the months wore on, there was little conclusive evidence that inflation was converging towards the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) target, leading to interest rates being maintained at their higher levels for longer. In the US, higher-for-longer interest rates remained restrictive for business activity, undermining economic growth and sparking recession fears in that country. However, cooling inflationary pressures both in the US and locally…

War Dogs: A Modern Breed of Heroes by Shane Bryant with Tony Park (Rockhopper, R295) First published in Australia in 2010, this new edition is updated and expanded. Its message remains that there's nothing a large, macho dog likes better than a good war. Travelling with the lads in an armoured vehicle or a chopper, having a good run and sniff around for bombs, maybe getting your teeth into the enemy and later relaxing around the campfire all beat going for a walk on the lead in the park. Bryant was a dog handler and trainer in Afghanistan and Iraq with two ace hounds. How the war takes its toll on his personal life and mental health is well depicted in this fast-moving tale, but the reality is that combat is…

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer's Weekly. Dr Theo de Jager is the chairperson of the board at the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai). Email theo@saai.org. Francois Rossouw is the CEO of Saai. Email francois@saai.org. “For some time now, the agriculture sector in South Africa has been crippled by insufficient and incoherent policies regarding disaster relief for farmers. This has often left farmers – particularly those affected by the recent devastating fires that ravaged thousands of hectares in North West, the eastern Free State, Gauteng, and large parts of the Eastern Cape – in dire straits and with little to no support from government. Valuable plantations in Limpopo and Mpumalanga have also been lost and orchards have suffered irreparable damage, leaving…

The agriculture sector globally, and particularly in South Africa, often finds itself in a paradox when it comes to maize production. High output yields, while generally seen as a positive indicator of agricultural success, can also bring about unintended consequences. When global maize yields are robust, they can push prices down towards export parity levels, reducing the income margins for producers. This creates a classic ‘catch-22’ situation; while high yields are desirable, they can lead to financial strain for those who rely on favourable pricing to maintain profitability. As South African maize producers brace for this scenario, there is a silver lining on the horizon: the anticipated interest rate cuts of 25 basis points in both September and December 2024. These reductions could offer some much-needed financial relief, particularly in…

Delegates at the Eastern Cape Export Symposium, held in August in East London, explored the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), acknowledging the significant opportunities it brought while also addressing challenges like market access, competition and regulatory hurdles. According to Donald Mackay, a director at XA Global Trade Advisors, AGOA played a significant role in South Africa's agricultural exports. “The AGOA provides preferential access to the US market for a range of agricultural products. Despite the Act covering several agricultural products, the actual utilisation remains limited, with only a few large companies reaping the full benefits,” he said. Mackay added that the competitiveness of South Africa's agricultural exports was still hampered by broader market dynamics and tariff structures. Cosmas Mamhunze, regional portfolio manager of the US Agency for International Development's…

If managed properly, Colombar might turn into South Africa's biggest wine export product in the next five years, according to Ian Naudé, owner of Naudé Wines. Speaking at a Colombar information session held recently near Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, Naudé said many producers were looking for something new, when Colombar was like a “piece of gold” in terms of its potential to put them on the map. “Colombar is one of the oldest wine grape varieties produced in South Africa. While it is grown in many countries to produce distilled wine, we are the only country to use it in wine blends and as a single-varietal wine.” An added advantage of the variety is that it is well adapted to heat and ripens late, which helps to reduce climate-linked…

During Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev's recent working visit to Germany, the two countries reached agreements on new projects to enhance agricultural co-operation and ensure efficient irrigation and water conservation. Germany is one of Kazakhstan's main agricultural partners. The countries discussed the possibility of joint training for water sector professionals. Germany expressed its readiness to choose a university for future partnership with the new Kazakh National University of Water Management and Irrigation in Taraz, according to Bozumbayev's office. Bozumbayev and Germany's Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Claudia Müller also looked at ways to deliver Kazakh agro-industrial and organic products to the German market. The parties reached an agreement on the concept of the Regional Centre for Sustainable Agriculture in Central Asia. Bozumbayev also…

Recent veld fires across the Eastern Cape have wreaked havoc on grazing lands, livestock and agricultural infrastructure, leaving many farmers in dire straits. Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Nonceba Kontsiwe spoke recently about the severity of the fires and her department's ongoing efforts to mitigate the damage. “These uncontrolled fires are not only destroying pastures and livestock but are also undermining the livelihoods of our farmers.” She said communal farmers were particularly vulnerable, as they depended on livestock as a critical source of income. “This situation severely impacts our province's efforts to combat poverty and improve food security.” The department had said ensuring food security was a top priority, with strategies in place to mitigate the adverse effects of the fires. “Our department is committed to…

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are investigating a case of stock theft in which unknown suspects recently stole 21 head of cattle from a farm in Mashonaland West. In a statement, the police said nine cattle were found deboned and 12 others were recovered live at a neighbouring farm. “Thirty-seven knives, heaps of meat, and 50kg empty bags were recovered at the scene. A suspect has since been arrested in connection with the case,” ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed. Zimbabwe is grappling with an alarming surge in cattle rustling, a crime that has left countless farmers devastated and communities on edge. As the country's cattle theft epidemic reaches new heights, the government has implemented a robust crackdown, dubbed ‘Operation Nyama Yabvepi’ (Operation Where Did the Meat Come From?)…

Heinrich Muller, a member of the DA Eastern Cape provincial legislature, recently reported that the Mantusini dairy project, established in 2005 near Port St Johns, had failed. There are no cows left on the farm and the infrastructure has been vandalised. The project was originally aimed at providing income for 500 households. Already in 2014, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture estimated that more than 37% of the province's 246 agricultural projects were in the process of failing and that more than 14% had already failed. In 2022, it was announced that Diyatalawa Agri Village, a multimillionrand project established on a 2 000ha farm near Harrismith, had failed. Government-supplied livestock died or were eaten, the orchards had withered, and the once fully equipped dairy parlour had been vandalised. This project…

HIGHEST: (RAM) R28 000 Rouxville – The Leeuwkop Dormer Stud Production Sale was held on the farm Leeuwkop on 14 August on behalf of Cobus and Charles Church. The highest price of the day was paid for a ram, which was sold to Francois Norval of Norval Boerdery in Adelaide for R28 000. Rams achieved an average price of R9 312,50. In-lamb stud ewes were sold for an average of R3 495,45, while in-lamb flock ewes achieved an average price of R3 000. The sale was held by BKB, with JP Marais as the auctioneer. – Gavin Isted…

Dear Prof McCrindle, My neighbour says I must vaccinate my cows against blackquarter. What is it, and is there a vaccine for it? Kind regards, Steven Dear Steven, Blackquarter is a highly fatal gas gangrene in cattle – and sometimes sheep, goats, and even pigs and horses – that can break out suddenly in unvaccinated livestock. It is not infectious to people, poultry, wild birds or household pets. Although found mainly in beef cattle, it can be fatal in dairy cows grazing on veld or irrigated pastures. Sudden deaths usually occur after heavy rain. Blackquarter is caused by an anaerobic bacterium called Clostridium chauvoei. This is a faecal organism that lives in the intestines of cattle and certain game species. When excreted in manure, it forms spores that can survive…

ARCHIVE A farmer in South West Africa [now Namibia] put Afrikaner bulls to Brown Swiss cows. Brown Swiss cattle were developed for the lush, mountainous pastures of Switzerland. Through continuous selection, animals were bred that are docile and have a reasonable milk yield and a large-boned frame to enable them to climb the mountains and forage well. These characteristics make the breed a good dual-purpose animal. Despite the animal having a large, well-fleshed frame, farmers throughout the world have tended to place more emphasis on its milking abilities. In the US, for instance, Brown Swiss are bred and registered as dairy animals. A CROSS WELL SUITED TO THE AREA AH du Plessis of Elisenhein, Windhoek, thought that the breed could, with the Afrikaner, produce a cross well suited to the…

The South African agriculture sector continues to navigate a complex landscape of weather-related challenges and economic pressures as it prepares for the forthcoming planting season. The situation is particularly critical in the Western Cape, a major agricultural hub responsible for significant portions of the country's wheat, barley, and canola production. Corné Louw, senior economist at Grain SA, emphasised the importance of timely planting in the Western Cape, noting that the region produced 68% of the country's wheat, 89% of its barley and all of its canola. “The optimal planting window is crucial to ensuring a successful harvest. Conditions in the Southern Cape are favourable, prompting some producers to start planting canola earlier than usual,” Louw stated. He added that while the Southern Cape and Overberg regions had benefitted from recent…

‘Grounded in reliability’ was the theme of this year's Agri Western Cape annual general congress, held recently near Rawsonville. Villiers Loubser, president of Agri Western Cape, said the theme reflected the core values of the organisation, which had helped to carry its members through tough times. He added that the agriculture sector in the Western Cape enjoyed a good relationship with the Western Cape government, but he hoped that the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) would help to build out this relationship on a national level. “Government needs to pay more attention to the indispensable role that the agriculture sector plays, not only in the economy, but also in people's lives. We are not asking for any favours or privileges, just fairness, realistic parameters in which to…

EUROPEAN UNION Several animal diseases have made a comeback across the EU this year, compelling authorities to impose transport restrictions and cull thousands of livestock. As reported by Euractiv, the most serious diseases that the region's livestock sector faces are peste des petits ruminants in Greece and Romania; African swine fever in Germany, Poland and Italy; highly pathogenic avian influenza in France and Portugal; bluetongue virus in France, Luxembourg, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany; and epizootic hemorrhagic disease in France, Spain and Portugal. PHILIPPINES The farming sector in the Philippines lost around P4,73 billion (about R1,49 billion) in agricultural products due to the combined effects of the south-west monsoon and Typhoon Gaemi, which struck the country in July. According to the Philippines Department of Agriculture, almost 138 000 farmers…

A constant supply of animal vaccines in South Africa is imperative to the sustainability, resilience and profitability of the local agriculture sector. Therefore, it is vital that the current challenges faced by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) be identified and the stateowned animal vaccine manufacturing entity's shortcomings addressed. This was according to agricultural economist Dr Kobus Laubscher, following Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen's announcement that a forensic audit of OBP would be undertaken to investigate the disappearance of R500 million in funding for agricultural vaccines. Laubscher said that although it was important to find out where the money went, this matter should be used as a platform to put the state-owned entity on a path towards improvement. “The South African livestock industry has been complaining about the shortage of vaccines for…

The South African avocado industry is making headway in India after gaining market access earlier this year. Supported by the World Avocado Organization (WAO), consumers and food businesses in India are being educated about the health benefits of regular avocado consumption and how best to use this fruit in Indian cuisine. While the campaign promotes avocados in general, much of the available produce in India originates in South Africa. Derek Donkin, CEO of the South African Avocado Growers’ Association, noted the importance of having multiple markets for South African avocados. “Historically, South Africa's avocado exports have been largely focused on the EU and the UK, and these destinations account for 95% of its exports. However, with production increasing, the recent access to India offers promising new avenues for growth, with…

The Namibian government recently announced a plan to cull wild animals and to distribute the meat to food-insecure people because of the severe drought in the country. The country's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said in a statement that a total of 723 animals, which include 30 hippos, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeest, 300 zebras, 83 elephant and 100 eland were to be culled. The culling would take place in parks and communal areas where authorities believe animal numbers exceed available grazing land and water supplies, the statement read. The culling was planned to take place in the Namib Naukluft Park, Mangetti National Park, Bwabwata National Park, Mudumu National Park, and Nkasa Rupara National Park. The country was facing its worst drought in decades and had exhausted…

The Malawian government in August received an insurance payout of US$11,2 million (about R200 million) from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The country had a drought insurance policy through the bank and the African Risk Capacity Group, an agency of the African Union. According to news website VOA, the funds would support food assistance to roughly 235 000 households in some of the regions in Malawi that were hardest hit by the devastating 2023/24 El Niñoinduced drought. The payout was also earmarked for direct relief payments to over 100 000 households, the AfDB said. Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera said the payout was “a lifeline for our vulnerable populations”. Malawi, one of the world's poorest countries, largely lost its food supply to the drought. In March, the country declared a state…

Calving problems in Dexter cattle are uncommon, with veterinary intervention rarely required and even less often than with most other cattle breeds. Willie du Plessis, chairperson of the Southern Dexter Club, explained that the birth canals of these hardy, small-bodied cows, such as those of some dairy breeds like Jerseys, improve their ease of calving, allowing them to give birth, without assistance, to calves considered quite large in comparison with their own bodies. In the absence of birth complications, cows rarely contract reproductive infections, which in turn supports good fertility and longevity. “Reproduction of some Dexter cows starts to decline from 12 to 13 years of age, which is quite old compared with some beef breeds. I, nevertheless, have had a few cows that gave me a calf each year…

In their examination of crop yields from over 1 500 fields across six continents, a team of scientists from Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey, US, have discovered that global production of foods like fruit, vegetables, legumes and nuts are restricted by a shortage of pollinators. The research, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, revealed that across various crops and locations, between one- and two-thirds of farms contained fields that weren't producing at the levels they should be because of a dearth of pollinators. The phenomenon of low crop yield as a result of too few visits by pollinators is known as pollinator limitation. The scientists reached their conclusions by conducting a statistical investigation into over 200 000 ‘bee visitations’ to crop flowers, contained within one of the…