Innehållsförteckning för Vol 21 - No 1 2024 från AgriProbe

POWER OF EXCHANGE With this first edition of Agriprobe, we welcome you to 2024 – the year of the Green Wooden Dragon, according to the Chinese calendar. This symbol is considered the most powerful in Chinese astrology, representing energy, strength and power. After a rather energy sapping 2023 with unprecedented challenges encountered in the global and agricultural environment, we need a “green wooden dragon” year with a vibrant agricultural sector supporting the livelihoods of the millions of people in the Western Cape. We believe the sector will grow even more despite challenges like load-shedding and climate change. Overcoming these challenges will be grounded in the active partnerships we already have in place, and new ones like the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP), which the Western Cape Government signed at COP28…

The first Provincial Veterinary Week of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) was held during the latter part of September 2023 to coincide with World Rabies Day, which is annually held on 28 September. The aim of the week was to highlight the work of veterinarians and animal health technicians and emphasise the urgency of animal biosecurity. World Rabies Day is a global health observance that started in 2007 to raise awareness about the world’s deadliest infectious disease and brings together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide. It is an event designed to be inclusive, uniting people, organisations and stakeholders across all sectors against rabies – because together we can eliminate rabies! Besides the focus on rabies, the Veterinary Week also included various veterinary activities, including a…

The Regional Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ReNAPRI) was formed in 2012 as a network of African national agricultural policy research institutions with the objective of promoting evidence-based policymaking. The original seven members have since expanded to 16 members from 15 countries in central, east, west and southern Africa. South Africa is represented by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), which is one of the founder members of the organisation. “Tough decisions are required to ensure Africa’s place in the global food system.” It is not possible to present a full report of all the discussions within the limitations of this article. Nevertheless, the main observations can be summarised as follows: a) If soil health, associated with the availability of fertiliser and (quality seeds) are not addressed,…

Vivian Jakobs’ journey is a testimony that it’s never too late in life to pursue your dreams. At the rich age of 49, the father of four was awarded the accolade of 2023 Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker of the Year and as a result became the newest member to serve on the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker Forum (WCPAWF). Vivian was crowned at a prestige function hosted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture at the Protea Hotel, Technopark in Stellenbosch on 4 November 2023. Vivian became the third winner from the Witzenberg region to win this award. Jaffie Galant and Wimpie Paulse, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the WCPAWF, previously won this award. As a young man, Vivian grew up on a farm in Ceres in the Witzenberg.…

The South African game ranching industry arguable started off as a by-product from cattle farmers and some private game ranches and has subsequently developed into one of the major success stories of the South African environmental economy. In 1991 some 8 292 game were sold through game auctions resulting in a turnover of R8 999 871. The first proper records of game auctions were however initiated a decade or so later in 2002 when 35 game auctions were monitored resulting in a turnover of R105,1 million with 20 022 head of game been transacted. The number of game auctions grew steadily each year with increases in the number of animals sold as well as income generated. Some game ranchers, economists and environmentalists warned about the socalled bubble effect that may…

Production in greenhouses is an intensive method of farming and all aspects thereof must be thoroughly investigated before commencement as it demands substantial capital investment. Regulatory requirements will have to be adhered to if a greenhouse business is established and the following matters need attention: The construction of the greenhouse may require that plans have to be submitted to the municipality for approval – check your municipal requirements before planning anything. The establishment of big operations may require an environmental impact assessment. Adhere to the building codes that are applicable to greenhouses. Check the zoning regulations of the land where you want to build the greenhouse. Check if your water source is registered for use. Deciding on the greenhouse facility influences the production efficiency as well as the economic viability…

The Boer goat was developed in South Africa and is recognised for superior growth rates, high carcass yield and effective utilisation of a broad range of vegetation, making the breed especially valuable for preventing bush encroachment. As a result, they are now found in many parts of the world. Logarithmic function modelling of dry matter intake (DMI) offered a dynamic view of voluntary feed intake (VFI) trends during Boer goat growth. Modelling feed intake as a percentage of body weight allowed for predictions of feed consumption based on body weight, while the cumulative feed intake model aided in forecasting total feed consumption in a feedlot operation. Fat deposition was measured using ultrasonography as a precise tool to measure subcutaneous backfat depth covering the longissimus lumborum of growing Boer goats of…

Dr Dirk Troskie (Director: Business Planning and Strategy at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture) recently received the prestigious SA Agricultural Writers Association’s Agriculturist of the Year award. According to Liza Bohlmann, the chairperson of SA Agricultural Writers, the assessment looked at agricultural economics and related services to the country, under the banner of Agriculturalist of the Year. “The subdivision changes annually between the focus on agricultural economics, extension services and agricultural research.” Among other things, the judges looked at how valuable the candidate is to farmers and agriculture, international recognition received, the extent to which the candidate can adapt to change and more. Liza further states that the candidates were all worthy regional winners and the total score of all the judges confirmed how highly regarded each was. “The…

AgriProbe magazine’s cover exudes triumph in the face of climate challenges. Featuring Wasabi, a remarkable sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) bull, the spotlight is on the game ranching industry’s groundbreaking achievement – over 50 000 animals formally sold during 2023 auctions. The article by Riaan Nowers on page 42 highlights the game ranching industry’s pioneering use of electronic enhancements throughout its value chain, acknowledging its leadership. Celebrate these milestones and look into active strategies against climate change, making AgriProbe a compelling read for those passionate about wildlife conservation and sustainable practices. COVER Conceptual cover designed by Christopher Gara. Photograph courtesy of Leopard Rock Game Breeders.…

World Food Day (WFD), globally celebrated on 16 October, was founded in 1945 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). WFD serves as a reminder of the need for efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems. On 6 October 2023, the WCDoA, alongside the Bitou Municipality and Casidra, spearheaded World Food Day celebrations at the Kranshoek Sports Field in Plettenberg Bay. This initiative aimed not only to address food insecurity but to actively contribute resources and efforts towards practical solutions. The event began with meticulous planning, profiling and approval of 123 households. Basic training in vegetable production and chicken keeping followed, equipping communities in Kranshoek, New Horizon, Wittedrift, Crags and KwaNokuthula with valuable skills. The implementation included the establishment of three community food gardens, two…

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Taiwan on a mission to explore the cutting-edge world of agricultural technology. What I discovered left an indelible mark on my perception of farming and sustainability. Taiwan, though small in size, boasts a remarkable agricultural sector that thrives on innovation. With limited land, farmers have harnessed technology to maximise productivity. They employ green technology, drones, sensors for monitoring insects and even high-tech tunnels and greenhouse structures to optimise crop growth. Taiwan’s ability to cultivate three crop cycles annually on small plots stands in stark contrast to traditional agriculture, especially with the same problems aligned by climate change. One standout innovation was the vertical farming system, designed by a former TV engineer. This unique system utilises LED lights with customised spectrums to enhance plant…

Class of 2023 On Saturday, 2 December 2023, 187 proud students received their qualifications at the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute (EATI). The Elsenburg Annual Graduation Ceremony is a culmination of hard work and dedication, not only from the students, but the staff as well. The graduation ceremony coincided with the celebration of the College’s 125th year of existence where we paid homage to Elsenburg’s rich history that tells a story of resilience, rebirth and growth. In the words of Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, the College provides HOPE – Higher Opportunities for People to Excel, and will continue to do so in the years to come. Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Western Cape: “Class of 2023, if asked what you received at this graduation, your answer…

Nobel Square in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town pays tribute to South Africa’s four Nobel Peace Prize Laureates: the late Nkosi Albert Luthuli, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, former State President FW de Klerk and former President Nelson Mandela. In July the State Veterinary Office Oudtshoorn joined the Cango Wildlife Ranch and Animal Care team South Africa (a local animal NPO) for a community outreach. The outreach was to Volmoed, a nearby settlement on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. Prior to the outreach the organisations collected dog and cat food, blankets, sweets, toys, food and linen to be handed out to the community. The Cango Wildlife Ranch together with their Turtles Restaurant donated sixty litres of soup and bread to be handed out to the community. Leftover sweets were donated to the…

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Centre for Water and Sanitation Research (CWSR) has a long history of collaborating with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA). Since 2011, the Centre has collaborated with the two departments on drought-related projects and smallholder farmers’ access to agricultural water. The Water Research Commission funded most of the work. From 2014 to 2017, a project that assessed emerging farmer participation in water resource management was jointly implemented. Priority issues identified by emerging farmers included shortage of water for productive use, lack of information and funding, and land shortage. The project culminated in information roadshows across the water management area and the compilation of a farmer information package located on the BOCMA website. One of the flagship joint…

deur Monika Viljoen1 en prof. Tertius Brand2 Die Boerbokbedryf van Suid-Afrika is relatief klein wanneer dit vergelyk word met die bokbedryf in die res van die wêreld. Dit dra tans ’n baie klein persentasie tot die wêreld se kommersiële bokbevolking by. Die SA Boerbok is egter van uitstekende kwaliteit en word beskou as een van die top-vleisproduserende bokrasse ter wêreld. Boerbokke word ook baie doeltreffend aangewend om bos-en boomindringing te bekamp. Danksy die uitstekende kwaliteit van die ras word dit dan ook vandag in relatief groot getalle in ander lande van die wêreld aangetref. Daar bestaan ’n groot informele of tradisionele mark vir bokke in Suid-Afrika, waar dit tot ’n groot mate vir kulturele rituele en geleenthede gebruik word. Die formele mark vir bokvleis per se is egter klein en daar…

2023 was a tough year for the agricultural sector. Four major floods and recurring power outages had a devastating impact on an sector that finds it virtually impossible to function optimally without access to a reliable source of energy. But as the saying goes – ’n boer maak ’n plan. This can-do attitude was evident, for example, in the role farmers played in making the road accessible to Nampo Bothaville, the biggest agricultural show on the African continent. Farmers did so at their own expense. 2024 is described as not just an election year. It’s perhaps the election year. Globally, more voters (estimated at more than two billion) than ever in history will head to the polls as at least 64 countries (plus the European Union) – representing a combined…

Climate change projections for the Western Cape suggest a likelihood of more frequent and more intense extreme weather events threatening food security and economic growth in South Africa and the Western Cape. Climate change modelling shows that annual temperatures are rising, and the number of colder days will decrease. Droughts, floods and heat waves will become more regular, and these trends highlight the need for a coordinated response from governments, tertiary institutions and the private sector to mitigate against and adapt to the impact of climate change. 1 During November 2023, the Departments of Agriculture and of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Stellenbosch University’s School for Climate Studies. The School, launched in 2021, creates a transdisciplinary capacity to combine the climate-related knowledge systems…

Seven years after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2016 between Minister Hiegelsberger, Minister of Agriculture in Upper Austria, and the then Minister of Agriculture of the Western Cape, Minister Alan Winde, the partnership and exchange programme is flourishing despite the impact of COVID-19 on international travelling. One of the key outcomes of the MOU was the exchange of youth from the two agricultural schools, HLBLA St Florian and HBLA Elmberg in Upper Austria, and the Western Cape agricultural schools and students from Elsenburg. The first exchange visit took place in 2018 and the Western Cape group travelled to Upper Austria in 2019 After the pandemic planning started again to welcome the second group of students from Upper Austria to the Western Cape. Eight students and two…

During last year’s provincial Service Excellence Awards (SEA) a new category was added to give recognition to individual citizens who live out the values of the Western Cape (WC). To qualify for the category Best Citizen Performance (Individual), nominees had to meet the following criteria: 1 Nominee to demonstrate innovative/creative ways in delivering a service/s within the community. 2 Nominee must be a South African citizen and residing in the WC. 3 He/she must be doing excellent work (voluntary, without compensation) for a minimum of six months. 4 The contribution/value add should be during the qualifying period (1 Oct 2020 – 31 March 2022). 5 Must clearly be an individual contribution (not representing a team). 6 Individual must demonstrate leadership/role model qualities in the community issue(s) resulting in positive changes…

Continuing their sustainability journey Van Loveren Family Vineyards recently received the Carbon Hero recognition award from Blue North Sustainability. This is part of their Confronting Climate Change (CCC) initiative, which encourages wine farms to calculate and understand their carbon emissions. Red wine is mostly associated with wintertime. There is something magical about uncorking a bottle of red wine in front of a fireplace. But before uncorking a bottle of red wine, it has to be produced. Red wine is made from dark-coloured grapes that were macerated (grape skins are left in the grape juice). The colour varies from intense violet, which is typical of young wines, to brick red for mature wines and brown for older red wines. Red grapes have a greenish-white juice colour when pressed but it turns…

deur Pieter Theron1 en Professor Tertius Brand1,2 Aangesien daar voorspel word dat die impak van klimaatsverandering wêreldwyd gaan toeneem, gaan landbou-ondernemings onder toenemende druk geplaas word om met toenemend innoverende bestuurs-en versagtingstrategieë vorendag te kom om hierdie uitdagings aan te spreek. Die byna volledige gebrek van kennis oor die impak van klimaatsverandering op veeboerdery kniehalter egter tans die ontwikkeling van lewensvatbare versagtingstrategieë. Tensy ’n begrip van die verhouding tussen klimaatsvariasie en produksie-uitset ontwikkel kan word, sal die veebedryf nie proaktiewe versagtingstrategieë kan ontwikkel om die impak van toekomstige klimaatsverandering te bestuur en te minimaliseer nie. Hoewel klimaatsverandering ’n wêreldwye verskynsel is, is sommige streke meer vatbaar vir die uitwerking daarvan. Aangesien daar voorspel word dat die belangrikste gevolge van klimaatsverandering stygende temperature, dalende reënval en ’n toename in die voorkoms van…

Ruminants possess intricate and fascinating digestive systems, consisting of four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen, playing a pivotal role, is the site of microbial fermentation, responsible for breaking down complex plant materials, particularly proteins. The research aimed to assess parameters such as in vitro protein degradation, in vitro organic matter digestibility, and changes in ruminal pH to provide insights into the effectiveness of these inclusions. Results indicated that the inclusion of HT at various levels did not significantly reduce crude protein (CP) degradation of canola oilcake meal. These findings did not find that HT inclusion improved the RUP fraction. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in protein outflow rates between the inclusion levels. Sodium bicarbonate inclusion showed significant differences only between the 0.00% and 1.25% levels…