Innehållsförteckning för 28 July 2023 från Farmer's Weekly

In this issue of Farmer's Weekly we focus particularly on equipment and technology that can help improve the production of smaller farmers. Of course, these technologies are also available to larger producers, but our focus is particularly on affordability this week. In many instances, high tech is associated with high price, putting smaller farmers on the back foot when it comes to increasing production. Improved production means that small-scale farmers are more likely to expand their operations, generating more income and eventually employing more people. As such, the growth of small-scale farmers and their inclusion into the broader sphere of agriculture is essential for the sector and for society. But, as the articles in our focus show, technology does not have to be expensive. For example, many small-scale farmers can…

I thought I should write to you showing my sincere appreciation for the knowledge I'm obtaining from your magazine. I started farming with little to no knowledge, and with no mentors. As a young person, this has been difficult for me due to the many mistakes I've made learning, which have cost me money. I'm happy now that I'm getting knowledge from other farmers through Farmer's Weekly magazine; it has now become my mentor. This has helped inspire other young people to engage in farming, especially with the high unemployment rate among the youth in South Africa. I'm planting seasonal vegetables and recently started sheep farming. I want to grow my business and become a commercial farmer. I'm confident that having partners like you in my business will make that…

The livestock and poultry industry has had a difficult past few years. A variety of external shocks made for a challenging operating environment for many farmers and agribusinesses. These shocks included animal diseases and rising input costs, such as yellow maize and soya bean prices. While the spread of diseases may be slowing, and organised agriculture and government continue to collaborate to address biosecurity risks, concerns about renewed increases in animal feed prices persist. This is particularly the case in the expected El Niño period, which might result in a lower harvest compared with recent seasons of bumper crops. The livestock and poultry sector hardly enjoyed the gains of a large domestic harvest of the past two seasons because this did not bring any meaningful reduction in feed prices. For…

About 45% of the state veterinarian posts on a national and provincial level are currently vacant, according to Thoko Didiza, the minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Didiza recently responded in writing to parliamentary questions posed by shadow minister of agriculture Noko Masipa. According to Didiza's response, the situation had deteriorated since 2019, with the percentage of vacancies increasing from 35% to 45% over this time. The response also revealed that the number of approved posts had been adjusted downwards from 324 in 2019 to 287 currently. Masipa told Farmer's Weekly that the shortage of veterinarians was a major problem for South Africa, as more than 40% of the cattle and 70% of the goats farmed in the country belonged to emerging farmers. “It is unthinkable that government…

The ‘ick-factor’ of insect protein has been a stumbling block for product developers looking to expand into the animal protein replacement market. Including insect protein in pet food, however, presents a solution. After concluding a deal with Cape Town-based insect protein start-up Maltento, the pet food brand Montego will now include black soldier fly larvae as a source of high-quality protein, valuable fatty acids and minerals in its Karoo Targeted Care dog food. Maltento CEO Dean Smorenburg said that kilogram-for-kilogram, insect-based protein used 95 times less natural resources than animal-based protein. “By using insect protein, we're able to develop sustainable products that can outperform other market alternatives in the pet feed industry. “The deal with Montego is a significant vote of confidence. “Insects deserve a seat at the table as…

UNITED KINGDOM The British Berry Growers association has reported a late start to the 2023 strawberry season due to the cold weather. Chairperson Nick Marston said that despite this, this year's crop was worth the wait. “Cooler spring weather means that strawberries have ripened a little more slowly, which allows them to grow particularly large, and the recent bright weather has boosted their sugar content ensuring they're incredibly sweet-tasting too. “Advanced growing techniques now mean we produce fresh British strawberries from May right through to October.” CANADA Industry association Fertilizer Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are calling on the government to take action against ongoing worker strikes, which have affected the shipment of bulk grain. The almost 7 000 workers with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union recently…

A whopping R1,9 million has been repossessed from a Bloemfontein pastor who defrauded the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSeta). The funds were recovered by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) from Pastor Lerato Raphael Mokoteli, who fraudulently claimed the money from AgriSeta, and constituted proceeds of unlawful activities committed between 2016 and 2019. On 15 June, Mokoteli made the payment of R1,9 million as part of his guilty plea agreement with the state. According to the SIU, Mokoteli and an accomplice, Anthony Dywili, fraudulently applied for funding from AgriSeta to the amount of R1,9 million to allegedly provide training and mentorship in a community food garden operation in Kimberley. The two men, in addition to Jeremia Madiba, who was AgriSeta CEO between 2008…

I had wasted almost the entire day talking to the wrong person at the fuel depot. As I explained to my wife at supper that night, the company had been charged for fuel we never received and billed for petrol when we had purchased diesel. “I called to make an appointment to sort it out,” I said, “and was put through to the ‘accountant’, who said he could help. I went to town to see him, and half an hour later he agreed with the errors, but said he didn't have the authority to make the corrections. I would have to see his boss, who, unfortunately, was on leave! “I then discovered that this guy is actually a junior clerk, not the accountant at all. It's time we moved our…

At the last sale of the Australian wool-selling season, the market for Merino wools of between 19 and 22 microns closed 3% up on the previous sale. A total of 43 697 bales were on offer, of which 92% were sold. According to Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), wool of 19 microns sold for A$1 479c/kg (about R183/kg), while wool of 18 microns was sold for A$1 621c/kg (R200/kg). “The buoyant sale room atmosphere continued with gusto at this week's Australian wool auctions. Local buyers were in the mood for purchasing, which placed nearly all prices on a strongly upward trajectory from the outset. The superfine Merino categories were by no means neglected, with a healthy 20c [about R2,50] clean per kilogram added, whilst crossbred wool types and cardings traded fully…

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer's Weekly. Email Rearabetswe Phokontsi at phokontsir@arc.agric.za. “The main objectives of the BRICS bloc are to improve trade and economic co-operation among the member countries, encourage equitable growth and sustainable development, and encourage political collaboration and understanding between member countries (Balaji, 2023). Developing countries and emerging markets believe that Western countries are abusing their power when it comes to trade and political relations, citing even the way they are handling the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the associated negative effects on emerging economies. LEVERAGING ADVANTAGES Geographically, the BRICS countries have a strategic trade advantage on world markets. South Africa and Brazil, being in the Southern Hemisphere, have counter-seasonality advantages over Western countries when it comes to the trading…

Food rescue and hunger relief organisation SA Harvest's latest innovation in the fight against hunger is a bespoke technology platform that tracks and analyses the nutritional value of the food it delivers. The move underscores the organisation's commitment to ensuring that the food it provides goes beyond simply feeding people. SA Harvest says the right to nutritious food, as stipulated in Section 28 of the South African Constitution, should be a top priority with all food rescue operations. This belief has been a cornerstone of the organisation's operating policy since its inception in October 2019. Developed in response to SA Harvest founder Alan Browde's concern over inadequate nutrition, particularly among children, SA Harvest's state-of-the-art technology assesses the nutritional content of the food parcels dispatched to the more than 200 beneficiary…

There is a great deal of debate about the need to stimulate sustainable rural development in South Africa, especially in terms of keeping small towns and rural agricultural hubs going. Elaborate policy plans and master plans are being developed and discussed. But with rapid urbanisation in the country, not all people are flocking to major cities or metropolitan areas; a large percentage of urbanisation is actually ‘townification’. Many of our small towns and villages are attracting populations. There are many examples in the Free State, North West, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. I have been fortunate to have had the rural town of Potchefstroom as my home base for the past 40 years and have often had the opportunity to visit small towns and rural areas in my work as…

Cotton production in North West is a viable alternative to maize and soya bean production, according to Louis Olivier, CEO of Vaalharts Katoenprodusente in Hartswater. He said the profitability of cotton production exceeded that of maize and soya beans by far, despite extremely high input costs. The producer price for dryland cotton in the Lichtenburg, Delareyville and Schweizer-Reneke areas stood, at the time of going to print, at R12 000/t, while the maize producer price hovered at R3 200/t and soya beans at R8 000/t, at a yield of 3,4t/ha, 6t/ha and 3t/h for the three crops respectively. The production costs for cotton in the 2022/23 season amounted to R22 620/ha, compared with R16 000/h for maize and R10 000/h for soya beans. “The profit with cotton production is R18…

Africa's potential to become a bigger market for South Africa's food exports looks promising over the next 10 years, as rapid population growth expands opportunities. In the latest Agricultural Outlook for the period 2023 to 2032, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), sub-Saharan Africa's (SSA) trade deficit in major food items was projected to almost double by 2032. Over the next decade, SSA's agricultural production was expected to expand by 24% in net added-value terms. However, this 2,2% annual growth was less than the region's projected population growth. “To supply its rapidly expanding population, the region is expected to rely increasingly on imports, which could exacerbate food deficits further as the food import bill rises…

RCL Foods expects headline earnings per share for the year ended June 2023 to be down at least 30% on the previous financial year. RCL blamed the situation on the impact of the sugar levy on the group's sugar business unit, in combination with the effect of loadshedding on all operations. According to RCL, the sugar industry was in a state of uncertainty since the commencement of business rescue proceedings by Tongaat Hulett Sugar and Gledhow Sugar Company. Pre-commencement levies and redistribution payments owed to the South African Sugar Association (SASA) had not been paid, and Tongaat Hulett Sugar had suspended payment of its statutory industry obligations as at 31 March. The remaining industry participants had to bear additional costs in the form of a special levy imposed by SASA…

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts above-normal rainfall for most of the country, except the south-western parts, during winter through to early spring, and below-normal rainfall for the western and eastern parts during mid-spring. Minimum and maximum temperatures were expected to be mostly above-normal countrywide, indicating a likelihood of relatively warmer conditions across the forecast period, running from July to November. The expected above-normal rainfall would help recharge dams, but would also increase the risks of flash floods, especially in flood-prone regions and areas with inadequate drainage. The wet conditions could also contribute to waterborne infections and incidents of water-related injuries, according to SAWS. Dr Faffa Malan, former general manager of the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa, said that the wet conditions, combined with warmer temperatures, were ideal…

During my years of overseeing livestock-breeding projects in the communal farming areas of the Eastern Cape, one of the biggest challenges has been to increase the numbers of lambs weaned successfully. Lamb birth percentages in these communal areas are usually similar to commercial farming percentages, but the mortality rate of young lambs, and even young sheep, is a major concern. With the price of lambs rising considerably over the past decade or so, many communal farmers cannot afford to buy replacement lambs from commercial breeding operations after a season of high lamb mortality. A large number of Eastern Cape and Free State sheep-breeding operations have stopped sheep farming because of rampant livestock theft, and this has reduced the overall supply. This, combined with steady high demand from communal farmers for…

Small-scale farmers may produce crops or raise animals for subsistence, for sale in local markets, or for mixed purposes. They may use traditional farming methods and tools, and rely on family labour and other informal sources of credit and support. In South Africa, small-scale farming is a broad term, as the capacity of someone's land is determined not just by size, but by factors such as soil type and operation. In general terms, however, if you have a 2ha farm, you should consider a 37kW to 45kW tractor Again, this depends largely on the type of land you are farming, and what you are farming. If you farm on level land, for example, a smaller tractor may be suitable. Other factors to consider before buying a tractor include: Size: This…

Removing grass seed from Angora goats is time-consuming and labour-intensive, but it's definitely worthwhile. The table of the past season's average prices (see below) makes this abundantly clear by showing that a farmer can potentially lose tens of thousands of rands on a single bale. Prevention of contamination requires a basic knowledge of the problem seed: • Small carrot seed grass (Tragus berteronianus, wortelsaad) This is the first grass to respond to good summer rain. After a short establishment, the seeds ripen within a week following warm weather. Keep animals in camps that are already grazed. If you move them at this stage to rested camps, they will become heavily contaminated. • Spear grass (Heteropogon contortus, steekgras) This only becomes a threat after a good summer rainfall season. Avoid camps…

The availability of fertilisers has been a concern for crop farmers around the world. Academics Dilip Das and Mitali Mandal conducted research on various farms around India, and in their paper ‘Advanced technology of fertilizer uses for crop production’ explained the development of the much-needed commodity. Das and Mandal's research takes a deep look into nitrogenous fertilisers (ammonium sulphate and urea). They wrote: “Research has shown that volatilisation losses from a nitrogen solution can be reduced significantly by dribbling the solution in a band on the surface, rather than spraying it over the entire soil surface. This can be accomplished by using drop tubes on a conventional sprayer.” In their ResearchGate paper, they noted that industrial waste could also be possibly used as plant nutrients. “Basic slag, a by-product of…

Dear Prof McCrindle, A friend's dog was recently stung by bees and had a very serious reaction. What can I do to prevent something similar happening to my dog, and to treat him if he is stung? Kind regards, Andy Dear Andy, Bee stings can kill a dog (and a human, for that matter) rapidly if a swarm attacks. They are particularly dangerous for short-haired dogs. In my experience, German shepherds are most likely to be attacked, as they tend to be adventurous and approach beehives. However, on a farm where honey beehives are present, the bees get used to the pets and people moving past their hives. They are more likely to attack strange dogs or even wild animals. If you see or hear a swarm coming, get inside and…

The US government says in a new report that the Botswana government has reduced its efforts in fighting human trafficking, adding that it has a favourable environment for trafficking of agricultural workers in and out of the country. In the ‘Trafficking In Persons June 2023’ research report, the US said its investigations in Botswana had revealed that some families in the country subjected young Batswana domestic workers to conditions indicative of labour trafficking. Some were denied education and basic necessities, not paid salaries, confined, and verbally, physically or sexually abused. “Owners of some private cattle farms and ranches in Botswana exploit adults and children from the San community in labour trafficking. Most cattle farm owners’ relationships with local government officials allow them to avoid inspection,” the report said. Traffickers also…

With the Russia-Ukraine war increasing prices of commodities worldwide, many countries have had to adopt unconventional approaches to cope. In Japan, the steep rise in the price of chemical fertiliser has led to the use of shimogoe, human waste used as fertiliser. This is an ancient practice; Japan began using shimogoe during the Edo period, which began in 1603, but with advances in technology, it was no longer needed, until now. Manufacturers of the product said that demand for the product had increased, and using shimogoe was helping farmers to cut costs. The Urban Environment organisation said that throughout Japan's early modern period, “human waste in the city was purchased by farmers living on the urban fringe, and was used as an agricultural fertiliser”. The villagers then used the ‘night…

Zimbabwe's farmers are planning to invest more than R363 million to develop blueberry production. Blueberries showed the strongest growth in local horticultural production during the previous production season. According to a report by the Zimbabwe Mail, the Horticulture Development Council (HDC) recently approached the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) with a plan to significantly expand the production of blueberries, citrus, coffee and flowers in that country. The latest ZIDA quarterly report said the investment would mean an additional 4 000ha for blueberry production. The HDC also planned to establish 1 000ha of coffee in the Eastern Highlands, and help 1 300 small- and medium-scale coffee producers to produce 2 220t/year. Farmers were also looking at increasing rose production by a further 800ha, following greater demand from South Africa, Russia and…

Pick n Pay recently announced the acquisition of the Tomis Group of companies. The group was established by Tommy and Isabelle Moolman in 1993, and, over time, grew into a state-of the-art abattoir, and meat processing and packaging business that supplies lamb, beef and other quality fresh meat products to wholesalers and retailers, including Pick n Pay. Tomis is situated on a 140ha farm near Wellington in the Western Cape, with key assets including a 15 000m² underroof lamb feedlot, lamb and beef abattoirs and a meat packaging plant. The company employs 320 people and recorded sales of R720 million for the 2022 financial year. Pick n Pay said in a statement that the acquisition would enhance its fresh-meat offer to customers, and allow it to supply a higher-quality, more…

FAST FACTS Drones are available for agricultural production, and allow farmers the ability to quickly and actively scout their crops. Various mobile apps can help small-scale farmers manage production and their finances. The adoption of some of these technologies may see production on-farm improve. Farm technology is usually associated with high-cost high-tech equipment. However, as we discuss in this article, there are farm technologies available that are largely affordable, even for smallholder farmers. DRONES Drones can be a valuable tool for smallscale farmers looking to improve their production. Here are some ways that small-scale farmers can use drones: • Crop monitoring Drones equipped with sensors can be used to monitor crop health and growth, enabling farmers to identify issues such as pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies early on. This can…

An economic threshold in a pest control programme refers to the level of the pest population and the point where the level of damage or pest abundance indicates a problem, and where the extent of the damage to the crop exceeds the cost of controlling the pest and the value of the crop. It takes the density of the pest infestation into consideration to determine at which point a control treatment is necessary to provide an economic return. Economic injury level: The smallest number of insects that will cause yield losses equal to the insect management costs. Economic threshold: The pest density at which management action should be taken to prevent an increasing pest population from reaching the economic injury level. Source: Higley LG and Boethel DG, eds. 1994. Handbook…

Milk the Beloved Country by Sihle Khumalo (Umuzi, R300) It can be difficult to classify a book which has a cow's rear end on the back cover and, on the front cover, a ruminating cow's front end with a road sign pointing to the mustlive-in towns of Darling and Shaka's Rock. Is the book speculation, literature, history, subtle proselytisation, or perhaps a satire of the modern South African condition? Khumalo has packed it with plenty of foreign history, from Queen Victoria to the saga of the Jews, but is this pointing to the need for decolonisation or suggesting that South Africa cannot be entirely unpicked from the world's currents? The political thinker will find sections on the country's future direction, while the foreign reader will find an insight into the…