Innehållsförteckning för 5 July 2024 från Farmer's Weekly

Every day, South African farmers, not least of all rural farmers, face so many barriers to production. These hurdles cover everything from economic struggles – such as limited access to capital, loans and markets – to infrastructure issues like outdated agricultural technology, and political obstacles that include inadequate government support. I could go on and on, because I’m nothing if not a list-maker. But if there’s one thing I don’t want to add to this list, it’s gender-based violence (GBV). As farmers work tirelessly every day to support their families and communities, GBV should be the last thing on their minds. Before I go any further with this, let me take a step back to clarify what GBV means. The UN defines GBV as a broad term for any harmful…

ARCHIVE The Piersol variety, developed in France, is resistant to many ailments afflicting tomatoes, especially Verticillium, Fusarium and nematodes. Tomatoes must be the most temperamental crop he has ever had to handle, but, says veteran grower Christo Louw of Steelpoort in Limpopo, if lavishly pampered and given just the right treatment, they can also be the most profitable. Louw has a voluptuous stand of tomatoes of the Piersol variety, a type that for many of his neighbours has been nothing but a disaster. He has been growing tomatoes for the past 21 years and, of all the varieties he has tried out, none has responded as well to his care and feeding as Piersol. “At best,” he says, “the other varieties have yielded only half as much fruit a hectare…

At the National Wool Growers’ Association of South Africa (NWGA) Congress held recently in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, the association called on government to support the long-term reintroduction of its genetic improvement programme in communal areas. Leon de Beer, recently retired general manager of the NWGA, explained during his report-back on wool sheep training and development that the association provided advisory services to communal producers under contract of Cape Wool SA, thanks to funding from the Wool Trust. The services focused on training and mentorship, infrastructure development, introductions to brokers to access the international market and the genetic improvement of flocks through the quality rams exchange programme. “The exchange [programme] involves the replacement of inferior rams with good-quality commercial rams,” De Beer explained. The programme has resulted in huge financial gains…

Bona fide marula oil producers are one step closer to achieving better prices for quality oil after an official standard was published by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). It is hoped that this will eradicate fraud in the industry, which weakens prices. Oil produced from marula seeds has become increasingly popular due to its medium-rich, silky consistency, which makes it ideal as a massage oil. The oil is also used widely in cosmetics. Karen Swanepoel, executive director of the Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association (SAEOPA), said that the market is, however, flooded with fake and adulterated oils at very low prices. “Through SABS certification, marula oil can now be positioned as a competitive, high-quality product since it will have an officially defined standard based on its unique…

Brent crude oil prices have been a major focus for the first half of 2024 due to voluntary production cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil-producing nations (OPEC+) to gain margins for its members. Initially, the objective was to reduce production to increase global prices; however, this has not been an easy task as global macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions hamper oil pricing, despite reduced global supplies. This piece explores the latest developments in global Brent crude oil trends, the impact thereof on South African fuel prices, and the relationship between oil and fertiliser prices. TIGHTENING SUPPLIES OPEC+ countries have continued to tighten their supply reductions in oil production since March 2024. They agreed to extend these reductions until 2025 to stabilise the market. Middle Eastern…

Section 1 of the Public Holidays Act defines public holidays to mean “the days mentioned in Schedule 1, and any other day declared to be a public holiday under Section 2”. Section 2 of the Act determines that “the days mentioned in Schedule 1 shall be public holidays, and whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be a public holiday”. This question then arises: if an employee who normally works on a Sunday, works on a Sunday on which the public holiday falls, and also works on the Monday that becomes a public holiday, at what rate should they be paid? Is remuneration for both days calculated at the rate determined for public holidays? COURT RULING In the matter of Randfontein Estates vs National Union…

Global macadamia prices experienced three consecutive years of decreases post-COVID-19 as consumers had little excess to spend on this luxury nut. Orchard expansions, done en masse worldwide when prices started climbing in the mid-2010s, are adding an additional 10% per annum to global stocks, creating further pressure on the market. However, demand is recovering and, according to Roelof van Rooyen, director of Global Macadamias, farmers should start feeling some relief this year. “The in-shell market saw much movement at the start of the year, as the Asian appetite was whet by low prices. With these stocks mostly sold for the season, the attention has now turned towards kernel, bringing good demand for this important aspect of the supply.” But Van Rooyen cautions that prices are unlikely to reach the highs…

Botswana often beckons South African adventure seekers, and one of the plus factors of Wildlife of Botswana by Nikos Petrou and Neil MacLeod (Struik Nature, R350) is its eight-page introduction, which succinctly sums up both the nature of the landscape that you will explore and the biodiversity and conservation issues that it faces. Most of the book is a concise and selective 150-page photographic wildlife ID guide that includes tips on where best to view each species. It’s also a great choice for novices, as it covers more than 550 of Botswana’s “most conspicuous and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles and plants”. That means that you may not be able to use it to identify everything you see, given that Botswana has more than 570 bird species alone and more than…

Dear Prof McCrindle, Do I need to treat my dog for ticks, fleas and worms more often if I frequently walk her in our local park? Kind regards, Monique Dear Monique, Yes, dogs need to be treated regularly for ticks, fleas and worms, but always according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Not only dogs visit the park, but also animals like rats, wild hares, feral cats and wild birds. All of these can carry and disseminate pests and parasites that may cause ill health or even death in dogs. Some of them can also pose a serious threat to you and your family. Ticks, for example, can transmit canine babesiosis (biliary fever) as well as canine ehrlichiosis (sometimes called chronic biliary or tick bite fever). The ticks that transmit these diseases…

A three-year study at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in the US has validated wool’s ability to provide greater thermal comfort for outdoor ‘stop-go’ sport, such as hiking, cycling and rock climbing, in both activity and rest phases. According to Australian Wool Innovation, which funded the study, NCSU tested 100% wool, cotton, viscose and polyester – all with similar fabric weight and thickness – on ‘sweating manikins’ and then humans. The sweating manikin study revealed that wool had the greatest capacity to buffer a transition from an environment of 45% relative humidity to one of 80% relative humidity. It also had a temperature buffering efficiency that was 26% better than viscose, 45% better than cotton, and 96% better than polyester. This study also showed wool’s ability to maintain thermal comfort…

China has launched an anti-dumping investigation into certain pork products from the EU. This comes just days after the EU increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement in mid-June that it had launched a probe into pork and pork by-products imported from the EU. This included offal, fat, intestines, bladders and stomachs. The ministry added that the probe was expected to be concluded within 12 months, with the possibility of a six-month extension. An official from the Chinese commerce ministry stated that an investigation was initiated in response to a formal complaint filed by the China Animal Agriculture Association, a local industry group. An investigating authority concluded that the request had met the criteria for launching a probe in accordance with Chinese…

The South African cling peach harvest is estimated to decline by 20%, from 139 337t to 112 884t, making it the smallest harvest in five years, according to the Canning Fruit Producers’ Association (CFPA). Jacques Jordaan, CEO of the CFPA, ascribed the decline in production to unfavourable climatic conditions primarily during flowering: “Keisie is the largest cling peach-producing area in the Western Cape, and production was down by up to 40% in some parts of this region.” The volume of cling peaches going to the canning market was expected to decline from 103 188t to 82 872t, with the volume directed towards canning declining from 80 448t to 66 263t and the volume directed towards juice and purée declining from 22 740t to 16 609t. Jordaan attributed the decline in…

The ongoing severe drought in Namibia has developed into a humanitarian crisis that has left many farmers financially destitute, with many of them unable to put food on the table. This situation is the result of regular ongoing droughts that have ravaged the country since 2012, coupled with extensive locust outbreaks and wideranging veldfires over the same period. “Farmers in the country are faced with severe hardship and are suffering from drastic cash flow restrictions,” Henriette le Grange, coordinator of the Namibian Disaster Relief organisation, said. Although the whole of Namibia was affected by drought, the western and southern parts were particularly hard hit, and isolated, sporadic showers had occurred in the central, northern and eastern parts of the country. Le Grange added that some areas in the southern region…

Seedling growers are struggling to keep up with fluctuating market trends, as farmers adjust plantings according to consumer demand. The Seedling Growers’ Association of South Africa (SGASA) held their annual symposium in June in White River, Mpumalanga. The overarching issue facing most of these growers is accurately determining stock levels and planning ahead. Davydd Jenkins, SGASA chairperson, said that demand for vegetable seedlings had been low for most of the year, as the economic downturn meant that consumers had less money to spend on fresh produce. This meant that farmers were planting less, and subsequently reducing their orders for seedlings. “Getting consistency in orders has been very problematic. Farmers are unsure what and how much to plant, which makes it difficult for seedling growers to plan ahead.” Macadamia tree suppliers…

Selling focuses on the needs of the seller. The seller’s objective is to get the product into the hands of the buyer in exchange for as much cash as possible as quickly as possible. It’s a ‘push’ activity with the physical product and price top of mind, carried out with little consideration for the buyer’s longer-term needs. Marketing focuses on the consumer. It’s about meeting their needs with a product that leaves a high level of satisfaction and desire to return for more. It’s a ‘pull’ activity aimed at bringing the buyer back again and again. This in no way disparages the skill of the salesperson. I speak from experience, having been a door-to-door salesperson of Encyclopaedia Britannica while studying many years ago. Our training was aimed at getting through…

Thoko Didiza has started her new role as the Speaker of the National Assembly in Parliament, leaving behind an agriculture sector that is in good shape. As the sector’s leader from 2019 to 2024, she provided political leadership and strategic oversight in the implementation of policies and programmes designed to drive inclusive growth, job creation, competitiveness, export expansion, and transformation. Didiza will be remembered for inspiring government, industry, labour and civil society to work together to build a prosperous and sustainable agricultural economy. The Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index, which reflects the perceptions of industry captains, shows she was successful in putting in place policies and strategies that inspired confidence and attracted investment into the sector. This index reached a 75-point mark in the second quarter of 2021, the highest level…

Unless assisted by a mentor and driven by a special interest in racing pigeons, beginners find the cost and other challenges of conventional pigeon racing near impossible to overcome. The South African National Pigeon Organisation (SANPO) has roughly 4 200 active pigeon fanciers on record, with an estimated majority over the age of 50. Sadly, the South African pigeon racing scene has changed and the sport is running on empty. The question is whether privately owned One Loft Races, some with millions up for grabs, can provide some relief to keep the sport’s flame alive in South Africa. NO LONGER THE POOR MAN'S RACEHORSES In the old days, pigeon passion and love for the sport of pigeon racing contributed to the collective sentiment at a social, people-friendly clubhouse. Racing pigeons,…

SERVES 2 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast fillets For the marinade 150ml amasi (may be substituted with buttermilk or plain yoghurt) 1 Tbsp smoked paprika Pinch of fine salt Squeeze of lemon juice 1 tsp smooth mustard For the paprika mayonnaise 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 Tbsp smooth mustard 1 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar 1 tsp paprika powder Big pinch of fine salt 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 1 cup (250ml) sunflower or canola oil For cooking 1ℓ sunflower oil 100g plain flour Salt and pepper To serve 2 large amagwinya (vetkoek) or hamburger buns Lettuce Pickles (optional) 2 large eggs • In a non-metallic bowl, whisk the marinade ingredients together. Marinate the chicken for up to four hours, covered, in the fridge. •…

The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) is working hard to establish wool as a sustainable textile under new EU draft legislation aimed at reducing pollution and waste in the textile and footwear industries. This was according to Dalena White, secretary-general of the IWTO, who spoke during a virtual presentation at the recent National Wool Growers’ Association’s Congress in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. She added that the European Commission had its work cut out for it because clothing production had more than doubled over the past 15 years, supported by low-cost, lowquality polyester fibres used to produce low-cost, low-quality garments that were thrown away after only being worn seven or eight times. The number of times a garment was worn had declined by 36% over the same period. To address this issue,…

PAKISTAN Ecologists and agriculturists believe that the growth and survival of a large number of fruit trees, vegetables and cereal crops have become possible in the city of Chitral, Pakistan, due to the climate change phenomenon triggered by global warming. In addition, they have said that this phenomenon could be leveraged for economic gains. In light of the ongoing higher temperatures, the number of varieties of fruit trees, cereal crops and vegetable crops had increased. It was reported that the yield had also increased. IRELAND In the three months to end-April 2024, Irish agriservices group Origin Enterprises experienced a more than 20% decrease in revenue. The group said this decline was due to continued poor weather and a global reduction in feed and fertiliser prices. In mid-June, the group reported…

With a focus on superfood, plant-based food, healthy food, and alcohol-free drinks, the Good Life Show in Cape Town gave crowds a chance to see and sample a variety of healthy lifestyle options. The 5 500 visitors gathered at the Cape Town International Convention Centre’s Exhibition Hall 2 from 31 May to 2 June to attend the show. Hosting four events in one – the Plant Powered Show, the Natural & Organic Show, the Freefrom Show, and SustainEx – it celebrated all things healthy living and wellness. The ‘Tasting the Future Talks’ featured talks by culinary and sustainability experts who shared cutting-edge information about the changing nature of food and trends in the food industry. Cooking shows hosted top chefs and mixologists, with plant-based demonstrations including frozen products, mushrooms, indigenous…

Communal farmers, because of the largely uncontrolled environments in which they farm and, in many instances, due to a lack of animal health biosecurity regimens, are at risk of losing vast sums of potential income due to external parasite outbreaks such as itch mites and lice. These parasite infestations are highly contagious and can spread through entire flocks within just a few days. What makes the spreading of these parasites even easier is that many communal flocks are kraaled by night or over weekends and bodily contact is thus more likely. Lice and itch mites are troublesome external parasites that affect sheep throughout the world. They cause immense distress to infected livestock, and economic losses for farmers can be astronomical. They not only cause damage to wool and make infected…

What does SD Guthrie International SA do? It is part of a global company called SD Guthrie International, which is involved in the upstream (plantation) and downstream (bulk processing, refining and processing) production of palm oil. We have branches in Malaysia, Indonesia and Europe, and supply sustainable palm oil to South African industries and retailers. Our facility in Boksburg, Gauteng, focuses on the production of industrial ingredients, pastry fats, industrial margarines and specialised oils, and has been supplying palm oil certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) since 2012. As a vertically integrated sustainable palm oil company, we take a multifaceted approach to promoting sustainable palm oil. We are actively involved in developing sustainability standards and practices and have been at the forefront of the adoption of RSPO…

In the past year, there has been quite a significant increase in interest among producers in joining the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa, particularly from commercial and up-and-coming farmers, says Louis Steyl, CEO of the society. However, even though the interest and financial power are there, the lack of understanding of basic herd management is the first stumbling block that farmers often face, he adds. And while some of them might have an understanding of the concept of the Bonsmara System, they don’t all seem to understand the importance and benefit of its use. Here, Steyl explores these basic principles, and why all cattle breeders should adhere to them. FROM CALF TO PRODUCTION The collection of data and record-keeping are the cornerstones of your understanding of the direction…

Anton Roux, fruit-tree specialist and master pruner and grafter at Babylonstoren farm in the Boland, is an extraordinary advertisement for the health benefits of a gardening life. He leaves the idea of 10 000 steps a day in the dust and briskly walks 12km to 15km a day -carrying his bucket of gardening tools as well. He started working in the fruit industry in 1958 and came to Babylonstoren at the age of 70. Now, as he is about to turn 85, he’s just published his first book, Prune Like A Pro: The Babylonstoren Guide To Pruning Fruit Trees (Babylonstoren, R340; shop.babylonstoren.com; free delivery nationwide). Within this charmingly produced book are distilled essential aspects of his expertise on fruit trees and pruning that he’s always been happy to share with…

In a new paper published in The Plant Biotechnology Journal, plant biochemists at the US Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory detailed the use of modern genetics tools to develop a yellow-seeded variety of Camelina sativa. This cultivar, a close relative of canola, accumulates 21,4% more oil than regular camelina. Brookhaven biochemist John Shanklin, leader of the lab’s plant oil research programme, said: “If producers can get a few percent increase in oil production, they regard it as significant, because even small increases in yield can lead to large increases in oil production when you’re planting millions of acres.” According to Shanklin, the engineering of this high-yielding strain of camelina was aimed at replicating the naturally occurring high-yielding, yellow-seeded varieties of canola. “Breeders had identified plants with more oil, some…

EASTERN CAPE 29 JUNE Izebo Boran Stud, Kirkwood. On offer: one stud bull and 30 SP female animals. Phone Riaan van Rensburg on 082 877 7226. FREE STATE 4 JULY Beefmaster National Sale, Parys Afridome, Parys. On offer: 30 bulls and 60 female animals. Phone Gerrie Janse van Rensburg on 082 929 3988, or Ian Grobbelaar on 060 965 6207. 5 JULY Frankfort Santa Gertrudis Veldbulklub 5th Production Sale, Frankfort Auction Centre. On offer: 25 bulls and 100 female animals. Phone Corjan de Jager on 079 506 8777, David Gerber on 082 489 7424, or Hugo Groenewald on 082 569 7205. GAUTENG 29 JUNE Langkloof Game Farm & Friends Production Auction, Fire & Wine Arena, Pretoria. On offer: Boer goats – 48 ewes and five rams; Meatmasters – 54 ewes…