Home//Farmer's Weekly/26 May 2017/In This Issue
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017What do the poor eat?I remember attending an event at the Cape Town Market in Epping about three years ago where Dr Gareth Haysom of the African Centre for Cities’ Hungry City Partnership spoke about food security in South Africa’s major urban centres. He detailed some of the food decisions that very poor people have to make. We more privileged citizens have the luxury of choice; we can decide what to eat according to our personal tastes and lifestyle choices. Our country’s poorest have to make choices, not so much about what they eat, but how many meals they can afford to eat in a day, which is often just one. Haysom also said that mothers sometimes have to choose between paying their children’s school fees or having a decent meal.A research paper by…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Finding export markets for SA’s bumper maize cropWandile Sihlobo is head of economic and agribusiness intelligence at the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz). Email him at wandile@agbiz.co.za.While South Africa’s maize farmers struggle to break even due to lower prices, the dynamics in most African markets are quite different. For example, white maize prices in Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda were well above US$550/t (about R7 000/t) on 11 May, treble the current prices on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.This notable uptick is largely due to lower supplies following adverse weather conditions during the 2016/2017 production season.Meanwhile, the SA maize market is depressed as a result of the expected harvest of 14,5 million tons, the second largest on record, and well above the average of 12,5 million tons in a normal season.As a result, SA has regained its status…3 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Fine wool shines as demand for coarse wool plummetsAt the first wool auction in May in Port Elizabeth, the Merino indicator increased 1,8% and 293 points to close at R162,37 clean, while the Australian indicator gained 3,6%.“A limited offering of 22-micron wool gained as much as 3,5% on the day, but medium- and short-wool once again stole the show,” said general manager of fibre at CMW, James de Jager.The highest price was achieved by Wienand Farming for a R172/kg BMY lot of 17,7-microns (μ).“The wool market finds itself in two contradictory worlds when the price of apparel wool and crossbred wool destined for interiors is compared,” said De Jager.“In both New Zealand and Uruguay, producers have expressed concern at the severity of the drop in price and demand for coarse wool, while the demand for Merino wool, as…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017UK produce farmers concerned about crops after dry winterUK farmers are worried about fruit and vegetable crops after their driest winter in 20 years.Most rivers across England are at lower-than-usual levels after the country received only 47% of its average April rainfall, reported the BBC.The National Farmers’ Union was growing increasingly concerned about the fruit and vegetable sector, even though reservoirs were full, said union vice-president Guy Smith.“Decent rains in May and June will put many crops back on track, [although] some crops like spring barley have clearly already lost their full potential,” he told the BBC.Drought affects all crops, but the effects can last about two to three years on tree crops, while other crops recover when there is enough water, said Farmer’s Weekly columnist Michael Cordes.“We have reached the end of the summer rainfall season in…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017‘Poultry crisis’ talks continue in ParliamentRepresentatives from major supermarket chains in SA were recently called by Parliament’s Trade and Industry Portfolio Committee to account for their chicken-purchasing policies.Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Julian Novak, Head of Fresh Foods for Woolworths, said that all Woolworths’ fresh, frozen and rotisserie chickens were locally sourced.“Imported chicken is sometimes used as an ingredient in products [less than 5% of Woolworths produce]. Strict quality control measures are in place to ensure the safety and quality of the ingredients,” Novak said.Both Pick n Pay and Shoprite Checkers told the hearing that 3% or less of the chicken sold in their stores was imported. Shoprite Checkers representatives also told the hearing that the local industry needed to grow its export markets in order to remain competitive.Meanwhile, SA Poultry Association CEO, Kevin Lovell, reiterated…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Exporting SA maize surplus critical to restoring farm profitabilityA maize export programme is the only way to mitigate the effect of the expected record 2017 harvest, according to Neel Rust, Laeveld Agrochem CEO.In a statement he said exports were critically important to counteract the current maize price.“At the exceedingly low price it is presently not viable to grow and produce maize in South Africa,” he said.According to Rust, the latest South African crop estimate indicated that 2,8?million tons had to be exported before the next planting season. This was needed to reduce the carry-over stock from the 2017 season to the 2018 season. He added that such an export target was doable, given that during six of the past 13 years, close to two million tons had been exported annually.For exports to happen, the local maize price had…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Future Farmers Foundation celebrates participantsThe Future Farmers Foundation recently hosted its 11th Annual Future Farmers Day at the Cedara Agricultural Research Centre in KwaZulu-Natal to celebrate the achievements of its latest crop of beneficiaries.The beneficiaries, young adults from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, had successfully completed year-long internships on farms in South Africa or overseas, gaining practical experience that will hold them in good stead when they eventually own or manage farms.Speaking at the event, , a number of the beneficiaries – particularly those who had worked on overseas farms – entertained the audience with humorous descriptions of their farming internships.The participants who had worked overseas had been selected to do so on merit.In the main though, the beneficiaries all agreed that they had never worked so hard before, and that they now felt sufficiently prepared…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017The Merino-farming Southey family shares its winning strategiesA proven track record, attention to succession planning, and maintaining productivity during the drought, are just some of the reasons Julian Southey was named the Voermol Sheep Farmer of the Year for 2016.The Southey family – Julian, and his sons Robert and Stuart Southey – recently hosted several hundred farmers on their farm, Manor Holme, near Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, to share more about their winning practices, especially that of achieving a 116% weaning rate during the drought.Hendrik van Pletzen, a competition judge, and one of its founders, says the competition – now in its 13th year – has two main purposes: to recognise farmers in the industry who are ‘getting it right’; and to ‘give back’ to the industry by having top farmers share their strategies with farmers…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Measuring silage compaction levelsPorosity of silage affects its quality. According to Prof Robin Meeske of the Outeniqua Research Farm, it is desirable to have as little air movement as possible in the silage. “Compaction of silage is important to limit air infiltration into the bunker,” he explains.Determining the compaction level has been difficult until now, but Meeske has solved this problem with a simple homemade device called a ‘silage corer’ (see photographs above). A straightforward DIY project, this comprises a PVC pipe with large serrations cut into the bottom edge of the pipe.“These teeth should be exactly the same length, approximately 15mm wide and 10mm long,” he says.The edges of each tooth are sharpened to facilitate penetration into the silage.A pipe has lines drawn across it with a marker at 10cm intervals to…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017The benefits of farmers’ days and agri showsDawie Maree is head of Information and Marketing for Agriculture at FNB Business. For any queries, email fnbagricomms@fnb.co.za, or visit fnbagricomms.co.za.Several excellent agricultural shows and a large number of farmers’ days are held around South Africa every year. Some of the shows include the recently concluded Nampo in Bothaville, arguably the largest agricultural show in the southern hemisphere, and the Royal Agricultural Show in Pietermaritzburg, the oldest agricultural show in the country, dating back to 1851.When looking at farmers’ days, one must distinguish between those hosted by a single company trying to convince farmers that its specific products are the best, and the more informative ones hosted in collaboration with several partners.One example is the FNB/Voermol/BKB Sheep Farmer of the Year farmers’ day, where I had the privilege of presenting…4 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Investing in animal welfare pays off for German piggeryOn a visit to a modern, trendsetting 2?400-sow unit near Magdeburg in the German state of Saxony- Anhalt, it is immediately evident that any pathogens wanting to get into this piggery will have a hard time trying. Only with prior approval are my guide and I allowed through the perimeter fence.From here, we head straight into the reception building, where the piggery manager – from behind a hermetically sealed plate glass window – instructs us to place our electronic gadgets, notebooks and pens into a hightech box that decontaminates them using ultraviolet light.He accesses our now-sterile items from his ‘clean’ side of the window and sends us on to the next stage. My guide and I undress, leaving our non-sterile personal clothing in a room, before proceeding to a shower…8 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Pruning – for yield and ease of pickingPruning is necessary to keep each plant at a manageable size and sustain productivity. Prune every three to four years to a height of 4cm to 5cm above the point of last pruning. This will regenerate the woody growth, regulate the distribution of new shoots, reduce pests and disease, and maintain a practical frame height.Pruning is best carried out when the plants are dormant. If the trees do not have a dormant period, they should be pruned either in winter or after the dry period, depending on your location.Prune mature tea bushes from December to mid-January; prune young plants from the end of January to early February.…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017How to fertilise a crop correctlyReaders frequently ask me for specific fertiliser programmes for their crops. I would happily oblige if all crops were the same! Unfortunately, each crop is different because each land is unique. ‘One-size-fits-all’ programmes are always risky.Each land has its own reserve of nutrients and this must be taken into account when determining a crop’s fertiliser requirement. This is why it’s necessary to have the soil analysed. Only once you have these results can you determine how to fertilise according to the specific needs of the crop.The nutrients in the soil are bound in clay colloids and may not be readily available to the plants due to the soil pH or the action of certain minerals. As a result, the nutrients must first be ‘altered’ chemically or biologically before the plants…3 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Hippo: exhibited at the Royal Show for 89 yearsHippo hammer mills have a long history at the Royal Show. Original manufacturers Arthur Collins & Son exhibited there for the first time in 1902. In 1928, the company introduced the Hippo, which became one of the bestknown, most reputable hammer mill brands in Southern Africa.The Hippo Mammoth has been on the market for 15 years; it is used in many industries, milling material as diverse as wood chips, maize and sorghum. A rugged, reliable, high-capacity machine, it is available with an optional blower. Maximum capacity is 4 500kg/h from 75kW.The Hippo 57 is a large-capacity hammer mill well suited for milling maize, soya and lucerne. Maximum capacity is 1 200kg/h from 30kW.…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017The Hitching PostWe accept advertisem*nts and replies to the Hitching Post via email, post or fax. Each ad runs for two weeks. Agencies may not use this service.CONTACT DETAILS For placing an ad: Postal: Hitching Post, Farmer’s Weekly, PO Box 1797, Pinegowrie 2123. Fax: 011 889 0862 Email: hitchingpost@ caxton.co.zaFor replying to an ad: PO Box 1797, Pinegowrie 2123.CONDITIONS FOR PLACING AN AD The service is free, confidential and open to unmarried people over 18. Advertisem*nts or replies may not be submitted under another person’s name. An ad may not exceed 100 words. Your address must be legible and you must supply a pseudonym. Sign with your name and surname (this will be confidential).How to reply to an ad Send a reply in a sealed, stamped envelope (SA stamps) and write in…4 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Roomy viewsDear Jonno I’m in a position to start construction of my house and would appreciate a quote from you to produce a conceptual drawing. Here’s some information.Our 1,2ha plot is on the eastern ridge of the Rift Valley, overlooking Lake Naivasha, to the northwest of Nairobi, Kenya. A dormant volcano lies to the southwest. At an elevation of around 2 400m, we have a view of both, and want to maximise this in the design.We would like a stone house that is elevated in some way, perhaps on poles, to expand the view slightly and minimise ground disturbance.I want three bedrooms, the main en suite, and there should be a feature fireplace and chimney in one of the living areas.The lounge, kitchen and master bedroom should be on the western…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Of food, family and winning companiesTHE CRITICAL CORE by Tony Manning (Penguin, R200) A former chairperson of the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa, Manning provides 10 principles and eight practices that make for winning companies. These are presented in a direct, concise manner, giving you a thought-provoking daily read on aspects such as how businesses are often prisoners of their context, adapting early rather than late, and other factors, besides lack of profit, that can break a business.Although some topics are more corporate-oriented, it’s easy to extrapolate them to small businesses. The Critical Core is an excellent starting point for reassessing your own business approach.MAMMA by Mina Holland (Orion, R415) Holland reflects on what food means in our personal histories and how this can affect the way we choose to eat and cook for…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Prices soar at Merino ram sales3 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Farms SoldWarren Nicholas lists recent farm sales as recorded by the National Deeds Office. Please note that each transaction is unique and the price may not reflect the agricultural value of the farm. Email Warren Nicholas at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za. Subject line: Farms Sold.LOOKING TO BUY A FARM? Submit a small advertisem*nt under the heading FARMS WANTED in our yellow classifieds pages. Phone 011 889 0814 or email farmersclassad@caxton.co.za.Eastern CapeAlbany• Klipheuvel (603ha) sold by Francois Wehmeyer to Mayfair Trust for R7,73 million.• Farm 253 (271ha) sold by Stroebel Trust to Donald Connan Trust for R5,5 million.East London• Farm 640 (10ha) sold by Minnie Abrahams to Qwesha Partners for R1,4 million.Humansdorp• Annex Hudson’s Vale (687ha) sold by Intaba Trust to Vredesberg for R3,5 million.Jansenville• Potgieter’s Kraal (858ha) sold by Johannes Human to Meiring Hunting…7 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017A trailer, a tip, and a day to forgetNeighbour Jan is serious about nature conservation and insists on keeping his farm clean and unpolluted. He refuses to tolerate even a single discarded beer bottle in the veld. Kitchen rubbish is bagged and deposited in an old trailer; when full, the trailer is driven all the way to our village tip, 23km away.It takes about a month to fill the trailer for its journey to the tip. His most recent outing there, however, will long be remembered for all the wrong reasons.After the rains, the dirt road to the village has again become badly potholed; some holes are half a metre deep. The old trailer’s springs simply couldn’t handle it. Halfway to the tip, one spring broke, causing the trailer to collapse and spew rubbish all over the road…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017FROM OUR ARCHIVES2 JANUARY 1987Replacing winter grains with maize in the feedlot30YEARS AGO The Farmer’s Weekly issue of the above date carried an article on reducing feedlotting costs in the winter rainfall region of South Africa by substituting maize for grains such as wheat and barley. The following is adapted from the article.“Two experiments to evaluate small-grain as finishing off rations for lambs in the feedlot were conducted by Elsenburg researcher André Brand. The experiments aimed to evaluate whole-grain rations in terms of nutritional value, feedlot performance and income over feeding costs for early weaned lambs.“A commercial lamb creep-feed was included in both experiments as a control. Explaining that feeding costs are the biggest, single expense when finishing-off lambs, Mr Brand says that farmers could cut back costs by enriching feedgrain with…3 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Power reigns through confusion and obfuscationDr Jan Venter is a political analyst at Aginfo. Email him at aginfo@amtrends.co.za.In this article I will attempt to deal with ‘Sesquipedalian Tergiversation’ (or ST) in the political and economic environment in South Africa and Southern Africa. I will not explain what ST is, as it will become clear from the examples.Firstly, one of the best was President Robert Mugabe claiming that: “Zimbabwe is one of the most highly developed countries in Africa after South Africa.” But Zimbabwe’s unemployment rate is 95%, while 72% of the population lives below the national poverty line and Zimbabwe’s GDP is forecast to perform under the global average for lowincome countries for the foreseeable future.Second example: Namibia’s President Hage Geingob has described Robert Mugabe as an African icon.Geingob applauded the Southern African nation’s land…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017KZN agriculture budget prioritises smallholder farmer developmentThree-quarters of the KwaZulu- Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (KZN DARD) R2,2 billion 2017/2018 budget has been earmarked for the development of smallholder farming initiatives in an attempt to improve food and nutrition security in the province.Presenting his 2017/18 Budget Policy Speech recently in the KZN Legislature, KZN DARD MEC, Themba Mthembu, said that the focus on food and nutrition security had stemmed from the outcomes of a strategy review process his department had recently undergone.“Resulting from the strategy review exercise was the realisation that we cannot continue with business as usual,” said Mthembu.In order to achieve ‘radical agrarian socio-economic transformation’ in the province, the KZN DARD had decided to promote smallholder farming through increased support for livestock and crop production, said Mthembu.It had also developed “massive developmental…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017China builds wine ‘theme parks’The Changyu Wine Company is creating French-style chateaus and Italianate castles to popularise wine culture in China.According to a statement, it has already built eight such ‘theme parks’ across the country, from Ningxia Region to Beijing, each inspired by a different European winemaking country and featuring entertainment devised by Disney and Universal Studios.Wine industry tourism is an important way to popularise wine culture, said Changyu Group general manager Zhou Hongjiang.The chateaus, he added, also make their own wine.Chateau Changyu Reina, for example, cost R115,8 million to build and has 810ha of vines.Currently, it produces 5 000 bottles of mostly merlot annually.The cellars at Chateau Changyu Reina have room for as many as 150 000 oak barrels, according to a Bloomberg report.In the chateaus, visitors are promised a whole new perspective…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017High red meat prices could hold strong for next five yearsSouth Africa is entering a three- to five-year cycle that will favour red meat producers and prices are likely to remain high as producers hold back stock, following good rains, to start rebuilding herds, said agricultural economist Prof Johan Willemse at a quarterly agricultural markets outlook workshop in Bloemfontein.“We are expecting a three- to fiveyear cycle of good meat prices,” he said. But, according to Willemse, one of the longer-term concerns was a drop in the consumer share. “When your prices are higher people buy less.“Once the volumes are back in place, you have lost those consumers.”There was very little chance of red meat prices dropping in the next six months, said Willemse, adding that producers with weaners ready for sale in August, could even hit prices of R34/kg.The workshop…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017250 arrested in SAPS/FSA stock theft stingThe South African Police Service’s (SAPS) stock theft prevention operation in the Free State, between 1 January and 31 March, has resulted in the arrest of 250 people and the recovery of 1?000 head of livestock. The SAPS is working with Free State farmers on the operation.In a Free State Agriculture (FSA) statement praising the SAPS, Tommie Esterhuyse, FSA safety and security chairperson, said: “The fact that most of the retrieved animals were marked in accordance with SA’s legislation added considerably to the successful arrests. Without registered branding it is virtually impossible to prove ownership of stolen animals.”According to Esterhuyse, the Interprovincial Stock Theft Prevention Forums helped to combat stock theft. The cross-border collaboration and information exchange programme has played a decisive role in the prevention of stock theft so…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017SA fertiliser industry will evolve to overcome low demandSouth Africa’s fertiliser industry is determined to evolve to remain relevant and competitive despite a number of recent and current challenges, said Adriaan de Lange, chairperson of the Fertiliser Association of SA (FERTASA).Speaking at his association’s 57th annual congress, held recently in Durban, KwaZulu- Natal, De Lange said that the country’s fertiliser industry had experienced the negative knock-on effects resulting from severe drought conditions that had plagued South Africa over the three years up to, and including, 2016.According to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), accumulated national farm debt peaked at more than R140 billion going into 2017, he said.The cash flow of South African farms had also slumped to less than 36% of farm income in 2016.De Lange pointed out that while maize prices had been as…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Major study on livestock predationPredation of livestock in South Africa has been estimated to cost in excess of R1 billion in losses each year, and has complex social, economic and ecological drivers and consequences.The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, through the Centre for African Conservation Ecology, is currently undertaking a major scientific assessment on livestock predation in the country. The university is working with the Department of Environmental Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (through the Red Meat Research Development Planning Committee), Cape Wools, and the SA Mohair Growers’ Association.Approximately R2,5?million had been set aside for the project PredSA, which started in May 2016 and is expected to continue for another year. Care has been taken to ensure that the assessment is legitimate, salient, credible, transparent and broadly participatory.HOW THE ASSESSMENT WORKSFor the…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Beat bias – and be a better managerPeter Hughes is a business and management consultant with 30 years’ farming experience. Email him at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za. Subject line: Managing for Profit.Although the human brain is far more powerful than any computer, it has its limitations. One of these is the glitch in our thinking that leads to bias, a tendency to favour one person, group, event or point of view over another in an illogical and unfair way.Less obvious than prejudice, but no less pernicious, human bias takes two distinct forms.The first is the ‘personal bias’ that each of us carries hard-wired into our psyches. It’s influenced by our direct experience with other people, events and situations as well as second-hand experiences relayed to us by friends, stories, books, movies, the media and so on.The second is ‘cognitive bias’,…3 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017SA’s first commercial cashmere success storySouth Africa’s first commercial cashmere production facility is capitalising on the fine hair of the indigenous iMbuzi goats in Ibika, near Butterworth, in the Eastern Cape.Cashmere is produced from the soft, fine inner hair of a goat’s coat. Originally, the term was applied only to goats’ hair from the Kashmir region of the Indian subcontinent, but has since been broadened to include all similarly fine and soft goats’ hair.‘WE BELIEVE THIS IS THE RIGHT PRODUCT AT THE RIGHT TIME’Cashmere is renowned for its soft, ultra-lightweight durability and intense thermal properties compared to other wool types. It is in great demand for use in luxury fabrics ranging from clothing to upholstery.The owner of Ivili Loboya, Dr?Vuyo Mahlati, is the current president of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA), and…5 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Vryburg Show 2017Vryburg Breedplan ChampionsContacts: Hans Bester: 083 469 1258 | AJS Lock: 082 578 9758 | David van der Merwe: 082 820 3828 Gert, RC and André Malherbe: 082 807 9216 or 084 851 8262 | Danie Erasmus: 083 297 6165Kalahari Boer Goat Club ChampionsContacts: Braam Maritz: 073 300 3841 | Kobus Kriek: 082 520 0195…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Growing tea – Part 2Tea (Camellia sinensis) can be propagated from either seed or rooted leaf cuttings. The plant produces seed when it is between four and 12 years old, and the first leaves are ready for picking after approximately three years.Most of the tea plantings in South Africa were established from seed, a relatively easy and efficient method.Clear the land a year or two before establishing the tea plantation, removing all plants and their roots to prevent the spread of root rot. Don’t burn plant material on the land as this destroys the humus and impoverishes the soil.Before ploughing, eradicate perennial weeds by spraying a recommended herbicide. Plough the soil once or twice to a depth of between 20cm to 40cm, using a disc or furrow plough, or even a hoe or fork.…3 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017A win-win situationVarious rules and operating procedures must be adhered to when a farmer sends fresh produce to a market. Some of these, such as commission deducted, affect the farmer directly, while others are of concern to the market agent.Here is a quick checklist of what is involved:• The farmer pays both the market dues (5%) and the market agent’s commission. The latter is negotiable, but is usually 7,5%.• The cost of trading space on the market floor is covered by the 5% market dues.• The market agent pays a rental for the office space he or she uses. This is separate from the trading floor.• The market agent is entitled to charge the farmer a handling fee of up to 1,5%. This covers loose items not on pallets.• The farmer also…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Reducing brake noiseEmail your motoring question to farmersweekly@caxton.co.za Subject line: Technical query.Brakes often develop irritating noises, but every mechanic seems to have a different ‘cure’. According to an engineer from a local brake pad manufacturer, brakes tend to become noisy with age. He identified five types of brake noise:• A light scraping noiseThis is usually produced when the pads wear through and the steel fingers fitted on many disc brakes begin to touch the disc.• A grinding noiseAn indication that brake pads or drum brake shoes are worn down to the metal and are eating into the discs or drums. These items should be skimmed if only slightly damaged, and replaced if severely scored.• A chatteringThis could mean that a disc is out of true, deformed or damaged, or that the wheel…3 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017East Coast Fried ChickenFirst, the thighs. Choose skinned and deboned versions from the supermarket, or alternatively skin and debone them yourself, recycling the bones for chicken stock. There is no such thing as too much chicken stock in a high-powered, super-functioning kitchen. Freeze the stuff by the litre for on-demand flavour enhancement of soups and stews.Next, the choice between saffron and tumeric. Saffron is right up there with truffles and caviar. If these are not staples of your weekly shopping, the tumeric decision adds a splendid golden colour to the meal.Finely chop two or three tablespoons of fresh mint if available; otherwise, the highend freeze-dried product is a reasonable substitute.If using saffron, soak a quarter teaspoon of it in 20ml water for eight minutes. Then pour the soaked saffron (or the turmeric alternative)…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017SPIRITUAL WELL-BEINGBeware of neglectIn farming, when the pressure is on, we tend to cut corners and don’t do things exactly as we are supposed to.For example, we miss a week of dipping our cattle, and have to deal with an outbreak of redwater 10 days later. Or we don’t topdress our maize when we should, and reap the consequences when we harvest lower yields. We don’t service our tractors when we should; so we lose our warranties, and sometimes even destroy the engines in the process.All because we are too busy. This is not a good thing.TAKE CARE OF THE LITTLE THINGS, AND THE BIG THINGS WILL TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVESWhen it comes to our staff, we often get so busy that we forget a promise we made to some of…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Get the best out of your red meatMeat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has developed an app that provides information about meat cuts, their individual characteristics, suggested cooking methods (with recipes), and alternative cuts to those that you may be used to.The Meat Cuts app is available from the App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Android devices).Its main aim is to help you more easily identify various cuts of red meat and suggest the best way to cook them.The app covers 41 beef cuts, 25 lamb cuts, 21 veal cuts and 20 goat cuts, and shows you exactly where they originate.You choose an animal and click on the cut of meat you’re interested in. This will reveal a picture of the cut with a detailed description.In addition to tips on the best way to cook the meat, a…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Captured in khakiEdward Baxter was 25 when he arrived in South Africa from England in 1872. He married a young Afrikaner girl, Maria Ries, and the young couple settled on a farm in Amersfoort in the Transvaal Republic. Baxter later became a local magistrate for the Wakkerstroom and Volksrust districts.The marriage produced nine sons and a daughter. With hostilities between the Transvaal and Great Britain looming, Edward and his four eldest sons all agreed that their loyalties lay with the Boers.BAXTER’S LAST REQUEST WAS A PINCH OF TOBACCO FOR HIS PIPEWhen war was declared in 1899, Henry (19), Ted (18) and Will (17) joined the Standerton Commando and saw action during the Natal campaign.The eldest brother, John (20), always known as Jack, was working as a clerk in the customs department in…6 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Auction SalesNoordkaap Livestock Kroonstad SaleBonsmara Genepool Autumn SaleHIGHEST: (BULL) R120 000Vryburg – The Bonsmara Genepool Autumn Sale was held at the Vryburg Showgrounds on 26 April.Wiep Joubert of Reivilo Bonsmara Genepool sold the highest-priced bull (BG 15 16) to Schalk van der Merwe of Leeuwheuvel Boerdery, Christiana, for R120 000. The average price of the 30 bulls on offer was R35 366. The sale was conducted by Noordkaap Lewendehawe, with Theuns Visser as auctioneer.– Staff reporterVisit www.farmersweekly.co.za for the auction calendar, as well as previous auction reports. To place auction results in this section, contact Sarah Rossouw on 011 293 6099, fax 011 889 0862 or email sarahm@caxton.co.za.Sale of the GreysHIGHEST: (BULL) R80 000Kroonstad – The Sale of the Greys was held at the Kroon Boma on 4 May. Burnie Staal…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Readers’ Facebook postsMdu Sabella: I’m not sure why some of us are making so much noise about this bull. Cyril Ramaphosa also bought a buffalo for R20?million and sold another for R25?million. A Bonsmara bull was recently also sold for R800?000, while a Boran bull was once sold for R1?million. If you don’t farm or read Farmer’s Weekly often, you will be surprised with these prices, but I’m used to them.Boipelo Seleke: An absolutely beautiful bull. We need more of these. It also looks like it has good horn attachment, a good curve with a little curl at the end, and a great angle. Most interesting is the colour of the bull; one usually sees grey or white ones. I would also buy a bull like this.Ratshinanga Norman: I am also a…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Decline in global production leads to surging avocado pricesAt the beginning of May, Bloomberg reported that a 10kg box of Hass avocados from the state of Michoacán, Mexico’s largest avocado producer, cost 530 pesos (R372). This was more than double the price received for a 10kg box last year, and the highest since official record-keeping began 19 years ago. Local avocado prices have followed a similar trend.The surge in avocado prices was largely attributed to two factors, said Jaco Marais, general manager at The Fruit Farm Group.“[The first reason] avocado prices rose to a record-high [is] due to a surge in demand. It is as if it moved from an exotic fruit to a commodity,” he said. According to Marais, avocado consumption increased about 12% annually.The second reason for the surge in prices was the global decline in…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Kwanalu responds to KZN budget speech“Kwanalu believes that proof of a good budget will be in the physical implementation of the many initiatives which have been identified,” said Kwanalu CEO, Sandy la Marque, following the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Themba Mthembu’s Budget Policy Speech.“It is pleasing to note that realisation has set in regarding some of the failed government initiatives,” said La Marque. “Righting these with informed plans will be important to address food production, food security, employment, [and] development, among other aspects. More and more, it’s being recognised that while the transfer of land has taken place and is taking place, the supporting expertise, extension, finance and other critical services have not been in place […] resulting in largescale land reform failure.” The KZN Department of Agriculture needed to support…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017SA beef and pork industries raring to take advantage of Chinese demandSouth Africa’s beef and pork industries have indicated that they were keen to take advantage of China’s projected increased demand for meat products. A 2017 research report compiled by Rabobank said that despite its own economic slowdown, China would likely still need to import more than one million tons of animal protein annually over the next five years. According to the report, China’s beef consumption over the next five years was expected to outpace pork and poultry consumption growth. Also, although pork consumption in China’s middle- to highincome groups was at saturation levels, the country’s low-income households in both urban and rural areas were expected to drive an increase in pork consumption.In 2016, for the first time ever, SA became a net beef exporter, said the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Marginal maize lands no longer feasible – agri-economistOne of the main messages to emerge during the quarterly agricultural markets outlook workshop, presented in Bloemfontein by agricultural economist, Prof Johan Willemse, of the University of the Free State, was that maize farmers can no longer afford to plant on marginal lands.SA was entering a ‘meat cycle’ as opposed to a ‘grain cycle’, as meat prices hit a premium while producers rebuilt herds after the drought, said Willemse.Estimates were that the national cow herd had declined by between 25% and 30%, as a result of which weaners were also in short supply.According to Willemse, ample livestock feed was available in the country, which would favour livestock producers while placing increasing price pressures on grain producers.He suggested SA needed to export about 3 million tons of maize as soon as…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Yield-influencing gene identifiedNew gene discoveries are facilitated by molecular analyses of the DNA code and by generating mutations that alter gene expression. A team at the Joint Institute of the US Department of Energy and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Centre, researching grasses to serve as renewable bio-fuel sources, found genes that play roles in improving yield.They chose wild green foxtail (Setaria italica), elephantgrass (Miscanthus sinenthus), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) as models to search for genes involved in controlling flower development. Such genes can fix carbon from CO2 through photosynthesis by way of the C4 water-conserving natural plant systems. These traits would have bio-fuel applications.The search for mutants was made easier as the green foxtail and foxtail millet genomes had already been decoded.They found four mutants that cause reduced and uneven flower…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Crop trials aim to improve forage management decisionsThe Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Outeniqua Research Farm has played a valuable role over the years in helping farmers improve forage management for more efficient dairy production.In 2016, two further projects were initiated in this regard: the so-called Elite Evaluation trials, which are assessing promising new ryegrass varieties, and a trial that is testing the use of varieties of plantain (Plantago lanceolato) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as forage herbs.ELITE TRIALSAccording to Sigrun Ammann, who heads the trials, the Elite Evaluation trials were instituted to formulate independent data on the performance of modern ryegrass varieties.“Farmers take a risk when incorporating new varieties into their forage systems, as these might not be suitable for their production conditions or adapted to the local climate.“We’re trying to reduce some of this risk…4 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Setting up a viable community projectNicholas James is an ichthyologist and hatchery owner. Email him at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za. Subject line: Aquaculture.One of the fundamental failures of aquaculture in Africa has been the lack of rural aquaculture development. Twenty-five years after various organisations started promoting aquaculture in rural communities, we are no nearer to viable, self-supporting schemes that produce fish sustainably.When we look to the countries of Asia, the undisputed champions of freshwater aquaculture worldwide, we see the following:• Realistic yieldsAsian producers appreciate that a very small pond cannot produce enough fish, and therefore ensure that their ponds are a fair size;• Avoiding too many producers per projectIn South Africa, each aquaculture project is assigned dozens of beneficiaries. This is a populist ploy to bump up employment statistics, and is a recipe for failure;• The optimal fishAsian…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017TAPPING INTO BEES’ BOUNTYJacobus ‘Kola’ le Roux (65) is stung regularly, but insists on handling bees without protective gloves. “It keeps the immunity going and it’s apparently good for arthritis,’’ he says.Kola started his beekeeping career with one hive in the garden of his East London home back in 1985. More than 30 years later, his hives produce up to 60t of honey a year, and he sells honey across the Eastern Cape and as far afield as Cape Town.‘IT’S CHALLENGING, BUT WHEN YOU GET A GOOD HARVEST, IT’S REALLY SATISFYING’“We never pushed the marketing side; we supplied as we grew,’’ he says. “The problem isn’t the selling, it’s production.’’Transforming a passion into a full-time job can be life-changing. Kola managed it twice.His early work career was conventional enough. Born in Zimbabwe, he…7 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Maximise yield and starch content in maize silageMaize silage is maize grain attached to a digestible grass, and is a nutritive energy source. Both components – maize and grass – are important to silage quality.“Maize grain provides about 65% of the energy found in maize silage. It’s therefore beneficial to achieve as much grain yield as possible from a silage maize crop because this will increase the energyrich starch component in the silage,” says Grant Pringle, agronomist at Panner Seed.CHOOSING THE RIGHT SILAGE HYBRID IS CRUCIALHe adds that the grass component of silage maize is high in fibre, which influences the maize silage energy density and a cow’s dry matter (DM) intake. It can also improve rumen health via mat density and cud chewing.In a worst-case scenario, maize silage is a DM store, a palatable source of…7 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Dealing with lice – Part 2Sucking lice and biting lice are transferred through direct contact between infested animals. Blankets, grooming tools and harnesses can remain infected for several days.Sheep can become infested with foot lice from pastures, while piglets can become infected shortly after birth. Newborn calves can be infected from their dams.Lice numbers are usually extremely low in summer, when a relatively sparse hair coat combined with a high surface temperature and increased sunlight exposure provide unfavourable conditions for the pest. Populations increase when the temperature falls.LICE ARE VECTORS FOR SEVERAL LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES IN HUMANS AND ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT DISEASES IN LIVESTOCKThe effects of climate change and other factors such as changes in animal management and husbandry, over-use of anti-parasitic remedies, resistance development and an increase in animal trafficking/ movement all contribute to a change…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Foton makes a comebackChina-based Foton Lovol manufactures 50 000 tractors a year. It claims to have captured 60% of the market in that country and exports large numbers of its tractors worldwide.The company’s new South African distributors, ABC Hansen, will focus on the 18kW to 70kW segment, targeting smaller farms, vineyards and orchards, livestock farmers and the growing number of new entrants to farming.Original spare parts will be available for the Foton tractors already operating on SA farms.The new tractor range will be launched at the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show, where Foton Lovol and ABC Hansen representatives will be on hand to discuss the company and its products. Visitors will be able to view the 67,5kW TD904, the 37,5kW TB504 and the 26kW TE354 (all 4WD) at Stand 45 in Block D.The tractors will…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Linseed oil: healing made easyFlax or linseed oil, which is obtained from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), can benefit a horse in a number of ways. It is a gentle laxative, and has an anti-inflammatory effect on gastritis. Fed as linseed gruel, it relieves colic. Administered regularly, it eases the hot, painful joints often experienced by older horses.Linseed oil also soothes sore throats caused by respiratory infections: feed a coughing horse 5m? of oil six times a day for 10 days.Linseed oil is available from most good health stores, and the cold-pressed variety is best. This is expensive, however, so the most cost-effective way to feed it to your horse is in a barley gruel.THE SEEDS HELP GET RID OF TOXIC WASTE IN THE BODYMix together the following:• Barley…3 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Crossword 222ACROSS1. Plant scientist (8)5. Action or influence that produces a response in a living organism (8)10. Aromatic pot-herb (7)12. Living or growing in or on water (7)13. To be intensely joyful (5)14. Non-metallic element forming grey crystals or brown amorphous powder (7)15. Social, literary or other exclusive circle (7)16. Hard enamel-coated structure embedded in a jawbone (5)17. Take no refusal (6)20. Of eggs, bad (6)22. Large, tuberous, edible potato-like root, grown in tropical countries (3)24. On land (from the sea) (6)25. Bearlike (6)27. Oscillate like a happy dog’s tail (3)30. Large, natural, underground chamber (6)33. Short-sightedness (6)36. Fourth month (5)38. Dunce (7)39. Grown without the use of fertilisers or pesticides (7)40. American genus of aloe-like plants (5)41. Hunting small rodents (7)42. Melodic embellishment in music (7)43. Least contaminated (8)44. Tough…2 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017HOLISTIC HEALTHEczema – Part 4Eczema is a chronic dermatological condition characterised by itchy skin rashes, weeping, oozing, crusting and, later, scaling and flaking. As with other chronic inflammatory disorders, it’s usually accompanied by a hyperresponsive immune system.The main goal of the skin is to act as a defence system to protect the body from physical, chemical and microbial stressors. Correct levels of Omega-6 and Omega-3 are critical for the development and regulation of epidermal barrier integrity. Most people have significantly more Omega-6 than Omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies.High levels of Omega-6, obtained from refined plant oils and margarine, stimulate the release of prostaglandin molecules, which causes inflammation. However, one type of Omega-6 fat, gamma linoleic acid, which is found in evening primrose oil, is highly beneficial for individuals with eczema…1 min
Farmer's Weekly|26 May 2017Tractor pricesALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT AT 14%)Products and prices were correct at the time of going to print and reflect prices as at 2 May 2017.PLEASE NOTE: To give our readers the benefit of complete listings, the monthly tractor and bakkie prices will be printed in consecutive issues from now on. This month’s bakkie prices will therefore be supplied in the next issue (2 June 2017).(ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT AT 14%)Products and prices were correct at the time of going to print and reflect prices as at 2 May 2017.…1 min
