Farmer's Weekly

POULTRY HOW HEDGING
PRODUCTION CAN PROTECT

MAKE BIOSECURITY FARMERS AGAINST
YOUR FIRST PRIORITY FUEL PRICE HIKES
WHY TIMING
IS EVERYTHING SA’S SILO CERTIFICATES:
WHEN PLANTING ‘SAFE, RELIABLE AND
SOYA BEANS WORLD-CLASS’

PESTS, DISEASE AND DROUGHT-

AFRICA’S FOOD CRISIS
SET TO WORSEN IN 2021

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Contents

36 45

On the COver artiCles OpiniOn and analysis

By InvItatIon Back to BasIcs 13 Agribusiness Perspective: Generally
6 Pests, disease and drought: Africa’s 44 Growing sunflowers: Part 1 muted reaction to 2021/2022 global
45 Dehorning your beef cattle grain and oilseed forecasts
food crisis set to worsen in 2021
can help boost profits 14 Policy Perspective: Why agriculture
Bottom LIne is key to South Africa’s
32 SA’s silo certificates: ‘safe, reliable veGetaBLe productIon climate change response
46 A weed that’s a ticking time bomb
and world-class’ WeeKly neWs Wrap
on the market fLoor
BusIness 47 Renewed interest 16 Probe into Onderstepoort
34 How hedging can protect farmers management welcomed
in farmers’ markets
against fuel price hikes 17 Blow for Darling Cellars
machInery and ImpLements as wine tanks topple over
LIvestock 48 More awards for Valtra G Series
36 Poultry production: make 21 Nanotech promises to enhance
horse taLk agri production
biosecurity your first priority 49 Riding without reins
22 Free State farm attacks up
Cover photo: Lindi Botha COlumns almost 23% year-on-year

crops 26 commodIty prIce trends regulars
40 Why timing is everything
28 GLoBaL farmInG 8 Farmer’s Diary
when planting soya beans 9 Archive
29 rIsk manaGement 10 Letters
Great taLes 58 Property
56 Deadly on the battleground, 30 cannaBIs post 60 Auctions
63 Classifieds
kindly in the barracks
lifestyle
61 monthLy BakkIe prIces
50 Frugal Feasts
52 Crossword
53 Hillbilly Homes
54 The Hitching Post
54 Holistic Health
55 Books
83 3 Minutes with Willie Jacobs

printing CTP Web Printers, cnr Electron Avenue and Industry Road, Isando, Johannesburg.
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distributed by On the Dot. Phone the call centre number on 087 353 1291; WhatsApp number: 087 353 1292; or email: [email protected].

110 years ON THE LAND 28 MAy 2021 farmer’sweekly 3

From the editor

Why every editorial team
farmer needs
to take a break Editor Denene Erasmus, [email protected]
Managing editor Janine Ryan, [email protected]
Ihave found that many people who News editor Julinda Schroeder, [email protected]
live in towns and cities have romantic Acting art director Louis Kruger
ideas about what life on a farm is Chief copy editor Paul Sulter
really like. They imagine the early- Copy editors Fanie de Villiers and Jenna van der Walt
morning coffee at the kitchen table, Digital editor Sindira Chetty, [email protected]
followed by a leisurely checking-up- Office assistant Prenusha Moodley
on-things before the farmer returns
home for lunch with the family, and SUBSCriPtioNS
then a quick afternoon in the field
ends when neighbours meet to drink Print Phone: 087 353 1291, WhatsApp: 087 353 1292,
something cold as the sun starts to set. or [email protected]
Digital Visit farmersweekly.co.za,
Farm life holds a lot of beauty and select ‘Subscribe’ for Magzter subscriptions.
benefit, and it certainly offers a lifestyle
that many people would prefer over editorial head oFFiCe
the rigid monotony that work and life in cities can entail. But farming is also hard
work. Most producers start their days early, even before the sun is up, and the Address 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall 2196
work doesn’t stop until late in the day. Particularly during planting, harvesting, PO Box 1797, Pinegowrie 2123
calving or shearing seasons, farmers have to work 12-, 13- and even 14-hour days Tel 087 087 8878
to get everything done on time. And the work is demanding, often both mentally Email [email protected]
and physically. On top of this, farmers have to constantly manage, plan and Website farmersweekly.co.za
prepare for the next season. Add to this the worry that comes with the job, because Social media @FarmersWeeklySA
there is so much that is out of a farmer’s control, but which can cause a harvest to
fail, taking with it the income that was needed to plant the next season’s crop. JoUrNaliStS

Farm work never stops, and that is why, for many farmers, it is difficult to Northern region
make time to get away and rest. However, just as in any other profession, failure Pieter Dempsey, 087 087 8787, [email protected]
to take a break can end up being the reason why the business ultimately fails. Central region
Annelie Coleman, 082 862 9897, [email protected]
In an advertisement that was placed in a 1913 edition of Farmer’s Weekly to Cape provinces
promote holidays by rail to Victoria Falls, it was suggested that “the agriculturalist, Jeandré van der Walt, 078 422 2441,
if he [or she] is not to fall into a groove, requires something more than a weekly or [email protected]
fortnightly visit to the market town or to the annual agricultural show to broaden
his [or her] outlook and bring him [or her] into touch with the wider activities of the advertiSiNg aNd marketiNg
outside world and the varying conditions of districts in other parts of the country”.
Farmers, the advertisement argues, need a holiday that’ll put them in touch with Sales & marketing manager
people and conditions that are different to those associated with their daily tasks. Reinhard Lotz, 087 158 0278, [email protected]
Account executives
The advice might be more than 100 years old, but I think it is still relevant today. Andy Nxumalo, 087 087 7067, [email protected]
Don’t underestimate the benefits that some rest or a holiday away from the Bev Geldard, 087 158 0299, [email protected]
farm can have for your mental health, and your ability to gain some perspective Erika Pienaar, 021 530 8618, [email protected]
about your business. You are likely to return to your farm with new insight and Velile Ncube, 087 158 0298, [email protected]
energy that will more than make up for any time you spent away from the job. Auctions and classifieds
It is when you are far away from home that you can often see more Natasha Kock, 087 087 8899, [email protected]
clearly what it is that needs to change in your daily life. This absence René Moonsamy, 087 087 8900, [email protected]
may also bring you a new appreciation for your farm, and remind Layout artist Chadré Wallas
you of all the reasons why you chose this life in the first place. Copyright © 2021 Farmer’s Weekly
Equally important is viewing things from a distance, which can and Caxton Local Media.
help you see how what you do fits into the bigger picture, and this all rightS reServed No part of this
may bring new meaning and purpose to your daily grind. publication may be reproduced, distributed, or
Don’t wait for the perfect time to get away; on a farm, this transmitted without the prior written permission of
ideal time doesn’t exist. Instead, learn to make time to rest. You, the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors,
your family and your farm will reap the benefits. FW columnists and correspondents do not necessarily
reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly.
diSClaimer While due care is taken to ensure
accuracy, Farmer’s Weekly is not liable for any
errors in product listings or availability, pricing or
any other information that was checked and has
changed since going to print.

denene erasmus, Editor
4 farmer’sweekly 28 MAy 2021



BY INVITATION

Hunger a grim reality
for even more Africans

The 2021 Global Report on Food Crises reveals that the magnitude and severity of food insecurity in Africa
has worsened, and the threat of famine persists in some of the continent’s worst-hit regions.

The views expressed in In 2020, Africa remained the • Economic shocks
our weekly opinion piece continent most affected by food Sluggish growth in South Africa, the region’s
do not necessarily reflect crises, accounting for 63% of the total number leading economy, along with climate shocks and
those of Farmer’s Weekly. of people in crisis or worse around the world, increasing public debt, led to a weak economic
This article is an edited according to the Integrated Food Security Phase environment even before the pandemic.
excerpt from the ‘2021 Classification used by the Global Report on Currency depreciation in Angola, the DRC,
Global Report on Food Food Crises. This was up from 54% in 2019. Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe increased
Crises’, published by The number of people in crisis or worse in the costs of servicing external debt, triggered
the Global Network Central and Southern Africa was the highest on an increase in the prices of imported food, and
Against Food Crises. To the continent at 40,2 million, up from 32,2 million created domestic inflationary pressures.
read the full report, visit in 2019. Approximately 72% of the region’s
fsinplatform.org/sites/ children suffering from ‘wasting’ reside in Angola, COVID-19-related restrictions on the
default/files/resources/ the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), movement of goods and people resulted
files/GRFC%202021%20 Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zambia. in widespread unemployment, especially
050521%20med.pdf. More than 18,5 million children under five for those reliant on informal work.
years old across the region are stunted. The
stunting prevalence is above 30% (classified IN SOUTH AFRICA,
as very high) in nine of the 16 SADC member 9,3 MILLION PEOPLE WERE
states. Cereal-based diets are predominant IN CRISIS IN LATE 2020
across the region, limiting diet diversity and DUE TO THE RECESSION
increasing the risk of micronutrient deficiencies.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Poor agricultural production in some areas in
malnutrition was a critical issue in food- 2019, as well as border closures and the disruption
crisis countries, particularly those affected by of food supply chains between rural and urban
protracted conflict and displacement, which areas, contributed to a rise in food prices,
disrupt the access of nutritionally vulnerable particularly at the onset of the pandemic, reducing
women and children to adequate food, essential the buying power of the poorest households. In
services, and a safe and healthy environment. Zimbabwe, for example, food inflation reached
In Somalia, just 5,1% of children aged six about 980% in July 2020. In Angola, the economy
to 23 months consume a diet considered contracted by 4,7% in 2020 due to the effects of
minimally acceptable in terms of diversity COVID-19, which included reduced oil exports,
and meal frequency. In the Central African the country’s main foreign exchange earner
Republic (CAR), the figure is 7,4%. In Nigeria, and key source of government revenue.
just 27,2% of infants are exclusively breastfed • Weather extremes
for the first six months of their lives. The October to December 2019 period was one of
the driest since 1981, leading to a below-average
WHAT HAS CAUSED THE CRISES? area planted, poor germination, and early wilting
Major drivers of food crises across Central in central and southern parts of the region.
and Southern Africa in 2020 included:
• Conflict/insecurity Excessive rain and flooding between December
Armed conflict in the DRC and the CAR 2019 and March 2020 in parts of Angola, the DRC,
continued to displace large populations and Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania
disrupt livelihoods and agricultural activities and Zambia caused death, displacement,
during the growing season in late 2020. loss of livelihoods, and destruction of key
infrastructure and agricultural lands.
Although conflict was not the primary • Locusts, other pests, and diseases
driver in Mozambique, the violent insurgency The late rains and high temperatures of
in Cabo Delgado, which began in 2017 and the 2019/2020 crop season created an
escalated in 2020, saw displaced people lose their environment in which pests flourished.
livelihoods and access to agricultural land.

6 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

Regional foRecast 2021 In net food-importing
Populations facing acute food insecurity countries, weakening
are likely to be greatest in low- currencies will continue
production areas, including Madagascar, to push up food prices and
Malawi and much of Zimbabwe. further curtail purchasing power.
High levels of government debt could impinge
COVID-19 restrictions are expected to on longer-term development policies that would
continue to curb income generation for potentially undermine economic recovery, stalling
urban-based and informal-sector workers, improvements in food security and equality.
while hospitality, mining, tourism and
agricultural exports remain depressed. the situation in south afRica
South Africa did not meet the criteria for inclusion
Diseases, notably Ebola, malaria, cholera, and in the report, as it did not request external
COVID-19, are likely to slow supply chains and humanitarian assistance in 2020. However, the report
adversely affect food security and nutrition. did include some information about the country.

While an improvement in acute food Here, over 9,3 million people were in crisis
insecurity is expected in Zimbabwe, partly between September and December 2020.
due to planned large-scale humanitarian
food assistance, it is forecast that 3,4 million While food is available in supermarkets,
people will be in crisis or worse. loss of income due to COVID-19-related
restrictions, along with price hikes, has
It was anticipated that during the lean season limited households’ ability to purchase it.
in Mozambique (October 2020 to March 2021),
acute food insecurity would increase, with more The pandemic caused a deep recession, with
than 2,9 million people facing crisis or worse. the economy contracting nearly 8% in 2020. The
lockdown measures introduced in March and
In Malawi, the number of people in crisis the effect of the global downturn led to 671 000
or worse was projected to rise marginally job losses in the formal sector alone in the second
in the first quarter to 2,6 million. quarter of 2020. It is likely that widespread job losses
also occurred in the informal sector, translating into
In the CAR during the lean season of large income losses and constrained food access.
May to August, 2,3 million people are
expected to be in crisis or worse. Meanwhile, prices of food staples rose, with
the annual national food inflation rate reaching
In Zambia, high levels of acute food 6% in December 2020, compared with 3,8%
insecurity will persist as households are in 2019. More than 50% of lower middle-class
expected to continue to face high food households were pushed out of permanent
prices and income constraints, with jobs into informal or temporary contracts, and
1,7 million people in crisis or worse. are thought to have fallen into poverty in the
absence of social protection programmes.
In eSwatini and Lesotho, the numbers of
people in crisis or worse were projected to The R350 social relief grant for the unemployed
persist until the onset of the harvest in April fell well short of covering the cost of a basic
2021, as households faced dwindling stocks, food basket in May (at R960), which
high food prices, and a lack of income. was nearly 10% higher than in the
previous year. – Staff reporter FW
In late 2020, several countries were hit by a
second, more severe wave of COVID-19, just 28 May 2021 farmer’sweekly 7
as most were starting to recover economically.
The high number of cases in South Africa,
Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Mozambique led
to the reinstatement of restriction measures,
reducing income for some households.

Although countries in the region started
reopening their economies around March,
the recovery of incomes and employment
will be a gradual process, which may slow
improvement in acute food insecurity.

Generally favourable precipitation during the
2020/2021 rainfall season recharged most water
bodies, with some reaching maximum capacity in
Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi, as well as
improved pastures and livestock body conditions.

Overall, harvests are expected to be favourable
across much of the region, but significantly
below-average rainfall is of high concern in
southern Madagascar, northern Mozambique
and central and south-western Angola.

Farmer’s Diary

Tilapia
farming

24 to 27 May, Muldersdrift

The Tilapia Farming Workshop focuses on
good management and production practices
of tilapia. Topics discussed include water
quality, details on the Tilapia species,
marketing, feed and labour. The workshop
includes working on a farm to see how
systems function. Delegates will also be
shown how to install an aquaponics system.

Email Clare Fincham
at [email protected].

pixabay

CONFERENCES, 9 tO 10 JuNE 22 tO 24 JuNE
WORkShOpS aNd ExpOS South African Wine Course, Western Africa Agri Tech 2021, Sun Arena,
19 tO 21 July Cape (venue still to be confirmed). Pretoria. Email Pula Dippenaar
UN Food Systems Pre-Summit, Email the Cape Wine Academy at at az.oc.irga-acirfa@alup.
Rome, Italy. Visit un.org/en/ [email protected].
food-systems-summit. CaNCEllEd
24 tO 29 JuNE 28 may tO 6 JuNE
28 tO 29 July Beef Cattle Farming and Management Royal Show, Pietermaritzburg.
Aquaponics and Smart Greenhouse Course, George. Phone Rothman Visit royalshow.co.za.
Technology Conference, Radisson Blu Livestock Training Services
Hotel, Sandton. Email Connie Mamabolo on 064 506 0720, or email pOStpONEd
at [email protected], [email protected]. 17 tO 20 auguSt
or phone her on 011 862 4001. (ORigiNal datE: 11 tO 14 may)
28 JuNE tO 2 July Nampo Harvest Day, Nampo Park,
COuRSES aNd tRaiNiNg Through the Bushveld, Makuleke Bothaville. Visit grainsa.co.za.
19 tO 21 may Concession, Limpopo. Email Terry
Plant Production, Groenkloof, Pretoria. Gouws at [email protected]. 11 tO 14 NOvEmbER
Phone AgriSkills Transfer (ORigiNal datE: 25 tO 28 maRCh)
on 012 460 9585, or email 30 JuNE tO 3 July The Cannabis Expo, GrandWest,
[email protected]. Piggery Course, Groenkloof, Pretoria. Cape Town. Email The Cannabis Expo
Phone AgriSkills Transfer at [email protected].
24 may on 012 460 9585, or email
Calf Rearing, George. Phone [email protected]. 22 tO 24 JuNE 2022
Rothman Livestock Training Services (ORigiNal datE: 7 tO 9 apRil 2021)
on 064 506 0720, or email 21 July Agbiz Congress, Sun City. Visit
[email protected]. Profitable Boer Goat Farming, agbiz.co.za/congress/about-the-congress.
Potchefstroom. Phone Johan Steyn on
27 tO 29 may 064 727 8321, or visit boergoats.co.za. entries should be submitted at least one month in
Cattle Embryo Transfer, George. advance. email Janine Ryan at [email protected]
Phone Rothman Livestock Training impORtaNt datES to place an entry. Please note that, due to
Services on 064 506 0720, or 22 may limited space, publication of an event cannot
email [email protected]. Hex Valley Heritage Farm Fair, Karoo1 be guaranteed. all entries are published at the
Hotel Village. Email Melanie Esterhuyse editor’s discretion.
1 JuNE tO 24 auguSt at [email protected],
Fundamentals of Good Agricultural or visit hexrivervalley.co.za. 110 years on the land
Practice (online). Email
Agricolleges International at
[email protected].

8 farmer’sweekly 28 May 2021

ARCHIVE

32 YEARS AGO

1911 7 July 1989 2021

happen to be. For breeding, a good ratio
is eight ducks to a drake in the case of
the Pekin, but it varies with others.

Ducks generally do not make good
mothers, although there are notable
exceptions, such as the Muscovy.

Cayuga ducks (when adults, they are a brilliant black) and a Pekin. FW ARCHIVE UNCOMPLICATED PRACTICE
Barnard says duck rearing is straightforward.
Day-old ducklings A room is needed where ducklings can be
for Africa kept warm and dry. Because it is important
Duck rearing is easy, according that they remain dry, do not let them splash
to this enterprising Lowveld Campbell – they can lay up to 300 eggs a one another or fall into the drinking water.
producer, who sold his Pekins year – Indian Runners and Buff Orpington.
nationwide and exported some, too. The drinking water should be in troughs
The Pekin grows to a mass of 3kg to 4kg. into which the birds cannot climb and
Ten years ago, A Barnard was told that The colour is pure white with a yellow which are just deep enough to allow
trying to produce ducks commercially in the skin, and orange beak and legs. The bulk their heads to dip beneath the surface.
Eastern Transvaal [Mpumalanga] Lowveld of the body of a Pekin is at the front of the
was impossible. But today he is possibly legs. It has an upright carriage. Barnard If ducks are to be marketed as slaughter
one of the largest day-old-duck producers says it is an excellent utility breed, being birds, they should never be allowed to swim,
in the area, selling his ducklings not only a prolific layer and a good table bird. as swimming will retard their growth rate.
nationwide, but as far afield as the Seychelles.
DISEASE-RESISTANT Ducklings should not be overcrowded,
Barnard has a small farm on the He found that with the switch to ducks, with 25 to each housing unit being optimal.
Kaapsehoop road near Barberton. he was farming a bird far more disease- The ambient temperature for the ducklings is
resistant than chickens, and a bird happy maintained at 32°C for the first week, after
At one time, he was supplying [chicken] to sleep in the open year-round if need be. which it can be gradually lowered to room
eggs to much of the Lowveld. But, when “They are,” he adds, “excellent survivors.” temperature. Ducklings should be housed
competition got too stiff, he hatched day-old indoors for the first two weeks of their lives.
chickens and was doing a nice line of business He says the rearer’s basic outlay goes into
with culled hens to the local people and simply constructed ark shelters, 600mm-high They need protection against
chicks to Mozambique, when independence fencing, a limited supply of drinking water, the weather until well feathered,
in that country shut off his Maputo market. and shade that can be provided by trees. usually at about four weeks.

He then began to breed pedigree fowls and at In Barnard’s case, shade is provided Barnard says the growing Pekins must
one stage had 15 varieties, among them Buff by mulberry, avocado, naartjie and always have dry grower mash to feed on,
Orpington, Cornish Game, Buff Rock, Black guava trees, the ducks eating the and can be marketed as slaughter birds
Australorp, Plymouth Rock and Light Sussex. fallen mulberries and guavas, while he around the seventh week when one can
markets the naartjies and avocados. expect a dressed mass of 2,5kg to 3,5kg
He started with Pekin ducks (for day-olds) provided feeding has been correct. Barnard
and other types of duck: Rouen – a majestic Ducks usually lay before 10am and says ducks are not heavy eaters, each one
bird weighing up to 5kg – Muscovy, Khaki tend to drop their eggs wherever they needing about 9kg of feed to slaughter mass.

Parent breeding stock is sexed at
four weeks and placed in camps,
with one drake to eight ducks.

“It is difficult to sex at an age younger
than four weeks,” says Barnard. “One
must wait until one can sex according to
the noise the birds make; females quack
and the drakes are quiet or hiss.”

The ducks will start laying, but it’ll be six
months before they’ll lay eggs worth hatching.
The duck becomes a better layer the older it
gets. At about five years, when it is culled, it
fetches R8 to R11 [R62 to R85]. “They make
splendid carcasses,” says Barnard. He adds
that ducks are better layers than pullets. FW

Rand values have been adapted for inflation.
This article first appeared in the 7 July 1989
issue and has been edited to adhere to
the current style of Farmer’s Weekly.

28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 9

Letters

‘Farmer’s Weekly magazine helped me
discover my goals and direction in life’

My interest in and love for farming At the start of 2021, I got busy making I want to achieve, and has given
began when I read a copy of Farmer’s enquiries about agricultural courses, me direction in life after prison to
Weekly magazine for the first time and I’m very proud to say that I have become a better person, a farmer, and
(FW, 9 September 2016), given to me now registered for a horticulture to give back to the community.
by a cellmate in my previous facility. course and enrolled for a diploma
in marketing management. May the Farmer’s Weekly team have
My family would then send me copies good health and many productive
of the magazine, until I was transferred Farmer’s Weekly has become such years so that you can continue
to a new correctional facility in October a significant presence in my life. It to educate, inspire and motivate
2020. But, I’ve been delighted to receive is informative, and not only did I existing and aspiring farmers.
back copies from the Farmer’s Weekly find a mentor through the magazine,
editorial team since then. but it has helped me define what – Emmanuel Baloyi, via letter, Kutama
Sinthumule Correctional Centre, Limpopo

Search for young farmer
of the year has begun!

Every year, the KwaZulu-Natal agricultural practices takes place at CongratuLations!
Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) names provincial level, with the applicants
an exceptional young farmer as the being evaluated on all aspects of their Farmer’s Weekly journalist Pieter
Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year. business, including their overall vision Dempsey married his sweetheart
The winner then goes on to compete for for the future of their farm/ business. Anneke on 1 May 2021, on a farm
the title of Toyota SA/Agri SA National just outside Dullstroom. Despite the
Young Farmer of the Year. The main quality on which the “extremely cold and rainy” weather,
entrants are judged is their management/ they had a beautiful day, which they
Kwanalu has launched the search business philosophy, as well as the shared with close family and friends.
for the 2021 provincial winner, who technical competence with which Best wishes to the happy couple!
will represent KZN at the national this philosophy is applied.
competition, which will be held in got something to say?
Pretoria later this year. However, the judges do consider Send your letters to: [email protected],
all facets of the farmers’ businesses, or Farmer’s Weekly, Po Box 1797, Pinegowrie
The annual national contest sees the including financing, budgeting, the 2123, Sa. the views and opinions expressed on
most promising young farmers from all technical aspects of livestock breeding the letters page do not necessarily reflect those
nine provinces compete for the coveted systems, disease control, pasture systems, of Farmer’s Weekly or Caxton. Readers’ letters will
title and drive away in a Toyota Hilux fertilisation, weed control, and more. be published and edited at the sole discretion of
Single Cab, among other prizes. Farmer’s Weekly.
Labour philosophy and housing, their
Kwanalu CEO Sandy La Marque says, reactions towards land reform and black
“This competition highlights the great economic empowerment, personnel
skills and entrepreneurial spirit required practices, involvement in organised
to be a successful farmer. We know agriculture and the community, and
we are blessed with a high calibre of even layout and appearance of the
farmers in [KZN], but this competition farms and farmyards are all areas in
is [about] more than just how much which the producers are judged.
a farmer is able to produce or how
pretty their farm looks. It’s about sound “We encourage all of our eligible
business acumen and strong agricultural members under 40 years old to enter this
practices, among other criteria.” competition which recognises the great
skill and entrepreneurial spirit we have
Producers who are under 40 years here in KwaZulu-Natal,” says La Marque.
old – whether they are owners of or
partners in a farm, male or female – – Kwanalu
and full members of their provinces’
agricultural unions are eligible to enter. • To enter the Kwanalu Young Farmer of
The judging of the farmers and their the Year competition, visit kwanalu.co.za, or
email Kwanalu at [email protected].
10 farmer’sweekly 28 May 2021
110 years on the land

Trending in Agriculture

MOST POPULAR ON FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA

SA SET TO EXPORT RECORD VOLUME OF MAIZE
South Africa is expected to export a record 2,8 million tons of maize in
the 2020/2021 marketing season, according to the latest estimate of the
National Agriculture Marketing Council.

Read the full article at bit.ly/3tI2jtA.
Posted: 12 May 2021.

Follow us at @FarmersWeeklySA

FROM LINKEDIN PHOTO OF THE WEEK

@FarmersWeeklySA lillyfontein_farm @lillyfontein_farm
Following a post titled Sixth avian influenza outbreak in South “Strike a pose.”
Africa raises alarm, users shared their opinions on the subject. Via Instagram. Posted: 10 May 2021.

Posted: 7 May 2021.

READERS’ COMMENTS

Hugh Milne: “Very concerning. This increases risk for financial
institutions and other investors, possibly leading to withdrawal
from the sector. Biocontrol is critical.”

Dr Mark Marais: “[Its is] time to re-evaluate poultry
farming! The amount of chicken consumed by our nation
warrants an in-depth assessment of how poultry raising
can be kept disease free.”

Godwin Zarura Manyonganise: “Sad news.”

Neftal Maluleke: “Not good news, something must be done.”

Charmaine Hirshowitz: “Alarming!”

AGRI NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

AGRICULTURE LINKED TO ONE-FIFTH ABUNDANT HARVEST IN ANTARCTIC AS TOBACCO DECLINES,
OF US AIR POLLUTION DEATHS GREENHOUSE SHOWS PROMISE MALAWI MUST SWITCH TO
FOR MOON AGRICULTURE
Air pollution is the largest environmental CANNABIS – PRESIDENT
mortality risk in the US, responsible for Scientists at a station in Antarctica have Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera warned
100 000 premature deaths annually, and
one-fifth of those are linked to agriculture, the harvested crops grown in a greenhouse that his country’s leading foreign exchange
National Academy of Sciences said recently. earner, tobacco, was in terminal decline, and
designed to test technologies that could one
– agriculture.com he urged a switch to crops like cannabis.
day feed explorers on the moon and Mars. – reuters.com

– space.com 28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 11

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OPINION AND ANALYSIS

Generally muted reaction
to 2021/2022 global grain
and oilseed forecasts

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE by Wandile Sihlobo

The outlook for global agricultural 790 million tons. This is attributed primarily of 509 million tons, which is up 1% y/y.
conditions is in the spotlight as to a more positive outlook in Europe India, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan,
the 2021/2022 global grains and and North Africa, the US, Ukraine, Indonesia, Bangladesh and the
Philippines are among the key
oilseed production season commences China, the UK, India, and so on. countries set to contribute positively
to a large global rice harvest for the
in the Northern Hemisphere. In the There are, however, expectations of 2021/2022 production season.

Southern Hemisphere, the season better yields than in the 2020/2021 season Planting activity in many of these
countries will begin only in June.
will start only around October. and an increase in area plantings. Still, the weather conditions and
soil moisture are reportedly good,
The International Grains Council Unlike maize, the 2021/2022, global which should support cultivation
when the season commences.
(IGC) released its estimates at the wheat stocks could recover by 3%
IT IS ESTIMATED
end of April and painted a generally y/y, partly because of the expected THAT GLOBAL MAIZE
STOCKS AT THE END
optimistic view for essential grain and large global wheat harvest. Rising OF 2021/2022 COULD
BE THE LOWEST
oilseed production for 2021/2022. production and stocks would ideally IN NINE YEARS

MAIZE lead to a softening in prices. This An exogenous negative factor for key
would be beneficial for importing producing countries is the ongoing
spread of COVID-19 infections.
The IGC forecasts global maize countries such as South Africa.
We continue to monitor whether these
production at 1,2 billion tons, SOYA BEAN have a negative impact on farmers’
which is up 5% from the 2020/2021 activities in the fields. Notably, the IGC
forecasts a 25% y/y increase in 2021/2022
production season. This optimism is The IGC forecasts a 6% increase in global rice stocks to 176 million tons.

underpinned by expectations of large global soya bean production to a record As with wheat, a recovery in rice
stocks would potentially add downward
crops in the US, Brazil, Argentina, 383 million tons in 2021/2022. The pressure on prices in the coming
months, which would be beneficial
Ukraine, China, the EU and Russia. current higher global prices are expected for importers such as South Africa.

The reaction to this data was generally to incentivise farmers to increase Ultimately, the initial forecasts for
2021/2022 global grain and oilseed
muted. Some market participants plantings, while expectations of better production paint a slightly better
picture than many had anticipated.
are more focused on the short-term yields would also boost output. The If more on-the-ground evidence
emerges to support these forecasts,
issues affecting the crop, such as major contributing countries to this IGC global agricultural prices could
potentially cool off from the current
persistent dry weather in Brazil, which forecast are the US, Brazil, Argentina, higher levels in the coming months.
Wandile Sihlobo is chief economist at the
has negatively affected the country’s India, Paraguay, Russia and Ukraine. Agbiz. Email him at [email protected].

2020/2021 second maize crop. Another Southern Hemisphere countries will only

concern is that dry weather in parts of know at the end of this year whether the

the US and Canada may slow down optimism about plantings was justified.

and threaten the 2021/2022 maize crop. At this stage, the focus is on the

Parts of the EU have also experienced 2020/2021 production season, which for

delays in planting due to a cold spell. Brazil is not looking good because of dry

Nevertheless, the IGC maintains a fairly conditions. Importantly, if everything

positive view of production estimates of all goes according to the IGC estimates,

the above countries, as they are evidently the 2021/2022 global soya bean stocks

among those underpinning the expected would recover 8% y/y to 50 million

1,2 billion tons of maize in 2021/2022. tons. Such a recovery would exert slight

Moreover, the IGC estimates that downward pressure on prices, which

global maize stocks at the end of the have remained fairly elevated, primarily

2021/2022 season could be the lowest in because of strong Chinese demand.

nine years at 264 million tons, which RICE
was down 3% year-on-year (y/y), in part

because of rising global consumption. We consistently keep an eye on rice,

WHEAT mainly as South Africa imports all of its
one-million-ton annual consumption.

The IGC forecasts a 2% y/y increase in Here the 2021/2022 production outlook is

2021/2022 wheat production to a record positive; the IGC forecasts a global crop

28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 13

OPINION AND ANALYSIS

Why agriculture is key to South
Africa’s climate change response

POLICY PERSPECTIVE by Theo Boshoff

South Africa is a party to the four ways: they will need to adapt to only viable form of agriculture for
United Nations Framework the effects of climate change; they will roughly two-thirds of the country’s
Convention on Climate Change need to mitigate their own emissions; land, so the options may be limited.
Likewise, irrigation uses the bulk of
(UNFCCC). When the parties to the they will be the primary source of South Africa’s raw water resources,
but also contributes significantly to job
convention met in Paris in 2015 carbon sequestration; and there are creation and a positive trade balance.
Hence, environmental concerns need
(COP 21), member nations undertook great expectations for the sector to to be balanced with the need to take
advantage of the value chains in
to reduce their greenhouse gas absorb jobs that may be shed from which we are globally competitive.

emissions (GHGs) in order to limit more carbon-intensive industries. If Similarly, stream-flow reduction
from forestry may also account for a
global warming to below 2°C, and anyone thought that climate change was significant portion of South Africa’s
water resources, but it is also the
preferably below 1,5°C, by 2100. not a major issue for the agricultural industry most suited to capture
the carbon being emitted into the
Each country has to negotiate its sector, they had better think again! atmosphere by other industries.

‘nationally determined contribution’, IS AGRICULTURE NO JOB GROWTH IN SECTOR
which represents its commitment to REALLY CAPABLE Finally, it is estimated that a quarter
reaching the global goals. Developing OF ABSORBING of all jobs in South Africa are linked
countries such as South Africa are THE JOBS SHED BY to carbon-intensive industries. As
given slightly more leeway, but there CARBON-INTENSIVE these industries adapt or scale down
is still a global push for all nations INDUSTRIES OVER production, the workers engaged in
to increase their ambitions. THE NEXT 30 YEARS? them will need to be reskilled and

Although it may be a small player jobs may need serious
in the global economy, South Africa Tourism was hit particularly hard
has one of the highest per-capita GHG by the COVID- 19 pandemic, and
emission footprints in the world and whilst agriculture’s contribution
to GDP grew in 2020, this was not
its economy is very carbon-intensive. matched by new job opportunities.

If we fail to keep up with the global Adaptation is perhaps the aspect of A realistic assessment is needed
to determine the sector’s ability to
push towards GHG mitigation, we climate change that the sector is most absorb jobs shed by carbon-intensive
industries over the next 30 years.
may very well face ‘soft’ sanctions such familiar with. Climate change is set to
These are merely a few of the
as an aversion to financing carbon- increase the frequency of weather events considerations that can be used to
illustrate just how critical the sector is to
intensive sectors of the economy. such as droughts, floods and severe South Africa’s climate change response.
Theo Boshoff is the head of legal intelligence
A more direct possibility is already storms. Technology and innovative at Agbiz, but writes in his personal
capacity. Email him at [email protected].
taking shape in the EU in the form of farming practices have already gone a
110 YEARS ON THE LAND
proposed border tariff adjustments, long way towards building resilience

which implies tariffs on products to the effects of climate change.

imported from countries that do not Mitigation is a slightly more

meet global GHG emission ambitions. complicated topic. According to the

This could have a very real effect on National Greenhouse Gas Inventory,

South African agriculture, as the EU agriculture is estimated to contribute

is a major trade partner for high-value 13% to South Africa’s total GHG

horticultural products in particular. emissions. This figure is highly debated

ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION and I am certainly not qualified to weigh
in on the scientific merits of these claims.

South Africa is now leaning towards What I do know, however, is that trade-

the goal of achieving a net-zero carbon offs will be required with other sectors

economy by 2050. This does not imply of the economy as South Africa’s unique

zero carbon emissions, but rather that we circumstances are taken into account.

capture and sequestrate as much carbon The livestock industry is often in the

as we release into the atmosphere. firing line due to the methane emissions

Agriculture, forestry and associated it produces. That being said, extensive

land uses will be affected in at least grazing by livestock or wildlife is the

14 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021

weekly news wrap

Darling Cellars in the scs‘fIauufurffssmfftmeeoearrmrl,tstelohroes’Ir ‘[...] almost 300 farms
Western Cape lost were targeted by an
thousands of litres of – Co-founder of BeyondCOVID, Etienne van Wyk, attack or murder [...]’
wine when several lamenting the fact that about 87% of small-scale
50 000l tanks recently farmers in South Africa are not managing to recover – Safety and risk analyst at Free State Agriculture,
toppled over. The from COVID-19-related trading restrictions (pg 16). Dr Jane Buys, outlining the extent of attacks on farms
cause of the accident in the province during the past five years (pg 22).
is still unknown – see ‘[…] the better the facility
story on page 17. is managed, the fewer ‘There seems to be no
problems there will be […] equitable reason
with vaccine supply […]’ why domestic workers
were excluded from the
– CEO of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, protection of the act […]’
Gerhard Schutte, expressing hope that
improved management at Onderstepoort – National manager of the National Employers’
Biological Products will result in fewer Association of South Africa, Jaco Swart, commenting
vaccine supply constraints (pg 16). on the Compensation for Occupational Injuries
and Diseases Amendment Bill (pg 21).

‘If, however, the resources
are not allocated, the
master plan will remain
just a plan’

– CEO of Kaap Agri, Sean Walsh, stressing that
the challenge of the Agriculture and Agro-
processing Master Plan is its execution (pg 24).

28 May 2021 farmer’sweekly 15

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP

Probe into Onderstepoort management welcomed

Responding to the recent suspension department had received various Despite this, he added, OBP had
of Dr Baptiste Dungu, CEO of allegations against Dungu and recently improved its communication
Onderstepoort Biological Products others that ranged from irregular about the availability of vaccines,
(OBP), Gerhard Schutte, CEO of the procurement to employment contracts. and had adopted a more open-door
Red Meat Producers Organisation, policy that kept the industry informed
expressed hope that improved “The board had an obligation to about possible supply constraints.
management at OBP would result in investigate the allegations,” he added.
fewer vaccine supply constraints. During the portfolio meeting,
Schutte said he was aware of Dungu’s Kenosi also disclosed that the OBP had
René Kenosi, chairperson of the suspension, but not the reasons behind it. various challenges, of which personnel
OBP board, who recently tabled the issues was a particular problem.
state-owned enterprise’s annual According to him, the red meat
performance plans for 2021/2022 to the industry constantly experienced “The OBP, under the leadership of its
Portfolio Committee of Agriculture, vaccine supply problems, which was board, remains committed to its two-
Land Reform and Rural Development challenging for farmers and the industry. pronged approach: firstly to stabilise
(agriculture department), announced the environment, which is already
that Dungu had been served with a “OBP is a strategic unit for the red meat yielding positive results, and secondly
notice of precautionary suspension. industry in terms of vaccine supply, and to ensure the achievement of its recently
we’d like to see things run smoothly approved strategy to expand its product
Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele was appointed at the facility, because it’s critically and service offerings into new and
acting CEO in the interim. Kenosi important for the industry. We assume existing markets, both locally and
said the entity and the agriculture that the better the facility is managed, the abroad,” she said. – Jeandré van der Walt
fewer problems there will be with vaccine
supply in the future,” Schutte said.

How to make small-scale farmers more bankable

The hard lockdown About 87% of South Africa‘s small-scale farmers have not recovered One of the solutions
imposed to curb the spread from the effects of the hard lockdown restrictions imposed discussed during the
of COVID- 19 dealt South last year to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. FW ARCHIVE webinar was organising
Africa’s small-scale farmers small-scale farmers into
a hard blow, with about 87% “The survey has revealed that “When we went into so-called SMME collectives.
of them not managing to 54% of all small businesses hard lockdown with
recover. A collaborative effort surveyed were still operating all the restrictions, they lost Fay Mukaddam,
will be needed to assist them below capacity. This impacts access to those markets. BeyondCOVID’s chairperson,
on their road to recovery. severely on emerging Because they don’t have said this could become a
farmers, considering that the financial buffers that growth vehicle that allowed
This was one of the SMMEs account for half large companies have, farmers more leverage, and
issues discussed during their demand,” Etienne they were hit severely would have a ‘shared services’
BeyondCOVID’s recent van Wyk, co-founder of and are still struggling. concept underpinning
online ‘Making Emerging BeyondCOVID, said. it. This would mean that
Farmers Bankable Summit’. “The bulk of South Africa’s the collectives in certain
BeyondCOVID is a registered He added that small-scale population relies on fruit, communalities could be drawn
non-profit organisation growers relied largely on vegetables, and other together and connected.
working to develop a pavement food stalls and products produced and sold
supportive framework for the fresh produce markets, as by [small-scale] farmers, According to Van Wyk,
creation of employment for well as direct trade with such as at sidewalk stalls these structures were a win-
small, medium and micro corner shops, spaza stores, and fresh produce markets. win situation for everyone.
enterprises (SMMEs). other SMMEs, schools, If small farmers suffer, their
crèches and NGOs. customers suffer, too.” “Smaller farmers win
According to a statement, because these structures
the latest edition of the provide them with a
BeyondCOVID Business sustainable market, and thus
Survey, conducted by specialist more income. Poor access to
management consultancy markets and funding are key
Redflank, revealed that 63% problems that SMMEs face.
of commercial agricultural
companies and only 13% of “The [collectives] benefit
small-scale farmers were [through] a steady supply
back to their pre-pandemic of different products, [so
operational levels. that] they can service larger
markets and more customers.”
– Jeandré van der Walt

16 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

Blow for Darling Cellars as wine tanks topple over

Darling Cellars in the Western Darling Cellars recently suffered a substantial loss of wine February, this year’s harvest
Cape recently lost thousands after a number of its tanks tumbled over. SUPPLIED has been blessed with
of litres of wine after some cool [weather], leading to
of its wine tanks fell over. While the cellar had experiencing a wine glut, so outstanding quality which
insurance, De Waal said it prices should not be too steep. is already evident in our
“It’s too early to quantify would still have to foot the white wines,” De Waal said.
the losses, as we’re still bill for some of the damage. The cellar’s outlook for
trying to salvage wine from On a positive note, the this season was favourable. The cellar had also been
some of the tanks, but wine affected wine was ‘generic’, The harvest, which was fortunate to strike a deal
from more than one of the which meant that Darling about three weeks late, with local retailers to sell
50 000ℓ tanks was lost,” said Cellars would easily be able was about 20% larger than some of their Chocoholic
Riaan de Waal, managing to replace it through the the previous season. Pinotage and Reserve
director of Darling Cellars. buying-in of new wine. In Sauvignon Blanc in 2ℓ boxes.
addition, the industry was “Where we usually
The incident also damaged experience one or two heat “We haven’t sold boxed wine
the wall of the cellar and the waves around January/ locally before, as the existing
stainless-steel piping system. price points were too low to
justify production from bush
“A 50 000ℓ tank weighs vines, like [ours]. Woolworths’
approximately 50t, so you move towards high-quality
can imagine the impact boxed wine is, however,
when one of them falls creating a lucrative new market
over. Fortunately, no one opportunity,” De Waal said.
was hurt,” De Waal said.
The cellar recently began
The cause of the accident experimenting with making
was still unknown. “We’ve Chenin Blanc in amphoras.
employed an engineering De Waal said this process
firm to investigate what entailed making wine in
happened. One of our workers clay pots, as in ancient
saw the tank tipping and times, rather than barrels or
alerted everyone else to stainless steel tanks, which
get out of the cellar. About gave the wine a unique new
a minute later, almost characteristic. – Glenneis Kriel
everything was under wine.”

No-till could cut GHG emissions by 30% – study

A new study from the School of Change, which measured carbon only at Dr Johann Strauss, senior scientist for
Biosciences at the University of a specific soil depth. The study was also sustainable cropping systems research
Nottingham in the UK shows that unique in that it measured the potential at the Western Cape Department of
no-till soil practices could lower of the three major GHGs, namely carbon Agriculture, said the research findings
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, in agreed with local studies on the impact of
at least 30% over a 10-year period. combination to cause global warming. no-till practices on soil health. He added
that there was a slow but steady uptake
The aim of the study was to quantify Hannah Cooper, lead researcher for of no-till soil-management strategies
the relationship between no-till as a soil- the study, told Farmer’s Weekly that the as part of conservation agriculture
management tool, carbon sequestration, research was also relevant for grain practices among farmers in South Africa.
and GHG emissions. The research and oilseed farmers in South Africa.
concluded that no-till was a readily Stephanie Midgely, head of the climate
available technology which could be “Our study shows that soil moisture change programme at the Western
implemented immediately as a tool retention is increased under no-till. In Cape Department of Agriculture, said
for use in climate change mitigation. long-term no-till fields, the regeneration the GHG mitigation potential of no-till
of the soil structure through biological varied greatly depending on several
The investigation differed from activity ensures that the soil does not factors, the most important being the soil
previous work in this field in that it become waterlogged and can drain type, climate, and agronomical practices.
took into consideration the presence freely. This is important in relatively
of carbon throughout the soil profiles dry countries, such as South Africa. Our “One really needs to look at the
studied. This was instead of the more study was conducted on grain crops, results coming out of South African
common approach followed by the and therefore could apply to grain trials, in conjunction with global
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate crops in South Africa,” Cooper said. trends,” she said. – Wouter Kriel

28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 17

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP

Hydrochloric acid dearth could affect citrus industry

South Africa is experiencing a shortage The shortage of hydrochloric acid in South Africa could affect the citrus
of hydrochloric acid (HCl), a crucially industry, as it is used in packhouses for cleaning. FW ARCHIVE
important chemical used in citrus
packhouses. Although alternative acids regularly to maintain the concentration “As is the case with HCl, it may be reactive
are available, packhouses need to exercise and subsequent biocidal activity.” towards concrete with a high lime
caution when selecting a replacement. content and should be used judiciously.”
Alternative acids were also available to
According to Wilma du Plooy, assist packhouses in getting through the She also cautioned that although
post-harvest disease programme citrus season without major disruptions. phosphonic acid could be used as
coordinator at Citrus Research a proxy, it would contribute to the
International, the HCl shortage was Du Plooy recommended sodium residues of fosetyl and phosphonic
due mainly to South African plant bisulphate as the best option. acids left by preharvest applications
failures or shutdowns, which were of phosphonates, and could result in
likely to continue for at least several “Other acids can also be used, but maximum residue levels being exceeded.
months. A small amount of HCl was there are several critical warnings: many
manufactured by the local timber organic acids are not only expensive, “Nitric acid is a better replacement
industry, with all excess being but are broken down by chlorine, and is compatible with chlorine.
directed to the gold mining sector. which subsequently deactivates the However, it is aggressively reactive
biocidal efficacy of the chlorine. with the calcium bonds in concrete and
HCl is used in packhouses to will destroy any area [of concrete] it
adjust the pH level of both the post- “Acetic acid is a very simple acid and, comes into contact with.” – Lindi Botha
harvest Imazalil fungicide solution although an ingredient in peracetic acid,
and the chlorine wash system. will not interact negatively with chlorine.

Du Plooy advised packhouses to use
peracetic acid sanitisers in Imazalil baths.

“The added benefit here is that
it also serves to lower the pH of
the solution, so alternative pH
adjustments are not necessary.

“Packhouses should, however, consult
their suppliers if using peracetic acid
in fungicide baths for the first time, as
heating and incorrect dosage may lead
to phytotoxicity and worker discomfort.
Peracetic acid also needs to be topped up

New open-source infrastructure for agri industry

The Linux Foundation easy access to public data, house’, you would need to would be that developers
recently launched the inter-operable frameworks build the hammer and nail could find solutions that
AgStack Foundation, a for cross-project use, and before you could [use them]. they did not even know
dedicated open-source topic-specific extensions Open-source means someone existed, he explained.
digital infrastructure project and toolboxes. It would lets you access their code, or
for the agriculture sector. also leverage existing ‘hammer and nail’, so you can Having such an open-source
technologies and standards, build onto that code with your infrastructure would allow
Sumer Johal, executive public data, models and innovations or creations.” South African developers
director of AgStack, said in open-source projects. to leverage pre-existing
a statement that the global In the absence of an agri- code bases that would
agricultural ecosystem The creation of a shared specific open-source platform, have global applications.
desperately needed a digital community infrastructure filled developers would need to
makeover, as the industry a gap in the current agtech keep building the ‘hammer “South African software
was suffering too many software landscape, Johal said. and nails’ from scratch, engineers are among the
losses in the absence of which would duplicate best in the world, particularly
reuseable tools and data. Russel Luck, CEO of online work and create barriers in the agri-tech sector.
auction platform SwiftVee, to further innovation. Their skill sets will become
AgStack would address explained the concept behind huge catalysts to agri-tech
this by providing an open open-source infrastructure Another advantage of innovation that push the
repository to create and to Farmer’s Weekly: “[I]f you an agri-specific open- digital economy further,”
publish models, free and wanted to build a ‘digital source environment Luck said. – Glenneis Kriel

18 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

Australia’s grain industry applauds World in brief
government’s biosecurity investment
EUROPEAN UNION
The grain industry in for intervention; from devastating pest
Australia has welcomed the and AU$25,5 million and disease incursions, The European Court of Justice
decision by that country’s [R283 million] for modern as well as the need to has dismissed an appeal by
federal government to make technologies to improve invest proactively in Bayer to overturn a lower EU
AU$371 million (about the speed and accuracy protecting the economy court’s 2018 decision to uphold
R4,1 billion) available to of pest and disease and communities, he said. the region’s partial ban on three
combat biosecurity threats. identification at the border.” insecticides linked to the death
“It’s estimated that of bees, thereby preventing
Barry Large, deputy By investing in better front- around 100 million their use on certain crops.
chairperson of Grain line biosecurity measures, the tons of imported goods
Producers Australia (GPA), Australian government was arrive in Australia via The ruling covers three
said the investment was showing that it understood containers, and 399 high- active substances: imidacloprid
a positive step towards the importance of protecting priority pests have been (developed by Bayer CropScience),
modernising a biosecurity Australian agriculture identified.” – Staff reporter clothianidin (developed by
sector that was coming Takeda Chemical Industries
under increasing pressure. Australian crop farmers have welcomed the government‘s announcement and Bayer CropScience), and
of greater investment in biosecurity controls to protect their crops Syngenta’s thiamethoxam.
According to the Farm Online from incursions of devastating pests and diseases. PIXABAY
website, Large identified ZIMBABWE
a number of key areas of
benefit to the industry. There has been an overall
increase in the area planted to
“In particular, GPA horticultural crops in Zimbabwe
welcomes the AU$34,6 million this season, with the hectares
[R384 million] that will go under emerging crops such as
towards new research to more blueberries increasing across
clearly identify biosecurity the country’s provinces.
risks and develop improved
surveillance and inspection According to that country’s
tools,” he said. “We also The Chronicle newspaper, this
welcome the AU$96,8 million formed part of the Zimbabwean
[R1 billion] for the offshore government’s Horticulture
treatment provider Recovery and Growth Plan,
assurance programme, aimed at reconfiguring the
and data and technology horticulture industry.
advancements to rapidly
identify containers The exception was stone
fruit, with “old varieties” being
Mexico becomes world’s uprooted to plant new, improved
top strawberry exporter ones with better yield and
flavours preferred by consumers.
Mexico has dislodged Spain According to the Mexico less attainable for
from its position as the largest News Daily website, the consumers, local demand BELGIUM
strawberry exporter, with Mexican strawberry industry remained robust.
earnings of over US$851 million managed to overcome the A farmer in Belgium recently
(about R12 billion) last year. obstacles created by the The Mexican strawberry caused a low-key international
This was 12,4% higher COVID-19 pandemic, such industry was nonetheless incident when he moved
than it achieved in 2019. as staff shortages and the greatly dependent on a rock that was in the way
almost complete halt in US demand, with 99,3% of his cropping rows.
Spain held the top spot for demand from the foodservice of its total 207 000t
more than two decades, but industry, which normally strawberry exports in Unfortunately for him, the
made only US$646 million purchased 15% of the fruit. 2020 going to the US, the rock turned out to be a historic
(R9,1 billion) in international world’s largest importer. marker that has denoted the
sales in 2020. The US was Despite farmers fearing that boundary between Belgium
in third place with sales of increased unemployment Spain exported mostly and France for over 200 years.
US$477 million (R6,7 billion). would make strawberries to other countries in
the EU. – Staff reporter While out walking, a local
historian noticed that the
marker stone had been
moved 2,3m from its original
spot, and the farmer was
asked to put it back where it
belonged. – Staff reporter

28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 19

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP

Uncertain rainfall outlook for winter rainfall region

The forecast for winter rain from He said the rainfall probability “The chances of good rainfall in
June to August, and even September, for June was about 50% for the these regions over the next few
looks relatively positive for most Swartland and Bredasdorp areas. months are not very high,” he said.
parts of the Western Cape. However, At the beginning of May, the
it cannot be said with certainty “[For] July, the probability of rain is Overberg and Southern Cape regions
whether the winter rainfall region about 50% for the Swartland [region]. experienced some good rainfall.
will experience a wet or dry season. A very high probablity of good rainfall
is predicted for the Bredasdorp [area] Richard Krige, vice-chairperson of
This was the message from in July, and it seems as if the rain will Grain SA, who farms near Caledon in
independent meteorologist Johan shift more towards the south coast.” the Overberg region, said the recent
van den Berg, speaking during a downpours had been an excellent
webinar hosted by the !Xhariep branch Looking at these probabilities, start to the grain season and would
of Agricultural Writers South Africa. Van den Berg said it was unclear definitely have a positive impact on
whether it would be a good or bad soil moisture. Plantings in the region
He said that, despite the weather season in terms of rainfall. were already 50% to 60% completed.
forecast for South Africa currently
being uncertain, the probability “We can’t really pinpoint which of In contrast to the wet conditions
of El Niño conditions occurring the months will be the better rainfall experienced in these areas, grain
was highly unlikely. months. However, there’s a [high] farmers in the Swartland region were once
probability that later in the season again planting in bone-dry soil. Andries
According to Van den Berg, the the total rainfall for the winter will be Theron, a grain farmer near Koringberg,
La Niña weather phenomenon above average for these two areas. ” said it was the 10th consecutive year
seemed to be in a neutral phase. that he had to plant in these conditions.
La Niña peaked in December 2020 On the other hand, Van den Berg
and weakened rapidly during pointed out that the probability of “Plantings in the area are about 50%
February and March 2021. rainfall for the drought-stricken complete. The soil moisture in most
south-western and eastern parts of of the areas is practically zero. [...]
the country, or the areas in between If we get rain soon, the wheat will be
winter rainfall regions, was looking less well away.” – Jeandré van der Walt
favourable over the next few months.

Pannar Seed’s 2020 salesperson of the year

Francois Mellet was named Pannar From left: Carl Otto (Pannar area manager for Gauteng, southern Mpumalanga and eastern
Seed’s salesperson of the year for Free State), Francois Mellet (2020 salesperson of the year), Gavin Thomson (runner-up), and
the 2020 season for the second year Petrus van Rooyen (area manager for KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape region). PANNAR SEED
running, at a recent awards function
held at Nambiti Private Game Reserve 110 YEARS ON THE LAND
near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mellet represents Pannar in the
Standerton and surrounding areas.
The runner-up award went to Gavin
Thomson, sales representative in
the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Nick Goble, Pannar business
manager, said: “Francois and Gavin
are congratulated on their outstanding
performance and rapport with
customers throughout their territories.

“They have used their sales
experience, technical knowledge,
passion for Pannar and ability to
market the company’s wide range
of different crops and cultivars to
their customers, and to provide
a professional service. Pannar
is immensely proud to have
representatives of this calibre servicing
our valued farmers.” – Staff reporter

20 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021

Mixed reaction to change in domestic labour laws

The Portfolio Committee on Bagraim said farmers were excluded domestic workers administrative weaknesses
Employment and Labour often confused about how to from the ambit of COIDA. in the Compensation
recently heard oral presentations manage domestic workers Fund process, as private
from various organisations who also performed farm “There seems to be no medical practitioners were
on the Compensation for work. “My suggestion is to logical or equitable reason not prepared, nor able,
Occupational Injuries and see where the worker spends why domestic workers to engage and wait for
Diseases Amendment the larger [proportion] of were excluded from the unreasonable periods for the
(COIDA) Bill, according to a time, and then register him protection of the Act in the fund to reimburse claims.
statement from Parliament. or her as either a domestic first place,” Swart said.
worker or a farmworker.” “Third parties are
Michel Bagraim, DA MP Lebogang Sethusha, labour intervening, and in many
and spokesperson on labour, Jaco Swart, national spokesperson for Agri SA, cases have gone to court
said: “Domestic workers manager of the National said the inclusion of domestic against the fund for non-
are now recognised and Employers’ Association workers was “a tremendous performance, and are often
can claim from the workers’ of South Africa, said the move towards [ensuring] winning these cases.” He said
compensation fund if injured amendment dealing with the our labour policies and the problem was, however,
or ill. More controversially, the inclusion of domestic workers institutions protect those not third parties operating
Amendment Bill is proposing was a result of a declaration who are most vulnerable in the system, but rather the
that third parties not be of unconstitutionality, by in our labour market and fund’s inability to process
allowed to operate within the Constitutional Court, the broader society”. claims and reimburse service
the compensation process.” of the provisions that providers. – Wouter Kriel
Bagraim said third
parties were exploiting the

Nanotech promises to enhance agri production

Over the past decade, subsequently, was the shelf life of products help to eliminate bacterial
nanotechnology has much smaller than their or identify decay. infections within seconds,
infiltrated agricultural conventional counterparts, rather than the weeks taken
products, with many farmers turning them into Nanotechnology also by antibiotic treatments.
being oblivious of this. valuable aids in precision promised to revolutionise
agriculture and the battle livestock production, from Swart said various particles
“Farmers might have against climate change. diagnostics to the treatment were used in nanotechnology,
seen the benefits, but then and prevention of diseases. of which some could be
[attribute it to] ordinary In terms of pesticides and highly toxic, depending
product improvements. The herbicides, the technology In a study published in on the type of particle,
breakthroughs, however, could produce various Veterinary Medicine in 2020, climatic conditions, and the
are made through the targeted effects, ranging titled ‘Nanotechnology way it was being used.
manipulation of particles less from slowing down the and its application in
than 100 nanometres in size,” release rate to reducing animal production: a “They are, however,
said Prof Hendrik Swart of the lethal concentrations, and review’, the authors said the subjected to the same tests
Department of Physics at the prolonging the time the technology would become as any other medical or
University of the Free State. products were active or gave so advanced over the next agricultural products.”
protection, Swart said. few years that it might – Glenneis Kriel
This technology was
key to the sustainability of The greater efficacy and JHB TRACTOR SPARES
agriculture, especially when more targeted use might
it came to fertiliser, herbicide allow farmers to overcome SPECIALISTS IN REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR
and pesticide usage. problems with pesticide
and herbicide resistance. FORD / FIAT / NEWHOLLAND / MF
“Since nanotechnology It might also result in less
works with much smaller or no water being needed Tel: (011) 677-2100 / 615-6421 • Fax:(011) 622-4311
particles than conventional during applications, and
commercial products, nano- fuel savings, as fewer email: [email protected]
products are much better applications might be www.jhbtractorspares.co.za
absorbed and require lower necessary than with a
dosages than would have been conventional product. 32 Davies Road 50 YEARS
necessary with conventional Malvern East,
products,” Swart said. In post-production Germiston 1401
applications, it might South Africa
The environmental even be used to extend
footprint of these products, 50 years service to the farmers

®

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP

Free State Approximately 4% of all farms in the Free State experienced violent crime at some stage
farm attacks during the past five years. FW ARCHIVE
up almost 23%
year-on-year five years in the Free State. “What “During [the levels] 4 and 5 lockdown
is worrying is that the increase took periods, there was a decrease in [farm]
Just under 300 attacks, including place during the state of confinement attacks, which can be attributed to
37 murders, took place on farms in during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the restricted movement of people,
the Free State between 1 April 2016 more law enforcement was in place.” but at Level 3 it increased again.”
and 31 March this year.
Jakkals le Roux, chairperson of the She added that the non-reporting
This was according to a report by Dr Jane FSA’s rural safety committee, said 70 of incidents remained a challenge,
Buys, safety and risk analyst at Free State of the farm attacks and killings over especially when it came to
Agriculture (FSA), which stated that the five-year period had occurred in livestock theft, which had a non-
agricultural communities were under siege 12 agricultural communities located on reporting rate of 70% to 80%.
from this type of serious violent crime. the South Africa/Lesotho border. “The
situation on the border is concerning Provincial police spokesperson
In her report, Buys said that and is a major factor in agricultural Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said
143 commercial and emerging communities being unsafe,” he added. that the rural safety plan was still
farmers had been attacked during being executed by all stakeholders,
this period, 16 of whom were killed. Buys said visible policing and the and joint operations were being
In addition, 126 workers, including exchange of information were the most held in accordance with these
foremen and security guards, had been effective methods of combating rural crime. plans. – Pieter Dempsey
attacked, with 14 losing their lives.

“[The FSA] has determined that
almost 300 farms were targeted by an
attack or murder in the five-year period,
which represents almost 4% of the
Free State’s farming entities [of 7 951,
according to Statistics South Africa’s
2018 agricultural survey],” Buys said.

She added that five more farm murders
and 14 more farm attacks had taken
place in the 2020/2021 financial year than
in 2019/2020, which was an increase of
41,67% and 22,95% respectively. A total
of 73 farm attacks occurred in 2020/2021.

Buys said the number of farm attacks
and murders was at its highest in

MPO restructuring results in CEO’s suspension

The board of directors Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, decision was that the industry One of the renewed MPO’s
of the Milk Producers’ MPO chairperson Colin had changed and, with only main priorities, he added,
Organisation (MPO) recently Wellbeloved said the board about 1 000 dairy producers would be to support farmers
announced the suspension aimed to complete the in South Africa, the MPO in achieving a fairer share
of CEO, Chris van Dijk, and restructuring process as needed to adapt in order to of the value of the products
said it was embarking on soon as possible, but he was serve its members effectively. they offered, and its focus
a strategic restructuring of unable to provide a timeline. would include pricing,
the organisation. This was He added that the MPO member engagement, forensic
according to a letter sent to “It is clear that our industry would be “leaner, meaner, monitoring of imports, and
MPO members and non- [of milk producers] can no and fit for purpose”. corporate transparency.
members to inform them of longer sustain the MPO and
this decision, which would its subsidiaries in its current Wellbeloved stressed Van Dijk was unable to
enable the board to investigate form, and that drastic and that Van Dijk was not comment on the situation
the reorganisation of the urgent action is required.” under investigation for due to the conditions set
MPO without hindrance. any wrongdoing, and out in the terms of his
Wellbeloved said that one there was no disciplinary suspension. – Pieter Dempsey
of the reasons for the board’s action against him.

22 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

AgSrhadetunreatl

011 412 3954

For more information on our product range, contact us on 011 412 3954 or [email protected]

www.plusnetgeotex.co.za

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP

Packaging demand spurs
forestry sector growth

The forestry industry is market conditions for Demand for dissolving wood pulp is driving good financial results in
recovering steadily after dissolving pulp (DP), as the forestry sector, says Sappi CEO Steve Binnie. LINDI BOTHA
financial results took a beating well as packaging and
from COVID- 19-related speciality paper, would “The persistent weak demand “We’re seeing strong demand
economic restrictions last year. partially offset weaker in Europe is likely to keep across our packaging markets,
demand for graphic paper. the market in oversupply and supported by the structural
Sappi reported an diminish pricing power. The growth drivers of e-commerce
improvement in earnings before “We are seeing a continued lag in sales price increase and sustainability, and are
interest, taxes, depreciation rapid recovery of DP realisation, in combination implementing price increases
and amortisation (EBITA) markets, with Chinese with rising raw material across all key product
from a low of US$26 million market prices at their highest and logistics costs, could segments,” said Kerry
(about R363 million) in the levels since May 2012. exacerbate the margin squeeze Cooper, Mondi group head
third quarter of 2020 to even further in that region.” of external communications.
US$112 million (R1,6 billion) “The key factors
in the second quarter of 2021, supporting the positive Mondi also reported Ongoing global logistical
with further improvement sentiment in the sector favourable financial results challenges, including
expected in the third quarter. include continued tight for the first quarter of 2021, container shortages, port
DP supply; low viscose and stated that strong congestion and availability
Sappi CEO Steve Binnie staple fibre inventory levels demand for packaging of vessel capacity, posed
noted that the US and South throughout the textile value and containerboard an ongoing risk to export
African business divisions both chain; improved apparel would continue to drive volumes from all regions,
recorded strong improvements retail demand in the US favourable results. he added. – Lindi Botha
in profitability. “This was in and Asia, which favourably
contrast to Europe, where impacted all textile fibre
extended lockdowns and prices; higher paper pulp
restrictions on economic prices; and a continued
activity hindered performance. weaker US dollar/[Chinese]
[The pandemic] also severely renminbi exchange rate.”
affected global shipping and
container availability, which Binnie said graphic
impacted sales volumes.” paper markets remained
challenging, and demand was
Looking to the future, still well below the long-term
Binnie stated that favourable pre-COVID-19 trend levels.

Agriculture Master Plan: ‘the challenge is execution’

Industry role players are finalising a Sean Walsh, CEO of Kaap Agri, said which set out the broad principles, would
framework for the Agriculture and that Agbiz, the Bureau for Food and soon be signed off on. “These aspects,
Agro-processing Master Plan to present Agricultural Policy (BFAP), and relevant such as job creation, transformation
to Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform farmers’ representatives had put a great and new markets, are relatively easy for
and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza. deal of work into the master plan, but all involved to agree on,” he added.
that the challenge was its execution.
Stakeholders had agreed on the main There was a compelling case to execute Van der Rheede added that once the
themes, namely food security, the it and, if resources were channelled first phase was signed off, the difficult
opening of new markets, transformation, correctly, it could have a significant work would begin, as sector-specific
job creation, rural safety, and climate impact on direct and indirect agricultural plans needed to be developed together
change mitigation, but negotiations on employment in South Africa, and achieve with BFAP. He said that government
how to achieve these goals would need bankable and feasible expansions in did not have the required skills nor the
to take place, according to Mooketsa the total agricultural value chain. budget to drive this process alone. He
Ramasodi, acting director general of was therefore positive about concepts
the Department of Agriculture, Land “If, however, the resources are such as blended finance, which meant
Reform and Rural Development. not allocated, the master plan will that the financial sector would be
remain just a plan,” Walsh said. part of the operation. Van der Rheede
Ramasodi did not want to said that without the right skills and
commit to a completion date for the Christo van der Rheede, CEO of knowledge, even the best plan would
master plan, as it needed “proper Agri SA, said the master plan was a always be just a plan. – Wouter Kriel
consultation and planning”. two-phase process and the first phase,

24 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

PROMOTIONAL ARTICLE

Opportunities for THIS PAGE IS
SA beef and lamb SPONSORED BY
THE RED MEAT
The red meat industry in South Africa is brimming with opportunities for
commercial and developing livestock producers, with beef, mutton and INDUSTRY
lamb prices going strong.
a year ago, and the 30% forecast increase
in the maize crop will put downward
pressure on maize prices, which is
good news for weaner calf producers.

The strong producer price is a
combination of healthy local demand
and the fact that exports have resumed
to 23 countries, including China, Kuwait
and the UAE, despite the foot-and-mouth
disease outbreak. South Africa’s beef
exports have shifted from primarily
sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East
and China, which is very positive.

The hide price increased from around
R1/kg to R9/kg y/y, which provides
some support to the industry.

South African beef cattle are mostly finished off in feedlots, which ensures STRONG MUTTON
that a homogenous product is produced for the market. FLICKR AND LAMB PRICES
ARE AN INDICATION
The producer price of lamb is Boesmanland, Hantam, the Koup area THAT LOCAL
currently 14% higher than a year and the central Karoo are still trapped DEMAND FOR THESE
ago and the price of mutton is in severe drought, and production PRODUCTS IS
STILL GOOD
24% higher than a year ago. These high in these areas is at around 50%.
OPPORTUNITIES
prices are encouraging and can partly The strong sheep and lamb prices South Africa is very competitive,
especially on the global beef market, with
be attributed to the fact that sheep are encouraging and an indication the price of South African beef around
30% lower than the global average.
slaughtering is almost 13% lower year- that the demand for this meat is still Beef export currently amounts to 4% of
local production and around 1% of local
on-year (y/y). The lower slaughtering rate good. The RPO is confident that the sheep and lamb meat production. Beef
exports have the potential to grow to
is mostly due to farmers rebuilding their consumer education programme, 20% of local production, while the live
sheep export market has the potential
herds, but the impact of stock theft and run using statutory levies, makes a to grow to 6%. South African beef
remains a very sought-after product and
predation cannot be underestimated. significant contribution in this regard. is mostly produced in feedlots, which
ensures a very homogenous product.
To an extent, the drastic increase in The price of skins is 16% higher y/y,
Moreover, the industry is 40%
sheep meat prices can also be attributed which could also boost the industry. transformed while 1,2 million households
own livestock. This represents a great
to the export of live sheep. The Red The storage lamb price is 42% higher chance for the developing sector to
become part of the value chain.
Meat Producers Organisation (RPO) y/y. This increase can be attributed to the Phone the RPO on 012 349 1102/3,
or email [email protected].
is very excited about these exports, relatively high price levels of Class A2/
28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 25
and is dedicated to ensuring that these A3 lambs. The market is also stimulated

exports occur in terms of accepted global by the demand for storage lambs by

protocols that ensure animal health producers who want to utilise crop

and welfare. As much as 6% of local residue, specifically that of soya bean.

production can be exported in this way
and can be of great value to the industry. BEEF

Despite a very good rainfall season Class A2/A3 beef is 19% higher y/y,

in the summer rainfall region, the while Class C2/C3 is 21% higher y/y. The

extensive sheep-producing areas like weaner calf price is now 36% higher than

COMMODITY PRICE TRENDS

An overview of South
Africa’s 2020/2021
raisin season

Despite weather-related challenges in the latter part of 2020 and early 2021, the medium-term outlook for
South Africa’s raisin industry is excellent, says Napier de Kock, Absa agri specialist in the Northern Cape.

After a good 2021 pre-season rise to more than full capacity, while intitial estimate and the amount
in the lower Orange River widespread rainfall also occurred along produced in 2020 (see graph).
region, the scene is set for the river from the beginning of the year.
This reduction was driven

record raisin production this year. As a result, water was released from predominantly by the conditions in the

Despite some vines being damaged major dams such as the Gariep and Lower Orange River region, although

by severe frost in September 2020 Van Der Kloof, reaching a peak flow producers in the Western Cape are

and scattered dust- and hailstorms in rate of almost 2 900m³/ second in early also expected to record lower yields.

November 2020, initial expectations February. To put this into perspective, The yield for the Western Cape has

were that 2021 might surpass the record the 1974 flood had a flow rate peaking at been estimated at 11 000t, which is

yield of 2020, which totalled 85 080t. 8 300m³/ second and the most recent flood 8% less than in 2020, and the Lower

This was based not only on favourable (2011) had a peak rate of 4 800m³/second. Orange River region is expected to

weather conditions, but the establishment Damage was recorded in lower-lying produce around 59 000t, which is

of new cultivars as well as young vines areas along the river, with weirs breaking 15% less than last year’s figure.

coming into full production. In line with and orchards being flooded. This prevented

2020 yields, Raisins South Africa’s first producers from harvesting grapes ENSURING QUALITY, REGARDLESS

crop estimate for 2021 was 86 000t. and caused damage to infrastructure. The conditions described above meant

La Niña-related rainfall patterns have Fortunately, the rainfall subsided, that farmers, workers, and technical

been forecast to continue well into 2021, giving farmers a window in which to workers at processing plants and

which is positive. However, this weather harvest during February and March. Raisins South Africa had to make a

system did cause disruption earlier this Based on these damages and delays, concerted effort to obtain a quality

year, leading to substantial rainfall in Raisins South Africa decreased the harvest through strict actions and

the catchment areas of the key dams in crop estimate for 2021 to 70 000t, spraying programmes. Producers

the Northern Cape. This saw dam levels which is about 20% less than the faced a number of difficulties

South African raisin production (LHS) and prices (RHS) from 2010 to 2021

90 000 Tons 85 080 35,00
80 000 Golden Seedless 30,00
70 000 Orange River raisins 25,00
Thompson Seedless 20,00
ZAR/USD

Total production (t) 60 000

50 000 R/kg

40 000 16,54 15,00
30 000 14,54 10,00
20 000
10 000 5,00

0 0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

26 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

FRONT END LOADERS

as a result of the rain and humid conditions: WUHLF WL922 Vlakvark 0.5m³ R 230 000
these included burst berries and an increase in
the populations of pests such as fruit fly. EQUIPMENT (PTY) LTD ML18 Buffel 0.9m³ R 330 000

Farmers also struggled with sugar levels of berries, Visit us on Facebook WL925 Buffel 1.0m³ R 420 000
a result of the delayed season. It also meant that
some producers ended up producing a different Head Office: WL933 Eland 1.4m³ R 520 000
type of raisin than the one budgeted for, which
could mean a reduction in the price realised for 76 Haakdoornlaagte CL935 Renoster 1.7m³ R 690 000
the season. Compared with the previous season, Wallmannsthal Pretoria
32% fewer Golden Seedless and 25% more of the CL958 Olifant 3.0m³ R 1 160 000
Thompson Seedless variety were produced. N1 North Highway
Wallmannsthall Off-Ramp Prices are VAT excl.
After good prices in the 2019 season, farmers saw
a drop in the price of raisins, ranging from 13% for Co-ordinates: FORKLIFTS
Golden raisins to almost 40% for Thompsons. For the 25 34'36.0"S 28 27'16.0"E
current season, prices stayed flat at the beginning ATF920 Meerkat 4x4 ATF920 Meerkat 4x4
of the season, but the price of Thompsons increased Office: 3m Mast 2.5ton 4m Mast 2.0ton
on the back of a rise in the international price.
+27 (0)12 004 2000 R 310 000 R 320 000
With about 85% of South Africa’s total raisin +27 (0)12 004 2001 Prices are VAT excl.
production being exported, the exchange rate played +27 (0)12 548 0321
a major role in supporting the local price in 2020. MULCHERS
The rand has appreciated year-on-year and was Fax:
trading at the time of writing at around R14 to the Wuhlf 920 Mulcher with
US dollar. Absa’s projections for the ZAR/US dollar +27 (0) 86 458 0317 water cooled Engine 85kw
exchange rate are R14,25 at mid-year, depreciating
to R15,25 at year-end. This will have a considerable Sales: R 985 000.00 (excl VAT)
effect on the prices of raisins realised in 2021.
Coert Steenberg
The graph shows total South African raisin +27 (0) 84 247 0804
production since 2010 with the associated price for [email protected]
three types of raisins. It also shows the exchange [email protected]
rate movement over the past couple of years. From
this, it should be apparent that the raisin industry Website: Wuhlf 930 Mulcher with
had a tough season due to lower production, water cooled Engine 129kw
lower prices and quality problems in 2021. www.wuhlf.co.za
R 1 495 000.00 (excl VAT)
This, combined with increased input costs, is
expected to put margins under pressure which, in turn, Wuhlf 960 Mulcher with
should result in cash flow deviations. The conditions water cooled Engine 276kw
that played out during the 2021 season highlight the
importance of cultivar composition, productivity, R2 990 000.00 (excl VAT)
and providing for the removal of old and/or non-
performing vines. Farmers should invest in all these FARMRANGER.CO.ZA
aspects during good seasons to remain resilient.
Stock Theft ?
A POSITIVE OUTLOOK predators ?
Despite the issues highlighted, general sentiment
around raisin production in South Africa remains Get alarm calls when
extremely optimistic. The quality of local raisins is DANGER is detected
excellent and demand for raisins as a healthy snack Live GPS tracking
during the COVID-19 pandemic was also apparent. during an alarm
Just ONE collar
From a marketing perspective, good progress needed per
has been made to position local raisins in the UK group
and Germany, with exports to the UK already
almost 200% higher than a year ago. With 16 200ha
currently established in South Africa, the 100 000t
production mark may be closer than we think.

Despite the challenges in 2021, the future of South
Africa’s raisin industry looks bright, and promising
developments and adjustments to production
are certain to take the industry forward.
Email Marlene Louw at Absa AgriBusiness
at [email protected]. FW

GLOBAL FARMING

Are we moving
into a commodity
super-cycle?

Global indications point towards a possible commodity super-cycle, but agricultural product prices are already
far above long-term trends. It’s likely that higher prices will continue into the near future. By Dr Koos Coetzee.

Commodity prices have In 2020, the Food and Agricultural crop of 16 million tons is expected for
recovered remarkably since the Organization of the United Nations 2021, which is up 1% on 2020. Prices
COVID- 19-induced slump in 2020. (FAO) expected grain prices to trade at are at, or very near, export parity and

The Standard & Poor GSCI commodity 2018 levels, with maize at about US$160/t will probably remain high. March 2022

price index has risen 86% since March (about R2 243/t). Globally, food prices summer grain, oilseed and wheat futures

2020. While still cautious, commentators have increased sharply since 2020. are currently trading at slightly higher

believe we might possibly be entering The FAO Food Price Index (based on prices than July 2021 futures. It thus

a commodity super-cycle again. meat, dairy, cereals, vegetable oils and seems as if prices may remain high.

This is when prices move above sugar) rose from 95,1 in March 2020 to Although the slowdown in the

long-term trends for long periods. We 118,5 in March 2021, an increase of 24,7%. economy resulted in weaker consumer

have seen four super-cycles to date. demand, retail prices haven’t decreased.

The first started in 1890 when rapid FARMERS SHOULD The supply of livestock products is
industrialisation and urbanisation took NOT CONVERT lower as farmers have entered a herd
place in the US. The second started HIGHER PRODUCT rebuilding phase. In March 2021, meat
during the Second World War, peaked PRICES DIRECTLY prices were 6,7% higher than a year ago,
in 1951 and continued to 1973. Rapid INTO HIGHER dairy product prices increased 7,2%,
economic growth in the early 1970s LAND PRICES oilseed prices rose 13,4% and grain
created demand, while supply was prices increased 4,9%. These prices have
limited by countries that nationalised not yet reacted to the 24,6% increase in
mining and refinery industries. global agricultural product prices. It

This resulted in higher prices. seems though that South African farmers

The fourth super-cycle started with The monthly index has increased can expect higher prices than in 2020.

fast growth and increased demand as continually since June 2014. Uncertainty OUTLOOK
China modernised its economy and about plantings has resulted in sharp

a new middle class emerged there increases in the US maize futures The length of this cycle is still uncertain.

and in the other BRICS countries. price. In May, maize on the Chicago If it is a super-cycle, a decade of higher

The cycle was disrupted by the 2008 Board of Trade was selling at US$316/t product prices can be expected. If

financial crisis, but a huge financial (R4 412/t), up 120% year-on-year. not, farmers will at least enjoy higher

stimulus by China restored demand. In rand terms, US maize prices prices in 2021 and possibly into 2022.

This cycle continued to 2014. increased 67% as the rand strengthened It is frequently more difficult to

The COVID-19 pandemic saw weak against the dollar, which was mainly a manage higher prices. Farmers should

demand and disrupted product supplies result of the US dollar weakening. South not convert higher product prices

globally. As economic growth in most African white and yellow maize futures directly into higher land prices. When

countries recovers, and governments are currently trading respectively at their cash flow improves, particularly

continue to stimulate their economies R3 268/t and R3 399/t (July deliveries) after a difficult period, farmers

with very accommodating fiscal and R3 402/t and R3 505/t (March 2022 need to exercise strict discipline to

packages, demand increases. In addition, deliveries), up from the R2 621/t and manage their money correctly.

a weaker US dollar has resulted in R2 950/t levels of last year respectively. Debt repayment is frequently a good

sharp increases in commodity prices. Comparing current prices with the strategy. However, it’s sometimes

Although prices are currently far 2020 Bureau for Food and Agricultural better to spend money on increasing

above long-term trends, it’s probably Policy baseline, it is clear that maize production capacity and efficiency.

too early to say whether this trend prices are indeed far above the long- Dr Koos Coetzee is an independent

will continue for all commodities. term trend in US dollar and rand terms, agricultural economist. Email him at

Agricultural commodity prices usually fulfilling one of the requirements of a [email protected].
follow the same trends as other commodities. super-cycle. An above-average maize Subject line: Global farming. FW

28 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND





RISK MANAGEMENT

They’re out to
get your money!

The scourge of cyber crime is an ever-growing threat in our increasingly digitised world.
Every business and every individual who carries out any banking or financial transactions is
potentially in danger of falling victim to it. Andries Wiese offers advice on cyber safety.

Cyber criminals know no ethical help anybody; the crisis is not over • Do not write down PINs and
boundaries and will attack anywhere until it is over everywhere. passwords, and avoid obvious choices
wherever there is a vulnerability. like birth dates and first names.
Even the large technology vendors admit MORE WINDOWS • Use strong, alphanumeric passwords

that no security software is infallible. Many farmers and other business for all of your accounts. Change

According to the Hiscox Cyber owners have been at the forefront of the your passwords regularly and never

Readiness Report 2021, the number of digital revolution, and electronic trading share them with anyone else.

businesses targeted by cyber criminals platforms and on-site technology have • Do not use Internet cafés or unsecured

during the past year increased been standard with these users for years. Wi-Fi (in hotels, conference centres,

from 38% to 43%, with more than Darren McGraw, president of and so on) to do your banking.

a quarter of those targeted (28%) Mechelsen Private Client, says cyber • Verify all requests for personal

experiencing five attacks or more. criminals tend to target this type information and only provide this when

These attacks are pushing many of client, as they typically have a there is a legitimate reason to do so.

firms to the brink, with one in six faster and broader adoption rate of • Make sure that a website is encrypted

businesses involved (17%) saying technology; this gives the criminals before you use it for a financial

the financial impact materially more windows into their cyber transaction. Typically, you will see

threatened the company’s future. lives than those who may be slower a picture of a lock in the URL field,

VERIFY ALL to adopt digital technology. and the URL will contain ‘https’,
REQUESTS FOR In an Insurance Journal report, which means that it is secure.
PERSONAL • Teach your children about safe Internet
INFORMATION, AND Hayden Kopser, co-founder and techniques, including how to spot
ONLY PROVIDE IT president of US-based insurance potential scams and phishing attempts.
WHEN THERE IS A company North Improvement, says • Alert the South African Fraud Prevention
LEGITIMATE REASON the main threats he currently sees are Service immediately on 0860 101 248
funds-transfer fraud, which involves or at safps. org. za if your identity
the theft of funds from a victim’s documents have been lost or stolen.
account; and social engineering-
related financial loss, where YOUR DATA IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
individuals are tricked into giving

away sensitive information or funds. The loss of data and the monetary

Cyber crime is on the rise and South BASIC PRECAUTIONS implications of scams are enormous.
Africa is not immune. It has now been It’s no longer possible for any business

more than a year since pandemic- No measure is infallible, but a owner to steer clear of this risk. The

related restrictions began, and many few basic precautions will help to important thing to remember is that

South Africans have become used safeguard your cyber world: you cannot pass the buck: you remain

to working from home. This means • Do not disclose personal custodian of your data, and if anything

increased reliance on technology and information such as passwords seems too good to be true, it probably is!

greater use of at-home connectivity. and PINs when asked to do so by Andries Wiese is head of the Agri

Not only are individual households anyone via telephone, fax or email. Division at Hollard Insurance. Email

more exposed, but it has become difficult • When destroying personal him at [email protected].

for companies to appreciate their own information, either shred or burn it. Subject line: Risk management.

risk, in many cases because they cannot • Do not carry unnecessary personal • Several YouTube channels show how

gauge the extent of their own exposure. information in your wallet or purse. scammers work, and how hackers torment

Pleading ignorance or maintaining • Store personal and financial them on behalf of us all. Scammer Payback is a
an ostrich mentality is not going to documentation safely. good place to start. The name says it all. FW

28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 29

CANNABIS POST

The pros and cons of
different hydroponic
cultivation systems

Most successful commercial cannabis growers use hydroponics to cultivate their crop. But there’s more to this
production technique than meets the eye. Thomas Walker explains.

There are a number of methods coco peat but is a rich, brown colour; net baskets in the flowing water,
of hydroponic cultivation. fibres, a coarse, hair-like version; and taking up what they require.
The two main systems use a chips, a combination of pith and fibres. Pros

substrate or employ only nutrient- Pros – Good use of space, with the

rich water. In some instances, both – Superior buffer against temperature ability to go vertical.

methods are used simultaneously. and nutrient issues. – Highly efficient use of water.

SUBSTRATES – Excellent for beginners and – Accurate feeding.
professionals alike. Cons

The following are substrates that – Environmentally sustainable – Very short buffer for interruptions

can be used for cannabis production and organic. in electrical supply.

in hydroponic systems. Cons – Nutrient water temperature
• Rockwool – It cannot be reused in most cases. must be closely controlled.

Rockwool is an inert substrate made of – It requires more labour. – Algae build-up can become a problem.
spun rock minerals that acts as a medium • Aeroponics
for roots. Different forms of Rockwool DUAL-METHOD AND PURE
can be used, but the most popular is HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS In this case, plants are rooted in

small, LECA-filled net baskets that are

cubes. Typically, drip irrigation and ebb- The following are hydroponic systems placed in containers and continuously

and-flow systems are used for irrigation. that use substrates and nutrient-rich misted with nutrient-rich water. The

Pros water, as well as only nutrient-rich water. roots are suspended in this mist and
– Excellent water-holding and drainage.
• Ebb and flow take up only what is required.

– Excellent oxygen availability for roots. Plants are rooted in either Rockwool or Pros

Cons LECA and placed in a container with a – Exceptional growth rate and yield.

– Rockwool cannot be reused. drainage hole. They are irrigated by a Cons

– It requires frequent watering. pump in a nutrient reservoir beneath the – Extremely short buffer for

– It is susceptible to temperature container. When the pump is turned on, interruptions in power supply.

changes in the root zone. the container is flooded. When the pump – Difficult to scale.
• Lightweight expanded clay aggregate
is switched off, the excess water drains • Deep-water cultivation

Hydroton clay pebbles, also known as out, returning to the nutrient reservoir. This incorporates both aeroponics and

LECA (light expanded clay aggregate) is Pros nutrient film by suspending the plants’

produced by heating clay to more than – Easier automation. roots in nutrient-rich water and mist.

1 000°C. This forms small balls of clay Cons Pros

with pores that act as sponges to hold – With many plants in one – Exceptional growth rate and yield.

water. Drip irrigation and ebb-and-flow container, diseases and pests can Cons

systems are generally used for irrigation. be transmitted more readily. – An extremely short buffer for

Pros – Interruptions in the electricity supply interruptions in electrical supply.

– Superior oxygen availability for roots. can quickly kill plants due to the – Difficult to scale.

– It can be used many times with high watering frequency required. – Pathogens are easily spread amongst
cleaning in-between cycles. • Nutrient film technique plants sharing the same reservoir.

Cons This is a constant-flow hydroponics – Temperature of nutrient water

– It requires constant watering. system: the nutrient water has to must be controlled continuously.
• Coco coir flow continuously over the roots. Thomas Walker is the founder of Walker

This is an organic substrate made from Plants are rooted in small net baskets Cultivation, a consulting firm specialising

the fibre of coconut shells. The three filled with LECA and placed in in commercial cannabis production. Email

predominant forms are pith, a fine tubes containing the nutrient water. him at [email protected].
consistency coco, which resembles The roots hang down from the Subject line: Cannabis post. FW

30 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

TSRUINAFLL-OTOWPEPRINPGERFORMANCE

The Pannar sunflower stable indisputably offers the best genetic potential and technology on the
market. It tops the ARC trials year after year, with six out of the top 10 hybrids in the 2019/2020
season. These hybrids offer excellent yield potential at all yield levels as well as superior oil content.
With exceptional stability under varying conditions, these hybrids are widely adapted. The package
includes options for earlier planting and earlier flowering dates to help manage the risk of Sclerotinia
infection. Technology options include conventional and Pannar® brand sunflower hybrids with the
Clearfield® Plus trait, as well as a hybrid high in oleic acid.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS.

The unique Clearfield® symbol and Clearfield® Plus are registered trademarks of BASF.
™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2021 Corteva. 2021/SUN/FW/06.

Bottom line Silo Certificates

SA’s silo certificate
system: safe and reliable

Silo certificates form an integral part of trading for those involved in South Africa’s grain industry, according
to Johan Strauss, agricultural economy lecturer at the University of the Free State. In an interview with
Annelie Coleman, he said the country’s silo certificate system was dependable and highly regarded.

For the benefit of our readers who are Silo certificates are issued for all commercially
not involved in the grain industry, can stored grains. The parties involved in a silo
you explain what a silo certificate is? certificate transaction are the silo operators,
buyers and sellers. Grain traders such as maize
It’s a formal document that serves as confirmation exporters seldom engage with primary producers;
and evidence of the amount of grain delivered they deal with agribusinesses directly, as they
by a grain producer to, and held in storage by, do business on a totally different level to local
a storage facility. It is a tradeable document buyers and sellers. Grain traders keep a keen eye
that is used in South Africa for buying and on international trends and opportunities for
selling grain commodities. Producers can trade, based on the selling price, the price offered
sell grain based on silo certificates issued by by the potential buyer, and the exchange rate.
storage providers, and buyers such as millers
can purchase and pay for the grain based Does the market use the
on silo certificates provided by the seller. certificates to keep track of grain
supplies at any given time?
After the transaction is concluded, the seller
signs the certificate over to the buyer, and it then No. The certificates merely act as proof of grain
becomes the buyer’s property to be traded again held in a silo or other storage facility. Grain
or to obtain the physical grain from a silo. The supply-and-demand statistics are managed by
certificate holder is responsible for storage costs.
110 yeArS on the lAnd
32 farmer’sweekly 28 MAy 2021

SUPPLIED The JSE also commissioned an independent
investigation into operators’ conduct and
JOHAN STRAUSS adherence to the JSE’s requirements in March
2020. Apart from the one issue mentioned, there
were no breaches of the JSE requirements by any
other silo of the approved storage operators. The
integrity of silo certificates is so highly regarded
in South Africa that they are accepted by the
commercial banking sector as a form of security.

The concept of silo certificates is sacrosanct
and depends on meticulous administration.
The integrity of the South African grain market
is founded on the assurance that grain is
physically stored at the location indicated on
the silo certificate. A silo certificate guarantees
the quality of the commodity specified and that
it is stored at the location indicated on the silo
receipt. It will cause serious disruption in the
market if these rules are not strictly adhered to.

the South African Grain Information Service Please tell us more about the LEFT:
based on data provided by storage owners and inherent value of a silo certificate. The South African silo
grain processors. This is statutory information. certificate system forms
Its inherent value is underpinned by the the basis of buying and
It is important to keep in mind that silo certificates integrity of the company that issued the selling grain. According to
are connected to the facilities where the grains are certificate. In South Africa, we deal with Johan Strauss, lecturer at
physically kept. The certificate is issued for grains well-established companies that have proven the University of the Free
kept at a specific location. It’s not possible, for themselves over many years to be dependable State, it is an effective
example, for a buyer who bought a certificate for and responsible. If this was not the case, and trustworthy system.
maize in Wesselsbron to load the maize in Kroonstad. banks would never have agreed to accept silo
certificates as security. None of them would ANNELIE COLEMAN
Following recent controversy about be prepared to accept a silo certificate from
alleged silo certificate fraud, how a small, unknown business. Local trade in
reliable and trustworthy is the system? grains would have been quite challenging
if it weren’t for the silo certificate system.
The effectiveness of the silo certificate system has
been proven over and over again since it was put What alternative trading options are
into practice after the privatisation of the South there to the silo certificate system?
African grain industry. It is a reputable system,
and without it, the local industry would have I believe that the silo certificate system
found it very hard to operate in a free-market is the best at the moment, although it is
environment. It is also used successfully in the US not a statutory system, and role players
and Australia. In the US, it’s known as a shipping in the grain system are free to make use of
certificate, and in Australia a tender advice. whatever system they prefer. The electronic
silo certificate system (ESC) currently in use
In 2020, the JSE conducted a thorough, was developed specifically for the local grain
countrywide investigation into the management industry. It presents a fast, secure and cost-
and use of silo certificates. This uncovered effective way of managing silo certificates.
only a single incident where maize shown Once an electronic certificate is issued, it
on the silo certificate was not at the physical is automatically and instantly added to an
location. It was the first and only proven industry-wide Internet register, from where
transgression of this kind uncovered since owners can manage their individual certificates
the introduction of the SAFEX market. in a manner similar to Internet banking. The
ESC register is administered by the Exordia
Division of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Only registered certificate owners have
access to their own certificates. ESC is not an
electronic spot-trading platform; it’s simply a
secure and convenient electronic environment
within which to manage silo certificates
and the change of certificate ownership.
Email Johann Strauss on [email protected]. FW

28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 33

BUSINESS Hedging

Understanding fuel
hedging contracts

In this article, Daniella Keet, head of commercial structured finance solutions advisory at FNB, explains the
basics of hedging and, more specifically, how this financial instrument can be used to safeguard a farming
business against large and unexpected increases in the fuel price.
Most farmers would be
surprised to know SUPPLIED example) is known as the
that the term ‘hedge’, notional value of the contract.

Depending on whom you hedge

now synonymous through, you will generally

with investment banks and be required to pay a deposit

financial markets, has its origins (traditionally around 10%) of the

in the 14th century when it was notional value of the contract.

used to describe a fence made This is known as an ‘initial

from a row of bushes. Therefore, margin’ and is used to ensure

to hedge a piece of land was that you will have enough

to limit it in terms of size and money to settle the contract.

create a protective barrier. DANIELLA KEET Your bank or broker will
Today, financial hedges calculate the value of the

are used in a similar way hedge daily, based on that

by protecting and limiting day’s fuel price. The initial

against the potential risks that accompany margin will be compared against this value,

unexpected changes in prices of shares and a and if it is lower than the 10% of the notional

range of commodities, including gold, oil, maize contract value, you may be requested to top

and fuel. A hedge acts like a form of insurance up your deposit with additional cash.

in that, for a small cost, it protects against At the end of the contract, the existing

large and unexpected movements in price. price of the underlying item, less the future

As the price of the underlying item changes, price, will determine the profit or loss due

the hedge is affected in the opposite way, thereby to or payable by you, and this will be offset

eliminating the risk of price movements. against your initial margin. Throughout

this time, you will have been purchasing

BASICS OF A HEDGING CONTRACT fuel from the pump at that day’s current

In its simplest form, a hedge is a financial contract price, but the hedge contract results in the

entered into by two parties in which they agree net effect of the price you paid being the

to fix a price for delivery in the future with the palatable price you agreed to upfront.

intention of minimising unexpected market

risk. In this way, you can protect yourself as the MORE ON FUEL HEDGING

purchaser against increases in the purchase price, Fuel hedging, more specifically, is managing

as you have already agreed to a price upfront. the risk of unpredictable movements in the

The contract locks you into a palatable price, fuel price. The latter is highly volatile, which

for a specific quantity over a period. The value means that the price frequently moves up

of this financial contract will be the difference and down by large amounts. The volatility

between the actual price of the underlying of the price paid at the pump is primarily

item at a future point and the price you agreed due to the crude oil price being quoted in US

upfront. If the price of the underlying item has dollars and the rand/dollar exchange rate.

gone up and you are benefitting, you would A fuel hedge is a separate financial instrument

be described as being ‘in the money’; if the and is a contract entered into with a third

price has gone down and the other party is party such as a bank or a broker. It does not

benefitting, you would be ‘out of the money’. affect your operations or replace the process

The mechanics of entering into a hedge are of purchasing fuel, but will afford you

straightforward. You sign a contract agreeing certainty with your cash flow, and you will be

to a future price for a specific quantity of the able to make key decisions more accurately.

commodity, let’s say fuel, over a period. The This is particularly important if you have

price multiplied by the quantity (litres, for long lag times between diesel use and when

34 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

your revenue is generated, or if you hedge fuel user with a minimum of 100 000ℓ per trade,
the value of your harvest (revenue line). of which a maximum of 70% will be hedged.

It is recommended that you hedge a relatively Banks can also put in place a credit line (subject to
small portion (20% to 30%) of your fuel spend credit approval) to manage the market movements of
until you are comfortable with the process. the fuel hedge. This means that a client will not need
to pay any initial or variation margin (as explained
An obvious risk to hedging is that the price earlier) to the bank when taking out a hedge.
may move down instead of up. But while you
would not benefit from a reduced price, you A HEDGE IS A FINANCIAL
would not be worse off than if the price CONTRACT BETWEEN
did not move and you had not entered TWO PARTIES IN WHICH
the hedge. This risk can also be mitigated THEY AGREE TO FIX A
by not hedging your full spend. PRICE FOR DELIVERY
IN THE FUTURE
The objective of hedging is not to try to predict
a future price or to make profits by picking the The futures contracts through SAFEX
tops and bottoms, but rather to reduce the risk provides a hedge for a portion of the local
of unexpected price moves and thereby create diesel price. The minimum quantity for
cash flow certainty. This is best achieved by a contract on SAFEX is 5 000ℓ, which
averaging out prices over a series of hedges. caters to the needs of smaller farmers.
Email Daniella Keet at [email protected].
HEDGING OPTIONS Further details can also be found on SAFEX’s
Certain banks offer fuel hedging for clients with website at sashares.co.za/safex. FW
a large fuel spend. They typically have experts
available who can tailor short-term and long-
term risk management hedging strategies that
take into account current market conditions. The
FNB product, for example, is aimed at a larger

FOCUS ON POULTRY Biosecurity

Care and caution keep
poultry disease-free

As every chicken producer can attest, keeping the birds in optimal health is a finicky
task, and failure can lead to serious losses. This means that a meticulous biosecurity plan
is a top priority. Lindi Botha spoke to broiler producer Ben-Chris Bronkhorst about
putting the right systems in place and ensuring that they run efficiently.
Poultry farmer Ben-Chris Bronkhorst
of Hazyview, Mpumalanga, is quick Eliza Chicks produces 4 000 broilers a week.
to point out that he is paranoid Day- old chicks are sourced in Ermelo,
Mpumalanga, and Pretoria, Gauteng, and sold

about the health of his chickens. at six weeks, mostly to the informal market.

“I keep an eye on them and always look

FAST FACTS out for a problem. If I don’t consciously do DISEASES

Good biosecurity so, I can miss something and easily lose Bronkhorst notes that while avian influenza is
starts with cleaning
the chicken houses 100 chickens overnight to an illness. the most economically devastating disease for
thoroughly.
Disinfectants “I instruct my staff to do the same. Are the a poultry farm, it is rare, and he managed to
should be mixed
and applied birds sneezing, lying down too much, shaking keep it at bay during the big outbreak in 2017.
correctly.
Farm staff need to their heads, or just generally too inactive? “But you have to have all the protocols in
stay on the lookout
for symptoms These are the first signs that something is place to ensure that if an outbreak does occur, it
of disease in
the birds. amiss and I need to remedy the situation.” doesn’t reach your farm. And having the correct

While Bronkhorst has been farming for procedures in place helps to ensure that other

only three years, the energy and passion diseases don’t develop on the farm either.”

with which he has taken over the family He highlights coccidiosis and the common cold

poultry business, Eliza Chicks, has ensured as the most prevalent issues to watch out for.

a well-run operation with minimal incidence “Coccidiosis is a bacterium that’s already

of disease outbreaks in the flock. present in the chicken’s guts, but it can become

36 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

a problem if it increases rapidly. Any stress very strong, and you need to wear protective ABOVE:
placed on the chickens will cause the bacteria to clothing while applying it. The chlorine Ben-Chris Bronkhorst
multiply. This includes low temperatures, lack kills bacteria and also eliminates bad smells. produces 4 000 broilers a
of water for too long, or too much handling.” The combination works very well.” week at his family‘s poultry
business, Eliza Chicks, in
According to Bronkhorst, chickens can develop Before a new cycle of chickens is placed Hazyview, Mpumalanga.
a cold due to poor air quality or low temperatures, in the houses, the entire area, including the BELOW LEFT:
and telltale signs are sneezing or coughing. canvas sides, is cleaned thoroughly. Old litter He says that chickens should
and wood shavings are removed, and the be observed closely for
Diarrhoea can also be a problem, area is hosed down with a Virokill-chlorine any signs of illness, such
but is not usually serious. It can be mixture applied with a pressure washer. as coughing or sneezing.
caused by a high intake of water.
“This also gets rid of any preen oil from PHOTOS: LINDI BOTHA
Bronkhorst pays close attention to the the chickens that lands up on the surfaces,”
colour of the birds’ faeces, as this can provide explains Bronkhorst. “I then go over the
clues about their general health. “A maroon area again with formalin, and leave the area
colour indicates blood in the faeces, which untouched for three weeks. This is long
is most likely caused by coccidiosis. If the enough to kill off any trace of bacteria, because
faeces is white, it could be a sign of a cold, as there’s nothing left for them to live off.
the [mucus] would cause the whiteness.”
“Everything that’s removable, such as
In sum, a combination of the correct living the drinkers and feeders, is dried in the sun so
conditions and good biosecurity will help that the heat can further sterilise the equipment.
keep diseases at bay, external parasites off Then it’s also left to rest for three weeks.”
the farm, and the flock in good condition.

PREPARATION
Preparing the chicken houses for the arrival of
new chicks is crucial to maintaining their good
health. For Bronkhorst, this means that everything
from the drinkers and feed bowls to the walls and
floors have to be cleaned properly and sanitised.

He uses a combination of Virokill (a formalin-
based product) and chlorine to ensure
thorough cleaning. “Virokill is made for use
in chicken houses, so it’s safe. Formalin is

LITTER MANAGEMENT
It’s crucial to remove every trace of manure
and used litter from the chicken houses
as well as the farm, explains Bronkhorst,
as they attract flies and wild birds.

“If the wild birds get too close to the houses
they can end up inside them, which means
there’s a risk that any diseases they carry could
be transferred to the flock. This is of particular
concern because Eliza Chicks isn’t the only
chicken farm in the area. The wild birds can
transfer diseases from one farm to another.”

He adds that the strong ammonia smell of the
manure in the litter can also cause respiratory
problems in the chickens, leading to colds.

A number of crop farmers in the area collect
litter and manure from Eliza Chicks for

28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 37

FOCUS ON POULTRY Biosecurity

use as fertiliser. And as Bronkhorst is keen disinfects the vehicles and cages with the
to have it removed as quickly as possible, same products used on the poultry houses.
he gives it to these farmers for free.
“The chick suppliers fumigate the trucks when
He also ensures that the litter they arrive to collect the chicks to ensure there
stays dry, as wet litter is cold and the are no pathogens or bacteria present. They also
chickens can get sick as a result. have very strict biosecurity protocols in place,
so I know I’m getting healthy chicks from the
“Some farmers rake up the wood shavings start. The onus is then on me to ensure they
and spread them out again so that they dry stay that way throughout their life cycle.”
out and become aerated, but I prefer to replace
them completely. If I walk into the houses and The chicks receive a stress-relieving formula
there’s a bad smell, I replace the litter. In the in their drinking water when they arrive
rainy season this is done every second week. at Eliza Chicks to calm them down after
being moved from one farm to the other.
“Wet shavings create ideal conditions for
bacteria to flourish in. This is the perfect Bronkhorst emphasises the importance of
environment for diseases to develop and spread. adequate spacing in maintaining flock health.
Also, if it’s wet, the chickens get cold and start
piling up on top of each other to stay warm. “You can have the healthiest chicks, but if they’re
cramped in their houses, they’re prone to stress,
ABOVE: “It does cost me more to replace the shavings which makes them susceptible to infection. I work
Chickens need to have so frequently, but chickens that live in a clean on eight to 10 chickens/m² [in summer], but I
enough space in their and healthy environment simply grow better.” can increase this to 12 chickens/m² in winter.”

houses to prevent Bronkhorst prefers wood shavings over ‘I USE A COMBINATION OF
overcrowding, which can sawdust, as the latter is very fine; if kicked up or VIROKILL (A FORMALIN-
lead to stress and infection. disturbed, it creates dust, which is detrimental BASED PRODUCT) AND
to the birds’ health. The shavings come from a CHLORINE TO ENSURE
nearby sawmill and are sterilised before use. THOROUGH CLEANING’

The biosecurity of feed storage facilities As the chicks grow, Bronkhorst and his team
should also be well thought out, he explains, gradually raise the drinkers and feeders off the
as they, too, can be a source of disease. ground to a height that can be accessed by the
smallest chicken in the flock. This prevents the
“The feed attracts rats and wild birds, so birds from stepping into the containers and soiling
it should be properly sealed or in an area the feed and water, which would also contribute
where they can’t access the feed. It’s best to disease that would infect the entire flock.
to have a rat-control system, and I put
bird seed in a designated area to draw the The staff walk on footpaths at the entrances
wild birds away from the chickens.” of all the houses to ensure that bacteria don’t
spread from one area to the next. Customers
A NEW FLOCK who come to collect chickens have their vehicles
Bronkhorst uses his own trucks to collect disinfected, and also have to use the footbaths.
the day-old chicks, which gives him more
control over biosecurity; he cleans and Bronkhorst says that achieving total
coverage with disinfectants is his biggest
38 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 challenge in terms of biosecurity.

“Absolutely everything has to be cleaned
properly. This means ensuring that the products
are mixed correctly, and managing the staff
who apply the products. There’s always a
concern that it hasn’t been done adequately
and that harmful bacteria will slip in.”

Bronkhorst’s degree in labour relations has
come in handy, as he spends much of his time
training his staff on biosecurity measures and
his management of the health of the chickens.

“My staff play an enormous role in successful
biosecurity. They not only carry out the
applications, but remain amongst the chickens
all day to keep an eye open for any problems.”
Email Ben-Chris Bronkhorst at
[email protected]. FW

110 YEARS ON THE LAND



CROPS Soya Bean

Early planting: the key
to soya bean success

Soya bean farmer Gerrie Schoeman uses careful planning to time his planting perfectly. In addition, he uses
the best resources at hand, including experienced service providers and the latest technology, to optimise
production for maximum yield. Lindi Botha reports.
First-generation grain farmer Gerrie
Schoeman from Ermelo, Mpumalanga, consultants to do grid mapping of his farm and
has experienced both the benefits and make precise recommendations, so that he can
focus on the bigger picture of his operation.

disadvantages of starting his farming Precision agriculture company SGS collects

business from scratch. Having to buy land soil samples of the lands between June and

and every last piece of equipment, from a claw September to determine the soil’s requirements.

hammer to a combine harvester, he has had to A precision map is then worked out with

manage cash flow with great care to get on his feet. each hectare of land managed individually,

Today, nearly seven years down the line, according to its soil type and nutrient

he has equipped his operation with the latest requirement. Schoeman uses AgLeader

technology and applies precision farming software to manage precision applications.

techniques and strip-till (a combination of “The grid analysis gives me a complete picture

no-till and normal tillage) cultivation. of what’s happening on each hectare and how that

He spends hours researching the literature, piece of land must be treated. SGS analyses the

speaking to farmers across the world, and results from the grid mapping and devises a plan

keeping an eagle eye on his lands to work out for my applications, and I set the programs on my

FAST FACTS the best possible solutions for his farm. precision equipment accordingly,” he explains.
His efforts to improve his systems and Lime and gypsum are then usually applied
Gerrie Schoeman
plants his soya management practices are paying off, with according to the requirements of each hectare.
bean crop early this year’s crop looking particularly bountiful. Schoeman, once again, uses contractors to
to take maximum do this and save himself time. The process
advantage of IMPROVING THE SOIL is carried out after harvest (the busiest time
summer sunlight Schoeman plants a third of his land to soya bean of the year), and allows Schoeman to focus
hours.

He uses precision each year, rotating the lands with genetically his attention on other areas of the farm.
management modified (GM) and non-GM maize. Soya bean Phosphate and potassium are also applied
to streamline once made up half of his grain plantings, but with
production and the increasing frequency of hailstorms in the area, according to the soil’s requirements. Schoeman
save input costs. explains that phosphates must not be applied

In his experience, Schoeman decided to reduce this component to where lime has been added, as lime binds
strip-till cultivation lower his risk. Since maize is less susceptible to to the phosphate, rendering it useless to the
leaves more hail damage, he increased the area under this crop. plant. However, this aspect can easily be
moisture in the soil. taken care of with precision technology.
He uses strip-tillage to ensure

minimum disturbance of the soil.

“I went over to strip-till five years ago, EARLY PLANTING

and while my yield took a dip in the first Schoeman plants the soya beans in the

year, the soil has improved every year. The maize residue using a 16-row, 76cm

organisms in it are flourishing and the soil Equaliser minimum-till precision planter.

structure has improved. I anticipate that He aims for an early, short planting window

these benefits will continue to increase. between 25 September and 1 October.

“I have very sandy soils, so the improved “This is earlier than most other farmers,

soil structure also results in less erosion, and but I subscribe to the notion that ‘the early

my machines don’t get stuck in the lands as bean is the best bean’. Because it can get

they used to do. I can start planting earlier very wet here, with around 750mm of rain

because I don’t remove that last bit of moisture per annum, we need to start early to finish

that’s still trapped in the soil, which would planting before the rain hinders us.

usually be released with ploughing. Strip- “Earlier planting means that the plants have

tilling also reduces run-off of inputs.” extra time to grow and can take advantage of the

Schoeman believes strongly in making the extra sunlight during the crucial growing period

best use of time. He therefore hires expert in peak summer. It’s also important that the soya

40 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

plants are bigger and stronger when the big rain OPTIMAL NUTRITION TOP LEFT:
arrives in December, otherwise they’d drown.” Schoeman pays close attention to microelements AgLeader software allows
once the macroelements are all in balance. soya bean farmer Gerrie
Schoeman says that staggered planting Schoeman to manage
in previous seasons proved his theory. “I apply a wide spectrum of microelements at inputs meticulously.
Two soya bean lands were planted 20 days different stages of plant growth, as and when TOP RIGHT:
apart, and the yield of the first land was they’re needed by the crop. At the V4 plant Schoeman harvests
1t/ ha higher than that of the second. growth stage, I apply a large range of elements from the end of April
based on leaf analysis, which I carry out every to the middle of May.
“At an average price of R7 500/t, that’s a two weeks. I also find that boron and calcium in ABOVE:
huge difference. I intend investing in another particular make a big improvement, and I usually He obtains an average
planter this year so that we can complete do an application at the R1 growth stage.” soya bean yield of
planting on all our lands as early as possible.” just over 3t/ha.
Schoeman does not apply nitrogen to the soya
Schoeman varies planting density according crop, as he maintains it results in a “lazy” plant. PHOTOS: LINDI BOTHA
to cultivar and soil type. He averages 300 000
plants/ ha with the cultivars Santa Rosa 565 “I’ve been doing a good deal of research
and Pioneer P64T39. These were selected for on nitrogen use on soya crops, and what
their performance, with the former being successful US soya farmers like Randy
especially resistant to eelworm, which he Dowdy say resonates with me. They don’t
struggled to control previously. He achieves believe in nitrogen applications because soya
an average yield of just over 3t/ha. produces enough of its own nitrogen.”

28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 41

CROPS Soya Bean

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: Applying it from an external source discourages “Seed, fertiliser and all input other costs
Strip-till cultivation ensures the plant from producing its own. have been reduced. In the past year
alone, I saved 5,3% on input costs.”
better soil structure and “I’m doing a trial with ammonia sulphate, as
traps moisture for longer. I’ve seen other farmers achieve success with it Schoeman says that three pieces of equipment
when applied after the plant has started making are essential to his operation: the 16-row, 76cm
Soya bean planted in pods. But urea and normal nitrogen haven’t Equaliser minimum till precision planter, an
September achieved a yield performed for me, so I stay away from them. Amazone ZA-TS mounted fertiliser spreader,
that was 1t/ha higher than and a Case Patriot self-propelled sprayer.
soya planted 20 days later. “This is also why I focus on microelements
to boost the plant into making its own “With the sprayer, I can do applications quickly
Gerrie Schoeman has nitrogen-producing nodules. I use and efficiently. This is especially important if
carried out considerable Stoller’s Bioforge and apply molybdenum the leaf analysis indicates a nutrient shortage
at V4 and R1 plant growth stages.” and I need to get to all the soya lands in a short
research on soya bean time, so that the yield isn’t affected negatively
production, and also follows Schoeman is also experimenting with from the shortage. Timing is crucial; I can’t take
potassium applications. “Based on the days to get through everything. Buying this
the advice of successful precision analysis and conversations with machine was the best decision I’ve made.”
soya farmers in the US. other farmers, I’ve started to notice that the
traditionally advised applications of potassium ‘I APPLY A WIDE RANGE
are far lower than they should be. South African OF MICROELEMENTS
literature speaks of 4t/ha to 5t/ha, whereas AT DIFFERENT STAGES
US literature recommends double that. OF PLANT GROWTH’

“There are farmers in the region that have Liquid fertiliser is applied through the
started using the US approach, but I’m nervous Equaliser. Schoeman prefers a liquid to granular
because of the high salt concentration of application, as he can accurately measure the
potassium. Next season, I’ll look at potassium flow of the liquid and how much is applied.
sulphate and not potassium chloride, as the
sulphate component is more beneficial to the The tractors communicate with each set of
plant, and it doesn’t have the high salt content.” equipment through ISOBUS, so Schoeman need
only input his programme and the technology
PRECISION FARMING ensures that each land gets what it requires.
Schoeman aims for a soil pH of 5,5. Soil
types vary widely across his lands, which He believes in sticking to a schedule and carrying
is why precision management has been out a task properly when doing it for the first time.
all the more beneficial for him. This approach has stood him in good stead, and
combined with his focus on precise management,
“I started applying precision farming practices is likely to result in further improvements.
three years ago, and although there isn’t much Email Gerrie Schoeman at
difference in yield at this stage, I’ve seen the [email protected]. FW
difference in my profit margins. I don’t waste
inputs where they’re not needed, and that which 110 YEARS ON THE LAND
is applied gives me a return on my investment.

42 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021

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BACK TO BASICS

CROPS

Growing sunflowers: Part 1

Sunflower’s drought tolerance and low input costs make it a popular crop in South Africa.

Sunflower has a lengthy planting window of at least three months, making it a useful crop for farmers who use crop rotation systems. PIXABAY

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is in some areas of South Africa. It is grow sunflower should ensure that
an annual that can reach a height also particularly sensitive to high as much water as possible is stored
of 400cm, depending on the variety. soil temperatures during emergence. in the soil profile before planting

The plant bears a wide, terminal flower In the sandy soil of the western Free to limit the chance of failure.

head, encircled by bright yellow ray florets. State and North West, this often leads The sunflower plant has a deep,

Its short growth season means that to poor or erratic plant density. finely branched taproot system

it can be planted over a period of at SOIL REQUIREMENTS that can draw water from deep soil
least three months, and it is ideal for layers (deeper than 2m, if required).

farmers who make use of adaptable At present, the major planting areas are This is why the crop often performs

crop rotation and/or fallow systems. in soils with a clay percentage of less well during a dry season.

On the downside, it is very susceptible than 20%. Farmers in South Africa’s Because of the plant’s water-use

to bird damage and cannot be cultivated more arid western areas who wish to pattern and root system, the shallow

YIELD POTENTIAL IN RELATION TO SOIL DEPTH soils found mainly in the eastern areas,
AND RAINFALL FOR LOAM SOILS (KG/HA) such as shallow Westleigh, Estcourt,
Kroonstad and other duplex soils, are

Soil depth (cm) Rainfall (mm) also suitable. Sunflower can use water

500 550 650+ from the clay horizons of these soils.

40–60 1 000 1 200 1 500 YIELD POTENTIAL
60–80 1 300 1 500 1 900 If you plan to grow sunflower, be
80+ 1 300 1 600 2 200 sure to make a reliable assessment

44 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

of yield potential. You cannot plan LIVESTOCK
plant density, cultivar choice and
especially the fertilisation programme Dehorning your beef cattle
unless you have accurately can help boost profits
determined yield potential. The table
provides a guideline for doing this. Removing the horns from your cattle holds a number of advantages.
Most importantly, it will prevent the problem of bruised meat.
CULTIVARS
Choosing the right cultivar is one
way of ensuring higher profits at
little extra cost. Disease resistance
and seed quality do not play a major
role in cultivar choice; yield and
yield reliability are more important.

THE TAPROOT
SYSTEM CAN DRAW
WATER FROM DEEP
IN THE SOIL, WHICH
IS WHY THE PLANT
CAN DO WELL IN
A DRY SEASON

The ‘yield reliability’ of a cultivar at a Many indigenous cattle breeds, like the Nguni, are horned. While horns may look attractive,
certain yield potential is the minimum the animals can easily hit each other with them, resulting in bruising. In South Africa,
yield that will be achieved by the bruised meat may not be sold for human consumption. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
cultivar nine out of 10 times. It takes
into account yield disposition, average Bruised meat on carcasses, usually Moreover, when the calf suckles, the
yield and the risk profile of a cultivar. caused by horn blows during
transport or in a cattle crush, is caustic soda can harm the cow’s udder.
Ask your local extension officer for • The hot iron method
details on specific sunflower cultivars.
• Source: ‘Sunflower production: a condemned for human consumption at When the calf is three to six weeks
concise guide’. Department of Agriculture
and Rural Development, Province abattoirs, causing great financial loss. old, burn the horn-forming tissue
of KwaZulu-Natal Land. Retrieved
from www.kzndard.gov.za/images/ Dehorning cattle will help prevent this. at the base of the horn bud with a
Documents/RESOURCE_CENTRE/
GUIDELINE_DOCUMENTS/ Dehorned cattle can also be debudding iron heated by gas or fire.
PRODUCTION_GUIDELINES/Look-
n-Do/Sunflower%20Production.pdf. FW fed more easily, and there is less Heat the iron until dull red, press it onto

BEWARE! interference from dominant animals. the bud, and move it slowly in a circular

• Sunflower seedlings can easily In addition, dehorned animals motion for about 10 seconds. Hold the
be damaged by wind. For this
reason, avoid growing the crop in take up less space. This means that calf firmly to ensure the best results.
lightly textured soils susceptible
to wind erosion, unless you more can fit into a truck, more can be If the bud is too large, first remove
have taken care of this erosion
successfully. accommodated in a kraal, and more can the tip with a sharp pocket knife.
• Sunflower struggles to grow in
waterlogged conditions. stand around a trough to feed or drink. Other methods are not recommended,
• Sunflower is very sensitive to
high aluminium levels and should METHODS as these leave open wounds,
not be planted in a soil with a pH which can lead to complications.
lower than 4,6 (KCl).
There are several ways to remove Horn stubs may also develop.

an animal’s horns. Two methods In adult cattle, dehorning is best

are suitable for smallholders performed by a veterinarian, as

who have only a few cattle. mistakes can lead to fatalities.
• The caustic stick method • Source: Directorate of Agricultural

Apply caustic soda (in stick or paste Information Services. 2010. ‘Beef cattle –

form) to the horn bud before the calf is dehorning’. Department of Agriculture,

10 days old. Be sure to keep the calf out Land Reform & Development. Retrieved

of the rain after treatment, as the caustic from dalrrd.gov.za/Portals/0/InfoPaks/
soda can run down and hurt its face. Beef_dehorn_2006.pdf. FW

28 MAY 2021 farmer’sweekly 45

VEGETABLE PRODUCTION

A weed that’s a ticking time bomb

Malva parviflora is a drought-, heat- and cold-resistant weed that is almost impossible to kill
once established. If you see any, be sure to destroy them immediately, says Bill Kerr.

The large green leaves of Malva parviflora, with their serrated edges, are unmistakable. The weed has strong roots, and can survive harsh conditions. BILL KERR

Not all weeds are created equal. Moreover, it can be infected with tall, then pull them out of the soil
One I urge every farmer to viruses such as the cucumber mosaic immediately after irrigating. (The
become aware of is Malva virus. Because it can hold its own in weeds are almost impossible to pull

parviflora, often referred to simply as land margins (where it outperforms out of dry soil.) The extracted weeds

‘malva’. This weed is a tough customer other weeds) and grow throughout can be left where they are to die.

as it is very hard-seeded: the seeds, once winter, it can be a reservoir for viruses Whatever you do, don’t wait until

present in the soil, can last for many years during the cold months. These will then seeds start to develop. Even though

before germinating sporadically. I have infect the new crop through aphids, they might not be mature, they can

seen farmers become frustrated because which transmit the virus to the lands. continue maturing while the plant

they remove the plants before the seed A client of mine used to get tomato slowly dries out. Timing is essential,

sets and yet the weed keeps returning. spotted wild virus in his pepper crop so avoid procrastinating on this one!

Apart from this, the weed is resistant every year. I tried to persuade him to M. parviflora often arrives with cattle

to many herbicides. Very often, a remove his broadleaf weeds on the land manure. It is quite nutritious and relished

herbicide will destroy every weed verges in winter, but to no avail. Then, by cattle, sheep and horses. If eaten in

in the crop except M. parviflora. in a ditch alongside his crop, I found a excessive amounts, it can cause staggers.

The danger is that if you are unaware M. parviflora plant with virus symptoms. It is also the only seed I know of

of the danger posed by this weed, you I took the weed, along with a that can survive methyl bromide

won’t look for it, or you may ignore the healthy plant, to show him the source fumigation. In fact, fumigation causes

few plants amongst the crop and allow of his annual infection. This did the all of the M. parviflora seeds in the

them to set seed. Then it will be too late. trick! From then on, he destroyed soil to germinate at the same time.

HARD AS NAILS all broadleaf weeds in winter. Ironically, this will give you the chance
M. parviflora resists heat, cold and REMOVAL to get rid of this weed in one go.
Bill Kerr is a vegetable specialist and a

drought. It also has a very strong If you have this weed on your lands, breeder of a range of vegetables. Email

root system, which enables it to the best way to remove it is to wait him at [email protected].
thrive under extreme conditions. until the plants are about 20cm Subject line: Vegetable production. FW

46 farmer’sweekly 28 MAY 2021 110 YEARS ON THE LAND

ON THE MARKET FLOOR

Renewed interest Another reason is that, traditionally,
in farmers’ markets farmers’ markets have always given
Farmers’ markets have been people the opportunity to meet and enjoy
around for centuries. They take But there have been other reasons, social interaction. Unlike a supermarket,
different forms in different too, for the recent surge of where you push a trolley between
countries and regions, but all offer interest in farmers’ markets. endless aisles and the only person you
farm-fresh fruit and vegetables to speak to is the cashier, a farmers’ market
consumers. South Africa has farmers’ IN ADDITION TO offers a relaxed and convivial location.
markets too, but they are not as FRESH PRODUCE, IT
prominent as in many other countries. OFFERS A CONVIVIAL, In a world where we often feel as if
RELAXED SHOPPING we’re racing on a treadmill, a farmers’
FRESH THINKING ENVIRONMENT market offers a welcome respite.
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic
has been a game changer for farmers’ One is that farmers have adapted to FACE TO FACE
markets, with many consumers consumers’ needs by offering a wider Another advantage of farmers’ markets
worldwide eating more fresh produce range of products at these markets. is that they enable suppliers to meet
as part of a healthier diet to build Customers can now buy a variety of customers face to face, and learn first
up their bodies’ immunity. value-added products here in addition hand about their likes and dislikes. As a
to fresh fruit and vegetables, making result, the markets can be the birthplaces
We repeatedly go full circle as them even more of a buying destination. of new products, and even new trends.
people again and again rediscover
the wonders of fresh produce! In the midst of the sombre reality
that is the pandemic, farmers’ markets
offer good health and good cheer.
Michael Cordes is an agricultural journalist,
consultant, trainer and former farmer.
Email him at [email protected].
Subject line: Market floor. FW

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