Farmers Weekly 29 03 2024

SERVING AGRICULTURE SINCE 1911
29 MARCH 2024 FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA
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Contents
40 32
ON THE COVER ARTICLES OPINION AND ANALYSIS

FEATURE BY INVITATION 13 Agribusiness Perspective: Why did SA
32 Four cousins whose passion and 6 Saving Nigeria’s forest elephants agriculture underperform in 2023, and
innovation drive wine estate’s success what should we expect in 2024?
BACK TO BASICS 14 Policy Perspective: ‘Wicked’ problems
FEATURE 48 Basic vaccination and health protocols and party policies
36 The forklift that adds great value to for pigs
poultry houses and pome fruit orchards WEEKLY NEWS WRAP
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION 17 Portfolio committee briefed on hemp,
LIVESTOCK 50 Starting a small-farm vegetable project: cannabis
40 Zimbabwe’s hardy Nkone beef cattle Part 2 18 Why cybersecurity is needed in farming
making a comeback 21 Underutilised crops come into their own
Cover photo: supplied MOTORING 25 Wool marginally down at 24th sale of
52 Driving impressions: Honda Elevate 1,5 the season
CROPS
44 Crop Series Part 2: ‘Sunflower farmers GREAT TALES
should improve seed quality and 58 Two brothers who left their mark on SA REGULARS
oil content’ 8 Farmer’s Diary
10 Letters
TRAVEL COLUMNS 12 Archive
60 Stop over at stunning Sedgefield 26 COMMODITY PRICE TRENDS 64 Auctions
on the Garden Route 69 Classifieds
28 MANAGING FOR PROFIT
66 MONTHLY BAKKIE PRICES
29 THE CANNABIS POST LIFESTYLE
53 Frugal Feasts
30 COMMUNAL FARMING 54 Crossword
55 Hillbilly Homes
56 The Hitching Post
56 On The Edge
57 Books
68 Ask Our Vet: Treating foot rot
in livestock
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29 MARCH 2024 farmer’s weekly 3

FROM THE EDITOR
Protect yourself
against cyber
attacks
I
recently came across a Canadian
news story that warns farmers that
cyber attacks on farms is on the
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor Janine Ryan, janiner@caxton.co.za
increase. The article, published by Senior designer Louis Kruger
Designer Mario Ferlito
RFDTV, reported that Canada’s National Copy editors Fanie de Villiers,
Statistics Agency said that around 20% Yvonne Fontyn and Joel Jacobson
of all businesses can expect a cyber- Digital editor Sindira Chetty, sindirac@caxton.co.za
Office assistant Prenusha Moodley
security hack at some point during their
operation. And while we may often think
of cyber attacks as a means to get money SUBSCRIPTIONS
Print Phone: 087 353 1291, WhatsApp: 087 353 1292,
from farmers, this is not always the case, or farmersweekly@onthedot.co.za
the article reported. It uses the example of Digital Visit farmersweekly.co.za,
select ‘Subscribe’ for Magzter subscriptions.
a farm operation that was hacked in 2023.
“Fairly simple ransomware was
used to break into a small Ontario [pig] farm. They were able to paralyse
EDITORIAL HEAD OFFICE
Address 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall 2196
cameras, accounting systems, and feeding systems. The farm was held PO Box 1797, Pinegowrie 2123
Tel 010 971 3765
at a standstill for a number of weeks. The attacker did not ask for money. Email farmersweekly@caxton.co.za
What they were asking for was a false confession from the farm owners, Website farmersweekly.co.za
indicating that they were responsible for animal abuse on the farm.” Social media @FarmersWeeklySA
Unfortunately, I don’t have any statistics with regard to cyber-attack
trends in South Africa, particularly as it relates to farmers. But there is no JOURNALISTS
Bothaville
reason to think that South Africa is immune from these kinds of attacks. Annelie Coleman, 082 862 9897, ann@btbits.co.za
Indeed, the more farmers use the Internet and connected and smart devices, Cape Town
the more likely they are to come under attack. This is why it is imperative Glenneis Kriel, 010 971 3765, glenneis@caxton.co.za
Stanger
for farmers to ensure that they protect themselves to the best of their Jyothi Laldas, jyothilaldas@gmail.com
abilities against hackers. Agriculture has become a soft target for hackers General
Lindi Botha, lindivr@gmail.com
due to the importance it plays in the economy and societal cohesion.
TripWire suggests that farmers hope for the best, but prepare for the
worst. In other words, have a contingency plan, says TripWire. ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
Sales and marketing manager
“Knowing what procedures to follow and actions to take Gary Wium, 072 749 7029, garyw@caxton.co.za
can greatly reduce the damage from an attack. Taking action Sales consultants
Andy Nxumalo, 010 971 3773, andyn@caxton.co.za
quickly is crucial for limiting the effect of a data breach.” Bev Geldard, 082 557 4662, bevg@caxton.co.za
As with most things, prevention is better than cure. As such, farmers Erika Pienaar, 083 286 7092, erikap@caxton.co.za
Rowena Nundkumar, 079 568 6025, rowenas@caxton.co.za
need to educate their workers on cyber safety. Make sure that your Auctions and classifieds
workers understand how the business can be attacked. “Officials should René Moonsamy, 010 971 3771, renea@caxton.co.za
ensure everyone has their own login information when using farming
software. They should also implement policies where administration Copyright © 2024 Farmer’s Weekly
credentials are required to install applications. Consider using multifactor and Caxton Local Media.
authentication with strong codes and phrases,” says TripWire. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this
Employees should also be taught how to identify phishing attacks, says TripWire. publication may be reproduced, distributed, or
transmitted without the prior written permission of
“A best practice many agriculture businesses can use is to remove the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributors,
hyperlinks from received emails. This can significantly reduce the columnists and correspondents do not necessarily
chance of someone in the organisation falling victim to the scam.” reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly.
TripWire also suggests that farmers make sure that DISCLAIMER While due care is taken to ensure
all their crucial information is backed up. accuracy, Farmer’s Weekly is not liable for any
errors in product listings or availability, pricing or
This is of course not only a problem for farmers, but is a concern in terms of any other information that was checked and has
national food security. There are only a few farmers who produce the majority changed since going to print.
of South Africa’s food, and a shutdown of these farming operations will not
only put livelihoods at risk, but is also a threat to food security. As such, there
should be a national approach in place to deal with these kinds of attacks. FW
Janine Ryan, Editor
4 IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 29 MARCH 2024

WEBINARS SERIES 2024
SAVE THE DATES
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on national and regional issues affecting the agriculture
sector. Our range of guest panellists will offer expert and
incisive views that are sure to spark vigorous discussion.
DATE TOPIC
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BY INVITATION
Saving Nigeria’s
forest elephants
Nigeria risks losing all its forest elephants. This is what Rosemary Iriowen Egonmwan, professor of
environmental physiology of animals at the University of Lagos, and Bola Oboh, professor of genetics at the
Department of Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Lagos, found when they went looking for them.
Nigeria is one of 37 African countries Of the 40 identified using micro-satellite

where elephants are found in markers, seven were in Omo Forest Reserve,
the wild. Savannah elephants (Loxodonta 14 from Okomu National Park, 11 from Oban
africana) can be found in the north, and forest Divison, and eight from Okwango Division.
elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) in the south. The future of these elephants looks
It’s not clear how many elephants there are precarious for a number of reasons.
in Nigeria. Eighteen years ago, the African
Elephant Study Report estimated that there were THE THREATS
just 94 elephants left in the country. In 2021, it Firstly, our study found evidence that pressure
was estimated that there could be about 400 from human activity and changes in land use
elephants in areas not systematically surveyed. were influencing elephant distribution in the
What we do know, however, is that the study locations. These were also contributing to
numbers and ranges of elephants in Nigeria habitat fragmentation and forest degradation.
have declined greatly over time. The main We found that land within and around the
cause of this has been human activity, like protected areas we studied had been converted
logging and agriculture, which threaten their to settlements. It is also used for farming and
survival by reducing their natural habitat. monoculture plantations, where elephant
The views expressed in Some elephant populations have been lost. food is limited. This has resulted in habitat
our weekly opinion piece Others exist only in small, fragmented areas. loss and forest fragmentation, restricting
do not necessarily reflect
those of Farmer’s Weekly. Elephant surveys had not been carried out in the ranges of the elephant populations.
southern Nigeria for over a decade, and sightings
Queen Omoregie, a
conservationist in the of forest elephants are rare. Forest elephants are AWARENESS
PROGRAMMES,
Nigeria, contributed to of particular interest because they’re classified
this article, which was
as Critically Endangered by the International
was first published by
The Conversation. Read Union for the Conservation of Nature. LIVELIHOOD
it at bit.ly/3Tlzylk. We carried out a study to establish OPPORTUNITIES AND
their presence and determine the factors
affecting their conservation. COMPENSATION SHOULD
We visited four protected areas in two national BE INTRODUCED
parks and one forest reserve in southern TO FARMERS
Nigeria. We did find small populations,
totalling 40 forest elephants. This is not a Second, the presence of hunters’ sheds, spent
viable population in the long run as it has been cartridges, traps and hook snares showed that
suggested that ‘viable’ elephant populations illegal hunting persisted in all the study locations.
may range from 400 to 6 000 individuals. We found the carcass of an elephant during
Their survival is being threatened for six reasons, the study. Hunting, as a threat to biodiversity
in particular the impact of people’s activities. conservation, has already been proven in studies
of Kainji National Park, Okomu National Park
PRESENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELEPHANTS and the Cross River National Park. Arrests
We visited Okomu National Park; Omo don’t always deter offenders because the
Forest Reserve; and the Okwango and Oban punitive measures aren’t heavy enough.
Divisions of the Cross River National Park. Thirdly, human-elephant conflict is pervasive.
Elephants were caught on camera traps in Elephants raided crops and destroyed property
the Omo Forest Reserve and Okomu National in and around the study locations. Most
Park. They were sighted in the Okomu National farmers in the surrounding communities lacked
Park and the Oban Division of the Cross River alternative sources of livelihood. Even small
National Park. In the Omo Forest reserve, we losses were of economic importance and led
found the charred bones of a poached elephant. to negative attitudes towards conservation.
6 farmer’s weekly 29 MARCH 2024

In the Okomu National Park, which
lacks a buffer zone, we detected elephant
activity outside the protected areas.
Fourthly, the distribution of the elephants
in small groups means that they face a high
risk of local extinction. The populations
in the Omo Forest Reserve and the
Okomu National Park are completely
isolated. The protected areas are
surrounded by farmlands and
human settlements and the
elephants don’t intermingle
with other populations.
Fifth is the issue of forest
degradation and shrinking of
forest space. The Omo Forest
Reserve is a Strict Nature
Reserve, meaning it’s not
open to tourism, and is one
of Nigeria’s four biosphere
reserves. But most of the
forest is degraded and
has reduced in size.
The final threat
to elephants is that
farmers are not paid
compensation for crop
losses arising from elephant
raids in the study locations. This
contributes to a negative attitude
towards conservation. The Federal
Government of Nigeria has no policy
provision for compensation to farmers.
The Aichi Biodiversity Targets
encourage incentives as a means
of safeguarding biodiversity.
IMPROVING THE CONSERVATION

OF ELEPHANTS
Ecologically, elephants are a keystone species that
have a massive impact on the ecosystem. Their
loss would have an impact on the environment.
Economically, they are drivers of tourism, and
culturally they are icons of the African continent.
There are several steps that can
be taken to protect them.
Awareness programmes, livelihood
opportunities and compensation should
be introduced to farmers. Together with
acoustic deterrents and other mitigation
methods used around the world, they the Bossematié Forest Reserve, Côte d’Ivoire.
could check losses due to crop raids. This observation needs to be investigated to
Community conservation education and test whether cultivation of these crops could
awareness programmes work. They should be mitigate conflict between people and elephants.
rolled out to help change negative attitudes and Finally, a species management and monitoring
get people to co-operate in conservation efforts. plan should be put in place to help conserve
In our study we observed that elephants Nigeria’s forest elephant populations. A
avoided harming cocoa farms. In cases where nationwide survey, to assess the
elephants passed through them, the cocoa was population of elephants in all ranges in
not eaten. This behaviour was also reported at Nigeria, should be top priority. FW

FARMER’S DIARY
FLICKR
Food and
drink show
15 to 17 June, Kyalami Convention
Centre, Johannesburg
The Mzansi Food & Drink Show will

debut in Johannesburg, and incorporates
previously hosted shows, including the Coffee
& Chocolate Expo and Fire & Feast Meat
Festival. New additions include the Fine
Food & Wine Show, the Bar & Good Spirits
Showcase and the Mzansi Food Market.
Visit mzansifoodanddrink.com.
CONFERENCES, 30 MARCH 14 TO 17 MAY

WORKSHOPS AND EXPOS Layer Production Workshop, Richards Nampo Harvest Day, Nampo Park,
15 TO 16 APRIL Bay. Phone Sibusiso Tshabalala on Bothaville. Visit grainsa.co.za.
International Conference on Agricultural, 060 918 5231, or Thabani
Environmental Science and Engineering, Msweli on 081 091 4858. 22 TO 24 MAY
Cape Town. Visit shorturl.at/lwBDE. AgriTechnica Asia, Bitec, Bangkok,
3 TO 7 MAY Thailand. Visit agritechnica-asia.com.
13 TO 17 MAY Tractor Driving Course, Delmas.
Water Treatment Plant Design, Cape Visit the Buhle Farmers’ Academy 5 TO 7 JUNE
Town. Phone 067 777 0314, or 064 516 3747. at buhle.org.za. Agbiz Congress 2024, Sun City Resort.
Visit agbizcongress.co.za.
17 TO 18 MAY 8 MAY
Johannesburg Cap Classique, Profitable Boer Goat Production, 25 TO 27 JUNE
Champagne & Bubbles Festival, Inanda Potchefstroom. Register online at Africa Agri Tech, CSIR Convention
Polo Club. Buy tickets at bit.ly/49hklZ9. boergoats.co.za/training-days, or Centre, Pretoria. Visit africa-agri.co.za.
phone 064 727 8321.
4 TO 6 JUNE 4 TO 6 SEPTEMBER
WoodEX for Africa, Gallagher 3 TO 7 JUNE Asia Fruit Logistica, AsiaWorld Expo,
Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Tractor Driving, Delmas. Visit the Buhle Hong Kong. Visit asiafruitlogistica.com.
Visit woodexforafrica.com. Farmers’ Academy at buhle.org.za.
11 TO 14 SEPTEMBER
6 TO 7 JUNE SHOWS Nampo Cape, Bredasdorp. Visit grainsa.
Drone and Unmanned Aviation 25 APRIL TO 4 MAY co.za/pages/nampo-cpt/cpt-home.
Conference 2024, Emperors Palace Bloem Show, Bloemfontein.
Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Visit bloemskou.co.za. 19 TO 20 SEPTEMBER
Phone Jerry Davison on 011 074 7095, or The 11th International Conference on
email info@bussynet.co.za. 1 TO 9 JULY Agriculture, Bangkok, Thailand.
House + Garden Show, Durban Visit agroconference.com.
COURSES AND TRAINING Exhibition Centre. Visit
30 MARCH housegardenshow.co.za. 18 TO 20 NOVEMBER
Broiler Production, Delmas. African Agri Investment Indaba,
Visit the Buhle Farmers’ Academy IMPORTANT DATES Cape Town. Visit agri-indaba.com.
at buhle.org.za. 17 TO 19 APRIL
FutureAg Expo 2024, Melbourne
Showgrounds, Australia. Visit
Entries should be submitted at least one month in
futureagexpo.com.au. advance. Email Janine Ryan at janiner@caxton.co.za
to place an entry. Please note that, due to
limited space, publication of an event cannot
be guaranteed. All entries are published at the
editor’s discretion.

6FDQWRUHDGWKHIXOOVWRU\
)LSS
LETTERS
Eco-wisdom: proven, implementable

strategies to living green
T
he earth’s natural resources their part in safeguarding the earth. simple practices like repairing leaks,
such as clean water, fossil He offers the following tips to begin opting for shorter showers, and
fuels, and even arable land, your sustainability journey: using water-efficient appliances.
are finite. This is why, if ȊȲStart a veggie garden: start Install low-flow taps and shower
we are to preserve them for future your journey towards sustainable heads, and consider collecting and
generations, we have to use these living by taking small steps such as reusing greywater where possible.
resources efficiently and responsibly. planting herbs or vegetables in your “At Brahman Hills, we have a
Orrin Cottle, CEO of Brahman Hills, garden, balcony, or windowsill. borehole and have also installed an
home to spectacular views and luxurious Research the best plants for your advanced wastewater purification
4- and 5-star accommodation in the climate, and invest in quality soil system that allows us to recycle water,
picturesque Midlands, believes that in and seeds. We began our journey minimising waste and supporting our
today’s world, sustainability local ecosystem. Following
is not just a choice, it’s a double filtration, the water
responsibility we all share. rejuvenates our lake’s
“Caring for our ecosystem and is used for
environment ensures fountains and irrigation. It’s
its preservation for so clean that it’s drinkable
generations to come. post-filtration,” says Cottle.
Interestingly though, ȊȲSave energy: to embrace
once you embark on this sustainable energy solutions,
journey, you will discover consider options like
many additional benefits rooftop solar panels or
beyond environmental solar water heaters for your
protection. For example, home or business. If initial
with ever-increasing budgets are tight, prioritise
load-shedding and water energy-efficient light
shortages, practices like bulbs as a starting point.
solar energy and rainwater We can all play a part in safeguarding the earth. SUPPLIED In what’s been a five-year
harvesting are not just project, Brahman Hills
sustainable options but essential modestly in 2015, using recycled bricks now harnesses a remarkable 85% of
solutions. Similarly, nurturing a personal and circular beds to cultivate our its energy from solar panels, reducing
vegetable garden not only contributes organically grown produce. Since then, its carbon footprint and reliance on
to environmental conservation but our commitment has blossomed into an non-renewable energy sources. As
is also good for your overall health expansive vegetable and herb garden, Brahman Hills continues to lead by
and it will save you money!” ensuring our guests’ a steady supply example in sustainable hospitality, it
of fresh, seasonal organic delights. invites individuals and businesses to
OFF THE GRID ȊȲHarvest rainwater: install a rainwater join them on this journey towards a
Currently, Brahman Hills operates harvesting system, like a rain barrel or greener, more sustainable future.
its entire property with 65% off-the- JoJo tank, to collect runoff from your roof. “We can all play a part in protecting
grid sustainability. From solar and Use the collected water for plant watering the planet for future generations if we
water management to cultivating or outdoor cleaning. JoJo tanks can incorporate one or more sustainable,
herbs and vegetables, and farming also be adapted for domestic use. eco-friendly practice in our daily
free-range, hormone-free meat, “At Brahman Hills, we’ve been lives. Even the smallest actions can
every aspect reflects a commitment using a rainwater harvesting system make a big difference,” says executive
to environmental conservation and to collect and store rainwater for director Onwaba Gonyora.
shifting lives for the next 100 years. irrigation purposes since 2012, reducing Learn more about Brahman Hills’
Having walked the sustainability our reliance on municipal water sustainable practices at the Brahman
journey, Cottle believes that every South supplies and conserving resources.” Hills Experience from 10 to 12 May.
African has the power to embrace at ȊȲSustainable water management: For more details, go to brahmanhills.co.za.
least one sustainable practice, playing to conserve water further, adopt events/the-brahman-hills-experience.
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?

Send your letters to: farmersweekly@caxton.co.za, or Farmer’s Weekly, PO Box 1797, Pinegowrie 2123, SA. The views and opinions expressed on the letters
page do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly or Caxton. Readers’ letters will be published and edited at the sole discretion of Farmer’s Weekly.

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MOST POPULAR ON FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA

ZIMBABWE TOBACCO EXPORTS ON THE RISE
Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports increased markedly in the first two months
of 2024. A total volume of 56 500t of tobacco was exported in January
and February.
Read the full article at

https://bit.ly/4cbwDEi
or scan here:
Posted: 13 March 2024 .
Follow us at @FarmersWeeklySA
FROM X PHOTO OF THE WEEK

We posted a poll asking our followers Novine Farm @Novine_Farm
how the implementation of the national ‘Beauty with Purpose ’
minimum wage has impacted their Via X Posted: 8 March 2024.
farming operations.
Posted: 12 March 2024.
HERE ARE THE RESULTS:

Positive impact 21,4%
Challenging 54,8%
Haven’t implemented yet 23,8%
Want your photo to be featured

as our ‘Photo of the Week’? Tag @
FarmersWeeklySA on Twitter or
Instagram to be considered!
AGRI NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
TURKISH FARMERS WORSE OFF MORE THAN 140 000 FARMS WOMEN OUTNUMBER MEN
THAN EU COUNTERPARTS LOST IN FIVE YEARS IN FARMING SECTOR
Faced with years of chronic price Between 2017 and 2022, the number of More women are joining the agriculture
inflation and what agriculture industry ȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱŗŚŗȹŝřřȱȱ sector in Bangladesh as their job
representatives say is insufficient state aid, 7%, according to USDA’s 2022 Census opportunities in industries, especially
Turkish farmers are sinking into debt. ȱȱȱȱŗřȱ¢ǯȱ garment factories, have stagnated and men
– dw.com – fb.org switch to non-farm sectors amid increased
mechanisation of farming activities.
– thedailystar.net

ARCHIVE
38 YEARS AGO
1911 3 October 1986 2024

seeds to the uninfected veld. Porcupines are a
particular problem, says Van Niekerk because
they eat the pod material only, so the seed
coat remains unbroken and the seed viable.
Frikkie Steyn, who manages Van Niekerk’s
farm, says mesquite pods are collected by
workers and packed into sacks. They are paid
in relation to the amount of sacks filled and get
a bonus for every sack above 100 that they fill.
This gives them an incentive to work faster
and also curbs the mesquite propagation.
A large tree produces up to 90kg (wet
mass) of pods a year and in ideal conditions
a top tree can produce 140kg annually.
At Rugseer, the pods are stockpiled in
heaps that are contained by wire fencing.
When necessary they are passed through
a hammer mill with a 3mm sieve.
LIVESTOCK FEED
Sheep relish the pods due to their sweet taste
and high sugar content. To prevent souring in
the rumen, 2kg of agricultural lime is added
Land on the farm Rugseer that has been invaded by mesquite. FW ARCHIVE ȱ¢ȱśŖȱȱȱǰȱȱ ȱȱŗȟȱȱ
water (to counteract the dustiness of the lime)
Valuable but dangerous and 2kg of salt. At Rugseer the milled pods are
fed 50:50 with lucerne and/or maize meal.
The pods and other constituents are mixed
T
his exotic shrub can be used as well established in the Kenhardt area and in a modified drum which is turned by
feed during drought. But beware other dry regions of the Northern Cape. hand. Vanes inside the drum give a mixing
– it’s a highly invasive pest plant. Fifty-five years ago four of these trees were action similar to that of a cement mixer.
For the most part, mesquite is bad news for planted on Dr Kraai van Niekerk’s farm, During storage the milled material may
farmers. It can become an uncontrollable Rugseer, near Kenhardt, by his father-in- form small cakes because the warmth causes
menace. Yet farmers in the Northern Cape, law, Dr Ryk Claasens. Today there are about any remaining moisture to evaporate. It is
forced by drought to seek alternative stock 400ha of mesquite, propagated mainly by therefore important to break up the chunks by
feeds, are feeding the pods to small stock. the seeds spread in animals’ droppings. hand when the mixture is fed, says Steyn.
Milled mesquite pods have a feed value of Control of the mesquite trees is vital,
about 85% that of maize. They have 11,7% CONTROLLING MESQUITE difficult and expensive. A mixture of
digestible protein, 71,6% total digestible For mesquite to be controlled, the pods must picloram (Tordon) and diesel is sometimes
nutrients and 26,3% fibre. So, 850 of be collected before domestic or wild animals sprayed. This method costs R40/ha to
the milled pods daily will supply enough can get to them. This means limiting the R50/ha (about R580 to R700 today).
nutrients and protein for a 60kg sheep. number of trees and employing an efficient Steyn says a cheaper method is to remove
However, mesquite, (muskietboom or labour force that can manage the fallen pods. the trees a few at a time by hand but this is
Suidwesdoring) tends to spread easily and The seed pods must also be broken or time-consuming. The tree must be removed
become a nuisance, especially in the dry arid milled otherwise they retain their nutritional with as much of the root as possible, otherwise
areas of the Cape. Therefore the seed should value. Another reason is that they are quite it will grow back. The wood is then used
only be propagated under strict supervision, resistant to the acidic stomach juices of for domestic fires by the farmworkers.
with careful consideration given to the fact animals, an advantage for propagation as they The mesquite pods are nutritional and
that if it cannot be confined to its allocated pass through to the droppings undigested. may be an alternate stock feed but the trees’
site, eradication will be costly and difficult. If the pods are to be fed to animals without encroachment must be tightly controlled.
Also, if the plant becomes uncontrollable being milled it is a wise idea to keep the Research is being done at Rugseer by the
it can acquire local weed status, posing a animals in a small camp. Propagation of the Department of Agriculture to refine methods
threat to the undisturbed natural flora. seeds will thus be limited, and seeds that of control for this recognised invader. FW
Mesquite is a spiny, thicket-forming do germinate can be removed by hand. This article first appeared in the
shrub from north-eastern Mexico and the However, the animals will not get the 3 October 1986 issue of Farmer’s
south-western US. Because of its tolerance full nutritional benefit from the pods. Wild Weekly and has been edited to adhere
to frost and drought, mesquite has become animals also relish the pods and spread the to the current style of the magazine.

OPINION AND ANALYSIS
Why did SA agriculture

underperform in 2023, and what
should we expect in 2024?
AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE by Wandile Sihlobo
S
outh Africa’s agriculture sector performance in the sector in 2023 were South Africa’s Crop Estimates Committee
faced several challenges in 2023, visible in various vital indicators. For also fears the possible decline in the
but we didn’t think the overall example, the Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness summer grains and oilseed harvest.
annual performance would drop sharply. Confidence Index (ACI), which we In its first production estimate for the
Along with the Bureau for Food and view as a lead indicator of the sector’s 2023/24 season, the committee placed
Agricultural Policy (BFAP), we expected performance, deteriorated by 10 points the summer grains and oilseed harvest
a mild contraction in 2023 because of to 40 in the last quarter of 2023. at 17,4 million tons, down 13% on 2023.
the animal disease challenges in the This is its lowest level since the second This is primarily a function of lower-
livestock and poultry sub-sector. quarter of 2020, at the height of the than-expected yields rather than a
However, the figures released by COVID-19 pandemic hard lockdown. reduction in the acreage planted, thus
Statistics South Africa on 5 March Critically, the last quarter of 2023 reflecting a negative impact of the drier
show that the gross value added fell reading of the ACI is below the neutral weather conditions and heat waves.
notably by 12,2% year-on-year (y/y) 50-point mark, implying that South This is an overall production figure,
from a mild performance of 0,9% in 2022 African agribusinesses are downbeat and the decline varies crop by crop.
and a robust activity of 7,4% in 2021. about business conditions in the country.
This pessimism emanates from the HEADWINDS IN THE
FALLOUT FROM ANIMAL DISEASES
The headwinds in the livestock and
sector’s numerous challenges, such as
intensified delays and inefficiencies
LIVESTOCK AND
poultry industry weighed on the overall at the ports, deteriorating rail and POULTRY INDUSTRY
sector performance more intensely than road infrastructure, worsening WEIGHED ON THE
we anticipated. The livestock and poultry
industry, which accounts for nearly half
municipal service delivery, increased
geopolitical uncertainty and persistent
OVERALL SECTOR
the sector’s value, was hit last year by episodes of load-shedding. PERFORMANCE
animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth, The path ahead remains challenging.
avian influenza and African swine fever. These challenges remain broadly A positive aspect of South Africa is
In the case of the livestock and pig unresolved, which means that the long- that the expected harvest will still
industry, foot-and-mouth disease and term growth prospects of the sector could be enough to meet the country’s
African swine fever were a challenge still be undermined by the persistent domestic consumption, leaving some
even in 2022 but intensified in 2023. load-shedding, inept local government, volume for exports, albeit significantly
Regarding field crops, the summer rising crime and theft, inefficient ports down from the previous seasons.
crop harvest was robust in 2023 and rail, lingering animal diseases The more reliable production figures
but insufficient to boost the overall and relatively higher interest costs. for the 2023/24 summer grain and oilseed
sector performance. For example, the Compounding these challenges is also will be released by the Crop Estimates
2022/23 maize harvest reached a solid the fact that the agricultural production Committee soon (at the end of March),
16,4 million, 6% higher than the 2021/22 conditions remain tough because of and that will provide us with a better
season’s harvest and the second-largest the drought in Southern Africa. guide into the 2024 outlook for the sector.
harvest on record. The soya bean harvest The intensified El Niño-induced The weather conditions have remained
was at a record 2,8 million tons. Another dryness continues to strain the 2023/24 bleak since the release of the current
major field crop, 2023/24’s sugar cane, summer crop production prospects. estimates at the end of February.
was at 18,5 million tons, up 3% y/y. A recent survey by Grain South Moreover, the agriculture sector
Other field crops and fruit Africa, a lobby group for the sector, still feels the tail-end effects of
harvests were decent in 2023. found that extreme heat and dry animal diseases, which may further
Also worth noting is that some conditions had caused the grain and weigh on growth this year, although
agricultural commodity prices were oilseeds harvest to deteriorate much possibly milder than in 2023.
generally down in 2023, which would faster than initially expected. In essence, the path ahead for South
have added slightly to the downward These challenges have probably Africa’s agriculture remains challenging.
performance of the sector. worsened since the survey was Wandile Sihlobo is the chief economist at
Notably, the signs of possible under- completed towards the end of February. Agbiz. Email him at wandile@agbiz.co.za.
29 MARCH 2024 IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 13

OPINION AND ANALYSIS
‘Wicked’ problems and

party policies
POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE by Theo Venter
T
wo interrelated issues are There is a link between wicked indicating that people are not dependent
found in most political party problems, general development on government communication channels.
manifestos: on the one hand we and environments that are volatile, ȊȲMore than 83% of households
have what is generally known as ‘wicked uncertain, complex and ambiguous. have a refrigerator.
problems’ and on the other hand we I will illustrate this point with a few ȊȲAccess to television has increased to
have the paradox of development. statistics from the 2022 South African 79%. Most people are urbanised and
Most political parties have prioritised census. The purpose of the examples depend on electricity to watch TV.
issues such as unemployment, poverty, is to illustrate that the advantages of Economic development aims
job creation, crime, land reform, general socio-economic development to improve living standards and
nationalisation and education as crucial can be frustrating if progress cannot reduce poverty but can also lead to
matters to attract voter support. They be sustained. The voter may take a dim environmental degradation, inequality
promise to resolve these matters if they and dubious view of the politician; and depletion of natural resources.
win the election on 29 May. However, often in South Africa this leads to voters This creates a conflict between the
any of these strong policy positions not being being interested in voting. short-term benefits of development
will be significantly softened if a party ȊȲAbout 50% of our population of and long-term sustainability.
becomes part of a coalition government. 62 million people live in the 17 largest
municipalities and 10% live in the SOCIO-ECONOMIC
IMPOSSIBLE TO SOLVE
In 1973 an article was published by
smallest 95 local municipalities.
This is an indication of the level of
DEVELOPMENT CAN
Horst Rittel and Melvin Webber that urbanisation, which creates typical BE FRUSTRATING IF
investigated the dilemmas in the general wicked problems such as unemployment, PROGRESS CANNOT
theory of planning. They coined the
term ‘wicked problems’ for issues
violence, and high levels of crime.
ȊȲAccess to electricity went from
BE SUSTAINED
with many interdependent factors that 58,1% in 1996 to 94,7% in 2022, but Most of what political parties
made them seem impossible to solve. the Eskom crisis caused severe load- promise, even if the promises are
According to the authors, if you try to shedding that frustrates voters in turned into policies, will probably
solve a wicked problem you may create an election year. Politicians love the not be implemented because the
more problems. They also suggested 10 announcement of short-term wins, which issues are of a wicked nature.
properties of wicked problems, such as is exactly what a wicked problem like What can be done to deal with
that they have no definitive formulation; Eskom does not provide. It increases this complicated situation?
it is hard, maybe impossible, to measure frustration with government. Eskom ȊȲReframe the problem, i.e. make sure
or claim success with wicked problems now provides the same electricity you are looking at the root cause. Once
because they bleed into one another. output as in 2004 while the economy the problem has been identified properly,
Wicked problems have no end state to has grown by 30% in the same period. pay attention to the scope of the problem.
arrive at; there is no blueprint to follow ȊȲThe access to piped water has ȊȲTake into consideration that problems
when tackling one and most wicked grown to 82,4% of households, but themselves may be constantly changing.
problems are managed by knowledge poor water management and load- ȊȲMake sure that symptoms are not
acquired as we go along. Ambiguity is shedding create frustration. confused with underlying causes.
built into a wicked problem and answers ȊȲFlush toilets are now in 78% of ȊȲBe sensitive to the fact that some
or solutions can be right and wrong at households, but the sewerage treatment solutions may depend on achieving
the same time; every wicked problem works are not well managed and major shifts in attitudes and behaviours.
is a symptom of another problem and pollution of rivers is at dangerous levels. ȊȲIf resources to solve problems are
they are interconnected parts of the ȊȲRefuse removal is available to 66,3% limited, focus attention on a few issues
socio-economic and political systems; of households but when this service rather than a multitude of problems.
there are few scientific tests to determine is not delivered, frustration mounts. Theo Venter is a professor of Practice in the
whether a wicked problem has been ȊȲMore than 92% of South Africans have School of Public Management, Governance
solved. Finally they cannot be solved, but access to a cellphone, and access to the and Public Policy, University of Johannesburg
they can be managed to a certain extent. Internet has also grown exponentially, Email him at tpventer@iafrica.com.

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP
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biological invaders analytics, IoT devices,
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poses a threat to robotics, drones and
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our water security precision farming, have all
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and sustainable transformed the agricultural
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landscape for the better’
agriculture, harming – ¢ȱȱ, CEO of ESET Southern
our distinctive and Africa, on the evolution of technology (ȱŗŞ).
globally significant ‘Diversifying the food

biodiversity’ system with underutilised
– Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the crops can increase
Environment, ȱ¢, commenting at the
launch of the third National Status of Biological
agricultural income,
Invasions and their Management (ȱŗŜ). promote agrobiodiversity
and supply diverse and
‘This summer, we are nutritious food to tackle
experiencing a wildﬁre malnutrition, hidden hunger,
season that is stretching our and food insecurity’
resources to the limits’ – Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, Professor of Climate
– Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Change, Food Systems and Health at the London
Agriculture, on the recently signed memorandum School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and
of understanding with the Californian honorary professor at UKZN, who leads the
Department of Agriculture to promote Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems agriculture
co-operation between these regions (ȱŗŝ). theme, on the challenges of food security (ȱŘŗ).

NEWS FEATURE Invasive plant species
Minister launches third National Status

of Biological Invasions in SA programme
Biological invasions need to be treated as an urgent matter as they pose a risk
to water security as well as biodiversity, writes Jyothi Laldas.
T
he infiltration of biological various pathways, with the rate of increasing the intensity of wildfires,
invaders poses a significant introduction remaining stable at around and crowding out biodiversity.
risk to the water security of three new alien species per year. Creecy Alien freshwater fishes are invading
South Africa, jeopardising said: “Over the last decade (2013-2022), our water resources, reducing the
sustainable agriculture, intensifying 32 new alien species were either illegally diversity of our native fishes and
wildfires, and continuously or accidentally introduced. This is other aquatic organisms,” she said.
harming the nation’s distinctive and slightly lower than the numbers seen She added that government invested
globally significant biodiversity. for 2010-2019, which were an average of over R1,5 billion to address biological
This is according to Minister of about four new species introduced per invasions between 2020 and 2022,
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment targeting priority areas such as strategic
Barbara Creecy, who was speaking water source areas, protected areas and
during the launch of the third National biodiversity hotspots. “This has also
Status of Biological Invasions and created much-needed employment,
their Management recently. especially in rural areas. Several
“We must continue investing in notable initiatives by NGOs have raised
research and innovation, supporting over R180 million from the private
studies that enhance our understanding sector to fund the control of invasive
of invasive species dynamics to improve freshwater fishes and alien plants in
management strategies. The third the water catchments of Cape Town.
National Status report on Biological This model could be replicated across
Invasions serves as a clarion call for other catchments and priority areas.”
action, reminding us of the urgency The report says invasive species are
of the situation and the imperative devastating the Prince Edward Islands
to act decisively,” said Creecy. in the Indian Ocean. “Although these
She said the phenomenon was not islands are part of South Africa, their
unique to South Africa, prompting remote location and unique biodiversity
the recent Intergovernmental Science- warrant a separate assessment. Findings
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the
Policy Platform on Biodiversity Environment Barbara Creecy launching highlight the devastating impact of
and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) the third National Status of Biological the house mouse, which is alien to the
Invasive Alien Species Assessment Invasions and their Management. DFFE Marion Island. The mice feed on plants
to focus on biological invasions. and small animals including endangered
The third national status programme year. “South Africa has an innovative seabirds. A bold plan to eradicate mice
positions South Africa strategically to regulatory system to address biological from the island has been developed
align with international efforts guided invasions, with decisions on the and is due to be implemented in 2027.”
by the Kunming-Montreal Global management of the alien species directly Creecy emphasised that addressing
Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The informed by the available scientific the challenges posed by biological
Bio-Invasion report will also support evidence. All legal introductions of new invasions required a coordinated
the implementation of the White Paper alien species require import permits, and collaborative effort.
on Conservation and Sustainable with permits issued only if the risks “Governments, academics, civil
Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity as are demonstrated to be sufficiently society organisations and communities
well as target six of the GBF factors, low. In addition, the new National must come together, pooling their
which call for the reduction of invasive Border Management Authority has knowledge, resources, and expertise
alien species by 50% by 2030. committed to improve the prevention of to develop effective prevention, early
The scientific report, co-produced by illegal and accidental introductions.” detection and control strategies.
the South African National Biodiversity ȊȲInvasive species, in particular “We must enhance our efforts to
Institute (SANBI) and the Department trees and freshwater fish, have prevent the introduction of new
of Science and Innovation’s National major negative impacts on people invasive species through vigilance
Research Foundation’s (DSI-NRF) and nature by reducing South at our borders and risk analyses.
Centre of Excellence for Invasion Africa’s water resources, degrading “Early detection and rapid response
Biology, made several key findings: pasturelands and exacerbating fires. systems should be strengthened to
ȊȲNew alien species continued to arrive “In mountain catchments, we are identify and eradicate invaders before
in the country every year through seeing pine trees using up water, they become established,” she said.

Western Cape gets serious about climate change
The Western Cape recently held the co-operation between these regions. not be blamed for incidents that
first Indaba of its kind in the province One of the aims of the memorandum result from poor management or bad
to create a platform through which is the exchange of information on planning. In this regard, he underlined
government and the private sector climate change mitigation and best the importance of alien clearing
can work together to tackle challenges practices within the agriculture sector. as a measure to maintain healthy
associated with climate change. Anton Bredell, the Western Cape ecosystems, and of working sewerage
Prof Guy Midgley, from Stellenbosch Minister of Local Government, and water networks for water security.
University school of climate studies, Environmental Affairs and Development “Many towns in South Africa are
said that climate change was increasing Planning, said the impact of extreme struggling with water insecurity – not
the chances of extreme weather events weather events was clear to see. because of climate change, but because
in South Africa. Long-term weather “The Western Cape suffered of poor maintenance of infrastructure,
data also indicated that the province řǰśȹȱȱȱȱȱŘŖŘřȱ such as pipes leaking,” he said.
was receiving less rain, which resulted and also huge losses due to storm Bongiwe Mbunge, partner at
in low soil moisture, with important surges along the coastline last winter. Mazars, said business leaders had
implications for the agriculture sector. “This summer, we are experiencing to make tough decisions now to
Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape a wildfire season that is stretching our ensure a sustainable future.
Minister of Agriculture, highlighted resources to the limits,” said Bredell. She used the analogy, “we cannot
that the provincial government had He said the government has an change the wind direction, but can
recently approved a climate change overarching climate change strategy, adjust our sails to always reach
framework and the Agriculture which sets out a mission to be a our destinations”, to describe how
Department had signed a memorandum net-zero emissions and climate businesses should adapt to reduce their
of understanding with the Californian ȱȱ¢ȱŘŖśŖǯ contribution to climate change, while
Department of Agriculture to promote Bredell said climate change should remaining profitable. – ȱ
Portfolio committee briefed on hemp, cannabis

Hemp4Life and the South African Health According to Sassman, the economic and smell the same, but when sold in
Product Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) potential and job creation opportunities their raw form, the former has more
recently briefed the portfolio committee in the industry underscored the economic value than the latter.
on small business development on the need for government support For it to acquire more economic
opportunities, challenges and licensing and regulatory relaxation. value, hemp needs to be processed
in the cannabis and hemp industry. Questions were raised on the first to extract cannabidiol (CBD).
The meeting centred on the challenges involvement of original cannabis Although SAHPRA described
faced by the small-scale cannabis and producers in the development of the the cannabis and hemp industries
hemp farming industry, as highlighted Cannabis Master Plan, highlighting as demand-driven in the value-
in the briefing by Hemp4Life. concerns about potential marginalisation. chain, Hemp4Life spoke of the
Key points raised by Hemp4Life challenges it faces in securing both
owner Ben Sassman included a lack of SAHPRA’S CALL FOR private and government funding.
start-up funding, the financial burden ACTION TO ENSURE SAHPRA reiterated the need to support
of the water licence requirements which
is essential for accessing funding, the THE PARTICIPATION small businesses in the farming and
manufacturing sectors of the cannabis
stringent regulatory requirements OF SMALL GROWERS and hemp industries, pointing out
associated with licences and permits WELCOMED that at the moment opportunities are
and the cumbersome and lengthy only exploited by big businesses.
application processes which needed Committee members sought The committee welcomed SAHPRA’s
government intervention to streamline clarification on various regulatory recommendation for the government
as well as the lack of department aspects, such as the distinction to take action to allow optimal
oversight, allegedly ineffective resource between cannabis and hemp and the participation by small growers.
utilisation and regulatory clarity. use and consumption of cannabis. Committee chairperson Faiez Jacobs
Overall, the discussion highlighted the The absence of formal organisations said: “The committee has welcomed
urgent need for government intervention representing cannabis and hemp farmers the recommended actions by SAHPRA
to address regulatory challenges, was noted, highlighting the need for and believe some of them should be
provide financial support, and facilitate better stakeholder engagement and followed through, such as making sure
sustainable growth and development in representation. According to Sassman, that small businesses participate in the
the cannabis and hemp farming industry. both cannabis and hemp plants look entire value chain.” – ¢ȱ

NEWS FEATURE Agritechnology
Why cybersecurity is needed in farming

The agriculture sector could be the most susceptible to cyberattacks, writes Jyothi Laldas.
T
he farming industry is vital not only threatens individual businesses simply aren’t an attractive
to the world’s food industry agricultural businesses but poses target for cybercriminals. But given
and requires the utmost a risk to national food security, the vast amounts of data inherent
protection from cyberattacks. making robust cybersecurity in many agricultural activities, as
This is according to Carey van measures of critical importance.” well as the substantial financial
Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Van Vlaanderen emphasised that transactions involved, it is preferable
Africa, who believes that with the threat was not exclusive to South to take a proactive approach to digital
the evolution of technology, the Africa. A University of Cambridge security in the face of sophisticated
digital threat level for farmers report highlights that smart farming cyber threats,” she said.
has increased in recent years. technologies, including automated Although tackling cybersecurity
“Technology has improved crop sprayers and robotic harvesters, challenges in agriculture may be
productivity, efficiency and are susceptible to hacking, and the intricate, she mentioned that agricultural
communication in every likelihood of such firms could adopt measures to minimise
industry across the incidents is on the rise. their vulnerability, mitigate the impact
6833/,('
globe, and agriculture She noted that of a potential attack, and empower their
is no exception. cybercriminals employees as the primary line of defence.
Once considered a perceived the worldwide
traditionally low-tech dependence on food IDENTIFY WEAK POINTS
industry, the increased and agriculture as a “A necessary first step in strengthening
use of email, online vulnerability, seizing defences is to identify where critical
monitoring tools, remote the opportunity to infrastructure is vulnerable to attack.
controls and payment launch cyberattacks This will be different for each business.
systems, together on the industry Some operations may require more
with automated smart for financial gain investment in cloud security or
CAREY VAN
farming equipment VLAANDEREN through ransomware vulnerability discovery while businesses
such as Internet- or to cause social and may need to extend their cybersecurity
connected tractors, economic disruption. efforts to include safeguarding
means the digital “Ransomware themselves from cyberthreats in the form
threat level has increased for attacks can be particularly malicious, of phishing emails from the companies
farmers,” Van Vlaanderen said. for example, by erasing backups or they partner with and procure from.”
“As is the case in many industries threatening to publish confidential With almost 88% of data breaches
across the globe, a growing reliance information online as a strategy being caused by an employee mistake,
on online, connected technologies to pressure an organisation into Van Vlaanderen said a strong human
means businesses are more vulnerable paying the ransom with little risk of risk management programme with
to cyberattacks. The use of smart being caught and apprehended. regular employee training and
devices, including sensors and “Today, almost every farmer and cybersecurity awareness was a crucial
analytics, IoT devices, robotics, drones, agricultural enterprise will use some element of any cybersecurity strategy.
and precision farming, have all form of technology to do business. For “Employees can be just as susceptible
transformed the agricultural landscape smaller businesses, simple security to cyber threats and should be reminded
for the better. These tools also gather solutions such as the automatic updating on an ongoing basis of the risks that are
extensive quantities of sensitive of software, antivirus software and out there and the impact that it can have
information that could be lucrative to multi-factor authentication are critical. on them and the farming business.”
criminals seeking financial gain.” However, larger, more intensive She said mistakes, ranging from failure
According to a report released in farming operations using automated to properly delete data from devices to
2023, South Africa ranked number farming systems may require more preventable errors like clicking on links
five globally on a list of countries complex security measures.” in phishing emails, were preventable.
worst affected by cybercrime. Agriculture in general has “From basics such as implementing
Disruptions in Transnet’s IT historically been shown to have a low password managers and using
applications following a cyberattack level of cyber security in place since multi-factor authentication to using
brought agricultural imports attacks are not perceived as being as cutting-edge security technology to
and exports to a standstill in prevalent as in the financial sector, withstand an attack on big farming
July last year, she explained. Van Vlaanderen emphasised. service companies, much more can be
“In a world increasingly reliant on “There is a prevailing myth among done to ensure farmers are supported
digital technology, the agricultural some sectors of the South African with the very best cybersecurity
sector’s vulnerability to cyberattacks farming community that their strategies and solutions.”

Protests in Poland turn violent World in brief
UNITED KINGDOM
The farmers’ protest in Ù££ȱȱȱ the EU’s climate policies, Sheep farmers across the country
Poland is fast becoming country’s normal farmers the farmers are demanding are saying that they fear a
known as the most violent would have never caused that the Polish-Ukrainian shortage of lamb production due
agricultural protest in Europe, a riot, and this action was border be closed to stop to the Schmallenberg Virus
according to national media. instigated by “troublemakers”. the imports of ‘cheaper’ (SBV). The virus apparently
Farmers were joined by According to media Ukrainian products. causes lambs to be born
supporters in March as reports, farmers took their Polish Prime Minister deformed. The Animal and Plant
they gathered in Sejm when tractors to Warsaw, blocking Donald Tusk has told Health Agency said a vaccine
protesters started throwing the main highways while local media that the has been developed but is not
stones at police in an attempt thousands of supporters farmers’ demands are yet available. The agency said
to push past the barriers. gathered and marched to justified and he plans to the virus is transmitted from
According to media in the the parliament. Joining the make amendments to “midges that bite an infected
area, several policemen were farmers in their protest were the climate policies. animal … and pass the virus
injured and police were forced workers from other industries In an official statement on to another animal”.
to used teargas to disperse the including mining, forestry early in March, Tusk Symptoms include reduced
crowd. Police confirmed that and hunting associations. pledged to reduce grain milk production, fever
they arrested and detained Besides being unhappy with surplus. – Staff reporter and diarrhoea.
several protesters in the clash.
The ongoing protests INDIA
across Europe are as a India’s latest crop estimates
result of farmers being released by the Ministry of
disgruntled over several EU Agriculture and Farmers’
climate policies and food Welfare show that West
import policies. The Polish Bengal, which used to be the
police released a statement top rice-producing state, has
via social media warning slipped to fourth position.
the protesters that officers The ministry said that
are not part of the dispute production and yield data show
saying that “threatening that the productivity of rice in
their safety cannot be taken West Bengal has been declining.
lightly and requires a firm “Compared to other states,
and decisive response”. the adoption of climate-
Poland’s deputy agricul- The farmers‘ protest in Warsaw, Poland, turned resilient varieties is slow and
ȱȱÙȱ violent in March this year. WIKI COMMONS the procurement of rice for
the central pool is also low.
Besides, the state has not
grown in terms of irrigation
coverage …” said the ministry.
Good season for Malaysian farmers AUSTRALIA
While most of Asia has demand drops and when “However, now the The largest sheep farm in
left farmers picking up customers buy less, we yield is great and Australia has been flooded after
the pieces after prolonged have total losses when the nationwide, locally grown the West Australian rainfall
dry spells, Malaysian vegetables spoil. Now things vegetables are cheap,” devastated the country recently.
vegetable and fish farmer are good although some said the association. Most of the roads that link
associations seem to have people are still unaware The Caged Fish Perth to other states have been
exprienced a good period. that vegetables are cheap,” Farmers Association closed and the sheep station in
According to a statement said the association. said the industry is Rawlinna is completely flooded.
from the Federation The heat has apparently also satisfied with The station has more than
of Vegetables Sellers helped crops grow instead their catches, including 60 000 Merino and is almost
Associations in Malaysia, of wilting them this season. squid and prawns. covered in water. According to
farmers said the dry spell “Farmers know how to “The prices are stable £ǰȱȱȂȱ¢¢ȱ
had boosted their yields, and irrigate and supply water and have been the same for rainfall average was exceeded in
they were able to sell their to the fields. If there was an a while as there is plenty four days. The government has
vegetables at a cheaper price, all-out drought and farmers of supply, especially now also reported cases of missing
which means more sales. find it hard to find water, then the Chinese New Year has people and deaths as a result
“When it is expensive, it will be a different story. passed.” – Staff reporter of the flooding. Staff Reporter

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP
Banana Hall of Fame celebrates banana industry

In celebration of its 125th Banana- The City of Latrobe in Pennsylvania, the
versary, Dole Food in the US recently birthplace of the Banana Split and home
established a National Banana Hall of of the Banana Split Festival, is the second
Fame to honour culinary and cultural inductee. The banana split, according
institutions that have helped to establish to the press statement, was developed
bananas as one of the world’s most by David Strickler, a 23-year-old soda
popular and most purchased fruit. jerk who worked a Latrobe drugstore.
William Goldfield, Dole’s In 1904, Stickler made banana and
communications director, said Dole was dessert history when he cut a banana
aware that it could never have made lengthwise, added vanilla, chocolate
it to their banana quasquicentennial and strawberry ice cream, and topped
– or 125th year of growing and it with syrups, marshmallow, chopped
marketing bananas – without the nuts, whipped cream and a cherry.
help of other banana ambassadors Within a few years, the banana split
with a similar passion for the fruit had become a national phenomenon and
and who have helped to turn bananas Stickler an ice cream industry legend.
into a universal symbol of simple An official market was erected on the
nutrition, goodness, flavour and fun. The Bananas Foster dessert was created official site of the original pharmacy
The first three inductees into in 1951 for Richard Foster. SUPPLIED in 2013, and the Great American
the Dole Banana Hall of Fame Banana Split Celebration was launched,
were also announced. for a special evening honouring a drawing tens of thousands of banana
The first is Brennan’s, the New family friend, Richard Foster. and dessert lovers every August.
Orleans French Quarter restaurant The resulting tableside masterpiece has Bobby Banana, the seven-foot-long
in the US, which created the world- been a local institution and Brennan’s banana mascot of Dole Food Company,
famous Bananas Foster dessert. most popular menu item ever since, who has been making healthy eating
The legendary flaming dessert filling the French Quarter restaurant and living fun for kids for close to
came into existence back in 1951 with the smell with caramelised bananas, 40 years, was the third inductee.
when the Brenna family challenged brown sugar and butter. The restaurant Dole plans on announcing
their chef de cuisine, Paul Blangé, to uses more than 17t of bananas a year more inductees throughout
create a signature dish using bananas to satisfy the demand for this dish. 2024. – Glenneis Kriel
Agriculture leading Zimbabwe’s economic growth

Zimbabwe’s economic growth potential of tobacco of 56 500t was exported production increased by 67% to
largely depends on developments in in January and February 2024. 89 600t during the 2022/23 season,
its agriculture sector. The country has This represented a 106% upsurge statistics from the Agricultural
4,13 million hectares of arable land. from the 27 600t exported during the Marketing Authority showed.
This was according to a recent report same period in 2023, according to data Maize was Zimbabwe’s principal
by the United States International Trade released by that country’s Tobacco food crop, according to the ITA report.
Administration (ITA) earlier this year. Industry and Marketing Board. Zimbabwe’s staple maize harvest was
It was pointed out in the report “The demand for soya beans in expected to halve to 1,1 million tons in
that Zimbabwe urgently needed Zimbabwe is growing owing to 2024 due to an El Niño-induced drought,
new and updated equipment to its use in cooking oil, stock feeds, Reuters reported earlier. The country
improve agricultural production. other foods, and industrial needs. needs about 1,8 million tons of maize
It was estimated the country had over “Zimbabwe requires about 240 000t annually for human consumption.
50 000 medium- to large-scale farmers, of soya beans annually, but local Macro-economic challenges and
with 10 300 functional tractors of the production stands at an estimated high input costs also contributed
40 000 needed for commercial cultivation. 71 290t, enough to meet only 30% to the production drop.
Tobacco remains the most important of national demand,” according to “Zimbabwean commercial farmers
cash crop in Zimbabwe in terms the authors of the ITA report. produced 375 000t of wheat in 2022, their
of generating foreign exchange. The report stated that the country had biggest wheat output since the 1960s.
Farmer’s Weekly recently reported the capacity to produce 600 000t of cotton. The country harvested enough wheat
on the fact that Zimbabwe’s tobacco Despite this potential, Zimbabwe only for local requirements, leaving a small
exports increased markedly in the first produced 116 052t in the 2020/21 season. surplus (20 000t) for its strategic reserve,”
two months of 2024. A total volume However, the country’s cotton the report stated. - Annelie Coleman

Agricultural research NEWS FEATURE
Underutilised crops come into their own

Diverse food systems are the focus of collaborative efforts at UKZN, writes Jyothi Laldas.
M
ainstreaming neglected
and underutilised crop
species has formed the
basis for international
collaborative research with an
agricultural focus at the University of
KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), in an effort
to influence policy to ensure a more
diverse agrifood system in South Africa.
The research is born out of years of
work by researchers in the Sustainable
and Healthy Food Systems (SHEFS)
programme, an inter-institutional
project funded by the Wellcome Trust’s
Our Planet, Our Health Programme
in South Africa, India and the UK.
SHEFS researchers concentrate on
the convergence of the environment,
food systems and health. They explore
food systems facing considerable
challenges due to diverse stressors,
such as demographic shifts, alterations
in dietary patterns, changes in
land use and urbanisation.
DIVERSIFYING THE
FOOD SYSTEMS SHEFS researchers concentrate on the convergence of the environment, food systems and health. UZKN
CAN TACKLE systems and people more vulnerable and partnerships focusing on policy
HUNGER AND to climate risks. Diversifying the food harmonisation, crop improvement,
INCREASE INCOMES system with underutilised crops can
increase agricultural income, promote
inclusive value chains, access to finance,
capacity strengthening and awareness
These factors contribute to under- agrobiodiversity (crop diversity) and building for underutilised crops.
nourishment and an increase in supply diverse and nutritious food to Researchers focused on the context
non-communicable diseases, resulting tackle malnutrition, hidden hunger, of the need for agrifood diversification.
in significant economic losses and and food insecurity under climate They laid out the challenges to
environmental degradation. change, contributing to human and adopting and mainstreaming
According to Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, environmental well-being,” he said. underutilised crops, including seed
professor of Climate Change, Food The brief advocates for mainstreaming systems, seed production, utilisation
Systems and Health at the London School underutilised crops into food systems and marketing, Mabhaudhi said.
of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and to promote food and livelihood “The potential of these crops under
honorary professor at UKZN who leads security and empower vulnerable climate change is significant as many
the SHEFS agriculture theme, said a communities economically and are nutrient-dense and highly adaptable
policy brief developed by a consortium sustainably, transforming the food to harsh environments, improving
of researchers from the UK, South Africa system into a more inclusive, healthy, food systems’ resilience to climate
and Botswana laid out the challenge resilient and socially just one. shocks while transforming healthier,
posed by the increasing demand for food. This would also improve the socio- more equitable, and inclusive diets.
This included inequities in household economic standing of women and “The actions taken over the
food and nutrition security, which is youths and marginalised people coming years will be especially
exerting pressure on food systems within their homes and communities, critical. A new initiative focusing on
that are already threatened by climate particularly in rural areas. transdisciplinary research for impact
change, environmental degradation According to the research, in pursuit is needed — one that integrates and
and declining agrobiodiversity. of enhancing the role of underutilised applies the best and most promising
“The narrow range of crops supplying crops in food systems it is vital to underutilised crops, approaches,
global food requirements makes food develop a framework for actions tools, and technologies,” he said.

NEWS FEATURE Dairy Championships
Records fly at this year’s

SA Dairy Championships
South Africa’s dairy champions gathered to show off the best-of-the-best butter,
cheese, yoghurt, milk and ice cream at the event, writes Glenneis Kriel.
A
record 78 dairy producers score on an international level. dairy industry, including cheese
ȱȱȱŗȹŖŘŜȱ The product scoring the highest is makers, quality managers, food
products in this year’s SA crowned the Product of the Year. technologists and marketing experts.
Dairy Championships. A panel of 78 judges had only two The record number of entries meant
Twelve of these companies had never days to assess the entries and this took ȱȱȱȱȱśȱŖŖŖȱȱ
participated in the event before. place at the beginning of March. The sheets to determine the results.”
The SA Dairy Championships ȱ ȱȱȱȱŘśȱǯȱȱȱ He told Farmer’s Weekly that feedback
ȱȱȱȱŗŖŖȱȱ Chief judge Graham Sutherland was given to the producers after
for cheese, yoghurt, milk, cream, said this was the first time the the championships, which over the
ice cream, butter and other dairy championship surpassed a thousand years have helped to elevate the
products. Each class yields a winning entries. “At the conclusion of the first standard of South African cheese
product that is awarded a title. day, the cheese entries demonstrated to some of the best in the world.
The Qualité Mark of Excellence, a commendable standard,” he said. Breyton Milford, general manager of
the dairy industry’s sole mark of He also emphasised the complexity Agri-Expo, host of the championships,
excellence, is reserved for select of a competition of this magnitude: said it was a huge honour to showcase
products of exceptional quality that “We have five judges per category the dairy industry’s top quality
have achieved a specific minimum selected from various sectors of the through this esteemed event.
LEFT: This year the SA Dairy Championships

attracted a record 1 026 entries from a record
78 producers. BELOW LEFT: Chief judge Graham
Sutherland, Alrina Fourie from the platinum
partner DSM, Breyton Milford, general manager
of Agri-Expo, and Hanzubeth Labuschagne from
the platinum partner IMCD, during judging at the
191th SA Dairy Championships. BELOW: Khusel
Mchithakali, of Foxenburg Goats Cheese, takes a
sample. AGRI EXPO/ANDREW GORMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

“The record-breaking entries
underscore the confidence that the
industry stakeholders place in this
competition to set a benchmark
of excellence,” said Milford.
THE EVENT HAS

HELPED TO ELEVATE
THE STANDARD OF
SA CHEESES TO
SOME OF THE BEST
IN THE WORLD
Platinum partners at this year’s
event included IMCD and DSM
(Dairy Management Consulting).
Diamond partners included CHR,
ABOVE: From left, Rudian Liddle, junior dairy and cheese buyer at Pick n Pay, Breyton Milford, general
Hansen and Synercore; gold partners manager of Agri-Expo and Abdalla Osman, cheese buyer from Pick n Pay, talk cheese. BELOW LEFT:
were Checkers, Orchem, IFF, Woolworths Claire Goosen of Chr. Hansen, Novonesis, and Laura Nyamukapa, of Méze Foods, share a moment.
and the Western Cape Agriculture BELOW: Quintin Paladin, general manager of Freshmark, Fresh Foods, Mariesa Vorster, Shoprite QA and
Department. Silver partners included technical development manager, and Chris Fourie, senior consulting at DMC.
BOTTOM LEFT: Bianca Mollar, of Woolworths, and Angelique Swart, of Lactalis, share notes.
Condio and Pick n Pay, and Mane BOTTOM RIGHT: Kobus Mulder, one of the judges and honorary president of Agri-Expo, with
served as a bronze partner. Daryl Jacobs, deputy director-general of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP
Zambia announces cost-cutting as harvests fail

Zambia has declared the 2023/24 The food agencies and other players and cholera, compounded by the dry
agriculture season drought an had been tasked to undertake spells, was the worst case experienced
emergency following a prolonged dry community food sales to ensure food by the country so far and affected
spell caused by the El Niño. Government was available to all at affordable prices. the majority of households as many
is also calling for co-operating partners The emergency drought disaster relied on maize as their staple food.
to come to the country’s aid for food initiative is being done in accordance The government has in collaboration
while appealing to debt creditors to with the Disaster Management and with various farmers and the private
accelerate debt restructuring to shift Mitigation laws to help reduce the impact sector undertaken to grow winter
resources towards food security of the drought compounded by El Niño. maize using both irrigated and rain-fed
and economic realignment. grain to complement the affected crops.
President Hakainde Hichilema said ABOUT 84 OF Commercial and smallholder farmers
that of the 2,2 million hectares of planted
maize crop, a total 1,1 million hectares
ZAMBIA’S 116 with the capacity to irrigate are urged
to replant maize and other crops.
had been affected by the drought in DISTRICTS ARE The government has pledged to realign
about 84 of Zambia’s 116 districts. This AFFECTED BY the national budget to accommodate
threatened thousands of farmers with THE DROUGHT resources that will be mobilised to
food insecurity following crop failure ensure enough food is secured. It said
due to the lack of sustained rainfall. The drought is further expected to that scaling down travel for government
In a national radio and television drastically affect power generation officials was among the cost-saving
address to the nation, Hichilema said the because of reduced water levels, measures to divert funds into securing
turn of events necessitated resorting to creating a deficit of 450-500MW this food and energy contingency initiatives.
drastic cost-saving measures. He directed year. This will prompt the government Hichilema reiterated the government’s
all food agencies to mop up grains for to import enough energy to keep the desire to allow various well-wishers
storage in strategic reserves and ensure economy running, including mining. to contribute food to cope with
social services were maintained for Hichilema noted that the drought, the unforeseen challenges that the
vulnerable households to avert hunger. coming in the aftermath of COVID-19 country faced. – ȱ
International donors offer aid amid drought, famine

The drought in Zambia has led to it pledged its continued support to compact programme that will help
co-operating partners and other countries Zambia’s response to the effects of realise a shared vision whereby both
offering humanitarian assistance to the climate change and the impending commercial and smallholder farmers
Southern African country where over threat of food insecurity. It recognised will join hands to produce a variety
six million people are in dire need of that El Niño weather conditions of crops and create jobs in Zambia
food after a failed harvesting season. and associated reduced rainfall in through growth in agro-processing.
Vice president Mutale Nalumango major agricultural production areas The compact will also help to build
said a total of 2,4 million people of Zambia had led to devastating roads that link farms to markets,
had been supported with relief food consequences that risk food security. leverage private capital to expand
through the Disaster Management and The US government said it supported agricultural production and agro-
Mitigation Unit since October last year. ongoing agriculture-related programmes processing value chains, and support
Over a million hectares of the more in Zambia with initiatives such as critical agricultural policy reforms.
than 2,2 million hectares of land where capacity-building for smallholder Senior officials from the US Agency
maize was planted had been destroyed. farmers, enhancing agricultural for International Development’s Bureau
She said the UN had initiated productivity, and promoting sustainable for Resilience, Environment, and Food
a US$30 million (R560 million) land management to help empower Security were expected to visit Zambia
disaster management plan to Zambians to combat food insecurity. in March to meet government and civil
help Zambia overcome El Niño Additionally, the US government society partners to discuss the ways in
conditions and climate change. is attracting private investment in which the US can continue to support
She said Zambia would launch a the agriculture sector and offering Zambia during this time of crisis.
humanitarian appeal to the UN to targeted trade facilitation support to The International Monetary Fund has
mobilise money for humanitarian small and medium-sized businesses heeded a plea from Zambia and will
support, livelihood recovery engaged in climate-smart production. return to the country in mid-April to
and resilience building for more The Millennium Challenge do an economic impact assessment of
than one million households. Corporation is working with the the devastation caused by the drought
The US government said in a statement Zambian government to develop a in various sectors. – ȱ

Mohair up 6% on the back of good demand
The second mohair sale of the 2024 manager of The House of Fibre, said “This big clip was well prepared,
summer season saw 174 419kg on the sale went remarkably well. leveraging the advanced technological
offer, of which 99% was sold. “The differentiating factor was support provided by The House
The offering consisted of good- that the smaller buying houses also of Fibre,” Van der Vyver said.
quality mohair, with individual competed well; [however] only two The OVK market indicator
clips achieving excellent results processors were active at the first sale.” closed at R400,65/kg.
and buyers actively competing, While the catalogue on offer Their highest clip average was achieved
according to Mohair South Africa. was substantial, the offering by CJJ van Heerden of Murraysburg,
A total of 84% of the offering was of very high quality. with an average clip price of R506,23/kg.
was Responsible Mohair Standard “It was one of the finest offerings The top bin price of R780/kg was
certified. Increased demand saw the micron-wise. To prove this point, achieved at the OVK public auction. The
market gaining 6% compared with the the best price of the day went for a producers in this lot were HG Nash,
previous sale to close at R395,61/kg. 20-micron bale with good style. Three Rynheath Trust, SCB Trust, WJ du Toit,
The highest price of R850/kg was paid years ago, this was unheard of, let WC Strydom, Lumachri Boerdery, and
for a bale of 23-micron kid’s mohair. alone that the bale was a C-length.” JA Gouws. The buyer was Stucken & Co.
Compared with the previous sale, This bale was produced by Sias OVK’s highest price of the day
prices were up as follows: kid mohair Reynolds, of Kamferskraal Boerdery of R795,10/kg was produced by
10%; young goat mohair 4%; fine adult in Beaufort West. The bale had a WC Strydom, of Willowmore, for a
mohair 8%; and strong adult mohair 5%. clean yield of 86,5%, and achieved BSFFK lot of 22,9 microns. The buyer
Pierre van der Vyver, general the highest price of R850/kg. was Samil. – Roelof Bezuidenhout
Wool marginally down at 24th sale of the season

A total of 11 330 bales were on offer
at the 24th sale of the wool season,
with 60,1% of the Merino wool on
offer being certified as sustainable.
Taking into account the stronger
rand against the dollar at the time of
the sale, finer micron wool delivered
positive results in US dollar terms,
according to Cape Wools SA. However,
the broader micron wools ultimately
dragged the market down and resulted
in an overall sales clearance of 93,7%.
FINER MICRON
WOOL DELIVERED
STELLAR RESULTS IN
US DOLLAR TERMS
The non-certified indicator eased
slightly by 0,5% to close at R153,28/kg,
while the certified indicator decreased
by 1,2% to close at R171,52/kg. Major Stronger wool dragged the market down at the most recent sale. FLICKR
buyers were G Modiano SA (2 361 bales),
BKB Pinnacle Fibres (2 188), Tianyu SA in Caledon. The buyer was Tianyu SA. was also produced by Beyers.
ǻŗȹŝŚśǼȱȱȱȱȱǻŗȱŝřŞǼǯ The highest price of R220/kg at the SJ van der Walt of Adelaide also
The OVK auction saw 1 826 bales BKB sale was paid for a 15,6 micron achieved a price of R191kg. This was
on offer, of which 97,43% was sold. BH lot with a clean yield of 76,1%, ȱȱȱȱȱȱŗśǰŘȹȱ
The highest price of R184,90/kg (clean produced by GH Beyers of Dordrecht. with a clean yield of 73,1%.
price: R240,85/kg) was achieved for a one- The second-highest price was paid The Australian market closed 1,2% up
bale AAFY lot of 15,5 microns from the for a 15,9-micron AH lot with a clean in Australian dollar terms compared with
clip of Animal Production Research Trust yield of 75,7% for R191/kg, which the previous sale. – Roelof Bezuidenhout

COMMODITY PRICE TRENDS
SA economy narrowly
avoids slipping
into recession
The agriculture sector has recorded two consecutive quarters of negative growth, following three years
of positive growth primarily driven by commodity price tailwinds, according to Absa AgriBusiness.
T
he South African economy severe power outages, weaker terms of fisheries sectors experiencing the most
experienced a marginal quarter- trade, local infrastructure constraints, significant decline at 9,7% quarter-
on-quarter expansion of 0,1% in the muted global demand, lower commodity on-quarter (seasonally adjusted and
fourth quarter of 2023 (2023 Q4) following prices, and persistent domestic annualised), and contributing -0,2
an unexpected contraction of 0,2% in structural constraints, the economy percentage points to GDP growth.
the third quarter (2023 Q3). This growth demonstrated relative resilience,
helped the economy avoid slipping into
a technical recession, although it is lower
achieving a growth rate of 0,6% for 2023.
Economic growth reduced across
LOWER GLOBAL
than analysts’ expectations. Despite four out of 10 sectors in 2023 Q4, GRAIN PRICES IN
facing significant challenges, such as with the agriculture, forestry and 2023 CAUSED
A DECREASE IN
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND AGRICULTURE
THE VALUE OF
40
31,4
MAIZE EXPORTS
30 IN RAND TERMS
Quarterly % growth
20 15,3 The agriculture industry has recorded

10,1
10 two consecutive quarters of negative
5 4,2
1,4 1,5 1,8 -1,1 0,4 0,6 0,1 growth, having recorded a 9,6% quarter-
0
0,6 1,3 -1,9 -0,9 -0,8 -2,4 -0,2 on-quarter seasonally adjusted decline
-10 in 2023 Q3. Year-on-year, growth for the
-9,6 -9,7
-11,8 -11,9
agriculture sector decreased by 29,1%
-20
in quarter four, and the overall 2023
-25,8
-30 agriculture performance decreased
by 12,2%. This decline in growth
2021 Q1
2021 Q2
2021 Q3
2021 Q4
2022 Q1
2022 Q2
2022 Q3
2022 Q4
2023 Q1
2023 Q2
2023 Q3
2023 Q4
follows three years of positive growth

primarily driven by commodity price
Agriculture, forestry and fishing All sectors tailwinds, which have now subsided.
The agriculture sector faced several
AGRICULTURE GDP AND SECTOR PERFORMANCE headwinds on the back of lower
commodity prices, subdued consumer
200 25
spending, biosecurity concerns,
Gross farm income (R100 million)
200 19,1
17,8 20 and infrastructure bottlenecks.
200
15 Lower commodity prices especially
Agriculture GDP (%)
200 impacted field crops, with the gross

10
200 7,4 income derived from them decreasing
200 5 by 12,7% year-on-year, as shown
0,5 0,9
200 0 by production figures from the
200 Department of Agriculture, Land
-3,6 -5
200 -5,2 Reform and Rural Development.
-6,5
200
-10 Conversely, animal products and
-12,2
-15
horticulture noted increases of 20,4%
200
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 and 5,2% respectively compared with a
GDP Field crops Horticulture Animal production
year ago. It is important to note that these
figures do not incorporate incurred costs,

JHB TRACTOR SPARES
such as the significant expenses borne by the poultry
industry due to the outbreak of avian influenza.
Substantial declines were noted for the gross
farm income for field crops, notably maize, which
serves as the largest contributor to the overall SPECIALISTS IN REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR
field crops income, declining by 15% year-on-year FORD / FIAT / NEW HOLLAND / MF
in 2023. This decline can be attributed to lower
average maize prices in 2023, despite the higher Tel: (011)667-2100
quantity produced during the same period. Tel: (011) 615-6421
While the maize harvest for 2022/23 was 960 000t Email: jhbtrac@icon.co.za
higher, the average maize price for 2023 decreased by www.jhbtractorspares.co.za
17% compared with 2022. This led to lower income,
which weighed heavily on agricultural performance.
(EZMIW6SEH
The timing of crop deliveries in 2023 also impacted 1EPZIVR)EWX+IVQMWXSR
the overall performance of field crops. The pace of
maize and soya bean deliveries during the third
quarter of 2023 fell behind that of the same period in
2022. This was attributed to delayed planting in the
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spilling over into the third quarter of 2022. The
increase in deliveries during the second quarter of 2023
coincided with notably lower year-on-year prices for
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TODAY
2023 caused a decrease in the value of maize exports
in rand terms. This occurred despite higher export
volumes, as global commodity prices peaked in 2022
and have since followed decreasing price trends.
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Despite significant global grain and oilseed price PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
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summer grains and oilseed production regions have (includes delivery/postage fee –
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soya bean growing phases have weighed on production
sentiments, thus driving prices up. INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
The Crop Estimates Committee, in their first Contact us for a quote
production forecast for the 2023/24 season, forecasted
12,6% and 22,8% declines in maize and soya bean
production for 2023/24 respectively. Along with
DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
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February and March. SAFEX maize prices trading
around R4 215/t for yellow maize and R5 100/t for white
maize at the time of writing showed increases of 17%
and 37% for yellow maize and white maize respectively.
Analysts anticipate that subsequent production
forecasts will present a gloomier picture compared
with the initially forecasted declines because of the
prevailing pessimistic production sentiments. Lower
production forecasts will lead to higher SAFEX PHONE US ON:
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reduced harvest, despite higher prices, may offset the for processing.
potential price gains, resulting in decreased income
derived from field crops and subsequently exerting
downward pressure on agricultural GDP performance.
Email Nkhensani Mashimbyi at Absa AgriBusiness
at Nkhensani.Mashimbyi@absa.africa. FW
MANAGING FOR PROFIT
Why great
leaders take
humour seriously
Understand the role of humour in your success because even in the most difficult of times,
a smile or a laugh goes a long way toward making everyone feel better. By Peter Hughes.
H
eard this one before? Van your empathy, compassion and Others aren’t, but that’s okay because it’s
produced vegetables on a other characteristics are much more possible to develop a sense of humour.
small plot near town. Someone important to your managerial success Here are some ideas on how:
told the Labour Department that he than any management technique. The number one enemy of humour
was not paying minimum wages and is taking yourself too seriously. There’s
despatched an inspector to check on him. LAUGHTER, THE BEST MEDICINE humour in most things. Look for it: the
“I need a list of your employees and A crucial characteristic required to irony and absurdity of life. Some events
their wages,” demanded the inspector. deepen personal relationships and don’t appear to be occasions for laughter,
“Well,” replied Van. “There are only influence, is your sense of humour. but most give you the choice to laugh.
three of us. Jacob works in the field, Thinking about the co-workers and
has been with me for three years, bosses I had over the years, those who SHARE YOUR GAFFS
and I pay him R2 000 a week. Doris influenced me most were all individuals The best way to take yourself less
is in the packhouse. She’s s been here who got me and others smiling. Of seriously is to share your most
18 months, earning R1 500 a week. They course, they had other important embarrassing moments freely. It’s the
both receive free room and board. characteristics, but underpinning all safest way to introduce humour if
“Finally, there’s the half-wit who of these was the fact that they never you’re not so good at it. It’s amazing
works 12 hours a day, making R250 took themselves too seriously. how it helps build rapport and trust.
a week, paying for his own room Become less defensive and
and board, and I buy him a dozen YOUR WORDS AND more spontaneous.
beers every Saturday night.”
“Ah, that’s the guy I want to talk
TONE, YOUR BODY I once had a boss, wonderful in
many ways, but he kept his personal
to, the half-wit,” said the inspector. LANGUAGE, ARE cards close to his chest. In the affairs
“That would be me,” replied Van. VITAL TO YOUR of business this was fine, but on a
MORE IMPORTANT THAN THEORY

MANAGERIAL personal level it limited my relationship
with him and his influence.
Management fads come and go but the SUCCESS Smiling is the beginning of laughter,
power of humour never dies. I’ve shared and it’s contagious. When you
this joke many times, and even if it’s been Laughter, it’s been said, is the shortest look at someone or see something
heard before, it always raises a smile. distance between two people. It’s even mildly pleasing, smile.
In my quest to become a better contagious and draws others into Spend time with fun, playful
manager, one of the first ‘fad’ seminars your circle. When we laugh together it people who laugh easily, both at
I attended was Quality Circles. connects us, lightens burdens, inspires themselves and at life’s absurdities,
This was the revolutionary idea (at hope, and helps us retain perspective and who routinely find the humour in
that time) of getting small groups and stay alert. It leads to a more everyday events. Learn from them.
of employees working together to positive, optimistic outlook, and heals Treat humour as a necessity.
improve business processes. resentments and disagreements. Understand its importance and
Following this there were many Laughter is an antidote to stress, the role it plays in making you
more: Theory X and Y, One Minute pain, and conflict. It makes you feel a more successful person.
Manager, Right-Sizing, and Six good, and this feeling stays with If your closest friends say you’re
Sigma, to name just a few. you long after the laughter subsides. taking life too seriously, dig out
While they all offer value, the Even in the most difficult of times, this column and read it again.
inescapable truth is that your personal a smile or a laugh goes a long way Peter Hughes is a business and
behaviour will influence your success toward making you feel better. management consultant. Email him
more than anything else. The words Some persons are lucky enough to have at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za.
and tone you use, your body language, been born with a good sense of humour. Subject line: Managing for profit. FW

CANNABIS POST
Mastering hemp
cultivation: best
practices for growers
Farmers can position themselves for success in the booming hemp market by remaining informed,
implementing innovative techniques, and tapping into the expertise of specialists, writes Thomas Walker.
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ȱ ǰȱ ȱȱ ȱȱǰȱ¢ȱ
SOIL PREPARATION: THE ȱȱȱȱȱǯȱ ȱȱ ǰȱ¡ȱ
FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS ȱȱȱȱǯ
CHOOSING
ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱǰȱ
¢ǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ
Ȭȱǯȱ ȱȱ CERTIFIED SEEDS ȱȱǰȱȱȱ
ȱ Ȭǰȱȱȱ ȱȱ FROM RELIABLE ȱȱȱȱĜǰȱ
ȱȱȱŜȱȱŝǰśǯȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱȱ VENDORS HELPS ¢ȱȱȬȱǯ
ȱȱ¢ȱȱȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱ ǰȱȱ GUARANTEE Ȭȱ¢ȱȱȱȱǰȱ
ȱ¢ȱ¢ȱǰȱ GENETIC PURITY ȱȱȱ¢ȱȱǯ
ȱȱȱȱȱȱ
ȱ ȱȱȱȱǯȱ
AND UNIFORMITY CARBON CREDITS
ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ¡ȱȱȱǰȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱǰȱ PROTECTING CROPS FROM PESTS ȱěȱȱȱ¢ȱ
ȱȱȱȱȱ ǰȱȱ¢ȱǰȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱ¢ȱ
ȱȱǯȱǰȱ ȱȱǰȱ ȱȱȱ ȱ ȱȱȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱ ȱȱ¢ǯȱ ȱ ěȱȱȱȱǯȱ
ȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱ ¢ȱȱȱȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱǯȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱ Ȭȱǰȱȱǰȱȱ
ȱȱ ȱ¢ȱǯȱ ȱȱȱǰȱȱ
PLANTING TECHNIQUES: ȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱ
MAXIMISING YIELD AND QUALITY ȱȱȱǯȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱȱǰȱ ȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱǯ
ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ¢ǰȱȱȬȱ ȱȱȱȱ
ȱ¢ȱȱȱȱȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱǯȱ ȱǰȱȱȱ
¡ȱȱȱ¢ǯȱ ǰȱȱȱȱ Ȭ ȱ¢ȱȱȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ ȱĜȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱ¢ȱȱ
ǰȱ ȱȱǰȱǰȱȱ ȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱǯ
ȱǯȱȱȱ ȱȱ ¢ȱ ǯȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱȱ ǰȱȱȱȱȱȱ
ȱȱ¢ȱȱ¢ǯȱ HARVESTING: TIMING IS KEY ȱȱȱǯȱȱȱ
ȱȱȱȱȱ¢ȱ ȱȱȱȱ ȱȱ ȱȱȓ ǯǯȱ
ȱȱȱǰȱȱǰȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ ȱǱȱȱǯȱȱFW

COMMUNAL FARMING
Assisting and
monitoring the
gestating goat ewe
At the best of times the birthing process is strenuous for female animals, but there are many
ways that you can ensure they are prepared for the challenge. By Shane Brody.
G
oats are known for having twins Products that contain vitamins A, D and This should be done after thoroughly
and triplets and they can become E can be administered to pregnant goats disinfecting your hands and ensuring
pregnant at a relatively young about six weeks before giving birth. your nails are short in order to prevent
age. Both these factors can contribute to They can be valuable for assisting with lacerations in the birth canal. Undertake
the older and young ewe experiencing kidding stress, increased immunity, this probing procedure with utmost
birthing challenges. At the best of and even increasing the foetus weight care and use a harmless lubricant
times the birthing process is strenuous slightly to bolster the newborn kid. or product like unscented glycerine.
and your female animals thus need Further to offering a licking block, Feel that the cervix has properly
to be prepared for this challenge. particularly if farming in arid or poor opened and gently probe it, rubbing
An animal that is clearly not in good environmental areas, there are trace in circular motions, to encourage it to
physical condition or suffering from an element drench/dose products that open properly if not properly dilated.
internal and/or external parasite burden can be given about six weeks prior to If the birth canal is not opening you
will more than likely struggle during the mating and then again six weeks prior will need to contact a vet, who may
birthing process and may give birth to to the birth. Always use these remedies need to perform a Caesarean section.
weak offspring that the mother struggles as per manufacture instructions and You should gently feel how a kid
to feed due to a lack of milk. Ewes with never exceed recommended dosages. is lying in the birth canal or whether
trace element or nutrient shortfalls two kids are trying to pass through
can also be prone to post-birth health A MONTH BEFORE simultaneously and have become stuck.
conditions and so too may their kids.
KIDDING, YOU Try to concentrate on gently pulling
the closest kid to you, head and front
PREPARING THE EWE FOR BIRTH SHOULD ISOLATE limbs first, while manoeuvring the
Three to four weeks before kidding, GESTATING ANIMALS second kid backwards. It is imperative
it is wise to vaccinate the ewe with a
broad-spectrum vaccination and to
AND OFFER THEM to work carefully and not be careless
or boisterous when assisting to pull
deworm her if internal parasites seem ADDED NUTRIENTS a kid because this can cause cuts
to be a challenge. In severe cases of or ruptures in the birth canal that
worm infestation a ewe may show Keeping records of mating dates can lead to bleeding or infection.
signs of bottle jaw (swelling under the is therefore important if you Newborn kids need to ingest colostrum
lower jaw), may have grey or pale gums wish to offer supplements at the (the thick yellow milk passed by the
rather than a healthy pink colour, or correct stages of pregnancy. mother after birth) as soon as possible
may have pale or white inner eyelids. and will require your assistance if the
About a month before kidding, you MANAGEMENT DURING KIDDING ewe is not allowing suckling – this
should isolate pregnant animals and offer Ewes will often lie down just before is important for the new kid to build
them some added nutrients in the form kidding and may be very vocal – such immunity. Do not remove the birth
of good-quality grass or lucerne bales animals that may show a watery or sack from the newborn kid, but you can
and importantly, a ration that includes bloody vaginal discharge should be remove this from the face and nostril
added grain that assists in preventing isolated to a clean space away from area along with mucous. The mother
conditions like toxaemia. Grain can go a other goats and kept in a relatively small will remove the rest of the birth material
long way in preventing certain post-birth enclosure where the mother can bond by licking and this process allows
conditions and these added nutrients with her offspring after birth. If about good bonding with her offspring.
will assist in bolstering the foetus to also 45 minutes or so has passed after the Shane Brody is involved in an outreach
be ready for the birthing process. I have mother has ‘broken water’ and a kid is programme aimed at transferring skills
also found value in offering a mineral not yet born or visible in the birth canal, to communal farmers. Email him
licking block that assists with providing you may need to probe to ascertain at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za.
essential vitamins and trace elements. whether the cervix has fully opened. Subject line: Communal farming. FW

ADVERTORIAL
Helping your small

lambs to survive
The Livestock Welfare Coordinating Committee compiled a very THIS PAGE IS
SPONSORED BY
useful information sheet for the treatment of hypothermia (chilling) THE RED MEAT
and hypoglycaemia (starvation) in very young lambs. INDUSTRY
A
s with all conditions, ¢ȱȱȱǻśŖȟȦȱȱ
prevention is the best body weight) and additional
cure for hypothermia. ȱȱŘŖŖȟȦkg body weight
Good nutrition during spread over three more
gestation, a good lambing feedings within the first 24
environment, an awareness hours. Move the lamb to
of weather conditions, the hospital pen with a heat
observation of the ewe and source and feed it until it is
lamb at lambing, and assisting strong and able to maintain a
where necessary will go a normal temperature of 39°C.
long way to preventing lamb Once the lamb is strong, it
losses from hypothermia. can be returned to the dam.
The best way to recognise If a lamb’s temperature
hypothermia is by taking the ȱǂȱřŝǚȱȱȱȱȱ
lamb’s rectal temperature and it is able to swallow, it
and observing its behaviour. must be assumed that the
The normal temperature The basis of treatment of the hypothermic lamb is to warm it up and provide lamb has no fat stores and is
of a lamb is 39°C to 40°C. a source of energy in order to start heat production again. FW ARCHIVE hypoglycaemic. The owner
The rectal temperature must provide an energy
of any dull, weak lamb that seems In addition to colostrum, these small source before warming takes place.
unable or unwilling to suckle should ȱȱȱȱȱ¡ȱśŖȟȦȱȱȱ As in the other cases, the lamb must
be checked. The sooner action is 20% dextrose solution by stomach tube be removed from the dam and dried
taken, the better the lamb’s chances one hour after the colostrum feeding. of if necessary. Warm colostrum must
of survival. The basis of treatment of Lambs under 2kg should have wool be administered by a stomach tube,
the hypothermic lamb is to warm it pullovers for two to four days, and they ȱȱȱȱȱȱśŖȟȦȱȱ
up and provide a source of energy in may do better in the orphan lamb pen. body weight prior to warming because
order to start heat production again. it will convulse and die if it is warmed
MODERATE TO SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA first. The lamb has to be placed in a
MILD HYPOTHERMIA Moderate to severe hypothermia warming box until its rectal temperature
Mild hypothermia occurs when the ȱȱȱȱȱǂȱřŝǚǯȱ is > 37°C, and warm colostrum must
lamb’s temperature is between 37°C Lambs over five hours old should again be administered by stomach tube.
and 39°C and it is weak, depressed and be considered hypoglycaemic ȱȱȂȱȱȱǂȱřŝǚȱ
appears empty, but can stand. Actions in (starved) as well as hypothermic. at five hours old and it is not able to
such cases include to move the lamb into They should not be warmed before swallow, a stomach tube should not
shelter and dry it off. Colostrum must administering colostrum or glucose. be attempted as this will result in the
ȱȱ¢ȱȱȱȱǻȱśŖȟȦ Lambs with a suckle reflex can Ȧȱȱȱȱ
kg of body weight slowly over five to 10 be tube-fed, but lambs without a the lungs, which will kill the lamb.
Ǽȱȱ¢ȱȱŘŖȟȦ suckle reflex will need to be revived The hypoglycaemia must first be
kg of body weight spread over three using intraperitoneal dextrose (into reversed before warming or the lamb
more feedings within the first 24 hours. the abdominal cavity) and then be will convulse and die. The lamb must be
The lamb can be kept with the dam, warmed prior to being tube-fed. injected with a sterile solution of warm
provided she is in a sheltered area, In the case of a lamb with a ŘŖƖȱ¡ȱȱȱȱȱȱŗŖȟȦȱȱ
while it must be ensured that the lamb ȱȱǂȱřŝǚȱ ȱȱ¢ȱ body weight into the abdominal cavity,
is nursing. The lamb is recovered than five hours and has a suckle reflex, it after which it has be placed in a warming
once its rectal temperature returns will typically be weak, empty, depressed box until its rectal temperature is > 37°C.
to normal, at which point the lamb and may be unable to stand. The lamb Once the lamb is revived and displays
and ewe can return to the flock. must be removed from the ewe, dried a suckle reflex, warm colostrum must
Small lambs (< 1,5kg at birth) may not off if wet, and placed in a warming box be administered by stomach tube.
have sufficient fat reserves to initiate until its rectal temperature is >37°C. Phone the RPO on 012 349 1102/3,
heat production, even with colostrum. Warm colostrum must be administered or email corine@rpo.co.za.

FEATURE Wine Estate
Secret to Van Loveren’s

success: look for
solutions, not trouble
South Africa’s wine industry is dwindling. Yet, Van Loveren Vineyards go from strength to strength each year,
excelling both in their business offering and their ability to keep generations of family involved, conflict-free.
Lindi Botha speaks to the Retief family about their achievements over the years.
T
ABOVE: he wine industry is tough. One products to their parents. Despite consolidation
The Van Loveren family needs only to visit a local liquor in the global industry, wine production is
farm in Robertson has been store and be overwhelmed at the actually increasing, which means that in most
producing wine since 1937.
PHOTOS: LINDI BOTHA product offering to realise what a years there is more supply than demand.”
feat it must be to have your label capture the
consumer’s attention, and keep it long term. SPOTTING OPPORTUNITIES
ȱȱȱȱŗȹŗŖŖȱȱ ȱȱȱȱ ȱȱŗşřŝǰȱ ȱ
wine brands, compared with whisky that the Retief family building the business into the
only has about 15. This makes wine highly successful company it is today. Today the third
competitive, and wineries require a whole generation is at the helm, comprising brothers
arsenal of tools to keep their product in wine Hennie and Bussell, and Phillip and Neil. Together
glasses around the country. As a result, the they are the famous four cousins, whose faces
FAST FACTS
Van Loveren industry is rapidly consolidating, with Vinpro adorn the label of their most popular wine.
Vineyards has gone ȱȱŗŖŖȱ¢ȱȱȱȱ It is the Four Cousins range that has brought
from strength to
strength while ¡ȱȱ¢ȱȱ¢ȱȱŘŖŖřǯȱ them much of their recent success, providing
many wine farmers The trend is not unique to South Africa as wine a springboard for many more successful
are exiting the countries the world over turn to economies of ventures. Hennie muses that a designer,
industry.
scale to beat the cost-price squeeze. “Europe has asked to make a label for that particular range
Vertical integration always been the biggest consumer of wine, but of wine, used their faces, with the cousins
has been key to
their success. that has changed,” says Phillip Retief, CEO of reluctantly agreeing, since none liked to be
Van Loveren Vineyards (VRL), in Robertson in in the spotlight. “But it just worked and it
Good relationships
form the basis of
the Western Cape. “Their population is ageing created familiarity with our customers.”
negotiations. and the younger generation, which is more health The Four Cousins sweet rosé wine was about
conscious, drinks less and enjoys alternative ȱȱȱ ȱȱŗǰśȟȱȱȱȱȱ

market. The Retiefs decided to use the bigger sell wine in environmentally
bottle to give consumers more value, copying friendly plastic bottles in their THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE
producers in the US who saw much success with Tangled Tree range, and first to INDUSTRY IN NUMBERS:
this format. With 70% of South Africa’s wine being market a non-alcoholic wine. t 5IFSFBSFXJOFHSBQFGBSNFST
consumed at entry level and popular premium, The venture into spirits and t "SPVOEQSPEVDF
and sweet, it became their biggest seller. RTD has meant that VRL can MFTTUIBOUZFBS
Since then VRL has done a remarkable job in compete in the larger drinks t 5PUBMXJOFHSBQFQSPEVDUJPOJO
catering for all aspects of the market. And it’s not market. Phillip believes that 4PVUI"GSJDBJT NJMMJPOUPOT
a case of quantity rather than quality – the variety winemakers often make the t 8FBSFUIFFJHIUIMBSHFTUXJOF
of offerings have been carefully considered to mistake thinking that they QSPEVDJOHDPVOUSZJOUIFXPSME
meet the exact needs of each product category. are only competing with each t 8FTVQQMZPGUIFXPSMETXJOF
This includes 12 ranges of wine, competing in other, when in actual fact t 5IFSFBSFDFMMBSTJO4PVUI"GSJDB
premium and lower-end markets, 10 spirit labels they are competing against all t PGPVSXJOFJTFYQPSUFE
that include creams, gin and whisky, and two other drinks. “South Africa BTCVMLBOESFQBDLBHJOHJO
coolers catering to the ready-to-drink (RTD) is a beer-drinking country, so UIFEFTUJOBUJPODPVOUSZ
market. Some of these are produced in partnership by volume, beer is the most t JTTPMEBCSPBEBMSFBEZCPUUMFE
with the local community to boost transformation. sold alcoholic beverage at 4PVSDF7JOQSP
71% of all alcoholic beverages.
Wine comes in at 10%,
‘IT’S IMPORTANT TO ciders 10%, RTD 6%, and spirits 3%.
REVIEW OUR PRODUCT “But you can innovate to the end of the
OFFERING FROM TIME earth without being sustainable. More is not
TO TIME AND MAKE

always better, and it’s important to review our
product offering from time to time and make
SURE EVERYTHING sure everything has its place,” he cautions.
HAS ITS PLACE’
THE VALUE OF MARKETING
Phillip notes that part of their success is that they Despite a good reputation in the international
have been able to tap not only into a popular, but market as makers of good-quality, good-value
lower-priced category, but a popular and premium wine, the majority of South Africa’s wine
category as well. “If we were only an entry-level that is exported is done so in bulk, where the
wine, we would be floundering, caught up in a value is added abroad. Phillip believes this
BELOW:
price war that leads to a race to the bottom.” is because South Africa has been relatively A micro-climate suited
The success of the Four Cousins label has poor in marketing itself, compared with to avocado production
however been a double-edge sword, and their countries like France, Australia and the US. meant that the Retiefs
venture into the premium market has not “We went through a honeymoon period when could diversify into this
popular fruit when they
been easy. “You can’t diversify if your core the market opened after 1990, and it was easier acquired the land, rather
products are not stable, and the success of to sell wine because everyone wanted our wine. than plant more vines.
Four Cousins meant we could innovate into
new arenas. But in a way Four Cousins was
also our nemesis because it meant much of our
energy was being channelled to that brand
rather than developing a premium brand.
“In focusing on premium wine, we also had
to overcome our own reputation: we were the
Four Cousins making premium wine, instead
of being premium winemakers that also make
Four Cousins. It’s a narrative that can be used
against you by other premium winemakers
vying for market share. Over time, however,
and through a quality offering that holds up
in international markets, we have established
ourselves in the premium market,” says Phillip.
VRL today has a production capacity of 17
million litres and winery capacity of 22 million
litres, exporting wine to 68 countries.
At the heart of the family is a remarkable ability
to spot opportunities, innovate and expand.
VRL has many ‘firsts’ they can claim. They were
ȱȱȱȱ ȱ·ȱȱȱŗǰśȟȱǰȱȱȱ
."3$)farmer’s weekly
FEATURE Wine Estate
WINE PRODUCTION South Africans investing away from South

Africa, why foreigners would do the opposite
South Africa 4% is puzzling. Phillip relays the answer given
Rest of the world 5%
China 4% by these investors: “South Africans pay
too much attention to negative news, and
Australia 7% don’t see all the positive aspects of their
country. You have wonderful people in your
employment and it’s a beautiful country.
Argentina / Chile “Of course, the bang for their buck also plays
/ Brazil 10% a role, since dollars and euros go far when
converted to rand. As such, many foreign
Europe 61% wine businesses buy wineries here to expand
their volume and piggyback on the market
United States 9%
share they already have in foreign markets.
Phillip notes that for every 10 tourists visiting
from abroad, one job is created. “Tourism is
the low-hanging fruit that we can capitalise on
to grow the economy and create more jobs.”
VRL was an early innovator in making wine
farms more family friendly, which enabled them
ABOVE: “As a result, few developed a long-term, structured to capture a larger portion of the tourism market,
The chart shows wine marketing plan. Instead, South Africa positioned rather than just those of legal drinking age.
production percentages
across the globe. itself as one of the cheapest wine sellers in the The tasting room in Robertson offers sparkling
VINPRO world, regardless of the quality, which was grape juice tastings for children or those of sober
some of the best. Today, we still don’t enjoy the habits. This is paired with locally produced
market footprint or esteem we should have.” sweets. Wine drinkers too can delight in pairings
The US, UK and Germany remain the biggest with locally produced cheese, chocolates and
markets for wine, making them important nougat. Tastings are done in a modern and bright
markets for South Africa. While South Africa has tasting room, or under centuries-old trees in the
generic marketing campaigns abroad presented manicured garden. Hiking, mountain biking
at industry level, budgets are minuscule when and picnic opportunities are also on offer.
compared with other countries, especially once “Wine tourism allows you to get closer
the rand conversion rate has come into play. to your customer, build your brand
Finding the most profitable route to the and increase sales,” says Phillip.
consumer remains a key factor in a winery’s
success. Phillip explains that having presence on DIVERSIFYING
a supermarket shelf is immensely important, but A key factor to the generational success of
it’s the least profitable route since retail collects a the Retief family is that rewards earned from
large margin. Going direct is therefore favoured. successful ventures have been ploughed back
“Online was initially good, but courier costs take into not only the business, but agriculture as
a larger chunk than one would think. Consumers a whole. “The idea has never been to take the
have also adjusted to marketing tactics like Black success and run. It’s always been richly rewarding
Friday and seasonal sales and wait for prices to for us to grow the local economy,” says Phillip.
drop before they buy. So getting the consumer VRL runs three successful transformation
on your farm and buying direct, combined with projects and employs 688 permanent workers.
the personal experience, is still the best option.” Sustainability is another key focus, with
2 500ha of the farm in Robertson under
CONNECTING WITH CONSUMERS conservation. They have also invested much
Besides the value in having consumers buy in attaining carbon hero status, where
directly from the cellar, wine tourism has a emissions have been drastically reduced.
significant impact on the South African economy, Just as diversification shouldn’t be considered
generating R7,2 billion per annum and employing if the core product is not stable, supporting
36 406 people. This supports the 300 000 people the economy can’t be achieved if the business
who are employed in the wine industry as a whole. itself is not profitable. VRL’s story is therefore
The industry is also attracting much foreign as much about running a successful winery
investment, with large portions of vineyards as it is about controlling the supply chain. The
around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek under business has systematically built a vertically
foreign ownership. Phillip notes that these integrated model that has control over grape
substantial investments bode well for the production, winemaking, brand development,
local economy and job creation. With many sales and marketing, and distribution.

“It is ideal for any business, especially as only PROFITABLITY ANALYSIS – INDUSTRY
10% of retail pricing for agriculture ends up with
the primary producer,” says Phillip.
2018 PROFITABLITY ANALYSIS 2022 PROFITABLITY ANALYSIS
With the wine business being in an
unfavourable supply and demand
environment, further opportunities to expand
19,5% 12%
led the Retiefs into fruit production. This Profitable
Profitable
includes cherries, almonds, nectarines and
27,9%
avocados. While the latter seems highly Loss-making 39%
unlikely in the Robertson Valley, the Loss-making
unique microclimate of one particular
stretch of land between the mountains
makes it feasible, especially since 1% Break-even 47%
harvest takes place when volumes on Low Profit
the market from South Africa are low. 52,2%
Low Profit
Cherries are also an unlikely selection, 2% Break-even
and Phillip notes that 20 years ago it
would never have been feasible. “But with
new cultivars coming onto the market that
have low chill units better suited to a drier
climates like ours, it is entirely possible. Like Indeed, it is relationships to which all the family’s ABOVE:
avocados, we also have an advantage in the success can be attributed. “Relationships must The charts show the
profitability analysis in
market because our harvest is earlier than the never be the reason why a partnership has failed. the South African wine
bulk of the cherries in the Western Cape.” “Start with a good heart and be kind in industry in 2018 and 2022.
Any new venture comes with its teething everything you do. That doesn’t mean you can VINPRO
problems, and Phillip notes that many a never be right or you don’t try to negotiate the
lesson was learnt as the family took on fruit best deal possible. Just make sure you walk away
farming. “We didn’t have a full understanding from a discussion with a measure of kindness,
or control of the whole value chain, which not making enemies. Kindness is a basic part of
led to some problems. We realised again it, and I think that is why our businesses work.”
how important it is to have such control.” The VRL farm has been a fixture in the
Through partnerships with well- Roberson community for generations, and
established brands and packhouses, the every year brings new changes, expansions
fruit division has now come into its own. and economic growth for the local community.
A new project the winery is excited about The down-to-earth cousins are central to this
is its vine-by-pole vineyards. By planting success and it is clear that they play a big role
a single vine alongside a pole, it can climb in endearing the visiting public to the brand.
and allow for 360° sun penetration and more The family is actively involved on the farm, and
aeration. Vines can be planted at a higher despite busy schedules, seemingly always have
density since their growth is vertical, and not a moment for personal interaction with visitors.
horizontal like traditional vines. Although the “We grew up going to wine shows with
vines produce fewer bunches each, the overall our fathers, so we are used to interacting
quality per hectare is better, says Phillip. with a lot of people,” says Hennie.
The downside of this method is that Walking through the vineyards and around the
it is expensive to establish, and the fruit farm with the cousins however reveals something
must be harvested by hand. However, the more than just comfort among crowds. Each
premium wine that can be made from such cousin is hugely passionate about the business
vineyards makes up for the higher cost. and the farm’s heritage. They take the time to
point out the differences in the appearance of
ATTITUDES FOR SUCCESS leaves between wine cultivars, explain the history
Family businesses are notorious for picking up of particular species of trees in the garden, and
conflict and failing as a result. Maintaining and share stories about family antics on the farm.
growing the success of a farming business is also The conviviality of staff at the winery and
not easy to achieve across multiple generations. So bistro speaks to a warm-hearted business culture
what makes the Retiefs successful in both? “We that runs through the organisation. After a day
look for solutions, not trouble,” smiles Hennie. spent on the farm, visitors are likely to feel more
Phillip adds that being raised by parents like the fifth cousin than a passing tourist. And
who were liberal, open-minded, and always that’s a recipe for success that money can’t buy.
exploring new opportunities, conditioned the Email Van Loveren Vineyards at
cousins from early on to value collaboration. info@vanloveren.co.za. FW

FEATURE Combilift
An all-terrain forklift
that handles any
load, anywhere
The Combi Rough Terrain forklift has
greatly improved efficiencies, animal
welfare and safety in the broiler industry
and is now proving its worth on fruit farms.
Glenneis Kriel reports.
A
little more than a decade ago, most
broiler producers were dependent on
modified mainstream machines to
collect mature broilers out of poultry
houses. Not being specifically designed for
the job, these machines were not very efficient.
“They always left me with this feeling that
there had to be a better way of doing things,”
says Bruce Kleynhans, who has been involved
in the poultry industry for over 30 years and
is the managing director of Cedarvest.
Kleynhans’s search for a solution ended
when he met Sam Moffett at the International
Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, US.
THE POWERFUL DIESEL

ENGINE IS RELIABLE
AND QUIET, AND THE
FORKLIFT IS EASY
TO OPERATE
Moffett turned out to be the son of Robert
Moffett, who developed the first truck-
mounted forklift, and later co-founded
Combilift with Martin McVicar.
Combilift exhibited the Combi Rough Terrain
(RT) forklift at the Expo, which Moffett informed
Kleynhans was designed in 2011 to meet the
demands of poultry producers in the UK.
Kleynhans immediately recognised the potential
of the forklift, resulting in Cedarvest becoming
the sole distributor of the Combi-RT in Southern
Africa and importing their first Combi-RTs in 2013.
THE BROILER EXPERIENCE

Kleynhans says today almost every broiler
producer who uses a modular system
to collect birds – which is almost all the
commercial producers in the country – has
a Combi-RT in their catching operations.
He points out that Astral was one of the first
clients and now has around 17 Combi-RTs.

Before the Combi-RT, producers either Hence 10 to 15 bins, along with juice bins, are
used a Moffett forklift, designed to be a spread out across each 150m orchard work FAST FACTS
In the broiler
light truck mounted forklift for deliveries, row, with the number of bins used determined industry, the
or a Bell forklift, designed for use in the by crop load and quality. “This system is Combi-RT has
reduced the time
forestry industry to haul the live birds. safer, more worker-friendly and efficient than it takes to catch
“The Bell worked OK but was extremely noisy picking onto a trailer,” Van Buuren says. broilers and
and rough to operate. The Moffett was not as loud, “It results in less traffic and competition improved animal
welfare as well as
but it did not have high ground clearance and its at the bins, as workers do not have to climb operator safety.
small tyres resulted in the forklift struggling for up and down the side of trailers to deliver
The Combi-RT
traction in the litter and slippery steep inclines, their fruit. It also requires the use of fewer has a high ground
making it less controllable,” Kleynhans says. tractors and is more fuel efficient.” clearance of
300mm, and is
The Combi-RT solved all these problems. Tractors with a specially designed trailer sturdy on the
Kleynhans explains that the Combi-RT has a collect the bins and move them to the closest ground thanks to
more powerful Kubota diesel engine, which is loading bay, of which the farm has 15 to all-wheel drive,
large pneumatic
reliable and significantly quieter, and the forklift reduce congestion. From here the bins are tyres and a
is much easier to operate. This in turn reduces the moved with the Combi-RT onto trucks that differential lock.
time it takes to catch broilers and significantly take them to the Two-a-Day packhouse. Having a three-
improves animal welfare by instead of
rendering the process less four-wheel chassis,
it is easy to operate
stressful. In addition, the forklift and has a small
has improved worker safety. turning radius of
about 2 345mm.
The Combi-RT has a high
ground clearance of 300mm
and is sturdy on the ground
thanks to all-wheel drive, the
use of large pneumatic tyres
and a differential lock. Having
a three-wheel instead of four-
wheel chassis, it is easy to
operate and uses a small turning
radius of about 2 345mm.
Kleynhans adds that the
compact size of the Combi-RTs
makes them ideal for use in
poultry houses. The forklifts have
an overall length of 4 660mm,
width of 1 800mm or 2 000mm
and truck height of 1 880mm.
The 44kW machine weighs
4 450kg and has a capacity to
lift 1 500kg at 1 200mm load
centre, whereas the 74kW machines weigh Van Buuren points out that many of their loading ABOVE:
4 650kg and can lift 1 600kg at 1 200mm load bays are uneven and on gravel. In the past, The Combi-RT is a robust
three-wheel forklift
centre or 3 000 kg at 600mm load centre. they used digger loaders, fitted with forklifts, that is perfect for use
The Combi-RTs are also easy to maintain to move the bins from the loading bays to the on rough terrain.
and highly durable. “From a sales point of trucks. The digger loaders, however, do not PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
view, one of the biggest drawbacks of these have side shifts, making this work heavy on
OPPOSITE PAGE:
machines is that they are true workhorses. their clutches. They also had to be aligned very Oak Valley uses the
They can work for 18 hours a day and will accurately with the bins because their forklifts Combi-RT as a forklift
continue to do so for more than 10 years, as we cannot move left or right. “The digger loaders for seven months of the
have seen with many of the Combi-RTs sold worked OK but they were not designed to be year, starting with the
movement of empty bins in
in South Africa so far,” Kleynhans says. forklifts. Maintenance, in effect, was high, and preparation for the picking
they were finished after 19 000 hours of work.” season and then loading
POME FRUIT PRODUCTION the full bins onto trucks.
The Combi-RT is now also proving its worth on A PROPER WORKHORSE
pome fruit farms. Neville van Buuren, general In his searches for a rough-terrain forklift, Van
manager of Oak Valley Estate near Grabouw in Buuren in 2022 came across the Combi-RT.
the Western Cape, says they use a bin-on-the- “It ticked all the boxes. It is a robust, three-
ground system when picking apples and pears wheel forklift, with big pneumatic tyres,
instead of picking on a trailer pulled by a tractor. making it perfect for use on rough terrain.

FEATURE Combilift
early in the mornings at Oak Valley and work

often continues until late at night. The cab
is also enclosed to improve driver comfort
during hot summer days and cold autumns.
The machine is used for seven months as
a forklift, starting with the movement of
empty bins in preparation for the picking
season up until May, once the season is over.
From then on, it is fitted with a bucket to
help load mulch and lime into spreaders.
“The machine has a quick-release system,
which means you can change from the bucket
to the forklift and vice versa in a couple of
minutes. It also has a low-range gear that
gives it extra torque when more power is
required to lift a load,” Van Buuren says.
Van Buuren was initially disappointed when
his first Combi-RT did not arrive in time for
the fruit-picking season last year. Combilift,
however, went out of their way to help him and
accommodated him with the same machine
free of charge to get him through the season.
He was so impressed with the first machine that
he ordered another one. The second Combi-RT
ABOVE: “Unlike most other forklifts, it also has a arrived on time for the picking season and is
The Combi-RT has pivot higher gear ratio, allowing it to move at now working hard alongside the other one.
forks that can rotate 30°
to the left or right. 18km/h when not being used for loading.” “I am really satisfied with the forklift and the
The Combi-RT has various safety features service I received from Combilift and Cedarvest,
BELOW: that Van Buuren likes, for example a but the operators seem to be even more impressed:
Oak Valley fitted the backrest to prevent empty bins from sliding they’re all smiles, as the Combi-RT is much more
Combi-RT with a bucket
to help load mulch and backwards, and the seat is slightly off-centre comfortable, easier to manoeuvre and quicker
lime into spreaders to improve operator visibility and safety. than the old digger loaders we used,” he says.
during the off-season. The standard Combi-RT is fitted with Email Grant Hallet at grant@cedarvest.com,
spotlights. This is great, as fruit picking starts or phone him on 063 631 0038. FW

ROUGH TERRAIN AGRI FORKLIFT
THE ONLY ALL TERRAIN FORKLIFT YOU
NEED TO HANDLE ANY LOAD, ANYWHERE
The COMBi-RT was designed specifically to meet the harsh demands
of the poultry industry, but its impressive handling, reliable Kubota
Engine and robust construction make it a valuable workhorse for any
agricultural or yard application with up to a 3500kg capacity.
Large tractor grip tyres on a three-wheel chassis with all-wheel
traction and differential lock give the COMBi-RT a compact turning
circle and excellent grip on rough terrain. For the driver, an offset
driving position affords excellent visibility while a deep suspension
seat and open or fully enclosed cab options provide all-day
comfort in any weather.
OFFICE: 021 140 8740

GRANT: 063 631 0038
info@cedarvest.com
www.cedarvest.com
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LIVESTOCK Nkone Beef Cattle
The hardy Nkone

Zimbabwe’s quintessential Nkone cattle breed is back from the brink of extinction,
says Annelie Coleman. She spoke to George Hulme, a Nkone farmer and breeding society
vice-chairperson, who jointly runs the Pungeni stud near Harare.
Z
ABOVE: imbabwe is home to three indigenous land reform and commercial farmers losing their
The modern Nkone is cattle breeds, namely the Nkone, Tuli and land,” says George Hulme, a Nkone breeder
balanced, streamlined and
genetically predispositoned Mashona, each having traits that have and chairperson of the Nkone Cattle Breeders’
to excel under the most been refined over the ages to flourish in Society of Zimbabwe, who jointly runs his
taxing of environments, the African environment. Zimbabwe’s indigenous Pungeni stud with Mark Hook’s HHN stud west
maintaining outstanding breeds have over decades evolved into efficient of Harare. Hook is chairperson of the society.
capacity and growth.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
beef producers, and the Nkone particularly so. Hulme ascribes the growth in numbers to
“Although Nkone numbers and breeders ongoing efforts by Zimbabwean Nkone breeders
declined dramatically during the past few to promote this unique breed and to create
decades to a low that was considered close to awareness of the Nkone as an extremely valuable
extinction, numbers are again increasing in indigenous cattle breed that has an important part
Zimbabwe. The decline is ascribed mainly to to play in future cattle production in the country.

The Nkone, which has become adapted to harsh The Matopos Research Station Stud and
conditions over thousands of years, is ideally Ian Pattullo’s Anglesea Stud, which also FAST FACTS
The Nkone has
suited to the marginal areas of the country originated with breeding stock from John been genetically
because of its built-in capacity to survive and Brownlee’s Tsholotsho herd in 1965, are the honed over
millennia to adapt
produce under the toughest of conditions. oldest registered herds in the country. and excel under
The medium-sized breed is known adverse farming
for early maturity, outstanding fertility ‘WE CONTINUE TO and environmental
conditions.
and remarkable longevity, among a BREED AND SELECT FOR The breed’s
multitude of other positive traits.
FUNCTIONAL CATTLE numbers have
plummeted over
KING MZILIKAZI AND IMPORTANT the past three
ECONOMIC TRAITS’
decades or so,
Nkone cattle were first brought to Zimbabwe but through
in 1836 by King Mzilikazi of the Ndebele, concerted efforts
a once favoured general of King Shaka of Hulme says: “Nkone cattle are one of the three by breeders, the
registration of
Zululand, who left Zululand with his tribe Zimbabwean indigenous Sanga breeds and new animals is
after an altercation over cattle with Shaka. The will form a valuable component of both the now picking up.
Nkone has evolved as a distinct ecotype of beef industry and agriculture sector in general The Nkone’s
the original Nguni after being separated for in Zimbabwe in the future. It is therefore higher internal
urea levels enable
nearly 200 years in a different environment. imperative to conserve and save the Nkone breed it to utilise low-
“Although it has maintained its typical Nguni to ensure that its irreplaceable and uniquely quality grazing.
and Sanga characteristics, the breed has also adapted genetics continue to contribute to the
invariably been exposed to other genetics over future of the beef industry in Zimbabwe and
the years, resulting in the
Nkone as it is known today.
It has developed into an
inimitable cattle breed that is
totally adapted to unforgiving
farming conditions, maintaining
traits such us fertility and
growth,” Hulme continues.
The Nkone has always
played a big part in the culture
and traditions of the Ndebele
people. Military regiments
were distinguished by the
colours of their cattle hide
shields, each having a different
colour pattern provided by
their selected Nkone herds.
“The first commercial breeders
and farmers of Nkone called
them that because they liked
the red-and-white colour
pattern, called nkone by the
Ndebele. We have kept the
name as it distinguishes our
particular ecotype. We strictly select against poor Southern Africa, as well as internationally.” ABOVE:
pigmentation but not for any particular colour The breed has consolidated its adaptation to harsh After a dramatic decline in
Nkone numbers, the breed
pattern, although some individual breeders still dry conditions and sparse grazing and maintains has gained new ground in
prefer the original colour pattern,” he says. its superior fertility and calf-rearing ability. The Zimbabwe, with the number
breed offers a perfectly adapted mother cow in of breeders increasing from
TSHOLOTSHO any breeding system, whether pure breeding, only two five years ago to
seven. They represent 630
The Nkone was recognised as a breed and a forming composites or terminal crossing with registered cattle compared
selected herd was formed of typical Nkone traditional beef breeds. Calves show a high to 150 five years ago.
from Tribal Areas by the then government and growth rate from a low birth mass and wean
based at Tsholotsho in Matabeleland in 1946. up to 50% and more of their mothers’ weight.
From the early 1950s onwards, commercial
farmers began to see the value of the breed and SEVEN BREEDERS
gradually commercial herds became established, The number of Nkone breeders now stands
mainly in Matabeleland and the Midlands. at seven, up from just two breeders five

LIVESTOCK Nkone Beef Cattle
moderate size, they do not reach

the final carcass weight desired
by some feedlots, but meat-to-
bone ratio is high and finish as
good as any. The meat is of top
quality and well marbled.
LOWEST COST PER KILOGRAM

Holme says the Nkone produces
beef at the lowest cost-per-
kilogram per hectare, similar to
other moderate-sized indigenous
breeds like the Mashona,
making them a profitable and
economically sustainable choice.
“Statistics from two sourveld
herds on the central water shed
in the north show the average
birthweight for bull calves to be
31kg and 28kg for heifers. Nkone
cows produce small calves at birth
and the cow controls the size of
TOP: years ago. The number of registered cattle the calf even when mated with larger breeds.
Nkone calves on a stud farm went up to about 630 currently, compared Dystocia is virtually unknown in Nkone females.
near Harare, Zimbabwe.
with 150 animals five years ago. “The average 205-day weaning weight for
ABOVE: Hulme says: “The Nkone excels on all veld bulls is 154kg and 143kg for heifers, following
Nkone cows are known for and soil types and thrives on poor soil and veld, a gestation period of 285 days,” he points out.
their outstanding fertility, from the very hot, drought-prone, low-altitude In these two relatively new herds, the inter-
calving ease, hardiness and
sterling mothering abilities. sweetveld areas to the high-rainfall, highveld calving period (ICP) has been brought down from
sourveld. We continue to breed and select for 473 days four years ago to 383 days, on sourveld
functional cattle and important economic traits. grazing only. Basic performance recording,
Fertility is paramount. The Nkone cow is highly such as birthweight, 205-day weight, 400- and
fertile and able to produce a good calf every 600-day weights, ICP and weaner/cow weight
year on veld grazing and minimum inputs. ratio, is compulsory for all registered cattle.
The Nkone cow as the maternal line in any Nkone crosses grow out exceptionally well at
crossbreeding programme is outstanding.” a young age, producing a superior carcass.
The ideal Nkone is well rounded and sleek, of Email the Nkone Cattle Breeders’ Society of
medium-frame size, with great capacity. Being of Zimbabwe at tara@umvutcha.co.zw. FW

NH/UJA 24/050
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CROPS Sunflower
The sunflower
industry: a paradigm
shift is needed
Sunflower production has rapidly expanded in SA but there is a need to focus on optimising oil content,
says Zunel van Eeden, a Master’s of Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University.
S
unflower production in South Africa
experienced a notable surge over the
past season in area planted, surpassing
even the traditionally dominant soya
bean crop. In spite of this, producers remain
focused on expanding cultivation areas and
boosting yields. However, amid this pursuit, a
promising yet largely untapped opportunity
lies within the seed’s quality and oil content.
While attention is primarily directed towards
quantity, enhancing the quality of sunflower
seeds and optimising oil content presents a
compelling avenue for further advancement
and profitability within the South African
sunflower sector that has not yet been explored.
SUNFLOWER PRODUCTION INCREASING

Though eight of the nine provinces produce
sunflower seed, the majority of the crop is
produced in the North West and Free State.
These drier central and western regions are
preferred for sunflower production since the crop
grows best in a warm, dry climate. Producers in
dryland-producing locations find sunflowers to
be a desirable crop due to their general drought
tolerance and ability to deliver relatively consistent
yields under unfavourable weather conditions.
Sunflowers have been recognised as the most
fitting crop to grow in South Africa in marginal
cropping and low-input agricultural situations
over the years, however, changes in the area
dedicated to sunflower seed planting are the
primary cause of fluctuations in sunflower seed
production experienced in the past decade. The
most common deterrent to producers to increase
areas dedicated to sunflower production is
evident across all production regions: sunflowers
lack the upward potential in terms of yield and
profit that crops like maize and soya bean offer,
even under optimal agricultural conditions or
irrigation. Though sunflower has a significantly
longer planting window, preference is given to
these high-yielding crops because of their short
planting window. As such, sunflower seed is
considered a “catch crop” by many producers

and consequently sunflower seeds are more ŗśśȹŖŖŖȱȱŗŖŖȱŖŖŖȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ABOVE:
frequently planted on marginal soils and State, North West, and Limpopo, respectively. The greatest value
retrieved from sunflower
outside the best planting window for the area. The season’s final estimated yields amounted production is the extraction
Seed yield and oil content are complex and ȱŝŘŚȹŗŗŖǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ of oil from the seed.
quantitative traits that are not only controlled ȱȱȱǻǼǯȱ ȱ
by many genes of different sunflower cultivars, the trend, this year’s initial area estimate for OPPOSITE PAGE:
The true potential of the
but are also influenced to a great extent by ȱȱȱŜŗřȹŘŖŖǰȱȱśŝȱśŖŖȱȱ sunflower industry in South
environmental conditions. Planting dates that than what was planted in 2023. This may roughly Africa is yet to be tapped.
are too early or too late have a negative effect amount to a 10% year-on-year increase and could
on both the yield and oil content of sunflower ȱȱȱȱȱŞŚŖȱŖŖŖǰȱȱŗŜƖȱ¢ȱ
seed, and the late plantings common in South increment compared with the previous season.
Africa, where sunflower is mostly planted It seems that producers are slowly but surely
after maize, may negatively influence the giving sunflower a fair chance.
sunflower seed’s oil production potential.
SUNFLOWERS ARE A
CATCH CROP
Producers do not approach sunflower production
PERFECT CROP TO
with the same intention as with maize or other PLANT IN A ROTATION
high-yielding crops, because sunflower is mostly SYSTEM WITH OTHER
seen as a catch crop in South Africa. Preference
is not given to the timing of production, even
HIGH-YIELDING CROPS
though seed yield and oil content are influenced Aside from the fact that sunflower production
by and are not limited to factors such as has much lower initial costs than other crops,
planting date, planting density, climate, fertiliser growing sunflowers has its benefits.
applications, soil analysis and much of the Sunflowers use the residual nutrients left in the
required pest, weed or disease programmes. soil from the previous crop far more effectively
Although sunflowers aren’t quite as popular than grain crops do. This is mostly due to an
among producers as maize and soya bean, their extensive and well-branched root system that is
cultivation area appears to have slightly increased able to absorb those nutrients that other crops are
each year over the past two decades. The total unable to use. Sunflower is therefore a perfect crop
area of sunflower seed sown in the 2023 planting to plant in a crop rotation system alongside other
ȱ ȱśśśȹŝŖŖǰȱȱ ȱŘşŖȹŖŖŖǰȱ crops like soya bean, maize, or other leguminous

CROPS Sunflower
ABOVE: crops. Due to the sunflower’s deep taproot system max), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), canola (Brassica
Sunflowers are better that can reach as far as 1m to 1,5m into the soil, napus), lupines (Lupinus perennis), a variety of
equipped than other
crops to access low- sunflowers are better equipped than these other vegetable crops as well as many weed species,
lying nutrients and soil crops to access low-lying nutrients and soil which may all serve as alternate hosts for the
moisture in lower depths. moisture in lower depths and will still deliver pathogen, isn’t good agricultural practice and
yields in water-stressed and dry conditions. increases the probability of sclerotinia infection.
Although seasonal variation is typical, it cannot
PRODUCTION CHALLENGES be believed that a location with a history of
Every season sunflower producers face a sclerotinia head rot is disease-free if the disease
number of common difficulties during harvest does not appear there during a particular season.
time, which include problems like sclerotinia Since the fruiting body of the disease called
head rot devouring their harvest, birds feasting sclerotia has been known to survive up to seven
on them, and even worse, strong winds years in the soil, there may be an inoculum
blowing the crop over, making it impossible waiting for the right circumstances to allow for
to harvest it by combine. According to Danie infection. Therefore, producers should aim to
Leeuwner, product portfolio manager of avoid cultivating sunflower on fields that were
Limagrain SA, there are steps that can be previously infected with sclerotinia, because if
taken to curb any losses due to these factors. favorable conditions hold true, the disease can
resurface and negatively affect prospective yields.
SCLEROTINIA HEAD AND STALK ROT
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a damaging fungal BIRD DAMAGE
pathogen that has an extensive host range. For Bird damage is one of the most difficult to manage.
Sclerotinia on sunflower, no resistance exists in To overcome birds coming in and feasting on
cultivar, but some cultivars are less susceptible sunflower seeds, success is not based on a single
than others, therefore, producers should refrain action, but rather a combination of different
from planting highly susceptible hybrids. Another methods that work best. Some of these include:
effective manner of breaking the disease cycle ȊȲRefrain from planting too close to large
is to rotate crops. Monocultural practices like settlements where pigeons accumulate.
planting sunflower back-to-back on the same area ȊȲUse of a desiccant to speed up dry
or rotating with crops such as soya bean (Glycine down and reduce the time that the

plants are exposed to bird feeding. it will be key to find value niches in the
ȊȲScaring of the birds: a structure such as marketplace that will pay a premium over most
a scarecrow only works for a short period other vegetable oils, and thus provide a better
before the birds get used to the method. return to the producer. This is especially important
ȊȲSpraying of bird repellent chemicals: when producers have several crop choices and
the chemicals affect the taste of the seed turn to the market in their planting decisions, as is
to birds, but this method can be costly. the case in the price-driven South African market.
ȊȲPlant cultivars that are less susceptible to bird These choices by producers will be based on crop-
damage: the final head orientation, form and rotational requirements, cost of production, labour
density of the kernels play a role in reducing the and capital required to produce the crop, access
ease of feeding. to markets and, finally, potential economic return
per hectare. The growing population, the growing
LODGING OF PLANTS PRE-HARVEST demand for fried food products made with healthy
Lodging, the bending over of sunflower stems oils, and the preference for healthier components
near ground level, makes it difficult to harvest and
can influence yield negatively. The most important
management tool to prevent lodging of sunflowers FACTS ON SUNFLOWERS
is the right selection of the cultivar. Too tall plants t 4VOGMPXFSTBSFCFUUFSFRVJQQFEUIBOPUIFSDSPQTUPBDDFTT
lodge more easily than shorter stature plants. MPXMZJOHOVUSJFOUTBOETPJMNPJTUVSFJOMPXFSEFQUITBOEXJMM
Also, plants susceptible to stem and root diseases TUJMMEFMJWFSZJFMETJOXBUFSTUSFTTFEBOEESZDPOEJUJPOT
are more likely to lodge at the point of infection. t %JEZPVLOPXUIBUMFTTUIBOPGBMMTVOGMPXFSDSPQT
Leeuwner says Limagrain SA offers a sunflower JOUIFDPVOUSZBSFDVMUJWBUFEVOEFSJSSJHBUJPO
cultivar that addresses all the requirements t 4VOGMPXFSQMBOUJOHTPWFSUPPLTPZBCFBOJOUIFQSFWJPVT
to reduce the yield losses due to the above TFBTPOBOEUPUBMMFEBUBZJFMEPGøU
conditions, and with continued research aim to t 5IFIBSWFTUQSPKFDUFEGSPNUIFBSFBQMBOUFENBZSPVHIMZBNPVOU
keep offering better-adapted hybrids regularly. UPBZFBSPOZFBSJODSFBTFBOEEFMJWFSBZJFMEPGøU
t 4VOGMPXFSIBTBCSPBEWBMVFDIBJOBOEOFXPQQPSUVOJUJFT
MARKET EXPANSION OF SUNFLOWER XJUIJOUIFBHSJCVTJOFTTTFDUPSNBZCFFYQMPSFETIPVME
Sunflower has a broad value chain, which makes QSPEVDFSTTIJGUUIFJSGPDVTGSPNRVBOUJUZUPRVBMJUZ
it an important crop in South Africa’s agribusiness t 4VOGMPXFSPJMDBOBMTPCFDPOWFSUFEUPEJFTFM
sector. The greatest value retrieved from sunflower GPSVTFJOEJFTFMFOHJOFTBTCJPGVFM
production is the extraction of oil from the seed. t 0QUJNBMTVOGMPXFSIBSWFTUTBSFDIBMMFOHFECZ
Not only is the oil extracted from seeds valuable, TDMFSPUJOJBIFBESPUBOECJSETFBUJOHDSPQT
but the by-product (oil cake) is too. Because t 4VOGMPXFSTBSFOUQSPEVDFEXJUIUIFTBNFJOUFOUJPOBTPUIFS
of its high protein and oil content, it is useful IJHIZJFMEJOHDSPQTIPXFWFS JGGBDUPSTTVDIBTQMBOUJOHEBUF
when mixed into cattle feed. Sunflower seeds QMBOUJOHEFOTJUZ GFSUJMJTFSBQQMJDBUJPOTBOEXFFE EJTFBTFBOE
are also often added to many poultry and bird QFTUQSPHSBNNFTBSFJNQMFNFOUFE QSPEVDFSTDBOJNQSPWFUIFJS
feeds and sunflower seeds are even consumed ZJFME CVUNPSFJNQPSUBOUMZ TFFERVBMJUZBOEPJMDPOUFOU
as a snack or as a crunchy sprinkle in salads.
Because of the world’s consumption of
sunflower oil, which is developing at an are factors that present growth prospects for
accelerating rate due to consumer health sunflower oil producers to be explored.
concern with the trending health-conscious While the rise in sunflower production in
recipes circulating on social media, the South Africa is indeed impressive, there is a
market for sunflower seeds is expanding. need for a paradigm shift in the industry’s focus.
Nowadays, customers prefer light edible Instead of producers solely chasing increased
oils to stay healthy because of the detrimental cultivation areas and higher yields, there is
consequences of adopting a modern lifestyle immense potential to explore and capitalise on
on their health. Sunflower oil consumption in the improvement of seed quality and oil content.
South Africa has climbed by 28% in the last 10 By drawing attention to these aspects, producers
years, and another 28% increase is anticipated can not only enhance the competitiveness of
by 2030, according to the Bureau for Food and South African sunflower products in the global
Agricultural Policy (BFAP). This means that market but also foster sustainable growth
South Africa will always be a net importer of and resilience in sunflower production.
crude sunflower oil because local consumption Embracing this unexplored opportunity
is expected to stay higher than output. might hold the key to unlocking a
Producers are focused on maximising profits new era of success and prosperity for
related to sunflower plantings by maximising sunflower production in South Africa.
yield. However, for South Africa’s producers to Email Danie Leeuwner, product portfolio manager at
stay within profitable sunflower seed production, Limagrain SA, at danie.leeuwner@limagrain.com. FW
."3$)IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\
BACK TO BASICS
PIGS three weeks, inject it with Respisure

again and Fostera PCV MetaStim.
Basic vaccination and Administer each injection on a

different side of the neck. Always
health protocols for pigs use sterile syringes and needles

and use a short, thinner gauge
needle when injecting piglets.
Pigs are usually produced in intensive environments such as purpose- Rather use boiling water instead
built piggeries, sties, or even enclosed sheds. By Shane Brody. of disinfectants to sterilise injection
equipment, because disinfectants
T
he more congested environments common illnesses such as diarrhoea can affect the efficacy of vaccines.
where pigs are raised are and pneumonia. These illnesses are Gilts (young sows being mated for the
predisposed to the proliferation particularly troublesome when infecting first time): Five weeks before breeding/
of diseases such as diarrhoea and piglets or young pigs. Female pigs mating, inject the animal behind the ear
respiratory conditions such as are also prone to contracting illnesses into the muscle with FarrowSureGOLD B,
pneumonia. This is a particular risk that lead to reproductive failure. and then again two weeks before mating.
if the farmer isn’t proactive in respect Then, five weeks before giving birth,
of maintaining good housing hygiene THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION inject it with LitterGuard LT-C, and
and enforcing biosecurity protocols. Vaccinations play an important role in a inject again with this vaccine two
Management regimens such as good and prosperous farming operation. weeks before farrowing (giving birth).
cleaning sties, disinfecting living Note that, in addition to the products or Remember that pigs are pregnant for
areas and interior wall surfaces and brands listed below, there may be a host about three months, three weeks and
the regular removal of faeces are vital of other products that perform similar three days, but a range of between
if a producer wishes to prevent the roles in preventing the contracting 111 and 120 days is not uncommon.
creation of an environment where and spread of prevalent illnesses. Keeping a record of vaccinations and
dangerous organisms can flourish. There may also be other illnesses deworming dates, mating and farrowing
Deworming programmes, good that can be counteracted via using dates and piglet birth dates is essential
nutrition and clean water provision, vaccines that are not mentioned here, for maintaining a feasible vaccination
proper bedding (such as programme. Keep these dates on
course sawdust), shelter and a calendar and hang the records
good ventilation all form where they can easily be seen.
an integral component of Sows: Two weeks before breeding/
functional pig breeding. mating, inject the animal behind
It is also prudent to install the ear with FarrowSureGOLD B,
human foot baths that contain and two weeks before farrowing,
disinfectants at the entrance with LitterGuard LT-C.
to the pigs’ housing complex, Gilts and sows will need syringes
and farmers can even consider and needles slightly longer
spraying the undercarriage and thicker than those used on
and tyres of vehicles entering piglets; obtain advice on this
the biosecurity zone to reduce at the farmer supply store.
the risk of devastating diseases Boars: Improvac is used for boars
such as African swine fever. The confined spaces many pigs are raised in are a risk if the above 10 weeks of age, and a second
Producers should intramuscularly farmer does not maintain good housing hygiene. FW ARCHIVE vaccination can be administered
inject piglets with an iron four to five weeks before slaughter.
supplement such as Dexiron 200 in and it will benefit a farmer to become This product has benefits in that it
the thick part of the muscle behind knowledgeable in respect of which pig improves fat marbling and allows for
the ear on the third day of life as diseases are prevalent in their area. a better quality of fat on the carcass.
piglets are prone to anaemia. It is also wise to consider options that
Pigs can also be injected with an may suit a farmer’s particular needs PRECAUTIONS
antiparasitic such as Dectomax or and to keep abreast of new vaccines Obtain advice in respect of
Ecomectin if flaky skin or signs of worms and vaccination regimens that may what syringes and needles are
are observed in faeces. Even if a farmer emerge. Before administering rarely needed for what class of pigs.
does not notice such health issues, used vaccines, ask about side effects that Always use sterile equipment and
injecting with an antiparasitic every four may affect young or pregnant animals. ensure that hands are properly sanitised
to six months can only be of benefit. with soap before and after administering
Another important dimension DIFFERENT CLASSES OF PIGS vaccines or any other medication.
of functional pig farming is the Piglets: At one week of age, inject the Ensure that the pigs are cautiously
administering of vaccines, which piglet intramuscularly in the muscle handled and immobilised before
are primarily aimed at preventing behind the ear with Respisure, and at administering any form of injection. FW

¤ĚČūǄĚƑĿŠĳƙƭƑƎŕƭƙĲūūē ĲƑūŞĲîƑŞĚƑƙȡ
ƑĚƥîĿŕĚƑƙîŠēǅĺūŕĚƙîŕĚƑƙîŠēƑĚēĿƙƥƑĿċƭƥĿŠĳ
ĿƥƥūŠūŠȹƎƑūĲĿƥƙēūĿŠĳĿŞƎūƑƥîŠƥ
ƙūČĿîŕǅūƑŒ ȡƙĿŠČĚǨǦǦǯȦ
ǅǅǅȦĲūūēĲūƑǅîƑēƙîȦūƑĳ
îȦūƑĳ
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ƥĺĚ¬ƭƑƎŕƭƙ
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
Starting a small-farm
vegetable project: Part 2
The process of developing a small vegetable farm is gradual and the full and 10t of poultry manure if available.
benefits will only be realised later, writes Bill Kerr. If you can’t afford this to start off with,
rather prepare only as much soil as
you can afford and do the rest later.
The manure can be mechanically
worked in to a depth of 20cm. The
contractor can then bring in a bed
former. Pay attention to get the beds
straight at this time as these beds will
not be made ever again. This may
be the end of all tractor work, unless
you have a tractor and sprayer, or
perhaps a bed former to occasionally
go over the beds to bring up any soil
that has washed into the pathways.
In my case, I try to maintain the shape
when hoeing weeds as my property has
not seen a tractor for over 20 years.
WITHOUT A SOIL
ANALYSIS YOU’LL
BE WORKING BLIND
AND PERHAPS
WASTE FERTILISER
OR HAVE
LOWER YIELDS
By following the above recipe,
This photo shows the response to no-till and no fertiliser after many years. BILL KERR you would be able to get good
yields right from the start.
A
lthough you can already get good action of phosphorous being combined If you decide to go the organic route,
production in the first year of with other minerals into an available the applied fertiliser will perhaps
starting vegetable production, form that can be taken up by the plants. be the last, but you will probably
the process is ongoing. By following the Without a soil analysis you’ll be need to apply some LAN before
steps described below, you can fast-track working blind and perhaps waste dispensing with fertiliser altogether.
with some extra effort in the beginning. fertiliser or have lower yields on account It will take a few years to get the soil
You will have to do some tillage in of soil deficiencies and imbalances. into a highly productive and economical
the first year, and if you don’t already state, and you can consider the expenses
own a tractor, you can hire someone ADD ORGANIC MATTER as putting money into an investment
to do this initial work. Thereafter no In the first year, also use the opportunity that will pay handsome dividends later.
further tractor work will be essential. to add organic matter in the form All of us who have gone through
It is very important to have a soil of manure or compost, which will this experience have derived so much
analysis done in order to determine be essential for the development of pleasure and satisfaction in watching the
what is already in your soil and what beneficial soil organisms that contribute transformation of our soils and crops.
needs to be applied and incorporated. to plant health, productivity and the As I have been through this
Phosphorous moves very slowly conversion of soil minerals into an process I can vouch for the
down the soil profile and thus available state for the plants to use. benefits that will follow.
needs to be incorporated while You need to apply a large amount of More next week.
this opportunity is available. manure for the fast-tracking of the soil Bill Kerr is a vegetable specialist and breeder.
The same applies to lime, and if the into a highly productive state. Apply 60t Email him at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za.
soil is acid, the lime will slow down the or more of cattle manure per hectare, Subject line: Vegetable production. FW

ADVERTORIAL
Choosing the correct filtration

method for your irrigation system
When it comes to protecting your irrigation system, few things are more important than effective filtration.
The correct choice of filtration method to protect your system against blockages is not a mere financial
decision: numerous other factors must be kept in mind, say Johan Visser and Grethe Bestbier.
ȊȲVolume of backwash water

required. This water is no longer
available for irrigation.
ȊȲMaintenance requirements.
ȊȲPower required to backwash the
filter. The most effective filters usually
have some challenges; the biggest
of these is an ineffective backwash
action. Probably the most effective
filter in agriculture today, air filters are
almost impossible to clean and usually
need to be replaced. Such a system is
not practical for irrigation filters.
It is important to finalise the design of the drip or micro-system before A FEW PRACTICAL THOUGHTS
determining the right method of filtration. SUPPLIED The filtration process should be located
as close as possible to the area being
F
iltration helps to protect an methods of filtration commonly used irrigated. If this is not possible, secondary
irrigation system from particles that in agriculture. The decision depends filters can be installed to protect the
can cause blockages. The best filter on the level of effectiveness desired. emitters from possible pipeline breaks
is one that retains the largest percentage Disc filters, also known as ring filters, that may occur between the primary
of particles that have a clogging potential are available as two types: automatic filters and the irrigation block.
for the emitters. The choice of filtration is ring filters and conventional ring filters. A clogged filter that completely
therefore guided by the choice of emitter. Today, automatic ring filters are most stops the flow of water (due to poor
While some emitters clog easily, other commonly used. The filter is made of maintenance or any other reason)
types are less sensitive. Therefore, it is a number of plastic discs, with small is still better than a filter that fails
important to finalise the design of the grooves stacked on top of each other. under the circumstances and lets the
drip or micro-system before determining Screen filters use a rigid or flexible particles through to the emitters. It
the right method of filtration. screen to separate sand and other is preferable to clean filters rather
To specify the right filtration fine particles out of water. than trying to clean the emitters.
system, the designer must obtain Media filters, better known as Choose the filter to be able to function
the following information: sand filters, use material like sand effectively when the water source is at its
ȊȲThe smallest flow path opening of the to trap particles and filter water. worst. In extreme cases, a combination
emitter (usually the value is divided by of methods must be used to purify the
7 to determine the degree of filtration). PROS AND CONS water. Sometimes it is necessary to use
ȊȲThe water quality is important. Each type of filtering has its unique settling dams to get rid of high volumes
What is in the water that needs to advantages and disadvantages. of sand and silt in the water before
be removed to prevent clogging of A designer should keep in mind: it is pumped to the primary filter.
the emitters? Are the particles to be ȊȲWorking pressure and pressure Always consult an expert when
removed organic or inorganic? loss through/over the filter. choosing your irrigation system.
ȊȲThe system’s working pressure, ȊȲEffectiveness of the filter. If the The benefits of the correct choice of
as well as the volume of water filter is chosen to filter 130 microns, system and components will give
that must be filtered. it is important to know the ability you much more pleasure and income
ȊȲFind out what type of filtration of the filter to remove particles than the price you paid for them.
system is best, as there are three larger than 130 microns. Visit agrico.co.za.

MOTORING
Driving impressions: dock is included in Elegance trim, with

smartphone mirroring technology
offered throughout. While there are some
Honda Elevate 1,5 hard plastics in the cabin, Honda has

done an admirable job of incorporating
softer surfaces, including synthetic
Honda SA is back to its best in terms of packaging, build quality, value- leather on the seating and steering wheel,
for-money and efficiency with a new entry to the hotly contested compact where it counts. Also appreciated is a
SUV market. Ian McLaren for CAR tested the vehicle at its launch. height adjustment on the driver’s seat,
dedicated air vents for the rear-seat
S
haring a platform with passengers and the standard fitment of a
the modern Ballade sunroof in the range-topping model. The
sedan, the new Elevate available legroom in the rear is generous.
is a vital new product for
Honda South Africa as it ELEVATE’S RIVALS
hopes to both claw back In terms of its size and packaging the
lost market share but also Elevate has more expensive models like
reconnect with an otherwise the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in its
loyal local customer base. sights. While the Toyota Urban Cruiser/
The Elevate is also the first Suzuki Grand Vitara are also in the mix
Indian-assembled product against the Honda in Comfort spec, the
set to be exported to Honda’s Elevate Elegance could also challenge
home market, a fact that ȱ¢ȬȱȱȬȱǻŚśŜȹŗŖŖǼȱ
places pressures of its own The arrival of the Elevate bodes well in terms of Honda ȱ¢ȱȱŝȱȱŗǯśȱǻŚŚŘȹȹşŖŖǼǯ
on overall build quality. re-establishing itself as a volume player in our market. CAR There are also more rivals within this
The Elevate is 4 312mm hotly contested segment but Honda SA
long, 1 750mm wide and 1 650mm tall, links LED-equipped headlamp units. will back its reputation for after-sales
which matches the size of the popular There’s more chrome to be found on service, reliability and resale values
Toyota Urban Cruiser. The Honda has the door handles and purely cosmetic against most opposition brands.
a slightly longer wheelbase compared roof rails on the range-topping
with its Suzuki-based rival and boasts Elegance derivative, and it gains WHAT IS THE ELEVATE LIKE TO DRIVE?
199mm worth of ground clearance. 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel rims As showcased by its sedan sibling (as
Mated with the brand’s familiar are fitted to the Comfort model). well as other India-sourced products),
naturally-aspirated (not turbocharged) There’s a welcome familiarity to be a forgiving ride quality over most
ŗǰśȟȱǰȱȱȱȱȱ found on the inside where, if we’re surfaces is a highlight of the Elevate’s
with a six-speed manual transmission being honest, in a sea of touchscreens driving experience. The steering is
in entry-level Comfort guise and and vast infotainment displays, we well-weighted and despite the fitment
a CVT (automatic) gearbox in prefer the presence of “old-fashioned” of a torsion beam suspension at the rear,
flagship Elegance specification. buttons and controls, particularly for there’s even a modest level of poise in
functions like climate control and the this distant relative of the Civic Type R.
WHY IS THE HONDA audio system. A wireless charging ȱȱȱǻŜǯŘȟȦŗŖŖȱȱ
ELEVATE SIGNIFICANT? our Cape Town-based launch route),
While the second-generation, altogether it’ll once again be up to the needs
more refined but also relatively HONDA ELEVATE 1.5 of the buyer, specifically above sea
expensive, BR-V has yet to find as much ELEGANCE CVT level, whether a relatively modest
favour in the market as the first model, 145Nm of torque is sufficient. Another
offerings like the HR-V and modern Price: R429 900 highlight is the use of sound-deadening
Civic have similarly been unavoidably Engine: 1.5ȟ four-cylinder, materials: a cabin that’s suitably
priced out of reach of many traditional naturally aspirated isolated from the outside world adds
Honda owners. The arrival of a well- Transmission: CVT to inherent levels of sophistication.
packaged, efficient and affordable Honda Power: 89kW@6 600rpm
that happens to offer a fashionable, Torque: 145Nm@4 300rpm VERDICT
height-raised ride bodes well in terms Driven wheels: Front Already available in the Fit, the touted
of this proven brand re-establishing Fuel consumption: 6.1ȟ/100km introduction of a hybrid within more
itself as a volume player in our market. COŬ emissions: 146g/km current Honda products, including
Rivals: Volkswagen T-Cross, the Elevate, assuming Honda SA
WHAT’S NEW ON THE ELEVATE? Toyota Urban Cruiser, could keep the price enticing, could
The vehicle’s styling is refreshingly Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and prove to be a game changer.
fluid, with an enlarged family-familiar Haval Jolion This article was published by CAR. Read
grille accented by a chrome strip that the article at bit.ly/3IwaOSa. FW

Frugal Feasts LIFESTYLE
Avo bagel toasts

The past is toast; it’s bagels and avocados that are on a roll!
Photo and recipe: South African Avocado Growers’ Association.
SERVES 4
2 bagels, cut in half horizontally ȊȲToast the bagel halves in a ȊȲHummus, feta, red peppercorns,
125ml (½ cup) spreads (such as pesto, toaster. Spread with the spreads. avo stars and baby herbs
hummus or cottage cheese) ȊȲMash, slice, dice or cut the avocados ȊȲMashed avo, red onion, chilli
2 avocados into shapes (with cookie cutters) flakes, lime and coriander
Salt and pepper and place on top of the bagels. ȊȲPesto, basil and diced avo
Small handful herbs (such ȊȲSeason with salt and pepper. Sprinkle
as basil or coriander) over herbs, spices and toppings. LOAD-SHEDDING TIP
± 5ml (1 tsp) spices (such as chilli Toast the bagels on a griddle
flakes, paprika or lemon pepper) TRY THESE COMBINATIONS or frying pan on gas.
± 45ml (3 Tbsp) extra toppings ȊȲChunky cottage cheese, Alternatively, skip the toasting
(such as honey, finely chopped dukkah, honey and sliced avo and serve fresh. FW
red onion, nuts or dukkah)

LIFESTYLE Crossword
Crossword 550
ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. Byres (8)
5. Any of a variety of stinging insects
that live in hives and produce a
9 10
thick, sweet, edible fluid (5,3)
9. Standards of perfection (6)
10. Fertilisation (10)
11. Breed of hair sheep developed 11 12 13 14 15
in Maine in the 1950s (8)
14. Junk emails (4) 16 17
17. Currency units used in

18
France, Germany, etc (5)
18. Victor; champion (9) 19 20 21
19. Graded cut of beef (5)
20. Plant louse (5) 22
22. Enclosed plot of fruit trees (7)
23. Polishes (5) 23 24 25 26
25. _____ masala is a mixture of

27
spices used in Indian cookery (5)
27. Black-haired, long-bodied breed 28 29
of pig from Zimbabwe (9)
28. _____ rubber is an elastic gummy 30 31 32 33
substance used in pencil erasers (5)
30. Assumes a horizontal position (4)
32. Abnormal enlargement of
34 35
glandular tissue (8)
34. Having three leaves (10)
35. Thin panel of fine wood
used as an overlay (6) 36 37
36. Equestrian display of deportment
and response to controls (8)
37. Suffering physical or MYSTERY WORD
mental pressure (8) 24. Long-winged, fork-tailed migratory _ _ _ _ _
birds that catch insects on the wing (8)
DOWN 25. Broad smile (4)
1. Domestic fowls, especially 26. Determined the dimensions of (8)
their young (8) 29. Easily managed; compliant (6)
2. Bundle of stalks of the cereal 31. Sudden rush or flood (5)
grass Triticum (5,5) 32. Regions (5)
3. Moved carefully, little by little (5) 33. Young eel (5)
4. Flock of wild geese in flight (5)
5. Low-growing, non-woody plants
used in medicine and cookery (5)
6. The mayfly genus of short- CROSSWORD 545: 23 FEBRUARY 2024
lived insects (8)
ACROSS: 3. Compost; 8. Tomato; 9. Ideals;
7. Beer maker (6) 10. Ripened; 11. Stream; 12. Afrino; 13. Surreal;
8. Displayed intense and lively interest (8) 15. Gleys; 18. Otter; 21. Spinney; 23. Stallion;
24. Peat pots; 26. Ignoble; 27. Green;
12. White Rhine wine (4) 30. Sedge; 33. Bovines; 35. Animal; 36. Outlay;
13. Lack of knowledge or 37. Austral; 38. Season; 39. Vienna; 40. Diverse.
enlightenment (9) DOWN: 1. Costal; 2. Bakery; 3. Corms;
15. Described in words or pictures (9) 4. Pietrain; 5. Tidal; 6. Ferret; 7. Blonde;
16. Most luxuriant (7) 14. Unshorn; 15. Ginseng; 16. Expanse;
17. Sirloin; 18. Oysters; 19. Tutored;
21. Combine __________ are machines 20. Rissole; 22. Ndebele; 25. Absinthe;
that cut and thresh crops (10) 28. Rennet; 29. Enmesh; 31. Either;
32. Grains; 33. Bland; 34. Solve.
23. Of plants, shrivelled or withered
due to a fungal disease (8) MYSTERY WORD: Butter

Hillbilly Homes LIFESTYLE
Timber home
for family’s
weekends
away
ȱ ǰ ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱǯȱ bedroom, then the extra sleeper decks on
ȱ ȱȱ¢ȱ¢ȱFarmer’s ȱȱȱȱȱǲȱȂȱ either side of the central stairway. My layout
Weekly ȱ ȱ ȱȱ ¢ȱȱ ȱ ¢ȱǯȱ illustrates positioning and accessibility.
ȱȱ ȱȱȱ ȱǰ The area over the sitting room will be
ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ ¢ȱȱ double volume. Shown too, outside, is a big,
ȱȱ¢ȱȱ ǯȱ open leisure deck. Umbrellas can be used for
ȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ ȱ Dear Jaycen and Sharne, shade. All of the timber-framed claddings
ǰȱ ȱȱȱȱ ǯȱ Further to your request I have configured will be detailed in my working drawings.
ȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱ a home that should suit your requirements. Kind regards,
¢ǯȱȱȱȱ¢ǰȱȱ It has an open-plan living area with a main Jonno FW
Jonno Smith is a registered architect. Email hillbillyhomes1@gmail.com or visit hillbillyhomes.co.za.

Please provide details of the proposed development.

LIFESTYLE The Hitching Post
I’m a 40-year-old, 1,76m tall man. I believe

in giving the best that life has to offer to
everyone in my life. I love wine, horses,
dancing, Formula 1 racing and travelling
THE the world. I’m looking for a woman who is

free-spirited and adventurous aged between
30 and 45, with or without children.
HITCHING 465;@
POST Two gorgeous Indian ladies I know are

looking for a couple of gorgeous Indian
men to take them out for a cappuccino
or even a bite to eat. They both work
in Pietermaritzburg, but one lives in
Chatsworth. One has long, silky hair
and the other short and curly hair.
They are both around 45 years old.
They are very special women. I am an
I am a coloured farmer and would love I would also like somebody who elderly lady, but worked with the pair
to meet an honest lady who I can settle is adventurous. He must be a non- for many years on a volunteer basis.
with and lead a happy family life with. smoker, but an occasional social 366205.-6936=,
She must also love farming, drinker would suit me perfectly.
animals and nature. I speak 36=,30-,
Afrikaans, English and Sotho.
+0:;05@ I am 61 years old. I’m from Norway but
am based in Mossel Bay. I am a chemical
I like beauty in all its forms. I am engineer, working on an offshore rig. I’ve
HOW TO PLACE A POST: The service is free,
an elegant woman, both in my been a widower for five years now and confidential and open to those over 18. Posts or
appearance and demeanour. I seek am blessed with a beautiful daughter. replies cannot be written on behalf of someone
else, and you must supply a pseudonym. Posts
harmony and balance and a loving I have lots of love to give. I am a man must not exceed 50 words and your address must
and peaceful relationship. who takes care of my family and gives be legible. Sign with your name and surname. Send
your post to Hitching Post, PO Box 1797, Pinegowrie
I have a refined sense of style and them love; family comes first in my life. 2123 or email hitchingpost@caxton.co.za.
a graceful presence and would like Feel free to respond and communicate
to captivate the heart of a man who with me because this is important in HOW TO REPLY TO A POST: Send a response
in a sealed, SA-stamped envelope and write the
is 70 to 75 years old, charismatic, a serious relationship. I would like to pseudonym of the person to whom it should be
charming, funny, smart, principled know what we might have in common sent on the front cover in pen. Place this into
a second SA-stamped envelope and send it to
and well mannered, and someone and look forward to hearing from you. Hitching Post, PO Box 1797, Pinegowrie 2123, or
who is fun to be around! :403, email hitchingpost@caxton.co.za.
On The Edge
Could cowless dairies become a thing?

Worldwide pressure has been mounting California-based start-up has recreated and 18% is whey. The other
on cattle farmers due to CO2 emissions the proteins found in conventional main elements are water, fat
and the fines that come with it. cow’s milk without the use of animals. and carbohydrates,” it says.
The industry that might be feeling the They say the company developed a However, the authors note that
pinch worst in terms of livestock is dairy form of genetically modified microflora it may be difficult to produce
farmers. With this mounting pressure on that produced both whey and casein full-fat milk that mimics the taste
the industry, research focus is on milk through a fermentation process. and texture of cow’s milk.
and if it can be produced without cows. “The approach can be loosely “The structure of milk fat provides
According to a research team from the compared to the use of brewer’s yeast a specific taste and mouth feel when
University of Guelph in Canada, dairy to produce alcohol,” said the team. drinking milk,” says Gingerich.
proteins may be the next product, after The company, Perfect Day, claims The researchers say that it remained
lab-grown meat, to be produced in a lab. that its product is exactly the same as to be seen if these fermented proteins
The authors of the paper published in the protein found in cow’s milk. could be produced economically.
ȱ, Michael von Massow “Conventional milk is approximately ȊȲȱȱȱȱȱǱȦȦ
and Mitchell Gingerich, write that a 3,3% protein, of which 82% is casein ǯȦŜǯ FW

Books LIFESTYLE
Lowdown on animal tracking and diseases

In this week’s selection, a writer warns of how ecological damage exacerbates zoonoses, top field guides help
you identify spoor in the wild, and a historian looks at what made the West. By Patricia McCracken.
Tracker Manual by Alex van How the World Made

den Heever, Renias Mhlongo, the West: A 4,000 Year
Karel Benadie & Ian Thomas History by Josephine Quinn
(Struik Nature, R450) (Bloomsbury, R475)
When this field guide first The West is racked with self-
came out in 2017, it deservedly doubt; at least in intellectual
became a top seller – practical, circles. This has resulted in an
clear to use and with advice old publishing practice being
from three of the Tracker reinvented: the mammoth,
Academy’s top people plus multi-thousand-year history
filed guide Thomas. Now of Europe book. Fifty years
thanks to this second, fully ago, this was something
revised updated edition, you used to bore first-year
can renew your worn copy
or recommend it to friends.
All the spoor drawings have
been renewed, 200 of the
Fevered Planet by John photographs are new and a The Best Revenge by
Vidal (Bloomsbury, R495) further 35 species have been Gerald Seymour (Hodder
The chaos, anger and & Stoughton, R415)
heartbreak that was Jonas Merrick is a penpusher
COVID-19 is still so close in MI5 who prefers to keep his
that every year we mark head down and make it to his
the breaking news of the retirement and full pension.
early cases and the shock In reality, he’s idealistic about
of the first lockdowns. saving some of the world’s
The former environment little people who stand in
editor for the UK’s Guardian the sights of great powers,
newspaper, Vidal, does a such as Russia, China and
roundup of zootic diseases, maybe even his own bosses.
past, present and to come. Merrick’s been almost fired a
Farmers are already history students. These few times but his ingenious
familiar with some of days, fortunately, the maps ways of bringing down the
them, and the imperative and photographs are a great enemy have been reluctantly
to stop them being passed improvement on those 1960s recognised. He’s been
into the human population works. But there is another allocated a cupboard of an
– think brucellosis and change: this kind of history office where he surreptitiously
listeria. But Vidal is reaching included. It usefully covers blockbuster has returned as pulls various strings and
past these: there are many small mammals such as a vehicle of enlightenment cunningly interweaves them.
more that our science hasn’t hares, rodents, amphibians, and revision. In Quinn’s case, Seymour’s plot sweeps from
recognised or that haven’t reptiles, birds and insects in she’s packed 562 pages with the Mongolian steppes to a
yet evolved but could with one volume with the more information illustrating that London commuter town, and
ecosystems’ wholescale expected larger mammals. Europe’s history was greatly from the Thames to Russian
disruption when forests are It’s something of a textbook, influenced from outside; penal colony and embassies
felled or land dammed, plus so contains good sections in other words, by contact and ministries. One faction
the world’s ongoing push on best tracking practice for with and impact from other of characters has distinctly
towards urbanisation. Vidal best results and hints such civilisations rather than antisocial ideas about how
gallops you through risks in as what diffuse thinking is developing in isolation. All revenge should be served
more than 100 countries – and when to use it to escape a this is true enough and well and how cold, but nothing is
perhaps not the holiday travel tracking dead end. For those argued. Despite the hype, too unexpected for a thriller
you were anticipating but a who want to get to grips however, this is still not an in which a support actor is
stimulating read reminding with tracking, this is the entirely new concept so does a Norwegian forest cat.
us to take a holistic view equivalent of a rich Easter egg have a whiff of a fairly recent Patricia McCracken is a features
of living in our world. to binge on over the holiday. distillation in old bottles. and investigative journalist. FW

LIFESTYLE Great Tales
Two brothers who left their mark on SA

Born in Germany, Alfred and Otto Beit came to the Transvaal’s diamond fields in the late 1800s,
helping to found mining companies and build crucial infrastructure, writes Graham Jooste.
T
he Beit brothers played a In 1886 Alfred extended his interests Africa Company in 1888. Their idea of
significant role in establishing in the newly discovered gold fields of extending the British Empire in Africa,
deep-level mining along the the Witwatersrand, meeting with great from Cape to Cairo, was taking shape.
Witwatersrand Reef during the turn success. During his business ventures President Paul Kruger and the
of the previous century, as well as he made use of the financiers Hermann Transvaal Boers were watching
developing new extraction methods. Eckstein and Sir Joseph Robinson, who proceedings closely at this stage.
Born in 1853 in Hamburg, Germany, owned the Robinson Deep Gold Mine. Alfred became life-governor of De
Alfred was the eldest son and second He also founded the Robertson Syndicate Beers and also a director of numerous
of six children of an affluent family of and the firm of Wernher, Beit & Co. He other companies which included
gemstone traders in Hamburg, Germany. hired special mining engineers from Rand Mines, Rhodesia Railways
His younger sibling was Otto, with the US and was among the first to adopt and the Beira Railway Company.
whom he developed a close and special deep-level gold mining along the Reef.
bond during their boyhood days. Meanwhile, his brother, Otto, RAILWAYS AND BEIT BRIDGE
Alfred was a good scholar, and after then 23, went to England in 1888 Otto became a director of Rhodesia
his schooling he was apprenticed to and joined the stockbroking firm of Railways and was responsible for
Jules Porgès & Cie, an Amsterdam Wernher, Beit & Co. Two years later, the financing and construction of
diamond firm, where he developed a he came to Kimberley to also gain the Beit Bridge across the Limpopo
talent for examining and grading various experience in the diamond industry. River and into Rhodesia.
stones. At the age of 22 he was sent Once back in London, he married
by his firm to Kimberley to purchase LIKE HIS BROTHER Lilian Carter, the daughter of Thomas
diamonds during the halcyon period of
the diamond frenzy in South Africa.
ALFRED, OTTO BEIT Lane Carter of New Orleans, Louisiana.
His much sought-after knowledge in
By adapting well to the systems and FELL UNDER THE various affairs gained him a membership
conditions in the boisterous diamond SPELL OF CECIL into the Imperial College of London
industry, he met many influential
people. They included Cecil Rhodes
JOHN RHODES’S and led to him becoming a trustee of
the Rhodes Trust, which created the
and his adversary, Barney Barnato, IMPERIALIST VISION Rhodes Scholarship for higher studies
who were both trying to gain control by outstanding South African scholars.
of the diamond fields. Alfred watched Otto joined Alfred in his business Otto went on to create the Beit
with great interest as the two magnates ventures and during his six-year Fellowships for Scientific Research at
approached each other on many issues, stay along the Reef, mainly in Imperial College. He was also elected
including the control of De Beers Mining. Johannesburg, he played a crucial role as a member of the Governing Body
Realising that property speculation in developing various mining interests from 1912 as a founder member of the
might be of interest to him, Alfred and was invited to join the financial Royal Institute of International Affairs.
bought land and erected 12 corrugated firm of Hermann Eckstein & Co. He was appointed Knight Commander
iron sheds for offices. He rented out 11 Despite playing a prominent part of the Order of St Michael and St George
and kept one for himself. Twelve years in the Witwatersrand gold mining (KCMG) in the 1920 New Year’s
later he sold the land for a considerable industry, Otto returned to London. Honours for his work in connection
profit and invested in diamonds as well. His outside interests included scientific with South African troops and hospitals
issues as well as artistic and cultural in England during World War I.
A BIG VISION matters. He therefore decided not to He was later made a baron
He was captivated by Rhodes’s talk of big confine himself to only matters that for his numerous donations to
schemes, and together they proceeded involved finance and mining. Like his children’s sanatoria, libraries and a
to buy out digging ventures and to brother Alfred, he fell under the spell homoeopathic research institute.
eliminate opposition such as Barnato. of Rhodes’s imperialist vision and was Alfred’s South African assets formed
He rapidly became one of a group of his house-guest at Groot Constantia in the basis for the Corner House Group,
financiers who gained control of the Cape Town when the devastating news which both controlled the mining
diamond mining claims in the Central, of the failure and capture of Leander companies of the Rand Mines and acted
Du Toit’s Pan and De Beers mines. Jameson and his column reached Rhodes. as an important network for several of
Rhodes was the active politician By now Rhodes had procured certain the leading Randlords of the time.
and Alfred provided the planning concessions from King Lobengula of In 1888 Alfred moved to London,
backup in both the administration the Matabele and as a result, he and believing he would be better able
and financial ventures. Alfred founded the British South to manage his financial empire and

Alfred Beit. OIL ON CANVAS, GIOVANNI BOLDINI, BEIT FOUNDATION Sir Otto Beit. NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, LONDON
to support Rhodes in his Southern generous donation to a charity in the shareholders’ capital that was
African ambitions from there. Germany that dedicated itself to raising instrumental in building the Beit
funds for the University of Hamburg. Bridge across the Limpopo River
A DISASTROUS RAID In his will he set up the Beit Trust from the Transvaal into Rhodesia.
Inspired by the imperialistic visions through which he bequeathed large He was a generous benefactor
of Rhodes, Alfred became involved sums of money for infrastructure of the Johannesburg Art Gallery
in the planning and financing of development in the former Southern as well as the University of Cape
the unsuccessful Jameson Raid of Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia, Town, of which he turned the first
December 1895, which was intended to which was later modified for university sod for construction in 1920.
trigger a revolt and coup in the South education in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Otto was no less generous to public
African Republic of the Transvaal. Significant infrastructure projects collections in the UK, helping the
As a result of this debacle, Rhodes financed by the Beit Trust include Victoria and Albert Museum to acquire
resigned as prime minister of the the steel-built 378m Birchenough many works of art. He also gave his
Cape Colony, and both he and Alfred Bridge across the Save River in the name to an award for sculpture through
were found guilty by the House of Manicaland area of Rhodesia. the Royal Society of British Sculptors,
Commons inquiry that followed. In recognition of his bequests, the namely the famous Otto Beit Medal.
Alfred was obliged to resign as Royal School of Mines, a faculty of This amazing man also received an
director of the British South Africa Imperial College, London, erected a Honorary LLD from the University of
Company and was heavily fined. large memorial to Alfred, flanking Cape Town and was elected a Fellow
He was however, re-elected as the entrance to its building. The of the Royal Society in 1924. He passed
vice-president a few years later. large college hall is also named after away peacefully in December 1930 at
With the death of Rhodes in 1902, this generous benefactor, who made the age of 65, on his estate in England.
Alfred, as one of the trustees, helped his fortunes in South Africa. ȊȲǱȱȱǯȱŗşŜŗǯȱ
to control the enormous estate with Alfred never married and died Encyclopedia of Southern Africa.
great success. During his lifetime he on his estate, Tewin Water, in ȱȱǭȱǰȱǲȱStandard
made generous donations towards Hertfordshire on 16 July 1906 after Encyclopedia of Southern Africaǰȱ
education and science. In 1905 he seeing a rapid deterioration in his Vol 2ǯȱŗşŝŖǯȱǰȱȱ ǯ
founded a chair of Colonial History health. He was 53 years old. ȱ ȱȱȱȱȱȱ
at the University of Oxford. After Alfred’s death, Otto kept ǯȱȱȱȱ ¢ȓ
The following year, he also made a on managing the vast interests of ¡ǯǯ£ǯȱȱǱȱ ȱǯȱȱFW

LIFESTYLE Travel
Explore all that Sedgefield has to

offer while enjoying a total relax!
Brian Berkman typically used to pass through Sedgefield on the N2 without exploring the area further.
But since booking in at the four-star In Toto Retreat, he is now a convert and urges you to do the same.
Detail of a mosaic public art piece on Sedgefield‘s Myoli Beach. PHOTOS: BRIAN BERKMAN
O
ne stunning sunset and a According to Vorwerk, about 460 of portal has been built to connect birding
45-minutes look around the South Africa’s 874 bird species are communities around South Africa.
property and Roland Vorwerk and found in these areas and because of The Garden Route of the Western
husband Richard Delate offered the full the differing landscapes and climates Cape is already well known as a
asking price on a Sedgefield guesthouse. within relatively close proximity, the area tourist destination and the Wilderness
“We weren’t even looking to buy a place provides an extraordinary biodiversity. section of the Garden Route National
in Sedgefield but drove around with Park has a number of pristine lakes
friends that we stayed with who were IT WAS FORTUITOUS and watercourses, including the
looking to buy and soon found ourselves
as guesthouse owners and operators.”
TO HAPPEN ON A Swartvlei Lake and Estuary, which is
fed by three tributaries of the Wolwe,
Vorwerk tells Farmer’s Weekly that it was NEST WITH TWO Karatara and Hoogekraal rivers.
only after the purchase that they drew CHICKS WHEN “The Western Heads of Knysna
up a business plan. He had previously
worked as the marketing manager of
ONE TOOK ITS and the ridge above Sedgefield share
the same geology as the critically
Boundless Southern Africa, promoting FIRST-EVER FLIGHT endangered Knysna sand fynbos
tourism to the region’s Transfrontier vegetation type,” Vorwerk says
Parks. Now, about 18 months into their “As avitourism is one of the fastest while pointing out the natural
ownership of In Toto Retreat, Vorwerk growing outdoor pursuits globally, it landscape from the top of
is one of the drivers of an avitourism made sense to help connect the dots Cloud 9, an elevated location that
initiative funded by the Western to areas, guides and accommodation paragliders like to leap from.
Cape Department of Tourism and the providers who can support birders,” “Look at the reddish vegetation in the
Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve he says, adding that in association high tide zone of the Swartvlei. Its local
that also includes building awareness with BirdLife South Africa, a non- name is soutbossie, and the red colour
of birding opportunities along the profit organisation that supports bird is as a result of increased salt content
Garden Route and in the Klein Karoo. conservation, the gobirding.co.za in the leaves of the plant,” he says.

In Toto Retreat is a corner property The outside braai area
on the edge of the Swartvlei. It is and the kitchen as a
a few hundred metres down from whole are available
Sedgefield’s most famous attraction, to guests who have
the Wild Oats Community Farmer’s booked the entire
Market, held each Saturday morning. property as an
“We offer guests bed and breakfast exclusive-use rental.
at In Toto, and on a Saturday if they’d One of the family-
rather breakfast at the market, we focused rooms, the
give guests R100 back to spend at one Strelitzia Studio, has
of the many stalls serving different its own little kitchen
breakfast options,” says Vorwerk. while the others have
This generosity is immediately a kettle, toaster and
palpable at the four-star In Toto. microwave. Two high
Guests, for example, breakfast at chairs are provided
a 12-seater long table where easy for young children
interaction is encouraged and delicious and many children’s
dishes like coconut-milk cooked oats, toys are available in
sweet but spicy chicken livers along a play area adjacent
with granola and local breads and to the dining area.
pastries are offered. Eggs, free-range, The book selection
of course, are cooked to order. is also generous
The six rooms and suites are furnished and speaks to A rock-painting community project, Revive Sedgefield,
to a high level of comfort and include Vorwerk’s wide is under way along Sedgefield‘s coast.
filter coffee with plungers for in-room interests, among them
use. A gorgeous oval tub, walk-in biodiversity and the environment. At of very large rooms and private spaces to
shower and basin are open to the the time of our visit, he was preparing retreat to too. In December and January,
room while the loo is fully enclosed. for an audit for Fair Trade Tourism and on demand throughout the year, it
There is a large flat-screen TV and a certification, and In Toto is already is let out for long stays to groups of 12
bouquet of channels in each room. one of the properties recommended people who take the entire property.
by BirdLife South Africa for birders. Power and Wi-Fi are uninterrupted
The generosity continues in the thanks to the installation of solar panels,
more adult-focused toys available: an inverter and three 5kwH batteries.
cute bicycles with matching helmets The same holistic and supportive
in Barbie pink and neon green, environmental focus applies to the
kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and bathroom amenities provided and
other gear to enjoy on the water. in the detailed recycling options.
In Toto is more like a wonderful Vorwerk says he always first tries to
family holiday home than a traditional source locally and to support local
guesthouse but with the added benefit artisans and suppliers. One of these is
The public areas include the dining area and

sitting areas that look out over the estuary. On fine days, breakfast is served outside on the patio.

LIFESTYLE Travel
aptly called Rockie, is are views on three plains but also the
another community- privacy afforded by high windows.
driven project led by The Goliath Heron and Swartvlei
Revive Sedgefield. suites are on the second level of In
Toto and have an adjoining internal
RESIDENT BIRDS door if guests wish to share.
The Goliath heron From the timber pergola-covered
is the largest of the outside deck the estuary and sea
heron species and it beyond are in the distance while
is one of the 158 bird the pool, enclosed by a child-
species that make protecting fence, is directly below.
the Sedgefield Island One thing especially impressed
Conservancy their me: most establishments will provide
home. It was extremely information about facilities and other
fortuitous to happen things to do in the environs. At In Toto
on a nest with two these are divided into traveller personae
chicks aged about six such as Slow Down, Enjoy Nature, Meet
weeks when one took Locals and Get Active. While some
its first-ever flight activities are included in more than
while we watched one persona it makes finding what will
agog. The nest, high appeal to one as a traveller easier.
up in bluegum trees, In Toto Retreat is offering discounted
is directly outside the rates for direct bookings for stays
Sedgefield‘s famous Mosaic VW Beetle makes a good selfie location. property and easily between April and September 2024,
visible from the high 15% off for stays of two nights
the new-and-full-moon low-tide night windows in the Goliath Heron Suite, or more, and 25% off for stays
excursions guided by marine biologist where we stayed. There is a large-format longer than five days.
Judy Dixon to explore the Swartvlei photograph of the Goliath heron on the Visit intotoretreat.co.za. FW
beach and the bounty of Gericke’s Point. wall of the suite. Having high, opening
Another is the Sedgefield Mosaic fanlight-style windows on two axes in
Art Project job creation project, the room floods the suite with natural
implemented by Masithandane, light and allows for easily adjusted
which includes estuary-front benches ventilation. A fan is also offered.
beautifully decorated in mosaic. A From the comfy king-sized bed, which
growing collection of painted rocks, can be made as two single beds, there
In Toto Retreat‘s previous owners

The comfortable interiors are enhanced by narrow and high windows that were passionate about timber, which is
allow natural light and ventilation but also visual privacy. evident in the quality woodwork.

AUCTIONS
Market Report
13 March 2024 Price
For more information, phone Chris Derksen on 082 807 5961.

Beef
Weaner calves < 200kg R34,05/kg
Weaner calves 200kg - 250kg R33,10/kg
Weaner calves > 250kg R28,90/kg
A-class R29,15/kg
Best livestock prices: Northern Free State

B-class Not available
C-class cows (fat) R21,75/kg
C-class cows (thin) R18,07/kg
Slaughter bulls R24,64/kg
Mutton and lamb
Feeder lambs > 30kg R38,25/kg
Auction Sales Slaughter lambs

Feeder ewes
R39,10/kg
R34,24/kg
Fat ewes R36/kg
TO PLACE AN UPCOMING AUCTION EVENT in the Classifieds Auctions section, Goats
contact René Moonsamy on 010 971 3771 or at renea@caxton.co.za. Lambs R46,70/kg
TO LIST AUCTION RESULTS in this section, email Janine Ryan at janiner@caxton.co.za. Ewes R42,18/kg
Van Aardt Greyling SA Mutton

Merino Stud Production Sale
HIGHEST: (RAM) R17 000
Aliwal North – The Van Aardt Greyling SA Mutton Merino

Stud Production Sale was held at the Saddle Down Lodge on
15 February on behalf of Van Aardt and Faan Greyling.
The highest price of the day was paid for a ram, which was
sold to Arno Pienaar of PJCS Pienaar Boerdery in Edenburg
for R17 000. Rams achieved an average price of R8 602,94.
Open ewes achieved an average price of R2 766,67, while
in-lamb ewes were sold for an average price of R3 423,08.
2T to 4T flock ewes achieved an average price of R2 446,15.
The sale was held by BKB, with JP Marais
as the auctioneer. – Gavin Isted
TOP BUYERS
PJCS Pienaar Boerdery, Edenburg R17 000
L Feuth, Lady Grey R15 500 The highest-priced ram, which was sold for R17 000, with (back, from
De Ville Boerdery, Middelburg R12 000 left): Vince Pike (BKB), Faan Greyling (seller), Arno Pienaar (buyer),
De Bruyn Boerdery, Hoopstad R11 500 Van Aardt Greyling (seller), Jan van der Walt and Jan Joubert (both
from BKB). Front, from left: JP Marais (auctioneer), Pietman Lande
Wintershoek Fourie Boerdery, Dordrecht R11 000 (handler) and André Greyvenstein (BKB). PHOTOS: GAVIN ISTED

Twee Seuns Suffolk Welpic Dormer Stud
Stud Production Sale Production Sale
HIGHEST: (RAM) R100 000 HIGHEST: (RAM) R30 000
Barkley East – The Twee Seuns Suffolk Stud Production Sale was Aliwal North – The Welpic Dormer Stud Production Sale was
held on the farm Lower Orpendale on 2 February on behalf of held at the Saddle Down Lodge on 9 February on behalf of
Steyn and Tjaart Steenekamp. JP Potgieter.
The highest price of the day was paid for a ram, which The highest price of the day was paid for a ram,
was sold to Paul and Regard Smalberger of Tweeling for which was sold to Chris Isted of Barkly East for R30 000.
R100 000. Rams achieved an average price of R12 941. Rams achieved an average price of R8 411,76.
Flock rams were sold for an average price of R9 142. Flock rams were sold for an average price of R6 400.
Stud ewes were sold for an average price of R7 057, while Ewes were sold for an average price of R5 119,05, while
flock ewes were sold for an average price of R4 562. in-lamb ewes achieved an average price of R2 691,18.
The sale was held by Vleissentraal, with Flock ewes achieved an average price of R1 900.
André van Zyl as the auctioneer. – Gavin Isted The sale was held by OVK, with Danie Strauss
as the auctioneer. – Gavin Isted
The highest-priced ram, which was sold for R100 000, with (back,
from left): Rupert Potgieter and DB Nel (Vleissentraal), Karla and The highest-priced ram, which was sold for R30 000, with (back, from
Tjaart Steenekamp (sellers), Paul and Regard Smalberger (buyers) left): Jonker Venter (OVK), Danie Strauss (auctioneer), JP Potgieter
and Steyn Steenekamp (seller). Front, from left: André van Zyl (seller) and Kenny Moolman (OVK). Front: Andrew Pienaar (handler).
(auctioneer), Andries Hardi (handler) and Henri Naudé (BKB).
White Wools
Dohne Merino Stud
Production Sale
HIGHEST: (RAM) R68 000
Molteno – The White Wools Dohne Merino Stud Production Sale
was held on the farm Collingham on 14 February on behalf of
Dries Pienaar.
The highest price of the day was paid for a ram, which
was sold to Andrew Knott of Klipfontein in Bedford for
R68 000. Rams achieved an average price of R13 814,81.
4T to FM in-lamb ewes carrying twins achieved
an average price of R1 900, while open stud ewes
The highest-priced ewe, which sold for R24 000, with (back, from left): were sold for an average price of R2 225.
Rupert Potgieter (Vleissentraal), Tjaart Steenekamp (seller), Schalk and
Janine Windt (buyers), Henri Naudé (BKB) and Mario Kruger (Vleissentraal). The sale was held by BKB, with JP Marais
Front: André van Zyl (left, auctioneer) and Andries Hardi (handler). as the auctioneer. – Gavin Isted

VEHICLE PRICES Bakkies
Light commercial vehicles

P-Series DLX R443 650 D-MAX 3.0 Ddi Double Cab
V-Cross 4x4 Auto R908 600
MODEL PRICE P-Series DLX 4x4 R499 750
P-Series Double Cab SX R444 650
FORD P-Series Double Cab SX Auto R487 550 MAHINDRA
Ranger 2.0 Turbo XL HR R514 800 P-Series Double Cab SX 4x4 R497 750 Bolero 2.5 Maxitruck R208 099
Ranger 2.0 Turbo XL HR Auto R534 400 P-Series Double Cab SX 4x4 Auto R535 450 Pik Up 2.2 S4 R269 699
Ranger 2.0 Turbo XL 4x4 HR R587 700 P-Series Double Cab DLX R473 250 Pik Up 2.2 S4 Dropside R284 699
Ranger 2.0 Turbo XL 4x4 HR Auto R608 100 P-Series Double Cab DLX Auto R515 050 Pik Up 2.2 S4 Dropside 4x4 R323 599
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Super Cab XL HR R526 700 P-Series Double Cab DLX 4x4 R525 250 Pik Up 2.2 S4 4x4 R310 699
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Super Cab P-Series Double Cab DLX 4x4 Auto R562 950 Pik Up 2.2 S6 R337 699
XL HR Auto R545 900
P-Series Double Cab LS Auto R526 250 Pik Up 2.2 S6 4x4 R376 699
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Super Cab P-Series Double Cab LT Auto R598 850 Pik Up 2.2 S6 Karoo R406 999
XL 4x4 HR Auto R593 300
P-Series Double Cab LS 4x4 Auto R577 250 Pik Up 2.2 S6 Karoo 4x4 R445 299
Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo Super Cab P-Series Double Cab LT 4x4 Auto R653 750 Pik Up 2.2 S6 Double Cab R399 199
R741 300
XLT 4x4 HR Auto P-Series Double Cab LTD 4x4 Auto R694 950 Pik Up 2.2 S6 Double Cab Auto R424 199
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Super Cab Pik Up 2.2 S6 Double Cab 4x4 R459 099
XLT HR Auto R589 500 ISUZU Pik Up 2.2 S6 Double Cab 4x4 Auto R463 199
Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo Super Cab D-MAX 250 C Standard Gen 6 R362 700 Pik Up 2.2 S6 Double Cab Karoo R420 099
R813 000
Wildtrack 4x4 HR Auto D-MAX 250 C Fleetside Gen 6 R392 000 Pik Up 2.2 S6 Double Cab R445 099
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Double Cab Base HR R522 400 Karoo Auto
D-MAX 250 HO Fleetside R420 400
Safety Gen 6 Pik Up 2.2 S6 Double Cab 4x4 Karoo R459 099
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Double Cab
Base 4x4 HR R568 000
D-MAX 250 HO H-Ride Gen 6 R530 100 Pik Up 2.2 S6 Double Cab R484 099
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Double Cab XL HR R579 700 D-MAX 250 HO H-Ride Gen 6 Auto R552 200 4x4 Karoo Auto
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Double Cab D-MAX 1.9 Ddi HR Standard R442 800 Pik Up 2.2 S10 Double Cab R430 199
R603 900
XL HR Auto D-MAX 1.9 Ddi HR L R461 900 Pik Up 2.2 S10 Double Cab 4x4 R469 199
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Double Cab D-MAX 1.9 Ddi HR L Auto R479 900 Pik Up 2.2 S10 Double Cab Karoo R450 099
XL 4x4 HR R662 600
D-MAX 1.9 Ddi L 4x4 R568 500 Pik Up 2.2 S10 Double Cab R489 099
D-MAX 1.9 Ddi L 4x4 Auto R586 500 4x4x Karoo
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Double Cab
XL 4x4 HR Auto R688 100
D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Extended Cab Pik Up 2.2 S11 Double Cab R465 099
R490 000
HR Standard Pik Up 2.2 S11 Double Cab 4x4 R504 099
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Double Cab R648 100
XLT HR Auto D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Extended Cab HR L R510 600 Pik Up 2.2 S11 Double Cab Karoo R496 099
Ranger 2.0 Turbo Double Cab D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Extended Cab HR LS R536 300 Pik Up 2.2 S11 Double Cab
R731 900 R535 099
XLT 4x4 HR Auto 4x4x Karoo
D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Extended Cab R557 800
HR LS Auto
Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo Double Cab
XLT HR Auto R767 300
D-MAX 3.0 Ddi Extended Cab
MAZDA
R676 700
HR LSE Auto BT-50 1.9 D Double Cab Active R630 400
Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo Double Cab R854 000
XLT 4x4 HR Auto BT-50 1.9 D Double Cab Active Auto R667 500
D-MAX 3.0 Ddi Extended Cab R758 800
LSE 4x4 Auto
Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo Double Cab BT-50 3.0 D Double Cab
R866 600 R782 400
Wildtrak HR Auto D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Double Cab HR L R550 900 Dynamic Auto
Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo Double Cab D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Double Cab BT-50 3.0 D Double Cab
R953 300 R568 500 R818 400
Wildtrak 4x4 HR Auto HR L Auto Individual 4x4 Auto
Ranger 2.0 Bi Turbo Double Cab D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Double Cab L 4x4 R652 400
Tremor 4x4 Auto R977 500
D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Double Cab HR LS R585 100 MITSUBISHI
Ranger 3.0 V6 Double Cab D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Double Cab Triton 2.4 DI GL R444 995
R1 056 100 R603 800
Wildtrack 4x4 HR Auto HR LS Auto Triton 2.4 DI Double Cab GLX R529 990
Ranger 3.0 V6 Double Cab D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Double Cab Triton 2.4 DI-DC Double Cab R639 990
R1 119 000 R685 200
Platinum AWD HR Auto LS 4x4 Auto Triton 2.4 DI-DC Double Cab Auto R659 990
Ranger 3.0 V6 Twin-Turbo Ecoboost D-MAX 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LS 4x4 R764 000 Triton 2.4 DI-DC Double Cab 4x4 R719 990
R1 224 700
Double Cab Raptor 4x4 HR Auto
D-MAX 3.0 Ddi Double Cab Triton 2.4 DI-DC Double Cab
R781 600 R739 990
LS 4x4 Auto 4x4 Auto
GWM D-MAX 3.0 Ddi Double Cab Triton 2.4 DI-DC Double Cab
R821 700 R759 990
Steed 5 2.0 R305 950 HR LSE Auto Athlete 4x4 Auto
Steed 5 2.0 Double Cab R390 150 D-MAX 3.0 Ddi Double Cab Triton 2.4 DI-DC Double Cab
R869 500 R779 990
Steed 5 2.0 Double Cab 4x4 R423 350 LSE 4x4 Auto Heritage GL 4x4 Auto
P-Series SX R413 050 D-MAX 3.0 Ddi Double Cab Triton 2.4 DI-DC Double Cab
R859 800 R728 990
P-Series SX 4x4 R469 150 HR V-Cross Auto Extreme Auto

ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT AT 15%
Products and prices were correct at the time of going to print
and reflect prices as at 1 March 2024.
Triton 2.4 DI-DC Double Cab Hilux Double Cab 2.4 Amarok 2.0 BiTDI Double Cab
R808 990 R623 200 R848 000
Extreme 4x4 Auto GD6 RB Raider Auto 4Motion Life Auto
Hilux Double Cab 2.4 GD6 Amarok 2.0 BiTDI DoublexCab

NISSAN RB Raider R602 100 4Motion Style Auto R933 700
NP 200 1.6 Base+Safety R234 000 Hilux Double Cab 2.4 GD6 4x4 SR R652 800 Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI Double Cab R1 030 100
NP 200 1.6 Base+Safety AC R253 800 4Motion Style Auto
Hilux Double Cab 2.4
GD6 4x4 Raider X R674 800
Navara 2.5 DDTi XE R414 600 Amarok 2.0 BiTDI Double Cab
4Motion PanAmericana Auto R1 037 100
Navara 2.5 DDTi SE R500 300 Hilux Double Cab 2.4 GD6 R706 300
Navara 2.5 DDTi SE 4x4 R580 900 4x4 Raider X Auto
Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI Double Cab
4Motion PanAmericana Auto R1 128 400
Navara 2.5 DDTi Double Cab SE R524 500 Hilux Double Cab 2.7 VVTi RB R523 700
Navara 2.5 DDTi Double Cab R558 500 Hilux Double Cab 2.8 GD6 Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI Double Cab
SE Auto R803 400 R1 184 200
RB Legend 4Motion AventuraAuto
Navara 2.5 DDTi Double Cab Hilux Double Cab 2.8 GD6
R618 500 R853 200
SE 4x4 RB Legend Auto
Navara 2.5 DDTi Double Cab Hilux Double Cab 2.8

R572 500 R754 200
SE Plus GD6 RB Raider Auto
Navara 2.5 DDTi Double Cab R595 500 Hilux Double Cab 2.8 GD6
SE Plus Auto R951 600
RB RS Legend Auto
R654 500 R842 900
SE Plus 4x4 4x4 Raider Auto
R679 500 R863 400
LE Auto 4x4 Legend
R760 500 R903 400
LE 4x4 Auto 4x4 Legend Auto
Navara 2.5 DDTi Double Cab Hilux Double Cab 2.8

PRO-2X Auto R761 500 R965 100
GD6 4x4 RS Legend
R822 500 R1 005 000
PRO-4X 4x4 Auto 4x4 RS Legend Auto
Hilux Double Cab 2.8

PEUGEOT GD6 4x4 GR-S Auto R947 600
Landtrek Allure Double Cab Auto R619 900 Hilux Double Cab 4.0 V6 R902 900
4x4 Legend Auto
Landtrek 4Action Double Cab R705 900
4x4 Auto Land Cruiser 4.0 V6 4x4 Pick-up R765 500
Land Cruiser 4.2 Diesel

TOYOTA 4x4 Pick-up R829 000
Hilux 2.0 VVTi S R356 600 Land Cruiser 4.5 V8 Diesel R956 200
Hilux 2.4 GD S R402 000 4x4 Pick-up
Hilux 2.4 GD6 4x4 Raider R618 700 Land Cruiser 4.0 V6 Double Cab R864 600
Hilux 2.4 GD6 4x4 Raider Auto R641 100 4x4 Pick-up
Hilux 2.4 GD6 4x4 SR R572 900 Land Cruiser 4.2 Diesel R920 800
Hilux 2.4 GD6 RB Raider R537 800 Double Cab 4x4 Pick-up
Hilux 2.4 GD6 RB Raider Auto R561 700 Land Cruiser 4.5 V8 Diesel R1 009 000
Hilux 2.4 GD6 SR R497 800 Double Cab 4x4 Pick-up
Hilux 2.4 GD6 4x4 Raider Auto R644 600

Hilux 2.7 VVTi RB S R459 500 VOLKSWAGEN
Hilux 2.8 GD6 4x4 Raider Auto R718 200 Amarok 2.0 TDI 6M R581 900
Hilux Xtra Cab 2.4 GD6 RB Raider R553 200 Amarok 2.0 TDI 4Motion 6M R653 800
Hilux Xtra Cab 2.4 GD6 Amarok 2.0 TDI Double Cab 6M R650 500
RB Raider Auto R577 200
Amarok 2.0 TDI Double Cab R721 500
Hilux Xtra Cab 2.8 GD6 4x4 Legend R749 200 4Motion 6M
Hilux Xtra Cab 2.8 GD6 Amarok 2.0 TDI Double Cab
R781 200 R683 500
4x4 Legend Auto Life 6M
Hilux Xtra Cab 2.8 GD6 RB Legend R664 200 Amarok 2.0 TDI Double Cab R738 000
4Motion Life 6M
Hilux Xtra Cab 2.8 GD6 R695 800
RB Legend Auto
Amarok 2.0 TDI Double Cab R776 800
Hilux Double Cab 2.4 GD6 RB SR R566 900 4Motion Life Auto

Ask Our Vet
Treating foot rot in livestock
Dear Prof McCrindle, down just after coming into parlour, as the deep into underlying tissues. Other bacteria
How common is hoof rot in livestock? transition from muddy pasture onto a hard then start multiplying in the ulcerated
What are the causes, prevention and concrete surface becomes very painful. skin. These include Borrelia, Bacteroides,
treatment? Is it a highly contagious The coronary band is the name of the Mycoplasma species, Campylobacter,
disease and how can it be controlled? skin around the hoof. The interdigital area Candidatus and Amoebophilus.
Kind regards, is between the two claws (or toes) on each Environmental hygiene and nutrition
Alice foot. Foot rot begins as an irritated area, are very important. Acidosis in
often between the toes, that is swollen, then ruminants is also an important cause.
Dear Alice, becomes red and feels warm to the touch. All Treat by injecting tetracycline for three
Foot rot in dairy cows is called digital hooves may be infected at the same time, as to five days. Each infected hoof must be
dermatitis and is very common, especially the bacteria are proliferating in the slushy mix washed off well using a hosepipe, then
in humid areas with high rainfall. It is of mud and manure in grazing paddocks or soaked in salt water (four level teaspoons
currently becoming a serious problem in uncleaned barns. Deep kikuyu pastures are salt per litre), or, preferably a 10% zinc
parts of South Africa due to very high daily an ideal place for these bacteria to multiply. sulphate solution, for 10 minutes. Then
temperatures and rainfall leading to high Once the skin is irritated, inflammatory hydrogen peroxide (3%) can be poured over
humidity and muddy pastures. Horses, cells migrate to the area and each foot becomes the underside of each hoof. Then, in turn,
goats and sometimes sheep also have a swollen to a degree that the blood supply is each affected hoof is sprayed with 1% iodine.
problem with foot rot when pastures are cut off. The skin becomes ulcerated, ‘necrotic’, Tetracycine wound spray is useful in milder
muddy and contaminated with manure. and turns rotten. The hoof may even separate cases. Oral or injectable anti-inflammatory
Sadly, it is often the most valuable high- from the skin. After treatment the skin will medications will reduce lameness. Observe
producing dairy cows or milch goats that start to heal, swelling will reduce and a scab withdrawal times in dairy and meat animals.
have to be culled. This is because their will form. Only about half the cattle or goats Prof Cheryl McCrindle
systems are often more stressed and their in a herd will have all four feet infected. ȊȲSource: Fesseha H. ‘Ovine Footrot and Its
resistance to bacterial infection is lower. In Globally, the main cause of foot rot in cattle, Clinical Management’. Vet Med (Auckl). 2021
Holstein/Friesian cattle, the body weight of sheep and goats is a bacterial spirochaete May 11;12:95-99. Visit
cows is also a problem. Often the cow goes called Treponema. It is invasive and migrates pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34007821/. FW
Cheryl McCrindle is an emeritus full professor in the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria, and has extensive experience in animal health.
Email her at farmersweekly@caxton.co.za. Subject line: Ask our vet.
Sudoku
MEDIUM DIFFICULT 22 MARCH
6 1 2 7 3 9 8 5 4
4 5 8 6 7 3 4 1 8 5 2 9 6
5 8 9 2 4 6 7 1 3
6 8 3 9 2 4 1 8 2 7 4 5 3 1 6 9
3 5 1 6 9 2 4 7 8
9 4 6 8 1 7 3 2 5
3 8 9 1 1 9
4 6 5 3 7 1 9 8 2
1 9 8 5 2 4 6 3 7
3 2 5 5 9 3 2 7 3 9 6 8 5 4 1
MEDIUM
1 7 5 1 4 5
6 7 2 3 4 5 1 8 9
8 9 4 6 1 7 3 5 2
7 4 8 2 4 3 5 1 8 9 2 6 7 4
7 1 8 4 6 9 5 2 3
7 3 1 4 2 5 7 3 1 8 9 6
9 6 3 5 2 8 4 1 7
8 9 6 7 5 8 3 5 8 6 9 7 4 2 3 1
1 3 9 2 5 6 7 4 8
2 4 7 1 8 3 9 6 5
9 7 4 8 4 2 DIFFICULT
HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that each row and column, as well as each of the 3 x 3 squares, contains all the digits from 1 to 9.
Look out for the answers to this week’s Sudoku puzzles in next week’s magazine.

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AUCTIONS

AUCTIONS
MARKETERS: +3YDQGHU:DOW+HQGULNYDQGHU:DOWbb
AUCTIONEER: Mike Killassy 082 378 8112
Terms: 1. All buyers must register and provide a copy of ID and proof of residence. 2. Payment: By card / electronic transfer on day of sale - NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED AS PAYMENT FOR PURCHASES.
3. VAT is payable. 4. Vleissentraal’s standard conditions of sale (Rules of Auction) apply - available at www.vleissentraal.co.za. 5. Consumer Protection Act - Act 68 of 2008, available at www.gov.za.
BOSVELD 6. Seller reserves the right to withdraw any sale item before or during the sale without prior notice. MOOKGOPHONG
FOLLOW US #FARMTOK SCAN

HERE
MARKETERS: Carel Chalmers 082 896 9586 q Johan Bester 082 838 8976
AUCTIONEER: Chris Keyter 072 274 5159
Terms: 1. All buyers must register and provide a copy of ID and proof of residence. 2. Payment: By card / electronic transfer on day of sale - NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED AS PAYMENT
FOR PURCHASES. 3. VAT is payable. 4. Vleissentraal’s standard conditions of sale (Rules of Auction) apply - available at www.vleissentraal.co.za. 5. Consumer Protection Act - Act 68 of
BOSVELD 2008, available at www.gov.za. 6. Seller reserves the right to withdraw any sale item before or during the sale without prior notice.
MODIMOLLE
29 MARCH 2024 IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 75 C

AUCTIONS
eShowe Citrus Farm For Sale By Tender

OFFERS TO BE SUBMITTED BY: VIEW: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Registration Fee: R250 000 (EFT)
FRI 29 MARCH 2024 @ 14H00 Deposit : 10% of the purchase price within 2 Business Day of Acceptance
PROPERTY ADDRESS: ESHOWE, KZN Acceptance Period: 10 Business Days from Offer Date
703 Hectare Citrus Farm – eShowe, KZN

±243 Hectares of Citrus – Excellent Trees
±145 Hectares Additional Arable Land
Fully Operational Packhouse & Pack-lines
±582 Hectares of Water Rights (4 837 167m3)
Cultivars Include: Lemons, Valencias, Red & White Grapefruit, Bananas

!"#$% &%'&( whauctions.com
Joshua Pelkowitz - 072 536 5482 WH Auctioneers Properties (Pty) Ltd
Tel: 011 574 5700 info@wh.co.za
10th April Auction - Bidding Opens 10am

2 $ )( )%#&+" ')+" )&
(
Michael Swart
2%($ + )-#$$ 1.+ ))#!"+*#&($
2 ,& ))( +27 (0) 64 603 9231
2 #+#'&$)$ $&, )& )'++#'& michael.swart@bidx1.com
)'(*
2 !)0#&! See auction terms &
conditions on bidx1.com
Opening Bid R48 000 000
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1030 WATER RIGHTS 2810 SEMEN AND EMBRYOS 3845 Lohmann Brown; 7240 Grading machines;
0810 PRIME PROPERTY 2910 DONKEYS 3850 Minorka; 7244 Harvesters and combines;
1010 LEGAL NOTICES 3010 GAME AND HUNTING 3855 New Hamphire; 7248 Haymaking appliances;
1020 LEGAL SERVICES 3860 Rocket; 7252 Irrigation equipment;
1110 TENDERS GOATS 3865 Tokai uper Brown; 7256 Processing & packaging
1210 PERSONAL SERVICES 3110 Angora; 3870 Game cocks; 7260 Planters;
1310 COURSES AND 3120 Boer goat; 3875 White Rock; 7264 Ploughs;
TUITION 3130 Kalahari Red; 3880 Wyandotte; 7268 Pumps and boreholes;
1410 SPECIAL SERVICES 3140 Dairy; 3885 Crossbreed; 7272 Seeders;
1510 EMPLOYMENT 3150 Savanna; 3886 Other 7276 Sorting equipment;
WANTED 3160 Other. 7280 Sprayers;
1610 EMPLOYMENT 3910 DUCKS 7284 Storage equipment,
OFFERED 3210 HORSES 4010 GEESE fridges and freezers;
CLASSIFIEDS INDEX
1710 BUSINESSES FOR SALE 3310 SADDLES AND TACK 4110 TURKEYS 7288 Tractors and tractor parts;
1810 BUSINESSES TO LET 3410 MULES 4210 GAME BIRDS 7292 Weeding appliances;
1910 BUSINESS 4310 OSTRICHES 7296 Welders;
2010 FARMS FOR SALE PIGS 4351 EMU 7298 General;
2110 FARMS TO LEASE 3510 Berkshire; 4410 POULTRY EQUIPMENT 7299 Windmills and parts.
2210 FARMS WANTED 3520 Duroc; 4510 POULTRY FEEDS
2310 PROPERTY FOR SALE 3530 Large Black; 4610 LIVESTOCK HANDLING CONSTRUCTION
2410 PROPERTY FOR HIRE 3540 Large White; EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING
2510 ACCOMMODATION 3550 Kolbroek; 4710 DAIRY EQUIPMENT 7310 Building and
2610 LIVESTOCK 3560 Landrace; 4810 SHEARING construction material;
3570 Minnesota; EQUIPMENT 7320 Building equipment
CATTLE 3575 Other; 4910 SLAUGHTERING and tools;
2702 Afrigus; 3580 Pig equipment. EQUIPMENT 7330 Concrete and brick
2704 Afrikaner; 5010 FEEDS AND equipment;
2706 Angus; 3610 RABBITS SUPPLEMENTS 7340 Dams, storage tanks
2708 Ayrshire; 5110 PIGEONS and reservoirs;
2710 Beefmaster; SHEEP 5210 BEES 7345 Electricians;
2712 Bonsmara; 3704 Afrikaner; 5310 FISH 7350 Fences;
2714 Boran; 3708 Afrina; 5410 DOGS 7360 Services;
2716 Bovelder; 3712 Corriedale; 5510 CATS 7370 Steel structures;
2717 Braford; 3716 Damara; 5605 QUAIL 7380 Tunnels.
2718 Brahman; 3720 Dormer; 5610 OTHER ANIMALS
2720 Brangus; 3724 Dorper; 7410 VEHICLES
2722 Braunvieh; 3728 Dorset Horn; CROPS 7510 MANAGEMENT
2724 Charolais; 3732 FinnishLandrace; 5710 Grain Crops
2725 Chianina; 3736 Ile de France; 5810 Oilseed Crops MISCELLANEOUS
2726 Crossbreed; 3740 Karakul; 5910 Fibre Crops 7394 Nursery;
2728 Dexter; 3744 Letelle; 6010 Sugar Cane 7605 Books;
2730 Drakenberger; 3748 Dohne Merino; 6110 Tobacco 7610 Camping and
2732 Gelbvieh; 3752 Merino; 6210 Pastures caravanning;
2734 Guernsey; 3756 Merino Landsheep; 6310 Fresh Produce 7615 Field sports;
2736 Holstein-Friesland; 3760 Meatmaster; 6410 Orchards And Vines 7620 Firearms;
2738 Hugenoot; 3762 Nguni; 6510 Trees And Timber 7625 Furniture;
2740 Jersey; 3764 SA Mutton Merino; 6610 Other Crops 7630 Gardening;
2742 Limousin; 3768 Walrich-Merino; 6710 Fertiliser 7635 Handicrafts;
2744 Nguni; 3772 Pedi; 6810 Pesticides 7640 Hiking and
2746 Pinzgauer; 3776 Persian; 6910 Seeds mountaineering;
2748 Red Poll; 3780 South Down; 7010 Seedlings 7645 Music;
2749 Wagyu; 3784 Hampshire Down; 7110 Farming Requisites 7650 Sport;
2750 Romagnola; 3788 Suffolk; 7655 Swapping;
2754 SA Hereford; 3792 Van Rooy; MACHINERY AND 7660 Travel;
2756 Sanganer; 3796 Vandor; IMPLEMENTS 7665 Water sports;
2757 Senepol; 3799 Other. 7204 Applicators; 7670 For sale;
2758 Santa Gertrudis; 7208 Compressors; 7675 Appliances;
2560 Shorthorn; CHICKENS 7210 Combined parts; 7677 Wanted;
2762 Simbra; 3802 Point of lay; 7212 Distributors; 7685 Other;
2764 Simmentaler; 3805 Amberlink; 7216 Drilling machines; 7680 Wanted to buy;
2766 South Devon; 3810 Australorp; 7220 Earthmoving; 7685 Farm toys;
2768 Supertaler; 3815 Bantam; 7224 Electrical machines 7692 Pest control.
2770 Sussex; 3820 Broilers; and parts;
2772 SA Swiss Dairy; 3825 Buff Orpington; 7228 Feed mixers;
2774 Tuli; 3830 lsa Brown; 7232 Fertilisers;
2776 Other; 3835 Hy-Line; 7236 Generators and
2778 Dairy 3840 Leghorn; alternative energy;
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IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 29 MARCH 2024
With only 550 Wild Dogs
left in South Africa,
every one of them counts, and
every one of you can
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Visit ewt.org.za to find out how
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Farmers Weekly 29 03 2024

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Farmers Weekly 29 03 2024

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SERVING AGRICULTURE SINCE 1911

29 MARCH 2024 FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA

THE FORKLIFT THAT

HOW FOUR CROP SERIES PART 2

ON THE COVER ARTICLES OPINION AND ANALYSIS

29 MARCH 2024 farmer’s weekly 3

Janine Ryan, Editor

4 IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 29 MARCH 2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Nigeria is one of 37 African countries Of the 40 identified using micro-satellite

6 farmer’s weekly 29 MARCH 2024

IMPROVING THE CONSERVATION

29 MARCH 2024 farmer’s weekly 7

The Mzansi Food & Drink Show will

CONFERENCES, 30 MARCH 14 TO 17 MAY

8 farmer’s weekly 29 MARCH 2024

Eco-wisdom: proven, implementable

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?

10 farmer’s weekly 29 MARCH 2024

MOST POPULAR ON FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA

Read the full article at

FROM X PHOTO OF THE WEEK

HERE ARE THE RESULTS:

Want your photo to be featured

AGRI NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

29 MARCH 2024 farmer’s weekly 11

1911 3 October 1986 2024

12 farmer’s weekly 29 MARCH 2024

Why did SA agriculture

29 MARCH 2024 IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 13

‘Wicked’ problems and

14 farmer’s weekly 29 MARCH 2024

our distinctive and Africa, on the evolution of technology (ȱŗŞ).

globally significant ‘Diversifying the food

29 MARCH 2024 IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 15

Minister launches third National Status

16 farmer’s weekly 29 MARCH 2024

Portfolio committee briefed on hemp, cannabis

29 MARCH 2024 IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 17

Why cybersecurity is needed in farming

18 IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 29 MARCH 2024

29 MARCH 2024 farmer’s weekly 19

Banana Hall of Fame celebrates banana industry

Agriculture leading Zimbabwe’s economic growth

20 farmer’s weekly 29 MARCH 2024

Underutilised crops come into their own

29 MARCH 2024 farmer’s weekly 21

Records fly at this year’s

LEFT: This year the SA Dairy Championships

22 farmer’s weekly 29 MARCH 2024

THE EVENT HAS

29 MARCH 2024 farmer’s weekly 23

Zambia announces cost-cutting as harvests fail

International donors offer aid amid drought, famine

24 IDUPHU·V ZHHNO\ 29 MARCH 2024

Wool marginally down at 24th sale of the season

29 MARCH 2024 farmer’s weekly 25

20 15,3 The agriculture industry has recorded

follows three years of positive growth

our distinctive and Africa, on the evolution of technology (ȱŗŞ).

ȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȱȱȱ¡ǯȱ ¢ǰȱȱ¢ǰȱȱ ȱǯȱ