Agribulletin 170127

January 2017

Vleis bly duur

2

Kommandowurms

6

Healthy mango harvest

9

Die piesangplaas Inzana van Mahela Boerdery net buite Tzaneen is deur wind en hael verwoes - P3

2

January 2017

’n publikasie van FAR NORTH

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Vleis gaan lank duur bly Ekonomiese toegang tot kos en kospryse in Suid-Afrika is steeds onder druk, met vleispryse wat vanjaar en volgende jaar hoog sal bly.

Agbiz sê die droogte van 2015/16 het ‘n afname van 23% in die opbrengs van somergewasse tot gevolg gehad. Op die keper is dit eintlik veel erger, want die someroes van 2015 was reeds 28% laer op ‘n jaar-tot-jaar basis. Die daling was 11,9 miljoen ton voedsel teenoor die normale opbrengs van 16,5 miljoen ton wat in 2014 geproduseer is.

Dit het gevolglik gelei tot stygende voedselinflasie van meer as 11% verlede jaar, hoewel dit in die eerste helfte van vanjaar sal bedaar.

Agbiz verwag dat verbruikers

reeds met die vroeë oeste in April ‘n aanduiding sal kry van ‘n herstel in voedselpryse, nadat goeie reën die afgelope maand oor ‘n groot deel van die land uitgesak het. Die werklike resultate sal eers in die derde kwartaal duidelik wees, veral met graanprodukte, suiwel en pluimvee.

Vleispryse sal egter verder styg en hoog bly tot na 2017, omdat veeboere nou hul

kuddes opnuut moet aanvul. Volgens die Rooivleis Abattoirvereniging is 6 500 beeste per week in 2014 geslag. Dit het verlede jaar meer as verdubbel, toe tot 15 000 beeste per week geslag is.

Aan die einde van verlede jaar was vleispryse onder kwaai druk weens die hoer slagtempo. Dit sal vorentoe egter anders lyk namate veeboere weer hul kuddes opbou. Dit kan die hoop op laer voedselinflasie demp, omdat vleis gemiddeld 30% van die publiek se kosmandjie vul.

Nog goeie reën word voorspel, maar ekonome meen die afgelope droogte sal nog ‘n paar jaar se uitwerking op die bestaande voedselketting hê.

Agriculture sees silver lining The current rains are a welcome relief to farmers as they are seen as the proverbial silver lining in what has been a gloomy season.

“The past year has been testing for the industry. The drought has had an impact on the economy with South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) decelerating in 2016. We anticipate that prices will moderate now in 2017 as the new season production outlook improves with the rains across the producing areas,” said Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist at FNB. Makube shared an outlook on how crops, grains and meats are most likely to perform in 2017: White and yellow maize - While the spot prices remain relatively strong, reports that South African authorities approved the importation of the genetically modified maize (GM) from the US has added further pressure on the market due to expectations of an increased competition from imports early in 2017.The maize crop is however expected to rebound by almost 60% to just over 12 million tons during the 2016/17 production season.

Wheat – It’s shown significant recovery with production already 6% higher year-on-year (y/y) at 1.88 million tons. This together with the abundant global supply outlook, with production and stocks of 749 and stocks of 235 million tons respectively, will maintain downward pressure on domestic prices as South Africa remains the net importer of wheat. The import forecast dropped by 0.5 million y/y from 2 million for 2015/16 to 1.5 million for 2016/17 according to the South African Grain & Oilseed Supply & Demand Estimates Committee (S&DEC) in its Nov 2016 update.

Sugar and horticulture - Production is expected to increase on the back of the improved conditions due to the recent rains. This will boost the availability of the exportable produce, particularly fruit. Although the local sugar cane production improved somewhat in the latest updates, poor quality and subsequent sugar recoveries have reportedly cut the export availability for 2016/17. Globally, the outlook is bullish with a surplus expected for 2016/17 due to increases in Thailand, India and the EU. The implications are the renewed downward price pressures on international sugar prices.

Red meat - Prices trended mostly sideways to stronger for red meat during the last quarter of 2016 as slaughtering increased due to the delayed onset of the summer rains.

Weaner market - This saw a rebound in prices with calves selling just over R21/kg as producers began holding on to their stock due to the improved produc-

tion conditions, this as a result of the summer rains.

Beef - We expect beef prices to remain elevated owing to supply constraints due to herd rebuilding in 2017.

Pork and Poultry - Producer margins are expected to improve due to the declining feed prices especially in the second half of 2017. However, import competition will continue to limit price gains despite elevated red meat prices. Poultry in particular has seen significant pressure from imports which are forcing local producers to cut back on production and defer expansion plans. Nonetheless, poultry and pork meat remain the cheapest source of animal protein and the demand remains resilient.

While the improved domestic and international agricultural production outlook bode well for food inflation, the prospects of a weaker exchange rate might offset this benefit given that pricing for most grain commodities is based on import parity. Though the rand currently remains at its best level at around R13.60 vs R15.75/ US dollar last year this time, it faces increased volatility in the medium to longer term due to among others the renewed interest rate tightening by the US Federal Reserve Bank (US Fed) and weak domestic growth prospects.

“Overall, 2017 has started off well, with good rainfall in some parts of the country. The year ahead will still be trying, but the silver lining is that we are starting to see a little relief from the recent rains and the sector is slowly stabilizing. ,” concludes Makube.

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3

January 2017

Fratsstorm slaan Mahela hard Die vrugteplaas Inzana van Mahela Boerdery buite Tzaneen lek nog seer aan sy wonde nadat ‘n fratsstorm deur die gebied getrek en miljoene rande se skade aangerig het. Minstens 90 ha piesangs en 60 ha avokado’s het in die slag gebly.

Die storm het die gebied verlede Woensdagmiddag getref. Etlike piesangboorde is vir die mark verlore, groot bome is ontwortel en dakke van huise het soos verfrommelde papier oor die gebied gesaai gelê.

Mnr Pieter Vorster, die voorsitter van AgriLetaba en ‘n direkteur van Mahela Boerdery, het gesê dis moeilik om die werklike skade in randwaarde te bepaal, maar R15 miljoen is nie vergesog nie.

“Gevestigde piesangbome in drag is platgevee. Die jong piesangtrosse gaan reguit komposhoop toe, terwyl die volwasse trosse so beskadig is dat dit nie bemark kan word nie.”

Volgens hom sal dit tot 18 maande neem om van die boorde weer gevestig te kry, wat beteken dat ‘n inkomste daaruit tot twee jaar kan duur. Die sigbare skade aan piesangs langs die pad is nie naastenby so erg soos in die boorde buite sig nie.

Benewens die skade aan piesangboorde het avokado’s en makadamias ook deurgeloop. Jong avo’s het onder die bome gesaai gelê en die vrugte wat bly hang het, is onbemarkbaar deur hael

beskadig. Jong makadamias is ook van die bome afgeruk en vir die oes verlore.

Die huise en geboue op Inzana het erg deurgeloop. Een woonhuis se dak is afgeruk, terwyl skure en buitegeboue ook groot skade opgedoen het.

Die avo-reus Westfalia se beplande kwekery op die perseel is in die wiele gery. Die maatskappy het ‘n oreenkoms met Mahela om ‘n uitgebreide kwekery op die plaas te vestig, maar nous al die strukture eers herstel moet word voor hulle daarmee kan voortgaan. Dit kan twee maande of selfs langer duur.

Net anderkant die Wheelbarrow-restaurant, skaars ‘n kilometer van Inzana, is groot bloekombome soos vuurhoutjies geknak en verwring.

Vorster vermoed die fratsstorm het ‘n werwelaksie gehad wat die vernietigingswerk veroorsaak het.

Allesbeste Boerdery, wat aan die Vorsters se plase grens, het ook skade gely. Veral piesangs en avokado-

boorde het deurgeloop. ‘n Span werkers is sedert Donderdag steeds besig om die chaos op te ruim.

Die fratsstorm en haelbui het uit die rigting van Modjadjiskloof gekom en sy pad oopgevee deur die gebied. Verder aan het dit ook skade aan avo’s op die plaas van mnr Nick Human aangerig voor dit Tzaneen getref en bome omge-

waai het.

Die gebied tussen Magoebaskloof en Tzaneen was in die verlede dikwels die slagoffer van stormweer en haelneerslae. Verlede jaar is ‘n plaas in Georges Valley feitlik van sy hele avo-oes deur hael verwoes, terwyl bloekomplantasies van Komatiland ook gereeld in die gebied deur hael flenters geslaan word.

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4

January 2017

Open letter to the GTM Attention: Moswatse Lelope Benjamin Mathebula RE: ELECTRICITY CRISIS The above matter refers.

Tzaneen is facing a crisis of monumental proportions if something is not done to rectify the failing state of the electricity grid. As it currently stands the GTM is failing in one of its most basic and vital service delivery areas.

Fair warning has been given by organised agriculture and the farming community regarding the unacceptable current electrical supply due to the lack of maintenance, planning and foresight by the municipality.

There seems to be no clear plan of action that the municipality is following to rectify the situation despite many offers/suggestions from Agri Letaba and other stakeholders. Agriculture forms a vital part of the local economy, without it the whole area and a large part of the province itself would cease to be economically viable as thousands of jobs would be lost both directly as well as indirectly.

Agriculture cannot function without a reliable electricity network.

The discontent among the farmers is reaching boiling levels with many

threatening to simply not pay accounts as well as laying off workers, as they can’t afford to pay people while their equipment is non-functional.

Electricity revenue forms the majority of the municipality’s billable income. Without this source of income, the GTM will find itself in a financially uncomfortable position.

The time for paying lip service to this problem has come and gone, concrete action needs to be taken immediately to correct what is already a crisis.

The budget allocation as well as the current maintenance schedule is woefully inadequate to fix this problem. A working plan needs to be formulated now so that all involved stakeholders know exactly what is being done and how the municipality plan to implement.

We have offered our help and guidance many times, and we are more than willing to assist with this problem where we can.

Please use your available resources and contacts to avert the crisis that we are all facing together.

Vision 2030 is just a pipedream if we don’t fix this crisis now!

AgriLetaba kyk na krag-oplossings AgriLetaba is bewus van die voortslepende elektrisiteitkrisis in Tzaneen en omliggende gebiede.

Daar is reeds vanaf 2016 aksies geloods en verskeie gesprekke en vergaderings is met die munisipaliteit gehou oor die huidige elektrisiteitkwessie.

Die GTM se elektrisiteit-begroting asook die bestaande onderhoud en herstelwerk is heeltemal onvoldoende en daar sal daadwerklik hieraan aandag gegee moet word.

AgriLetaba het reeds in die begin van

die jaar die munisipale bestuurder gaan spreek en ʼn amptelike brief is ook aan die munisipaliteit gerig. (Sien links) AgriLetaba is reeds besig om alternatiewe kragbronne te ondersoek. Daar is ʼn amptelike klagte vanaf Agri Letaba na NERSA gestuur met betrekking tot die elektrisiteitvoorsiening in die Tzaneen area vir verdere ondersoek.

Agri Letaba sal enige vordering en terugvoering aan sy lede deurgee.

Rig navrae aan Pieter Vorster, AgriLetaba-voorsitter, op 083-259-5511.

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January 2017

Growing concern over poultry imports The poultry industry in South Africa is still challenged by the increase in imports, despite measures by the government through the dti and DAFF to ease the situation.

Over the last three years an number of actions were taken by the government to address the challenges.

They vary from increase in tariffs covering a number of poultry products in line with SA’s international commitments, imposing trade remedies where evidence indicates dumping of poultry in SA. In 2013 the import duty on a number of poultry products was increased significantly. The current import duties for chicken from Brazil and the United States are as follows: whole bird – 82%; carcasses – 31%; boneless cuts – 12%; offal – 30%; and bone-in portions – 37%.

The above are not applicable to imports from Europe since SA has a preferential trade agreement with the

European Union (EU). However, in 2015 anti-dumping measures were imposed on frozen bonein chicken pieces from Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. The International Trade Administration Commission of SA (ITAC) has also initiated a safeguard investigation in regard to the surge of imports from the EU and this investigation is far advanced. At the same time new markets in the Middle East have been opened and present opportunities for export to the domestic poultry trade in SA. The dti expressed concern in an

earlier statement that a number of countries experienced highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (chicken flue) outbreaks in December last year. South Africa has placed a ban on imports of poultry from Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands and Poland.

The DAFF is closely monitoring the developments in regard to these outbreaks and will take appropriate actions to address any health and safety concerns.

SAAGA celebrates 50 years The SA Avocado Growers Association (Saaga) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, kicking off with the annual research symposium on 15-16 February in the Hotel@Tzaneen.

An exceptional line-up of speakers with both local and international expertise will contribute to the symposium, which grew into a popular event over the years.

Apart from feedback from locally funded Saaga research projects, its will also be featuring international guest speakers like Dr Elizabeth Dann of Aus-

tralia. She is a senior research fellow at Queensland Allance for Agriculture and Food Innovation at the University of Queensland.

She will be sharing some Australian experiences with phosphonates and also discuss some other Phytophtora management tools, which is currently a major focus area in the SA avo industry. Dr Dann will also be participating in the Subtrop phosphonate focus group meeting to be held on the day prior to the symposium.

The symposium provides a platform

for feedback regarding the current and arising issues within the industry, as well as interaction between different sectors within the whole fruit industry.

Presentations, amongst others, will be given by Prof Wiehahn Steyn from Hortgro, Mr Wayne Kirkman from the Citrus Research Institute (CRI) and Mr Thilivhali Nepfumbada from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).

Ms Bonnie Buthelezi, liaison officer for Subtrop, said the event is not to be missed by any role player within the fruit industry.

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January 2017

Kelder swartvlek met jou slimfoon

Sitrusboere is versigtig bly Goeie reën in die noordelike dele van die land het sitrusboere weer laat moed skep vir 2017, terwyl damvlakke en boordtoestande ook beter lyk, sê mnr John Edmonds, inligtingsbeampte van die Sitruskwekersvereniging.

In die eerste twee weke van Januarie het Graskop in Mpumalanga 300 mm reën gemeet. Nelspruit en

Die tegnologie skep feitlik daagliks groter geleenthede vir die toegewyde landbouer om sy beroep doeltreffend te beoefen. Die swartvlek-vloek in SA se sitrusstreke kry nou die wind van alle kante en word met die rekenaartegnologie aangeval.

Phytrisk is ‘n webtuiste wat deesdae deur die Sitrus Navorsingsinstituut (CRI) ingespan word om inligting oor die voorkoms van swartvlek in alle sitrusproduserende gebiede landwyd aanmeld. Dit gaan gepaard met inligting oor weerstoestande en die geskiktheid daarvan om swamdoders toe te dien.

Die weerdata-insette word ook aangevul

Ermelo het meer as 70mm ontvang en Limpopo 20 mm en meer.

Die Tzaneen-dam is weer bokant die 20%vlak, hoewel waterbeperkings in hierdie gebied steeds van krag is. Hoedspruit se boere juig oor die Blydepoortdam wat oorloop, terwyl die Loskopdam op 57% staan teenoor verlede jaar se 61% in dieselfde tydperk.

met ‘n keuse van sistemiese of kontakswamdoder. Dit is daagliks toeganklik en word ses dae vooruit voorspel.

Die volgende stap van CRI-Phytrisk is die opstelling van ‘n slimfoontoepassing om gebruikers met weerstasie in staat te stel om hul eie weerdata te gebruik, asook die vermoë om spuitdata per boord in te stel.

Die webtuiste is nog in ‘n ontwikkelingstadium en gaan met die PhytClean-platform gekoppel word om spuit- en swartvlek-rekords te hou wat deur owerhede benodig mag word om die geskiktheid van sitrus vir uyitvoer te bepaal.

Nuwe pes trek deur Afrika na die suide in Wes- en Sentraal-Afrika gewaar, waarna dit na Burundi, Zambië, Zimbabwe en Malawi versprei het.

Zambië het dit as ‘n nasionale ramp verklaar, terwyl sewe uit die agt mielieproduserende provinsies in Zimbabwe ook deur die pes besmet is.

Die wurm is baie aggressief en val nie net plantegroei aan nie, maar sal selfs Afrika-kommandowurms verorber. Dit kom gewoonlik met

die eerste reëns na ‘n lang droogtetydperk voor.

Kenners maan dat Suid-Afrika se grense met sy noordelike bure fyn dopgehou moet word.

Voortdurende veldondersoeke is ook nodig om die voorkoms daarvan te bepaal.

Sodra die geringste vorm daarvan sy verskynsel maak, moet owerhede ingelig word om te help keer dat dit in ‘n plaag vermenigvuldig.

Landbouprodukbestuurder:

Veeboer Mooketsi (Limpopo)

Tamaties

Daar is `n vakature beskikbaar vir `n veeboer in die Mooketsi area van die Limpopo Provinsie. Ons is op soek na `n jong persoon wat kundig en hardwerkend is en wat oor die vermoë beskik om take doelgerig en sistematies uit te voer en suksesvol af te handel.

ZZ2 se Tamatie afdeling het vakatures beskikbaar vir Landbouprodukbestuurders in die Limpopo Provinsie.

Kandidate moet aan die volgende kwalifiserende vereistes voldoen: • ʼn Tersiêre kwalifikasie in landbou of bewese praktiese ervaring in die produksie van groente is noodsaaklik.

• Beskik oor gebalanseerde menseverhoudings met toepaslike ervaring in die hantering van arbeidspanne, • Die vermoë om in ‘n Afrika taal te kommunikeer sal as aanbeveling dien, • Aansoekers moet planmatig en prakties in die uitvoering van take wees.

Verantwoordelikhede sluit die volgende in: • Die selfstandige bestuur van ʼn produksie afdeling en die effektiewe aanwending van die beskikbare hulpbronne, • Grondvoorbereiding , plant vestiging, – versorging, - beskerming, -voeding en oesprosesse, • Voldoening aan die ZZ2 waardestelsel en optrede binne die maatskappy se etiese kode.

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Die suksesvolle aansoekers sal ʼn tamatieproduksieprojek effektief bestuur deur die lewensiklus van die projek wat begin by grondvoorbereiding tot die lewering van die vrugte aan die pakhuis.

Die suksesvolle kandidaat sal die kuddebestuurder ondersteun met die beheer, bedryf en deurlopende opgradering van die ZZ2 kuddes. Die posbekleër sal as `n projekbestuurder deurentyd op grondvlak met die kuddes werk en verantwoordelik wees vir alle aspekte rakende die voeding, gesondheid- en reproduksie programme van die kuddes. Die gekose kandidaat moet ook verant-woordelikheid aanvaar vir die bestuur van personeel, die uitvoer van administratiewe take en voldoen aan die wetlike vereistes van beroepsveiligheid en gesondheid.

Bewese kennis en ondervinding in die toepassing van veeboerderybeginsels, die praktiese implementering daarvan, asook kennis van veesiektes en die behandeling daarvan word vereis.

Kandidate met `n tersiêre kwalifikasie of beroepsgerigte opleiding sal voorkeur geniet. Dit is belangrik dat kandidate beskik oor uitstekende kommunikasievermoëns asook onafhanklike probleemoplossings– en besluitnemingsvaardighede.

Rekenaarvaardigheid en `n geldige rybewys is `n voorvereiste terwyl kennis van Afrika-tale as aanbeveling sal dien.

ZZ2 bied `n mededingende markverwante vergoedingspakket ingeslote behuising aan. Die pos is beskikbaar in `n plattelandse omgewing en voorkeur sal gegee word aan kandidate wat verkies om op die platteland te woon en te werk.

Die maatskappy bied ʼn onderhandelbare, markverwante vergoedingspakket aan. Stuur asseblief u CV per faks na 086 608 4824, of epos na werwing@zz2online.com. Rig navrae aan Johan du Plessis by 083 676 0390.

Belangstellendes stuur asb u CV na; werwing@zz2online.com of per faks na 086 608 4824. Navrae kan gerig word aan Johan du Pessis by 083 676 0390 of Piet Dreyer by 083 628 0443.

Sluitingsdatum: 17 Februarie 2017.

Sluitingsdatum: 10 Februarie 2017 www.zz2.co.za

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Kommandowurms is in aantog uit Suid-Afrika se buurlande en moet dringend gestuit word in hul vernietigingspad voor dit te laat is.

Dit is nie die Afrika-kommandowurm nie, maar ‘n verwante spesie wat van Suid-Amerika in Afrika beland het en groot skade aanrig. Zambië is eerste getref en minstens tien persent van die land se mielie-oeste is reeds deur die plaag vernietig. Dit is die Spodoptera frugiperda, ook bekend as die herfs-kommandowurm.

Die wurm is die eerste keer in 2016

7

January 2017

Nairobi to host EAA Summit Supported by the African Agri Council, and hosted by Hypenica, the inaugural Agri Logistics and e-Agri East Africa Summits 2017 are taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from 28 February to 1 March 2017.

A delegation of international ICT, logistics and transport infrastructure professionals, together with a line-up of East African agricultural thought leaders, will address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in the region and to look at ways to unlock the region’s potential.

Growing trade volumes in the East African region provides both opportunities and challenges for the agriculture sector. Perishable products often suffer from supply-chain delays and post-harvest losses in remote areas, mostly due to poor infrastructure, lack of appropriate transport systems and a lack of refrigerated transport and storage.

Furthermore, the innovative utilisation of African-appropriate technologies and solutions for improved production and increased productivity is often neglected.

According to Nico Loretz, Programme Manager, the Agri Logistics and e-Agri East Africa Summits 2017, “It is against this background that the African Agri Council and Hypenica are hosting these two co-located events: It is the only

port hubs for agriculture transhipment, cold chain logistics and supply chain innovations and quality certification and customs management for exports.

Programme participants include Silvester Kasuku, Director General/ Chief Executive Officer, LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority and Apollo Kashanku, Senior Transport Economist, Uganda’s Ministry Photo: Joe dreyer of Works and Transport, and Jane Ngige, Chief platform of its kind in Africa that brings together proven innovative e-agriculture Executive Officer, Kenya Flower Council.

Highlights of the eAgri East Africa Sumsolutions for preventing post-harvest losses, improved production and increased mit 2017 will include a look at the value productivity to improve the supply chain of holistic ICT for market linkages, transprocess from farmer to market and to enhance food security in the region.”

The joint keynote plenary session, chaired by Ali Mufuruki, Chairman, TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) and CEO of Infotech Investment Group Ltd will look at a regulatory framework, opportunities in trade agreements, investment needs and new innovations in technology to create an enabling environment for agricultural development in East Africa.

Agri Logistics East Africa Summit 2017 highlights include an in-depth look at first mile transport and development, trans-

lating agri-information technologies to the East African context, decision support systems (DSS) and apps to support evidence-based decisions across agricultural value chains.

Programme participants include Stewart Collis, Chief Technology Officer, AWhere, John Waibochi, Chief Executive Officer, Virtual City, and Elias Chandi, International Business Advisor, Esoko.

The event will conclude with a joint closing session panel discussion on innovative ICT use in agro logistics. Warehouse receipts and exchange systems, funding mechanisms driving farmer to market, technologies for enhanced farming and new projects in the pipeline are just some of the discussion topics in this interactive panel.

For more information please visit http://www.agricouncil.org/events/.

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8

January 2017

Prunes to the rescue As the demographic shift to an older population continues, a growing number of men and women will be diagnosed with osteoporosis and a search for potential non-pharmacological alternative therapies is increasing. In addition to existing drug therapies, certain lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

The benefits of prune consumption for osteoporosis and the prevention of total body bone mineral density (BMD) loss have been widely supported by scientific research in both animal studies and clinical trials.

Prunes are high in vitamin K and are a good source of

fiber and copper. In addition, prunes are unique in their combination and overall content of polyphenols.

Research in prunes has increased beginning with studies of their potential in restoring bone and preventing bone loss in animal models of osteoporosis3,4. Animal studies strongly suggest that commonly consumed antioxidant-rich fruits have a pronounced effect on bone health, as shown by higher bone mass, trabecular bone (a.k.a. spongy bone) volume, number and thickness, and lower trabecular separation (which puts the person at risk of osteoporosis) by enhancing bone formation, suppressing bone immature, the sale of this resorption and increasfruit will be prohibited. ing bone strength. The For the cultivar Fuerte, fruit bone protection effects moisture content must be 80% seem to be mediated or less. Reputable avo packvia antioxidant or antihouses are all able to carry out inflammatory pathways the necessary maturity testing. and their downstream Inspectors will be checking signaling mechanisms, avo maturity on all the naleading to osteoblast tional fresh produce markets. mineralization and osIf a consignment is rejected, teoclast inactivation. the grower will be responsiAccording to a ranble for the cost of removing domized controlled trial published last the fruit from the market. year, prune (dried plum) consumption Contact Subtrop at 015 307 may prevent the loss of total body BMD in 3677 for further information older osteopenic postmenopausal womon maturity testing. en. Forty-eight osteopenic (bone mineral

Immature avo’s illegal Avocado growers are advised to ensure that their fruit meets the required maturity standard before harvesting to avoid unnecessary losses, warns Mr Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop in Tzaneen.

The sale of immature avocados is prohibited in terms of the Agricultural Product Standards Act. Inspectors of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Prokon will be testing maturity levels of early season avocados offered for sale. If they arefound to be

density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis) women (65-79 years old) were randomly assigned into one of three treatment groups for six months: 50 g of prunes, 100 g of prunes or a control group.

Total body, hip, and lumbar bone mineral density were evaluated at baseline and six months after using DEXA. In addition, several markers of bone metabolism were determined during the trial. Data revealed that both doses of prunes were able to prevent the loss of total body bone mineral density when compared to the control group . This effect has been explained in part to the ability of prunes to inhibit bone reabsorption. The study’s results support previous data on the role that prunes may play in preventing bone loss, especially in older postmenopausal women.

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January 2017

Improved mango harvest expected Mango growers in Sourt Africa are reporting an all-round better harvest this year compared to the 2015/16 season, with greater crop and fruit sizes and improved fruit quality.

Indications are that the 2016/17 harvest will be larger compared to the previous season’s crop in which severe hail resulted in a loss of 17% of the total crop. There has also been less disease reported this year, resulting in better quality fruit, higher pack outs and increased fruit supply.

As with all other local fresh produce sectors over the past year, mango production has been affected by prevailing climatic conditions, including high temperatures and once again, hail. This led to the season beginning around two weeks earlier than expected, with earlyseason cultivars like the popular Tommy Atkins being ready for harvesting two weeks ahead of schedule.

As a result, Tommy Atkins producers in the Hoedspruit and Malelane areas simultaneously harvested greater volumes of fruit, leading to a the market coming under pressure, which in some

cases has led to an oversupply of mangoes delivered to juice factories.

A decline in orders for dried South African mangoes from international buyers has also exacerbated the oversupply situation. This was possibly due to increased competition from West Africa, Ghana and Burkina Faso, and higher production costs associated with local fruit drying.

There has also been a minor shift in demand, with slightly less consumer and retailer demand for mangos this season to date. However, this is in line with traditional seasonal fluctuations, such as continued pressure on household budgets following the festive

season and the start of the new school and work year.

Overall, the fresh produce markets have demonstrated good support for

local mangoes, with positive movement on their floors. Growers further expect demand to increase as the season continues and other cultivars make their way onto the market.

The green-skinned Kent and Keitt mangoes, for example, are due to arrive within the next two weeks. Producers have reported a good crop of these mangoes, and anticipate a good supply to market with improved prices.

This encouraging harvest of Kent and Keitt mangoes – which will be available until the end of March – provides an opportunity to further consumer awareness of the use of green-skinned mangoes, which this year will focus on recognising readiness in these mangoes, which become a lighter green when ripe.

Consumers will also be educated around additional uses for these typically larger mangoes as well as the fact that they are sweeter, have excellent flavour and are very versatile in the kitchen.

The best eating mangoes are beginning to come into season now, including less common varieties such as Shelley, Irwin, Haden and Heidi.

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January 2017

Weathering tough times ahead

According to National Treasury, the GDP growth rate is forecasted at an estimated 1.3% for 2017. The outlook points to a tough year ahead for business; however, there are a few trends that promise a positive narrative for businesses during the year.

“It isn’t all doom and gloom. Yes, the economy is slowing - however businesses that want to gain any wins in the market place in 2017 will have to operate in a more astute manner” says Dr. Yudhvir Seetharam, Head of Analytics at FNB. Seetharam shared his outlook on a few trends in various industries that we can expect in 2017.

Agricultural sector to stabilize The past year for most farmers was a challenging year due to the drought

conditions our country experience. With a 75% likelihood of a La Niña weather phenomenon, the much needed rain will bring relief to the sector. If the rain is consistent, we will see a normalisation in crop production. The meat market may still add to the food inflation but with good rains, we may see a general decrease in overall food inflation.

The latest Business Confidence and Consumer Confidence Indices indicate that South African consumers and businesses have similar expectations; consumer confidence has increased marginally, but it still below historic averages.

This implies that while consumers have a slightly more positive outlook on the economy, their spending patterns are likely to remain unchanged. In contrast, Business Confidence, in the motor and retailer sectors have dropped, indicating that these businesses expect dampened sales and profits over the short term.

Tourism to continue growing South Africa has remained a popular luxury destination for many international travellers; especially as it offers a world class experience from shopping to pristine beaches and unforgettable safari’s at a fraction of the price.

A weaker Rand makes for a favourable exchange rate for foreign tourists

VAKANTE POS / VACANCY

PAKHUIS ADMINISTRATEUR PACK HOUSE ADMINISTRATOR Kwalifikasies en Vereistes / Qualifications and Requirements: • 2 jaar pakhuis ervaring / 2 year pack house experience • Kennis van Dipar, Paltrack of soortgelyk / Knowledge of Dipar, Paltrack or similar • Rekenaarvaardig / Computer literate • Goeie menseverhoudinge / Good human relations Stuur volledige CV, bewys van kwalifikasies en ondervinding asook verwysingsbriewe aan Marleen Minnaar by: minnaar.hr@mweb.co.za of faks na (015) 386 8405.

Send complete CV, proof of qualifications and experience as well as reference letters to Marleen Minnaar at: minnaar.hr@mweb.co.za or fax to (015) 386 8405.

Aansoeke sluit 6 Februarie, 2017. Indien u geen terugvoer ontvang na 20 Februarie, 2017 nie, kan u aanvaar dat u aansoek onsuksesvol was. Geen korrespondensie word gevoer met onsuksesvolle kandidate nie.

Applications close on 6 February, 2017. If you do not receive any feedback by 20 February, 2017, you can assume that your application was unsuccessful. There will not be any correspondence with unsuccessful candidates.

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Minnaar Boerdery in die Letsitele omgewing het ‘n vakante pos vir ‘n: Minnaar Boerdery in the Letsitele area has a vacancy for a:

travelling to South African. Locals who would have otherwise travelled abroad, will most likely travel within the country creating a greater income stream for tour operators, transport, hotels, bed and breakfasts. .

Increased use of the eCommerce platform With an increase in the number of people with accessibility to the internet and a population that is becoming

more digitally savvy, we are bound to see more online solutions. Today’s digital age prefers to make their purchases and do their business online.

“2017 will no doubt be a trying year for SME’s across all industries, but with a recovering world market, and a Rand that is finding strength, we should start to see an upward trend towards the end of 2017 – hopefully the worst is behind us” concluded Seetharam.

Spanje mor oor lemoene Die Spanjaarde het steeds nie veel ooghare vir die uitvoerders van SA sitrus nie.

Eers was dit ‘n uitgerekte toutrekkery oor swartvlek in besendings van SA uitvoerlemoene en suurlemoene, wat intussen na baie samesprekings en teen groot koste bedaar het.

Die jongste voorval was ‘n beskuldiging dat SA se lemoene in Desember steeds in Spaanse supermarkte

gelê het en dat die swak gehalte daarvan die kleinhandelpryse nadelig beinvloed het. Die plukseisoen het vanjaar vroeër in SA geëindig, wat beteken dat die lemoene onregmatig lank deur die groothandelaars geberg was.

Intussen is vasgestel dat die betrokke besendings verkeerde etikette vertoon het en uit Spanje se eie boorde kom.

11

January 2017

Tamaties vir 2017

Galaxy

Tamaties is ’n baie belangrike groentegewas in die SuidAfrikaanse mark en is in groot aanvraag regdeur die jaar. Marktendense wys egter dat die prys van tamaties grotendeels deur vraag en aanbod bepaal word.

Produsente word hierdeur onder groot druk geplaas met stygende insetkostes, wisselvallige opbrengste en ’n laer aanvraag op die markte. Hierdie faktore dwing die produsent om deeglike strategieë in plek te kry om te verseker dat hy op die regte tyd die hoogste moontlike gehalte tamaties op die mark te kan plaas.

Dit is gerusstellend om te weet dat Sakata se plaaslike tamatie-kweekprogram toegespits is op die vrystelling van tamatievariëteite wat aanpasbaar is tot plaaslike omgewingstoestande.

Die tamatievariëteite is bekend vir hulle groeikragtigheid en dat hulle Inga maklik bestuur kan word.

Vir ‘n suksesvolle oes is dit egter belangrik om die besproeiing en die bemesting van die tamaties goed te bestuur – veral om nie te veel bemesting en water toe te dien op ‘n vroeë stadium nie. Vroeë vrugset is belangrik en uiteindelik tot voordeel van die totale oessiklus van die tamatieplant. Konsekwente vrugset in beide vruggrootte en hoeveelheid vrugte is ook baie belangrik.

Sakata het onlangs verskeie nuwe tamatievariëteite vrygestel in die onbeperkte ronde segment en die ontwikkelingswerk wat die afgelope tyd gedoen is, het groot opgewondenheid geskep by produsente wat hierdie variëteite op die proef gestel het.

Galaxy beskik oor uitstekende vruggehalte en ’n baie goeie siektepakket wat “Tomato curly stunt virus” (ToCSV) insluit. Die plante produseer eenvormige trosse en vrugset vind vroeg plaas. Galaxy is baie aanpasbaar en

kan onder beskerming of in die oopland verbou word.

“Tomato curly stunt virus” (ToSCV) en “Tomato yellow Jasmine* is ’n nuwe variëteit wat spruit uit Sakata se leaf curl virus” (TYLCV). Kennedy* het verder ’n baie plaaslike kweekprogram. Dit word gekenmerk deur uit- goeie raklewe. As gevolg van die variëteit se hoë uitpak stekende vruggehalte, eenvormige vruggrootte en ’n persentasies, te danke aan die goeie vrugset en vruggbaie goeie siektepakket. Die variëteit lewer sterk groei- rootte, kan die variëteit verbou word onder beskerming kragtige plante wat onder meer weerstand bied teen en in die oopland. * Eksperimenteel: Hierdie variëteite is steeds eksperimenteel, maar “Tomato curly stunt virus” (ToCSV) en Tamatie kromnekregistrasie is reeds ingedien vir Suid-Afrikaanse kultivar lysting. virus (TSWV). Die aantreklike vrugte is groot en baie AFWYSENDE KLOUSULE: Hierdie inligting is op ons waarnemings en/ ferm met ’n goeie kleur wat die variëteit ’n móét maak of inligting vanaf ander bronne gebaseer. Aangesien gewasprestasie in enige produksieprogram. Die plant het ‘n regop stam van die interaksie tussen die genetiese potensiaal van die saad, die en blaarrangskikking wat die plant ’n oop raam gee en fisiologiese eienskappe daarvan en die omgewing, bestuurspraktyke ingesluit, afhang, gee ons geen waarborg uitdruklik of deur implikagevolglik die oplei van die plante vergemaklik. sie, vir die prestasie van gewasse relatief tot die inligting gegee, nog Inga* is ‘n kompakte plant wat groot, hoë gehalte aanvaar ons enige aanspreeklikheid vir enige verlies, direk of as gevolg vrugte produseer en is ook afkomstig van die plaas- daarvan, wat tewyte aan enige oorsaak ookal mag ontstaan. Lees eers asseblief Sakata Seed Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd se verkoopsvoorlike kweekprogram. Die plante is baie groeikragtig wat waardes voordat saad bestel word. die variëteit minder vatbaar maak vir blaarsiektes onder omstandighede wat gunstig is vir die ontwikkeling van siektes. Die variëteit kan in die MERENSKY oopland of onder beskerming verbou Vacancies exist within Merensky Hardwoods Tzaneen for: word, maar presteer veral goed onder beskerming en produsente in Oos-Londen Admin Offices gebruik die variëteit vir We require a self-motivated, service-orientated individual with Matric Maths/ goeie opbrengste, verAccounting or equivalent and some 2 years’ relevant experience in a stores al waar insekwerende environment. Computer literacy in Microsoft packages is a must, while working knowledge of AX dynamics is preferred. kweekhuise gebruik The successful candidate will report to the Buyer and assist in managing the word. Inga* het onder entire stores function for Hardwoods, including acting as stand in when the Buyer meer siekteweerstand is not available. He/she will be responsible for maintaining required stock levels, championing stock takes and managing the stores team to ensure a reliable and teen Tamatie kromnekefficient service. virus (TSWV).

Kennedy* is die nuutste vrystelling uit SakaEngineering Team ta se plaaslike kweekWe seek a recently qualified Electrician with a trade test certificate and at least program en word

Stores Controller

Electrician

1-3 years’ experience in heavy industry. Exposure to PLCs and programming of motor drives is essential, while exposure to a sawmill environment will be an advantage. The position involves working overtime from time to time and being on standby. Candidates must be prepared to work shifts and over the shutdown period. It will be important that candidates are able to work without direct supervision.

Fitter & Turner Engineering Team

This role demands a recently qualified Fitter and Turner with a trade test certificate who has at least 1-3 years’ experience in heavy industry (which must have included machine shop experience, ie turning, milling and shaping).

Knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics is essential. Exposure to a sawmill environment will be an advantage.

The position involves working overtime from time to time and being on standby.

Candidates must be prepared to work shifts and over the shutdown period. It will be important that candidates are able to work without direct supervision.

Trainee Production Superintendent Production Department

Jasmine

gekenmerk deur uitstekende vruggehalte, eenvormige vruggrootte en ’n baie goeie siektepakket. Kennedy* bied intermediêre weerstand teen

Your agri advertising solution provider

We require a graduate student (National Diploma in Wood Technology or a BSc degree in Wood Sciences) with at least 1 year’s experience in a similar environment. Managerial experience will be an added advantage, as will experience in sawmill secondary processing. Excellent planning and organising skills, time and priority management are essential. Candidates must be willing to work shifts and overtime when required. The ability to speak Northern Sotho or XiTsonga will be an added advantage.

Interested and qualified applicants should forward their applications (including a detailed copy of the CV) to the Human Resources Manager, Mr Sonwabo Fihla at PO Box 1343, Tzaneen 0850 or e-mail: sonwabof@merensky.co.za The closing date for applications will be 31 January 2017.

Should you not receive correspondence by 6 February 2017, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Note: The commencement date of the positions will be April 2017, depending on operational requirements.

To advertise call: Jacques 071 268 2543

Merensky Timber Limited (Reg. No. 2005/033139/06)

www.humanjobs.co.za

Human Communications 132356

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January 2017