ProAgri BNZ 18

ProAgri B otswa n a / N am i b ia/ ia / Zim b ab w e No 18

Free

Best grazing practices from Stafix

Botswana page 19

Namibia

Reinke: The pivot for every farmer

Product range summary – well

page 33 Quality made in Germany

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Zimbabwe page 41

Product range summary – well screens and drilling requir Product range summary – well screens and drilling requirements

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STÜWA · Konrad Stükerjürgen GmbH

STÜWA · Konrad Stükerjürgen GmbH www.stuewa.de STÜWA · Konrad Stükerjürgen GmbH www.stuewa.de STÜWA · Konrad Stükerjürgen GmbH

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Advanced panel with internet control

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*Order a new Agrico centre pivot with an Advanced control panel and get your Internet control subscription FREE for the first 24 months.

Contact details: Alfred Andrag | c: +27 82 824 1214 t: +27 21 950 4111 | f: +27 21 950 4208 | alfred.andrag@agrico.co.za

More than 100 years’ service

Sales and Service with branches across Southern Africa: Aliwal North | Bellville | Bethlehem | Bloemfontein | Brits | Caledon | Ceres | Christiana | Cradock | De Doorns | Douglas | Ermelo | George | Hartswater | Humansdorp Kakamas | Kimberley | Kokstad | Kroonstad | Lichtenburg | Lusaka | Mkushi | Nelspruit | Nigel | Nylstroom | Pietermaritzburg | Piketberg | Rawsonville | Tzaneen Upington | Vredendal | Wellington| Winterton

Letter from the Editor

Cover

E

very dark cloud has a silver lining. Even during times as dark as the recent months of isolation, social distancing and various degrees of lockdown, there are still some positive effects that came as a result of human resilience.

During the pandemic, and as part of the restrictions imposed by government, the agricultural industry missed out on the traditional way of hosting shows, expos, farmers days, and other mass gatherings. After years of doing business this way, agricultural companies suddenly had to adapt to new ways of conveying messages on products from the suppliers to the consumers.

Consumer behaviour has also changed considerably. Where a farmer usually had to attend an agricultural show, visit a dealer, or attend a demonstration on a farm, they now have to rely on digital media to receive the information that they need. At ProAgri we experienced this first-hand with a dramatic increase in our readership on Facebook and www.proagri.co.za during the height of the lockdown.

As human beings we have the ability to adapt to our surroundings in order to remain efficient and productive.

Many companies have started using alternative ways, such as informative videos and articles, to reach their target audiences. Social media platforms and programmes that enable some employees to work from home have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity during the past year.

The difference is that, while many other companies are now going through the teething stages of converting to digital platforms, ProAgri and Agri4all

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Water extraction: The agreement between Carl Hamm and Stüwa group brings German quality to SADC-farmers.

ProAgri B ot s wa n a/ a / N a m i b i a/ a/Zimbabwe

have been active in the digital and social media spheres for years prior to the pandemic. As always, you will still find the latest in agricultural technology in the categories of mechanisation, crop production, livestock, and resource management on www.proagri.co.za, and the right product for the best price on www.agri4all.com.

ProAgri will help you expand your farm with expert advice and a wide range of products.

Farm smartly!

Jaco Cilliers jaco@proagri.co.za

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41

Content 3. Choose Carl Hamm for superior quality water extraction solutions 5. Farmers harvest the power of Ctrack’s agri solution 7. AMS Bulk Density Soil Sampling Kit: Measure the bulk density of your soil accurately 9. Reinke provides turn-key irrigation solutions for the farmer 11. Philagro’s winning formula for African agriculture 13. Lindsay Africa: Zimmatic brings the internet to your farm 14. SOIL: The farmer’s most important asset: Part 14 17. Isuzu Drivetrain: Driving the support of Isuzu trucks 19. Cover a lot more hectares in a lot less time with the John Deere 2680H High-Performance disk 21. Composting and composting systems Part 1: How to make compost 29. Foot-and-mouth must be contained to save the meat industry 33. Farm financing 36. Stretch your grazing with good management 39. STAFIX helps you to make the most of your natural resources 41. Infrastructure for stock farming

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

577 Rossouw Street, Die Wilgers, Pretoria +27 (0)79 515 8708 www.proagri.co.za Copyright © 2019. All rights r­ eserved. No m ­ aterial, text or p ­ hoto­graphs may be r­ eproduced, copied or in any other way t­ ransmitted without the written consent of the publisher. O ­ pinions ­expressed are not n ­ ecessarily those of the publisher or of the e ­ ditor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their r­ espective o ­ wners.

ProAgri shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon.

ProAgri Editor Jaco Cilliers > +27 71-893-6477 jaco@proagri.co.za Reporters Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Benine Ackermann > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Marketing Manager Diane Grobler > +27 82-555-6866 diane@proagri.co.za Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 62-391-6507 xander@proagri.co.za Candice Rieger > +27 83-292-3150 candice@proagri.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 82-698-3353 tiny@proagri.co.za Anelda Strauss > +27 74-424-0055 anelda@proagri.co.za Johan Swartz > +27 71-599-9417 johan@proagri.co.za Gerhard Potgieter > +27 74-694-4422 gerhard@proagri.co.za Creative Director Christiaan Joubert > +27 72-419-3990 christiaan@proagri.co.za Design Michelle Kruger & Lizelle Erasmus Enquiries Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0782 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler > +27 83 460 0402

1

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ProAgri BNZ 18

Choose Carl Hamm for superior quality water extraction solutions

by Jaco Cilliers

B

oreholes are not cheap, especially if the subterranean water on your farm is not close to the surface. One of the greatest catastrophes that can occur on your farm is borehole equipment failure. That is why you should choose only the highest quality in borehole pumps, riser pipes and connections to ensure that your investment will last.

Carl Hamm prides itself in superior quality borehole equipment. Apart from the high-strength materials that they use in their products, they also design their products with safety, durability, and longevity in mind. Carl Hamm provides a unique water abstraction solution to every client.

They ensure that all the variables are taken into consideration and then multiply the results by two to three times to ensure safety.

Carl Hamm is also very proud to be associated with Stüwa – a German company that has been in the industry since 1883. The Stüwa group of companies are manufacturers of superior quality water extraction products with nearly 140 years of experience. African farmers can now also access Stüwa products by contacting Carl Hamm for any of their water extraction needs.

Riser pipes are a cardinal part of the water extraction system. The ZSM riser pipes from Carl Hamm are available in sizes ranging from 50 mm to 250 mm.

The standard 3-metre lengths are available although they can supply riser pipes of up to 6 metres in length.

Pipe wall thickness range between 2 mm and 6 mm, and farmers can choose between seamless, or longitudinally seam-welded pipes.

In the stainless-steel pipe range, different types of stainless steel are available, depending on the application

The ZSM riser pipe connection from Carl Hamm will ensure that your water extraction investment is kept safe. Read the ZSM connection article on www.proagri.co.za for more detail. and water quality. The S235JR (ST37-2) plastic-coated steel serves as a basic material approved for drinking water, while the S235JR (ST37-2) galvanized steel is only suitable to a limited extent for drinking water, and to be used for flange connections only.

A range of connection types is also available on the riser pipes, depending on the technical requirements and installation guidelines. The four connection types on offer are:

Depending on the technical requirements of your installation, one of the following riser pipes and connectors can be used:

• • • •

Riser pipes with welded neck flanges Riser pipes with smooth flanges ZSM riser pipes Threaded riser pipes

For more information on how Carl Hamm can ensure that your borehole is safely equipped to suit your unique needs, contact Carl Hamm CEO, Chris Munnick, on +27(0)10-900-2005 or send an e-mail to chris@carl-hamm.co.za.

Visit their website at www.carl-hamm.co.za.

STÜWA WELL CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

ZSM riser pipes.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

Threaded riser pipe.

3

Always Visible

Agri Solutions Ctrack’s tracking solutions help farmers save on costs and improve performance through better planning and decision making regardless of crop type, farm or fleet size. By providing critical information about your equipment, you can efficiently

manage your assets, time and money investment. Our suite of GPS tracking devices are built for the often rough and remote conditions in South Africa so you can rest assured that your agricultural equipment will always be properly monitored.

Features: Machine usage (operating hours)

Real-time alert (geo zones)

Pattern of use (direction when used)

Potential asset theft or tampering alerts

www.ctrack.co.za | sales@ctrack.co.za | Call Centre: +27 (0)860 333 444 4

ProAgri BNZ 18

Farmers harvest the power of Ctrack’s agri solution I

n these tough, uncertain times, it is more important than ever to ensure your assets are working optimally.

The good news for farmers is that Ctrack has a specific agri solution that does just that.

This wireless, mobile, compact, and rechargeable solution grants you the freedom to monitor your assets with

one tracking unit, exactly when and where it is needed.

Ctrack’s agri tracking solution provides information about your equipment’s pattern of usage and the distances your machines have travelled. Detailed logs of your equipment’s maintenance schedules are also captured.

Ctrack will put you in charge of your assets every time, all the time. You can monitor each asset in real time from any device with an active internet connection.

By providing critical information about farm equipment and vehicles, you can more efficiently manage your harvesters, tractors, trailers, sprayers, loaders, hedgers, balers, and conveyors.

This helps you to reduce your costs and improve your performance, regardless of your crop type or farm size.

Furthermore, the solution can be configured with various types of hardware and software platforms to suit your specific needs and budget.

Intelligent configuration also allows for extremely granular data reporting.

Your operational efficiency is increased by utilising a GPS-based system to more efficiently locate and retrieve your assets.

You can create virtual “fences”, so you know when your assets enter, leave, or remain at different locations.

And, by using the Ctrack Online application, you can see where, when and for how long your assets have been used.

With Ctrack Mobi, you can monitor your assets from almost anywhere using a smartphone or tablet with an internet connection.

In addition to vehicle locations, the solution provides you with valuable information on your drivers, your points of interest, your ground coverage, your upcoming tasks and more.

No-go, preferred, and waypoint geozones can be set up and monitored.

This even works outside the borders of Southern Africa.

You get real-time alerts should an asset leave a preferred area or when you suspect theft or tampering.

Together, real-time visibility, proactive notifications and infographics culminate in optimised and efficient asset utilisation.

Thanks to Ctrack’s agri tracking solution, you can now harvest greater rewards from your hard-earned labour!

For more information, contact Ctrack South Africa on +27 86-333-444 or visit www.ctrack.com/za to find your nearest Ctrack dealership.

Keep track of all your valuable farming equipment. Ctrack provides Agri solutions specifically designed to suit the needs of the farmer.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

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These are complete, compact setups for augering to depths of 12' or 16'. Soil auger kits include one regular and one mud auger (2 1/4'' or 3 1/4''), four extensions (3' or 4'), an 18'' rubber-coated cross handle, and a flexible, poly-canvas carrying case for easy transport and storage. They are available with either signature series, 5/8'' threaded, or quick connect connections. Stainless steel kits are popular for environmental sampling.

Take 15% off any mini kit with ProAgri code, only valid online.

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ProAgri BNZ 18

AMS Bulk Density Soil Sampling Kit: Measure the bulk density of your soil accurately

B

ulk density is an indicator of soil compaction and soil health. It is the weight of soil for a given volume.

In general, the greater the density, the less pore space for water movement, root growth and penetration, and seedling germination. If your soil is too compacted, it will also affect plant nutrient availability and soil microorganism activity, which influence key soil processes and productivity.

Bulk density is usually expressed in megagrams per cubic metre (Mg/m3) or grams per centimetre (g/cm3).

Bulk density (g/cm3) = Dry soil weight (g) / Soil volume (cm3) An accurate determination of bulk density starts with a proper sampling technique to ensure that the sample collected represents the soil’s natural condition.

The AMS Bulk Density Soil Sampling kit comes with everything necessary to take accurate interval specific core samples to a depth of 0,9 m (3 ft). The kit is ideal for sampling the soil surface, in auger holes or in profile pits.

The Soil Sample Rings found in this kit are made from .062 w stainless steel tubing (SST). These SST sample rings are ideal for laboratory studies and for undisturbed core samples. The volume of each SST ring is 90,59 cubic centimetres. From this known volume and the weight of the sample liner, you will be able to calculate the bulk density of the soil sample.

Exclusive features of the kit Standard AMS Core samplers have a 2,54+ cm (1 inch+) gap between the tip of the core sampler and where the sample liner internal shelf begins. The sampler included in this kit has a much shorter (0,9 cm) gap which provides a more representative core and reduces compaction as the soil enters the sampler.

The Core Sampler Cap has a built-in waste barrel which provides a full 5 cm (2 inches) of relief. This helps eliminate compaction from overdriving the sampler. It also eliminates the need to load multiple rings inside the sampler, which can cause sample blow-by and skew sample calculations.

Operation and sample procedure: • Unscrew the cap of the sampler, load a sample ring inside the sampler, and screw on the top cap with built-in waste barrel.

• Avoid spots that have rocks.

• Attach the 61 cm extension rod for ergonomic purposes.

• Attach either your hammerable cross handle or your compact slide hammer, depending on which kit you have.

• If you are taking a surface sample; drive the sampler approximately 10 cm into the soil. There is no need to worry about compaction with the built-in waste barrel cap. If you are sampling at the bottom of a pre-augered hole, always use the provided planer auger in the kit to remove loose soil and slough from the bottom of the augered hole. The flat, slotted design of the planer auger will pick up the excess soil and provide a flat sample surface.

• Always attempt to pull the sampler out of the soil gently to avoid agitation to the soil core. If the core sampler cannot be removed from the soil using your own strength, use the AMS Mini-Removal Jack to extract the sampler smoothly and easily.

• After pulling the sampler from the ground, scrape the soil cleanly off the bottom of the core tip with a knife or spatula.

• Carefully unscrew and remove the top cap of the sampler.

• Use a wooden dowel to gingerly slide

your liner out the top of the sample core barrel.

• Cleanly cut your sample, top and bottom, with a knife or spatula to separate the excess soil from your sample ring.

• If you intend to bake the sample inside the ring, firmly press on end caps on both ends of the sampler for easy transport back to the lab.

Otherwise simply discard the soil from inside the ring into your sample bag.

The samples can be used for testing moisture content, water permeability, weight by volume, density, soil profiling or chemical analysis. The soil core sampler cup cap in this kit is equipped with a 1,6 cm (5/8”) NC male threaded connection, so it can be connected to extension rods, the hammer head cross handle, or the compact slide hammer attachment.

The kit includes a core sampler cup, core sampler cap, hammer head cross handle or compact slide hammer attachment, an open face auger, a regular soil bucket auger, a planer auger, extension rod, rubber coated cross handle, 25 stainless steel rings with their own aluminium carrying case with foam inserts, 50 plastic end caps for the rings, two adjustable wrenches, an auger cleanout tool, nylon cleaning brush, impact absorbing hammer, and a sturdy AMS deluxe carrying case with handles and wheels for added portability.

Everything you need to take a proper soil sample for measuring the density or your soil is in the AMS Bulk Density Soil Sampling Kit; all in handy, sturdy carrying cases.

It is always better to take a few samples to get an overview of the condition of your soil.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

Order your AMS Bulk Density Soil Sampling Kit online at www.ams-samplers.com or e-mail ams@ams-samplers.com.

7

THE

RAINMAKER www.reinke.com

Patrick Ellis 8

+27 (0)31 350 4525

patrickellis@reinke.com

ProAgri BNZ 18

Reinke provides turn-key irrigation solutions for the farmer

by Jaco Cilliers

E

fficiency is crucially important for any farmer. Therefore, all his equipment must deliver dependable, consistent results with minimal operational cost and low maintenance.

This is why John Britz and Etienne Kemp opted for a Reinke irrigation system on the Grasslands Agriculture dairy farm near the Storms River in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

“We plant a mixture of kikuyu and ryegrass for the dairy cows. In March 2019 we decided to erect a Reinke pivot to irrigate the pastures and ensure good quality feed all year round,” says Etienne.

The five-tower Reinke pivot on the Grassland Agriculture farm covers 31 hectares and is equipped with an eightmillimetre spray package. The chosen pipes for this project have a wall thickness of 2,7 mm. “We frequently experience extremely strong winds here, but this has never been a problem for the Reinke pivot,” Etienne claims.

Reinke uses only the best quality high-strength steel in their pivots.

The pivot structure is expertly

engineered to provide optimal stability and strength with the least quantity of steel. The pivots are designed with an exceptionally low centre of gravity, which aids in the overall sturdiness and stability of the pivot. Because this pivot is situated in a part of the country known for strong winds, Reinke has taken additional steps in fitting larger tyres to ensure stability and peace of mind for the farmer.

In the past two years John and Etienne’s only task on the Reinke pivot was to switch it on or off. “We did not need to replace any parts, and maintenance is minimal. It is only simple things like checking if all the tyres are inflated, ensuring that the gearboxes have enough oil, and seeing that the moving parts are greased regularly,” says John.

Reinke prides themselves in providing turn-key irrigation solutions to any farmer that seeks their expertise. “We are part of the whole process from planning and design, to erecting the pivot, and after sales service,” says Patrick Ellis, Sales Director of Reinke Africa.

John and Etienne opted for the Reinke Advanced Control panel to keep their management of the irrigation system accurate and hassle free.

Having an electronic box on a pivot so close to the ocean can easily cause problems with moisture and humidity, but Reinke has a solution for this problem in the form of their double-walled tower box that provides a moisture free environment for electrical components as condensation cannot take place inside. The material of which the box is manufactured, and the unique design make it extremely durable and offer effective protection of the components inside. A mechanical safety clutch prevents opening the box without first disconnecting the power supply to the pivot tower.

Both Etienne and John are impressed with the difference that the Reinke pivot has made to the pasture on the farm. “Since we have converted the irrigation on this pasture from the old dragline system to the Reinke pivot, the production on the pastures have doubled,” says Etienne.

The Reinke Precision Management (RPM) Advanced system allows for efficient control of the irrigation entire irrigation process, putting the farmer in complete control.

The combination of superior quality material and expert design ensures that every Reinke client will receive a strong, durable pivot with a low centre of gravity, without paying for unnecessary material.

For more information on how Reinke can assist you in transforming your farm, contact Patrick Ellis by phoning +27-(0)31-350-4525, or send an e-mail to patrickellis@reinke.com.

Patrick Ellis from Reinke Africa, John Britz and Etienne Kemp from Grasslands Agriculture, and Franco Nel from IrriAgri. Franco and the team from IrriAgri are the local Reinke dealers in the Eastern Cape region and were responsible for the installation of the pivot on the farm.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

9

Tindrum 21/014

Proven crop solutions for Southern African farmers.

Philagro has a wide range of proven products against the most stubborn weeds, pests and diseases on all the important crops in our region. Many of these products are household names in the world of agriculture.

Philagro’s comprehensive range of trusted products are now available to meet the needs of farmers throughout Southern Africa. Now you have access to total crop solutions with state-of-the-art herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, nematicides, miticides, plant growth regulators and animal feeds.

For more on these products in your area, and how find your nearest agent, contact Bennie Buys at telephone +27 82 809 5447 or email bennie.buys@philagro.co.za.

Philagro South Africa (Pty) Ltd l Reg. no.: 98/10658107 PostNet Suite #378, Private Bag X025, Lynnwood Ridge 0040 Pretoria: 012 348 8808 l Somerset West: 021 851 4163 www.philagro.co.za

10

P R O D U C T S T H AT W O R K F R O M P E O P L E W H O C A R E

ProAgri BNZ 18

Philagro’s winning formula for African agriculture A

s one of the leaders in the drive to transform agriculture in Africa for the greater good, Philagro’s philosophy is modestly simple but extremely effective. Henk van der Westhuizen, the company’s Managing Director, says Philagro’s vision is to add real value to agriculture in Africa by supplying quality agricultural products and providing exceptional service; hence the slogan: Products that work from people who care.

Despite the challenges faced today, prospects for Africa’s agricultural sector are remarkably positive. According to the “Agriculture Outlook 2018-27” report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the sector will undergo robust growth, with crop production in sub-Saharan Africa projected to rise with 30% over the next decade. Moreover, greater access to innovative technologies is expected to support the development and application of smart farming techniques.

A fine example of this technology is Philagro’s comprehensive range of proven products that are now available to meet the needs of farmers throughout the Southern African region. Commercial and smallholder farmers now have access to total crop solutions with state-of-the-art herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, nematicides, miticides, plant growth regulators and animal feeds. Most of the products distributed by Philagro are very well known in the agricultural world and have earned admiration and respect in the tough world of agricultural remedies.

Philagro has acquired a wide range of registrations against many of the most stubborn pests on important vegetable crops, like the modern active ingredient pyridalyl in SumiPleo®. This product has some outstanding beneficial features that distinguish it from chemicals prone to pest resistance.

SumiPleo® is a blue band product and is relatively safe with regard to mammals and birds, and highly specific to the control of certain insect pests such as Lepidoptera or moth larvae, leaf miners and thrips. It is safe against insect pest enemies such as parasitic and predatory wasps, as well as other

beneficial organisms such as earthworms and bees.

In potatoes, SumiPleo® controls potato moth, Tuta absoluta, and also suppresses the flying leaf miners Lyriomyza trifolii and L. huidobrensis. In tomatoes, SumiPleo® controls African bollworm, Tuta absoluta and suppresses the flying leaf miners Lyriomyza trifolii and L. huidobrensis, as well as the tomato semi-looper (Chrysodeixes acuta).

In various cabbage crops SumiPleo® as well as FlorBac® effectively control diamondback moth larvae. In lettuce, African bollworm is kept in check. In sweetcorn, SumiPleo® controls the dreaded army Fall Worm (Spodoptera frugiperda).

For a more effective environmental approach and intelligent resistance management, SumiPleo® is alternated with Philagro's organic Bacillus (Bt) products like DiPel®DF on Lepidoptera larvae in most vegetable crops and FlorBac®WG in cabbage crops specifically against diamondback moth larvae.

SumiPleo® and Bt products boast relatively short withholding periods in vegetable crops, which make them

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

ideal for positioning in a control window shortly before harvesting.

Ultra-reliable Sumimax® is renowned for its ability to control annual broadleaf weeds in groundnuts, soya beans, deciduous fruit, citrus, vines, and forestry, and is one of an impressive array of trusted herbicides from Philagro.

Sumi-Alpha® contains the highly active synthetic pyrethroid esfenvalerate, which is a contact insecticide for the control of cutworms on all crops, bollworm on cotton, sunflower, maize and sorghum, and also stalk borer in maize.

Another well-known example of Philagro’s comprehensive range is Sumisclex®, a translaminar systemic organic fungicide for the control of diseases on green beans, soya beans, dry beans, peas, and onions.

For more information about Philagro products in your area or to find your nearest agent contact Bennie Buys at telephone +27-82-809-5447 or e-mail him at bennie.buys@philagro.co.za.

SumiPleo® (Reg.no. L8377, Act 36 / 1947) contains Pyridalyl, Caution.

(Sumitomo Chemicals, Japan).

DiPel®DF (Reg.no. L6441, Act 36 / 1947) contains Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstakii, Caution.

(Valent Biosciences, USA).

FlorBac ®WG (Reg.no. L5531, Act 36 / 1947) contains Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawaii. Caution.

(Valent Biosciences, USA).

Sumimax® WP (Reg no. L6358 Act 36 / 1947) contains Flumioxazin (N-phenylimide). Caution. (Sumitomo Chemicals, Japan).

Sumi-Alpha® 200 EW (Reg no.

L8821, Act 36 / 1947) contains Esfenvalerate. Harmful. (Sumitomo Chemicals, Japan).

Sumisclex® SC (Reg no. L6377 Act 36 / 1947) contains Procymidone (dicarboximide). (Sumitomo Chemicals, Japan).

11

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ProAgri BNZ 18

Lindsay Africa: Zimmatic brings the Internet to your farm

“M

y dad used to open the valves near the field, climb down in the pumphouse to switch on the pump, then back up to start the pivot, and check if the water is running and everything is working properly. Two hours later he had to do the reverse, switch off the pump, close the valve and go back to the pivot to switch it over to run in the other direction,” says Chris Botha.

Those days are long gone on the Bothas’ farm close to the Martin’s Drift border post on the South African side of the Botswana border.

Chris is taking a break from planting onions to talk to ProAgri. Sitting in a shady patch on the green lawn, he shows the colourful diagrams on his cell phone and clicks on the screen to show us the situation of every pivot on the farm.

“It is all in here now,” he explains.

“With Zimmatic’s FieldNET service and Ethernet connections, I am not even dependent on fickle cell phone signals and towers.”

Walking with Zimmatic Chris is the third generation on the farm. He says as soon as they received an electricity connection from Eskom on the farm way back when, his father bought two Zimmatic pivots. With water drawn directly from the Limpopo river, it makes sense to install the best irrigation system possible.

Through the years they have walked the road with Zimmatic and their local experts from Obaro, receiving the best in technology development and service.

Now there are eight pivots running.

Only one of their pivots is not a Zimmatic, but it has a Zimmatic control system. The first two pivots each has six towers covering an area of 45 ha.

The newer pivots have four towers covering 15 hectares each, making it more manageable to practice staggered planting. Every circle is divided into quarters with different planting and harvesting times.

Chris plants 70 ha of onions and 40 ha of potatoes in an intensive management process, using biologically friendly methods of production as far as possible. All the nutrients and pest management agents are applied through the pivots, and all the applications can also be controlled from his cell phone.

Flying with technology Chris is a technology junky. Even before the remote control of pivots became an accepted practice, he rigged his system to switch on and off using radio control; the old walkie-talkies!

“It worked, but it sounded like a police station with all the ‘ding-a-lings’ going off,” he laughs. Using Zimmatic’s FieldNET system is so much better, and you can even use their FieldNET advisor for agronomical advice. The service calculates precision irrigation applications based on soil type, specific crops, and climate information.

Chris says in one field you can have up to four different types of soil, each with its own irrigation needs and with FieldNET’s precise GPS control you can apply exactly the correct volume of water over the correct time period in every section of the circle to make sure the water is available for the plants when and where they need it most.

“Zimmatic keeps on improving their systems; we as farmers, only need to keep up!”

One of the challenges Chris experienced earlier with the use of cell phone connections was that the local cell

phone towers would go down in the event a power outage, which happens during Eskom’s periods of load shedding. The backup power on the farm can keep the pumps and pivots running, but then it is back to manual control.

Lindsay Africa, the distributers of Zimmatic equipment in Africa, came up with a tailor-made solution: Ethernet.

Ethernet is a way of bringing internet to the farm in the best possible way.

It offers connection in many different forms, including WAN, ADSL, 3G, and satellite. This means solutions that can be tailored to match the requirements of each farm, instead of taking a onesize-fits-all approach. On Chris’s farm, all the components are on a Wi-Fi system speaking to one another through the control centre in America by satellite! Reaction time is immediate.

“I am completely dependent on FieldNET. If anything should go wrong with the system, Obaro must bring a new one tomorrow!”

With the brand new Zimmatic 712 control panel with its touchscreen Chris Botha is on top of all the latest technology in pivot control.

Lindsay Africa provides big solutions for farms in Africa with this little box. Ethernet brings the Internet to your farm.

Chris Botha from Swartwater next to the Botswana border, shows how his dad had to climb down into the pumphouse to switch on the pump, which he can now do from his cell phone.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

Get the best in irrigation and irrigation control. Contact Tanya Brits at 021-986-8900 or tanya.brits@lindsayafrica.co.za.

Visit www.lindsay.com to find your closest dealer.

13

Botswana

SOIL: The farmer’s most important asset Part 14: Organic material in soil (i) Martiens du Plessis, Soil Scientist, NWK Limited & Prof Cornie van Huyssteen, Lecturer: Soil Science, University of the Free State

Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. This article forms part of a series to highlight this resource.

O

rganic material makes up only a small fraction of the soil, but it has a significant impact on the properties of soil. In the next few articles in this series on soil, we shall discuss this important fraction.

The organic fraction The fixed phase of soil comprises inorganic minerals (sand, silt and clay) and organic particles. The organic material content of soil in Southern Africa is typically lower than two percent and, in most cultivated soils, lower than 0,4%. And yet the organic material has a significant impact on soil properties.

Organic material mainly comprises carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S), as well as a number of other elements which occur in smaller quantities. Plant residue (above and below ground level), soil organisms, dead animals and excretions of live animals, are all sources of organic material in soil. In the soil, the added organic material is broken down into more elementary components which, in turn, form humus. The water soluble products are normally leached out of the soil.

Humus Humus refers to the colloidal (very small) organic material in soil which offers resistance to further breaking down and usually gives soil a brown or black colour. Typically, it is the up-

per 200 to 300 mm of the soil profile that is enriched and coloured darkly by humus. When organic material is added to the soil, it serves as a source of nutrition for all the soil fauna and flora. It is broken down to the basic organic components. These basic components then bind together into complex compounds to form humus.

Humus is therefore an organic product that forms in the soil. Humus colloids can bind with silicate clays to form relatively stable organo-clay complexes.

In the process, mineral particles are bound together by organic fractions to form stable larger structures (aggregates) (Figure 1).

Organic humus colloids have a higher specific surface, higher electrical charge density and a higher cation exchange capacity. Humus is therefore chemically very reactive in soils and therefore changes constantly.

Functions of organic material in soil Organic material promotes plant growth through its effect on physical, chemical and biological properties of soil: • It has a nutritional function as it provides nitrogen in particular, but also other nutritional materials for plant absorption; • It has a physical function as it promotes the soil structure and, in so doing, it also promotes tillability, water infiltration, aeration and the water retention ability;

Plant coverage Organic material Organic C* (t ha-1 year-1) (ton/ha/year) Crop cultivation 1,5 - 3,5 1-2 Field grass (dry climate) 0,5 - 2,0 0,3 - 1,2 Field grass (moderate climate) 3,5 - 6,5 2-4 Bushveld 3,5 - 5,0 2 - 3 Tropical rain forest 8 - 16 5 - 10 Figure 1: Example of sand and clay particles which are bound together by organic molecules to form aggregates (Source: Brady, NC. 1990).

14

• It has a biological function as it has a significant impact on the activity of soil micro-fauna and -flora.

Humus also plays an indirect role in soil as it influences the absorption of micro-nutritional elements by plants, as well as enhancing the effect of weed killers and other agricultural chemicals. The effect of this will naturally differ from one type of soil to another and will also be dependent on environmental factors such as climate and the history of tillage.

Plant nutritional materials Organic material has both a direct and indirect effect on the availability of plant nutritional materials. Organic material is a source of N, P, S and other plant nutritional materials, when the organic material is mineralised (broken down) by micro-organisms. Humus can also influence the provision of nutritional materials from other sources by, for example, serving as an energy source for bacteria that attach N.

Effect on physical and chemical properties of soil Intensive tilling leads to the break-up of the natural structure of the upper layer of soil. This break-up in the structure is the result of the mineralisation of humus. As a result of the break-up of the structure, the upper layer of soil hardens, closes up with rain showers, and becomes denser and lumpy. Aeration, water infiltration, water retention ability and drainage therefore benefit from healthy humus levels.

The regular addition of organic material leads to the formation of organic complexes which bind together soil particles in crumbly and granular structures. These aggregates help to create a loose, open and receptive structure. Water infiltrates and drains better and is also stored better. Larger pores lead to better gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere.

This leads to better oxygen provision to plant roots, which is needed for root respiration.

Colloidal humus contributes 20 to 70% of the cation exchange capacity of upper layer soils. (Humus has a CEC of about 200 cmolc kg-1.) That while the acidity varies between 3 and 14 cmolc kg-1.

ProAgri BNZ 18

Effect on soil biology Organic material is a source of energy for both soil fauna and flora. The numbers of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi is determined to a large extent by the humus content. The number of earthworms and other fauna are strongly determined by the amount of fresh organic material in the soil. Certain organic matter, such as phenolic acids, is toxic for plants, while others such as auxins promote plant growth.

Organic material can also have a direct or indirect influence on pathogens in the soil. Adequate provision of organic material can benefit the growth of saprophytic organisms, while parasitic organisms are suppressed.

Biologically active compounds such as antibiotics and certain phenolic acids can improve the ability of plants to resist pathogenic attacks.

The effect of tillage on humus The humus content of the soil declines drastically during the first ten to thirty years of tillage, until a new equilibrium is reached. With equilibrium, humus forms at the same rate as that which is lost through mineralisation. In sandy soils, the degradation rate is rapid and this equilibrium is reached in about ten years and then at carbon levels of about 40% of the original. In loamy soils, the degradation is slower and equilibrium is only reached at about 20 to 30 years. In a warm, moist climate the degradation is quicker, while it is slower in a cool climate in particular.

Soil organic material and the carbon cycle Sources of organic material in soils include plant residue, dead plant roots, dead animals, excretion from live animals and dead micro-organisms. This organic material is used as a source of energy by a variety of organisms and, in the process, the organic material becomes degraded. During the

Vegatation Atmosphere

Soil Bicarbonates in draining systems

Oceans and lakes

Sediment

Figure 2: The global carbon cycle and carbon sources in petagram C per annum (1Pg = 1015 g)

process, plant nutrition materials such as N, P, S and micro-nutritional substances are released via the process of mineralisation. Mineralisation is defined as the process through which organic molecules are converted into inorganic substances, while CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Some of the released substances can temporarily be trapped by micro-organisms via immobilisation. Soil therefore plays an important role in the global carbon cycle (Figure 2).

Fresh organic material mainly comprises hydrocarbons, proteins and fats, as well as smaller quantities of organic acids, lignin’s, waxes and rosin. The sugars and starches are degraded the quickest. However, hemicellulose and cellulose take longer. Proteins are usually broken down to form amino acids which are absorbed as is by micro-organisms. Fats, lignin and waxes degrade slowly and therefore form an important part of organic material in the soil.

Should the C:N ratio of added organic material be greater than 25:1, all the nitrogen is absorbed by the micro-organisms and additional N is taken in from the soil.

Therefore, a shortage of N in the soil occurs and the plants can experience an Fossil fuels N shortage, the socalled nitrogen negative period. However, should the C:N ratio of the added organic material be less than

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

25:1, the excess N is released by the micro-organisms and it may be absorbed by the plants. The C:N ratio of fresh organic material is about 80:1, while that of soil organic material is 12:1. This is the main reason why organic material is composted before being worked into the soil. Should fresh organic material, with a high C:N ratio be worked into the soil, it is advisable to work N fertiliser into the soil at the same time, thus preventing the nitrogen negative periods.

Summary Organic material is a highly important part of soil. Although it makes up only a tiny portion of the soil on a mass basis, it has a major effect on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. It also has a major influence on the productivity of soil in terms of production of food and fibre for man and animal. Soil plays a significant role in the immobilisation of carbon out of the atmosphere. Degradation of organic material in the soil means immobilised carbon that is presently in the atmosphere. Farming practice should therefore focus on conserving carbon in the soil and accumulating it.

For further information, please contact the authors on: Martiens du Plessis: 072-285-5414 / martiens@nwk.co.za Prof Cornie van Huyssteen: 051-401 9247 / vanhuyssteencw@ufs.ac.za ProAgri BNZ acknowledges Grain SA for the use of this series which originally appeared in Afrikaans in SA Graan/Grain.

REFERENCES Brady NC. 1990. The nature and properties of soils. 10th ed. Macmillan publishing company, New York.

15

Botswana

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ProAgri BNZ 18

Isuzu Drivetrain:

Driving the support of Isuzu trucks

I

suzu is well known throughout Southern Africa for their reliable trucks and bakkies, but all things mechanical need support.

Isuzu Drivetrain was established in 2017 as a dedicated factory facility for the repair and remanufacturing of Isuzu truck drivetrains. Isuzu Drivetrain is uniquely positioned to provide the best advice and competitive pricing.

Explained quite simply, the drivetrain is all the parts that transmit the engine power onto the road. In this case the transmission (gearbox), propshafts, differential, and side shafts.

The whole Isuzu truck range is catered for at Isuzu Drivetrain’s premises. N- and F- series with AMT (Automated Manual Transmissions), ZF, as well as the mighty Allison gearboxes, are serviced. Front and rear differentials are repaired in a dedicated area.

Isuzu Drivetrain operates through the extensive Isuzu dealer network in South Africa, and into Southern Africa.

Based in Jet Park, Boksburg on the East Rand, Isuzu Drivetrain serves customers in all corners of the region with a special courier service, ensuring items are transported daily, with the shortest delivery period in South Africa. Parts are sourced directly from the Isuzu PDC (Parts Distribution Centre) in Port Elizabeth, ensuring quality parts backed by Isuzu SA. All

work carries a one-year warranty.

All items are stripped and paraffin bathed to remove all dirt and residues, allowing for accurate and thorough evaluation. Each gearbox or diff is methodically repaired or remanufactured following SABS ISO 9001 2015 standards and processes. Each transmission is dynamometer (dyno) tested in the workshop before being released.

Warwick Wright, Marketing Manager, ISUZU Drivetrain, says: “Our belief is that a quality product ensures the reliability and longevity of your Isuzu truck.”

Isuzu Drivetrain is headed by Andy Scott, a pioneer in the gearbox and diff industry, with decades worth of experience that he passes on to the workshop staff.

“Among our focuses, we believe in growing our staff through ongoing training ensuring Isuzu Drivetrain continues to be part of the Isuzu family,” says Warwick.

Exchange your gearbox Growth is also a key focus, with most of the large fleet operators using Isuzu Drivetrain as their preferred partner.

Downtime is a potentially crippling part of any fleet. Tens of thousands of Rands can be lost daily in the transport business if vehicles are not operating properly. Loss of income, undelivered goods and fixed costs mean that service

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

exchange gearboxes that can get you running in a jiffy are the answer.

These are ready-built gearboxes and diffs, quality checked and run, ready to be dispatched. These units come at a set cost, but their purpose is to lower the time of stripping and quoting on a failed unit. Within an hour a unit can be dispatched, and if you consider the time and money this option saves, the choice is obvious. Each item is secured to a pallet, preventing damage, and can be shipped anywhere in the region.

Warwick says: “We are proud of our association with Isuzu SA, a Level 1 BBEEE company, and wear our badge with pride.”

The workshop is AA, MIWA, SABS ISO 9001 2025, SANS and RMI approved.

Farmers driving Isuzu bakkies are also not left out in the cold. For 2021 Isuzu Drivetrain has expanded into the LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) or bakkie range, including the Isuzu Frontier, KB, D Max, and MUX in the product line-up.

Isuzu is with you for the long run. Phone +27-11-8236628/1791 to make Isuzu Drivetrain your support partner for your fleet.

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Cover a lot more hectares in a lot less time with the

John Deere 2680H High-Performance disk Article supplied

N

o matter what a farmer’s cropping practices or agronomic goals may be, with the 2680H High-Performance disk John Deere continues to expand its range of productive, versatile tillage solutions to meet every farmer’s needs.

The 2680H High-Performance disk is a true residue management tillage tool that combines speed and tillage performance in one machine. The 2680H is capable of field speeds of 16 to 22,5 km/h to effectively till up to 21 hectares per hour at 18,5 km/h, depending on the size of the implement.

One unique feature of the 2680H is the individual 51 cm (20inch) mounted disc blades. Every disc is mounted individually on a rubber torsion suspension system with up to 228 mm of travel that allows individual blades to follow ground contours, and when encountering obstructions, spring back into position for a consistent field finish.

Machines can be configured to each customer’s specific need, with three options available on the disc configurations. Customers can either order notched front or notched rear discs that will be used for hard soil where more vigorous penetration is needed.

It also provides some additional chopping on the rear rank.

Notched front and smooth rear is the most common configuration because the front blade that breaks the ground, has that increased penetration along with the notch that grabs and captures residue and chops it up. The smooth rear disc provides that consistent soil throw that helps level off and gives a consistent finish.

Smooth front and smooth back would be ideal in lighter soils where the customer wants the smoothest possible finish and for more residue turnover/ burying than chopping.

Discs are spaced 254 mm apart to allow for maximum residue flow. The front rank is angled at 17 degrees and the rear rank at 14 degrees to allow for aggressive horisontal soil movement and crop residue incorporation. Discs are also easy to replace. Rather than having to remove the whole gang, just replace an individual disc by removing four bolts.

Depth control is easy to set on the 2680H. Thanks to a simple shim system on each cylinder, depth can be set from 50 mm to 150 mm, depending on soil conditions as well as customer preference on residue size. An outstanding feature is the maintenance-free sealed bushes and bearings that increase uptime in the field and keep downtime due to breakdowns to the minimum.

The 2680H comes with a standard rear cage roller, ideal for breaking up clods. It is designed to reduce plugging, even in sticky soil conditions.

The cage roller has a diameter of 648 mm to ensure a smooth finish.

High-flotation tires come standard on drawn models to reduce soil compaction.

The 2680H also features a hydraulic jack for easier unhitching from the tractor. It has a 7,937 kg lifting capacity and lifts vertically to prevent machine shift while connecting or disconnecting hydraulic hoses.

John Deere offers a range of sizes: 10 different models from 2,4 m wide mounted models to drawn models of up to 13,7 m, to match customers' farming operation sizes and horsepower requirements.

When the farmer needs a high-performance, multi-season tillage tool that can cover lots of hectares quickly and effectively, the 2680H adds is his answer.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

The John Deere 2680H High-Performance disk features a hydraulic jack for easier disconnection from the tractor. It has a 7,937 kg lifting capacity and lifts vertically to prevent machine shift while connecting or disconnecting hydraulic hoses.

Depth control is easy to set on the 2680H, thanks to a simple shim system on each cylinder. Depth can be set from 50 to 150 mm depending on soil conditions as well as customer preference on residue size.

For more information on the 2680H High-Performance disk and the other innovative tillage solutions from John Deere, contact your local John Deere dealer today.

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Botswana 20

ProAgri BNZ 18

Composting and composting systems Part 1:

How to make compost

by Ben Havenga

Creating your own compost will allow any small-scale farmer or gardener to produce higher yields and better quality crops and vegetables.

Y

our vegetable garden at home can be transformed into a growing, sustainable food source without having to buy expensive chemical fertilisers.

Making your own compost is cheap and will rejuvenate your garden soil, ensuring you the best quality vegetables that you can produce. This series will explain the making and benefits of organic compost in your backyard.

This first part will explore how to make good compost in your garden.

Compost forms continually in nature as plants decompose and animals die.

Decomposition is the process in which organic material (plant and animal remains) is broken down into simpler components by bacteria and micro-organisms. As a result of decomposition

into compost, an earthy, dark, crumbly substance is formed. This substance is called humus and contains nutrients necessary for plant growth.

Compost or humus acts like a sponge, thus helping the soil to retain moisture and plant nutrients. The crumbly structure helps breaking down heavy clay soils and binding sandy soils to a loamier soil. Quick run-off of water and erosion is reduced by humus, and soil drainage is improved drastically.

Because of the nutritious nature of compost, the need for chemical fertilisers is Recycle your organic household refuse to create compost that can improve your soil quality and fertility.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

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greatly reduced if not eliminated.

This leaves an excellent opportunity for any gardener or small-scale farmer to produce his own compost for his crops or gardens by using easy accessible materials like grass clippings, animal manure, leaves or any available substance that is suitable for composting.

How to make compost Composting is a matter of providing the ideal environmental conditions for micro-biological life. This can be obtained by providing the following factors: Air Microbes responsible for composting are called aerobic micro-organisms − the composting heap must therefore be sufficiently aerated. If not, slow decomposition will occur. Anaerobic microbes will take over if the compost heap is not well aerated and this will lead to bad odours given off by the heap. Green grass clippings and wet leaves are examples of composting materials that mats down easily and should be thoroughly mixed with materials like sawdust and straw for better functioning of the compost heap. The heap should also be turned with a spade or garden fork to give it a more "fluffed-up" condition for better aeration.

Water The compost heap must be moist, but not waterlogged, almost like a wrungout sponge. If the heap is too wet, it will inhibit decomposition and will release bad odours. At the ideal moisture content there is a thin film of water around each particle in the heap, that improves the distribution and activity of microbes. If the pile is too dry, it will slow down composting significantly.

In dry conditions it may be necessary to wet the compost heap from time to time, and in wet conditions, to provide cover over the heap to prevent too much water from penetrating.

To test moisture content, take a handful of compost and squeeze it in

your fist. A few drops of water should be released. If the heap gets too wet, it can be corrected by turning the heap to allow moisture to evaporate. You can also add some dry materials like straw or sawdust to absorb the excess moisture.

Heat Heat in the compost heap is a sign that the micro-organisms are at work. If the moisture content and oxygen in the heap are sufficient, the temperature may well exceed 55°C. 55°C is a desirable temperature because all weed seeds and fly larvae are killed and more microbes are present, therefore the warmer the heap, the quicker the decomposition. It is helpful to insulate the heap to contain the heat inside.

Food The nitrogen/carbon ratio in a compost heap is of the utmost importance. Nitrogen can be obtained from "greens", such as materials like fresh grass clippings, fruit and vegetable

scraps, green leaves, coffee grounds, tea leaves and fresh manure. Carbon can be obtained from "browns" such as straw, sawdust, autumn leaves, cornstalks, et cetera. "Browns" are made up of long chains of sugar joined together and serves as energy for the microbes. "Greens" or nitrogen on the other hand is a critical element in amino acids and proteins and can be seen as a protein source for microbes to multiply.

In next month’s issue we shall take a look at the various materials that can be used to create a good quality compost.

We thank the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa for the material they provided for the readers of ProAgri BNZ. For more information visit their website www.arc.agric.za.

The structure of compost helps to keep soil loose and allow for better water drainage.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

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Agrimark is for people who share a love of the land, people who plant and dig, dream and do.

Agrimark Agrimark Agrimark is for people is for is for people who people share who who a share love share aoflove athe love of land, of thethe people land, land, people who people plant who who and plant plant dig, and and dream dig, dig, dream and dream do. and and do.do.

On the farm, in the home and in the outdoors, we’re for the enthusiasts and the experts, for the On the On farm, On the the in farm, farm, the in home in the the home and home in and the and in outdoors, in the the outdoors, outdoors, we’re for we’re we’re the for enthusiasts for the the enthusiasts enthusiasts and the and and experts, the the experts, experts, for the forfor thethe people who love rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty. peoplepeople who people love who who rolling love love rolling up rolling their upup sleeves their their sleeves and sleeves getting and and getting their getting hands their their hands dirty. hands dirty. dirty.

Whether you’re a farmer, a farmer-in-training or a farmer at heart, from the country or from the city, Whether Whether Whether you’re is you’re a for farmer, you’re a farmer, aayour farmer, farmer-in-training a farmer-in-training a farmer-in-training or afamily farmer or or a(even farmer aatfarmer heart, at at heart, from the from from country thethe country or country from orthe or from from city, thethe city, city, Agrimark you, friends and your your furheart, family).

Agrimark Agrimark Agrimark is for you, is for is your for you, you, friends your your friends and friends your and and family your your family (even family your (even (even fur your family). your furfur family). family).

It’s a place where a good, honest day’s work is respected, where wholesome down-to-earth values It’s a are place It’sIt’s a where place a place where a where good, a good, honest a good, honest day’s honest work day’s day’s iswork respected, work islike respected, is respected, where wholesome where wholesome wholesome down-to-earth down-to-earth down-to-earth valuesvalues values honoured and upheld, and where people uswhere – mens-mense – meet. are honoured areare honoured honoured and upheld, and and upheld, and upheld, where and and where people where people like people uslike – mens-mense like us us – mens-mense – mens-mense – meet.

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– meet.

Ondangwa OndangwaOndangwa Ondangwa

Grootfontein Grootfontein Grootfontein Grootfontein

Outjo

Outjo Outjo Outjo Otjiwarongo Otjiwarongo Otjiwarongo Otjiwarongo Hochfeld Hochfeld Hochfeld Hochfeld

OmaruruOmaruru Omaruru Omaruru

Omitara

Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek

Omitara Omitara Omitara Gobabis

RehobothRehoboth Rehoboth Rehoboth Ondangwa

Covering Covering Covering almost almost almost every every every Covering almost every corner corner corner of of Namibia ofNamibia Namibia and and and corner of Namibia and stillstill still growing growing growing ... ... ... still growing ...

Gobabis Gobabis Gobabis

Ondangwa Ondangwa Ondangwa

Aranos Aranos Aranos Aranos Stampriet Stampriet Stampriet Hardap Hardap Stampriet Hardap Mariental Mariental Mariental Grootfontein Grootfontein Grootfontein Mariental Grootfontein

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Outjo

Gochas

Outjo Outjo Outjo Otjiwarongo Otjiwarongo Otjiwarongo Otjiwarongo Hochfeld

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Hochfeld Hochfeld

Hochfeld

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Omaruru Omaruru

Omaruru Omitara

OmitaraOmitara

Omitara Gobabis

Gobabis Gobabis

Windhoek Windhoek Windhoek Gobabis Windhoek Keetmanshoop Keetmanshoop Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop Rehoboth

Rehoboth Rehoboth

Rehoboth

Hardap Mariental

Aranos Aranos Aranos Stampriet Stampriet Stampriet HardapHardap Aranos Mariental Mariental Stampriet

Grünau

Hardap

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GochasGochas

Grünau Grünau Grünau

Gochas

Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop

Grünau

GrünauGrünau

Grünau

Aranos Aranos Aranos (062) (062) 272 (062) 375 272 272 • Gobabis 375 375 • Gobabis • Gobabis (062) (062) 565 (062) 335 565 565 • Gochas: 335 335 • Gochas: • Gochas: (063) (063) 250 (063) 007 250 250 • 007 Grootfontein 007 • Grootfontein • Grootfontein (067) (067) 248 (067) 500 248 248 • 500 Grünau 500 • Grünau • Grünau (063) (063) 262 (063) 059 262 262 059 059 Aranos (062) 272 375 • Gobabis (062) 565 335 •011 Gochas: (063) 250 007 • Grootfontein (067) 248 500 • Grünau (063) 262 059 Hardap Hardap Hardap (063) (063) 240 (063) 897 240 240 • 897 Hochfeld 897 • Hochfeld • Hochfeld (062) (062) 549 (062) 011 549 549 • Kalahari 011 • Kalahari • Kalahari Padstal Padstal Padstal Omitara Omitara Omitara (062) (062) 560 (062) 250 560 560 • 250 Keetmanshoop: 250 • Keetmanshoop: • Keetmanshoop: (063) (063) 227 (063) 450 227 227 450 450 Hardap (063) 240 897 • 309 Hochfeld (062) 549 011 •418 Kalahari Padstal Omitara (062) 560 250 Mariental Mariental Mariental (063) (063) 241 (063) 309 241 241 • 309 Omaruru • Omaruru • Omaruru (064) (064) 571 (064) 418 571 571 • Ondangwa 418 • Ondangwa • Ondangwa (065) (065) 240 (065) 483 240 240 • 483 Otjiwarongo 483 • Otjiwarongo • Otjiwarongo (067)• Keetmanshoop: (067) 300 (067) 300 300 300 300 300 (063) 227 450 Mariental (063) 241 309 • Omaruru (064) 571 418 • Ondangwa (065) 240 483 • Otjiwarongo (067) 300 300 28

ProAgri BNZ 18 OutjoOutjo (067) Outjo (067) 312 (067) 585 312 312 • 585 Rehoboth 585 • Rehoboth • Rehoboth (062) (062) 521 (062) 550 521 521 • 550 Stampriet 550 • Stampriet • Stampriet (063) (063) 260 (063) 046 260 260 • 046 Windhoek 046 • Windhoek • Windhoek 061 40 061 1490 061 4040 1490 1490 Outjo (067) 312 585 • Rehoboth (062) 521 550 • Stampriet (063) 260 046 • Windhoek 061 40 1490

Foot-and-mouth must be contained to save the meat industry A

n outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the communal farming areas in the northern region of Namibia has to be contained to prevent a possible ban on exports which can lead to huge losses in the meat industry.

Reuters reports that the outbreak was first detected in the Ndiyona constituency in the northern region of Kavango East at the end of September, and that it spread to the neighbouring Kavango West region and Shighuru village, which is also in the Kavango East region.

According to The Namibian, the first case of FMD was reported at Olukonda constituency in Oshikoto region on 28 December 2020 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.

Another case was reported at Uuvudhiya constituency in Oshana region on 6 January 2021.

Chief Veterinary Officer Albertina Musilika-Shilongo said all the affected regions, including Oshikoto, Omusati and Kunene North have been declared disease management areas in attempts to stop the further spread of the outbreak.

Movement of all live cloven-hoofed animals to and from the areas has been banned with immediate effect.

The government has also banned the transportation of other potentially infectious commodities, such as hides, skins, game trophies and plant material out of the affected areas.

Most of the regions fall within the red-line district of the country where FMD is endemic.

The ban on the use of hormones in meat production in Namibia has made it possible for the country to become the first African country to export meat to America, China, and Europe. Photo: Meatco.

Photo: Meatco.

Red line Walvis Bay area

Food-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in the region north of the red line.

In this region, red meat producers, vendors and kapana (roasted meat) sellers already suffering from the results of the Covid-19 lockdown, are particularly hard hit.

Meat buyers now have to buy meat

south of the veterinary cordon fence, but the difficulties and cost of transport make it impossible for their businesses to survive. The meat buyers are asking for the ban to be lifted, but if the disease spreads to the southern regions and commercial farms, it would not only affect the farmers, but the economy of the whole country.

Namibia exports beef to the lucrative Chinese, European Union, and American markets where the free-range, hormone-free beef is extremely popular. In 2019, Namibia exported about 12 400 tonnes of meat to Norway, Britain, the European Union, and Chinese markets, being the first African country to do so after negotiations spanning two decades over safety regulations and logistics.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

In 2020, Meatco in Namibia was expected to export 860 tonnes of various boneless beef cuts to the United States, but it is not clear what the influence of the Covid-19 lockdown and the drought had been. The plan is to export 5 000 tonnes by 2025, which will contribute significantly to the country’s income.

The spread of FMD will severely impact on this tender export agreement.

What is FMD? Foot-and-mouth disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of cattle and pigs. It also affects sheep, goats, game, and other cloven-hooved ruminants. FMD is not recognised as a zoonotic disease, in other words, it cannot be transmitted to humans.

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Namibia 30

ProAgri BNZ 18

The disease spreads very quickly if not controlled and because of this, it is a reportable disease.

The disease is caused by a virus of which there are seven types, each producing the same symptoms, and distinguishable only in the laboratory.

Immunity to one type does not protect an animal against other types.

The interval between exposure to infection and the appearance of symptoms varies between twenty-four hours and ten days, or even longer. The average time, under natural conditions, is three to six days.

Airborne spread of the disease can take place, and under favourable weather conditions the disease may be spread considerable distances by this route.

Animals pick up the virus either by direct contact with an infected animal or by contact with foodstuffs or other things which have been contaminated by such an animal, or by eating or coming into contact with some part of an infected carcass.

Outbreaks have been linked with the importation of infected meat and meat products.

The disease can also be spread by people, vehicles and other objects that have been contaminated by the virus.

Symptoms • Fever • Blisters in the mouth and on feet • Drop in milk production • Weight loss • Loss of appetite • Quivering lips and frothing of mouth

• •

Cows may develop blisters on teats Lameness

Normally, no treatment is given. Most affected animals will recover on their own, but because of the loss of production and the infectious nature of the disease, infected animals are usually culled.

Prevention According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) the only real weapon against FMD is restriction of movement and strict biosecurity measures.

FMD is one of the most difficult animal infections to control. Because the disease occurs in many parts of the world, there is always a chance of its accidental introduction into an unaffected country.

Export restrictions are often imposed on countries with known outbreaks.

FMD outbreaks are usually controlled by quarantines and movement restrictions, culling of affected and in-contact animals, and cleansing and disinfection of affected premises, equipment, and vehicles.

Infected carcasses must be disposed of safely by incineration, rendering, burial or other techniques. Milk from infected cows can be inactivated by heating to 100°C for more than 20 minutes.

Rodents and other vectors may be killed to prevent them from mechanically spreading the virus.

Strict biosecurity measures should be practiced on uninfected farms to prevent entry of the virus.

Vaccines can be used in endemic regions, but 80% of the animal population must be vaccinated to make it effective, and there is no universal FMD vaccine. What works for one strain, will not control other strains.

Measures recommended at the farm level include: • control over people’s access to livestock and equipment; • controlled introduction of new animals into existing herds; • regular cleaning and disinfection of livestock pens, buildings, vehicles, and equipment; • monitoring and reporting of illness; and • appropriate disposal of manure and dead carcasses.

Contingency planning for potential outbreaks will identify the elements included in a response effort to eradicate the disease, such as: • destruction of all infected, recovered and FMD-susceptible contact animals; • appropriate disposal of carcasses and all animal products; • surveillance and tracing of potentially infected or exposed livestock; • strict quarantine and control on movement of livestock, equipment, vehicles; and • thorough disinfection of premises and all infected materials (implements, cars, clothes, et cetera).

One of the symptoms of FMD is frothing at the mouth.

Photo: Food Navigator.

Photo: The Namibian.

Photo: Meatco.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

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Farm financing

by Louis de Jager, Kameelboom Akademie, Comprehensive practical farmer training

F

inancing of a farming enterprise is such a critical aspect of overall farm management that it cannot be less than a subdivision of financial management. The distress call from farmers is usually money to keep their enterprises going.

The need usually varies from large amounts of money to finance the purchase of a farm to smaller amounts just to satisfy the need for operational capital. Regardless of what the need might be, the farmer will have to see to it that money he spends will be managed correctly. It is already common knowledge that records are the basis of financial management.

Time and management decisions The impact of time lies at the heart of financial management. Growth objectives and investment alternatives imply long-term planning horizons for proper economic analysis of all flows of costs, returns and cash resulting from the investment. The results of current decisions may be influenced by costs, returns and cash flows incurred by past decisions. The manager’s inability or reluctance to plan over periods of sufficient length can lead to inadequate economic decisions.

Most of the expectations managers use in making economic choices in the real world are uncertain. Uncertain expectations reduce the reliability of future plans and serve to shorten planning horizons. The need for management arises principally from these uncertain expectations. For some decisions, particularly those

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

of a routine, repetitive nature, the manager can accurately estimate the possible outcomes and their degree of likelihood.

Tools of financial management The manager needs to develop skills in applying financial management tools.

Take note that a computer is not a management tool, but only a facility (device) for the development of managing tools.

Information flows Flows of information concerning the past, present and expected performance of a farm business and its operating environment are essential for the financial manager.

Internal flows of information are provided by an effective accounting (record) system. The accounting system will generate a continuous flow of information concerning the firm’s liquidity, solvency, efficiency, and profitability. It will aid the manager in controlling his financial affairs, reducing risks, meeting legal requirements, and analysing the farm business, as well as providing a basis for forward planning.

This evidence of financial position also helps to demonstrate credit

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worthiness and management capability to lenders or other parties upon whom the manager depends for financial support. An effective design of these information flows will contribute to more effective decision making.

Flows of information from the firm’s external environment are provided by literature and personnel of universities, agricultural colleges, extension officers of the Department of Agriculture, mass media, farm organizations, investment services, and agribusinesses. Perceptive use of external information enables the manager to improve his responses to numerous environmental changes. In essence, managers need to anticipate changes and try to be in a position to benefit from them.

Budgeting devices The manager needs to develop an orderly budgeting device for gathering information and choosing among financial alternatives. In more traditional farm management terminology, this is called complete or partial farm budgeting. With the emphasis on the firm’s capital resources, cash flows and financial organisation, the process is extended to capital budgeting and to the budgeting of seasonal cash flows.

Capital budgets are designed to enable the manager to efficiently make the best possible investment and financing decisions. More enterprising managers will even find that different levels of technology can be used in forward planning. Many elements of the budgeting process can be incorporated in computerised programming techniques such as linear programming or simulation. The use of a computer can accelerate the budgeting process tremendously, although at a high cost for computer time, especially when making use of the internet.

No planning procedure is perfect!

The effective use of the budgeting process does not assure an error-free analysis. The plans derived from either observing the real world, logical deductions, pencil and paper analysis or computer programmes are only as valid as the quality of data used and the manager’s effort in accurately identifying the problem, gathering information, and specifying alternative solutions over an appropriate length of planning horizon. The best judgement of future outcomes still represents expectations on future events which may, in fact, be subject to substantial variation.

Contributing disciplines A financial manager utilises the knowledge of several disciplines.

Traditionally, the study of finance, including agricultural finance, was largely descriptive, emphasising a firm’s acquisition of funds and

describing the structure and functions of lending institutions. The pressure for economic growth, however, expanded the study of business finance to include joint analysis of investment, financing and reinvestment decisions and their effects on risks, returns and wealth.

Management of assets, debits and liquidity has become quite important.

The general area of farm management, of which financial management is an integral part, has long been considered to be an exercise in applied economics. It is true that much of a member’s behaviour can be explained, or guided, by economic principles. The production economics principles of a firm outline the optimal allocation of limited resources among alternative production uses.

The technical disciplines of agriculture – soils, agronomy, animal science, engineering, et cetera – provide information on input-output relationships, new technology and other relevant production information.

Principles of exchange in agricultural markets influence the search for and resolution of terms of exchange for resource services, financing, and farm products.

The central principles for economic behaviour in the household are the principles of consumer choice which reflects the allocations of family income among alternative choices in its consumption.

What are the correct principles of financing?

Questions about this aspect are asked daily and every day the sound economic principles are violated.

Assets must be financed over a period that coincides with the life expectation of that asset. If financed according to this, it will have a positive effect on the cash flow of the enterprise.

Long term assets like farmland are financed over the longest possible term. Normally the financing period is between ten and thirty years, the longer the better.

Short term assets like means of production should be financed over a

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

period of twelve months or less because it will be consumed in the production process.

The question usually arises if you should buy cash or on credit. Because several factors will have to be considered before coming to a decision, a thorough study will have to be done on the farmer’s overall financial position, interest and tax implications, as well as the expected lifetime of the asset. After consideration of all these factors, it may be possible that a cash transaction will be the most expensive.

Budgets It is advisable that a comprehensive budget for the next five years should be drafted every year. All income and expenditure should be considered in order to determine the capital requirements for the period as well as the investment possibilities if a surplus of cash is experienced.

Another essential budget is the cash flow budget. This budget concerns the inflow and outflow of cash. Cash loans are indicated in the month received and again in the month of payment.

Purchases on credit are indicated only when the account is paid. This budget indicates the exact time when cash moves in or out of the business. It also indicates when surpluses or shortages of cash may occur. This budget will be easily composed according to the production plan for the following year.

Another budget that comes in handy is the partial budget. It will be appropriate in determining whether you should buy a petrol or diesel vehicle.

Budgets are relatively complicated, but with the supporting records of previous years, anyone can do it.

Budgets and budgeting methods will be discussed in detail at a later stage.

For practical training in the agricultural industry, contact Louis de Jager at +27 82 211 1533.

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Zimbabwe

to determine how many animals they should keep to maintain a certain standard of living, without trying to determine whether the resource is capable of carrying that stocking rate.

Stock numbers not adapted to natural environmental conditions Stock farming is in many cases not adapted to natural environmental conditions like climate, soil, and vegetation. There is a tendency to look at production per hectare instead of maximum production per animal unit.

Veld management practices Only a small percentage of farmers apply tried and tested veld management practices. The major problem that leads to this is the poor provision of camps per herd. A survey showed that almost 50% of the farmers only have three and even fewer camps available per herd. Mismanagement most definitely leads to the deterioration of veld.

Even with realistic stock numbers, veld can be seriously damaged if it is not utilised in the correct way.

Remember that the vegetation

Stretch your grazing with good management

by Louis de Jager, Kameelboom Akademie, Comprehensive practical farmer training

N

atural grazing is an excellent and also the cheapest source of fodder for the livestock of Southern Africa, and the majority of the millions of cattle, small stock and game are being fed by this natural resource. The natural veld forms the basis of the region's production of animals and animal products.

Causes of veld deterioration: Overgrazing According to the stipulated norms for grazing capacity, it was found that in South Africa, in spite of prolonged and hard-pressing droughts, there are

still millions of large stock units more than the prescribed number for long term grazing capacity. The majority of farmers are convinced that they do not keep too many animals on the veld because they are looking at veld production within a specific season while it is common knowledge that production can vary up to 300% within one season, depending on the rainfall.

Over-optimism of farmers A recent survey unveiled that more than 50% of farmers overestimate the grazing capacity of their farms.

There is a tendency under farmers

Annexure A: Life cycle of a grass plant

SPRING

SPRING/SUMMER

SUMMER

AUTUMN/WINTER

SPRING

Initial growth

• Hay production • Root growth

• Seed production

• Translocation of carbohydrates to the roots: production of reserves • Active root growth • Development of vegetative cone

Initial growth

• Budding/ Foliation • Root growth

36

• Budding/ Foliation • Root growth

cannot be adapted to the animals, but the other way around. Because this matter is always handled incorrectly, the vegetation is damaged and the process of veld deterioration continues.

Insufficient knowledge of grazing and fodder crops Most farmers do not have sufficient knowledge about grazing plants and their interaction with animals. Intensive training in this regard is therefore very important.

The farmers’ vision of veld condition A recent study revealed that the majority of farmers think their farms are in good condition even though experts know that only between 12 and 30% of farms are managed properly.

The study also revealed that 66% of farmers saw no reason to improve their management skills or the condition of the veld.

The final conclusion is that farmers are over-optimistic about the condition of the veld, and that training is necessary to stop the process of veld deterioration.

Veld types and veld condition The classification of veld according to vegetation regions In Southern Africa, the term “veld” is largely used to describe the natural vegetation. Without the interference of man, the physical appearance of the veld is heterogeneous as a result of climatic

ProAgri BNZ 18

and other environmental conditions.

The physical appearance of veld differs from forests with favourable environmental conditions, to deserts with unfavourable environmental conditions.

For practical reasons, veld is classified in different broad vegetation regions according to the physical structure of the dominant vegetation type. The different regions are forests, fynbos, bushveld, grasslands, and desert areas.

There are always natural variations in every region. Thus, you will find mountain grasslands with an annual rainfall of 1 000 mm as well as the semi-arid grasslands with a rainfall of not more than 400 mm per annum in the same region. Obviously, these two regions will not have the same potential for grazing, and for stock farmers there will be major differences in respect of the best breed, the numbers, and the management of stock.

Due to the many differences within vegetation regions, it is further divided into veld types.

A veld type can be described as a vegetation unit of which the variation range is small enough that it may be assumed that the farming potential will be the same everywhere on that unit. When referring to good or bad veld, that veld will be compared to the best condition possible for that specific veld type.

What does veld condition mean?

Although veld types represent areas with homogeneous (same) farming potential, it does not implicate uniform veld within a veld type. There is a considerable variation caused by humans. Between two farms in the same veld type, a dramatic contrast

may be observed on either side of the bordering fence. Such differences are the result of mismanagement.

An acceptable goal for all stock farmers should be to strive for maximum profit which can be obtained in the short term by selling animal products, while the potential of the veld should be maintained in the long term.

Veld in a good condition should satisfy two criteria, first it should be both highly productive and palatable to maximise financial gain in the short term, and second it must be stable and soil erosion should be prevented to maintain the condition of the resource for future generations.

How should veld be utilised?

How does a turf of grass grow?

• Spring – With the availability of moisture and sufficient heat units, we obtain initial growth, the plant starts to sprout and will eventually foliate. For this purpose, the plant extracts reserves from the roots.

• Spring/summer – Active growth takes place in the process of producing grazing material and also a certain degree of root growth.

• Summer – The active growth phase is completed and seed develops.

• Fall/winter – The plant is now in a quiescent stage, but the translocation of carbohydrates from the leaves and stems takes place to replenish the reserves in the root system. Active growth of the roots takes place and stem buds also develop for the next season.

• Spring – The cycle is repeated.

Correct methods of grazing • Stock numbers should never exceed the carrying capacity of the veld. It is always better to keep fewer animals than the maximum carrying capacity to ensure that there will always be reserves.

• Veld should not be grazed continuously, but should be grazed and rested intermittently. It is preferable that a camp should not be grazed for more than 14 days at a time and after that it should rest for about 90 days. To accomplish this, there should be at least six camps available for each herd, and an open rotation system should be followed.

• It is preferable that about 25 to 30% of the veld should be withdrawn from grazing for a year to replenish the reserves in the root system so as to ensure vitality of the plants. The best time for this long resting period is from 1 August to 31 July the next year.

The effect of incorrect grazing methods In a four-camp system with a one-week grazing period and a three-week resting period, the end will be total destruction. Because the root system does not have the opportunity to recuperate, the plant will lose vitality, hay production will decline, animal production will decline drastically as a result of the lower production in hay, and the composition of the veld will consist of inferior annual plants. No stock farming will be possible.

Again, if the reserves in the root system are not supported by long resting periods, no production of grass or meat will be possible.

For practical training in the agricultural industry, contact Louis de Jager at 082-211-1533

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Omnia Fertilizer Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd 8 Paisley Road, Workington.

Omnia Fertilizer Zimbabwe Harare (Pvt) Ltd P.O. Box BW736 Borrowdale.Harare Harare 8 Paisley Road, Workington.

Tel: +263 242 781Borrowdale.

246, 781 291, 781 304 P.O. Box BW736 Harare FCT:+263 +263242 782781 709246, 240 781 / 241291, / 242 Tel: 781 304 FCT: +263 +263 772 782 142 709 707, 240 /0772 241 /226 242479 +263 772 142 707, 0772 226 479

38

ProAgri BNZ 18

STAFIX helps you to make the most of your natural resources D

estruction of our natural grazing takes place at an alarming rate.

This tragic fact holds true for countries in Africa, but also for many other countries around the world.

The questions are: How? Why? and Is there a solution?

Yes, there is a solution, and the straight answer as to the how and why this is happening: it is a combination of greed, ignorance, and bad farming practices.

The greed factor has two aspects.

First, it is often the greed of absent landowners who mine the land concentrating too much livestock on an area for too long to get as much profit off that area in as short a time as possible. This results in heavy overgrazing and even creeping desertification.

Second, there is the greed of having too much land, often inherited, and then under-utilising it, which results in damaging selective grazing.

Both practices cause natural pasture degeneration, which in turn results in the invasion of less palatable and less nutritious pioneer species.

What can be done to counter this degeneration of our valuable natural asset? Much has, and is being written about high density, or even, ultra-high density rotational grazing systems and the successes that are being achieved around the world by applying these management practices.

Explained simply, these systems involve confining a lot of animals to a restricted area for a short period of time, during which they are forced to consume all the foliage available before they are moved onto fresh pasture.

The animals can be of mixed species — cattle and sheep - to ensure optimum pasture utilisation.

The area is then left, very importantly, to rest, giving all the vegetation species an equal chance to recuperate.

Grazing the regrowth too soon will have very detrimental consequences.

In effect, what one is doing is imitating nature, before man arrived, when large herds of mixed game grazed off an area and then moved on allowing the grass to recuperate.

As already mentioned, this sounds quite simple, but in practice it can be difficult without the right management tools. The question is how does one confine herds in small areas while also preventing them from regrazing the regrowth?

Fencing is the obvious answer, but conventional fencing is expensive, and

the quantity needed to apply these systems makes it totally uneconomical.

The answer is staring us in the face in the form of the tool dairy farmers have been using for decades to manage their expensive irrigated planted pastures: high-powered electric fencing. Today’s modern, high-powered, low-impedance energisers can power many kilometres of well-constructed livestock fencing. By simply attaching offset wires to one’s existing internal fences, and then tapping off these feeder lines, one can erect either semi-permanent or completely portable, additional fences, and then also sub-divide a property, relatively cheaply, into smaller, more manageable camps.

The more camps, the better these systems work.

Farmers who use this tool all remark on how their natural pasture has improved, became denser and how their carrying capacity has increased. Later, they reap additional benefits such as a

reduction in disease (parasite life cycles are broken by the quick rotation); there is less damage to hides (only smooth wire is used); the trampling effect of the concentrated hoof action leads to better water retention; and the even spreading of dung across the pasture for fertilisation.

Not only does electric fencing facilitate better animal and pasture management, but a well-planned and erected layout is also a highly effective security tool for monitoring the condition of one’s fence lines and thus helps to deter and detect stock theft.

Finally, while greed is an inherent problem and difficult to counter, the solution to the problems of ignorance and bad farming practices is education.

For future generations to inherit viable pasture, we, the current generation, entrusted with preserving our natural resources, owe it to them to read and learn as much as we can about proven modern farming practices. Stay safe, stay profitable and leave a legacy.

Ensuring that your grassland is well maintained and effectively grazed will help you to keep animals in a better condition with less feeding cost, thus increasing your profit.

Overgrazing is not only harmful to the environment, but will also impact on your profit when additional feed must be bought. Rehabilitating overgrazed fields are expensive.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

39

Zimbabwe 40

ProAgri BNZ 18

Infrastructure for stock farming

by Louis de Jager, Kameelboom Akademie, Comprehensive practical farmer training

Photo: Pixabay.com

A

farm without any infrastructure is not a farm! A farming enterprise cannot be managed efficiently without infrastructure, and that means that no stock management or veld management will be possible. The veld will be destroyed and inbreeding will be inevitable.

What is infrastructure?

Infrastructure includes: • The necessary camps, that is fences, to separate the different veld types and to divide these camps into smaller camps.

• Water sources such as boreholes, wells, fountains, and pipeline schemes.

• Windmills, solar pumps, and engines to make the water available.

• Reservoirs for the storage of water for a 14-day supply.

• Pipelines to connect the sources to the different reservoirs and the reservoirs to the drinking troughs.

• At least one drinking trough should be available per camp.

• Kraals should make provision for catchment kraals, sorting passages and sorting kraals, as well as a crush.

• A loading ramp suitable for light delivery vans and trucks.

• A neck clamp at the end of the crush will make branding, castration, and dehorning of cattle easy.

• A scale is a necessity to measure production and the performance of animals.

• There must be roads alongside the bordering fences, the inner fences, and the pipelines to simplify control.

• Fire-belts are a necessity according to the law to prevent the spreading of veld fires.

Photo: Pixabay.com Standards for a good fence • The fence should be constructed in a straight line from one straining post to the next. The standards should be planted on this line.

• The straining posts, corner posts and gate posts should be planted solidly, perfectly upright, and must be well anchored.

• Straining posts must not be too far apart. On solid soil, the distance between straining posts must not exceed 500 metres and on sandy soil the distance between standards must be even smaller. The closer straining posts are apart and the smaller the distance between standards, the stronger the fence will be.

• Irrespective of the number of strands of wire or the type of wire that will be used, each strand should be at a certain height above the ground, it must be parallel

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

•

•

to the other strands and should be tied solidly to the standards in order to prevent the strands from shifting up or down against the standards. The more strands in a fence of a certain height, the closer the strands will be apart and the more difficult it will be for man and beast to crawl through the fence.

Droppers should divide the space between standards into equal parts, must be upright, and the strands must be tied solidly to each dropper to keep the spacing the same as the spacing at the standards.

A good fence cannot be constructed with material of inferior quality.

For practical training in the agricultural industry, contact Louis de Jager at 082-211-1533.

41

Zimbabwe

Are Are you expecting Areyou youexpecting expectingaa a bumper bumper maize harvest? bumpermaize maizeharvest? harvest?

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PREMIXES, BASEMIXES PREMIXES, BASEMIXES & CONCENTRATES PREMIXES, BASEMIXES & CONCENTRATES We combine practical knowledge We with combine practical knowledge & scientific CONCENTRATES precision to ensure with scientific precision to ensure We combine practical knowledge your animals’ nutritional needs your animals’ nutritional needs with scientific precision to ensure through our premixes, basemixes through our premixes, basemixes your nutritional needs andanimals’ concentrates. and concentrates. through our premixes, basemixes • Broilers • Beef and concentrates.

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Fivet Laboratory can ensure quality: Fivet Laboratory ensure quality: FEED can ANALYSIS • NIR tests for rapid analysis of • NIR tests for rapid analysis of quality: Fivet Laboratory can ensure raw materials, intermediate and raw materials, intermediate • NIR tests for rapid analysisand of finished products finished products raw materials, intermediate and • UREASE assay to determine • UREASE assay to determine finished products if soybean meal has been if• soybean meal has been UREASE assay to determine sufficiently heated to destroy most sufficiently heated to destroy most if of soybean meal has been the anti-nutritional factors of sufficiently anti-nutritional factors heatedanalysis to destroy most •the ROSA mycotoxin • ROSA mycotoxin analysis of the anti-nutritional factors • ROSA mycotoxin analysis

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Your partners in profitable animal production 42

Your partners in profitable animal production

ProAgri BNZ 18

FSG Zambia fertilisers ensure a successful yield.

SUPERFERT VEG BLEND 1 (10 N : 10 P : 20 K) Superfert veg blend 1 is a perfect basal dressing fertiliser for horticulture production. It has the required nutrient composition to protect young plants from challenges such as root scotching during the initial stages of crop establishment.

This fertiliser can be applied before planting or within the first week after transplanting.

The recommended application is 10 g of Superfert veg blend 1 per plant, placed 5 cm away beneath the soil surface.

This blend provides sufficient phosphorous to promote quick root formation and strenghen cellulose in the xylem cells of young plants. Superfert provides the necessary nutrition for young plants to flourish during the initial stages of crop development which is a critical stage in determining the potential of your yield.

Fert Seed & Grain Ltd +260 977 610 498 | +260 973 848 229 | +260 973 782 627

+ 263 78 271 5320 | Zimbabwe@meridian.africa

marketing@fsgzambia.co.zm | sale@fsgzambia.co.zm

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MAC AFRIC 8.75 kVA (7 KW) Flow rateStandby atPetrol nozzle

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ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

43

CONSULTING south africa

Work Permit & Expatriate Solutions

LARGE NUMBER OF INBOUND FOREIGN NATIONAL EMPLOYEES? APPLY FOR A CORPORATE VISA The Corporate Visa enables employers in the Agricultural sector to employ a pre-determined number of skilled/ semi-skilled/unskilled foreign nationals for a specific period not exceeding three years.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE CORPORATE VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

1

2

3

APPLY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR FOR THE LABOUR CERTIFICATE

APPLY FOR THE CORPORATE VISA FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS

APPLY FOR INDIVIDUAL VISAS (CORPORATE WORKER CERTIFICATE)

This is the most complex and lengthiest part of the process and involves engagement with the Department of Labour as well as a compliance inspection to the operations prior to the application being finalised.

Once the Department of Labour certificate has been successfully obtained, we will lodge an application with the Department of Home Affairs for the Corporate Visa Certificate itself.

Each foreign individual would need their own visas to be endorsed into their respective passports under the umbrella of the Corporate Visa as prescribed.

We will assist the company to prepare for this inspection and provide them with a checklist.

BE AWARE OF TAX IMPLICATIONS It is important to understand that a cash salary and benefits paid to a foreign worker for activities performed in South Africa will be subject to income tax. There is also a risk of the worker being double taxed both in South Africa and in their home country on the same income earned. We are able to give employers upfront tax advice before employing foreign workers, including how to create a mobility policy and implementing tax equalisation for mobile employees.

+27 11 467 0810 or +27 72 522 3690 | contact@xpatweb.com or marisa@xpatweb.com | www.xpatweb.com

44

ProAgri BNZ 18

RIFT VALLEY FEVER VACCINES FOR CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOATS

(RVF INACTIVATED) Reg. No. G 1349 (Act 36 of 1947) Namibia: V01/24.4/634

• Booster to be given between 3 to 4 weeks after initial vaccination • Protects from abortions caused by Rift Valley Fever • Safe to be used during outbreaks • Safe in pregnant animals

(RVF LIVE) Reg. No. G 0119 (Act 36 of 1947) Namibia: V01/24.4/150

• Vaccinate with world-renowned Smithburn strain • Safe in young and non-pregnant animals • Immunogenic with a single dose

INNOVATIVE BIO-SCIENCE Private Bag X07 | Onderstepoort | 0110 | South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 12 522 1500 | Fax: +27 (0) 12 522 1591 Enquiries /Orders : info@obpvaccines.co.za

www.obpvaccines.co.za

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 18

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ProAgri BNZ 18

18 Disc Caeser Harrow

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Trust Ecosyl to turn your silage into more beef.

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For further information: Call Jaco Faasen: Cell | 082 607 6601 Email | jaco@nutribase.co.za Visit | www.ecosyl.com

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Catchmaster Fly Ribbon 4 pack

Catchmaster Flybag

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NORTON 610 John ‘O’ Groats, Norton Tel: +263 731 509 390 Email: norton@effortdist.co.zw

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CHIVHU 191 York Street, Chivhu Tel: +263 731 509 385 Email: chivhu@effortdist.co.zw

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ProAgri BNZ 18

These are complete, compact setups for augering to depths of 12' or 16'. Soil auger kits include one regular and one mud auger (2 1/4'' or 3 1/4''), four extensions (3' or 4'), an 18'' rubber-coated cross handle, and a flexible, poly-canvas carrying case for easy transport and storage. They are available with either signature series, 5/8'' threaded, or quick connect connections. Stainless steel kits are popular for environmental sampling.

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ProAgri 253 – Maart / March 2021

49

Agri4all

Take 15% off any Mini Kit with code ProAgri, only valid on ams-samplers.com.

PRECISELY WHAT YOU NEED FOR

PRECISE IRRIGATION

CENTER PIVOT VRI PIVOT CENTER CENTER PIVOT VRI VRI

OPTION 1: SPEED VRIOPTION OPTION 2: ZONE VRI OPTION OPTION 1: 1: SPEED SPEED VRI VRI OPTION 2: 2: ZON ZON SLICE THE CENTER PIVOT PIE

SLICE SLICETHE THECENTER CENTERPIVOT PIVOTPIE PIE BE MORE SPECIFIC AND FIND NEW POTENTIAL BE BEMORE MORESPECIFIC SPECIFICAND ANDFIND FIND

VARIABLE RATE IRRIGATION

Speed VRI is economically accomplished by segmenting the pivot path into Zone VRI dividesthe the pivot coverage more rings (zones) around Speed Speed VRI VRI isiseconomically economically accomplished accomplished bybysegmenting segmenting thepivot pivotpath pathinto into area into two orZone ZoneVRI VRI divides divides the the pivot pivotcoverage coveragea

multiple pie-like slices (sectors). Each unique irrigation depthpie-like ispie-like achieved by(sectors). the pivot point.depth Reinke VRI can control zones. combined multiple multiple slices slices (sectors).Each Eachunique unique irrigation irrigation depth isisachieved achieved byby as many as 84 the the pivot pivotWhen point. point.Reinke ReinkeVRI VRIcan cancontro cont

speed at each slice. The Rx may concentrate on thespeed outer with the segmenting sectors, an even higher level ofwith precision is possiblesectors, by altering alteringthe the pivot pivot speedatateach eachslice. slice.The The Rx Rxmay may concentrate concentrate on onthe theouter outer with the thesegmenting segmenting sectors,ananeve ev Patrick altering Ellis the pivot 031 350 4525 patrickellis@reinke.com www.reinke.com

50

30 to 50 percent of the pivot circle, which accounts for topercent 75 percent ofpivot creating several up to more thanofof 300,000 independently managed zones 30 30 toto50 50percent ofofthe the pivotcircle, circle,which which accounts accounts for foror 50 50 toto 75 75 percent percent creating creating several severaloror up uptotomore morethan than3

ProAgri 253 – Maart / March 2021 the total area within each slice. Each slice can also be accurately proportioned

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within thebe fibe eld.

Irrigation rates are achieved throughwithin individually the thetotal totalarea areawithin withineach eachslice. slice.Each Eachslice slice can canalso also accurately accurately proportioned proportioned withinthe thefield. ficontrolled eld.Irrigation Irrigationrates ratesare areaca