ProAgri BNZ 12

ProAgri Bots wa n a / Nam ib ia/ ia / Zim b ab we

No 12

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New series: Go a t f a r m i n g Me c h a n i s i n g a small farm

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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

I

t has been exactly twelve months since the first ProAgri BNZ saw the light in September of 2019. We are officially one year old. The magazine is still in its infancy compared to ProAgri Media that celebrated its 25th year in August this year.

What a year it has been! The agricultural industry of Southern Africa certainly has seen its share of hardships in the past year. From the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 2019 to the swarms of locusts that are currently threatening farmers’ crops, to say nothing about the economic restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic that are still dragging on.

In spite of these adversities, ProAgri BNZ has shown exceptional growth. We have evolved to incorporate printed, social, and digital media, and have reached more than 1,8 million people in the region through our various platforms every month. This is testa-

ment not only to the work ethics and dedication of the team that creates ProAgri BNZ every month, but also to the farmers of Southern Africa. We are constantly reminded of the resilience of our farming communities by the e-mails and comments that we receive from our readers.

We are looking forward to more growth during the next year. Apart from our own strategies that will see ProAgri expanding our readership in the SADC region, we also see economies beginning to regain some traction as we emerge from lockdown. Soon the borders will be operating at normal capacity again, which will go a long way to stimulate regional trade.

We at ProAgri appreciate all the readers that have reached out to us to gain more information, or to share their local news. We use the feedback from our readers to stay up to date with what the farmers are doing, and what information they need to farm better and smarter.

Remember that you can also gain access to our information through our various online and digital platforms.

Find us on Facebook at ProAgri and select your country, or visit our website at www.proagri.co.za. For all your buying and selling needs, visit www.agri4all.com. Readers are also more than welcome to contact me directly via the e-mail address provided below. I would love to hear what you are busy with on your farm, or what is happening in your More thanregion.

70 years of innovation at your service

Minet Lacing Technology, a French manufacturer whose core business is Farm smartly! MLT the splicing of conveyor belts and the manufacture of technical belts Jaco Cilliers jaco@proagri.co.za Created in 1947, the MLT Minet Lacing Technology group has more than 70 years of experience in the manufacture of conveyor belt splicing/ joining solutions and the design of technical belts (truly endless seamless belts) as well as many other conveyor belt belting accessories & tooling. With 16 patents in progress. Innovation, product quality and customer care are MLT’s key values.

The MLT Group operates 3 specialized manufacturing factories in France, on an industrial area of more than 15,000 m2. Our industrial resources allow a quality and flexible production, for quick deliveries which is further supported by our local subsidiaries & partners.

Over the last few years, MLT has developed fully innovative products: Super-Screw® and Super-Screw® Evolution flexible splices "to screw", ISC® complete belts (integrated splice into the belt), MS® fasteners "to screw," Clip’N Lock® and Self-Lock® mechanical fasteners, IFS (invisible flexible splice) splice and many others. These innovations, unique to the market, meet the exact technical requirements of our customers from various industries including agricultural, packaging, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, factories & manufacturing, airports, road works, logistics, cement plants, power stations, light & heaving mining & quarrying etc.

OUR STRENGTH - INNOVATION

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Content

The MLT Group continuously invests in our two internal R&D departments in order to be a forerunner in quick and easy to install solutions with the aim of meeting the needs of the market.

We believe that the industrial environment of our customers must change, to take better account of the human element, thanks to new technical developments. We want MLT to drive change in these areas by providing solutions that are optimized for the serenity, the health and safety of users, by meeting the technical requirements of their industry, and by improving the profitability of the industrial market.

MLT innovations provide a significant reduction in installation downtime and consequently maintenance and repair costs.

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OUR STRENGTH - PRODUCTS

MLT is one of the only manufacturers in the world to continuously be innovating & upgrading our products. From our original MINET "copper nail" conveyor fasteners to our new MS screw range fasteners, we are always developing our products to make them quicker & easier to install but still making them strong enough to last longer as well. From the thinnest conveyor belts in the Light Duty Materials Handling industry to the thickest belts in the Heady Duty Bulk Materials Handling industries, we cover it all.

2. Buy a Lemken planter for peace of mind, reliability and after sales service OUR STRENGTH - NETWORK

5. Ctrack's agri tracking solutions means growth

The MLT Group has positioned itself around the world with centrally located subsidiaries as well as partners & agents. To cover the Sub-Sahara African region, we have placed our subsidiary in South Africa with a specialized technical team as well as local stock to support this region.

MLT MINET LACING TECHNOLOGY SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 131 Terrace Road - Sebenza - Edenvale - Johannesburg - Gauteng - SOUTH AFRICA PH: + 27 (0) 72 200 84 65 or +27 (0) 68 024 8050 - EMAIL: info-ZA@mlt-lacing.com - WEBSITE: www.mlt-lacing.com

6. How to handle your beef cattle Part 11: Building water troughs, fencing, gates, pens and roads 9. Spray to protect your crops Part 11: The calibration procedure 13. Pineapples thrive under Agrico pivots 15. Talbert is the farmer's irrigation ally 17. SOIL: The farmer's most important asset Part 9: Ground water (1) 20. Goat production guide Part 1: The business plan 22. Irrigation made easy part 5: The labour cost of irrigation and system maintenance 25. Mechanise, maximise and optimise with Falcon 27. Jones Masjiene: Make feed pellets anywhere in only two steps 29. MLT for conveyer belt solutions: More than 70 years of innovation at your service 31. Poultry production guide Part 5: Process your poultry to boost your profit 33. Pig production guide Part 5: Breeding practices, sow selection and management 37. Saving Namibia’s livestock industry Part 7: Different rangeland approaches 39. Manage your costs to mitigate COVID-19 impact 43. Mechanisation on small farms

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

Cover For the best technology, uniform plant depth, and precise seed placement, the LEMKEN planter is the ultimate answer.

LEMKEN offers peace of mind, reliability and excellent after sales service.

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

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 Du Preez de Villiers > +27 82-598-7329 dupreez@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 79-524-0934 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 & Esta van Niekerk Enquiries Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0782 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Distribution Janita du Plessis > +27 12-803-0782 janita@proagri.co.za Managing Editor Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler > +27 83 460 0402

1

Buy a LEMKEN planter for peace of mind, reliability and after sales service

by Benine Ackermann

Hannes Bruwer from Genade-boerdery, Hopetown, planting wheat with his LEMKEN Solitaire 9 in combination with his Rubin 10 cultivator.

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or the best technology, uniform plant depth, and precise seed placement, the LEMKEN planter is the ultimate answer. Furthermore, LEMKEN implements are the strongest in the country.

The LEMKEN Soltair 9 is the best fine seed planter for wheat, barley, alfalfa, feed sorghum, beans and teff.

The Solitair 9 can be used on its own or mounted on a Rubin, Heliodor, or Kristall seedbed cultivator to prepare perfect seedbeds for seeds to develop into healthy plants.

The planter is 6 metres wide, carries 1,8 tonnes of wheat seed, and plants in rows of 150 mm.

A tractor of 200 to 220 kW is needed for the combination of the planter and a LEMKEN compact disc harrow.

LEMKEN’s implements is that they can either be used separately or in combination.”

Gerhard Bruwer “LEMKEN’s planter combination is a major benefit, as it reduces the need for other cultivations and save on costs.

The seedbed and planting mechanism are ideal to suit any farmer’s needs.

“It can plant approximately 30

hectares before being replenished, and plants between 5 and 15 km/h, which means you can easily plant 50 hectares per day.

“The Solitair 9’s electronic seedmetering adapts automatically to the tractor speed.”

Vicky Bruwer “LEMKEN helps the farmer to save on cultivations with their multi-purpose

Northern Cape farmers explain why they are so impressed with the Solitair 9 planter: The Bruwer family of Genadeboerdery, Hopetown and Douglas Hannes Bruwer: “The planter is very versatile. It plants from canola at 3 kg/ ha to wheat at 200 kg/ha. The small row interspace is most welcome for weed control, as the plants quickly form a canopy.

“We never had any problems with LEMKEN’s after sales service. They establish relationships with their clients.

“I like the combination of the Solitair and Rubin 10 with its larger discs. The Rubin 10 smooths out rough and uneven soil to form a perfect seedbed.

“Another important benefit of 2

Blackie Swart, Area Sales Manager of LEMKEN, Gerhard Bruwer, Vicky (Junior) Bruwer, and Jacobus Beyers, Service Technician, on the Bruwer’s farm at Douglas, South Africa.

ProAgri BNZ 12

Wrench also uses various other LEMKEN implements, and they all impress him.

Hein Mülke and Brian Jaarts, Foreman, with Hein’s LEMKEN Solitair 9 planter.

Northwest

implements. The soil to seed contact is very good, and the rows are narrower than those of a conventional planter.

“Every morning we check the whole machine and apply lubrication to all the necessary parts. This helps to prevent breakages and unnecessary wear. We also take care to stock enough basic parts to make sure that the planter will not be idle in busy times.

Hein Mülke from Zoutpansdrift, Douglas “Look, the German’s do not manufacture junk. LEMKEN definitely offers equipment of the highest quality.

The availability of parts is no problem because parts and service are available wherever LEMKEN implements are sold.

Their service is exceptionally good.

Wrench Cilliers, Foreman of Depla-boerdery, Douglas “Any implement that lasts on this farm must be good, for here we work hard and long hours. LEMKEN’s equipment perfectly suits our whole setup. The Solitair 9 planter is an accurate and first-class planter.”

Kerneels Greyling (Junior) from Frankdale, Prieska Two of the first farmers between Prieska and Douglas to acquire a Solitair planter were Kerneels Greyling and his father.

“I am most impressed with the planter combination, and it keeps me busy because all my neighbours ask me to help them with the Solitair planter.

“The reason for their requests is the Solitair’s seedbed preparation and accurate seed placement. The calibration is very precise and very user friendly.

“LEMKEN’s people render superb service and they are definitely moving forward with the technology.”

Kerneels Greyling

Org Teesen from Otterfontein, Koster “Pastures planted with LEMKEN develop uniformly, leading to a far better harvest. I have not used any other planter in the past five years. When a farmer uses the Heliodor in combination with the planter, he saves on fuel and needs fewer tractors. The seed is gently placed on a predetermined, adjustable depth – not simply strewn out and covered. The uniform emergence also helps a lot and makes cultivation after emergence easier.

“In the morning, I fill in the hopper with enough seed for the day, and no replenishment is necessary during the day.

“It is easy and simple to calibrate the planter, and it takes only ten minutes. This is how it works: You look at the weighing chart on the side of the planter and choose your type of seed from one of the five settings. Everything works electronically. You use the electronic scale to weigh the quantity of seed you wish to place per hectare and read it in on the screen. Then the planter calculates the hectares and weigh it against the quantity of seed by itself. Never was I more than 12 kg per 50 hectares out. You can calibrate your planter precisely.”

SW Hugo from Lakewarden, Bloemhof “The technology is of high quality and it is a good, sturdily constructed product.

LEMKEN’s service is in a class of its own. It is definitely worth your while to acquire such a planter.

For more information on the planter, contact Karel Munnik at +27 (0)82-412-2577 or k.munnik@lemken.com; or Blackie Swart at +27 (0)82-404-9651 or b.swart@lemken.com, or visit www.lemken.com.

Wrench Cilliers ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

3

Always Visible

Transport & Logistics

Keep every aspect of your fleet, Always Visible.

With Ctrack’s 30 years experience, we can help you unlock better diagnostics, support compliance reporting, as well as provide tailormade analytics for both short term, and long-term decision making. Ctrack will optimise the right solution for your specific business needs.

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ProAgri BNZ 12

Ctrack’s agri tracking solutions means growth Monitor your assets with a very user-friendly graphic interface.

R

eal time access to critical information gives a farmer full control over his equipment, and it allows him to efficiently manage his assets, actions, time and capital investments. A company who offers a tailormade, all included package is the answer to reduce the effort and stress of making decisions in the dark. Ctrack allows you to cultivate your farmland and harvest the rewards of your hard-earned labour to its full potential with their Agri Solutions.

Ctrack’s Agri Solutions help farmers to save on costs and improve performance through better planning and decision making, regardless of crop type, farm, or implement fleet size.

Their range of GPS-tracking devices is built for the often rough and remote conditions of Southern Africa. A farmer can therefore rest assured that his

agricultural equipment will always be properly monitored.

Ctrack’s Agri Solutions allow a farmer to gain visibility of: • Machine usage (operating hours) • Pattern of use (direction when used) • Machine distance (kilometres) • Service schedules • Integrated peripherals

Anything imaginable, like harvesters, tractors, trailers, sprayers, loaders, hedgers, balers, and conveyors, can be monitored by Ctrack.

By creating virtual fences around the areas of operation, a farmer can be advised when his assets enter, leave, or stay within these locations. Real time visibility, proactive notifications, and infographics for accurate and decisive decision making, means optimised and efficient asset utilisation.

Through detailed reports, you can see how your machinery is being used and schedule maintenance via proactive notifications and reports.

The Ctrack Agri Solutions can be configured with various types of hardware and software platforms A Ctrack Agri Solutions tracing device can be placed that will suit your on any valuable piece of equipment you desire. specific needs and ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

budget. Intelligent configuration allows meaningful reporting to provide the data required.

By using the Ctrack Online Application it is easy and clear to see where, when, how and for how long every implement has been used. They offer you the option of a wireless, mobile, compact, and rechargeable solution, enabling you to monitor various assets with one tracking unit when and where you need it.

The following additional benefits and features for your operation are also offered: • Get a real-time alert should the implement leave the preferred area (Geo zones) • Location management and implements associated with locations (Points of Interest) • A graphic representation of implement activity in real-time (Live Productivity Dashboard) • Live tracking and real-time alerts for proactive asset management • Potential asset theft or tampering alerts in real time • A mobile application where implement inspection checks can be submitted electronically • Fleet and asset activity visible from your mobile device, even whilst on holiday • Increase your farming efficiency by utilising GPS-based systems to locate and retrieve assets more efficiently.

Visit www.ctrack.co.za to find your nearest Ctrack representative.

5

How to handle your beef cattle Part 11:

Building water troughs, fencing, gates, pens and roads The devil is in the detail and keeping this in mind is especially important when designing your feedlot. You can save yourself a lot of trouble, time and money if you spend a good part of your project on planning the nitty-gritty parts of your feedlot.

Water troughs Water troughs are placed approximately two-thirds of the camp length from the feeding troughs and on the border between two pens, so that both pens can be served by one trough.

Water troughs must be cleaned regularly. For this purpose, a 50 mm tap can be provided at the lowest end for drainage as shown in Figure 1. The water for washing the trough causes muddy conditions in the pens. Provide the pen with a concrete trench to drain the water from the pen, or use PVC pipe or quick-couple pipe when troughs are being drained.

Provide a concrete slab (75 to 100 mm thick) around the trough, extending two metres on the long sides and 0,5 m on the short sides. The purpose of the concrete slab is to prevent trampling around the troughs.

The ball valve must be well protected against possible damage by the cattle.

Figure 2 shows a typical plan of a water trough.

Figure 1: Water trough with drainage.

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Figure 2: Water trough.

Fences Feedlot fences differ from the usual camp fences. In feedlots there is a higher concentration of cattle and the fences must therefore be sturdier.

Fences in these pens are 1,5 m high and consist of five cross wires. Barbed wire injures the cattle and ordinary wire is not strong enough. Steel cables instead of cross wires are recommended.

Another possibility is to make a cable from galvanised wire and steel wire. One 4 mm galvanised wire is used with two 2,24 mm high tensile steel wires. The length of the wire is slightly longer than the distance it has to span. The loose ends of the wire are tied to the power take-off shaft of a tractor by pulling the ends through the hole on the power take-off shaft. The other ends are tied in position to a corner post. The wires are tightened slightly. Ensure that the tractor’s brakes are disengaged and that the gears are in neutral. At idling speed, get the power take-off shaft in operation for 2 to 3 seconds, to wind up the cable slightly. This cable can now be drawn tight and used as fencing cable.

Wood or steel can be used for the standard poles and droppers. Standard poles must be placed three metres apart in the earth and one dropper can be

placed between them. If wood is used for standard poles, the diameter must be 100/125 mm, while 32/50 mm droppers can be used. If steel is used for standard poles, pipes with a 100 mm diameter, 100 mm IPI-I-beams, or railway sleepers can be used, depending on the cost. If sturdier poles are used, such as metal train rails, the standards can be placed 4,6 m apart, with two droppers between them.

All poles must be planted firmly into concrete. Figure 3 shows the construction of a typical fence.

The top cross wire in the fence can also be replaced with a pipe to ensure sturdiness of the fence, as shown in Figure 4.

If round pipe standards are used, the bottom part must protrude from under the concrete into the soil to ensure drainage and prevent rust. Poles must be sealed at the top to prevent rainwater from collecting inside the pole and causing erosion.

The concrete anchor blocks should be built slightly higher than the soil surface and tapered away from the pole. This is to protect the poles from erosion because of the high urine concentration and water collection around the pole.

At gates and at the end of the fence, the standards must always be anchored.

Fences must be maintained regularly to ensure long life. If wooden poles are

ProAgri BNZ 12

If the set-up justifies it, gravel roads, thoroughly compacted by rollers, can be built. An investment in a road is an investment in success.

Figure 3: Fencing construction for feedlots.

Figure 4: Alternative fencing construction for feedlots. used, they must at least be treated with bitumen or a similar substance to make them more durable. Steel poles must be treated with an anti-corrosive substance, if it has not been done by the manufacturers. Treat the poles before planting, it will be easier and will ensure that it is done thoroughly.

Gates If the cattle walkway is used as an access to the pens at the lower side of the pens, the walkway must be wide enough to allow cleaning machinery to turn easily into the pens. Alternatively the gates must be adapted, as shown in Figure 5, or larger gates must be used. It is, however, advisable to rather use the gates at the feeding trough.

Standard 3,5 m wide gates are not strong enough to inhibit cattle effectively and must be strengthened, or heavy duty gates must be used. The locking mechanism of the gate must be such that it can be easily opened and closed, but not by the cattle.

Figure 5: Fence adaptation for entrance to pens.

Figure 7: A field pen where cattle can be handled with ease.

Figure 6: Drainage of pens.

Preparation of pens Before building work can begin, the site must be cleaned and graded according to slope. It is worth doing a complete survey and grading the inclines correctly from the onset. Roof runoff water or any other water from the site around and above the pens must be drained separately from the pen run-off. Make special drainage canals so that the water does not run through the pens. Prevent the water from running from one pen to another. Figure 6 shows a practical solution for drainage of pens.

Pen surfaces must be finished neatly, so that rain water cannot dam up. The pen surface must preferably be compacted with a roller. In high rainfall areas hills are often constructed in pens. The hills provide a drier place to lie down. The hills must however be constructed in the centre and not at the sides of the pens. This will slow down wear and tear on fences because the poles will not be standing in the mud. Pen maintenance must be done regularly during production. By constructing a sufficient number of pens, pens will be able to rest for a week or two.

Roads Roads in and around the feedlot must be of high quality. They are indeed the backbone of the enterprise. These roads carry very heavy traffic as cattle, feed wagons and cleaning wagons move over them daily. If the roads are in a poor condition, it will slow down the whole growing process of the cattle.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

Next month we shall look at the office complex, flow of cattle, feeding facilities and the water supply.

Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering for the use of their Beef Cattle Handling Manual. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

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7

Your Irrigation Equipment

Groundwater quality is changing across the country, shortening the lifespan of center pivots by corroding pipelines. Water containing chlorides and sulfates can corrode galvanized pipe, and water with high or low pH levels can decrease pipe lifespan even more.

In addition, many growers are using wastewater and process water for irrigating, and applying crop protection chemicals or soil amendment products through their pivots.

All these corrosive conditions are leading growers like you to investigate pipeline materials that458 are7999 more Botswana Andre Haasbroek +27 83 Namibia Kotze +264 61 228 061 resistant to Jannie corrosion than galvanized pipe.

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Spray to protect your crops Part 11:

The calibration procedure

Compiled by J Fuls (Pr Eng)

Last month we discussed what you should do to prepare for calibration. This month we look at the actual calibration process and the steps you must take to ensure that your sprayer delivers the correct quantity of chemicals.

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n the label of the chemicals one finds how much chemicals must be applied onto each hectare of land.

Because the chemicals in the container are very strong and concentrated, we have to mix it with water to spray with the sprayer. If we now know how many tanks will be used to cover one hectare with the sprayer, we can calculate how much chemicals should be added to a full tank of water every time we refill the sprayer tank. To calculate this is very simple:

The formula is: (Litres per hectare needed) ÷ (Number of tanks per hectare) = Litres per tank 6 ÷ 4 = 1,5 ℓ/tank Now here is one way to determine how many times the tank will have to be filled to spray one hectare: d. Stand the tank on a level spot and fill the tank with clean water up to a clear mark inside the tank.

If the label says you should apply six litres of chemicals per hectare:

a. Flush the tank with clean water and make sure it is clean.

e. Spray up and down this 50-metre strip in the field, to cover a total of 100 metres.

And if we empty four knapsack sprayers over one hectare (Let us suppose the field is one hectare big):

b. Fill the tank with clean water and practice in the field. Make sure everything is working well.

50 m Then we must add one and a half litres of chemicals to a full tank, every time we refill the sprayer:

c. Mark off a length of 50 metres in the field, using your measuring wheel or tape measure.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

f. Stand the sprayer on the same spot as previously, and re-fill it to the same mark, using the measuring jug or measuring bottles.

Write down how much water had to be added to refill to the mark. Suppose you had to add 1,25 litres of water to re-fill the tank. Now for every 100 metres you walk, the sprayer will deliver 1,25 litres of water.

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ProAgri BNZ 12

g. Calculate the distance you will have to walk until the tank is empty: On the side of your sprayer tank, you will find marks to indicate how much water is in the tank. Read next to the full mark how much water it can take.

Suppose this is a 16 litre sprayer.

The distance you will walk is 16 ÷ 1,25 x 100 = 1 280 metres.

This means that the tank will be empty after having sprayed 1 280 metres.

For each one hectare sprayed, the total distance walked will then be 2 x 100 x 111 = 22 200 metres.

•

i. Calculate the number of refillings needed for each one hectare sprayed: If a full tank lasts for 1 280 metres, and the total distance walked while spraying one hectare is 22 200 metres, the tank will have to be refilled 22 200 ÷ 1 280 = 17,3 times. (Do not worry about the decimal ,3. It simply means we will need a little more than 17 re-fillings for each hectare sprayed.)

The quantity of chemicals to mix into each tank refill is: 5 x 6 x 0,9 x 16 ÷ 1,25 = 346 millilitres.

j. Calculate the amount of chemicals needed for each refilling: Remember the formula at the start of this section: (Litres per hectare needed) ÷ (Number of tanks per hectare) = Litres per tank If the litres per hectare needed is 6, and the number of tanks per hectare is 17, we can calculate the quantity of chemicals to add to each tank refilling to be: 6 ÷ 17,3 = 0,346 litres, or 346 millilitres. (1 000 millilitres make up one litre.)

One can combine all the calculations into one formula.

Just remember the following: • We do the test spray over a total distance of 100 metres.

• We measure the test refilling in litres, not millilitres.

• When spraying, we walk two times over each row.

• The chemicals to be applied per hectare is specified in litres per hectare • The row width is to be measured in metres • The tank volume must be given in litres

h. Calculate the total distance walked when spraying an area of one hectare. Remember that one hectare is a land size of 100 metres long and 100 metres wide. The row spacing you plant may be 0,9 metre. The number of rows over one hectare will then be 100 ÷ 0,9 = 111 rows.

Over the 100-metre test, 1,25 litres were needed to refill the tank to the same mark

The formula now looks like this: The quantity of chemicals to add to each tank re-fill is 5 x (chemicals per hectare) x (row width) x (tank volume) ÷ test volume = Millilitres

When mixing in the chemicals, use the 500 ml measuring bottle, fill it to just below the 375 ml mark and add this to the spray tank. Put on your face mask to protect your eyes, for the chemicals may splash.

Just remember to rinse the measuring bottle three times into the sprayer tank before putting it away in a safe place, out of reach of children.

In our example above, we had: • Chemicals per hectare specified on the chemical container: 6 litres/ hectare • Row width: 0,9 metres • Sprayer tank volume: 16 litres

Photo: ohioline.osu.edu Next month we shall look at safety while spraying.

Now remember that we decided to go up and down on one row when spraying to get the required overlap for good coverage.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals.

Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

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ProAgri BNZ 12

Pineapples thrive under Agrico pivots A

project away from your home country may sometimes be a risk, but presently, Agrico is making a mark on a pineapple farm in Swaziland.

The Rhodes Group, well known for their canning factories, last year embarked on pineapple production on the Norsa farm near Siphofaneni. “Agrico already had pivots on the farm for a previous cassava project, and that is how we came to know them,” says Genesi Langwenya, the Rhodes Group’s General Manager for pineapple farms.

“We decided to continue using Agrico’s services. The last two years, we have been planting pineapples and Agrico erected more pivots as the farm expanded. The farm already irrigates 1 100 ha with 25 Agrico pivots,” he said.

“The reason why we prefer pivot irrigation is that pivots are far more effective than water cannons. Pivots demand far less labour than water cannons and use water more effectively. Moreover, the farm is very hilly, and Agrico’s pivots handle slopes very well,” Genesi said.

Although the Usutu river runs along the farm’s border, they are subjected to restricted water allocations, but with Agrico’s pivots, they easily stay within their quota.

Pineapples do not require that much water (70 to 80 mm/month), but it is extremely important that the water is delivered at regular intervals and evenly (with a high degree of uniformity). This is where pivots outperform any other irrigation system. You can easily change the water application according to your crop’s needs and the uniformity of application is exceedingly high.

Agrico also expanded the pump stations in the river and at the storage dams supplying the various pivots. They

Agrico pivots run shoulder to shoulder on Norsa, one of the renowned Rhodes cannery’s pineapple farms in Swaziland.

Jerrad van Staden, Construction Apprentice from Agrico; Mduduzi Sibandze, Rhodes Group’s Farm Operational Manager; Jan van Staden, Construction Contractor; Sicelo Sibandze, Rhodes Group’s Field Preparation Controller; Morné Maas, Agrico’s Project Manager; and Genesi Langwenya, Rhodes Group’s General Manager for pineapple farms, all work together to make pineapple production a success. also laid the main and secondary supply lines to every pivot.

Mduduzi Sibandze is the Farm Operational Manager and he uses Agrico’s most advanced data and web control system to communicate with the pivots.

From his cell phone, he can switch pivots on or off, change the speed and regulate water application.

Mduduzi Sibandze, the Rhodes Group’s Farm Operational Manager, shows how he can easily control Agrico pivots from his cell phone.

Accurate scheduling For accurate irrigation scheduling, they now placed probes under each pivot.

These probes can be integrated with the web control system to make sure that exactly the desired amount of water is applied.

Although the water from the river is clean enough for pivot irrigation, blockages of the sprinklers may sometimes still occur, but they are easy to remove by simply opening and cleaning them.

With micro or drip irrigation, proper filtration would have been needed with the added disadvantages of losing pressure,

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

wasting water with backwashing and increased danger of blockages.

Agrico high clearance pivots are used. Should the plans change, they are already suitable for the production of taller crops such as sugarcane.

According to Genesi, Agrico’s service is superb: “When you embark on a new project, you will always experience teething problems, but with Agrico you can sit around a table and quickly solve matters. We can discuss our plans for the future with Agrico’s people and bank on their understanding. That is why we are fully satisfied with their expertise, service, and support,” he said.

Agrico is always ready to help the farmer. Call Alfred Andrag on +27 (0)82-824-1214 or +27 (0)21-950-4111 or e-mail Alfred.andrag@agrico.co.za for more information.

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Talbert is the farmer’s irrigation ally A

A strong centre A lot of attention is given to the strength and stability of the centre tower, as this is the heartbeat of any centre pivot. The weather-proof control panel is designed to control the system safely and efficiently.

Built-in sensors switch the pivot off if the water pressure drops too low.

Quality approved industrial gearboxes drive the pivots, and if needed, gearbox spares are readily available nation-wide.

centre pivot is supposed to ease the workload of a farmer and not add to the problems that farmers need to deal with every day. This means that the provider is as important as the centre pivot itself.

Talbert centre pivots were developed 28 years ago on the farm, and were designed and manufactured with Southern African circumstances in mind. Here are a few reasons why you should choose Talbert pivots: Special design In sandy soil or heavy clays, from giant maize circles to a small patch of lucerne, Talbert understands the farmer’s needs and makes sure that his centre pivot will suit his unique requirements.

The ultimate goal is increasing production and profits. The Talbert irrigation system is designed to be userfriendly and durable.

Only the best materials Talbert incorporates the latest technology and highest quality materials to ensure the efficiency of their centre pivots. All steel components are galvanised and strongly adhere to SABS 763 standards. The pipe walls are 3,5 mm thick and the heavy-duty A-frame structure ensures structural integrity even in extreme conditions.

Talbert manufactures each centre pivot in their own South African

factory. This ensures the highest quality standards and the prompt availability of parts and accessories.

No blockages A valuable standard accessory on all Talbert pivots is the sand catcher.

This ensures that the sprayers do not clog and also facilitates the cleaning process.

Irrigate at night A bright light on the final tower enables the farmer to irrigate at night and therefore limit the effect of evaporation.

Tower couplings The unique tower couplings are made of a high-quality rubber and remain completely covered to protect them from the harmful UV-rays.

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Quick service Talbert irrigation systems are supported by a wide dealership network in order to ensure a quick response time.

“Just as the centre pivots keep working on the farm, we keep working with the farmer. Should a centre pivot stop for maintenance or repairs, we always get it working again as soon as possible,” says Jannie Steyl, founder of Talbert.

Find out more about Talbert products by phoning Douw Steyl on +27(0)-82-451-3754, Arno Steyl on +27(0)-72-344-0683, the office on +27(0)- 51-435-7778, or send an e-mail to douw@talbert.co.za or arno@talbert.co.za. Also visit the website www.talbert.co.za.

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S OI L : T h e f a r m e r ’ s m o s t i m p o r t a n t a s s e t P a r t 9 :

G r o u n d w a t e r (1 ) 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.

T

he interaction of water in soil and plants is of exceptional importance for the crop farmer, because soil is the medium that captures and retains water for plants and makes it available again to the plants over time. It also serves as a solvent for plant nutritional substances which then form the soil solution. In the next few articles in this series, water in the soil will be discussed. The energy state of water is the basis of water movement and retention in soil. In this article capillarity and the energy state of water in soil are discussed.

The water molecule The structure of the water molecule is fundamental to its behaviour. The water molecule comprises one oxygen atom (O) and two hydrogen atoms (H) to form the chemical compound H2O. Of great importance is that the two hydrogen atoms are not diametrically opposite each other around the O atom, but both are found on one side, forming an angle of 104,5° (Figure 1).

The implication of this is that the water molecule is polarised. It is therefore slightly positive on the side of the two H atoms and slightly negative on the side of the O atom, while the Electropositive

Electronegative

A schematic representation of the structure of a water molecule.

water molecule itself is neutral.

This polarity results in water molecules attracting each other electrostatically (cohesion). Amongst other things, cohesion causes surface tension, which is actually a thin dense elastic layer of water molecules (meniscus) on the surface of the water.

Furthermore, the polarity property is also responsible for the concave meniscus of the water surface when, for example, it is in a glass tube (adhesion).

Surface tension and the meniscus are of major importance in soil, because they result in forces that retain water in the soil and allow it to move.

The polarity property also causes ions such as H+, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ to be hydrated with water molecules. It also binds electrostatically with the negative clay surfaces to form a very thin layer of water molecules.

Capillary mechanism Capillarity can be demonstrated when the one end of a narrow glass tube (or straw) is placed in a bowl of water and is held upright. Water moves upwards in the tube, contrary to the forces of gravity. The water molecules “creep” via adhesive forces (between the polar water molecule and the side of the glass tube) upwards and pull the next molecules with them using the cohesion forces (between water molecules). This movement continues until the attraction force of the earth (gravitation) on the water in the tube is equal to these forces and the water can no longer move further. The narrower the tube, the greater the curve of the meniscus, the stronger the force and the higher the water can move upwards.

Exactly the same happens in the narrow tubes (pores) between soil particles where the water can then move upwards and sideways in the soil (Figure 2).

The pores in coarse sand are larger, with the result that the water can

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

Martiens du Plessis, Soil Scientist, NWK Limited & Prof Cornie van Huyssteen, Lecturer: Soil Science, University of the Free State move more rapidly, but not very high (about 400 mm). In loam soils the pores are narrower and the water can move upwards as much as 800 mm, although more slowly. In clayey soils the water moves even more slowly and often not high, because clay usually has a strong structure without long continuous capillary tubes.

Energy state of water Whenever an object moves from one place to another, work is performed and this requires energy. Water always moves from a higher energy level to a lower level. When the energy level in one place is the same as in another, movement will not take place. A number of factors result in various energy levels in soil. These energy levels provide the forces that allow water to move.

Gravity potential Gravity potential refers to forces of gravity which draw the water downwards towards the centre of the earth.

Water higher up in the soil is therefore constantly drawn downwards and thus deeper into the soil. Water that is higher in the profile therefore has a higher energy state than water deeper in the profile. Gravity potential therefore causes the water, following rain or irrigation, to drain deeper into the soil.

When free water occurs above the reference point, it exercises a downwards and thus positive pressure on the water in the soil. It will therefore cause the energy level of water to increase and it will move more rapidly.

The thicker the layer of water, the greater the water potential.

Matrix potential Matrix potential is caused by adhesive and cohesive forces as well as menisci. Adhesive forces result in water molecules clinging to the soil particles in a thin dense layer and cohesive forces cause other water molecules 17

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ProAgri BNZ 12

to cling to this first layer, thus alenergy level of both parts is the lowing “layers” of water molecules same. The higher the difference to form around the soil particles. in potential between the two Menisci form between these layers parts and the closer they are around the various soil particles to each other, the greater the and, together with the adhesive and potential gradient will be and cohesive forces, form the matrix the faster water will move. potential. The matrix potential is a negative value and is thus a suction Osmotic potential force or suction potential.

Soil water contains a certain When the soil is wetted, the waamount of dissolved organic ter moves downwards through the and inorganic salts. These salts pores due to the gravity potential. lower the energy level of the Some of the water molecules cling water as the water molecules to the soil particles due to adhesive are strongly attracted by hydraA schematic representation of matrix potential. forces which are stronger than the tion. The more salts in the soil gravitational forces, thus remainwater, the greater the osmotic ing in the soil and not draining any potential (suction potential and thus deeper. This first layer of water mola negative figure) and the greater the gravity. The water which is retained is ecules also holds a few layers of water held “loosely” and is easily accessible amount of work a plant root must do molecules via cohesive forces, up to to draw water out of the soil against for plants. In contrast, clayey soils the point where the cohesive force is the osmotic forces. In brackish soils have smaller particles and therefore a too weak (gravity too high) and the greater surface area (specific surface with a large amount of salts, it could water then drains further downwards happen that a plant standing in wet of as much as 800 m2 g-1). There to a place where it is retained by the soil dries out. are therefore higher adhesive forces, adhesive and cohesive forces or until it more layers for cohesive forces, more drains out of the profile.

Total soil water potential menisci and therefore a higher matrix Menisci form when two soil particles potential. Clay can thus retain much The total soil water potential is calcuare found next to each other. Water lated as the summation of the above more water in the profile against gravclings to the soil particles and to each mentioned water potentials. Some ity, but also clings to much more water other, so that the water between the of them are positive while others are to such an extent that plants cannot soil particles is continuous, with a negative. When the total water potenabsorb it. meniscus that forms on the upper and The practical implication is theretial between two adjoining bodies of lower sides (Figure 3). When the soil soil differs, the water will move from fore that (sandy) soil with a too low is wet, the meniscus is not greatly the one with the higher potential to matrix potential loses a lot of its water curved, but as the soil dries out, the the one with the lower potential until to gravity, while clay soil with a high curvature of the meniscus becomes the total water potential between the matrix potential clings to the water to greater and the forces become strongsuch an extent that the plants cannot two is exactly the same. The rate of er. This then lowers the energy level of the movement will differ depending on absorb it. the water and therefore greater work the distance between these two points When one part of the soil profile must be done by gravity or a root and the potential difference. Moveis dry and another wet, the energy to draw the water away from these ment according to gravity potential is level between the two parts differs, forces. with the wet portion having a higher rapid (as much as 2 000 mm per day In sandy soils theses forces are in sandy soil). Unsaturated flow (to energy level and the dry portion havlower and the matrix potential lower be dealt with in later articles) due to ing a lower energy level. The water at (as the specific surface of sand is low matrix potential, is slow (about 1 mm the higher energy level will thus move – about 0,1 m2 g-1), and therefore to 2 mm per day). towards the lower energy level. The sandy soils retain less water against water will continue to move until the

Thin layer of absorbed water tightly held (adhesion) Thicker layer of water loosely held (cohesion) Figure 3a: A schematic representation of matrix potential in wet soil

Flat meniscus and water easily accessible (high water potential)

Curved meniscus and water difficult to access (low water potential)

Figure 3a: A schematic representation of matrix potential in dry soil

ProAgri BZN acknowledges Grain SA for the use of this series which originally appeared in Afrikaans in SA Graan/Grain.

References 1. Bennie, ATP. 1981. Soil Science 325. Unpublished class notes for GKD325. University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

2. Brady, NC. 1990. The nature and properties of soils. 10th ed.

Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, USA. 3. Van Huyssteen, CW. 2009.

Soil Ecology. Unpublished class notes for GKD214. University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

For further information, contact: Martiens du Plessis: martiens@nwk.co.za Cornie van Huyssteen: vanhuysteencw@ufs.ac.za

A schematic representation of menisci in soil.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

19

Goat production guide part 1:

The business plan

by Jaco Cilliers

W

hen planning to farm with goats, many aspects have to be considered. These considerations include housing, feed, and animal health.

These crucial aspects will be discussed in this series in due course.

The first step in any successful farming enterprise, is setting up a business plan. This will allow you to work efficiently and goal orientated, and will grant you access to development loans.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a document of how a business owner, manager or entrepreneur intends to organise a new business and establish activities for the venture to succeed.

Businesses need plans to optimise growth and development according to priorities. A business plan is not only to look for financial assistance or for initiating a business start-up, but it is an evolving working document that should be reviewed regularly and adopted to circumstances as and when the internal and external environments change.

To raise funds for a new business venture or to raise additional capital, your document must meet the requirements of a funding institution or sponsor.

A good business plan involves research on the external and internal business environment like competitors, suppliers, consumers, et cetera, which can be translated into a detailed action plan showing the areas of competitive advantage and how you will combat problems. You can use the business plan to identify opportunities, analyse the life cycle of the business and each activity in the business, and plan for capital requirements.

Common mistakes in the drafting of business plans Cash flow Most prospective entrepreneurs focus mainly on the infrastructure that is required and ignore the cash flow which is critical to the daily operations of the business. Cash flow assists in managing your financial resources, that is debtors and creditors control.

Vague business plans Prospective entrepreneurs or writers of business plans often wrongly assume that the reader/funding institution/investor knows what the business venture is all about. Therefore, it is important to provide as much detail 20

as possible and elaborate wherever necessary to clarify the needs of the business.

Unrealistic assumptions Almost all writers of business plans assume that the business will succeed, hence they make unrealistic assumptions. It is advisable to benchmark against existing or similar businesses in the industry for acceptable standards. The goals of the business must be realistic and achievable. Rather start small and then expand.

Risks Many business plans ignore the risks or do not make provision for the risks. It is critical that the business plan should include all risks and provide information on how some of these risks can be mitigated.

Competition Many prospective entrepreneurs fail to incorporate information on competitors, either through their lack of knowledge of them or they are not aware of the significance of competitors to their business. It is, therefore, imperative, as a new or existing business, that you are aware of the competition and that you accentuate your competitive advantages in your business plan.

Suppliers Suppliers play a critical role in your business. It is important to know who and where your suppliers are as they contribute to the effective and efficient running of your business. Inconsistent and lacking inputs from suppliers will impact negatively on production and could result in non-delivery of products to the market. Hence building and strengthening relationships with your suppliers contribute to the long-term sustainability of your business.

Recommended production systems size The size of your goat farming business will depend on a number of variables, the amounts of capital available being the main determining factor. You need to keep the carrying capacity of the natural vegetation in mind as well.

The carrying capacity differs greatly between the climatic regions. It is important that you do not exceed the carrying capacity of the land that is available to you. This will lead to increased feeding costs, and it is very expensive

to regenerate overgrazed pastures.

Keeping this in mind, there is also a minimum number of goats that you can keep in order for the business to remain viable. In a region where there are a lot of competitors, a farmer may need to lower his profit margins to stay within the competitive price range.

Lower profit margins necessitate higher volumes for the business to remain profitable.

Farmers need to attain the correct balance between the minimum number of goats that they can keep while remaining profitable, and the maximum number of goats that they can afford to keep.

The points below refer to aspects that prospective farmers need to keep in mind with specific reference to goat farming.

Access to land Having access to adequate grazing is crucial to keep feeding costs low. Goats are also notorious for breaking through fences, so robust barriers need to be in place in order to keep the goats in and predators out. Apart from the threat of

ProAgri BNZ 12

predators, goats are also easy targets for stock theft. Having land that has water readily available is a great benefit as it will eliminate the costs of boreholes or water pipelines.

Housing and other equipment needs Good quality housing is expensive, but in the long run it saves money. Goats can be kept out of the elements which will lead to a healthier herd. Secure housing will also help to protect your herd from predators and thieves. The housing must have a dry floor and proper ventilation.

Feed and water troughs are essential equipment that you will need to budget for. Apart from this, you will also need handling facilities such as holding pens, a crush, and a loading ramp to ease working with the animals.

Breeding stock The goal is to buy initial breeding stock that can be mated to produce more goats. Buying from a reputable breeder might be more expensive, but it ensures good genetic material that can result in better returns on initial investment in the long run. It is recommended to consult with a local expert to get the best value for money when buying animals that you intend to breed. You will also need to consider which goat breed will best suit the purpose that you want to keep them for. Indigenous goats and Boer goats are normally kept for meat production while Angora goats are used for mohair production. It is also important to ensure that the goat breed of your choice is well suited to the environmental conditions.

The goat breed, availability of feed, adequate housing and access to land are all important factors to consider when starting a goat farming business.

Feeding costs Even if you have access to enough land that can provide the goats with adequate grazing, you will still need to buy feed to supplement their nutritional needs and ensure good growth and weight gain. This can be expensive.

Farmers generally tend to calculate how much feed they will need in a production cycle and then buy in bulk to cut costs and ensure regular availability.

Once you have done the research and compiled a strategy that will enable you to start and successfully grow a goat farming business, you can move on to the implementation of your ideas.

For more information, contact your local agricultural offices or ask for advice from experts in the industry in your area.

Sources: https://bizbolts.co.za/startinggoat-farming-business-plan-pdf/

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

21

Irrigation made easy part 5:

The labour cost of irrigation and system maintenance A

n important part of irrigation planning and operation is understanding how hard a person must work to apply the required amount of water to the crop in the field. On large commercial farms, a single labourer could be used to control an irrigation area of up to 40 hectares. Labour intensive systems could, however, require two to three labourers per hectare to properly irrigate the field. Labour usage is important regardless of the size or type of irrigation system used.

A commercial farmer must understand the cost implications of maintaining a labour team merely to operate the irrigation system. For a small-scale farmer who only irrigates a small area, it is equally important to understand how much time will be spent each day to operate the irrigation system and if there is enough time left to schedule other important activities such as weeding, spraying for pests, harvesting and marketing.

A farmer who, for example, grows kiwi fruit on a vine and harvests at regular intervals throughout the fruiting season will still need to continue irrigating, weeding and performing other normal farming operations throughout the harvest period. Therefore, a farmer must know how much time is needed to perform each task and plan a schedule for daily activities.

For a large-scale or commercial farmer, labour usage would typically be indicated in terms of the number of people needed to irrigate a 10 hectare block, or the entire system. This will impact directly on the labour component of running costs for the system 22

Irrigation Resting

Harvesting and marketing

Weeding and spraying

Figure 2: Labour availability can be managed according to fields or hectares.

Figure 1: A pie chart of the different stages in a field in crop production.

12 Irrigation

and on the availability of labour to perform other tasks.

Labour requirements have a different implication for the market gardener or small-scale farmer. It is important to schedule all tasks and activities for the day. Labour requirements will more typically be expressed in terms of the amount of time normally needed for one person to irrigate one hectare when crop water demands are at a peak. This, in turn defines the time available for other tasks.

System maintenance Every irrigation system needs regular maintenance. How complex or difficult maintenance tasks are likely to be, the amount of labour (with different levels of skill) that is needed to perform these tasks, the cost of equipment and spare parts, the frequency of maintenance operations and the availability of

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Figure 3: Scheduling goes hand in hand with effective labour management. technical support can each make a big difference to the viability of an irrigation system.

Maintenance is important. Poor maintenance will allow an irrigation system to degrade. Water distribution

ProAgri BNZ 12

Check sprinkler nozzles for wear and replace nozzles that is worn.

Every 28 Days

Distribution patterns change due to gradual worn.

Sprinkler

Figure 4: Check your nozzles for wear and tear on a regular basis.

and irrigation efficiency will suffer.

A typical maintenance task is the regular checking of sprinkler nozzles for wear. If a nozzle is worn, more water will escape from the nozzle at normal operating pressures. The distribution pattern of water around the sprinkler will change.

Less water will be available to other sprinklers in the system. The pump will not work as efficiently. Energy costs will increase, irrigation efficiency will drop and crop production will decrease.

Regularly check sprinkler

nozzles for wear and replace worn nozzles with new nozzles of the correct size and type. Each type of irrigation system will naturally have a list of maintenance operations that must be carried out on a routine basis to ensure that the system continues to function correctly.

It is important that each irrigation farmer should have an operations manual for his system that details maintenance tasks, and a toolbox that contains all the tools and equipment needed to perform routine maintenance tasks. A farmer should also maintain a contact list of people who can be approached for advice or assistance with specific problems that may be encountered when operating the system.

Next month we shall look at scheduling water use.

This series is published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their manuals. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

Sprinkler nozzles are a sensitive part of your system and need regular check-ups.

Figure 5: Keep your operations manual near your toolbox.

Use the right number of labourers for the job at hand. Photo: futurepump.com.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

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ProAgri BNZ 12

Mechanise with versatile implements that maximise output and optimise your soil preparation P rofits rise when plants are provided with perfect soil conditions in which to thrive. Therefore, proper soil preparation is an important part of crop farming. The process of preparing the soil and establishing crops is highly complex and unique to each farm. It is based on a wide range of variables, including the crop, the climate, humidity, other growing conditions, and the incorporation of many years of experience of what has been shown to work, or not work, for a particular farm.

Soil preparation involves loosening and processing of the soil to ultimately make the land ready for the introduction of seed into the soil, and it involves a range of processes to reduce soil compaction, increase aeration and promote development of the root systems of plants, reducing weed growth, fertiliser incorporation, crop residues

The Amazone Cenius-2TX trailed mulch cultivator is versatile enough to be used for shallow stubble work and deep topsoil loosening, and can be adjusted to work at depths between 80 mm and 300 mm.

management, and finally the seedbed preparation for planting.

Input costs are constantly rising, therefore selecting the right preparation techniques and equipment to attain the intended outcome, is critical.

Versatility is one of the features farmers expect from soil tillage equipment as it simply makes sense to acquire an implement that can be used for various requirements.

The Amazone range of soil cultivation implements offers the farmer everything from entry level solutions, through to the most advanced mechanised agricultural technology to suit every farm’s needs and budget.

Amazone implements are distributed in South Africa by Falcon Agricultural Equipment, and the cultivation range available includes compact disc harrows, cultivators, and rotary harrows.

The Amazone Catros, a compact disc harrow, is ideal for quick, shallow, and intensive stubble-mixing work and operates without plugging, even with high quantities of surface straw.

It is used mainly to incorporate maize stover and wheat stubble, to loosen up grassland or uncultivated land, and to incorporate organic manure. It is available in working widths of 2,5 m to 12 m and can work between 50 mm and 150 mm deep.

The mulch cultivator range includes the Amazone Cenius-2TX trailed mulch cultivator and the Ceus-2TX tine & disc combination cultivator. The Cenius2TX can be used for jobs from shallow stubble work to deep topsoil loosening

The Amazone Catros is a compact disc harrow that is available in working widths of 2,5 m to 12 m, and can work between 50 mm and 150 mm deep.

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GreenDrill Seed Hoppers are available in 200 ℓ and 500 ℓ sizes, and can be used in combination with almost all Amazone tillage implements for the sowing of cover crops. and can be adjusted to suit just about every application, including conservation tillage. It is available in a 4 m to 8 m working width and can work at depths between 80 mm to 300 mm.

The Ceus-2TX is the most flexible soil tillage implement in the sector, offering the maximum potential output.

It is suitable for stubble cultivation, as well as primary soil tillage, topsoil deep loosening, seedbed preparation and is ideal for farms with plenty of organic matter. It is available in a working width of 4 m to 7 m and works at depths between 80 mm and 300 mm.

The Amazone GreenDrill is a fineseed box that can be used in combination with almost all Amazone tillage implements for sowing cover crops directly into stubble, and is also used for pasture re-seeding. The GreenDrill Seed Hoppers are available in options of 200 ℓ and 500 ℓ.

Amazone offers wide ranges of specifications and optional extras that can be customised to a farmer’s specific requirements. The authorised Amazone dealers and product specialists will gladly advise you on the best options for your specific needs.

Amazone is the leader in German innovation and technology and is at the forefront of innovations for agriculture of the future. Their impressive and comprehensive range of soil cultivation implements should be the first choice for any farmer looking for a quality soil preparation machine.

For more information contact your nearest authorised Falcon dealer or visit www.falconequipment.co.za.

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Jones Masjiene:

Make feed pellets anywhere in only two steps

by Du Preez de Villiers

T

he small town of Koster in the North West province of South Africa suffers under depopulation and increasing unemployment, like most other towns in South Africa. One stronghold against this tide of regression is Jones Masjiene. This feed-plant manufacturer secures employment for 31 people and has beaten the electricity supply challenge, which is currently crippling the country. They are running their whole factory, including the heavy steel cutting equipment, from their own solar electricity plant.

In the spirit and fashion of a true South African farmer, Willie Jones, the owner and founder, is looking far beyond the borders of South Africa to expand his business. Today he has lined up satisfied clients in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola, Malawi, Lesotho, Australia, Madagascar, and Mauritius. The first shipment of equipment to the US is also in the pipeline.

Jones Masjiene manufactures 120 different types of grain and feed processing machines, including hammer mills, conveyors, lick-block presses, and pellet machines, but they are most famous for their flat die pelleting machines.

Compacting feed Pelleted feed offers huge advantages for livestock farmers. It reduces the volume

and storage area, eliminates dust, reduces wastage, prevents animals from segregating feed, improves palatability and prevents infestations by insects.

21 years ago, Jones Masjiene built their first 303 round die pelleting machine and installed it with their first complete feed and pelleting plant on the farm of George Ramasoka from Ramotswa in Botswana.

It was driven with a 37-kW motor and used a 4,5-mm die. This machine is still producing between 1,8 and 2,1 tonnes of chicken pellets per hour.

Profeeds in Harare in Zimbabwe is also still using a Jones Masjiene pelleting plant with four machines, installed 17 years ago, and all of them are working 24 hours a day, six days a week.

Jones Masjiene caters for many more industries and their pelleting dies are available in 3, 4,5, 6, 10 and 16 mm sizes. They supply a range of machines driven by 11 to 45 kW motors, but since the pressure in a pelleting machine gets awfully high with increments in size, Willie prefers to reduce the risk and rather offer two smaller machines instead of a big one. This holds other benefits, such as a reduction in collective down time.

Another reason why the pelleting machines from Jones Masjiene are towering above the rest, is that they can handle large chunks of roughage coming out of

A Jones Masjiene feed pelleting machine is a must-have for a serious self-mixing livestock farmer.

A diesel-propelled pelleting machine opens new solutions for farmers who struggle with a stable electricity supply. a normal feed cutter/mixer. You do not need to send the roughage through a hammer mill before pelletising, thereby eliminating the cost and effort of one step, and preventing the loss of nutrients blowing away on dust particles.

The higher the accuracy and more advanced the technology of the manufacturing equipment, the faster the manufacturing processes, and the better the machines will be. Jones Masjiene uses the best the market can offer to turn steel into feed plants.

They employ a Hypertherm high definition plasma cutter that easily cuts through 50 mm steel plate; a Bystronic fibre laser, Panasonic CO2 welders, and even a Panasonic robot welder. Their milling machines, lathes and bending machines are also on the leading edge.

Another exciting Jones Masjiene design is a diesel-driven pelleting machine. This is especially popular with farmers in the bone-dry regions of Namibia and Botswana, who started highly successful “boskos� production with the invasive thorn bushes that invade their grasslands. They can now move their pelletisers to the most remote areas on their vast farms and go home with nicely compacted feed in bags. The cherry on top is the space made available for their pastures to recover once the invader bushes have been utilised.

Jones Masjiene is a phone call or e-mail away. Contact them at +27(0)14-543-4889 or +27(0)83-627-6026 or e-mail willie@jonesm.co.za, or visit their website at www.jonesmasjiene.co.za.

Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/jones.masjiene, for their latest product developments.

You may also go on a virtual tour through the Jones Masjiene factory at https://farmspacevirtual.co.za/Jones_Masjiene/ #media=1, to see the best equipped and most efficient manufacturing plant in their industry.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

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with huge grain handling t Lacing Technology groupMore has than 70 years Fwillarmers systems, or even small bag loaders, know that conveyer belts are very in the manufacture of conveyor belt finicky equipment. They almost always of innovation at your service sign ofpresent technical beltsto splice (trulyorendless a headache fix and to align. Rather leave these complex exer conveyor belt belting accessories & Minet Lacing Technology, a French manufacturer whose core business is ercises in the hands of MLT MinetMLT Lacing Technology, aproduct French manufacturer ss. Innovation, qualitytheand splicing of conveyor belts and the manufacture of technical belts whose core business is the manufacturing and splicing of conveyor belts.

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Poultry production guide Part 5:

by Jaco Cilliers

Process your poultry to boost your profit A

farm is above all a business and should therefore be operated on sound business principles to be successful. In order to expand your poultry business to become a real poultry producer, you will need to focus on poultry processing. Processing, when done correctly, will enable you to market your product to an entirely new market and unlock potential income.

In order to produce profitable poultry, the farmer should ensure that: • everything is done in strict hygienic conditions; • quality and appearance remain consistent; • prices are affordable; • the product is produced with a realistic expiry date.

Small-scale farmers can also capitalise on the opportunity to expand their

chicken farms into a poultry producing enterprises. However, certain aspects need to be kept in mind when planning a poultry processing plant.

Type of poultry Poultry means more than chickens.

The information provided is focussed on broilers, chicken, turkey, and geese.

Other types of poultry have different requirements.

Poultry handling before slaughter Ensure that feeding stops at least four hours before the poultry arrive at the abattoir. This will ensure that their stomachs and gizzards are empty, which helps to keep conditions in the abattoir more hygienic.

Evisceration This part of the process will depend greatly on the target market. Do the research and make sure that you take

local religion into consideration. You might need to comply to Halaal or Kosher standards in order to sell your product to the community.

Packaging Packaging can be a very expensive part of the process, depending on how you wish to present your product. Apart from being visually attractive, packaging needs to be functional. If packaging can keep your product fresh, enable easy storage and transport, and does not increase the price of the product too much, there is no need to buy more expensive packaging. There are three basic types of packaging that can tick all the boxes.

• Over-wrapping where the meat is wrapped in a clear layer of plastic.

• Bag wrapping where the meat is placed into a bag and sealed. The bag can be branded with your logo and product information.

• Vacuum packaging where the meat is placed inside a bag and all the air removed to ensure a longer shelf life.

Refrigeration Refrigeration is a key part of this process, and no poultry processing plant can exist without it. Meat will easily spoil in the heat of Southern Africa, therefore the product must be kept cold throughout the whole process. A cold chain needs to be established from start to finish to keep the products fresh and safe for consumption.

Distribution After the meat is frozen for the first time it should remain frozen until it is ready to be used by the end consumer.

It is vital that refrigerated transport is used to distribute the meat from the processing plant to the retail store or market. Meat that is thawed and refrozen will spoil very easily, which will have dire consequences for the producer.

Processing poultry will increase the profit of your chicken farm by enabling you to access new markets.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

In the next article in this series, we shall provide more information on the steps in the slaughtering process and discuss the equipment needed in greater detail.

31

Botswana 32

ProAgri BNZ 12

Pig production guide Part 5: Breeding practices, sow selection and management

by Jenny Turton

T

he success of a piggery lies in the quality of the breeding programme and breeding practices. Using superior genetics and efficient culling will ensure that your pigs are genetically sound, but also limit the costs of keeping pigs that are not producing optimally. Only the best among the young growing female animals on the farm must be selected and kept for breeding. The following guideline will aid in making your piggery more profitable.

Select breeding gilts from sows that produce large litters with above average growth rate, and carcasses with a low fat content.

The following characteristics should be considered when selecting gilts: • Strong, straight legs with large, even-sized claws.

• Gilts should walk straight and well, and stand up on their claws without collapsing at the pastern joints just above the foot.

• A well-formed vulva and six wellshaped, prominent teats on each side of the belly. The teats should start well forward and be spaced evenly to allow adequate suckling space for the piglets.

• A well-developed ham, good length with light shoulders and head.

Replacement of gilts If replacement gilts are not available when needed or if they do not comply with the requirements, the gilts should be bought. It is advisable to buy them from the same farm where the boars come from, because in this way the previous owner can advise you on the breeding policy for a small pig farm.

Gilt management before first service Gilts are usually selected for breeding at five to six months of age. The pigs not selected can then be sold as baconers at a live weight of about 85 to 90 kg. The selected gilts are reared to weigh between 120 and 130 kg at seven and a half to eight months of age when they are ready to be served by a boar for the first time.

Gilts have to be in a good condition to produce large litters (8 to 10 or more healthy piglets) and should not be too fat when they are ready for mating.

Therefore, they should be fed about 2 kg of meal per day from the time of selection until a boar serves them at the age of eight months. This will also ensure that not too much fat is lost during the suckling period and that

they are in a good condition after weaning their first litters.

Culling of sows Culled sows must be removed from the farm and sold as soon as possible. It does not pay to keep culled sows on the farm to gain weight before they are sold.

As soon as the sow's udder has returned to normal after weaning, it is wise to send her to the abattoir. A replacement gilt can then be brought into the herd immediately. Reasons for removing sows from the herd are usually not known beforehand. Therefore, replacement gilts should always be available so that the number of breeding sows on the farm always remains the same.

Gilts and sows should be carefully selected to ensure that the best genetic traits are carried over to the next generation. Photo: pixabay.com

Sows have to be removed from the herd and slaughtered for the following reasons:

Reasons for culling

% of sows to be culled

Not pregnant

17

Failure to conceive at service

12

Do not come on heat

5

Abortions

6

Lameness

12

Poor performance (small litters, etc.)

14

Old age

25

Disease

3

Lack of milk

5

Sows that farrow regularly and rear large litters (nine or more piglets) and are free of other problems and diseases should rear five to six or even more litters before they have to be removed from the herd. A sow is usually removed from the herd when her litters start to become smaller (two small litters in succession) or when she does not readily come on heat after weaning.

For further information, contact your animal health technician, state or private veterinarian or Animal Health for Developing Farmers ARC Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute on +27(0)12529-9158 or The Resource Centre, +27(0)12-319-7141 or +27(0)12-319-7085. Next month we shall discuss the requirements of sufficient housing.

We thank the South African Department of Agriculture for the information provided to the readers of Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe in this article series. For more information visit their website at https:// www.daff.gov.za/.

Photo: pixabay.com

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

33

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ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

35

Namibia

It all begins with a visit to a place where people still count Kaap Agri Nambia is an agricultural services group that distributes good and services mainly to the agricultural sector, but also to the general public.

These goods and services include: • Direct agricultural production inputs such as fertilisers, seeds and pesticides.

• Animal feeds, animal health and pet-realted products.

• Fuels, oils, lubrication and tyres.

• Industrial and domestic gas.

• Gardening and agricultural irrigiation equipment.

• Related products, such as wire and poles.

• Building materials, such as cement, timber, paint, corrugated iron and plastic.

• Horticultural supplies like tools, fertiliser and chemicals.

• DIY items like tools, ladders, screws and accessories.

• Camping equipment and related accessories for the outdoor enthusiast.

• Food, cleaning agents and cloting, which includes protective clothing.

• Financing of these products and services.

• Delivery services.

OWNERSHIP Kaap Agri Nambia is a private company of which 50% shareholding is Namibian-owned by the Pupkewitz Group of Companies.

Expressmark

Fuel and convenience offering to the general public.

Financing

A wide range of financing products is available to fulfill the diverse agricultural financing needs of our clients.

We specialise in finance pagckages to specifically address the seasonal financial needs of our customers involved in the agronomy sector and would like to invite prospective customers to contact our financing office for for detailed information regarding these packages.

Services available include processing of all new applications, applications for credit increase, account queries etc.

Windhoek: (061) 226266

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Cash/deposit accounts; 30-Day accounts; Seasonal accounts (60 days to 6 months)

Interest Rate

The prime bank interest rate of Kaap Agri Namibia’s bankers forms the basis to determine interest rates charged to our customers.

Differentiated interest rates are applicable.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF TRADING POINTS

Factors such as asset and liability ratios, solvency, payment history and operational risks will be considered.

Kaap Agri Namibia provides these goods and services through a network of 19 trading points across 16 cities, towns and farm settlements throughout Namibia.

Kaap Agri Namibia has the right to deterine interest rates accoridng to individual needs and cirsumstances.

Particularly in the larger towns and cities, Agrimark concentrates on the destination customer who desires a wide range of items under one roof.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES IN THE GROUP

Sales Representatives

Experienced personnel who specialise in addressing customer needs with tailor-made solutions within their farming operations on a personal basis.

In short, Kaap Agri Namibia provides a wide range of goods, products and services to a broad spectrum of clients through an extensive footprint that stretches throughout Namibia.

Agrimark

A chain of retail sotres that offer direct agricultural production inputs and related products.

Contact your nearest branch for more information regarding our products and services:

Agrimark: Aranos (062) 272375 • Gobabis (062) 565335 • Gochas (063) 250007 • Grootfontein (067 248500) • Hardap (063) 240897 • Keetmanshoop (063) 227450 • Mariental (063) 241309 • Omaruru (064) 571418 • Otjiwarongo (067-300300 • Rehoboth (062) 521550 • Stampriet (063) 260046 • Windhoek (061) 401490 Expressmark: Grünau (063) 262059 • Stampriet (063) 260046 • Rehoboth (062) 521550 • Ondangwa (065) 240483 Depots: Kalahari Padstal Depot – Omitara (062) 560250 • Hochfeld Depot (062) 549011 • Outjo Depot (067) 312585

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ProAgri BNZ 12

Saving Namibia’s livestock industry Part 7:

Different rangeland approaches or case studies/best practices

T

he Namibian livestock industry is in decline. There is a large-scale loss of palatable perennial grasses, widely spread bush encroachment, and Namibia is regarded as a country that will be severely affected by climate change.

To counter this trend, the Department of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), together with industry partners such as the Namibian Farmers’ Union, initiated and developed an innovative rangeland policy that can add N$4 billion per year to the GDP if fully implemented.

This is the last extract from the policy document that can help farmers to survive the next drought.

The best practices presented in this section are intended to give an idea of methods available and how they have been applied.

Case study 7: Alternative feeds for livestock in communal areas Professor Sikhalazo Dube is the Southern African regional representative of the International Livestock Research Institute. At the National Rangeland Forum in 2018, Prof Dube said: “The lack of market access, prolonged dry seasons, livestock deaths and poor income, are all key challenges that smallholder farmers face, with climate change as an added threat to agricultural productivity. There are, however, solutions for smallholder farmers to break out of poverty.”

Prof Dube, who worked in the northern regions of Namibia, shared his experiences of crop and livestock farming in Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Malawi and Mozambique. He indicated that four of the five highest-value global agricultural commodities (milk, rice, pigs, cattle, and chicken) are from livestock.

He emphasised the importance of agriculture and added that 4 billion people who live on less than US$10 a day (primarily in developing countries) represent a food market of about $2,9 trillion per year, with an asset value of $1,4 trillion that employs at least 1,3 billion people.

There is also massive potential for growth, with expected annual meat consumption increasing from 258 million tonnes in 1997 to 460 million tonnes in 2050. The livestock sector can provide food and nutritional security; power economic development; improve human health; and enhance the environment. Prof Dube warns, however, that the livestock sector must be developed equitably, while mitigating possible health and critical environmental issues.

Feed options for cattle “Cattle depend on natural pasture as a main source of feed, but the protein content of grass declines in the dry season. To boost the protein intake of livestock, it is a good idea in certain parts of the country to supplement their feed with forage legumes and crop residues such as groundnut, maize stover, and mucuna (velvet bean) hay reserved from the farmers’ previous harvests.”

Prof Dube conducted a feed ration experiment for 56 days with maize stover offered ad libitum in various ratios with crushed maize, soya bean meal, soya bean residue, mucuna hay, mucuna seed, lablab hay, cowpea shells, groundnut residue, poultry litter, beef concentrate, minerals and vitamins.

The results were that the body weight of cattle fed on rations based on lablab/cowpea, mucuna and groundnut stover were significantly higher than that of commercial feeds or grassfed cattle. Looking at the gross margin analysis of all the different feed rations, mucuna was the costliest option, but it achieved the highest gross profit margin per animal.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

Forage seed production Prof Dube also suggested that forage seed production should be investigated in some parts of Namibia to improve pastures and provide fodder for livestock, improve soil (nitrogen fixation from legume crops, crop rotations, cover crops, et cetera), and diversify farm income sources.

The crops with the best gross margin were lablab and mucuna, followed by cowpea. It was widely adopted in Zimbabwe where it was planted in rotation with cereals. After planting mucuna, farmers found that the soil was significantly more fertile as a result of nitrogen fixation.

They also realised that mucuna seeds have a market value and started selling it to other farmers and development organisations. Indicative of the value farmers place on forage plants, mucuna seeds sold in 2014 in the Beitbridge area generated US$11 000. In 2018, seed sales for that area amounted to approximately US$50 000.

Mini-feedlot Prof Dube also shared his experience in the establishment and running of small feedlots as registered companies in the communal setting. These feedlots are small and not costly, but are proving to be very effective for the finishing of animals on a relatively small scale in a sustainable and viable way, with inputs grown by the farmers or surrounding farmers.

Conclusions In conclusion, Prof Dube indicated that mucuna and groundnut-based diets produce viable returns when fed to livestock, and that these technologies are easily adopted by smallholder farmers. He said that supplementing beef cattle with alternative protein sources grown in the location is a viable option in smallholder systems.

Prof Dube believes that the private sector and other market players need to be involved to strengthen the market.

*The National Rangeland Management Policy (NRMP) was approved in 2012. In 2014, the NRMPS Project was commissioned in support of this policy under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF), to address the declining natural resource base in Namibia.

Extract from Reviving Namibia’s Livestock Industry, Regenerative Livestock Production Trends, Key Profit Drivers, Case Studies and Recommendations, NRMP Best Practice Strategy Document (Revised edition from 2012 NRMPS), Based on Namibia Rangeland Management Policy (NRMP).

37

Namibia

Buy for N$500 or more from any of the following brands: SMS Cattle OR Sheep + TX invoice number to 30300 (SMS costs N$1.50) COMPETITION VALID 28 AUGUST - 30 NOVEMBER 2020 38

At all Agra branches countrywide. T’s & C’s apply.

ProAgri BNZ 12

Manage your costs to mitigate COVID-19 impact

T

he outbreak of Covid-19 across the globe is presenting a unique set of challenges to industries and causing severe disruption to global value chains, says Standard Bank’s Head of Agribusiness, Gerhard Mukuahima.

He adds that this is especially true in relation to agriculture, raising questions and concerns about how the locking down of countries worldwide creates challenges for farmers to achieve the profits they budgeted for at the start of the season. Gerhard proposes a number of areas that can be looked at to continue making profits without compromising on quality of farm produce.

“Cutting costs without compromising on quality may seem like an oxymoron, however, you can save money by making small adjustments to various aspects on the farm operations, instead of just slashing costs in a single area,” he opines.

Following are some of the ways one can implement to manage costs: 1. Pay less for your inputs While input costs are rising, your ability to secure inputs such as seeds, fertiliser, and animal feeds at the cheapest possible rate is a good place to start saving money. Depending on your supplier, what stops you from negotiating an early order programme with your supplier?

2. Keep track of key usage Naturally, you don’t want to deprive

your soil, crops or animals of key nutrients which could affect your quality and yield, so it’s important that you keep track of utilisation of key nutrients and prioritise their procurement.

Saving on these inputs may seem like a small cost, however, depending on the scale of your operation it can make a difference in the numbers by end of the financial period.

3. Diversification So you’re a specialist maize farmer.

You do this really well and you’d rather not venture into growing crops you don’t understand. However, by diversifying your rotation, and including new low-cost crops into your mix, you can spend less on maize related expenses. The same could be done with a livestock farming operation.

Introduce new enterprises (particularly short-term based high-valued cash options), such as poultry or hydroponics fodder production, for example, in the farming operation so as to create mixture of income streams.

4. Postpone major upgrades and purchases If you’ve been planning to upgrade portions of infrastructures on the farm, or buy new equipment, perhaps it's best to defer such plans or ideas, unless it forms an essential part of your operation, and has immediate impact on your bottom line.

New technologies and products are released regularly, which means

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

there’s always something new and trendy for you to try. Not all technologies will work in your operation, and spending money on products and equipment that don’t contribute to you saving money is not worth the investment.

5. Keep a close eye on pest management costs Pest management (weeds, insects and disease) can significantly drive up your costs, and in the dry season it’s important to keep a close eye on how much you’re spending on pesticides.

Instead of applying/spraying for prevention on a weekly basis, you can reduce to once every two weeks. If you notice that it’s not working and that you’re inviting pests to the site, then you can revert back to more regular spraying. The less you spend on pest control, the easier it will be for you to reduce costs.

There are a number of ways for you to reduce your costs and save towards new equipment or upgrades for the farm. Your knowledge and experience on the farm can allow you to save money in areas that you probably overlook in haste.

For more information, please visit your nearest branch or e-mail the Standard Bank Agribusiness team Agri.BusinessInfor@standardbank. com.na or visit our website www.standardbank.com.na.

39

Namibia 40

ProAgri BNZ 12

OPKOMENDE OKTOBER VEILINGS Maandag

Dinsdag

Woensdag

Donderdag

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Gobabis

28

29

1

Grootvee

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3

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ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

-Bees

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15 Keeman- 16 shoop

23 Mariental -Skaap, Bok, Bees

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Zimbabwe 42

ProAgri BNZ 12

Mechanisation solutions for small farms T

o remain profitable and keep up with a competitive market, you need to have the right tools for the job. Depending on your type of farming, there is an overwhelming range of farm equipment to choose from that will make your life easier. This article will provide some broad guidelines to consider when shopping for farming equipment.

Your needs The first factor that you should consider is what do you need your machinery to do? There will be obvious differences between the needs of a crop farmer and that of a poultry farmer. Here are examples of the questions that you should be asking yourself: • Are you farming with crops or animals?

• What animals, if any, will you farm with?

• If you produce crops, what type of crops will you have and how big is the area that you intend to use?

Tractor implements The implements are the machines that really do all the work. Without implements the tractor has very limited purpose. The most popular implements are mowers, loaders, tillers, planters, ploughs, hay balers, manure spreaders and more. Once again you will have to decide which tool you need to make your farming easier. Also remember to buy the right size that will suit your tractor. The tractor’s power should be kept in mind when buying implements.

Harvesters These machines can be extremely expensive. They also come in different forms. A harvester can be self-propelled or used as an attachment to a tractor. Once again, you as the farmer should make sure what you need before you buy a machine to harvest crops. If you have only a small patch of land, you can consider hand-harvesting or even contracting harvesters rather than buying one.

by Jaco Cilliers

Photo: Unsplash Livestock equipment Livestock equipment can range from water troughs to shelters, and feeding and handling equipment. Depending on how many animals and what type of animals you keep, you will need various types of equipment. Fencing will always be one of the most important things that you will need. Good fences will ensure that the animals are kept safe.

Electric fences are also an option but can be avoided to save costs.

Once you have considered this, you will have a good idea of what you will need.

But no matter what type of farming you plan, there are some machines that you will not be able to do without, the first being a good tractor.

The tractor The tractor is very versatile machine that can be used for many different purposes. Every farm needs a tractor to move heavy loads or to draw implements on the fields. When choosing a tractor, the farmer once again is spoiled for choice. These machines come in all shapes and sizes and more importantly prices. On a small farm you should be able to manage with a compact, multi-purpose tractor that range from 15kw to 50kw.

Photo: agri4all.com The all-important pick-up The versatile nature of the humble pick-up truck makes it a necessity for any farm. The ground clearance makes it easier to navigate the rough terrain of farms and the loading bin allows farmers to load almost anything.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 12

Properly planned handling facilities will save time and money. Photo: agri4all.com Things to consider No matter what type of mechanical equipment you consider buying, the following aspects should always be kept in mind. Think of the price, the machine’s performance, and power that it can deliver. Will it suit your needs? Also think about how affordable and easily available the parts are to maintain the machines. The product support offered by the supplier will have an impact on your choice.

The good news is that you do not need to go far to find good quality farming equipment. Visit https:// agri4all.com to find any type of farming equipment you will ever need.

With a wide range of new and secondhand goods that is guaranteed to suit your needs and your pocket you will walk away a satisfied customer.

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Zimbabwe 44

ProAgri BNZ 12

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Omnia Branch Network Paisley Road, 4th Street, Harare Drive Visit your nearest Omnia Cash & Carry branch for more information.

SUPERFERT VEG MIX C

SuperFert Veg Mix (10:15:15) is rich in nitrogen hence being recommended as a Top-dressing fertilizer.

This Fertilizer has a stable supply of phospherous, and potassium hence recommended in horticulture production for leafy and fruiting crops. SuperFert Veg Mix C is therefore a desirable fertilizer for upcoming back yard gardening which as a company we are encouraging to improve good nutrition at household level and all those doing big spaces of land.

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SuperFert Veg Top 32 (21:0:32) is rich in potassium, making it a preferred fruiting fertilizer for tomatoes, Impwa and Eggplant. Stolons such as watermelons, pumpkins, Butternuts, Cucumbers also respond very well to this fertilizer.

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almazsa

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ProAgri BNZ 12

Plant equipment / Truck Sales / Transport • Diesel fix Decontaminate • Mining equipment • MB Crushing Buckets and attachments • Plant Trucks

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ProAgri BNZ 12