ProAgri Zambia 39

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a No 39

Free

is here Mill healthy meal with Drotsky Lima Links connects the agri-sector

bringing plant potential to life

WE INVEST IN SMALL-SCALE FARMERS TO GENERATE LASTING INCOME A MODEL TO GROW WITH

HOW WE DO IT

Good Nature Agro engages small-scale farming households to multiply seed

Training: Community members become our Private Extension Agents (PEAs)

legumes such as soybean, groundnut, cowpea, and dry beans. Our model builds

Farmers form groups of ten and nominate a potential leader, four groups of

trust and links smallholders to lucrative markets, while simultaneously providing

ten are clustered together and the four potential candidates are interviewed,

the environment necessary for these smallholders to produce more and deliver.

one of whom is selected to enrol in PEA college. Our extension agents support

Over the past five years, Good Nature has done this in a focused way by

only 40 farmers, reaching their fields to offer personalised agronomical advice

operating our outgrower programme for legume seeds with the aim of lifting

is made easier with the provision of a bicycle and smartphones to track loans

these producers into the middle class.

and tractability. Our enthusiastic field team are formally educated agricultural graduates stationed in the communities they serve - who have completed an intensive Training of Trainer coaching.

+260 96 491 8871

info@goodnatureagro.com

www.goodnatureagro.com

Finance: Inputs provided in-kind

Certify: Zambia’s Seed Control and Certification

Consciously increasing access to grow for Good

Institute (SCCI) certification.

Nature, we offer all seed and any chemicals

Our field team of agricultural experts resides in

required on loan, put simply: for every 1kg of seed

the communities growing Good Nature Seed, able

loaned, farmers repay with 2,5 kg. Partnering with

to meet the national requirement of monitoring all

FINCA, we provide financial education trainings and

seed growing fields at least twice per season.

enrol our growers in Savings and Lending Groups

Good Nature Seeds are subject to rigorous quality

to improve community level access to finance, and

control checks and are proven to meet even the

financial literacy.

most stringent tests, consistently exceedin over 90% germination rate.

Market: We guarantee market for all our seed producers We process & distribute the Good Nature Seed output of our grower’s efforts to farmers around the region to ensure all smallholders have access to quality, affordable seed. We are committed to broadening our portfolio to include varieties with better market fit to smallholders, commercial growers, and the private industry throughout Southern Africa.

Cover

Letter from the Editor

Syngenta is more than a chemical company. They wish to ensure that their farmer-clients follow the right steps towards making a huge success of their planting season. Follow their step by step guide on page 24 and 25 to stay ahead.

ProAgri

A

gritech is the talk of the town and all the whose who’s are finalising their plans to attend the three-day show.

This year, the organisers promised an even bigger and better event. ProAgri Zambia’s Agritech map will be in the copies to be handed out at the show, in case you left yours at home. Please visit our stand in the media section and take your chance in one of the lucky draws.

Zambia experienced a tough planting season with droughts and floods, but we have to think a moment about our colleagues in Malawi and Mozambique who have lost much more than crops and livestock… This is one of the worst natural disasters in ages and the crisis isn’t over yet. The current cholera outbreak that followed the floods is going to take more lives. The situation is dire, and aid organisations from all

Content

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over the world are having their hands full to limit the casualties.

This month we have packed in a neat number of articles with Lima Links as a new contributor. This company and Good Nature Agro are exploring the tech-sphere with smart phone apps to streamline smallholder farming. Their successes are worth mentioning.

The articles and content in livestock section are growing steadily and we are impressed with the nifty innovations the companies are sending all over Africa. Also read about the affordable silos RSA Grain Storage has to offer.

Farm smartly!

Du Preez de Villiers dupreez@proagri.co.za

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21

3.

Good Nature Agro meets your commodity needs

4.

Wean with NoseRing and earn a premium

6.

Sheep farming made easy: Part 14

11.

Novatek: Rainy season syndrome

14.

Versatile Bonnox works on a versatile farm

17.

Tiger Chicks: The neighbour’s envy is the owner’s pride

19.

Make healthier maize meal with Drotsky

21.

Save money: A PVC roof on top of your aluzinc silo is a viable option

23.

Lima Links opens markets for Zambian farmers

24.

Syngenta: Wheat production

29.

Spray to protect your crops: Part 14

23

technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

Nangwenya House No. 7352 Nangwenya Road Rhodespark +26 (0)96-216-9801 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 Zambia Editor Du Preez de Villiers > +27 82-598-7329 dupreez@proagri.co.za General Manager and Distribution Zambia Quintus Grobler > +26-(0)96-216-9801 (WA only) South Africa + 27-078-978-6339 quintus@proagri.co.za Reporters Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Benine Ackermann > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Senior Production Manager: Zainab Pandor > +26 (0)97-769-9786 zainab@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 Tiny Smith > +27 82-698-3353 tiny@proagri.co.za Anelda Strauss > +27 74-424-0055 anelda@proagri.co.za Gerhard Potgieter > +27 74-694-4422 gerhard@proagri.co.za Design Christiaan Joubert > christiaan@proagri.co.za Enquiries Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0782 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler

ProAgri Zambia 39

Good Nature Agro meets your commodity needs

by Amie Fletcher

P

overty alleviation in Africa is a pressing issue and many companies struggle to do it in a profitable manner, but Good Nature Agro is geared for this challenge.

Good Nature Agro is an established legume seed company founded with the objective to move Zambian smallholder farmers out of poverty and into the middle class. They believe that the future of agriculture in Africa is disaggregated, and smallholders are the most powerful producers to supply local, regional, and global markets. With their personalised, scalable techniques, they’ve enabled nearly 5 000 farmers to increase their income by 300% over four years.

Up to now Good Nature growers produce the following crops; cowpeas, soya beans, groundnuts, pigeon peas and beans. These crops have been expertly chosen to suit small-scale and commercial needs alike – increased tolerance to drought, producing high yields, and requiring little additional inputs – a cost effective farming option.

Good Nature Agro’s outgrowers succeed This company identifies markets, starts businesses and brands or partnerships to supply these markets, such as Good Nature Seeds. They manage to challenge the commercial status quo of seed multiplication. They now contract 5 000 growers, who on average each uses half a hectare of Zambia’s agriculturally rich land in Eastern Province. They provide every Good Nature grower with the following key services to ensure success: 1. A guaranteed contract 2. Highly professional personal technical support from a local agent sharing revenue in the company 3. Aff ordable finance 4. A premium market made possible for the businesses they start.

You need a networking source Good Nature Seed delivers the output of their grower’s efforts to farmers of the region to ensure all smallholders have access to quality, affordable seed.

ProAgri Zambia 39

Outgrowers Adding legumes to your growers’ portfolio can be an excellent way to build loyalty that carries over to your main market, increase food security and grower stability, and potentially add an additional revenue stream. Even if you are focused on a crop outside their portfolio, with third-party financing, you can bring more benefits to your growers and your firm, without adding significant risk.

Farmer organisations It’s time that you get a reliable partner who can connect you with viable markets and provide the support you need in one package. Good Nature invites established farmer groups to apply to become part of this new initiative. They are negotiating favourable terms with leading financial institutions to offer you a comprehensive financing package. This partnership would feature additional benefits for your members, improving financial literacy, saving and lending group enrolment, and agricultural training.

Partner organisations No one organisation holds the capacity and expertise to meet this demand, so Good Nature is seeking partners who share this vision. If you are working with a group of growers and are driven to bring about deep impact through sustainable value chains, they want to talk.

Phillip Mwiinga, Field Supervisor at Good Nature Agro shows the importance of the cell phone app, Smallholdr, in their operation.

They are now launching a trading arm, Good Nature Source, to meet regional commodity needs, linking farmers, both inside and outside their network, to lucrative contract markets. Agribusiness and organisations are seeking a reliable supply of legumes and raw materials.

Good Nature Source invites you to submit your product needs as they are boldly moving to offer all farmers a guaranteed market. They are structured to listen to what you, their customer wants. They then work backwards to agree partnership financing and crop procurement which is then grown under contract by farmer groups in various locations in the country. Overseen by an expertly trained Good Nature Agro agronomist, training material is disseminated via a bespoke smartphone application, called Smallholdr.

Following a successful pilot programme in which they contracted third party financiers to assist established farmer groups to grow commodity soya beans, Good Nature Sources is excited to announce this new approach to supplying you with the quality inputs you need. They will be guided by your quantity, crop, variety and varying levels of processing, because uniform quality output is their priority.

Hard and smart work, combined with business savvy, are the principles upon which Good Nature Agro is building the partnerships with their farmers.

CONTACT US TODAY! Register your interest now; Good Nature will do the hard work. Simply get in touch via info@goodnatureagro.com and they will ask you for more details about your needs.

3

Wean with NoseRing and earn a premium

by Du Preez de Villiers

simpler, since you can do it in the kraal.

The state of mind of the bull calves during the six weeks of weaning is extremely important for their future performance in the feedlots. A relaxed calf performs better, and the feedlots are more than willing to pay premiums for top performers. JD can vouch that the use of NoseRing to wean his calves ensures a good premium on his animals.

With NoseRing, JD van der Vyver’s Bonsmara calves show virtually no signs of stress during the weaning period.

T

he few days after weaning has a crucial influence on the well-being and quality of your calves, since their response has an important impact on their weight gain in the feedlots.

JD van der Vyver is a passionate Bonsmara farmer on the farm Brandwag in the Vryburg area in the Northern Central part of South Africa. His father, Hannes, bought the first animals in 1976 and JD took over in 1992 to focus on improving their genetics.

His eff orts have been rewarded with profitability and fine-looking animals.

Besides his breeding stud he also has commercial animals. He sells his bull calves to the feedlots and pregnant heifers on auctions presented by Bonsmara farmer groups he belongs to.

“I keep all my heifers on one farm away from any bulls and grow them out until 18 months before I put them with the bulls. Then I select the ones I want to auction on grounds of pregnancy examinations and at the same time choose which ones will fit the best into my stud,” JD says.

The success of JD’s operation depends heavily on the success of his weaning process. 15 years ago he came across the NoseRing. It is a simple, but highly effective spiky device which clamps onto the nose of the calf to make it impossible for the youngster 4

to drink from the cow.

“I love this device a lot and it makes farming very easy. It gives me the opportunity to wean the calf earlier, for example, if I want to give a firstcalf heifer a longer resting period before the next impregnation. It works like a charm, because the calves are much calmer than with other weaning methods,” he says. Another benefit of NoseRing is that JD can keep his calves back when prices are low. “You have the choice to market the calf whenever you want to,” he says.

The natural process of weaning is for the cow to push the calf away when it wants to suckle. But many of the good mothers don't do it and let the calf suckle for way too long, thereby forfeiting their own condition.

The next method is to remove the calf to fence-wean it, but the physical barrier causes a lot of stress to mother and child. Normally there is a lot of running around and mooing.

When you use the NoseRing, the weaning happens by itself. The day after you insert the NoseRing, the calf is calm and stands next to his mother.

Now JD can leave the calf in peace for the next six weeks before he sells it.

To insert the NoseRing, you simply put the calf in a neck clamp and put it in within a minute. To take it out is even

It only takes a head clamp and less than a minute to insert a NoseRing.

It can be removed even quicker and without the aid of a cattle handling system.

NoseRing is available at Livestock Services. Visit them at Pamodzi Highway, off Nangwenya Road, Showgrounds, or call them at 097-547-4119, 096-963-5407, 254024, 254497 or 254498.

NoseRing

®

• Wean with ease • No stress • Next to the mother

Whole Concepts cc PO Box 1806, Vryburg,8600, South Africa

Tel: +27 (0)53 927 4999 Cell: +27 (0)82 459 9451 E-mail: judy@nosering.co.za www.nosering.co.za

ProAgri Zambia 39

ProAgri Zambia 39

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Sheep farming made easy Part 14: Elements of the shearing shed complex

he shearing shed complex can be divided into three clearly identifiable areas based on the activities performed in these areas. These areas are the: • Holding area • Shearing area • Wool handling area

Holding area

Shearing area

We thank the ARC Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for making their manual on sheep production and facilities available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia.

Holding area The holding or keeping area of the shearing complex includes a shed, filling pens, gathering pens and collecting pens. It is in this part of the complex where the most sheep movement takes place and the shearing tempo will be negatively influenced if shearers have to wait for the sheep. The influence of sheep behaviour has already been discussed in a previous edition and is also applicable here.

The design principle applicable on these areas will be to include all 6

Table for pieces

Sliding chute

Storage area

Shearing floor

Lead-up alley

The shearing shed can also include the following: • Storeroom for bale bags, shears, parts, et cetera.

• Office for record-keeping systems, first aid equipment, medicine, kettles, et cetera.

• Toilet facilities and showers. If these facilities are placed too far away from the building, unnecessary time is wasted.

Wool handling area

Wool bins

T

Wool table

Gathering pen

Wool press Storage area

Wool table

1 500 mm 5 000 mm

3 000 mm

1 000 mm 5 000 mm

5 500 mm

Figure 1: Typical layout and minimum dimensions of a shearing shed.

ProAgri Zambia 39

characteristics and factors which promote the required movement of sheep with the least time and effort for the handler.

The entrance: The entrance to the shearing shed is important as it can have a great influence on the resistance against movement. The following must be considered in the design of the entrance: • The floor surface of the entrance must be durable, preferably of concrete and non-slip.

• The entrance must be wide enough so that more than one sheep at a time can enter side by side for easier movement. It must however not be so wide that it becomes difficult for the handler to control the sheep. A minimum practical width is approximately 1,5 m with a maximum of 2,5 to 3,0 m.

• Where the shearing level is higher than the wool handling level, it will be necessary to use a ramp. The slope of the ramp must preferably not exceed 20° (1:3).

• The sides of the ramp must preferably be covered with a non-transparent material, because the height may hamper the flow of the sheep.

• The ramp may be straight or at a 90° angle into the building, as shown in Figure 2. In the case of a straight ramp, the slope must preferably be into the entrance of the barn, because a flat surface in front of the entrance causes hesitation to move into the building. A flat level in the case of a 90° ramp does not only simplify construction, but because the sheep disappear around the corner, it helps to lure the sheep that follow.

Figure 2: Typical entrances to a shearing shed.

In cases where space for the entrance is limited, steps can be used instead of a ramp. The best dimensions for the steps are 130 mm high and 300 mm deep.

130 mm

300 mm

Figure 3: Recommended dimensions for entrance steps.

Lighting: As discussed, shadows and lighting will influence the movement of sheep.

It can be expected that the sheep will resist if the interior of the building is darker than outside.

Sufficient windows and visible decoy sheep at the end of the alley can solve the problem. The minimum requirements, as prescribed, must also be adhered to.

The floor: In some shearing sheds, there is a height difference between the shearing level and the wool handling level. The height is determined by the minimum height necessary for the sheep to pass through underneath the floor from the building and a comfortable height to make manure removal possible. A practical height, in most cases, will be 1 200 mm. Where the height is less, for example 800 mm, the manure removal can be simplified by building the slatted floor as removable panels. The floor panels are then lifted, the manure removed, and the panels replaced.

The slats are normally made from hardwood, but plastic and expanded metal have also been used successfully.

Pen sizes and capacity: The size and capacity of the gathering pens and filling pens depend on the daily flow necessary and on the typical weather conditions. The daily flow can be calculated by multiplying the number of shearing points by the average number of sheep sheared per shearer per day.

The filling pens must hold sufficient sheep for half a day’s shearing during warm conditions. This will allow the sheep to cool down before shearing.

When unpleasantly wet or cold conditions prevail during the shearing period, the filling pens must hold sufficient sheep to provide the shearers with sheep for a day or a day and a half. A typical occupation of the filling pens is 2,5 sheep/m² or 0,4 m² per sheep.

ProAgri Zambia 39

The gathering pens must be small enough to prevent the shearer from having to struggle to catch the next sheep. A maximum depth is approximately 3 m. Because sheep have difficulty in moving as they come closer to the shearing activities – probably because of the noise and movement – the gathering pen should not be filled too often. A general directive is to keep enough sheep for an hour’s shearing.

Well trained and experienced shearers can shear 18 to 20 sheep per hour. The occupation of the gathering pens can be increased to 2,7 to 2,8 sheep/m², or approximately 0,36 m²/sheep. The gathering pen will therefore have to be 2,5 m wide to hold 20 sheep. Smaller gathering pens can also be used, and a typical dimension of 2 x 2 m is in general use.

Feedback alleys or sliding chutes: The feedback alley is used for keeping a record of the number of sheep sheared and must provide enough room for a two-hour shearing period, with an occupation of 3,5 sheep/m² or 0,3 m²/sheep.

The feedback alleys have the disadvantage that the sheared sheep must also be kept on the slatted floor and this means that a larger surface is required, which increases costs. A further disadvantage is that different groups of sheep move to and from the shearing area, an aspect which hampers handling.

Sliding chutes can be provided with trapdoors on the shearing level or can be extended so that the sides are higher than the floor. Typical materials for this use are sheet metal or concrete and it must be as smooth as possible.

If sheet metal is used, the bottom ridge rests on a brick or concrete wall of ± 150 mm high to prevent corrosion of the steel. Figures 4a and 4b show concrete sliding chutes for heights up to 1 m and higher than 1 m.

45°

20°

Figure 4a: Concrete sliding chute for heights over 1 m.

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1 800 mm 1 900 mm

Figure 4b: Concrete sliding chute for heights up to 1 m.

Sliding chute (steel sheeting)

Brick wall

Concrete slab

45°

Filling

Figure 6: Elevation of shearing shed to show floor heights.

The typical area used by the shearer during the shearing process, as well as other proportions, are shown in Figure 8.

Wool handling area The third activity, which is also the last, is the wool handling area. This is the area where wool is collected, graded, prepared, baled, stored and dispatched. This is also the area where the potential income from the wool

120 mm

100 mm

120 mm

100 mm 100 mm

120 mm

850 mm

850 mm

The partitions of the pens in the shearing shed can be made of wood or steel pipes. Figure 5 shows typical dimensions. In less intensive systems, especially with feedback alley sheds, the partitions can be removable units so that alternative lay-outs are possible.

By using the same shed for shearing, feeding pens or lambing pens, the utilisation period of the shearing shed can be extended beneficially.

Partitions between the gathering pen and the shearing shed must preferably be non-transparent and approximately 1,5 m high. Sheep are then usually more tranquil, because they cannot see the activities on the shearing floor. This makes the handler’s task easier.

150 mm

750 mm 850 mm

1 200 mm

Concrete slab is finished almost mirror-smooth

100 mm 125 mm 100 mm

150 mm

is determined. Poor practices and/or equipment can cause great losses. In contrast to the other handling activities, where speed and simplicity are important, the design principles for the wool handling area depend on wellorganised and disciplined actions.

Good facilities, high flow-through and simple handling of the sheep cannot compensate for negligent work in the wool handling area.

After a sheep is sheared and the shearer has gone to catch his next sheep, the fleece is removed from the shearing floor and thrown open on the skirting table. The wool handling tables must be as close as possible to the shearing floor, without being constrictive on movement routes.

Urine-stained, dirty wool and pieces are taken to the lock table and pieces table. The classifier and the skirter remove all skirting and double-cut wool

125 mm

180 mm

100 mm

Figure 5: Partition construction detail.

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Filling pen

Gathering pen Filling pen Shearing floor

Sliding chute

Gathering pens

Sliding chute

Shearing floor

The shearing area The shearing area is that area where the shearer, sheep and wool are in simultaneous contact. Lighting, ventilation and available space are the most important factors which influence the effectiveness of the shearer. The shearing floor is conventionally a long, straight, wooden floor on which the shearing action takes place. Typical dimensions of the shearing floor are shown in Figure 6.

In more modern shearing sheds, arched shearing floors are used. (See figure 7).

The greatest advantage of this is that the fleece-handlers are central to all the shearing points and walking distances are minimised. The number of shearing points determines the width of the structure.

By using an arched floor, more shearing points can be installed for the same structure width, which is more cost effective.

Figure 7: A diagram of arched shearing floor layouts.

ProAgri Zambia 39

NERIA’S INVESTMENTS LTD LEADERS IN AGRO COMMODITY TRADING THE MOST AFFORDABLE P R I C E S O F CO M P O U N D D A N D U R E A I N T H E CO U N T R Y

Saturnia House, Opp. Ndeke Hotel Longacre’s

700 mm

600 mm

E-mail: info@neriainvestments.com

200 mm

500 mm

www.neriainvestments.com

450 mm 650 mm

200 mm

1 625 mm

Tel: +260 211 244 505/6

which are taken to the pieces tables and lock tables. The fleece is divided on the fleece lines and placed into wool bins.

Wool bins must preferably be mobile for ease of movement. The filled wool bins are now taken to the wool press where the bales of wool are stored before being sold. (Equipment such as wool tables, wool bins and wool presses will be discussed in a future edition.)

Wool production and storage space A storage space of 0,0075 m²/sheep is necessary for storage of wool bales. For the calculation, a wool production of five kg per sheep, a bale mass of 170 kg and double layer storage is accepted.

Next month we shall look at general equipment like water and feed troughs, shade and fences.

775 mm

450 mm 2 000 mm

Figure 8: Typical space requirements of shearer in relative distances.

ProAgri Zambia 39

Published with acknowledgement to the ARC Agricultural Engineering for the use of their Sheep Facilities Manual. Visit www.arc.agric.za for more information.

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ProAgri Zambia 39

Novatek: Rainy season syndrome

by Wiehan Visagie

B

roiler farmers in Africa will agree that the constant change in weather conditions affects farm production. As the continent’s climate transforms, it alters rainfall patterns, the ambient temperature, and even the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Broiler farming depends on suitable climatic conditions such as humidity and temperature. However, over time the industry has developed a hybrid bird that has been intensively selected for rapid growth and high feed conversion efficiency. With their higher metabolic activity, these birds produce more body heat and consequently require more attention on broiler farms.

These hybrid birds are very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, especially if either exceeds a certain range. Growing broilers will respond to excessively high temperature

and humidity with increased heat dissipation by means of panting and a higher respiratory rate than we normally observe. Farmers in Zambia are experiencing such problems. Each year, from October to February, most broiler outgrowers suffer from poor growth, low feed intake, wet droppings, and dysbacteriosis. This inferior performance sends most of us on a hunt for answers, and we normally end up empty-handed.

From the latest research published by The Journal of Avian Pathology, it is clear that heat stress can cause bacterial diseases in the lower gut of broilers.

The researchers, Tsiouris et al (2018), used a sample of 240 broiler chicks to test their hypothesis. They subjected each group of broiler birds to one of four treatments. The first group was a negative control, conducted at 25 degrees Celsius, which is below the heat stress

threshold for broiler birds. The second group was subjected to cyclic acute heat stress at 35 degrees Celsius (in theory, challenging the birds on maintaining feed intake as well as their gut health). The third group was exposed to a bacterium, and the fourth group was subjected to heat stress as well as exposure to a bacterium.

The intestines and gizzards were later collected from each bird and inspected and scored for gross lesions. The researchers also collected intestinal digesta to determine its pH and viscosity.

When they analysed the results, they could not prove that the lesions in the intestines and gizzards were directly related to the bacterial disease in the birds in the third and fourth groups above. However, they did establish that heat stress had induced necrotic enteritis outbreaks in the second, third, and fourth groups.

At Novatek Animal Feeds we refer to this occurrence as ‘rainy season syndrome’ as so many broiler farmers struggle with performance during the rainy season in Zambia. The high humidity and extreme heat induce suffering, and the birds struggle to consume the right amount of feed. Eventually we discover wet litter and identify dysbacteriosis.

The frequency of this occurrence, taken together with the above-mentioned study, provides evidence that cyclic acute heat stress is an environmental stressor which can significantly affect gut health. It should therefore be taken into account in warmer areas of Africa, where poultry farming is becoming a major industry.

You may contact Wiehan Visagie at wiehanv@novatek.co.zm or Marné Meyer at nutritionist@novatek.co.zm for any information on feeding and feeds.

ProAgri Zambia 39

11

We

with the punches...

How good is your “defence”?

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ringlok®

Avoid poor imitAtions And buy directly from the only bonnox fActory, situAted in sunderlAnd ridge, centurion only A bonnox invoice serves As A certificAte of Authenticity.

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ProAgri Zambia 39

Suppliers of quality game and livestock fencing in South Africa since 1962.

Visit our website for more information www.bonnox.co.za. Tel: 012 666 8717 or send our friendly sales team an email at sales@bonnox.co.za

ProAgri Zambia 39

13

Versatile Bonnox works on a versatile farm

by Du Preez de Villiers

These Jerseys supply all Jasmyn’s fresh milk and milk for dairy products.

They fully deserve their neat and safe camps fenced in with 1,2 m Bonnox.

B

onnox is rightly a famous and respected brand on farms all over Southern Africa. Just like Bonnox, Jasmyn Farm and Farmstall at Hartbeespoort Dam near Pretoria in South Africa is a coveted household name.

This versatile enterprise manages to produce nearly all the agricultural products for their farmers market and restaurant in town on a small piece of land. They literally produce hundreds of different crops and keep various types of animals.

Andries van Niekerk is Jasmyn Farm’s Crop Manager. Recently, he had to erect more fencing and, of course, Bonnox was his first choice.

14

“When I joined Jasmyn, there were Bonnox fences on the farm. These were erected years ago by one of the owners, Des Erasmus, to fence in the farm and to contain and support animals and crops. Those fences are still like new.

Jasmyn has some 300 Jersey cows of which 180 are lactating, so more camps had to be fenced in for them recently. Andries also planted pecan nut trees which had to be closed in.

“Six months ago, I purchased 16 rolls of 1,2 m Bonnox fencing for this task,” Andries says. Three labourers were needed to erect and secure, with cement, the posts and tie the anchor

wires. Once this was done, the job was completed in a very short time. The poles were erected 98 metres apart with y-standards every ten metres in between.

“For the first fencing, we made our own straining clamps, which we used again for the new fence. They work very well to put up a neat and effective fence.”

Andries plans to Bonnox-fence in more camps, but in the meantime, he has also invented an innovative application for Bonnox’s ordinary steel wire.

“I want to erect wooden posts on both sides of each row of fig trees and put up Bonnox between them to lead the branches of the fig trees up them like ProAgri Zambia 39

Andries van Niekerk shows how he protects Jasmyn Farm’s newly planted pecan nut trees from the elements with 1,2 m Bonnox and shade netting.

grape vines. This will make the spraying, treatment and harvesting of the fruit so much easier…

“Bonnox is a very effective and reliable product and we have never experienced any problems with it. The wires do not rust or break when you strain them, and they are fully galvanised,” he says. Bonnox is intended for dedicated farmers who do not like exhausting work.

Christo van Wyk is the Livestock Manager on Jasmyn Farm and he is also a Bonnox man. “We use Bonnox most successfully for calves from weaning to nine months of age, because they easily get through ordinary fences with 6 to 8-inch spaces between wires. The same goes for sheep. They can’t possibly get through a Bonnox fence.”

The fig trees and the Dorper sheep that keep the grass short are contained by a neat 1 m Bonnox fence.

ProAgri Zambia 39

Bonnox has a fence for every purpose. Call Bonnox at +27 (0)12-666-8717 or +27 (0)76169-9068, or send an e-mail to gerda@bonnox.co.za, linda@bonnox.co.za or zane@bonnox.co.za.

Also visit the Bonnox website at www.bonnox.co.za to learn more about their wide range of products and gain access to useful information.

15

Less Feed - More Meat

TEL: +260 967 855495 / +260 977 1250 E-MAIL:

Jessy.Tembo@tigerfeeds.com.zm 16

ProAgri Zambia 39

Tige r Chic k s: The neig hbour ’s e nv y is t he owne r ’s pride

by Jeevan Kumar, Operations Manager: Tiger Chicks

W

elcome to the world of profitable broiler farming. Achievement of the genetic potential of the Tiger Chicks broiler is easy and depends upon making sure that all the factors related to production are given full and correct attention. This will ensure “less feed and more meat” and increased profits for the enterprising farmer. The aim of broiler farming is to manage the chicks for better profit.

times of the day to make decisions on (closing or opening curtains, increasing or decreasing temperature et cetera) improving bird comfort.

Feeding: • Broiler Starter - Day 1 to 14 days • Broiler Grower - Day 15 to 26 days • Broiler Finisher - Day 27 to cropping or sale.

Health Ch ic k q ua l it y Fe e d s u p p l y Lig ht i ng Ve nt i lat io n St oc k i ng d e ns it y B i r d we l fa r e N u t r it io n Te m p e rat u r e Wat e r s u p p l y Vacc i nat io n s t at u s

Health and hygiene • Follow strict bio security in providing restricted or no access to people, birds, rodents and vehicles.

• Poultry diseases are and will be spread by one of these carriers.

• Vaccinate the birds periodically as per recommended schedules. Follow the procedures to be done during vaccination without fail.

• Day old birds are vaccinated in the hatchery against infectious bronchitis (IB) and Newcastle disease (ND).

• Call for expert help when in doubt about a situation warranting external help.

Records and monitoring: • Maintain basic records on the farm to monitor progress.

• Record date of placement, flock identity, body weight, et cetera when chicks are placed.

• Record daily mortalities and amount of feed fed to the birds on a daily basis.

• Weigh the birds on a weekly basis to monitor progress against standards.

• Record any medications and vaccinations administered to the birds.

Make corrections if needed based on the recording and findings.

Factors which influence profitable broiler farming Placement and brooding: • Clean and disinfect the poultry houses after every placement and removal.

• Preheat the houses to 30 degrees Celsius 24 hours before the chicks arrive.

• Measure the temperature at chick height 30 degrees Celsius.

• Spread the litter evenly in the shed to a depth of about 5 to 10 cm.

• Litter temperature should be 28 to 30 degrees Celsius at placement.

• Feed and water should be available to the chicks at placement.

• Water temperature should be around 15 to 21 degrees Celsius.

• Place chicks in the brooding area immediately after arrival.

• Provide 23 hours of light for the first seven days to encourage feed and water intake.

• Adequate ventilation and fresh air are essential for bird health and growth.

• Monitor chick behaviour at various

Checking Crop Fill: “Crop Fill” should be checked until 48 hours after placement to make sure birds have taken in feed and water by then.

• At 8 hours, 80% of the birds should have full crops • At 24 hours, 95% of the birds should have full crops • At 48 hours, 100% of the birds should have full crops Water

Adequate clean and fresh water should be available to the birds at all times of their life cycle. Provide supplementary drinkers alongside main drinkers for the first week.

Photo: farmingindia.in

ProAgri Zambia 39

To measure is to know. Constant record-keeping is a must for successful broiler management.

Visit Tiger Animal Feeds’ main office or sales depots around the country for better technical services free of charge and keep abreast of progress in livestock management information. Contact Given Hamanungu, Technical Advisor, at +26-097-540-3834 or givenhams@gmail.com for more information.

17

years in

Zambia

18

ProAgri Zambia 39

Make healthier maize meal with

DROTSKY

by Du Preez de Villiers

The answer to Africa’s food challenges is the Superplant S-series from Drotsky. It easily mills inexpensive, unrefined and healthy maize meal.

D

rotsky leaves no stone unturned when designing their mills and mixers. They are constantly doing market research by travelling through Africa to hear what their prospective clients have to say… and they LISTEN to them.

One of their latest designs is the improved S-series Superplant mill.

Last month we wrote about all their different machines that enriched agriculture in Sub-Sahara Africa for decades now. This month we focus on the Superplant. This multifunctional machine is an improvement on the other S-series mills designed to mill maize for human consumption. It also produces less dust than a traditional hammer mill.

The Super Plant is designed to produce three maize products - samp, hominy chop, and maize meal. The three products are produced through a variety of steps.

1. Before the process is started, the maize can be soaked in water to make the shells come off easier.

2. First, the wet maize is grinded slowly to break it up into smaller pieces. A significant quantity of the shells and germ comes loose and are removed by an aspirator to produce samp.

3. When the samp is grinded even further, a semi-refined maize meal is produced.

4. The grinded shells (bran) and germ can be combined to make hominy chop.

ProAgri Zambia 39

Normal maize meal, milled in big industrial plants, has a long shelf life because the germ is entirely removed, but it doesn’t contain the same goodness as the semi-refined meal produced by Drotsky’s Superplant. Since some of the germ and bran is still included in the final product, the Superplant, offers a product which is more nutritious but still tasty and highly consumable. The Superplant also delivers

a less expensive product and reduces the traditional five steps in an industrial roller mill to three. This demands reduced power requirements, meaning less fuel or electricity per cycle.

There is a perception among maize meal consumers that the whiter the maize, the higher the quality and the purer it is. This is not entirely true. The Superplant produces a more “colourful”, yellowish and less refined maize meal. This product is sorely needed by people who experience tough economic challenges or drought and consequential food shortages. It is in times like these where every crumb of nutrition is of utmost importance and it shouldn’t bother the health-conscious consumer either.

When times are tough, the Superplant is very popular.

Since it is easy to start and stop the plant, your healthier meal can easily be made on a regular basis, to keep it fresh and tastier. The settings on the machine can also be changed to produce more or less pure meal.

Drotsky has built a reputation as a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment through continuous improvements and setting standards for the industry. Your peace of mind is Drotsky’s priority. Spares are readily available, and their experienced service technicians respond to breakdowns within a very short time.

Contact Francesco van Wyk on +27(0)83-267-3286 or +27(0)11-864-1601 or e-mail francesco@drotsky.co.za for more information, or visit their website at www.drotsky.co.za.

Drotsky’s Superplant is a very simple but efficient machine. Follow a few easy steps to mill your fresh and nutritious maize meal on a regular basis.

19

Auxo – Post emergence maize herbicide for grasses and broadleaf weeds.

Ideal for use in multi cropping systems.

Belt® - An insecticide for Lepidoptera pests. Also an ideal solution for fall army worm, Tuta absoluta and diamond-back moth.

Confidor® - A solution for control of sucking insects and termites. Protects crops from effects of abiotic and biotic stress.

Nativo® - Ideal fungicide for early blight, rust, mildew, leaf spot and Grey leaf spot.

Facebook: Bayer Crop Science Division Southern Africa

Twitter: @bayer4cropssa

Bayer Zambia: Paul Kapapula Business Manager: Tel: +260 (965) 582630, E-mail: paul.kapapula@bayer.com Distributors: Precision Farming Holdings Amiran Ltd.

20

ProAgri Zambia 39

Save money:

A PVC roof on top of your aluzinc silo is a viable option

B

eing an industry leader does not come by itself; it demands years of dedication, hard work, innovation, service and taking heed of the needs of customers. That is why you can trust RSA Grain Storage for a memorable buying and service experience. RSA Grain Storage has been a leader in the grain storage market for years. It is through their experience and working with customers that they recognised the need for a more cost-effective solution to conventional silos.

“We have supplied more than a thousand grain dams to clients in Africa and the world, but we saw the need for a small-scale silo that functions more like a conventional silo, thus we developed the PVC roofed steel silo,” Willem Loots, Director at RSA Grain Storage, says.

A large part of the cost of conventional silos lies in the fabrication, which includes the laser cut and formed steel roof. This gets even more out of proportion when designing roofs for smaller silos.

RSA Grain Storage developed the first PVC roofed steel silo more than five years ago and with a continuous design improvement, their silos have evolved into a cost-effective solution

for self-storage of grain. The sides are still manufactured from a durable aluminium and zinc alloy.

The silos are aimed at farmers wishing to store 50 to 600 tonnes of grain without having to build too extensive foundations required for conventional silos.

Each site layout is designed in conjunction with the farmer to make sure that they are fully utilising the equipment and that future expansions are planned for.”

“The price of the silos falls between the cost of grain dams and conventional silos and they are well suited for the Zambian market,” Willem says.

A PVC roof on an aluminium zinc silo is very cost effective while treating your grain with the same care.

It is very simple to integrate your silo into your current grain handling system.

The erection of an RSA Grain Storage silo with a PVC-roof is straightforward. The sides come first to form the support for the roof.

ProAgri Zambia 39

Contact Willem Loots at +27 (0)76-991-5208, +27 (0)82-5737069 or send an e-mail to willem@rgss.co.za. Also visit their informative website at rsagrainstoragesolutions.co.za.

21

Lima Links opens markets for Zambian farmers Z

ambia plays a huge role in Africa’s future food production, with over 1.6 million smallholder farmers active in agriculture with abundant land and resources. However, failure to access information and the market has been one of the major challenges that most Zambian small-scale farmers have been facing. This prohibits them from actualising profit from their produce.

Lima Links connects rural farmers to trustworthy market agents who help them sell their produce for higher prices. Photo: Lima Links Limited.

ProAgri Zambia 39

But the story has begun to change with the coming of a different organisation which is bridging the information gap through ICT (Information Communication and Technology). Over time, there have been many systems with the recent one being the award-winning Lima Links, a platform built to bring live markets to the smallholder farmers on their farms, accessible on any basic phone.

Most rural farmers do not have Android smartphones and are geographically dispersed over wide areas with poor physical infrastructure, limiting their ability to gain access to market information. This makes it difficult for them to access market and agricultural information as many of the agriculture technology services built in Zambia are Android applications. The Android application, which targets higher level role players in the value chain, such as lead farmers or cooperative leaders, disadvantages the rural, financially constrained farmers, hence the launch of Lima Links.

Lima Links was launched in April 2017, differentiating itself by creating a free service built for the individual farmer on a rural farm. This free Farmer Platform is accessible on any type of phone in Zambia. By dialling and sending a short code, *789#, farmers are connected to view live market prices for common field crops and vegetables such as tomatoes, rape, impwa, onion, okra, and many more. They can also view and access fairly-priced agricultural inputs, such as seeds, fertilisers, chemicals, equipment, and connect directly with input suppliers. Through

this Farmer Platform, Lima Links connects farmers directly to the market and helps companies to reach rural farmers who otherwise would have been out of reach.

Lima Links is currently extending its services to over 80 000 farmers, with a projected target of 200 000 registered users by the end of 2019. Currently, the platform is only accessible on the Airtel network.

Mr Kelvin Wright of Klein Karoo Seed Marketing, one of Lima Links’ corporate clients, feels it is the best solution to address the needs of both farmers and agricultural companies. “I have tried various apps, and this is the best. It enables suppliers to reach the actual farmers we are selling our products to,” he says.

Lima Links Chief Executive Officer, Melanie Wilkinson, said their aim is to provide smallholder farmers with exact agriculture information to sell their farm produce at a favourable price.

“We want to provide smallholder farmers with accurate market information to enable them to get the best prices for their products.”

In November 2018, Lima Links was selected as winner in the Best Regional Foodtech/Agritech Start-up category at the Southern Africa Start-up Awards 2018. Ms Wilkinson said that the company had been given the validation that they were on the right track and could truly impact on the lives of African farmers. The awards saw over 3 000 applications from start-ups across the region and Lima Links was competing against finalists from 14 countries to earn the regional award.

With this achievement, Lima Links staff are confident that, although the organisation has been in existence only for a few years, they already provide a valuable service to improve the lives of smallholder farmers, agriculture and food production. Yet, they consider themselves as just getting started and having a long way to go.

Lima Links aims to reach 1 million African farmers by 2022.

Contact Salifyanji Sikaona at +26 (0)97-546-2117 or send an e-mail to salifyanji@limalinks.co.zm for more information.

Also visit their website at www.limalinkszambia.com.

23

- Wheat production

by Brian Mhango

S

ocrates once said: "Nobody is qualified to become a statesman who is entirely ignorant of the problem of wheat.� And with that quote I thought of sharing a few interesting bits about wheat: Wheat was one of the first domesticated food crops and for 8000 years has been the basic staple food of major civilizations in Europe, West Asia, and North Africa and it is grown on more land area than any other crop; world trade for wheat is greater than any other cereal, the only other agricultural commodity traded more than wheat are soybeans and soybean products; More foods are made with wheat than any other cereal grain; Wheat provides more nourishment (calories & proteins) for humans than any other single food crop; Accounting for a fifth of humanity's food, wheat is second only to rice as a source of calories in the diets of developing country consumers, and it is first as a source of protein; Demand for wheat in 24

the developing world is projected to increase 60% by 2050. At the same time, climate-change-induced temperature increases are likely to reduce wheat production in developing countries by 20–30%. [Wheat CRP, FAOSTAT].

I believe the above provides a lot of enthusiasm for farmers going into this winter wheat production – with wheat prices averaging $400 - 450 per ton, sufficient water in the wheat producing areas, stable electricity supply coupled with a positive global demand for wheat, we believe there can be no better time than now to invest in wheat production, and one of the most important decisions to make for profitable wheat production is choosing the right variety or varieties to plant.

Many differences exist among varieties and it is imperative to assess what characteristics are important given a particular production area. To reduce or manage risks growers are encouraged to diversify their crops by plant-

ing multiple certified varieties. This helps improve the chances of success.

Certified seed ensures the highest quality seed available with good germination and freedom from noxious weeds.

The soil environment plays a critical role in optimising wheat growth and development has consistently shown increased wheat yields with deep tillage. In fields with a hard pan or compacted soils, tillage enables easier root growth and penetration, increasing the potential for water and nutrient uptake.

Tillage also serves to reduce surface residue that may host diseases and pests. In wet years, compacted, dense soils can result in very low soil-oxygen conditions, which can reduce yields of most small grains due to poor root production and nutrient uptake.

No-till is less common in wheat production due to observed yield reductions ranging from 3 to 20%. With the understanding that no-till management often has a wheat yield penalty, it may ProAgri Zambia 39

be considered as a decision for the whole farm system to reduce erosion and save on tillage costs.

Disking is a common tillage practice that can provide an excellent seedbed but may lead to the formation of a compacted layer of soil. The weight of the implement is concentrated in a very small area at the tip of the disk and when disking is repeated several times, a hardpan can form.

Deep tillage (bottom or Para plowing or V-ripping) is the most reliable tillage option to optimise yield potential. It is slower and more expensive than disking, but is usually cost effective with improved yields. When double-cropping field operations make it impractical to deep till, chiseling or subsoiling can be a beneficial alternative.

Consistent and proper seed placement will influence the uniformity of emergence, final stand, and potential yield of wheat. Good seed soil contact with soil moisture promotes rapid emergence and good root development. Wheat should be planted at least 2.5 to 4 metres deep when soil moisture is adequate for good germination.

Take care to achieve uniform planting depth, as poor depth control leaves seed too deep or too shallow for uniform emergence. Planting wheat with a properly calibrated planter is preferred over broadcasting, as uniform emergence is very difficult to achieve when broadcasting wheat. Numerous studies have demonstrated that higher yields are consistently achieved with a properly calibrated planter compared with broadcasting. Establishing a row traffic pattern at planting or soon after emergence, for all post-emergence field traffic, can be beneficial. Traffic patterns or tramlines can be established by closing one or more openings in the drill when planting the crop. This can be done by retrofitting the drill with clutches attached to the metering cup that can close the opening to leave unplanted rows that match the wheel spacing of your sprayer or tractor. Devices for drills can be purchased to establish tramlines on any tractor

width, in multiple drill widths. Tramlines may also be established after the crop has emerged by chemically killing the rows with glyphosate (Touchdown) that match the wheel spacing of the implement used to apply fertiliser or pesticides. Precision agriculture tools such as light bars and GPS guidance systems can help reduce the error of overlapping when chemically killing rows to establish tramlines. This method should be applied early, once the wheat has one to two developed leaves. Using tramlines in intensively managed wheat enables uniform applications of nutrients and pesticides with improved precision and timeliness. Tramlines can save on the cost of aerial applications, and can reduce the chance of disease development when compared to plants that are crushed by running over standing wheat. Studies have shown that the border plants will compensate 50 to 60% of the yield lost by the missing rows, whereas plant damage is much less.

Planting date is another critical component of successful wheat production. Planting too early or too late reduces yield potential. Always plant late maturing varieties first since these varieties most often have the longest vernalisation (the cooling of seed during germination in order to accelerate flowering when it is planted) requirements. Recognise though that some medium maturing varieties may also have long vernalisation requirements which makes them less suitable for late planting. Vernalisation requirement varies widely with variety.

In order for wheat to vernalise, temperatures must be low and remain cold for a specific length of time. In the absence of cold weather, wheat waits until enough heat units have accumulated and nights are short before heading. The warmer the temperature during grain fill, the poorer the yield and weight. If planting late in the season, choose an early maturing variety because they have, in general, very low vernalisation requirements.

Optimum seeding rates for wheat

can vary widely due to differences in seed quality, genetics, planting conditions or planting dates, and planting methods (drill or broadcast). Seeding based on seeds per hectare is much more accurate than seeding based on weight per hectare. Multiple seeding rates studies have been conducted throughout the country and most show that seeding 200 plants per meter squared (m²), with a seed rate of 100 kgs per hectare though this will vary depending on seed size, germination and planting conditions. Planting by broadcast requires a higher seed rate of up to 140 kg/ha as does planting under zero tillage. However, achieving this rate will require knowledge of seed size (number of seeds per kg). The use of certified seed will help ensure you are planting seed with a minimum germination of 90% and free of noxious weeds. Planting bin-run seed is not recommended as it infringes plant breeders' rights (PBR), and robs seed companies of the chance to earn revenue on their innovation and undermines the ability to recoup their research and development investment.

Wheat production is done after the rain season around April/May therefore it requires irrigation, with water requirement of 400 to 600mm per season to guarantee a good crop. Fertiliser application is also critical at 400 to 500 kg/ha and top dressing at around 300 to 400 kg/ha.

Weeds compete with the crop for water, sunlight and nutrients and it’s critical that they are managed (Syngenta Axial, Dialen Super, Traxos), also need to look out for diseases and pests – Syngenta Amistar extra, Cherokee, Elastus Arc, Miravis neo are potent fungal control in wheat – Rust, Septoria and Powdery mildew, common insects such as (aphids and bollworm) can be controlled with Ampligo.

Successful wheat season to you all! Contact the author, Brian Mhango, Head of Commercial, at brian.mhango@syngenta.com

Characteristics

MRI843

MRI875

SST884

Yield potential per Ha (MT)

8

9

9.5

Plant height (cm)

100

110

120

Colour

red

red

red

Lodging

excellent

excellent

excellent

General quality

excellent

excellent

excellent

Gluten %

60.0

63.0

58.0

Grain protein %

12.8

11.3

10.6

Dough strength

excellent

excellent

excellent

100 kernel mass (g)

37

40

42

Days to maturity

90

100

105

Syngenta wheat varieties characteristics.

ProAgri Zambia 39

25

26

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27

Visit o ur stand at

Jupidex (Pty) Ltd was founded in 1999, then trading as Kverneland South Africa. The company started off by importing and distributing Kverneland, Vicon, Taarup and RAU products from the world renowned Kverneland group to meet the needs of farmers in Southern Africa. Jupidex (Pty) Ltd are the market leader in South Africa regarding the distribution of soil preparation equipment and trailed mowers. Having one of the best dealer networks and always working on long term business relations within this network, Jupidex can market the total product range to the farming community throughout Southern Africa and Africa.

ANDREOLI ENGINEERING

MACCHINE AGRICOLE E INDUSTRIALI

Jupidex Zambia Ltd • Stand 26594A • Kafue Road • Lusaka | Tel: +260 977 435 681 | chinso.chipopola@jupidex.co.za

www.jupidex.co.za

Spray to protect your crops Part 14: Safety: Take special care during spraying not to harm your animals Compiled by J Fuls (Pr Eng)

O

ur last edition of the spraying series discusses the most important issue on the high-risk practice of crop spraying – safety during the spraying process. You are working with potentially toxic chemicals and it is therefore crucial to follow the correct steps to ensure your safety, the safety of the people who share your space, your animals and your crops. Only the weeds are allowed to be harmed.

We thank the ARC Agricultural Engineering in South Africa, who made this series available to the readers of ProAgri Zambia.

Gloves

Boots

Face mask

Do not spray in strong wind.

Care after spraying

Headwear

Always wear protective clothing.

Clean your equipment properly and store it away from children.

ProAgri Zambia 39

Clean and bury empty containers.

29

Because Your Business Never Stops

Harvest is a time when all your hard work, hopes and ambitions come together.

It’s also a time when you need the reassurance of reliable electric power.

FG Wilson offer a complete range of robust and reliable self-contained generator sets from 6.8 – 2,500 kVA which are easy to specify and operate.

We can help you choose a generator set which will give you years of service, see that it’s installed and ensure you have all the service and support you need.

To find out more, visit www.fgwilsonafrica.com Or contact sales@kva.co.za

30

ProAgri Zambia 39

Cut the sharp corners away, fold it open and pierce holes into two corners of the plastic.

Safety training courses It is strongly recommended that trainers, extension officers and farmers consult more in-depth guides and literature for extended background knowledge on safe spraying.

Wash your clothes separately from other clothes and wash yourself with soap.

Make your own face mask If you cannot find a face mask at a reasonable price, you can make your own mask in the following manner:

safeworkmethodstatements.com

Cut an elastic band from an old bicycle tube, long enough to fit around your head. Tie the elastic band to the holes in the plastic, fitting it around your head.

Cut a two-litre plastic cold drink bottle open near the top and near the bottom. Now cut it open from top to bottom.

ProAgri Zambia 39

With a cloth over your nose, a cap on your head and the face mask, as well as the other clothing, you are now ready for safe spraying.

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

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

31

GROWING KNOWLEDGE FOR FUTURE FARMING

11 – 13

Presented by

April 2019

GART Research Centre, Chisamba, Zambia 11 April: Farmers Preview Day | 12 & 13 April: Open to all agri professionals Expo times: 11 & 12 April: 09:00 – 17:00 | 13 April: 09:00 – 15:00

220+ local and international exhibitors

ARE YOU LOOKING TO:

7+ international country pavilions VIP large scale farmers programme

Increase your farms productivity?

View the latest technology and equipment?

Enhance your skills and knowledge?

IF YOU’VE ANSWERED YES TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS PREREGISTER FOR AGRITECH EXPO TODAY TO GET FREE ENTRY!

26 Live crop trials

NEW

Increased workshops

FREE TO

ATTEN D

Launch of the free-to-attend AgriTrain & AgriConsult training workshops under the AgriTEACH umbrella

3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER: 1. Register online at www.agritech-expo.com 2. SMS: “EXPO – full name – company/farm name” to 2626 3. Bring a visitor ticket with you to the expo entry

ZNFU ORGANISED TRANSPORT: If you are a small-scale or emerging commercial farmer, contact your local ZNFU regional office to secure your bus ticket to Agritech Expo Zambia.

Tel: +260 211 252 649 / 255769 / 257958 / 254431 HOSTED BY

www.agritech-expo.com

ORGANISED BY

ProAgri Zambia 39

33

AFRICAN AGROVET ZAMBIA LIMITED Leading importers & distributors of agro chemicals & veterinary products Member of Croplife Zambia

Plot no. 5131, Chandwe Musonda Road, Lusaka, Zambia - Contact us on: +260 974 439 747 / +260 972 904 505 E-mail: Jsodhi@africanagrovet.com / africanagrovet2017@gmail.com / sales@africanagrovet.com

Introducing foliar fertiliser and plant booster EGY FOL - Starter

AMINOX - Growth

JETA PLUS - Fruits & owers

MM POTASSIUM - Finisher

GIBROLEX - Hormone booster

: African Agrovet

Veterinary products

Ivermectin, Oxy-tet, Albendazole, Pro-pen, Tick-Rid, Dexasone

Herbicides

Afrizine, Afriquat, Afrisate

Grain protectors and many more...

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ProAgri Zambia 39

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35

36

ProAgri Zambia 39

FARMGUARD 344SE (Cypermethrin + Imidacloprid)

is both contact and systemic insecticide which controls aphids, armyworms, bollworms, cutworms, termites and many other sucking and chewing insects on fruits, vegetables and other crops.

FA R MER S AF RICA ( Z AM BIA) LTD FACTORY OUTLET FOR VETENARY PRODUCTS & AGRICULTURAL INPUTS

PLOT No. 396A/67/D/1 Makeni, P.O. Box 34902, Lusaka - Zambia Cell: +260 966 500 096 / +260 966 500 032, E-mail: sales@farmersafrica.com / farmersafrica01@gmail.com

ProAgri Zambia 39

37

See brochure instore for more details at Livestock Services Co-operative Society & Agrivet Africa

38

ProAgri Zambia 39

Fert Seed & Grain Ltd Making Zambia Green

full �me farmers is not easy. We “ Being pay close a�en�on to our inputs, because we’ve learnt the quality of what you put in, like seed, chemicals and Superfert fer�liser, determines the size of your bumper harvest. Ask any good farmer and they’ll tell you The Formula for Success.

”

Contact us: +260 977 416 459 +260 969 169 563

+260 977 845 877 +260 979 761 797

Gabriel.chipeta@fsgzambia.co.zm dmaimbo@me.com amin.edhi@fsgzambia.co.zm

The Farmer’s best Fer�liser.

Our focus is on the manufacturing and distribu�on of fer�liser as well as commodi�es trading.

ProAgri Zambia 39

39

Bundu feed troughs are the most effective and strongest tick dosing feeders on the market.

Bundu feeders work for cattle and all large game, from impala to buffalo and eland.

Bundu feed troughs are tested and suitable for game and cattle to effectively control ticks, flies and parasites. Use as little as 6 litres of dosing dip per month on our large 4-point tray and as little as 2 litres on our single-dose dipping tray to effectively treat game and cattle against ticks, flies and parasites.

The height of Bundu feed troughs is adjustable to suit every farmer’s specific needs. Feeding troughs are treated with a rubber layer on the inside to prevent rust, and all feeding troughs come with a 2-year warranty.

Single dosage pipe feed trough

3-pipe dosing feed troug

R9 100

R15 700

4-Pipe dosing feed trough

R18 500

Thinus Smit: +27 (0)83-602-7734 | thinus@bunducribs.com 40

ProAgri Zambia 39

e-mail : sales@farmtraczambia.com I web : www.growmoreweb.com Facebook : GrowMore Farmtrac I Instagram : GrowMore Farmtrac

ProAgri Zambia 39

41

MANAGE RISK EFFECTIVE PLANT NUTRITION CAN INCREASE YIELD

CONTACT US Omnia Head Office Plot 397 Makeni Road Lusaka Mobile: 0967 640 406

We know that risk management is the most important factor in determining our clients’ success. Therefore, we promise to keep our feet firmly on the farm while we tirelessly search for better and sustainable agricultural solutions. www.fertilizer.co.za

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ProAgri Zambia 39

2019

Come see us at the SARO stand no. WDA6 & WDA7

Irrigation in motion

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43

ADVERTISE HERE! Zaina b Pa nd or +26 (0)97-769-9786 (ZM) zainab@proagri.co.za

• Less feed, maximum performance, more profit • Excellent feed conservation and liveability (less mortality) • Optimum nutrition through scientific formulation • Precision production utilising modern technology • Produced strictly with fresh, top Zambian maize and soya beans • Full professional product and service support

Xander Piete rs e +26 (0)79-524-0934 (RSA) xander@proagri.co.za

HOTLINE LSK - MALAMBO ROAD: +260 963 013 719 C/BELT: +260 961 349 009 L/STONE: +260 961 580 785 Email: feedsales@nmc.co.zm BROILER FEEDS •FISH FEEDS •P IG FEEDS •DAIRY FEEDS P ULLE T FEEDS • L AYER FEEDS •DAY OLD CHICK AGENTS

www. p ro ag ri. co. z a

ProAgri Zambia 39

Malambo•Kabwata•Showgrounds•Chelstone•Kalingalinga•Chilenge Makeni•Westgate•Cairo•Matero•Kasama Rd•Zani Muone ALSO AVAILABLE: Eastern, Western, Central, Southern, Copperbelt & Northern Provinces

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ProAgri Zambia 39

CarJunction.com Exporter of New & Used Japanese Vehicles

NEWER MODELS READILY AVAILABLE

Special Prices For Diplomats Corporate Clients Bulk Orders

1F Center Plaza, 2-12-13 Asashigaoka, Asaka Shi, Saitama Ken, Japan

CALL: +8180 1009 6000, 8180 8013 8080 EMAIL: info@carjunc�on.com ProAgri Zambia 39

USE PROMO CODE

CJZMM193 For Discountss

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Importers, distributors and retailers of agrochemicals, veterinary products, seeds, fertiliser and all farmers’ requirements www.lskagrovet.com

Tel: +260 211 235 881 / +260 211 231 689 Cell: +260 955 751 778 / +260 978 818 000 Plot 806, Lumumba Road opposite City Market. P.O. Box 32315, Lusaka, 10101, Zambia

ZAMBIA

MOPANI Tuli Stud

Tom Roberts +260-977-430930 Nyreen Roberts +260-977-772043 Email chikupiestates@yahoo.com

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ProAgri Zambia 39

Southouse Zambia Limited Agricultural Machinery Sales and Services Based in Mkushi Tel: 0974 773 514 / 0973 664 346 management@southousezambia.com

• Distributors of Rad-Brake Limited, Macsteel, Oryx Gas, Effective Energy Lights, Gourock Grain Dams, Cousins Implements and Househam Sprayers.

• We repair and build farm implements, specializing in rippers, rollers, crumblers, trailers, grain carts and many more • Repair, construction and maintenance of grain handling equipment

• • • • •

Design, building and erection of sheds We offer contract spraying.

Precision cutting with cnc plasma cutter Milling machine work Lathe work, axles, bushes, threads, and general turning • Press of holes in steel sheets with Kingsland hydraulic press

Contact details:

Flip: +260 974 773 514

Oubaas: +260 973 664 346

ProAgri Zambia 39

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Advanced panel

FREE! with

internet control.*

Agrico centre pivots are supported Order new Agrico centre by theamanufacturer through:pivot with a Premium control panel• Crane and get an upgrade. trucks for service • Own branches as well as agents • Trained irrigation designers • Irrigation technicians

• Unmatched guarantee • Optional internet control with 24/7 helpline

*Free subscription included for the first 24 months.

Contact: Hanré Wiese | +26 0 973 170 557 | +26 0 211 845 874 Niel Davis | +27 79 877 0316 | +26 079 413 1095 | sales@agrico.co.za

More than 100 years’ service

Sales and Service with branches across Southern Africa: Aliwal North | Bellville | Bethlehem | Bloemfontein | Caledon | Ceres | Christiana | Cradock | Estcourt | George | Hartswater | Humansdorp | Kakamas | Kimberley | Kroonstad Lichtenburg | Lusaka | Mukushi | Nelspruit | Nigel | Nylstroom | Pietermaritzburg | Piketberg | Rawsonville | Tzaneen | Upington | Vredendal | Wellington 50

ProAgri Zambia 39