ProAgri Zambia 73

ProAg Pro Agri ri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a No 73

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s s e c suc

Zambia's

will be Africa's success

W

e are very grateful for the rains we’ve received over most parts of the country the past few weeks. The rains bring life with it and revitalises the soil, and often the farmers as well.

The words of Mr HE Hakainde Hichilema in the Foresight Africa 2022 report (www.brookings. edu/research/foresight-africa-2022/) gave me hope; hope not only for the country, but for the African continent.

According to Mr Hakainde, Zambia’s priority is a simple: “We must find a way to include the jobless youth in our economy.

To do that, we need to build our economy by encouraging new investment and giving our young people the skills, they need to participate fully in the economy.

We shall pay special attention to lowering the fiscal deficit, reducing public debt, and restoring social and market confidence. We shall also promote national unity and good governance by strictly adhering to the rule of the law and democratic accountability.”

His administration’s focus over the next five years will be on restoring macro-economic stability and promoting the growth of the economy.

There are many expectations of what the agriculture sector should contribute to food security, job creation, and rural development amid the challenges of uncertainty around transformation, the social

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upliftment of worker communities, and security risks.

Most important, however, is keeping up sustainable and productive farming to ensure food security, not only in Africa, but beyond our borders.

I believe that 2022 will be a year full of opportunities. To be successful in agriculture, one should be realistic about the volatility of the sector, as well as other threats in the natural and market environments. One should also avoid excessive risks, yet take full advantage of opportunities.

In this issue we take a look at a brand-new series on beekeeping, the advantages that Rumax hammermills offer to dairy farmers, and how Reinke offers irrigation solutions for Africa.

We are also very excited with the launch of a brand-new website, ProAgri Media. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information.

Remember that you can also receive our publications in digital format. WhatsApp your name, surname, country, main agricultural activity, and e-mail address to +27 (0) 84-041-1722 to receive the magazine directly on your phone.

Farm smartly! bianca@proagri.co.za

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37

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Reinke Irrigation: Use less water and increase your yields MB-1: Phibro’s cutting edge protection against Gumboro disease Profitable egg production: Novatek's feed means profit in your pocket Your stock will thank Staalmeester: Improve production with quality silage Rumax hammer mill keeps cows happy … and contributes to profits Advanced Polymer provides advanced solutions: Improve your soil, build roads, and fight fires AMS Bulk Density Soil Sampling Kit: Measure the bulk density of your soil accurately Erosion control in Malawi Part 3: Gullies Syngenta shares interesting facts: Wheat production 2022 ETGL expands and strengthens its presence in Southern Africa Processing of condiments Part 14: Pickled bell peppers Effective water harvesting techniques: Part 2 Introduction to beekeeping Rabbit farming Part 2: Select the right breed Pig production – how to make it profitable Poultry farming Part 4.1: Raising chickens in a brooder Plan ahead: Strategise success

ProAgri Zambia 73

Efficient water use is very important everywhere in Africa because water is scarce and every drop counts. That is why wise farmers benefit from Reinke’s irrigation systems. Read on page 3 how Reinke ensures sustainability and customer service in Africa.

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

Nangwenya House No. 7352 Nangwenya Road Rhodespark +26 (0)97-769-9786 www.proagri.co.za Copyright © 2022. 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 Bianca Henning > +27 82-326-2572 bianca@proagri.co.za Reporters Benine Ackermann > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Maryna Steyn > +27 82-261-9177 maryna@proagri.co.za Natasha Kruger > +27 81-736-4236 natasha@proagri.co.za Specialist Writer Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Senior Production Manager: Zainab Pandor > +26 (0)97-769-9786 zainab@proagri.co.za Client Relations Manager: Carin Swartz > +27 84-233-0123 carin@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 Johan Swartz > +27 71-599-9417 johan@proagri.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 82-698-3353 tiny@proagri.co.za Janine Vermaak > +27 71-872-3059 janine@proagri.co.za Lelani Botha > +27 74-424-0055 lelani@proagri.co.za Creative Director Christiaan Joubert > +27 72-419-3990 christiaan@proagri.co.za Design Michelle Kruger & Lizelle Erasmus Enquiries Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0782 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler

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ProAgri Zambia 73

Reinke Irrigation: Use less water and increase your yields

by Benine Ackermann

E

fficient water use is very important everywhere in Africa because water is scarce and every drop counts.

That is why wise farmers benefit from Reinke’s irrigation systems. The most popular irrigation products of Reinke in Africa are their centre pivots.

“Reinke use high-quality steel and V-ring seals that increase the life expectancy of a pivot,” says Paul van den Berg, Technical Service Engineer of Reinke South Africa.

He was one of the speakers at the Specialist Irrigation Day for farmers in Namibia that was held in November last year. Eight irrigation companies were represented to share their knowledge about irrigation and water sources with farmers. Read more about the irrigation day at www.proagri. co.za/en/namibias-first-ever-specialistirrigation-day/ “The Specialist Irrigation Day was a great experience and had a great outcome,” he says. “The focus of the day was a dealer and supplier relationship and how that helps the farmer in the field.”

Paul explains how Reinke ensures sustainability and customer service in Africa.

“After-sales service is very important for us. We directly visit clients in Africa to help install the irrigation systems, but mostly we work through our dealers, so it is important for us to get our dealers trained and to convey as much knowledge as possible to them about the latest irrigation designs. They must use that knowledge to service the client from anywhere and at any perspective. We want to offer the best solution

for every client’s needs,” says Paul.

Reinke also remains up do date with the changes in technology.

“Reinke has a specific engineering department working on improvement and keeping up to date with the latest technology,” he added.

Features of Reinke in Africa: • Reinke pride themselves in supplying a top-quality product. Paul says: “We don’t cut back on cost just to get a deal.”

• A happy client brings them more sales. “We strive towards giving the client the most options and the best solution for each problem,” Paul says.

• They consider all the options available for the farmer, such as solar systems where there is no electricity on the farm.

• They use only the best technology.

Reinke has great partnerships with other leading companies: “We partner with Garmin for our GPS guidance systems, and also with CropX, which helps us with soil moisture measuring and monitoring, especially for areas like Namibia where we can ensure that we apply the precise quantity of water for the crops to ensure maximum yields. CropX also works with NASA for satellite imaging, which gives us an advantage for irrigation,” he says.

Reinke also looks at LEPA (Low Energy Precise Application) systems to place water close to the ground.

“Because you apply water close to the ground, losses due to evaporation and wind drifting are minimised.”

ProAgri Zambia 73

Paul and Jacques van den Berg of Reinke Irrigation, with York Ritter, a Namibian farmer, looking at the advantages of a Reinke pivot.

Contact Patrick Ellis at +27(0)31-350-4525, or e-mail patrickellis@reinke.com, or visit their website at www.reinke. com for more information on how you can use less water and attain higher yields.

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ProAgri Zambia 73

MB-1: Phibro’s cutting edge protection against Gumboro disease The threat of Gumboro disease (IBD) Gumboro is an infectious viral disease affecting broilers and pullets (layers and breeders) worldwide. The virus targets the bursa of Fabricius, the organ responsible for the development of immunity in young chicks.

Depending on the virus strain and the time of infection, the disease presents itself in different ways. When the infection occurs before the third week of age, it causes immunosuppression, low mortality, and drop in performance.

If infection occurs after three weeks, it normally causes high mortality, immunosuppression, depression, ruffled feathers, and diarrhoea.

In Zambia, the disease is endemic, which means that this is an everpresent threat. Most of the outbreaks are caused by very virulent strains, which infect young birds quite early.

Protection As mentioned in our previous article of ProAgri Zambia, issue 71 (Blanco 2021), control of the disease is achieved by means of biosecurity and vaccination.

Traditionally, there are four types of vaccines: Live vaccines They are administered on farm via drinking water in the first weeks of life. They protect the bird in two ways.

If given at the right time the vaccine virus can enter the bursa of Fabricius and block the field strain from entering by means of “competitive exclusion”.

The vaccine strain then multiplies and produces an antibody immune response that can destroy any circulating field strain virus in the body.

The challenge we face with live vaccines is that they can be inactivated by varying levels of IBD antibodies that the chick gets from the hen (MDAs).

The MDAs are meant to protect the young chick from field challenge but, unfortunately, they can also kill the vaccine virus.

Field strains, especially very virulent ones, can “break through” high levels of MDAs while many vaccine strains have much lower “breakthrough” levels, allowing the field strain to enter the bursa before the vaccines can. There are, however, some vaccine strains (for example TAbic MB) that are able to break through quite high MDA levels and can, therefore, be applied earlier and offer better protection against virulent field strains.

To get the best results from a live vaccination programme it is important, therefore, to know what the MDA levels are in the day-old chick, as well as the expected breakthrough level of the vaccines, to allow you to apply the vaccine at the optimal time.

ProAgri Zambia 73

Inactivated vaccines They are given to pullet breeders to create enough antibodies that will pass to their chicks (MDAs), protecting them from early infection.

Recombinant vaccines Vaccines in which a carrier virus has “fractions” of proteins of the Gumboro virus on its surface, against which the bird generates antibodies. They are administered at the hatchery.

Immune complex vaccines The vaccine virus is covered with antibodies in laboratory conditions and injected to embryos or chicks at the hatchery. As the MDA levels in the chicken drop, the vaccine virus is released to reach the bursa.

In Zambia, where very virulent Gumboro strains are present, MB strain is the best option to protect broilers and pullets against infection. As discussed in ProAgri Zambia Issue 71 (Blanco, 2021), MB is a Gumboro Intermediate Plus vaccine strain. This means it can reach the bursa of Fabricius faster than most of the current available vaccines, allowing to obtain a quicker protection against field viruses. Furthermore, because of its higher genetical similarity with the very virulent strains of Zambia, it confers better protection than other vaccines in the market.

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ProAgri Zambia 73

MB-1, the latest good news for protection against Gumboro Using a derivative of the MB strain, Phibro has developed MB-1. This new vaccine is injected at the hatchery, either in-ovo (at 18,5 days of incubation) or right after hatching.

Instead of killing the MB virus, the MDAs form a protective coating around the virus (formation of immune complex, not in a lab but inside the chicken), which is slowly broken down to release the vaccine, allowing it to enter the bursa (Figure 1).

Once in the bursa, the vaccine

virus prohibits the entry of any other viruses, multiplies, and stimulates the development of active immunity by the bird (Figure 1). This is particularly useful in flocks with very variable levels of MDAs, since the release of the MB-1 as the maternal antibodies drop results in an immune response that is “tailored” to each chicken.

According to scientific publications, MB-1 reaches the bursa before immunocomplex vaccines do, conferring earlier protection by colonising the bursa (Ashash et al, 2019; De Wit et al, 2021), which is essential when very

Figure 1: Proposed mechanism of action of MB-1 vaccine, inoculated at 18,5 days of incubation (ED = 18,5) or at hatch (day 1) (MDAs: Maternal Derived Antibodies).

virulent field viruses are present. It also induces the production of antibodies earlier than immunocomplex vaccines and recombinant vaccines (Figure 2) (Ashash, 2021; Ashash et al, 2019; De Wit et al, 2021).

Finally, the multiplication of MB-1 in the bursa does not induce immunosuppression, as demonstrated in field and laboratory trials. In those trials, birds vaccinated with MB-1 produced an immune response to Newcastle disease vaccination not different from birds receiving an immunocomplex vaccine (Ashash et al, 2019).

Several studies have proven that MB-1 is safe to be used in broilers, breeders, and layers. It can be diluted in any Marek’s vaccine diluent. It is compatible with any other injectable and spray vaccines, vitamins, and antibiotics that are applied at the hatchery.

MB-1 constitutes a unique tool for the control of Gumboro in Zambia, where very virulent Gumboro strains are endemic, and the levels of MDAs are sometimes very variable. If you require more information about MB-1, speak with your consulting veterinarian, or contact the local Phibro representative.

References Ashash, A. (2021) A new approach to controlling Gumboro Disease, Asian Poultry Magazine, February 2021, Pp. 38 - 40.

Ashash, A. et al. (2019) In-ovo and day-of-hatch application of a life infectious bursal disease virus vaccine in commercial broilers, Avian Diseases, 63(4): 713 - 720.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1637/ aviandiseases-D-19-00087 Blanco, O. (2021) Gumboro Disease and the MB strain.

ProAgri Zambia, Issue 71, December 2021.

Age (days) Mean antibody titers

MB-1 Immune complex

1

7

14

17

21

24

5045

1940

481.53

131.8

89.53

50.07

5634

2231

691.25

193.44

71.81

65.36

28

32

36

40

898.13 2752.73 2667.53 2910.88 111.5

650.06 2358.25 3154.69

Figure 2: Comparison of average IBD antibody levels (mean ELISA titres) after in-ovo vaccination with MB-1 (green) and Immunocomplex vaccine (black) (After Ashash, 2019).

ProAgri Zambia 73

De Wit, S. et al. (2021) In-ovo application of a live infectious bursal disease vaccine to commercial broilers confers proper immunity. Avian Pathology, URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/03079457 .2021.1986618

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The Solitair series offers farmers a range of tailor-made solutions: with working widths The Solitair series ers farmers a mounted range of tailor-made solutions: withand working between three andoff twelve metres, rigid and folding versions even awidths semibetween and twelve rigid folding versions and even a either semimounted three folding range, themetres, Solitairmounted can be used in and a very wide range of conditions, mounted folding range, the Solitair can be used a very wide range of conditions, either in stand-alone operation or in combination withinsoil cultivation implements. in stand-alone in combination with soil cultivation implements.

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ProAgri Zambia 73

Left: Layers perform best when they are fed Novatek Layer 95 feed.

Profitable egg production: Novatek's feed means profit in your pocket

by Natasha Kruger

O

ptimal feed conversion means the difference between profit and loss in egg production. That is why laying hens should receive the best feed possible.

Wise farmers use Novatek Layer 95 feed for their layer hens. One such farmer has been in the layer hen business for fourteen years and has been a loyal customer of Novatek Animal Feeds for the past ten years.

During the first four years, he discovered that regardless of whether he mixed his own feed or purchased a lower-cost alternative feed, his production was not optimal. Then he discovered Novatek, and this changed his life.

For him, the desired outcomes are achieved by feeding the birds from the point of lay to the end of production with the right feed. “There are no interruptions in their laying graphs, and you see good performance throughout,” he explains. This ration is the sole feed used during the hens' entire production phase.

The feed also increases egg production. “When you use Novatek Layer 95, you typically have much more consistent production than when you use these other feeds,” the farmer stated.

Switching between different nutrient

levels or cheaper rations has an adverse effect on production, he claims.

“There is a price difference,” the farmer admits, “but the more consistent and higher production of top quality eggs more than make up for it.”

Every month, this particular farmer orders 4 000 bags of feed weighing 50 kilogrammes each from Novatek. He feeds his hens an average of 118 g per hen per day, which is within the range Novatek recommends for optimal production (100 to 120 g per hen per day).

“The consistency of the Novatek feed is so good that you can rely on it in your production. As a result, our operation has benefited immensely from all the top quality feed that we get from Novatek,” he said.

Good feed will improve profitability because it will maintain consistent production and produce high-quality eggs. According to the farmer, he also gets slightly more eggs when he uses Novatek feed.

For this farmer, hen feed accounts for 70% of production costs, making it a critical component. “I would say that our growth is highly related to the fact that we are on a quality consistent feed from Novatek.”

Another reason for the farmer to

Novatek Layer feed in 50 kg bags.

ProAgri Zambia 73

choose Novatek is their knowledgeable and dedicated customer service team which ensures customer satisfaction.

“I basically give them my monthly schedule and the feed I want, and they deliver it the day before I need it,” the farmer explains. “I would rate the delivery as excellent.”

Novatek’s people keep in constant contact with their customers — truly showing excellence in that aspect.

They also provide their clients with an SMS alert system — you will receive a text message confirming receipt of your order and the booking order number. Novatek notify their clients of the total cost of their order and confirm payment. This enables customers to monitor their accounts to determine whether they are in arrears, have made payments, or even have pending orders. The farmer goes on to say: “Their text message system is fantastic, making it easier to track orders.”

All customers are satisfied with their relationships with Novatek. It is a company with an open-door policy.

If customers cannot reach the Customer Service Department, they can contact the General Manager, Wiehan Visagie, at any time. The communication channels are open. Any inquiries or orders will be transferred to the appropriate people and dealt with promptly and efficiently.

To make sure everything runs smoothly for their client, Novatek paid a visit to his farm with an accredited veterinarian, nutritionist, and customer service representatives to audit his system, make recommendations, conduct an operational check, and recommend areas of improvement and biosecurity measures. His assessment: “For a feed producing company in Zambia, I think they are at the top of their game.”

Novatek’s people demonstrate their willingness to walk the extra mile ensuring their clients' farm operations, feed performance, biosecurity, bird health, and overall production are optimal. “When our customers prosper, we prosper,” says Wiehan Visagie.

You can also improve your farming business with the help of experts. Contact Wiehan Visagie at wiehan.visagie@ novatek.co.zm or +260-979763-250. For more information, visit www.novatekfeeds.com.

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Improve production with quality silage

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ll livestock farmers are aware of the importance of maize and sorghum silage in providing quality nutrition to cattle throughout the year.

With changing rainfall patterns and severe droughts in some regions, producing quality silage has become more important than ever before.

It is important to take precautions when preparing silage, so that the end product is of a high quality, and to prevent the necessity of discarding any

spoiled or unpalatable feed. It is especially important to have a closer look at certain finer details of silage production.

Use the correct harvester A good quality precision harvester must be used to ensure a good cutting quality of the desired size.

Staalmeester’s JF 1300, JF C120, JF Double C240 Evolution, and JF 1600 AT models are good examples of this. All of these models are available with a wide range of cutting lengths and offer precise control and precision.

Silage storage Another very important aspect of making silage is its storage.

Good ensilaging means better nutrition for cattle and cost savings for producers.

Silage is mostly stored in bunkers. However, newer technology promotes improved ensilaging and greater efficiency. The storage of silage in silo bags is becoming increasingly popular and can mean better quality silage. Losses due to poor compaction and oxygen

The Staalmeester JF 1300 AT rowindependent silage harvester.

exposure are also eliminated with the use of silo bags.

Optimum utilisation The JF Silomaster quickly places freshly cut silage crops into bags, without the need for extra tractors to compact the silage on the silage heap or in the bunker. This means that the feed is exposed to oxygen for a shorter period, and there are ultimately fewer dry matter losses. Each bag can store 60 to 90 tonnes of silage for as long as 18 months, depending on its quality.

The bags also greatly eliminate spoilage of silage when removing portions for daily feeding.

Nowadays, more and more farmers produce better silage with less losses by making silage in bags. This way they can feed more cattle with the same quantity of crops, or they can reduce the area on which they plant and still have the same amount of feed available for their cattle.

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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 Tel: +260 211 244 505/6 12

E-mail: info@neriainvestments.com

www.neriainvestments.com

ProAgri Zambia 73

Rumax hammer mill keeps cows happy …

… and contributes to profits

by Maryna Steyn

F

arming smartly means that a wise farmer constantly needs to look at the maths behind his business. This goes beyond revenue received and expenses incurred. He should calculate the profitability of every farm activity to ensure a contribution towards a productive, profitable farm that grows from strength to strength.

The maths behind what a Rumax hammer mill has to offer was exactly what convinced a wise dairy farmer in the Western Cape to invest in one.

By looking at the benefits the Rumax round bale hammer mill had over the past year and a half since its installation, it has proved to be indispensable.

Dairy cows need feed cut to a specific length for optimum production, and the hammer mill delivers precisely that! “I can now feed more cows at a time than before,” this farmer explains, and he has the maths to prove it!

To feed all the cows on this above average-sized dairy farm, the feed that went through the hammer mill over the course of one year amounted to approximately 2 400 tonnes. The feed consisted of: • ± 300 round bales of barley,

approximately 90 tonnes; • ± 4 000 round bales lucerne, approximately 1 200 tonnes; • 4 000 big pack bales of oats, approximately 160 tonnes; • 500 round bales of oats, approximately 125 tonnes; • 800 tonnes of straw bales.

“From the hammer mill, the feed is moved to different sections where we stockpile it in separate rooms. We use trailers and tractors to move the feed from storage to where we feed the cows,” the farmer explained. “Moving over to the hammer mill halved our diesel usage. The tractors also work fewer hours per day, making their service intervals longer and extending their lifespan.”

The farm is equipped with solar power that is used to run the mill, but there is an emergency generator at hand. “When it comes to power usage, the hammer mill uses approximately 4 000 kW/month. At full capacity, it uses 20 to 25 kW/hour. We use a variable speed drive (VSD) to lower the energy usage and to protect the motor,” he added.

The Rumax round bale hammer mill helps to make a farm profitable.

ProAgri Zambia 73

Because of the hammer mill’s efficiency, labour costs were also reduced.

Where longer hours (and thus a bigger wage) were the order of the day, feeding the hungry animals is now an easier, quicker task.

As with any hard-working machine, general maintenance on the hammer mill is vital. On this dairy farm, it is procedure to inspect the hammers and blades weekly, ensuring that they are in good working condition. This also ensures that the machine mills effectively, faster and uses less energy.

“The machine’s productivity is good,” the farmer explains, “especially when it is properly looked after.”

Instead of waiting for the machine to break down, general maintenance means that the downtime is shorter and less severe.

“It is important to feed matter that is free from foreign materials such as rocks or sticks if you want to prolong the life of the blades and prevent the mill from breaking down,” the farmer notes. Because this may happen by accident sometimes, the dairy farm in the Western Cape makes sure it keeps enough stock available to feed the cows for two days.

“The moisture in the lucerne and oats also makes it harder to cut, wearing down the blades and deteriorating the hammer. That’s why the moisture in the bales should be kept as low as possible before being placed into the hammer mill,” the dairy farmer said.

As an added benefit, the Rumax factory is close to the dairy farm which was an additional reason to choose a Rumax hammer mill.

When talking about the service he receives from Rumax, the farmer elaborates that they receive assistance when they need it, and the machine is continuously improved. “We had an issue with too much dust on the hammer mill. Jaco enlarged the chamber of the mill and that reduced the dust.

He makes small improvements like that,” he said.

If you want to find out how a Rumax hammer mill can help your farm to be more profitable, contact Jaco Pieters on +27(0)-82-3353970 or +27(0)-23-342-6070.

You may also send an e-mail to jaco@rumax.co.za or visit their website at www.rumax.co.za.

13

Biological Booster

A simple and cost-effective system to fight fires

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14

SUPPLY & CONSTRUCTION

ProAgri Zambia 73

Soft, Aer Increase i

Advanced Polymer provides advanced solutions:

Article supplied

Improve your soil, build roads, and fight fires F

armers in Africa can also enjoy the environmentally friendly products for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications developed by Advanced Polymer, Incorporated. The South African based company collaborates closely with customers to develop their solutions.

Soil Zytonic-M Biological Booster

Natural soil ecosystems have been destroyed by conventional high intensity farming practices.

Zytonic-M Biological Booster is a proprietary, water-soluble soil activating technology that increases soil porosity and water holding capacity, thereby encouraging natural biodiversity. This leads to increased nutrient uptake, reduced reliance on chemical input, and improved crop growth and yields.

How it works Zytonic-M softens the soil and improves its porosity to increase the soil's water holding capacity. As a result, there is increased plant survival in drought conditions and root zone formation is significantly larger and denser. Under these conditions, the soil microbial population grows at an exponential rate, exhibiting all the characteristics of a more active and healthier rhizosphere.

As more biomass returns to the soil, increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil, there is also an improved, consistent, and optimal uptake of macro and micro-nutrients by crops.

Plants with increased nutritional value and vigour will be healthier and more disease resistant.

Following the application of ZytonicM to soil samples collected from three different locations, it was discovered that the fungal population increased by as much as 300 times. The increase in

bacterial population was found to be up to 200 times greater in the treated soil samples.

End benefits 1. Increase yields by 15 to 50%.

2. High-quality produce in terms of size, nutritional value, and shelf life.

3. Reduction in irrigation by 20 to 30%.

4. Chemical fertilisers reduction by 50 to 100%.

5. Pesticide use should be reduced by 20 to 40%.

Visible effects 1. Higher percentage germination and plant survival.

2. Quick response time within 4 to 10 days.

3. Green to dark green leaves and a large leaf size.

4. Larger root zone.

5. Increased flowering and retention.

6. Softer soil.

Methods of application with water (Dissolve Zytonic-M in water with a 1:200 ratio) 1. Through sprinklers or a rain gun.

2. A central pivot system can be used for fertilisation.

3. Drenching the crops with a knapsack sprayer (manual or electrical).

4. Flood irrigation can be used to apply the solution.

5. Implementation of foliar spray.

Dry application on soil (followed by irrigation) 1. Soil preparation prior to rotovation (broadcasting, spreading, and dustering).

2. Following the application on the soil surface, the seeds can be planted.

3. Applying fertiliser to the soil at the time of seed sowing.

4. Distribute the mixture with the soil or manure.

Composting with Zytonic-M 1. To use Zytonic-M, dilute it in water (1:200) and spray it on organic manure or compost.

2. Cover and store in a well shaded area for two to three weeks.

3. Spread the enriched compost over a large area.

BRING YOUR SOIL TO LIFE!

Roads TerraSil-water resistant soil bases Zydex's patented pavement technologies address problems in the pavement's sub-layers. Lower paving temperatures, improved workability,

ProAgri Zambia 73

and improved adhesion are all benefits of Zydex bitumen additives, while their gravel and rural road technologies provide water resistance, longer life cycles, and lower dust emissions. The International Road Federation (IRF) has accepted their technologies, which have been adopted in over 40 countries around the world.

Fires Fireblock

Fireblock serves as a cost-effective way to fight fire. The product has proven effective in fighting class A fires, including bush fires that burn trees, grass, and other organic material. It is ideal for making controlled firebreaks, to fight bush fires, and to protect valuables such as infrastructure or equipment against imminent fire loss and damage.

The Fireblock product is available in two sizes: a 2,5 kg bag for firefighting skid systems, and in 100 g sachets for backpack sprayers.

Using the product is simple and easy.

All the steps remain the same whether you use the bag or the sachets.

1. Prepare your firefighting unit (trailer, firefighting skid, or backpack sprayer) and fill it with water.

2. Slowly pour in the Fireblock product into the unit. Take care not to dump the product in all at once as it will take more time to dissolve.

3. Mix well.

4. Spray the Fireblock solution onto the areas or infrastructure that you are protecting.

5. When making controlled fire breaks, you can now burn the area and see that the Fireblock covered areas do not burn.

6. Continue to put out the fire.

A SIMPLE AND COSTEFFECTIVE SYSTEM TO FIGHT FIRES!

For more information on Zytonic M and FireBlock send an e-mail to orders@advansedpolymers.co.za or phone +27-11-397-7979.

15

Soil Auger Field Kits Soil auger field kits combine the preferred auger size of professionals all over the world with our most popular components.

ARE YOU IN NEED OF SHEET-METAL OR ENGINEERING MACHINERY?

Kits are available in: -Signature Series -3/4’’ Threaded -5/8’’ Threaded -Hex Quick Pin -Quick Connect

Kit Includes: -3-1/4’’ Regular Auger -4’ Extension -18’’ Rubber-Coated Handle

LSG Machine Tools offer huge stocks of quality sheetmetal and engineering machinery, including lathes, milling machines, press brakes, boring mills and more.

Currently over 600 machines can be viewed and tested under power on our premises.

Our premises are equipped with overhead cranes to the capacity of 20 tons which we gladly use to assist with the loading of heavy machinery. We can also arrange transportation and offloading of your equipment.

Looking for the following used or new machinery? Contact us today!

sales@lsgmts.co.za +27 79 802 9852

Vertical boring mills - Horizontal boring mills - Pedestal drills- Radial arm drills - Iron workers - Surface grinders - Plate rollers - Section rollers - Guillotines Lathes - Milling machines - Press brakes - Eccentric press - Hydraulic press - Cut off saws - Horizontal bandsaws - Power saws - Vertical bandsaws Compressors - Generators - Lock former - Profile cutter - Punching machine - Rotary table - Slotting machine - Spot welder - Thread rolling machine

16

ProAgri Zambia 73

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

B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Avoid spots that have rocks.

• Attach the 61 cm extension rod for ergonomic purposes.

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

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

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

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

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

• Use a wooden dowel to gingerly slide

your liner out the top of the sample core barrel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ProAgri Zambia 73

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

17

Erosion control in Malawi Part 3:

Gullies What is soil erosion?

Soil erosion is caused by run-off water that flows unchecked over soil surfaces that are no longer adequately protected by a plant cover. Gullies, or dongas, are deep gouges in the earth which are formed as the topsoil and subsoil is washed away to lower lying areas where it ends up in rivers and also silts up dams and weirs (see Photo 1). Eventually the soil ends up in estuaries by the sea where it smothers marine life.

Footpaths used by animals and humans across the landscape, as well as run-off from agricultural croplands, can turn into rills and gullies, which can get bigger every time that it rains if the destructive flow of the water is not effectively slowed down (see Photo 2).

To prevent soil erosion and the loss of precious topsoil, which contains the vital nutrients that plants need to grow and feed both humans and animals, the destructive force of erosive run-off water must be significantly slowed or even stopped. This implies that some kind of barrier needs to be erected to slow the flow of water rushing down a gulley, or over the soil surfaces alongside and in between the gullies, to prevent further soil erosion.

In the previous issue of ProAgri Zambia and ProAgri BNZ, we discussed the way in which Ken Coetzee

and Wallie Stroebel of Conservation Management Services from George in the Western Cape solved the erosion problems for the charity, Wells for Zoe, at the Enyazini restoration project site in the Mzimba District in the northern parts of Malawi.

In this issue we look at the way in which gullies can be practically treated to prevent further erosion.

Solution Branch fences, made by weaving supple branches through a row of poles planted across the gully, were installed to slow down the run-off water. These branch fences trap silt, organic material and seeds that wash down with the water. The branch fences must be installed at regular intervals from the top of the gully where the erosion starts to the end of the gully downstream.

The steeper the slope, the closer these branch fences must be to each other because of the increased speed of water flow on steeper slopes.

Step by step treatment of a gully Starting at the top of the gully, install branch fences at intervals along the whole length of the gully, particularly the upper sections (see Figure 2). The brush fences are installed in the gully to trap silt and reduce the speed and

The trench is cut into the sides and bottom of the gully to anchor the structure against the speed of the water-flow

A A trench must be cut into the sides of the gully, at least 500 mm deep

A trench must be cut into the bottom of the gully, at least 250 mm deep

Strong bush poles are hammered into the trench

B Figure 1A & 1B: The first steps in the construction of branch fences, A - preparation of a trench, and B securing the vertical poles.

Weave thin branches in between the poles and push them down firmly with each one added

Fill in the end gaps with cut branches

C Fill in the end gaps with cut branches

Weave enough horizontal branches to form a strong and solid wall

Pack a dense, compacted layer of leafy branches up against the structure

D

Apply a thick layer of soil over the compacted branch fill behind the structure

Water flow direction

Photo 1: A deep gulley is formed where water rushed down the bare slope (Illustrations provided by Conservation Management Services).

18

Photo 2: A much-used footpath is washed out to form a gulley.

Figure 1C & 1D: The final steps in the construction of branch fences consist of: C - weaving horizontal branches in-between the poles, and D - applying layers of branches and soil on the up-side of the fence.

ProAgri Zambia 73

The branch dams are installed starting at the top end of the gully Branch dams are installed to slow down the speed of water flow

Water flow direction

Cut branches or bundles of grass can be densely packed onto the floor of the gully in between the branch dams to slow down the water flow and, trap sands and seeds

Figure 2: The layout of a series of branch fences in a gully.

erosive force of the run-off water.

The branch fences must be installed at a right angle (90 degrees) to the flow of the water.

Installing a branch fence Dig a foundation trench of at least 250 mm deep in the bottom and 500 mm deep in the sides of the gully in which the branch fence must be constructed (see Figure 1A and Photo 3).

The trench must be cut into the bottom and the side walls of the gully.

Hammer in support posts of at least 500 mm into the trench. These poles must be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the rushing water, as well as the silt that will build up against the front of the fence (see Figure 1B and Photo 4).

Weave thin, supple branches between the support poles. Push each branch down firmly to form a dense barrier. Fit these horizontal branches right to the top of the structure (see Figure 1C and Photo’s 5

and 6).

Fill in the end gaps of the fence with branches to seal the structure so that the soil around the end post will not be washed out (see Photo 7).

Pack a thick, dense layer of leafy branches in the front (upstream side) of the structure. Cover the branches with a thick layer of soil and compact the soil (see Figure 1D and Photo 7).

If there are enough branches, these can be packed in the gully between the branch fences to further help to slow down the speed of water flow.

Important note Harvest brush in such a way that at least half of the plant remains.

This means that much of the plant material will have to be harvested further away from the treated area.

If all the plant material in the area is removed, it will simply cause additional soil erosion. Try to use plants that will easily sprout again after cutting the tree or shrub.

Photo 3: A trench is cut into the bottom and sides of the gully.

Photo 6: The woven branch fence forms a strong barrier.

Photo 4: Vertical poles are hammered into the trench.

Photo 7: Leafy branches that are covered with a thick layer of compacted soil are packed in front (upstream side) of the branch check.

Contact details of Ken Coetzee, Wallie Stroebel and Bruce Taplin: 4 Chestnut Street, Heather Park, George, 6529, South Africa Cell Ken: +27-76-227-5056; Wallie +27-82-493-1441 Website: www.conservationmanagementservices.co.za.

Photo 5: Long, supple branches are woven in between the poles.

ProAgri Zambia 73

19

KIRLOSKAR POWER GENERATORS

RELIABLE DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL POWER BACKUP SOLUTIONS

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20

ProAgri Zambia 73

Syngenta shares interesting facts:

Wheat production 2022 W

heat is the most widely cultivated cereal in the world, a staple food for 40 percent of the world’s population that contributes 20 percent of total dietary calories and proteins worldwide (Braun et al, 2010). With that in mind, grain production needs to double (if not triple) to feed a world population that is projected to reach approximately nine billion by 2050. If there is one central message to consider in tackling food security, wheat is the crop which may be considered right now in our Zambian context.

Four basic food products are made from wheat: bread, breakfast cereals, cakes, and biscuits, all of which are extremely important in our everyday lives.

As farmers ponder on their next crop after a successful rain season, Syngenta steps forward to offer integrated solutions in wheat for farmers to maximise their yield and profits. Considering this, Syngenta has a strong high yielding wheat portfolio to offer growers. Syngenta is the leading global powerhouse in agricultural science, in particular crop protection and seed.

Zambia has received good rainfall in the wheat growing areas this season, very significant compared to the recent past three to four years, which saw suboptimal wheat production levels.

Many irrigation farmers are highly motivated to increase the hectarage on their farms as most dams have had some significant level increases.

Farmers are looking at wheat as a premium crop to maximise the profits.

It is therefore crucial to share some

wheat production fundamentals for profitable farming.

Seed quality Quality certified seed is the basis for establishing a productive stand. In other words, using good quality certified wheat seed for planting is the foundation for obtaining excellent germination and stand establishment. In addition, certified seed is the grower’s best assurance of buying excellent quality seed. With environmental conditions being so unpredictable and variable, farmers need to ensure proper variety selection to make the difference in profitability, so this deserves careful and detailed attention each year.

Obviously, the primary objective is to choose the varieties that will give the grower high yields per hectare and the maximum possible revenue, but this only happens with attention to detail, and it is not an easy exercise.

It is important to take into consideration these characteristics when choosing a variety: Land preparation The objective of land preparation is to create the ideal soil conditions which will enhance the establishment of the crop. The right farm equipment becomes crucial, farmers need a firm seedbed, which promotes good seed to soil contact and results in uniform and easy germination and stand establishment, at the lowest possible cost. In addition, it is crucial at this stage to manage the residue on the ground.

ProAgri Zambia 73

With more residues remaining on the soil surface, foliar diseases, such as Septoria leaf blotch can be a challenge. At the time of planting, calibrate planters to ensure the correct seeding density, fertiliser application and planting depth for seed germination.

Irrigation management Irrigation management strategies for full yield potential and quality need to incorporate scheduling of irrigation application to maintain soil water above depletion levels. Stage of growth irrigation applications can be used to obtain maximum yield potential but can be wasteful of water resources if the water level status of the soil profile is ignored. To optimise yield and quality, the grower needs a greater understanding of irrigation timing.

There is an interesting old saying “Muddy boots are the best measure for irrigation scheduling.”

Fertiliser management Fertiliser is an important production element that drives productivity. Essentially, growers need the right levels of nutrients at each stage of development for maximum economic yields of wheat. In general, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the primary nutrient needs.

It is vital to make sure that adequate amounts of the secondary and micronutrients are considered in the fertiliser program. It is highly recommended to manage your fertiliser program with your local fertiliser agronomist.

21

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Eenheld1(29MP):4084.i,8ha Eenheld2(14MP):3620ha Eenheld3(49MP):4092.78ha

Walk in and start farming opportunity in Botswana close to Serowe Excellent mixed grazing farms located in the western Sandveld with good rainfall and close to tarred roads.

Fences are in excellent condition.

Cattle, goats and equipment for sale as well.

3 Units: Unit 1 29MP (4084,68) lease until 19/10/2052 Unit 2 49MP (4092,78 ha) lease until 23/2/2061 Unit 3 14MP (3620 ha) lease until 28/03/2053 Makabe, Moiyabana Distrik, Botswana 90km from Serowe, 300km from Gabarone

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082 804 8079 22

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GWK ProAgri Zambia 73 properties

In conjunction with the fertiliser agronomist a soil test for available nutrients is very helpful in evaluating the amount of residual nutrients.

Therefore, reliable soil analysis data is essential for planning an effective fertilisation programme for the wheat.

The soil test measures the quantity of nutrients in the soil at the time the sample is collected and based on the results from this profile test an interpretation is made to adjust nutrients recommendation, based on soil status and the targeted yield. As an additional tip, ensure you do not apply lime if you were following Atrazine application in your previous crop.

Weed management Weeds can significantly reduce wheat yields and profits by competing with the crop for water, light, root space, and nutrients. In addition, they can damage the wheat by producing toxic substances or act as hosts for disease.

Weeds also interfere with harvest and result in compromised quality of grain, which adds to the total economic impact of weeds in wheat. To give an illustration, yield losses and harvest problems caused by weeds vary depending on the weed species, weed population, time of weed emergence, growing conditions, and status of the wheat crop.

Importantly, wheat is very sensitive to early weed competition. A healthy wheat crop that has a head start on weeds is extremely competitive and will suppress weed growth and interference, therefore a weed management program with an innovative herbicide solution is recommend.

Herbicides, if used properly, are a safe and effective option for control of certain weeds in wheat. Crucial factors to take into consideration when choosing an herbicide include: 1. weed species spectrum, 2. stage of crop and weed development, 3. herbicide persistence and re-cropping restrictions, 4. and risk of off-site movement for non-target contamination.

We always encourage farmers to have sound knowledge of weed problems in the field. A good knowledge on weed ecology at the farm and proper weed identification are necessary tools when choosing an herbicide programme.

Most herbicides selectively control certain weed species as listed on the label and weeds not listed on the label will most likely not be controlled.

Additionally, herbicides should only be applied at the stages of application recommended on the label to achieve the optimum results. The crop must be at the right stage of growth to avoid crop injury, in other words application too early or late may result in stunting

and wheat yield reductions. We also urge farmers to calibrate the spraying equipment before the application of the solution.

You need a calibrated sprayer, correct pressure, correct nozzles, clean water, the applicable spraying technique, and the right herbicide solution.

Syngenta Gramoxone® and Touchdown Forte® are used as pre-plant weed burn down so that the farmer gets his seedbed free from weeds before planting.

We are excited to launch our new post emergence herbicide Casper ® 55 WG, it is a double mode of action post emergence herbicide (broad leaf weeds) which is specialised to control a broad range of annual weeds in cereals and corn. In addition, selective herbicides, for example Axial®, Dialen Super ® and Traxos® are innovative post emergence solution options for the crop. Adama Bromoxynil P 500SC (selective post-emergence for certain broad leaf weeds control) will be available this winter.

Disease management Frequent field scouting is highly recommended for monitoring crop development and identifying problems in the early stages before they become severe. The right diagnostic tools for correct diagnosis are crucial because control measures are different for the different diseases. Foliar fungicides are disease management tools that can be used, and seed treatments are excellent for control of seedborne diseases.

Besides chemical methods, crop rotation is a “best management practice” because it reduces the carryover of diseases, insects, and weeds between crops. Maintaining balanced nutrient levels may also reduce some diseases.

Syngenta’s portfolio Elatus™ Arc,

Amistar Extra®, Cherokee®, Artea® and Thiovit Jet® for disease control and excellent yield results help protect the farmer’s investment. By following the Syngenta portfolio, farmers can get consistent crop performance and higher return on investment (ROI).

Insect management Again, frequent field scouting is important for monitoring insects and identifying problems in the early stages before they become severe. Syngenta have an excellent insecticide range in wheat, namely Ampligo®, Karate Zeon® and Denim Fit®.

Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) PGRs can be a valuable tool. They reduce plant height and increase stem thickness. This reduces the incidence of lodging. Additionally, the PGRs reduce the harvest losses caused by lodging.

PGRs application timing is crucially important for good results. It is important to follow the label instructions so that the farmers apply the product according to its labeled window of application.

Syngenta’s solution Moddus® growth regulator has a wider window of application than most growth regulators. It is very safe and has no yield reduction for wrong timing. It also reduces water requirement as it increases root mass.

Syngenta wishes all farmers a productive and rewarding wheat season with Syngenta solutions.

Always follow label instructions concerning product application and always use personal protection equipment when using any pesticide. Contact the Syngenta team to get the best and reputable guide on a sound innovative herbicide program.

To learn more about Syngenta’s innovation and sustainability efforts, please visit www.syngenta.com or contact Admore Nyaguze, Syngenta Head of Commercial Sales by sending an e-mail to Admore.Nyaguze@syngenta.com or contacting (+26) 09-679-82-012.

ProAgri Zambia 73

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PLANTING PLANTING THE SEEDS THE SEEDS FOR SUCCESS FOR SUCCESS We are expanding We are expanding into Africa.

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ETGL expands and strengthens its presence in Southern Africa E

TGL operates an established automotive and farm equipment distribution business in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya, with plans to increase their footprint in East and Southern Africa, amongst other regions.

The VST Tillers Tractors range recently launched by ETGL, cover compact tractors from 13.7 kW 4WD to 37.28 kW and small farm mechanisation implements like power weeders, power reapers and power tillers ranging from 3.7 kW to 11.8 kW. This range is ideally suited for small and emerging farmers where affordable mechanisation is a key requirement. VST SHAKTI is India's number one brand in power tillers (or walk-behind tractors).

For larger, commercial farmers, ETGL will also be offering the Belarus tractor range with engine outputs in the 42 kW to 333 kW range, with an open station and cab configurations. ETGL will be distributing this tractor range in a joint venture with AFTRADE DMCC, which represents most of the agricultural machinery manufacturers in Belarus.

Also available from the ETGL stable is the Deutz Fahr range of tractors from

SDF with outputs ranging from 40 kW to 120 kW. This range will be distributed in Tanzania and Southern African countries except for South Africa. In the medium segment, ETGL also distributes Mahindra tractors in Tanzania.

As a part of farming solutions, ETGL offers the Shaktiman range of farming implements in Southern Africa and the Almeks range of implements in Tanzania.

The feature-packed Taiwan Golden Bee (TGB) Blade 600 range of allterrain vehicles (ATVs - or quad bikes) was recently introduced to the Southern African market, offering models

for work and recreational applications at very competitive prices. Initially, two models are available, namely the TGB Blade 600 SE.X EPS 4x4 aimed primarily at recreational users and the TGB Blade 600 AR EPS 4x4 which is expected to appeal to the agricultural segment supporting farm management activities and other commercial users like the mining industry.

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All types of hybrid maize seed | Agricultural chemicals | Horticulture chemicals | Veterinary products Agricultural tools | Hand tools | Protective equipment | Fumigation | All types of seed All types of hybrid maize seed | Agricultural chemicals | Horticulture chemicals | Veterinary products Agricultural tools | Hand tools | Protective equipment | Fumigation | All types of seed

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Farmers Barn Ltd. Tel: +260 211 225 352 Farmers Ltd. 635 Cell: +260Barn 977 518

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Processing of condiments Part 14:

Pickled bell peppers

P

eppers can easily be pickled in a brine or vinegar solution, alone or with other vegetables and seasoning.

The variety of coloured peppers available make attractive pickles. Certain varieties can be pickled as whole pods, while larger peppers are cut into strips.

Process description

Harvesting of bell peppers Bell peppers are harvested by hand into pails that are emptied into bulk bins for transport to the packaging/ processing site. The peppers should be harvested by cutting the fruit from the plant with a sharp knife or scissors, and not pulled or twisted as this can easily damage or uproot the plant. The pickers should be trained to minimise handling damage. The harvested peppers should be transported to the processing site or at least a cool location as soon as possible, since peppers are considerably more susceptible to water loss, sun scale and heat damage after picking than before.

The correct stage of maturity for harvesting depends on the use of the product. If full colour development is desired for an attractive display, the fruit is picked at >80% discoloration.

Bell peppers Harvesting Inspection & sorting Washing (potable water) Puncturing or slicing Brining Rinsing & draining Cooking (remaining ingredients) Filling & sealing Pasteurisation Cooling & drying Labelling (optional) Pickled bell peppers

ProAgri Zambia 73

Commercial pickled bell peppers (Image Source: thenibble.com) 27

Otherwise, the fruit is picked once the mature green (full size) has been reached. Peppers ripen and colour more evenly in greenhouses compared to those cultivated in the field. Field peppers harvested in a green or nonuniform coloured state can be exposed to ethylene gas during storage to promote uniform ripening and colouring, if so desired.

Inspection and sorting of fresh bell peppers Only the best quality peppers should be used for the fresh market while minor defects and non-uniformities can be tolerated for slicing and dicing purposes. Selection criteria include uniformity in colour, maturity, shape and size, and freedom of defects. Any pepper showing signs of mechanical or insect damage, diseases, rot, or sunscald is discarded.

Washing of bell peppers The harvested peppers are washed in a water bath assisted with soft rotating brushes or by gentle jet sprays.

Preparation of peppers prior to pickling Large peppers are cut into long, thick strips. Peppers that are going to be pickled as whole pods are only punctured. The peppers are then submerged in a brine solution (1½ cups pickling salt to 3,8 litres of water) and left to stand for 12 to 18 hours. The brined peppers are removed, stet, rinsed and again drained thoroughly.

Cooking of peppers prior to pickling The peppers and remaining seasonings and vegetables are added to vinegar, water, and sugar in a cooker. The mixture is heated and simmered for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Filling and sealing of pickled peppers The hot pickled peppers and vinegar sauce is filled into hot, clean glass bottles/jars, leaving a small headspace. The bottles and jars are preheated by rinsing them in hot water to avoid giving the glass a thermal shock.

28

ProAgri Zambia 73

The filled jars are lightly sealed by loosely screwing the lids on to ensure that expanding air can escape from the jar during pasteurisation.

Pasteurisation of pickled bell peppers Pasteurisation entails the controlled and limited heating of the pickle in sealed containers that are capable of forming a headspace vacuum upon cooling. It is impossible to give specific time and temperature requirements in a general report such as this, since sufficient pasteurisation depends on the size and dimensions of the container, the starting temperature, the type of equipment used, the type of product and pH. However, it is essential to institute the most rapid and efficient heating (and cooling) methods possible to ensure that the product is not overheated, resulting in softening of the vegetables and a generally poor quality product. Generally, a 500 ml container requires to be heated for 10 minutes in boiling water or steam. This can be accomplished by passing the containers through a hotwater tank or steam cabinet on a batch or continuous basis.

Cooling and drying of pepper pickles Cooling involves extracting heat from the product to decrease its temperature using an appropriate device such

as a heat exchanger and medium such as water, air, or refrigerant.

The containers are cooled with water to approximately 30 °C. This is done by immersing the bottles in water baths or by passing them through misting tunnels. The cooled containers are removed and allowed to cool further naturally. Cooling of glass jars should be gradual to prevent thermal shock that would result in cracking of the jars. The containers are allowed to dry naturally or blowdried with hot air blowers prior to labelling.

Labelling of packaging (optional) The packaging material or containers that are not pre-printed, are labelled and coded with the necessary information. Various labelling and coding systems are available, depending on the type of label and container used.

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

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

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Weather Monitoring Valley Weather Station Helps You Keep Tabs on Weather Conditions

Access to accurate weather data is one of the best ways to ensure increased yields, and the Valley Weather Station is an important tool to detect current weather conditions and analyze historical weather patterns. It can also assist with other aspects of crop management, such as irrigation scheduling.

• View weather data anytime, anywhere via Valley 365™ • Integrated sensors and enclosure with a built-in solar panel • Sensors for wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity, rain, barometric pressure and solar radiation • Mounting hardware for a tripod, pole or t-post (tripod/pole/t-post not included)

Options • A second rain bucket or an ET gauge (choose one) • A second temperature sensor (e.g., indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, soil temperature, etc.)

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Weather Monitoring

Valley Weather Station is Your Eyes in the Storm (and Everywhere Else) Easy installation – A simplified wiring process makes for quick setup.

Mobile access – Weather data is displayed alongside your irrigation, soil moisture and grain bin data, all on the same dashboard.

Increased productivity – Real-time text message alerts about changing weather conditions can improve your labor and farm machine efficiency, allowing you to allocate resources where they’re needed most.

Informed decisions – Having easy access to real-time heat, humidity and frost conditions will result in better decision making during harvest and when working with livestock.

Better accuracy – Wind data keeps expensive chemicals where you need them when spraying crops.

Field-specific data – Receive information directly from your field.

Peace of mind – Sleep easier, save trips to the field and use water more efficiently by receiving alerts about changing weather conditions.

Connected Crop Management – Integrates with Valley Scheduling™ and Valley 365 – available on the App Store and Google Play.

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Additional Weather Monitoring Capabilities  Barometer

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Effective water harvesting techniques: Part 2 D

on’t let rainwater run away; use these techniques to effectively collect water from your own roof.

Usually, large roof surfaces are equipped with gutters and down-pipes.

These features only require the construction of a simple storage structure to collect the rainwater that would normally go to waste if not caught for later use. If small roof surfaces are not equipped with gutters, the following cheap and easy solution can be implemented to collect rainwater (see Figure 1 for an example).

A 50 mm diameter polythene pipe or something similar can be used.

A slit should be cut lengthwise into the pipe to split it in half. Measure it to have the cut part as long as the roof.

Wire can then be used to secure the pipe in place on the roof plates or rafters so that it can successfully collect the water running down from the roof. The same pipe can be used

as a down-pipe into the water collecting container, by making the end of the pipe that is not tied and cut in half as long as possible (see Figure 1).

You can also use a 90-degree fitting to let the pipe run down straight at the corner.

Tin roof Ǿ 50 mm polythene pipe, slit, fitted over the edge of the roof and tied with wire

Down-pipe Storage tank Figure 1: Gutter of polythene pipe for small tin roofs.

ProAgri Zambia 73

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Harvesting water from thatched roofs Collecting water from a thatched roof will require the use of small pieces of corrugated iron sheets. It should be well secured under the edge of the thatched roof so that it protrudes out by approximately 300 mm and in such a way that the water running down from the roof can be collected on the metal roof sheets.

The entire roof’s edge should be equipped with these corrugated sheets.

This process is nearly identical to the tin roof and polythene pipes, because it uses similar installation steps (see Figure 2 for an example).

Harvesting water from ground surface or stone slabs Ground surfaces that have been properly prepared with a reasonable slope will ensure the rapid run-off of surface rainwater. To improve the run-off if the soil is not compact enough or does not have a hard texture, you can do the following: • Remove unnecessary vegetation, level the surface, and compact the soil with a roller.

• Use the soil and cement combination method for firmly compacted soil.

• Prevent the growth of vegetation and build weirs to guide the water to the storage reservoir.

Thatched roof Used corrugated iron sheets Polythene pipe (Ǿ 50 mm slit) Down-pipe

Figure 2: Method of water harvesting from thatched roofs.

It is possible to collect water from big granite boulders or stone slabs. Water can be transported to a reservoir via a pipe because of the high run-off produced by these features. If natural run-off patterns occur on rocks, a weir can be built to collect the water and store it for later use. (See Figure 3 for an example).

Using a proper lining will make it easier to store water in earth dams.

The information provided in this article is credited to the Institute of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). For more information, visit their website at www.arc.agric. za, contact them on +27-12-8424000 or send an e-mail to iae@ ing1.agric.za.

Figure 3: Dams on rock slabs.

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ProAgri Zambia 73

Introduction to

by Tisha Steyn

H

beekeeping

ave you ever considered what life would be like without bees? Very few plants will grow in our gardens, and we will most certainly have less food to eat. More than 150 plant species that we use as food, must be pollinated by bees.

Although bees are not the only pollinators, they are crucial for pollination.

Bees spend most of their lives to collect pollen grains that stick to the stiff hairs on their legs, which allows them to carry it to their hive to feed their larvae, or baby bees.

While at the flower, they also collect nectar, a sweet watery substance that the flower produces, which provides the bees with energy and which they turn into honey once they are back in the hive.

Pollination

While visiting flowers of the same species, they transfer pollen from male flowers to the female flowers, thereby enabling fertilisation in plant ovaries, which leads to the production of seeds.

And seeds, as we know, produce fruit, vegetables, nuts, and grains.

Therefore, bees play an important part in every aspect of the ecosystem.

They support the growth of all plants, which provide food and shelter for all of God’s creation.

Inside the hive

A happy and functional hive must have a queen bee, who lays thousands of eggs in her lifetime. During her maiden flight, she mates with drones, or male bees, who have the sole purpose of mating with a queen. They don’t have much other purpose, and when they

reach the end of their short lives, they are literally thrown out of the hive by the worker bees.

The worker bees are all female, and boy, do they work themselves to a standstill – literally, because in the end their little wings are torn and tattered, and then they die. During their life-span, they fly hundreds of kilometres, visit thousands of flowers, and collect kilograms of pollen.

While collecting pollen, they also collect tree gum, which they turn into propolis, which has healing properties.

They also produce perfectly hexagonal wax cells, into which they lead the queen bee to lay eggs.

Best of all, they produce honey by dehydrating moisture from the nectar.

They store this honey for the survival of the hive during lean times, like winter, when there is little food available.

sort of allow humans to collect some of the honey.

Harmful practices

It is our responsibility to treat bees kindly by taking care of them. In

Worker bees capping the cells with eggs inside with wax. (Source: Pixabay)

Forage

When they have an abundance of forage in the form of flowering plants, trees, and crops, as well as fresh, clean water, they produce lots of honey, and if they are calmed using smoke and gentle procedures, they

ProAgri Zambia 73

Golden honey in jars, ready for the marketplace. (Source: Pixabay)

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nature, where they are undisturbed by human intrusion, they are fine, but the actions of humans disrupt nature. How do we do it?

• Extensive agriculture with monoculture crops, take away the bees’ natural habitat and the plants they rely on.

• We pollute the air by blasting our crops with pesticides so that we can gain a bigger yield per hectare.

• Our farming methods destroy the soil where CO2 is supposed the be stored, so that it is instead being released into the atmosphere, causing climate change.

• Climate change causes erratic weather patterns, such as severe floods that kill people and animals and destroy livelihoods. It also causes devastating droughts that equally put man in a quandary because it jeopardises food security. Droughts are often followed by fire, as we often experience in Southern Africa.

• As a result, the bees are left without a home or food, and because they are weak, they get sick more easily, and they die. And where will that leave us?

• By caring for the bees, we can help them and ourselves to survive. But for this, we need human beings who understand the value of the bees and the abundance they provide for us in the form of healthy plants and the sweet reward of honey.

Women as beekeepers

Women who cultivate small-scale farms in Africa produce more than 70% of the food consumed on the continent.

These women are perfectly suited to take care of a hive of honey bees along with their other tasks of taking care of the fields, the household, her children,

A woman in protective clothing working on a hive. (Source: Pixabay)

Bees collect pollen that sticks to their hairy faces and legs. (Source: Pixabay) and her elderly family members. It will take patience, thoughtfulness, and hard work, but beekeeping will make their gardens grow because she will be taking care of these industrious little pollinators.

An industrious woman will be able to feed her children nutritious honey, which can also be used as medicine to help cure a child’s cough. She can create an extra income by selling jars of honey from her home or at the marketplace, and she can sell candles made from beeswax.

All she needs is a constant source of forage. With climate change and the change of the natural landscape into villages, towns and cities, forage is becoming increasingly scarce. But if there is a grove of trees, especially fruit trees like mangoes, indigenous plants, and a field of maize or cotton, there will be pollen and nectar for the bees, and honey for the household.

Setting up a hive A bee collecting pollen on a plum blossom. (Source: Pixabay)

Bees on the hexagonal cells of a comb. (Source: Pixabay)

There are also other considerations when you want to start keeping bees.

Besides a swarm of bees, you will need a hive, special equipment, and protective clothing. If you do not own land with enough suitable forage, you may have to ask permission from a landowner or farmer if you need to put your hive near his flowering fields.

You also need an area in your yard where you can put the hive in a sunny spot that is protected from strong winds. It must be placed some distance from livestock and poultry to prevent your animals and family members from being stung by

ProAgri Zambia 73

disturbed and angry bees.

Hives must be put on a stand above the ground to prevent it from getting wet and to keep ants and hungry honey badgers away. Somehow, you will also have to protect your hive from people who want to steal your honey – or even your hive!

You must regularly inspect your hive to make sure your bees are well and performing at their best. Doing so, you will notice when something is wrong, as there are several diseases that can cause the whole swarm to die. In winter, you may also have to provide extra feed to help them survive a lean time.

But it will be all worth your while.

The bees will not only provide you with honey, but also an abundance of healthy fruit, vegetables, maize, and nuts.

In the next few issues, we shall give more information on pollination, the interesting life of bees within a hive, the challenges facing a beekeeper, how to set up a hive, how to identify diseases and how to manage the hive to keep bees healthy and happy.

References

Agribook Digital. (n.d.). Beekeeping. [online] Available at: https:// agribook.co.za/livestock/beekeeping/ Mayes, D. (July 2011) Pollinators in Africa: Understanding is the first step to protection. South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). https://www.sanbi.org/wp-content/ uploads/2018/03/pollinafricabookletweb.pdf Native Plants and Ecosystem Services. (2007). Pollination. [online] Available at: https://www.canr.msu. edu/nativeplants/pollination/.

Practical Beekeeping. (n.d.).

Practical Beekeeping Book - Start Beekeeping. [online] Available at: http://practicalbeekeeping.com/ Western Cape Government. (n.d.).

Protecting bees in the Western Cape. [online] Available at: https:// www.westerncape.gov.za/generalpublication/protecting-bees-western-cape Final Strategy Report. (2017). [online] Available at: https://www. elsenburg.com/bee Thomas, E. (2021). Breakdown: Why bees are important to the environment. [online] https:// www.actionnews5.com. Available at: https://www.actionnews5. com/2021/05/19/breakdown-whybees-are-important-environment/.

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Rabbit farming Part 2:

Select the right breed T

he vital first step in rabbit breeding is choosing the right breed. According to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, there are around 38 breeds and 89 variants of domestic rabbits. Some of the breeds are discussed in this article.

New Zealand White The New Zealand White is a rabbit breed that originated in the United States of America. Albino rabbits are born as the offspring of coloured rabbits. From the beginning, it was bred selectively in large meat-production units, particularly in southern California (the San Diego area), for its breeding qualities, which included prolificacy, maternal performance, rapid growth rate, and precocious body development.

The mature weight of the New Zealand White (5 kg) is a little more than that of the Californian. During the earliest experiments on the rabbit conducted at the Fontana Station in California, the New Zealand White was employed as a model. Since 1960, this breed has expanded throughout Western Europe and other parts of the world, owing to the increasing usage of mesh flooring in rabbit cages since that time. Depending on the feeding regimen, it is possible to achieve a slaughter weight of 3 kg live weight in 12 to 14 weeks.

Californian White The Californian is a false American breed. It was introduced to the public for the first time in California in 1928 by its breeder, who hoped to produce a meat animal with exceptionally soft fur.

The Californian may grow to between 3,6 and 4 kg as an adult. It has a high proportion of meat dressing. It is shorter and stockier in stature, and it is white except for its ears, nose, paws, and tail, which are either dark grey or black. It is an excellent sire breed for interbreeding with other rabbit breeds for meat production.

Chinchilla The large Chinchilla rabbit that is bred in Europe is descended from German stock. The typical mature weight of this species is 4,5 kg. It may be raised for either meat or fur.

Chinchilla

Californian White

New Zealand White

ProAgri Zambia 73

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French Lop Although this breed is popular among Kenyan rabbit keepers because of its enormous ears that droop over its head, it is ideal for keeping as a pet.

They have short and stocky legs, but are hefty, weighing over 5 kg.

many years. However, several countries, notably China, are now building their own expertise in this field. In some cases, they do get slaughtered when they are very young, typically after the second or third clipping at the most. The nutritional requirements of Angora rabbits are critical: a poor, insufficient diet will always result in poor hair production, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

French Lop

Flemish Giant The Flemish Giant from Belgium is available in a variety of colours. It is one of the largest rabbits (possible mature weight of 7 kg) and is still kept on a farm in its native country. Because of its high bone to flesh ratio and delayed development, this breed is not a great meat breed. Flemish Giants might be used to create a gene pool for enhancing growth in other breeds; in fact, they could be produced specifically for this reason. This breed is always brown in colour.

Angora

Flemish Giant

Dutch This rabbit breed is relatively tiny yet compact, with shorter forelegs.

The lightweight breeds often mature extremely rapidly and are wonderful mothers, which is why they are popular. They use less food than medium and large breeds, and in developing countries, they might be crossed or utilised pure to create a light, meaty carcass weighing 1 to 1,2 kg.

Dutch Angora The Angora rabbit is primarily bred for its fleece/wool. They are usually considered pets and are not raised to produce meat. The production of this wool necessitates the employment of entirely different processes than those involved in the production of rabbits for meat. This specialisation has historically been achieved in France, where wool production has been the only focus for ProAgri Zambia 73

The information provided in this article is credited to: The National Department of Agriculture in South Africa in cooperation with JA Erasmus at the Glen Agricultural Development Institute.

For more information visit www. daff.gov.za or send an e-mail to DPP@nda.agric.za.

Nurturing the roots of change in rural Kenya in cooperation with Bonnie Ami Holt at the Mitahato Education and Development Fund.

For more information visit www. mitahatoedf.com/ or contact them on +254-728-082887.

Dutta, P., Singh, R.K., Dhali, A. & Rajkhowa, C. (2009). BACKYARD RABBIT FARMING. 10.13140/ RG.2.1.1742.5440/1. Further discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: www.researchgate.net/publication/273886912 43

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Pig production – how to make it profitable

by Barbara M Simbaya, Tiger Animal Feeds Technical Advisor

T

he profitability of pig farming varies depending on the farmer’s target outcome. One may earn a profit from selling live pigs either for breeding or for meat, or by selling manure as fertiliser. However, most of the profitability of pig production hinges on one’s ability to quickly access markets for the products and how well pigs are managed. Therefore, this article looks at two vital factors: market research, and good management.

Market research Good market research involves understanding the demand for pork, learning about your customers, competitors, the pork industry market price and the market forecast. This research is essential in giving your business direction and providing your customers with exactly what they need, when they need it.

In conducting research, you need to ask the right questions, in the right way, to the right people. Good research findings should be used to align your business objectives and goals with steps for executing them well.

Good pig management Pigs are kept to produce pork and bacon. Most breeds, if managed and fed effectively, will produce good quality pork and bacon.

Tiger Animal Feeds has the best pig feed for the best performance. However, the major constraints to production include diseases, parasites, poor breeding, capital investment, inadequate advisory services, inadequate research, lack of organised marketing, lack of processing plants, and poor product quality.

Contact the Tiger Animal Feeds Technical Team for advice and avoid these issues.

Selecting pigs for breeding Select good gilts (a female under the age of one year) from sows of a superior breed that wean 9 to 10 piglets per litter and that are known to be good mothers from a good breed.

• Selected gilts should have at least 12 to 14 teats so that a large litter can be easily nursed.

• Gilts should be healthy with strong legs and well-developed body and thigh muscles.

• Beginners in pig farming are advised to start with one or two gilts/sows and progress as more experience and skill is gained.

Reproduction Reproduction is the key factor for profitability in the pig industry because

the number of pigs weaned per sow annually is essential for profitability.

Pigs weaned per sow depend on the total number of pigs born per litter.

For breeding management, knowledge of reproduction is essential for better results.

Puberty This is the time at which males and females attain sexual maturity (called estrous in females). The age at which gilts reach puberty is from 8 to 10 months.

Several factors affect sexual maturity such as breed, nutrition, season, and body condition. This should be taken into consideration before embarking into production.

Estrus (heat) detection To recognise estrus, farmers must be observant and have a complete understanding of the female cyclic behaviour. Don’t try to detect heat at feeding time or in the presence of other people. You may use a teaser boar to detect heat.

Prepare farrowing pens with extra care because new-borns are more susceptible to diseases than older pigs.

Estrus signs • In gilts, the vulva swells, but not consistently in sows.

• The vulva becomes congested or red.

• Females become nervous and easily disturbed.

• They stand for mounting.

• They have a rigidity in response to pressure on the back.

• They exhibit increased vocalisation.

• Erect ears are observed.

• Females have an alert attitude.

• They have a decreased appetite.

Sanitation (keeping your piglets alive) Clean the pens daily by removing the manure from all pens to reduce the chances of transferring diseases. If diseases break out and spread in pens, you can lose animals or spend large sums of money on medication to treat infections.

ProAgri Zambia 73

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Thoroughly scrub the pens with water and a brush. Prepare farrowing pens with extra care because newborns are more susceptible to diseases than older pigs.

One of the most important steps in reducing mortality in pigs is to provide the new-born pigs with an optimal environment. Make sure that you routinely give piglets an iron injection at day three, dock their tails and clip their teeth. Remember, piglets are the main raw materials for your business.

nutrient requirements. Feed all the animals twice a day with the required amount of feed according to their age and stage. Also provide them with free access to fresh water.

Tiger Animal Feeds produces feeds that are specifically formulated for achieving optimum results across all classes of pigs. These feeds include: • Sow and boar meal: 2,5 kg per day.

• Lactating sow meal: From 2,5 kg that can be increased by 0,5 kg per day until the sow reaches her maximum intake. (This is the peak lactation which normally occurs around day 21, with an average maximum intake at this stage of about 12 kg per day).

Feeding Various age groups have different

Sow & boar

Lactating sow

Piglet creep

Pig weaner

Pig grower

Pig finisher

Protein

135

150

200

180

160

150

Fat

25

25

25

25

25

25

Fibre

80

80

40

40

80

80

Moisture

120

120

120

120

120

120

Calcium (Max)

12

12

10

10

10

10

Phosphorus

6

6

6

6

5

5

Total Lysine

7

8

12

11

9

8

Table 1: Composition of pig feeds.

• Piglet creep meal or crumble: 1 to 5 weeks, 2 kg per pig.

• Pig weaner: 5 to 12 weeks, 54 kg per pig.

• Pig grower pellet or meal: Intake 12 to 16 weeks, 49 kg per pig.

• Pig finisher pellet or meal: Intake 17 to 22 weeks, 88 kg per pig.

It is important for the pig farmer to maintain good management practices.

This ensures that the pigs grow quickly and free of diseases. Remember, taking good care of the pigs helps make pig production profitable — good quality products always fetch more on the market!

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The young chickens grow fast and soon develop feathers.

(Source: Daniel Tuttle, unsplash.com)

Poultry farming Part 4.1:

Raising chickens in a brooder

by Tisha Steyn

Special breeds These breeds have been selected for egg production. They include the White Leghorn, which has a small body (1,5 kg) and lays many white eggs.

The Black Australorp weighs 2,2 kg and eats a lot of feed. It lays light brown eggs. If you want freerange layers, which means you want them to walk around outdoors, this is a good choice as they are docile and quiet and won’t venture outside your fences.

D

on’t count your chickens before they are hatched. There is much truth in this saying which means that you should not count on anything before it actually happens. But with good planning, you can achieve your goals, also with poultry farming.

In the previous issues, we discussed the advantages and challenges of poultry farming, how you should plan for it and what expenses to consider when deciding whether it will be a viable and sustainable business. This planning indicates what you need to do to be successful. In this chapter we discuss how you go about raising chickens from one day old to broilers for meat, or layers to produce eggs.

Different poultry breeds Each chicken breed has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Dual-purpose breeds These chickens are suitable for meat and eggs. They include traditional breeds, such as Rhode Island Reds and Plymouth Rock. The disadvantages of these breeds are that they eat a lot, but do not efficiently convert feed into eggs, because they do not lay enough eggs, or provide enough meat, as they grow too slowly. Yet, if they are all you can get, or if the quality of feed is not very good, you can use them for your poultry farm. Remember, chickens and feed cost money, and the longer you need to feed them, the more money you will need to spend before you start getting an income.

ProAgri Zambia 73

Hybrid breeds Hybrid breeds, which means a crossbreed of more than one type of chicken, are most often used. These hybrids are selected for either meat or egg production and not both.

They lay large, brown or white eggs.

They are more economical, as they eat less feed per kilogram of weight they gain for meat, or the number of eggs they produce. Hybrids grow faster than other breeds, and they produce more meat, especially breast meat, which consumers prefer.

Mike Bosch of Boschveld Chickens Put some feed on cardboard for very young chicks to pick up.

(Source: Prince Abid, unsplash.com)

Weak chickens may need extra care. (Source: Ramiro Martinez, unsplash.com)

49

breeds a special hybrid of chicken on Mantsole Ranch near Radium in Limpopo Province in South Africa. Mike used indigenous Venda, Ovambo and Matabele chickens as parent stock to breed what he calls a synthetic hybrid cross called Boschveld chickens. These chickens are light brown and white, and they blend into the landscape. In addition, they are alert, which is necessary when there are numerous predators prowling around on the ground or flying overhead. They are also hardy to survive in free-range conditions and can withstand poultry diseases.

Hybrid breeds are only available through a company, such as Boschveld Chickens. These companies may be far away, even in another country, and it may be expensive to transport them to your farm. So, even though hybrids are the best option, they may not be easily obtainable.

Natural brooding If you only want to keep a few chickens, like eight hens to one rooster, you can allow them to brood naturally, but this will remain a very small-scale operation. The hen lays the eggs and hatches them. Her body heat provides enough warmth for the eggs to hatch, and she takes care of the chickens herself, providing heat and protection, and teaching them by example how and what to eat and to drink water.

But if you would like to develop a small business starting with about fifty chickens to raise hens for meat or egg production, you will have to make use of a brooder. This can be a heated brooder that provides warmth and light for the chickens by means of electricity, gas or paraffin, or a heatless brooder constructed of materials that will provide sufficient protection from the elements.

Raising chicks in a brooder Day-old chicks need extra special care from the day they arrive on your farm until they are about three to four weeks old, depending on the outside temperature. This period is called the brooding period. When they have enough feathers to keep them warm, they are ready to be raised as broilers for meat, or layers to produce eggs.

The chicks arrive in a delivery box, from which they must be moved to the brooder. We shall focus on a heated brooder, but in the next issue also discuss the building of suitable heatless brooders.

Getting the brooder ready You must prepare the brooder before your day-old chicks arrive. This brooder, whether a room or a specially built structure, must stand empty for at least two weeks before the chicks are placed inside.

The ceiling, walls, and floor must be 50

Day-old chicks must be placed on fresh, clean litter in the brooder.

(Source: Jason Leung, unsplash.com) dusted and then cleaned with detergent. An hour after washing it out, the detergent must be rinsed off with clean water and left to dry completely. Get rid of mosquitoes and flies that may carry diseases, and make sure they cannot re-enter the brooder.

Containers for food and water must be bought or made in advance. If existing containers are used, they must also be disinfected. Ensure you have a suitable source for heat and light, such as infrared lights. These lights must hang over the brooder’s floor space and you must be able to adapt the height to ensure the chickens do not get cold or too hot.

Final countdown A few days before the chicks arrive, you must get everything ready.

Buy fresh feed suitable for day-old chicks. Make sure it is the correct mixture and store it in an area that you can lock up and where no moisture, insects, rodents, or thieves can get to it.

The day before the chicks arrive Set up a heater or infrared lights. Cover the floor with litter, such as chopped straw, shredded paper, or wood shavings, which will absorb moisture, such as water from the feeders and chicken poop. This layer must be at least 50 to 100 mm deep.

Hens will naturally hatch and raise their chickens. (Source: Andrea Lightfoot, unsplash.com)

ProAgri Zambia 73

Surround the area where the day-old chicks will be kept with a border of cardboard or metal sheeting at least 450 mm high to protect the chickens from draughts and to keep them together under the lamps.

These borders can later be moved outwards to enlarge the area as the chickens grow older and bigger.

Collection day Before you set out to collect your day-old chicks, fill the drinking troughs with fresh, clean water and fill the food trays with starter mash.

Also sprinkle some food on cardboard or newspaper around the brooder, because in the beginning they will peck at anything that is put before them.

Chances are good that you will have to collect your day-old chicks, either from the hatchery where they were bred, or from a delivery point.

Check you tiny chicks to see if they are healthy. After hatching, they can last 24 hours without food or water.

If you must travel a long way home, it is best to give them some water at the collection point. While travelling, make sure they don’t get too hot or too cold, as they may get sick and die.

At home Once you get home, immediately transfer the chickens to the brooder.

Carefully pick them up one by one and put them near the feed and

water troughs. Dip each chick’s beak into the water so that it can have a sip. If they look weak, put them close to the drinking and feeding troughs so they don’t stumble around and die.

Heating Make sure the floor temperature of the brooder is between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius on the first day. Put the chicks under the source of heat.

One infrared lamp provides enough heat for fifty chickens. The lamp must be securely suspended 450 to 500 mm above the litter. These lights do not heat the atmosphere, but only the bodies of the chickens, who absorb it and transfer it into energy, which they need to grow. Measure the temperature with a thermometer that is placed on the litter. Make sure that you have a spare globe, as the chickens will suffer if the globe fails. During the next three or four weeks, the temperature can gradually be lowered to about 20 or 22 degrees.

Fewer than fifty chickens can be heated with a normal incandescent 100 W spotlight globe. When no electricity is available, use infra-red gas heaters. For additional heat, a paraffin lamp with a protective wire netting frame can also be used, but be careful because these lamps can cause a fire.

The way the chickens behave will show you whether it is too hot or too cold in the brooder. If they huddle

Chickens need clean, dry litter underfoot in the brooder. (Source: Philippe Oursel, unsplash.com) under the light and make a lot of noise, it is too cold, and when they move away from the heat, it is too hot. If they are happily and quietly pecking away at the feed under their feet, the temperature is just right.

In the next issue, more information about raising healthy chickens in a brooder will be provided.

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Chickens that are cold will huddle together for warmth. (Source: Daniel Tuttle, unsplash.com)

References Family poultry training course trainee’s manual http://www.sapoultry.co.za/ pdf-training/trainers-manual-poultry-course.pdf Cilliers, P.F. (July 2000) Small-scale poultry housing in South Africa. ARCInstitute for Agricultural Engineering Boschveld Free-range Chickens. (n.d.) Boschveld.co.za http://boschveld. co.za/

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

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How protected is you broiler chick?

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Benefits of Vectormune and Transmune: • Enhanced and longlasting immunity • Reduced on-farm vaccination frequency • Reduced risk of post vaccination reactions • Applied in the hatchery with each chick individually being vaccinated • Better protection against Newcastle disease and Gumboro • Improved chick performance

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Planning ahead is key to guaranteeing success in meeting goals and making a profit (Source: Pexels)

Plan ahead: Strategise success

by Tapuwa Mashangwa

N

ow, more than ever, agricultural production requires farmers to fully understand all aspects of their production systems, ensuring that they are meticulous in gathering and compiling all the relevant details. Farming now requires a holistic approach that covers aspects such as the farm company structure, goals and objectives, industry analysis, ownership and management structure, market analysis, operational and financial plans.

Production also now requires farms and firms to incorporate various disciplines into their systems, such as agricultural, electrical, industrial, irrigation, hydrological engineering, agronomy, human resources, veterinary science, information technology, business management and accounting, meteorological and marketing knowledge.

Farm company structures can be divided into the following groups: sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), partnership, corporation, or co-operative. The farm company structure that is used will determine how operations are undertaken and how decision-making is executed.

Most farmers in Africa usually function as sole proprietors or limited liability companies, occasionally entering into partnerships. In developing countries, there is a growing interest from governments, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector to partner with farmers as agriculture is now growing and these entities are seeking ways to increase their country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and options for earning foreign currency.

Goals and objectives of the farming activities must be SMART: • Specific • Measurable

• Achievable • Realistic, and • Timely The lack of clarity when it comes to farming operations usually leads to underperformance or losses and debt.

Objectives are the specific actions and measurable stages needed to be taken to achieve a goal. Objectives are the activities a farmer performs within a certain time frame.

The industry analysis in the sphere of operation of the farm aids a farm/ company to comprehend its position relative to other companies within that industry that produce similar products or add value to the produce. This also aids the start-up or expanding farm to scale up their production systems to meet the standards set by other farms and firms in that industry, thereby improving competitiveness and marketability of the farm products.

Ownership and management structures have more to do with the internal organisation of a business entity and the rights and duties of the individuals holding a legal (appointed) or equitable interest in that business. Usually, the managing director or farm owner decides how the business must be structured. Where this is challenging, the managing director or farm owner can engage a consultant or seek advice from other experienced farmers/companies.

The quantitative and qualitative assessment of a market is known as the market analysis. This discipline assesses the size of the market both in volume and in value, the various customer segments and buying patterns, the competition, and the economic environment in terms of barriers to entry, and regulation. This is one of the most important parts of preparation that

ProAgri Zambia 73

needs to be covered as this can make or break the farm.

One of the key aspects to fundamentally explore during the market analysis, is statistical analysis of past and present performance of produce prices.

From the observed trend, forecasts of produce pricing are made to determine the best time to plant in order to maximise profitability of the farming enterprise.

The operational plan is a practical document which outlines the key activities and targets a farm will undertake during a period of time, usually one year. It is often linked to funding agreements as well as being linked overall to the farms strategic plan. The operational plan must be accessible and flexible. Changes in the agricultural sector may arise and the farm must be ready to make changes to adapt accordingly as soon as possible. The plan must also be accurate, objective, and relevant with a high level of detail.

The financial plan is a comprehensive picture of finances. It may include details of past, present, and forecasted performance. Good financial planning should include particulars such as cash flow, balance sheets, income statements, savings, debt, investments, assets, insurance, and any other financial elements of the farm/business.

When a financial institution, investor or potential business partner has an interest in the business, the financial plan is the main part of the business that determines if the venture to be pursued is profitable, viable and a risk worth taking.

In all planning, it is important to remember that Covid-19 has reduced the spending capacity of most individuals, thus high-end produce — depending on the market to be supplied — may not be bought, nor be as high in demand as before Covid-19.

Adherence to the comprehensive farm plan will to a large extent guarantee that project goals and maximum profitability are achieved.

Determine the best time to plant, in order to maximise profitability of the farming enterprise (Source: Pixabay).

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