ProAgri Zambia Issue 002 - 2015

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a November 2015 Nr 02

Free

Soil: Your most important asset

Integrated farming systems may be the future

LEMKEN for preservation tillage

Letter from the Editor

he impossible has happened. It is quiet at the Falls. A reader has sent me this photo depicting the severity of the drought more than anything else I have seen.

Nobody else on this planet lives closer to and feels the effect of nature’s extremes more than the farming community. We cannot make rain, but we can make our contribution to lessen our own impact on natural resources, to preserve moisture and to make plans to ensure continued food production.

In this second issue of ProAgri Zambia we start with an extensive series on soil written by scientists. Be sure to save your copies of ProAgri Zambia, if only to collect this series of articles. We also discuss alternative ecologically friendly farming methods. The companies supporting us with advertorials all have good advice and solutions for farmers dealing with the realities of Africa.

We have been asked what makes ProAgri different from other magazines.

We are not trying to be a news-of-the-day magazine; we form a direct line of communication between supplier and farmer, already distributing more copies to more places in Zambia and reaching more farmers with our informationshould-be-free-model. With the support of more suppliers, we hope to reach every farmer who is serious about farming.

Should you wish to ensure that you receive your copy of ProAgri every month, kindly send an e-mail with your postal address to engela@proagri.co.za and pay the postage costs, or make sure that your copy is held for you at one of our distribution points, set out on page 29.

Farm smart!

Annemarie Bremner > annemarie@proagri.co.za

Cover

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LEMKEN is one of the companies offering tillage solutions to maintain moisture levels and improve the biological soil structure. Find their contact details to the left, on the inside front cover.

ProAgri technology for the farmer

Z a m b i a

Office no. 3 Fens Investment Building Lusaka Show Grounds

+26 (0)96-216-9801 www.proagri.co.za

Copyright Š 2013. All rights reserved. No material, text or photographs may be reproduced, copied or in any other way transmitted without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or of the editor.

We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their respective owners. ProAgri shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon.

ProAgri Zambia Editor Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za General Manager Zambia Quintus Grobler > +26 (0)96-216-9801 quintus@vanetechnology.com

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Reporter Du Preez de Villiers > +27 82-598-7329 dupreez@proagri.co.za Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za Stefan van Wyk > +27 82-381-7563 stefan@agritrader.co.za

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AFGRI: Top technology in action

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Rovic Leers: More gain for small grain farmers

10 Soil: The composition of soil (Part 1)

Content

13 Sulpher: The fourth macro-element 16 Beef cattle health program

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Design Esta van Niekerk

mart!

Farm s

19 Senter 360: Tough pivot makes sugar cane sweeter 21 Irrigation: Who knows better than the farmers?

23 Lindsay: Think outside the control box with pivot control 24 Ecological farming: Integrated farming systems

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Remi Friebus > +27 62-203-2995 remi@proagri.co.za

Enquiries Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0667 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Keet > +27 861-777-225 accounts@smartpublishing.co.za Distribution Du Preez de Villiers > +27 12-803-0667 dupreez@proagri.co.za.co.za Business manager George Grobler

November 2015

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AFGRI Equipment

Top technology in action

by Heather Ashcroft

A one of a kind field day, which was held by AFGRI Equipment on the farm of James Badcock in the Mkushi area on 18 September 2015, was well attended by farmers. With an audience of almost 80 commercial farmers from Mkushi, Mpongwe and Serenje, AFGRI Equipment Manager for Zambia, Willie Dietrechsen declared the AFGRI field day open.

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side from simply just showcasing the finest and newest products and technologies on the market from the likes of John Deere, Rovic Leers, Orthman and LEMKEN, the inaugural AFGRI Equipment field day gave farmers a ‘hands-on ride and drive’ opportunity to test this machinery in the field.

JP Smit, product specialist and salesman in the Mkushi area, invited all farmers to sit behind the wheel and get a feel for the products in action.

Abri Botha, a farmer from Zataka Investments in Mpongwe, agreed: “It’s been a great day. For farmers, demonstrations in the field help us to make the right decisions on equipment for our specific needs and farming conditions.”

After five hours of infield demonstrations on a wide range of products, everybody moved over to AFGRI Equipment’s new premises in Mkushi.

Willie Dietrechsen made a short speech explaining how field days like this will help and encourage farmers to make the right equipment choices and to consider AFGRI Equipment as their long term partner for future investment.

Two years of severe drought in Mkushi has brought development to a standstill for a lot of commercial farmers. Now is the time to plan ahead and think positively about growth with the right equipment partner able to support you through these tough times, he said.

The final toast went to the unveiling of the state-of-the-art AFGRI Equipment premises in Mkushi, a fitting backdrop for a day celebrating investment in exciting new prospects for farming in Zambia.

As the glasses were raised and the lamb and pig spit was prepared, the room was sparked with enthusiastic discussions about the day’s events.

The field day started at James Badcock’s farm, where JP Smit, a AFGRI

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product specialist and salesman for the Northern area greeted attendees.

A typically dry and hot September day didn’t stop the pick-ups rolling onto

the fields and before midday the demo area was full of farmers and representatives from all over Zambia and South Africa.

Photo’s: Roëtte Smit

JP Smit welcomes farmers to the first Afgri Field Day in Mkushi

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he event started with a demonstration of the LEMKEN Rubin 9, drawn by the John Deere 6105M. Germanbased LEMKEN technology has gained popularity in Zambia through AFGRI Equipment over recent years, an example of how the market has become incredibly diverse with different products from all over the world now available to farmers in Zambia.

Rolling in close behind came the Kuhn Optimer, drawn by the John Deere 7830Mfwd. Showcasing one of their top stubble cultivators from Kuhn, Dawid Lombard, representative from Rovic Leers in Zambia, emphasised the importance of open days such as this. “Farming is a science, with equipment developing so quickly.

Events like this help us to talk face to face with farmers about our products and discuss their long-term plans for investment. By answering their questions and doubts upfront, we can help to add value to their projects.”

The 8 row Orthman cultivator was up next, represented by Craig Ivins and again, another brand on many wish lists thanks to its customisable, hard-wearing product suite.

8 row Orthman cultivator, drawn by John Deere 8335R ProAgri Zambia 02

Field Day:

(Left) Krone Comprima Baler drawn by John Deere 6110J. (Right) Krone Bellima drawn by John Deere 5503.

Whilst AFGRI Equipment remains focussed on offering equipment solutions through the John Deere brand, JP Smit recognises the importance of other equipment and diversity in the

country. “The market has definitely expanded and we need to be on hand to offer expert advice and support to farmers. Zambia is a new development area and we want to put farmers in touch with the most advanced technology on the market.”

JP went on to demonstrate the John Deere 1755 planter which has proven to be popular with seed-maize growers for its planting versatility. Available in both finger pick-up and vacuum system versions, it is simple, accurate and well-priced.

Tailoring products to the audience is the key for any salesman and the decision to demonstrate two Krone balers at the field day was an important one for Dawid Lombard of Rovic Leers.

“With the challenges during the world recession, we are helping farmers to think beyond only crop and irrigation farming. Investing in cattle and even fruit farming can help farmers to build a more sustainable future.”

The Krone Bellima Fixed Chamber baler and the larger Comprima model cater for farmers at both ends of the spectrum, and are at the leading edge of technology in their market.

Kuhn RM-280 mulcher drawn by the John Deere 6125D. Two of Rovic Leers’ smaller implements from the Kuhn factory were also demonstrated: the Kuhn RM-280 mulcher and the Kuhn GA300 gyro rake. The farmers could see how the implements cut through the maize-stubbles and walked behind them to see the after effects. As the farmers bent down to feel the quality of the mulched materials between their fingertips, the essence of the day was clear: putting new tools and their capabilities literally in the hands of the farmers who will be using them.

The John Deere S670 combine harvester in action.

The finale came in the form of the John Deere S670 combine harvester. Simon Elton from Multicrop was the first in the driving seat, with other farmers climbing the ladder to the air conditioned cab soon after his turn.

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As temperatures soared to 33 degrees and the dust settled, it was time for discussion back at the new AFGRI Equipment workshop. On arrival, the buzz of enthusiasm in the room was tangible. Wimpie Bothma, AFGRI Equipment’s Branch Manager, was thrilled at the day’s events. “After a couple of hard years and a lot of negativity surrounding water and power shortages, today has really brought farmers together. You can hear the guys asking one another ‘What do you think about that? Have you ever tried this?’ It’s been quite a bonding experience.”

Willie Dietrechsen’s speech was followed by a presentation from Ken Bowker of Precision Farming. As the wheat season is drawing to a close, farmers are thinking ahead to the planting and spraying of their soya crops. Ken explained how Teejet

Attendees listen to a presentation from Precision Farming.

Technologies can offer a bespoke product through their range of components to ensure the right spray nozzles are used every time. Each nozzle can be tailormade to match the pressure and speed of the farmer’s application requirements, therefore reducing the need for costly re-spraying.

A shiny demo stand and water supply brought the equipment to life and in the spirit of the day, attendees could feel the force of Toasting to the first of many on-site AFGRI Field Days. the nozzles in action.

Back: Marius Huyser, JP Smit, PJ Erasmus.

Front: Deon Uys, Wayne Wiid, Patrick Hanyumbu, Willie Dietrechsen, Casper Badenhorst, Martin Fourie, Craig Ivins, Dawid Lombard, Wimpie Bothma, PR Jacobs.

The range of progressive and pioneering products on display spoke volumes about the changing face of agriculture in Zambia.

The diversity of attendees also suggests that the agricultural community in Zambia is full of innovation. Clive Midlane from Africa Pride Insurance explained how their product filled a huge gap when it entered the market 8 months ago. “Our products are completely bespoke and tailored to each farmer’s needs. We meticulously asProAgri Zambia 02

sess all assets and equipment to make sure the farmer is covered.” He also agreed that these events facilitate the exchange of ideas “Getting farmers together like this breeds positivity for the future. There’s so much opportunity here and Zambia really gives you hope for Africa.”

In addition to their plans to roll events like this out to other areas, JP explained that AFGRI Equipment will soon set up quarterly ‘product clinics’ focussing on specific machinery; again

another outreach tool to unite farmers and for AFGRI Equipment to add value to partnerships across the country.

“The idea is to get farmers on site to learn more about the products they use, and going back to basics to make sure they are getting the most out of their machinery.”

It seems that this inaugural event in Mkushi has created a new forum for farmers to interact, no only with market-leading products but with one another.

November 2015

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Rovic Leers:

More gain for small grain farmers with min-till dual seed planting Sustainable minimum-till farming is only possible with the right equipment and strategy. Rovic Leers’ small grain planters make the shift from conventional soil-disturbing planting practices to minimum-till a painless process, while improving yields through dual seed placement.

D

ual seed placement is used in a minimum-tillage planting process whereby dual seed chutes place seed on both sides of a tine. A pressure wheel ensures that seeds are planted at a constant depth and evenly compacted against the side walls of the tine furrow.

This system has a number of advantages such as: 1. Excellent germination and root development: Thorough compaction of seeds at the same depth ensures excellent contact with the soil and thus promotes germination. As seeds are planted in two rows instead of one, there is better seed distribution and more space for improved root development.

2. Less competition between plants: The 60 mm distance between the two rows provides sufficient space for plant development and decreases competition between plants in the rows.

3. Suppress weeds: The even distribution of seeds in the band by the dual seed chutes sup-

presses weeds in the rows. Marius Ras, Marketing Director of Rovic Leers, says: “Because space between the rows is smaller (250 mm) when placing double rows of seeds, plants overshadow the unplanted portion of the soil quicker and this restricts the growth of weeds.

"For the same reason there are fewer weeds in the rows, as plants develop quicker and suppress weeds in the row. The bigger the area covered by plants, the smaller the open area that remains for weeds to develop.”

4. Less risk of empty patches: The dual seed placement reduces the risk of weak plants when planting occurs in wet conditions, as seeds are placed on both sides of the furrow, minimising the risk of too deep placement in the centre of the furrow under wet conditions.

5.Improved opportunities for seed development: Fertilizer is spread throughout the whole profile of the work depth. Because seeds are not directly in contact with the fertilizer, the germinating seeds run less risk of burning.

Rovic Leers is the patent holder of the dual seed placement technology in small grain planters that enables farmers to enjoy the valuable benefits of planting double rows of seed.

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Sturdy planters for min-till Besides all these advantages, with the specially patented Rovic planters less than 20% of the soil is tilled and the planters enable famers to apply spray and fertilizer during the planting process. Farmers can also plant directly in stubble due to the sturdy design. It is easy to use, maintain and repair the planter.

Components are readily available and can be replaced quickly. The simple, straightforward design leads to less downtime.

The planters are developed in Africa for African conditions and are guaranteed for one year.

Maintenance cost is relatively low,” says Marius. “Tungsten tine

point surfaces on both tine point and seed chute ensures excellent resistance against wearing.”

The planter has a positive measuring system that measures seed and fertilizer accurately as well as spreading it evenly over the working width of the planter.

The Rovic small grain planters also have low kW requirements, saving you fuel.

The success of the dual seed placement planters speaks for itself when you look at the figures. Ninety five per cent of all Rovic’s planters that have been sold in the past eight years, have the dual seed chute mechanism.

Rovic’s small grain planters can basically handle all small grain seeds, including wheat, barley, oats, lupines, medics and alfalfa. Wheat, barley, oats and lupines can be planted with the same metering unit. Supplied as standard with the machine is the metering unit for fine seed like canola and medics.

Rovic’s dual seed min-till planters are produced on order, so hurry to place your order so that your planter can be delivered in time for planting season. Speak to Marius Ras at +2721-907-1700 or visit www.rovicleers.co.za.

Dual placement of seed means better plant development and quicker ground cover to prevent the growth of weeds.

November 2015

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New Enorossi 1,2m round und baler net or ed from ZAR twine system, priced

R250 000 – R285 285 000

JF 2D diesel, electric and petrol.

Price from ZAR R6 600 to R12 400

DS-540 Double Chop ZAR

R130 000

Staalmeester 6116 RS PTO ha h mmer mill from ZAR R43 8 800 hammer

Celmak Single Chop ZAR

R73 000

Contact Martin for more information: +27 82 806 6377 Email: enquiries@staalmeester.co.za.

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• High density citrus trees • Macadamia nut trees • Sprays trees up to 25 m high • Tank capacities: 2 000, 3 000 and 4 000 ℓ

Sarel Swart: +27 82-554-2121 Office: +27 21-876-3510 / +27 72-336-8080 E-mail: rasc@adept.co.za ProAgri Zambia 02

November 2015

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er’s most e Part 1: The composition of soil Martiens du Plessis, Soil Scientist, NWK Limited & Prof Cornie van Huyssteen, Lecturer: Soil Science, University of the Free State

Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. Furthermore, it is often also the most expensive single capital asset of the farmer. Soil is also a scarce resource, the availability of which on earth is limited. In order to be able to utilise any resource productively, it is What is soil?

Generally, soil is regarded by the agriculturalist as the unconsolidated material which forms the uppermost layer of the hard earth crust and which maintains plant growth. This layer of soil varies in depth, from insignificant where solid rock occurs at the earth’s surface, to several metres deep.

What does soil comprise?

The main components of soil are the minerals, air, water and organic fractions. These four components are integrated and occur in different ratios in the soil. The composition of each of the components varies from place to place. The variation in the ratio between the components and the variation of the components themselves, largely influence the properties of the soil and therefore also the ability of the soil to sustain plant growth and thus eventually the productivity of the soil.

The mineral fraction The mineral fraction comprises about 50% of the soil volume and is made up of rocks that have been weathered down to fine fragments by a variety of processes. Various rocks have various mineralogical compositions and therefore weather into different soil types.

Because geological matter varies from place to place, one can therefore expect that soils formed in situ (in the same place) from the parent material, will bear a strong resemblance to the parent material. Therefore, soils formed from shale are clayey, while soils formed from sandstone are sandy.

Not all soils have been formed in situ from the original parent material, but could also be formed from 10

November 2015

necessary that the soil user has a working knowledge of that resource. This series aims at providing the soil user with a basic knowledge of the soil as a resource. This introductory article focuses on the composition of soil.

parent material transported from another place by wind, water, glaciers or gravity (down slopes). Examples of transported soils are the wind-blown (Aeolian) sands from the Kalahari and the soils on the flood plains of rivers (alluvial soils).

Various new minerals can crystallise in the soil during the weathering of the parent material. The most important amongst these are clays or other secondary minerals.

Particle size distribution The mineral fraction can comprise particles of various sizes. Particles larger than 2 mm in diameter are classified as gravel or rock fragments and are not regarded as soil. It is therefore the fraction that can pass through a 2 mm sieve, which is regarded as soil. Sand varies in size from 2 mm to 0,05 mm and that of silt between 0,05 mm and 0,002 mm. The fraction smaller than 0,002 mm is regarded as clay.

The sand fraction The sand fraction usually consists of hard minerals that originally came from larger crystals which were part of the parent material and physically weathered (broken off), splintered, crumbled and were reduced in size.

Of these, quartz is the most common example, due to the hardness thereof.

Another hard material that chemically weathers and often forms part of the sand fraction, is feldspar, which is plentiful in granite. Soft minerals and those that are chemically reactive, weather away quickly and therefore do not usually form part of the sand fraction.

The silt fraction The silt fraction is usually mineral-

ogically the same as that of the sand fraction and therefore consists of sand which has simply weathered further physically to particles smaller than 0,05 mm in diameter.

The clay fraction The mineralogical composition of the clay fraction can be widely divergent, as it can crystallise in situ, or it can be transported. Because clay particles are so small, they have special characteristics and they contribute the most towards the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Articles following in this series will focus specifically on the clay fraction.

The pore volume The pore volume comprises the openings between the solid particles and makes up about 50% of the soil volume. This fraction is also known as the porosity of the soil. The pores are filled with air and/or water. As can be expected, some of these pores are larger and others smaller. The size of the pores has a major influence on a number of the physical properties of the soil. For example, sandy soil usually has a low pore volume, but with larger individual pores than in clay soil The taller usually has a larger pore volume, with smaller individual pores.

When a drained loam soil is at field water capacity, the pores are about half filled with water and half with air. Clayey soils hold more water than sandy soils at field water capacity. Deeper soil layers are often more compact and therefore have a lower porosity. Frequently more than half of this pore volume is filled with water and these layers are regarded as “waterlogged”.

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The organic fraction The organic material content of the vast majority of soils in Southern Africa is less than 5%, with the majority of arable soils less than 1%. The organic material in soil consists of dead plant material, soil microbes, remains of animal origin, and excretions of animals. The organic material is broken down (humified) in the soil to simple organic compounds which, in turn, are restructured into humus.

This humus is reasonably resistant to degradation and gives the upper layer of soil its darker colour.

Summary Soil is a very complex composition of mineral particles, air, water and organic material. This composition has a major influence on plant growth and therefore the study field of Soil Science is essential for sustainable production of food and fibre. Follow-up articles will examine in greater depth the various soil properties. The next article will carry more information on the influence of the various rock formations on soil properties.

Organic material 1%

REFERENCES The following references were used extensively during the compilation of this series of articles.

Brady, N.C. and Weil, R.R. (1996) The nature and properties of soils. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

Foth, H.D. (1990) Fundamentals of soil science. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

Le Roux, P.A.L., Ellis, F., Merryweather, F.R., Schoeman,J.L., Snyman, K. van Deventer, P.W. and Verster, E., (1999) Guidelines for the mapping and interpretation of the soils of South Africa.

Singer, M.J. and Munns, D.N. (1987) Soils an introduction. Macmillian Publishing Company, New York.

Soil Classification Working Group, (1991) Soil Classification – A tacsonomic system for South-Africa. Mem. agric. nat. resour. S. Afr. No. 15. IGKW, Pretoria.

Sopher, C.D. and Baird, J.V. (1978) Soils and soil management. Reston Publishing Company Inc., Reston.

Van Huyssteen, C.W. (2009) Soil ecology. Unpublished class notes for GKD214. University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

White, R.E. (1979) Introduction to the principles and practice of soil science.

Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford.

Winegardner, D.L. (1996) An introduction to soils for environmental professionals. Lewis publishers, New York.

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

Air 25%

Water 25%

The ideal composition of soil.

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Mineral parts 49%

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

October 2015

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Sulphur:

The fourth macro-element Agriculture is where everything started for Omnia 62 years ago when Doc Winkler and Willie Marais founded a small lime business, driven by a culture that was, and still is, based on strong family values. This ensured that people were appointed for their unwavering commitment to each other, their clients and the company.

O

mnia’s close relationship with its clients is the basis of its success and forms the channel through which clients’ needs are explored. Omnia gets intrinsically involved on the farm in order to understand the client’s goals and ambitions and what can be done to assist in achieving these. This is what we call “feet on the farm”.

Omnia’s business philosophy therefore involves the “science of growing” or “Nutriology®”, which entails much more than just selling fertilizer to farmers. It is an all-encompassing model of investment, relationships, partnerships, research, quality products and services, as well as an unwavering commitment to agriculture.

This implies that Omnia is not only involved in satisfying fertilizer requirements, but also in any other critical aspect of farming that affects yields, risks and environmental impact. Our SAS (Strategic Agronomic Services) Department is continuously developing ways to improve nutrient and water use efficiency, as well as quantifying risk for improved decision-making, to the benefit of our clients.

For this reason, Omnia recently hosted numerous farmers’ days in order to share its research and expertise regarding the importance of sulphur as part of balanced plant nutrition.

The world consumes approximately 55 million tons of sulphuric acid per year for fertilizer production (IFA, 2015). Unfortunately only some 10 million tons find its way to agricultural land (The Sulphur Institute, 2010). Ninety three percent of sulphur is used as sulphuric acid, mostly for the production of phosphate fertilizers ending up on gypsum dumps.

There was a steady decline in sulphur use for agricultural purposes until 2010, but since then, the world demand has escalated. Calculating current crop demand for sulphur, it seems that there is a need for approximately 25 million tons of sulphur worldwide as a plant nutrient.

Unfortunately, it appears as if 12,2 million tons less are actually applied as fertilizer, according to current trends (The Sulphur Institute, 2015). More disturbing still, is that the use of sulphur in fertilizer has almost halved in South Africa since 2008, while the rest of the world has increased consumption by 14%.

Without the sulphur-containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine, as well as other sulphur-containing organic compounds, there would be no life as we know it. Sulphur plays a major and essential role as plant nutrient and is often called the fourth macro-element after nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, due to its utter importance in plant physiology and metabolism. In fact, in the maize and soybean producing areas of the USA, sulphur is regarded as the third most limiting major plant nutritional element after nitrogen and phosphorus.

Kobus Smith +260 966 764 351 •

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The absolute importance of sulphur as plant nutrient has recently been emphasised even more, primarily because of three factors: 1. The focus on environmental protection and in particular the release of sulphurous gases from coal-fired plants has increased immensely, especially in Europe. The problem has been drastically addressed since the early 1980’s. Modern air scrubbers now remove such gases efficiently. Coal-fired power stations distributed sulphur over agricultural land in the past, but caused severe pollution in the form of sulphuric acid in the process, earning the name “yellow poison”.

2. The demand for sulphur has escalated exponentially due to higher yields produced per unit of land. Advances in genetic material and modern cultivation methods have contributed to this phenomenon.

3. The fertilizer industry has, for various reasons, moved to highly concentrated fertilizer products that contain very little or no sulphur.

Classic low concentrated products like Superphosphate are scarce.

Because of the above, Omnia Nutriology® realises the importance of this plant nutritional element, not only for crop production but also for feeding people and animals. The company manufactures sulphur rich products with its chemically granulated process containing significant amounts of sulphur. It is important to note that the sulphur in these products is in immediately available sulphate form.

– Article supplied by Omnia

ksmith@omnia.co.za

• www.fertilizer.co.za

November 2015

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E-solutions for agribusiness T

he story of Zambia’s economy growing at 5,7% per annum over the last decade with the country being among the 10 fastest growing economies of SubSaharan Africa in 2012 has been well told.

Alongside that growth has been the evolution of the bank as we knew it.

The needs and expectations of customers are changing as quickly as the economic landscape. Zambian customers, in line with global trends, are demanding seamless, multi-channel sales and service experiences. This has resulted in banks providing a more balanced, integrated approach to the customer experience and growth. The agricultural sector in particular with its characteristics of locating away from mainstream towns and cities, reflects these needs.

Through alliances with Internet service providers and the mobile network operators, banks such as First National Bank, who are leaders in Agricultural financing, have expanded their continental footprint to Zambia.

FNB Zambia has also led the way in the provision of e-solutions under the auspices of their Business Banking arm. They have

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offered services that successfully mitigate many of the challenges detailed above.

As the Zambian banking sector shifts its focus to e-solutions, FNB agribusiness has provided its client base Instant accounting, which provides bookkeeping online banking enterprise solution up to the trial balance level. This solution makes it easy for farmers to keep their accounting books online, in the comfort of their premises.

Additional solutions such as e-wallet makes it easy for farmers to pay their workers who do not have bank accounts, and for the workers with accounts with FNB, the bank has a seamless payroll solution. The flexibility of its online banking systems is transforming how farmers manage their financing, by providing convenience, reliability and flexibility.

The growth of FNB agri-business has not gone unnoticed as the business has notched up various accolades, notable among these is, best financial service provider in the agricultural sector, 2012, Mkushi agriculture show.

November 2015

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Agriserve Beef Cattle Herd Health Summer calving

Animal group

Aug

Sep

Oct

Lumpy skin disease Rift Valley fever

COWS

Multiclostidium 10/1 + Botulism

Anthrax

Dec

Nov Synchronisation

Al

Vit A & E, Minerals Roundworm Liver fluke IBR, BVD, Lepto, Vibrio

Lumpy skin disease Rift Valley fever

Test bulls Multiclostidium 10/1 + Botulism

Anthrax

BULLS

Vit A & E, Minerals Roundworm Liver fluke Trichomones IBR, BVD, Lepto, Vibrio

Months

HEIFER CALVES SUMMER

0

1

2

12

13

14

Year 1 10 Rift Valley fever

11 Lumpy skin disease

Year 2 22

23

Multiclostidium 7/1

Vit A & E, Minerals

Botulism & Anthrax BA

Roundworm

RB51

Liver fluke

24

25

26

Synchronisation

Al

Vit A & E, Minerals Roundworm

Year 3

Liver fluke IBR, BVD, Lepto, Vibrio

Months

0

1

2

At 5 weeks castrate

Year 1 STEER CALVES SUMMER Year 2

10

11

Rift Valley fever

Lumpy skin disease

Vit A & E, Minerals

Liver fluke

12

13

14

Multiclostidium 7/1 Anthrax

Roundworm

All products required to follow the Herd Agriserve can assist livestock farmers with a tailor-made herd health program

Program based on summer bulling Summer Bulling

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

Liver fluke

Bulls in

Roundworm Vit A & E, Minerals Pasteurella Liver fluke Roundworm Vit A & E, Minerals Pasteurella

3

4

5

Milk tapeworm

Milk tapeworm

Roundworms

Roundworms

Multiclostidium 0/1

6 S19

Vit A & E, Minerals

Multiclostidium 0/1 16

17

9

Liver fluke

Anthrax 15

8

7 Weaning

Pasteurella 18 RB51 booster

19 Liver fluke Vit A & E, Minerals Roundworms Pasteurella

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Advertise your company or product here Contact: Quintus: +26 (0)96-216-9801 quintus@vanetechnology.com or Xander: +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za

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November 2015

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Tough pivot makes sugar cane sweeter Sugar cane farming in Zambia is expanding, but changing rain patterns prevent farmers from relying on dry land farming.

Senter 360 has gone through the paces in South Africa with solutions for sugar cane farmers and is now also offering these solutions to Zambian farmers.

“Y

ou can never beat rain, but we will make a harvest thanks to our Senter 360 pivot,” says Haydn Percival from Gingindluvo in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

A major crisis threatens sugar cane farmers in the area. Over the past few years, changing rainfall patterns and a seasonal drought severely affected sugar cane production.

Haydn’s son, Dean, says extension officers used to tell farmers that it is not economically viable to irrigate sugar cane, but this only holds true for the good old times when the average annual rainfall was 1 238 mm, and not 850 mm as during the past ten years, or 514 mm as last year.

Previously, canon sprayers were used for ancillary irrigation, but they are not sufficient anymore. Senter 360

proposed a pivot solution and it works superbly.

The sturdy locally manufactured pivot can easily handle the rough terrain that was not originally prepared for irrigation.

Haydn says the pivots demand less electricity than the old canon sprayers on the same area. The difference is effected by the fact that the Senter 360 can function at a much lower water pressure: 2,5 bar is more than sufficient.

The pivot’s Variable Speed Drive (VSD) saves energy by regulating the electricity supply according to the selected rate of water application as indicated by die soil moisture detectors in the field. It is very easy to adjust the setting to your desired amount of water by simply turning a knob on the

Haydn Percival from Gingingdluvo points out the difference between sugar cane under and right next to the Senter 360’s circle.

ProAgri Zambia 02

control box, Haydn says.

The Senter 360 is a modular system, which means that you can extend your control functions as you go until, ultimately, you can control your pivot through your cellular phone from any place in the world. With the necessary additions, you can also apply your liquid fertiliser or pest control agents through the pivot.

Senter 360 is designed to make life as easy and affordable as possible for the farmer, without the constant fear that the pivot may become stuck or topple over in strong winds.

The special pivot tyres displace very little soil so that deep tracks are not formed, but if the soil type poses a risk of getting struck in the mud, the extra wide wheel base makes it possible to fit two more wheels.

The wide wheel base is one of the secrets behind Senter 360’s steady stance. Another secret is the fact that the trusses are made from pipe and not from angle iron like other pivots.

Pipe offers less wind resistance and weighs less so that more trusses can be added for longer spans.

Further benefits are the absence of copper conductors that can be stolen, and a special high profile design for high-growing crops such as sugar cane. While the young sugar cane plants are small, the hangers with their I-Wob sprayers are simply lowered.

Haydn says he also likes the droplet size and the uniformity of water placement. “It is smooth on my sugar cane.”

Sugar cane farmers who wish to achieve a proper harvest may talk to Theuns Dreyer at +2718469-1331, +2782-564-5955 or theuns.dreyer@senter360.co.za.

November 2015

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CLAAS AXION 920 and VÄDERSTAD RAPID 600C in action on Mr Jesper Lublinkhof’s farm, Mubuyu Estates in Mazabuka

Cobus de Kock +260961 362 007 Nico de Kock +260966 362 000

cdk@agriwes.com ndk@agriwes.com

Irrigation: Who knows better than the farmer?

F

armers from all over South Africa are positive and excited about Irrigation Unlimited’s products, service and know-how that help them to draw every drop of value from every drop of water. Drought conditions experienced in Zambia underline the importance of wise water application, and our farmers may well learn from the experience of South Africa’s irrigation farmers.

For pipes, fittings, sprayers and water cannons, Irrigation Unlimited is the farmer’s right hand, but most of the accolades go to their Rotrix and Ocmis travelling irrigators.

André Brummer, Farming Manager of Ncome Prison at Vryheid, says: “The water application of the Ocmis is perfect, and it does not attract thieves

ProAgri Zambia 02

like quick-coupling pipes and pivots with copper cables.”

Christiaan Pistorius from Redrock Broilers, Magaliesburg: “I am particularly impressed with the uniform water application and the price of the Ocmis.

I can buy three travelling irrigators for the price of one pivot, and easily deploy them on various fields.”

Willem Scholtz from Brits enjoys the labour saving and mobility of Ocmis.

He says Ocmis is an investment in economy. “I save a third on water, on top of the savings on electricity and labour.”

Jan-Hendrik Jacobs says Ocmis is the only irrigator that he has ever seen that can apply liquid manure from his dairy onto his pastures.

Chris Robbertse from Rustenburg is pleased with the total water control made possible by his Ocmis, as well as the time and labour it saves.

Moreover, the Ocmis is more useful than a pivot on his rectangular fields.

He is convinced that Irrigation Unlimited’s service to the farmer cannot be surpassed.

Do you also wish to be a satisfied irrigation farmer and profitable water user? Call Tobie van den Heever at +2782-658-6054, +2712-736-2121/2103/2526 or e-mail tobie@iunlimited.co.za.

Also visit www.iunlimited.co.za for more information.

November 2015

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Think outside the control box with pivot control A new product is rapidly becoming a hit among growers and changing the way they manage their irrigation. FieldNET® by Lindsay Pivot Control is a new irrigation controller designed to upgrade almost any existing brand of pivot to full remote monitoring, including variable rate irrigation control.

With FieldNET, precise irrigation control can fit in the palm of your hand.

Why Pivot Control beats competitors' remote control products: • Compatible with most pivot brands to provide a single, universal look and feel • Enhanced ROI versus any product that mounts at the end of a pivot • Easy to use both in the field and remotely • Features 360 VRI sectors – compatible with crop consultant plans

“P

ivot Control makes it easy to make our older pivots operate like the new ones,” says Kirk Olson, fourth generation maize grower from Hershey, Nebraska, who installed the system on 32 of his centre pivots, ranging in age from new to veterans from 1970.

“We could immediately see the benefits by being able to check and control our entire irrigation system through a computer or smartphone.”

Unlike other remote irrigation control

products, Pivot Control mounts at the pivot point and combines with GPS at the end of the pivot for increased precision and greater flexibility.

Growers can operate their pivots in the field at the control box or by remote control using FieldNET – both elements automatically update together – minimising the possibility of user error. From a smartphone, tablet or computer, a grower can control his pivots and equipment, including pumps, injectors, and monitor sensors

for pressure, flow, soil moisture, rainfall, temperature, and other devices in the future.

Reece Andrews, FieldNET Business Manager for Lindsay, says growers who wish to reduce labour costs and increase overall irrigation efficiency in their operations, can especially benefit from Pivot Control.

“With farms consolidating, multiple pivot brands are being used,” Andrews says. “FieldNET and Pivot Control allow these operators to have one user interface on any system, regardless of brand or control panel. Increasingly, growers want to be able to control their entire irrigation systems, from the pivots to the pumps and sensors, remotely and wirelessly from either their smartphones, tablets or computers.”

Pivot Control comes standard with basic 360-sector variable rate irrigation (VRI), offering twice the number of sectors available on most basic VRI products. Growers working with agronomists and crop specialists to analyse their unique field conditions can upload custom prescriptions to FieldNET with a touch of a button.

Sutton, Nebraska, grower Dusty Nunnenkamp has Pivot Control on 12 of his older pivots and especially likes the VRI capabilities it provides.

“One of the main reasons we went with Pivot Control is because we use variable rate irrigation in our operation. It allows us to speed up or slow down our pivots according to soil types and the unique water holding capacity of the soils. It makes irrigation much easier and much more precise,” Nunnenkamp says. Growsmart® by Lindsay also offers Precision VRI with unlimited application areas.

Tom Faulkner grows potatoes, maize, wheat and alfalfa on his south central Idaho farm near Gooding. He recently installed Pivot Control on several of his older centre pivot irrigation systems, including a pivot manufactured in the mid-1960’s.

“This new technology on the older pivots is really handy because you are able to program different irrigation patterns into the system,” Faulkner says. “As long as I have a cell phone signal, I can start and stop my pivots remotely or just move the pivots dry so the guys spraying or applying fertiliser can do their thing.”

For more information, visit http://www.myfieldnet.com/ pivot-control. To order your pivot or control system talk to Lindsay SA at +27-21-986-8900 or visit www.lindsayafricagb.com.

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November 2015

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Integrated farming systems

by Henk Stander Aquaculture Division, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch

Environmental threats such as drought will have a serious impact on food security worldwide. It is time to rethink the way we produce food. Integrated farming systems may provide the solution.

I

n the next few years population will continue to grow, arable land and farming resources will become scarcer, and environmental disasters and rising food prices will be experienced to put increasing pressure on our capacity to produce affordable, accessible, high quality food.

We are heading towards a point where we shall consume more food compared to the volumes of what we produce. All sectors of the food industry have reached a turning point where we seek alternative solutions to achieve a greater capacity, to produce more for less, reduce environmental impacts and still remain financially viable.

Many farmers are making plans to diversify crops, to spread out the production risk, and to earn additional cash income from their harvests.

Global challenges: More than 20% of our protein intake is made up of animal proteins derived

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November 2015

from fish, meat and dairy products, and these protein supply chains are under enormous pressure, especially from a limited fresh water supply and a rise in production costs.

By the middle of the century (2050), the staggering population growth will see consumers having to reduce their animal protein intake by 75%. Existing protein food chains such as meat, dairy and fish will need to invest in improved productivity and efficiency in production, technology and yields to meet these demands.

Approximately 70% of the worlds’ fresh water is used to irrigate crops, and only 20% of the world’s crop fields are irrigated. These irrigated fields yield only 40% of all food production.

Therefore, environmental threats such as drought will have a serious impact on food security worldwide.

Competition for water to produce food and an increasing water demand for energy production, which is predicted to increase by 60% over

the next 30 years, will necessitate the development of more integrated farming systems to increase productivity of both of these essential resources.

About 40% of the world’s land surface is used for agriculture, with only 12% used for growing crops. The remainder is used for grazing and forestry. While the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations predicts the world has sufficient land to meet increasing demands for agriculture, not all the arable land is evenly distributed around the world.

Countries like China, which holds 20% of the world’s population, are losing farming land at an alarming rate and are now net importers of food. This situation puts more pressure on the resources of other countries.

Investment in new farming technologies to intensify crop production and to reduce environmental impacts such as soil erosion, water pollution and deforestation has the potential to

ProAgri Zambia 02

provide vital food security to local markets.

Possible and potential solutions The objective should be to apply new innovation and the latest technologies to create farming systems specifically designed to produce premium agricultural products in the most environmentally and economically sustainable way to be able to tackle the global challenges.

This can be achieved by: • Collaboration with experienced people in all walks of the agricultural industry • Developing closed-loop integrated systems with minimal to zero environmental impacts • Utilising all waste streams in designs to increase sustainability and production yields • Integrating multi-biotic components to mimic natural ecosystems in design • Continuing to maintain and promote the best management and husbandry practices in the industry • Making use of renewable energy to the best of your ability for all your energy needs • Utilisation of all waste products and innovation to turn the left-over opportunities into profits by recycling.

Aquaponic farming Aquaponic farming is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics.

Aquaculture involves the breeding and growing of edible, marketable fish in a controlled system.

Hydroponic farming involves growing vegetables, fruit, and other crops without a soil medium, with highly concentrated nutrient supplements, minimal water usage, and a very high yield in a small area.

Aquaponics is the combination of these two farming systems where nitrogen and other nutrients for growing produce are obtained from the waste of fish by recycling the water through the two systems.

Standalone aquaculture farming has been and still is quite commercially viable. Aquaponic farming has been struggling to gain commercial viabiProAgri Zambia 02

lity due to the additional equipment involved to preserving the fish waste so that it can be composted, that is mineralised, and other equipment involved in recycling the fish’s liquid excretion into proper plant soluble nutrients. Also, there has to be a degree of separation between the aquaculture operations and the vegetable/flower operations and, yet, still maintain a degree of assimilation between the two. All these specifications add significant capital and overhead costs.

Currently, many aquaponic farmers make ends meet by earning additional income through tourism, paid consultations or training, selling some other products, and government assistance and subsidised labour.

Up to now the successes in aquaponic farming have been quite rare, quite small, and limited to small niche markets.

In 2013, aquaponics consultant Paul van der Werf from Queensland’s Earthen Group was quite successful in

the design, construction and operating of one of the world’s biggest aquaponics farms in the United Arab Emirates.

The farm, now completed, consists of a 4 500 square metre shed which produces around 40 tons of tilapia per year. The aquaponics system can grow a range of leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Mr Van der Werf, who is also the president of the NSW Aquaculture Association, said farmers in Australia were successfully integrating similar aquaponics principles.

In South Africa, Leslie Ter Morshuizen from Grahamstown was also successful in running an economically viable aquaponics system, and he has been making good profits for a few consecutive years now. (http:// www.aquaafrica.co.za). Leslie concentrates on high value plant varieties, for instance herbs and cucumbers, and tilapia as the preferred fish species in his system.

The water for the tilapia is heated during the winter months with a heat pump. He supplies fresh tilapia to a niche market which consists of a local

deli at a favourable price. The deli only takes in small volumes of fish at a time, though.

Chinese integrated fish farming Integrated fish farming is regarded by aquaculturists of other countries as a model farming system for full utilisation of local resources, for waste recycling and energy saving, and for maintaining ecological balance and circulation.

Chinese integrated fish farming is so broad in scope and has so many models that there is no comparative farming system in the world. The Chinese system has developed its own characteristics and has attracted international attention.

The reason for this is the full systems’ development and utilisation of local natural resources and subsequent production of food and attainment of economic self-sufficiency.

Geese and ducks may be raised on the pond, pond dykes may be used for fruit tree and mulberry cultivation or for raising pigs, and dyke slopes may be used for future fodder crops. Thus, an integrated fish farm can produce not only fish but also meat, milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables. Integrated fish farming can fully utilise the water body, the water surface, the land, and the pond silt to increase the food available for human consumption.

The promotion of ecological sustainable aquaculture development requires the creation and maintenance of “enabling environments”, in particular those aimed at ensuring continuing human resource development and capacity building.

The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries contains principles and provisions in support of ecological sustainable aquaculture development. The Code recognises the Special Requirements of Developing Countries, and its Article 5 addresses these needs, especially in the areas of financial and technical assistance, technology transfer, training and scientific cooperation.

Farmers in Zambia should feel free to tap these resources for the future.

For more information, contact Henk Stander at hbs@sun.ac.za

November 2015

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Tiger Animal Feeds not only produces a variety of specialised diets and custom feed mixes for all species but also supplies a full range of technicalservices to its customers, including advice on nutrition, feeding programs, animal husbandry and production techniques. Tiger’s historical and continued success is driven by ensuring nutritional supremacy and consistency in supplying quality animal feeds.

PLOT 8537 MWEMBESHI RD, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AREA, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA TEL: +260 966 763 650 EMAIL: sales@tigerfeeds.com.zm

TigerChicks has not only introduced a new broiler breed, the Indian River, into Zambia but also into Africa. This is the first slow feathering broiler bird to be bred in Africa. If it’s hardy, fast growing, chicks you need, TigerChicks is your answer.

PLOT 738/394 MUMBWA RD, LUSAKA WEST, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA TEL: +260 967 855 495 EMAIL: jessyT@tigerfeeds.com.zm

Breeding Impuls Zambia specialises in reproductive services and products for dairy and beef cattle. We specialise in AI, synchronisation, pregnancy diagnosis by sonograph, semen and AI equipment sales.

Based on our international experiences we created a Breeding Manual to help farmers to choose the right breed to achieve their goals. Semen is imported from different countries over the world, to provide the best genetics at a reasonable price.

Our services: • Artificial insemination • Pregnancy diagnosis (palpitation, sonograph) • Synchronisation Our products: • Liquid nitrogen • Bull semen: - Dairy semen: Fleckvieh, Holstein-Friesian, Jersey - Beef semen: Fleckvieh, Simmentaler, Aberdeen Angus (red, black), Brahman, Boran, Brangus, Bonsmara, Tuli • Synchronisation hormones (Syntex) • AI equipment: Liquid nitrogen flasks, AI kits, AI guns universal, minicutters, tweezers, sheaths, thaw units, thaw monitors, gloves, lubricants, disinfectants

Liquid nitrogen for sale

Our contact details: www.breedingimpulszambia.com breedingimpulszambia@gmail.com Cell: +26 096 849 3432

PROFESSIONAL EXPORT SERVICES * Livestock Procurement

* Livestock Remedies

* Quarantine Station

* A.I Equipment / Training

* Export / Transit Permits

* Semen / Embryos

* Transport / Clearing

* Handling / Dairy Equipment

ZIMBABWE - ZAMBIA - MALAWI - BOTSWANA - MOZAMBIQUE 28

November 2015

- ANGOLA ProAgri Zambia 02

Get your copy of

ProAgri

Z a m b i a

at one of these outlets

ProAgri Zambia 02

November 2015

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GRASS FOR AFRICA

Brachiaria Brizantha Matsuda improved Marandu under Brachiaria MG-4 to offer more drought resistant properties than Marandu. MG-5 Victoria is also an improved Marandu that offers a better yield, drought resistance and regrowth after grazing. Victoria can be established in swampy fields with poor drainage. Suitable for dry fields with a yield of 10 to 14 tons DM/ha/year.

Pennisetum (banagras) Carajas – an improved bana grass that can be grown from seed.

Legumes

• Selected for higher dry material yield, quicker regrowth, higher protein content and improved digestibility.

• This elephant grass hybrid is extremely resistant to low temperatures and reasonably to highly resistant to drought.

• Very palatable and extremely suitable for grazing and silage.

• Silage yield of more than 200 tons of material (40 to 50 tons dry) per hectare per year is possible under ideal conditions.

Java is an annual legume. It produces seeds throughout the year and replenishes the soil with 150 kg of nitrogen per hectare per year. Java can be established in poor soil and it shows a high degree of drought resistance. It is palatable, has a protein content of 18 to 23 % and shows good regrowth after grazing.

Panicum Maximum (witbuffel)

A very popular grass, mainly suitable for irrigation with a yield of 18 to 30 tons DM/ha/year. It is extremely palatable, highly digestible and can be grazed, green fed, ensilaged or baled.

Panicum Maximum hybrid Suitable for game and for cold conditions. Yields 15 to 20 ton DM/ha/year. Aries is a hybrid of P. maximum Aruana and P. maximum Centauro. Aries is cold and drought resistant and shows good regrowth after grazing. It is an extremely palatable grass suitable for cattle, horses, sheep and game.

For more information

www.brasuda.co.za Zambia: Craig Shiel: +260 97 878-7979, email: craigshiel@iwayafrica.com, Sally Shiel: +260 97 777-0336 or South Africa: Lodewyk Koch +27 84 800-8835, email: lodewyk@rankingroup.co.za

Drip irrigation may be costly to set up, but there is more control over water usage.

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