TWK Radius │ Feb 2016 - Mar 2016

Feb • Mar 2016

Research response to Wattle Rust – Providing long- and short-term solutions Verantwoordelike aftredebeplanning Die werking van ‘n graansilo Regional fire protection R35.00 VAT incl/BTW ing

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Contents/Inhoud

DISCLAIMER TWK Agri (Pty) Ltd and/or Radius nor any of its officials, members, employees, agents, representatives, shareholders or directors shall not be liable for any loss, damage or any liability of whatsoever nature which may arise to the reader as a consequence of this publication of any article or advertise ment in this publication or as a result of the reader or any other person acting on the strength, accuracy or correctness of the content provided in this publication.

Research response to Wattle Rust

4

Fosfaat (P)

6

Verskansing in ‘n neutedop

8

Energiebehoeftes van sôe in groepsbehuising

10

Miere

12

Verantwoordelike aftredebeplanning

14

Trekker- en stroperverkope vir Desember 2015

15

Investing in equities – anyone can

16

Redaksie Publisher and editorial team/ Uitgewer en redaksionele span: Big Door PO Box 2779 Brooklyn Square 0075 Posbus 2779 Brooklyn Square 0075 258 Brooks Street/-straat Brooklyn 0181 Tel: 012 362 1385 Fax/Faks: 012 362 0113

Get more crop per drop

18

Diesel versus petrol engines – what to buy?

19

Die werking van ‘n graansilo

20

Copyright: All rights reserved Kopiereg: Alle regte voorbehou

Voeding van die reproduserende koei

22

Requirements for a good fence

24

Understanding the National Credit Act

25

Regional fire protection

26

Agricultural outlook for timber in 2016

28

Company News

30

Radius makes no representation, furnish no warranty or guarantee, actual or implied or otherwise that the content, information or data in this publication are free from errors, omissions or inaccuracies. No information, ideas, opinions, views or other data available in this publication should be regarded as professional advice or the professional opinion of Radius or any of its members, employees, agents, representatives, or shareholders and all readers are informed to obtain professional advice before taking any course of action relating to anything contained in this publication.

AFSTANDDOENING TWK Agri (Edms) Bpk en/of Radius of enige van sy beamptes, lede, werknemers, agente, verteenwoordigers, aandeelhouers of direkteure sal nie aanspreeklik wees vir enige verlies, skade of verpligting hoegenaamd uit hoofde van die publikasie en wat mag ontstaan vir enige leser van die publikasie uit enige advertensie of die plasing van enige artikel in die publikasie of as gevolg van ‘n leser of enige ander persoon wat reageer of optree op sterkte van die akkuraatheid of korrektheid van die inhoud vervat in die publikasie.

Radius maak geen voorstelling, lewer geen waarborg of vrywaring, hetsy direk of indirek dat die inhoud, inligting of data in hierdie publikasie foutloos, vry van onjuisthede, of sonder weglatings is nie. Geen inligting, idees, opinies, standpunte of enige inligting beskikbaar in hierdie publikasie moet as professionele advies of die professionele opinie van Radius of enige van sy beamptes, lede, werknemers, agente, verteenwoordigers, aandeelhouers of direkteure beskou word nie en die lesers moet hul eie professionele advies inwin voordat enige aksie in verband met enige inligting in hierdie publikasie geneem word.

Cover/Voorblad: Shutterstock

For advertisement bookings or tariffs contact Sonet Bergh or Maxine Robbertze on 012 362 1385 during office hours or send an e-mail to sonet@bigdoor.co.za or maxine@bigdoor.co.za.

Vir advertensiebesprekings en tariewe skakel Sonet Bergh of Maxine Robbertze by 012 362 1385 gedurende kantoorure of stuur ‘n e-pos na sonet@bigdoor.co.za of maxine@bigdoor.co.za.

Eienaar: TWK Agri (Pty) Ltd • Tel: 017 824 1000 • E-pos: twk@twkagri.com • www.twkagri.com Kontakpersoon: Imke Nel, tel: 017 824 1014, e-pos: radius@twkagri.com TWK aandeleverhandeling: www.twkshares.com TWK Youtube-kanaal: http://bit.ly/twkvideos

3

Research response to Wattle Rust

PROVIDING LONG- AND SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS Sally Upfold, Communications Manager, ICFR

A new disease affecting Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) was reported in 2013 near Eston in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The disease has since spread to wattle growing areas in the Midlands and in Mpumalanga. The pathogen infects trees of all age classes, but has the greatest impact on trees between planting and three years of age. It poses a serious risk to the wattle industry, currently comprising some 100 000 hectares of commercial plantations.

Caused by Uromycladium acaciae rust fungi, little is known about its biology, impact on productivity or epidemiology. The rust was first described in the 1980s, but in 2013 the pathogen started to display new symptoms resulting in leaf drop and tip die-back in plantations.

In response to this threat, the forestry industry, together with its research partners at the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR), Forestry and Agriculture Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), formed a Wattle Rust Working Group. Chaired by Craig Norris (NCT), the working group is focused on developing an integrated management strategy to limit the economic impact of the pathogen, which includes short- and long-term solutions.

Five projects have been initiated: • Biology and epidemiology, with the objective of better understanding the life cycle and impacts • Spatial technologies, with the objective of monitoring and predicting outbreaks • Tree breeding, with the objective of selecting for tolerance • Impact assessment, with the objective of understanding the economic impact and triggers for outbreaks

4

RADIUS Feb • Mar 2016

• Chemical management, with the objective of developing best operating practices for possible chemical control.

Researchers at FABI, led by Dr Stuart Fraser and Dr Alistair McTaggart, are investigating the lifecycle of the rust fungus as well as studying the epidemiology of the disease.

They are also working towards developing an inoculation protocol to assist with developing a rapid screening technique for breeding purposes.

A research project at NMMU under the supervision of Dr Keith Little is investigating cost-effective chemical management methods for wattle rust to test potential suitable chemicals as well as optimum timing of application and duration of control.

One of the key ICFR research projects contributing to the initiative is looking at quantifying the impact of wattle rust on black wattle growth and productivity; and developing an understanding of the environmental triggers of the disease so as to predict the outbreak risk, both spatially and seasonally. Under the leadership of Thobile Mbatha, this project aims to provide quantitative estimates of yield loss from this disease so as to facilitate effective integrated pest management strategies, founded on cost-effective principles.

Recent efforts have involved setting up exclusion plots to measure the impact of the pathogen on black wattle growth and pro ductivity. Plots are set up using a fungicide, insecticide or a combination of both, applied to exclude any pest or pathogen in the trials.

Ambient temperature and relative humidity, plant growth parameters (tree height and ground line diameter) as well as weekly

disease assessments are measured in each trial.

The Acacia Tree Improvement Programme at the ICFR led by Dr Julian Chan, is focused on addressing this problem, through breeding for tolerance to wattle rust. The programme has focused on developing disease-tolerant genetic material by identifying genetic variation and tolerance to the disease in the existing breeding populations. The aim is to produce seed sources of tolerant material for the wattle industry in the shortest possible time. In addition, as part of a separate study, the feasibility of producing tolerant clonal material for commercial deployment is also being investigated. To date results indicate that resistance levels are very low and genetic control for this trait could not be determined. Tolerance, however, does seem to be heritable and at the family level, ranged from moderate to low, across trials.

This work is ongoing with the implementa-

tion of a number of screening trials, where survival and growth are being measured as well as disease assessments conducted.

The last area where the ICFR is conducting research on wattle rust is in monitoring and the development of spatial models to assist with risk prediction across the forest landscape. Dr Ilaria Germishuizen is co-supervising an MSc project, with funding support from the DST Forest Sector Innovation Fund, to develop a remote sensingbased system using new generation moderate resolution satellite imagery, for detecting and monitoring wattle rust. A second part of the study involves developing an ecological niche model for wattle rust to assist with risk prediction.

Overall, the Wattle Rust Working Group aims to address the threat through an integrated management strategy which includes better understanding of the biology and epidemiology of the pathogen, remote sensing tools to monitor and predict outbreaks, the production of rust tolerant planting stock, and chemical management protocols.

For more information, contact Johan Nel on 017 284 1580 or jnel@twkagri.com.

Fosfaat (P) Diederick Scholtz, Landboukundige (PriSci Nat)

FOSFOR IN DIE MENSLIKE LIGGAAM Fosfor is verantwoordelik vir verskeie funksies in die mens se liggaam. Een persent van die mens se totale liggaamsmassa bestaan uit fosfor. Tagtig persent van hierdie fosfor kom voor in bene en tande as kalsiumfosfaatkristalle. Die oorblywende 20% is versprei in elke sel en in ekstrasellulêre vloeistof.

•

Fosfor speel ‘n strukturele rol in bene en tande. Dit is ‘n bestanddeel van DNS en RNS en ‘n sleutelkomponent in die struktuur van selmembrane. Fosforilasie is deurslaggewend tot metaboliese prosesse in die energiesiklus wat die berging en vrystelling van energie behels en dit dien verder as buffer in liggaamsvloeistof.

•

FUNKSIES VAN FOSFOR IN PLANTE • Fosfaat se rol in die plant is energiestoring en -verplasing. Adenosientri- en di-fosfaat (ATP en ADP) dien as energievaluta. Energie wat verkry word vanaf die fotosintese en metabolisme van

•

6

RADIUS Feb • Mrt 2016

•

•

koolhidrate word gestoor in fosfaatverbindings. Wanneer die terminale fosformolekule vanaf ADP of ATP gesplit word (fosforilasie), word energie gegenereer.

Hierdie energie word dan gebruik in groei- en reproduksieprosesse.

Fosfor is ‘n belangrike struktuurkomponent vir nukleïensure, koënsieme, nukleotiede, fosfoproteïene, fosfolipiede en suikerfosfate.

Groot hoeveelhede fosfor word gevind in sade en vrugte en dit word as essensieel beskou in saadvorming.

Fosforvoorsiening word geassosieer met vroeë volwassenheid van gewasse – veral graangewasse – en verkort die rypwordingsperiode.

Dit stimuleer lootgroei, wat weer wortelgroei stimuleer.

Fosfaat verbeter wintergehardheid.

Die konsentrasie fosfor in plante is tussen 0,1 en 0,5%. Plante absorbeer fosfor in die vorm van H2PO4- (lae pH-waarde van 2,2 - 7,2) en HPO42- (hoë pH-waarde van 7,2 - 12,3).

Fosfor is baie mobiel in die plant en word maklik opwaarts en afwaarts getranslokeer.

TEKORTSIMPTOME Tekortsimptome kom eerste op ouer blare voor in die vorm van algemene verdwerging en beperkte vertakking. Blare word blougroen en pers voordat dit geleidelik geel word. Grasse is kort, staan regop en groei yl.

Tekorte kom voor as gevolg van té lae konsentrasies in die grondoplossing. Selfs op gronde met ‘n hoë fosfaatinhoud val die fosfor en brix in die blare indien oorbesproeiing plaasvind.

TOKSISITEITSIMPTOME Toksisiteit kom voor indien meer fosfaat as wat benodig word toegedien word, veral op sanderige gronde. Toksisiteit is erger in ‘n pH-band van 5 tot 7.

Plante se gehalte is swak en dit vertoon verswakte groei. Die ysterbeskikbaarheid word drasties verlaag deur ‘n hoë fosforlading.

ALGEMENE FOSFAATBRONNE %N %P Rotsfosfaat 11-18 Fosforsuur (H3PO4) Enkel superfosfaat Dubbel superfosfaat MAP (NH4H2PO4) DAP ((NH4)2HPO4) APP (NH4PO3)n

%Ca 36

%S

SI

25 17

13,2 2.3

7,5 10 30 34

23

11 18

9,16 20,3 22 20

9

13

Vervaardiging Natuurlik Rotsfosfaat + hoë konsentrasie H2SO4 Rotsfosfaat + H2SO4 Rotsfosfaat + H3PO4 H3PO4 + NH3 H3PO4 + NH3 Gekonsentreerde H3PO4 + NH3

SI – Soutindeks teenoor NaNO3 wat 100 is

SI – Die soutindeks van ‘n kunsmis is ‘n uitdrukking van die osmotiese potensiaal daarvan in die grondoplossing. Wanneer ‘n kunsmis die osmotiese potensiaal van ‘n grondoplossing uitermatig verhoog, word plantselle beskadig deur die onttrekking van water.

geadsorbeer aan die oppervlak van kleiminerale en CaCO3. Te hoë vlakke van fosfor in grond veroorsaak yster (Fe)- en sink (Zn)tekorte.

•

• MONO-, DI- EN TRIKALSIUMFOSFAAT Neem H3PO4 (ortofosfaat suur) as basis.

Indien een (mono) H+ met kalsium geneutraliseer word, kry ons monokalsiumfosfaat (Ca(H2PO4)2) wat volledig in water en sitroensuur oplos.

•

•

Bray 2: 1945, suur gronde waar rotsfosfaat die primêre fosforbemestingstof was en/of die grootste hoeveelheid fosfor in grond as kalsiumfosfaat voorkom Mehlich nr 1: 1953, suur gronde pH < 6,5, kusvlaktegronde met lae KUK (< 10) en lae organiese materiaal (< 5%) Olsen: 1954, kalkryke, alkaliese of neutrale gronde waar fosfor hoofsaaklik in kalsiumfosfaatvorm voorkom AB-DTPA: 1977, kalkryke, alkaliese of neutrale gronde waar fosfor hoofsaaklik

Foto’s Shutterstock

Ouer blare vertoon ’n grys, roesagtige of swart verkleuring van die blaarrande. Die geaffekteerde area beweeg na die middel van die blaar. Blare sal met verloop van tyd afval. Met erge toksisiteit sal jong blare geel word as gevolg van ‘n ystertekort en plante sal uiteindelik doodgaan.

Oorkom toksisiteit deur nie-sensitiewe plante te plant en geaffekteerde plante met FeSO4 of Fe-chelaat te spuit.

FOSFOR IN DIE GROND Poog om die fosforwaarde in grond so naby as moontlik aan 30 dpm te kry. Fosfor is relatief immobiel en loog nie maklik nie.

Dit word maklik in rooigronde vasgelê.

Fosforfiksasie in suur grond: dit word gepre sipiteer as Fe/Al-P sekondêre minerale en/ of word geadsorbeer aan die oppervlakte van kleiminerale en Fe/Al-oksiede of hidroksiede.

Fosforfiksasie in alkaliese grond: dit presipiteer as Ca-P sekondêre minerale of word

Indien twee (di) H+ met kalsium geneutraliseer word, kry ons dikalsiumfosfaat (CaHPO4) wat te veel kalsium bevat om in water op te los, maar wat wel oplos in 2% sitroensuur.

Indien drie (tri) H+ met kalsium geneutraliseer word, kry ons trikalsiumfosfaat (Ca3(PO4)2) wat nie in water of sitroensuur oplos nie, maar wel in sterk sure.

•

in kalsiumfosfaatvorm voorkom. Ekstrueerbare fosfor korreleer met Olsenfosfor Mehlich nr 3: 1984, vir ‘n wye reeks pH’s met ekstrueerbare fosfor wat korreleer met Bray 1 in suur gronde en Olsen P in kalkryke, alkaliese of neutrale pH-gronde.

Vir meer inligting, kontak Diederick Scholtz by 013 733 3357/8 of diederick@harmonie.co.za.

Internasionale uitdrukking van fosfor: % P2O5 In SA werk ons met % fosfor = % P2O5 x 0,436 GRONDONTLEDING-EKSTRAKSIEMETODES • Morgan: 1941, suur gronde met KUK < 10 • Bray 1: 1945, suur gronde of ‘n pH < 6,8 met gematigde tekstuur

7

Verskansing in ‘n neutedop Luan van der Walt* en Hanu Lategan, TWK Agri Graanbemarking

Verskansing en die waarde wat dit inhou vir die verskillende rolspelers in die graanmark word in baie gevalle misgekyk of heeltemal onderskat. Dit is goed om agter die kap van die byl te kom en vertroud te raak met wat met verskansing bedoel word.

Prysrisiko hou verband met ongunstige prysbewegings. Uit ‘n graanprodusent se oogpunt sal ‘n ongunstige prysbeweging beteken dat daar ‘n prysdaling is teen die tyd wanneer hy sy fisiese produk moet verkoop. Hierdie prysrisiko kan bestuur word op verskeie maniere.

In die eerste plek kan daar gebruik gemaak word van vaste voorwaartse kontrakte (vastepryskontrak). Dit sal ‘n tipiese kontrak tussen die koper en verkoper wees waar die hoeveelheid en pryse vooraf vasgestel word vir ‘n spesifieke datum in die toekoms. Dit hang uiteraard af wat die spesifieke bepalings is waartoe ooreengekom word tussen die koper en verkoper, maar gewone voorwaartse kontrakte hou heelwat risiko in.

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RADIUS Feb • Mrt 2016

80 60 40

1 100

1 090

1 070

1 080

1 050

1 060

1 030

1 040

1 010

1 020

990

970

980

950

960

930

940

910

-20

920

0

900

20 1 000

Produksierisiko’s hou verband met die produksie van die fisiese produk. In die meeste gevalle kan hierdie risiko nie bestuur word nie aangesien dit hoofsaaklik van moeder Natuur afhanklik is. Prysrisiko daarenteen kan wel tot ‘n mate bestuur word en daarom is dit belangrik om hierop te fokus.

100

Veranderende termynprys

Verskansing beteken beskerming. As jy dus iets verskans beteken dit dat jy jouself teen ‘n bepaalde risiko beskerm. In die graanbedryf bestaan daar verskeie tipes risiko’s waaraan die verskillende rolspelers blootgestel is. Hierdie risiko’s kan verdeel word in twee hoofgroepe, naamlik produksierisiko’s en prysrisiko’s.

-40 -60 -80

-100

Termynprys (R) Verkoopstermynposisie Fisiese produk

Figuur 1: Verskansing teen ‘n prysdaling deur gebruik te maak van termynkontrakte

Die ander alternatief is om van termynkontrakte (‘futures’) op die Safex-mark gebruik te maak om prysrisiko te bestuur en om jouself te verskans teen ongunstige prysbewegings, spesifiek teen prysdalings, indien jy ‘n produsent is. ‘n Eenvoudige strategie vir verskansing met termynkontrakte is om kontrakte te verkoop op die mark. Sodoende sal ‘n produsent verskans wees teen prysdalings teen die tyd wanneer hy die graan moet lewer.

as verskansing, siende dat jy steeds blootgestel is aan prysrisiko.

HOE WERK VERSKANSING Verskansing bestaan uit twee fasette. Dit is krities belangrik om beide die fisiese produk te hê, sowel as om die termynkontrakte aan te gaan. Indien slegs een van die twee fasette bestaan, is dit eerder spekulasie

Gestel dis Desember en die Julie-termynprys is R1 000/ton. Die produsent sal Julietermynkontrakte verkoop teen ‘n prys van R1 000/ton. Hy is dus verskans teen ‘n prys van R1 000/ton vir lewering in Julie. Die verkoopposisie van die termynkontrakte

‘n Belangrike aspek vir doeltreffende ver skansing is dat die produsent goed vertroud moet wees met sy kostes.

Figuur 1 is ‘n grafiese voorstelling om die beginsel van die verskansing met termynkontrakte op ‘n eenvoudige wyse te demonstreer.

word voorgestel deur die blou lyn. Indien die pryse daal vanaf Desember tot en met Julie sal die produsent ‘n wins maak met die termynkontrakte. Alhoewel die markpryse laer is en die fisiese produk teen ‘n laer prys verkoop word, sal die wins wat op die termynmark gemaak word die verlies in die fisiese mark opmaak. Indien die mark opwaarts beweeg en die pryse tot en met Julie styg, sal die fisiese produk, wat deur die rooi lyn verteenwoordig word, teen hoër pryse verkoop word. Dus sal die produsent vir sy fisiese produk ‘n hoër prys ontvang, maar die verskil sal weer verhaal word vanaf die termynkontrak.

Photos Shutterstock

Deur gebruik te maak van termynkontrakte is die produsent verseker van ‘n minimumprys wat hy sal ontvang vir sy produk. Jou prys is dus vasgestel en jou risiko teen prysdalings is ingekort. Aangesien dit beteken dat jy met hierdie soort verskansing nie sal voordeel trek uit ‘n stygende mark nie, is dit belangrik om die verskansing oordeelkundig te doen. Dit is in baie gevalle beter om die oes in fases te verskans. Indien die oes op so ‘n wyse verskans word kan die produsent seker wees dat hy ‘n sekere prys vir die verskansde gedeelte van sy produksie sal kry. Die res kan hy dus later verskans of selfs verkoop sonder om te verskans. In baie gevalle sal

‘n goeie riglyn wees om in die eerste plek genoegsaam te verskans om ten minste jou produksiekoste te dek.

Daar bestaan egter ook ander verskansingstrategieë, soos byvoorbeeld deur gebruik te maak van opsies. Met verskansingsopsies stel die produsent ‘n minimumprys vas waarteen hy bereid sal wees om te verkoop, terwyl hy steeds kan voordeel trek uit ‘n stygende mark met hoër pryse. Daar word slegs ‘n premie vir die koop van die opsie betaal en die premie is die maksimum wat verloor kan word.

Bogenoemde is bloot ‘n uiteensetting van die basiese beginsels en sluit nie veranderlikes soos basisse en differensiale in die berekening in nie. Die heel belangrikste beginsel wat met verskansing in gedagte gehou moet word is dat dit ‘n manier is om te kyk tot watter mate jy jou risiko kan beperk – nie wat die wins is wat jy kan maak nie. *Luan is verbonde aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat se Departement Landbou-ekonomie.

Vir meer vrae, kontak Hanu Lategan by hlategan@twkagri.com of 017 824 1000 of Luan van der Walt by vanderwalt@ufs.ac.za of 072 476 9365.

Energiebehoeftes van sôe in groepsbehuising Jenny Knight, Tegniese formuleerder: Coprex

VEREISTES VAN GROEPSBEHUISING • Sôe moet in die groepsbehuising gehuisves word van vier weke na dek tot een week voor jongtyd.

• Die minimum oppervlakte per sog is 2,25 m2.

• Daar moet permanente toegang tot manipuleerbare materiaal (soos strooi, hooi, en speelgoed) wees.

• ‘n Rantsoen wat hoog is in vesel moet gevoer word.

• Diere moet permanente toegang tot water hê.

• Daar moet vir ‘n minimum van 8 uur per dag lig wees (40 lux min).

• Die maksimum toelaatbare geraas is 85 desibels.

VOEDINGSBEHOEFTES Die energiebehoefte van ‘n dragtige sog word bepaal deur dit wat sy benodig vir onder houd, liggaamstoename, konsepsie en fetusontwikkeling. ‘n Sog se onderhoudsbehoeftes word hoofsaaklik bepaal deur die omgewing en die behuisingstoestande. Haar energiebehoefte vir konsepsie en fetus-ontwikkeling is relatief stabiel en verteenwoordig slegs ongeveer 5% van die sog se totale energiebehoefte.

Die sog se gewigstoename gedurende dragtigheid word beïnvloed deur haar liggaams-

10 RADIUS Feb • Mrt 2016

gewig, haar kondisie (vetreserwes) en haar pariteit.

Die energie- en proteïenbehoeftes van die sog in ‘n termoneutrale omgewing is baie goed nagevors en gedokumenteer. Die grootste verandering sedert die aanvanklike navorsing hieroor is die verandering in genotipe, aangesien die moderne sog beter in staat is om meer spier as vet te deponeer as sôe van 30 jaar gelede.

50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15

1. Ertjies 2. Tapioka 3. Sojabone 4. Sojaboon-oliekoek 5. Koring 6. Raapsaad 7. Mielies 8. Gars 9. Korog (‘triticale’) 10. Vismeel 11. Sitruspulp 12. Raapsaadmeel

lê wanneer hulle koud kry. Die teenwoordigheid van beddegoed sal ook hier ‘n rol speel – koue sementvloere kan die LKT weer verhoog. Maar oor die algemeen kan mens aanvaar dat sôe in groepsbehuising ‘n laer energiebehoefte vir onderhoud sal hê as sôe wat in kratte aangehou word.

VARIASIE IN LIGGAAMSKONDISIE Die variasie in liggaamskondisie van sôe in groepsbehuising is baie hoër as in krat sis-

13. Hawer 14. Koringkiem 15. Suikerbeetpulp 16. Amyfeed 17. Gluten 20 18. Sonneblomsaad 19. Pollard 20. Sonneblom 28 21. Aartappelproteïen 22. Ryssemels 23. Koringvoer 24. Lusern

25. Sojaboondoppies 26. Appelmoes 27. Koringsemels 28. Koringneweprodukte 29. Garsneweprodukte 30. Kakaodoppies 31. Provex proteïen 32. Koringstrooi

10 5 0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Die skrif is aan die muur vir varkproduksieeenhede om oor te skakel na groepsbehuising vir sôe: • Dierewelsynsorganisasies se veldtogte het die eindverbruiker beïnvloed.

• ‘n Groot kettingwinkelgroep het aangekondig dat hulle teen die einde van 2016 slegs varkvleisprodukte sal aanhou wat afkomstig is van varkproduksie-eenhede wat op die groepsbehuisingstelsel gebaseer is.

• Van die groter varkprodusente in SuidAfrika het reeds oorgeskakel na groepsbehuisingsisteme.

Lusern

Koringstrooi

Grafiek 1: Waterhouvermoë van veselbronne

OMGEWING EN TEMPERATUUR Die ideale laer kritiese temperatuur (LKT) vir ‘n sog wat individueel gehuisves word in ‘n optimale omgewing, maar sonder bedde goed, is 20 °C. Vir elke 1 °C afname in LKT benodig die sog ‘n bykomende 19 kj/kg liggaamsmassa0,75 voeding.

BEHUISINGSISTEME Sôe wat in groepsbehuising gehuisves word benodig minder energie as sôe wat in individuele kratte gehuisves word. Die sôe in kratte se energiebehoeftes word verhoog deur hoër stresvlakke (stereotipiese gedragspatrone). Die sôe in groepsbehuising kan ook warmer bly omdat hulle bymekaar kan

teme as gevolg van die uitdaging van individuele voeding. In dié geval help elektroniese voedingsisteme (EFS).

Vesel speel ‘n baie belangrike rol in sogvoeding en veral in sôe wat in groepsbehuisingsisteme is. Die tipe vesel is ook van belang. Die waterhouvermoë van die veselbron, asook die vermoë om die sog meer versadig te laat voel, is van groot belang.

Indien die sog meer versadig voel sal dit verder ook voordelig wees vir die gedrag van die sog tydens die aanvanklike bekendstelling aan die groep en om aggressie te verminder.

KLOUVERWANTE MANKHEID Sôe in groepsbehuisingstelsels het groter geleentheid vir loopaktiwiteite per dag (tot 400 m) as sôe wat in kratte aangehou word.

Klousere is daarom nie ongewoon nie. ‘n Studie in Frankryk in 2011 het getoon dat sôe in groepsbehuising meer geneig was om klousere te ontwikkel as sôe in kratstelsels. Klousere kan wel behandel word met spesifieke mineraalkombinasies.

Impak van behuisingstipe op die gedrag van sôe tydens ‘n observasieperiode van ses uur per dag 100%

Lê Staan Sit

80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Kort kante

Krat plus looparea

Statiese elektroniese voersisteem

Dinamiese elektroniese voersisteem

In die volgende uitgawe sal die verskillende groepsbehuisingsbestuurstelsels, praktiese voedingswenke om heterogeniteit te voor kom en die inskakeling van die jong soggie in die stelsel, bespreek word.

Bronne: Pork CRC, Invivo Nsa R&D, Zinpro

Rig enige navrae aan Marietjie du Toit by mdutoit@coprex.co.za of 012 250 2350.

Foto’s Shutterstock

Miere Nico van der Westhuis, Tegniese Bemarkingspesialis, Efekto

Miere is sosiale insekte wat in kolonies bly waar duisende individue leef. Miere, tesame met bye en perdebye, is lede van die orde Hymenoptera en ondergaan ‘n volledige metamorfose, wat vier stadiums insluit: eier, larwe, papie en volwassene. Die vyf mees algemene mierspesies wat in Suid-Afrika voorkom is Lepisiota capensis (swart suikermier), Linepithema humile (Argentynse mier), Monomorium pharaonis (Faraomier), Lasius niger (swart- of tuinmier) en Pheidole megacephala (bruin huismier).

NUWE KOLONIES KAN BEGIN MET GEPAARDE VLUGTE ‘n Nuwe mierkolonie begin gewoonlik wanneer ‘n nuwe koningin wegvlieg van ‘n ou kolonie, met ‘n mannetjie paar, ‘n geskikte terrein vind, haar vlerke laat val en begin met die uitgrawing van ‘n nes. Sy klooster haarself binne die nes vir ‘n paar weke tot haar eiers volwasse is. Daar lê sy haar eiers, sorg vir haar jong miertjies en verlaat selde of ooit die nes. Sy vertrou op werkers om haar en die kolonie te voed tot nadat die eerste geslag grootgemaak is.

DAAROP VOLGENDE GESLAGTE Baie van die mees ernstige mierpeste, insluitend die Argentynse mier en Faraomier, het verskeie koninginne binne kolonies.

(Ander miere het slegs een funksionele koningin.) Na een seisoen of na ‘n paar jaar, afhangende van die spesie, begin ‘n kolonie met swermvorming om nuwe kolonies te vorm. Slegs ‘n paar van die duisende koninginne in die swerms is egter suksesvol in die stigting van ‘n nuwe kolonie.

WAAROM SAL MIERE AAS IGNOREER? Soms blyk dit of miere aas ignoreer. Dit sal gebeur met alle mier-aas. Miere is geneig om voedsel te vind afhangend van die behoeftes van die nes of kolonie.

Hulle sal byvoorbeeld oorskakel van proteïenvoedsel na koolhidrate (suiker) op die aanvraag van die kolonie; tydens aktiewe nesbou het hulle baie suiker vir energie nodig en vir reproduksie het hulle weer meer proteïen nodig. Hulle het selde ‘n behoefte aan vette, maar hulle moet tog by tye ‘n sekere hoeveelheid daarvan inkry.

Miere, soos Argentynse miere, sal swaar voed op proteïen wanneer hulle nuwe grondgebied verower. Hulle sal ander insekte en ongewerwelde insekte aanval en op hulle voed. Die gevolg hiervan is die verwydering van baie van die kompetisie vir kos in die gebied, en dit is die rede waarom hierdie miere as ‘n belangrike biodiversiteitplaag beskou word. Sodra hulle in ‘n gebied gevestig is, sal hulle terugkeer na ‘n meer normale koolhidraatgebaseerde dieet.

Die meeste mense verwag dat miere die aas wat naby ‘n spoor geplaas word vinnig sal eet. Maar hulle mag die lokaas dikwels vir ‘n geruime tyd ignoreer as hulle ‘n bestaande chemiese roete volg wat hulle na ‘n ander bron van voedsel lei. Met verloop van tyd sal ‘n verkennermier die aas vind en dan ‘n ander roete na die aas aanlê. In sommige gevalle kan dit dae wees voor hulle die aas begin eet.

By die meeste van die mierspesies kan die kolonies baie groot wees en lokaas alleen sal nie help om die getalle te verminder nie.

Dit is byna altyd nodig om ‘n volledige mierbeheerprogram uit te voer.

Foto’s Shutterstock

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RADIUS Feb • Mrt 2016

Rig enige navrae aan Nico van der Westhuis by nicovdw@efekto.co.za of 031 832 3000.

A new generation of advanced toughness

TWK Agri Motors is proud to announce the arrival of the long awaited new generation Hilux.

The Toyota Hilux has been on the market for 46 years, and the introduction of the eighth generation heralds an exciting new chapter in the vehicle's book of life. The new Hilux will take from the experience gained and lessons learnt throughout the past 46 years and combine that with the latest technology and advancements to ensure that the eighth generation remains the leader in its eld.

The new Hilux features a full range of new diesel engines and revised gearboxes (6 speed manual and automatic for the higher grade models), which not only guarantees substantial performance increase, but also improved fuel consumption.

An exciting new addition to our Hilux line up is the new SR Grade Hilux, which was created and designed with the very specic needs of our mining customers and contractors in mind. This grade features increased safety specication that aligns with the safety specication and structure of the Australian models that have been rated 5-star on the Australian NCAP safety model. This translates to no unnecessary waiting periods for these customers because safety improvements and alterations need to be done – the grade comes standard with all the safety specications intact.

Below is a table with the comparisons between the current Hilux 3.0D-4D engine and the new Hilux 2.8GD-6 engine.

Engine 2.5 D-4D 2.5 D-4D SRX 3.0 D-4D

Current Hilux Power (kW) 75 75 120

Torque (Nm) 200 260 343

Engine 2.4 GD (Lo) 2.4 GD-6 (Hi) 2.8 GD-6 2.8 GD-6 AT

New Hilux

Power (kW) 110 110 130 130

Torque (Nm) 343 400 420 450

For more information, contact Nelene Botha on 017 826 2314 or prtsales@twkagri.com.

Verantwoordelike aftredebeplanning Mareli Bisschoff en Sharon Steenkamp, TWK Agri Versekering

Jou testament kan gesien word as die spreekbuis wat vir jou intree met jou afsterwe. Dit is ‘n relatief eenvoudige regsmeganisme waarmee jy jou bates onder erfgename kan verdeel. Om ‘n omvattende testament te laat opstel verg deeglike boedelbeplanning, enersyds om te verseker dat jou bates genoegsaam is om jou boedelskuld te dek en andersyds om in jou afhanklikes se behoeftes te voorsien.

JOU TESTAMENT ‘n Mens se lewensomstandighede verander voortdurend en daarom is dit belangrik om jou testament gereeld te hersien om te verseker dat dit steeds ‘n akkurate weerspieëling van jou wense is. Hersien dit verkieslik elke drie tot vyf jaar, of in die geval van ‘n belangrike lewensgebeurtenis soos ‘n huwelik, die geboorte van ‘n kind, of ‘n egskeiding.

BELÊ IN DIE TOEKOMS Om vandag ‘n besluit te neem oor jou testament en boedel, is soos om die saadjie van ‘n vrugteboom, waarvan jou nageslag die vrugte gaan eet, te plant. Jou testament is een van die belangrikste dokumente wat jy in jou lewe gaan opstel – dit bevat belangrike inligting oor al die bates wat jy oor die jare versamel het, asook jou laaste wense rakende wie hierdie bates moet erf.

Bowenal verteenwoordig dit finansiële gemoedsrus vir die afhanklikes wat jy agterlaat. ‘n Paar nuttige wenke rakende die opstel van ‘n testament • Hou dit so eenvoudig as moontlik.

• Nader ‘n kenner op die gebied indien jou situasie van so ‘n aard is dat ingewikkelde

14 RADIUS Feb • Mrt 2016

erflatings gemaak moet word. (Dit is in elk geval raadsaam om nie self te probeer om jou testament op te stel nie, aangesien sommige foute daartoe mag lei dat die Meester van die Hooggeregshof nie jou testament as geldig sal aanvaar nie en beveel dat jou boedel intestaat moet vererf.)

• Maak seker dat jou testament prakties uitvoerbaar is en probeer ook om die verdeling van bates so prakties moontlik te doen.

• Indien jy minderjarige kinders het, is dit belangrik om voogde in jou testament aan te wys en om ‘n trust te skep om te verhoed dat hul bates deur die Meester beheer word totdat hulle meerderjarig is.

BOEDELBEPLANNING VIR JOU AFTREDE Die opstel van ‘n testament loop uiteraard hand aan hand met deeglike boedelbeplanning. Dit beteken nie veel as jou bepalings en wense akkuraat in jou testament gestipuleer is, maar wanneer jy afsterf, daar geen kontant in jou boedel is om hierdie wense uit te voer nie. Dit kan noodgedwonge lei tot die verkoop van bates wat jy spesifiek aan iemand wou nalaat.

Aftrede hou groot finansiële implikasies vir jou boedel in en moet as sulks in jou boedelbeplanning geïnkorporeer word.

Neem die volgende in ag wanneer jy beplan vir aftrede: • moontlike werksverandering • indien jou eie besigheid jou enigste bron van aftree-inkomste is, is jy alleen verantwoordelik daarvoor om betalings aan ‘n pensioenfonds of in ‘n aftree-annuïteit te maak • vroeë aftrede en uitdienstreding • gesondheidsdekking vir jou oudag – mediese kostes na aftrede beloop ongeveer 60% van jou totale mediese onkostes gedurende jou leeftyd • die kostes verbonde aan ‘n egskeiding • toenemende lewensverwagting • die koste van ‘n aftree-oord.

ANNUÏTEITE ‘n Aftree-annuïteit is ‘n baie gewilde belegging om voorsiening te maak vir jou aftrede, veral as jy ‘n privaat individu is wat nie bydra tot ‘n pensioenfonds nie. Daar is wel beper kings op die maak van onttrekkings voor die ouderdom van 55 jaar.

Foto’s Shutterstock

Daar is verskeie voordele en belangrike faktore wat in gedagte gehou moet word wanneer jy ‘n annuïteit gebruik om voor siening te maak vir jou aftrede: • ‘n Annuïteit help jou om voldoende geld te spaar ten einde ‘n sorgelose aftrede te verseker.

• Die belastingvoordeel is dat jy tot 15% van jou salaris (nadat pensioenaftrekkings gemaak is) kan bydra tot die annuïteit en belastingverligting daarvoor kan kry.

• Die gemiddelde reël wat toegepas word om genoegsame geld vir aftrede opsy te sit, is om 15% van jou salaris elke maand vir 35 jaar te spaar. Dan behoort jy maandeliks ‘n pensioen van 75% van jou huidige salaris te verdien, indien die opbrengste redelike resultate lewer.

• Wanneer jy aftree, kan jy een derde van jou geld in kontant ontvang, waarvan ‘n groot gedeelte belastingvry is. Die oor blywende twee derdes moet in die fonds agterbly om jou te voorsien van ‘n maandelikse inkomste.

• Jy kry die voordeel van saamgestelde rente op die geld wat jy spaar.

• Dit is ‘n gedissiplineerde metode van spaar, omdat jy juis nie jou hande op die fondse kan lê tot op die ouderdom van 55 nie.

• Indien jy te sterwe sou kom, is dit ‘n ver dere manier om voorsiening te maak vir

jou afhanklikes, veral as daar nie genoegsame lewensversekering in plek is nie.

• Jou belegging is gediversifiseerd en jy kan in verskeie bateklasse belê, soos byvoorbeeld eiendom, aandele en/of kontantbeleggings.

• Die meeste annuïteitskemas bied aan jou die vryheid om self beleggingskeuses uit te oefen en ook om fondsveranderings te maak.

• ‘n Annuïteit verseker langtermyn groei, omdat die konstante bydra van premies die wisselvalligheid wat in die markte kan voorkom, uitskakel.

Elke persoon se beleggingsbehoeftes verskil omdat geen twee persone dieselfde omstandighede het nie. Daarom is professionele ondersteuning ten opsigte van aftreebeplanning en die opstel van ‘n testament hoogs aan te bevele, sodat jy betyds die nodige aanpassings kan maak om te verseker dat jy ‘n sorgelose aftrede het en terselfdertyd ook die sekerheid het dat daar met jou afsterwe voorsiening gemaak is vir jou afhanklikes se finansiële versorging.

Kontak Mareli Bisschoff by 082 824 4514 vir meer inligting.

Trekker- en stroperverkope vir Desember 2015 Wynn Dedwith, Voorsitter: Suid-Afrikaanse Landboumasjinerieassosiasie

Trekkerverkope van 246 eenhede in Desember is byna 30% laer as die 344 eenhede wat in Desember 2014 verkoop is. Vir die 2015-kalenderjaar is verkope 12% laer as verkope in 2014. Stroperverkope van vyf eenhede is aansienlik laer as die agt eenhede wat in Desember 2014 verkoop is. Vir die kalenderjaar is stroperverkope ongeveer 37% laer as verkope vir die vorige kalenderjaar.

Die situasie het versleg sedert die vorige maand, weens die voortdurende droogteen hittegolftoestande. Somergewasse wat in die oostelike dele van die land aangeplant is, lyk relatief goed, maar opvolgreën is dringend nodig. In die westelike gebiede (westelike Vrystaat en Noordwes) is aansienlik minder aangeplant as die vorige seisoen. Die situasie sal duideliker wees sodra die Oesramingskomitee sy voorlopige

ramings vir aangeplante somergewasse teen die einde van Januarie vrystel. Aanvanklike nie-amptelike ramings dui daarop dat die mielieoes minder as die helfte kan wees as wat dit verlede jaar was en dat tot vyf miljoen ton mielies ingevoer sal moet word om te voorsien in die plaaslike vraag na mielies. Bo en behalwe die ernstige weersprobleme, gaan die onlangse skerp daling in die waarde van die rand lei tot aansienlike prysverhogings vir landboumasjinerie, maar ook pryse vir somergewasse. Dit gaan ‘n ernstige golfbeweging veroorsaak vir die hele Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie. Die landbou- en landboumasjineriebedrywe gaan veral ‘n baie moeilike 2016 tegemoet en sal in die volgende maande veg om blote oorlewing.

Kontak Wynn Dedwith by 082 554 9202 of dr Jim Rankin by 011 453 7249.

Shutterstock

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Investing in equities – anyone can Tinus Potgieter (CA(SA)), TWK Agri Group Company Secretary and Executive Manager: Business Development*

People are often fearful of investing in equities. There could be different reasons for this. For example, it could be perceived as too risky to invest in shares, a person might not have enough money to invest, or doesn’t have the knowhow to make these investments.

WHAT ARE EQUIT Y INVESTMENTS? In very simple terms, it means that you own a share of a company that operates for profit. Your share earns you a return in terms of dividends, which are distributed from a portion of the profits, and an opportunity for capital appreciation in the share price.

IS IT TOO RISKY TO INVEST IN EQUITIES? Equities have a higher risk profile than money market or fixed income investments, but have also historically outperformed these asset classes. Diversifying your portfolio can mitigate risk. For example, you can adopt a strategy to not invest more than 10% in any one share, diversifying between industrial, financial and resource shares, selecting shares from different

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RADIUS Feb • Mar 2016

sectors, and also including rand-hedge shares.

Your equity investments will be subject to market fluctuations and your capital is not guaranteed. Compared to other asset classes, the slightly higher risk you take when investing in equities rewards you with a potential higher return on investment over the long term.

INVESTMENT VERSUS SPECULATION Do not confuse investment for speculation or vice versa. Speculation is extremely risky and statistics show that almost all individuals that attempt this eventually end up with a loss or even lose their total investment.

When investing, you choose shares to earn a return from dividends and capital appreciation of the share price over a long term.

DO I NEED A LOT OF MONEY TO INVEST IN SHARES? You do not need a lot of money and can start with small amounts (for example R1 000 lump sum or R300 per month) using instruments such as exchange traded funds (ETFs) or unit trusts. You buy units in these funds rather than directly owning shares in companies. Have a look at www.etfsa.co.za, www.satrix.co.za and www.fundsdata.co.za for information on the different funds available.

To invest directly in shares, you need to invest an amount that will make sense in terms of the brokerage cost you will incur.

Brokers normally charge a percentage commission on a sliding scale, but with a set minimum commission amount.

If your broker charges a minimum commission of R100, and you only buy shares to the value of R1 000, you will need growth of 20% just to recover your cost of buying and selling, which wouldn’t be a very smart investment.

Also consider the administration charges (monthly or quarterly fees) by brokers if you want to start with a small portfolio.

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WHERE DO I FIND A BROKER? The commercial bank you bank with probably operates an online share platform, which should be found on their website. Visit www.jse.co.za/brokers/find-a-broker to find the names of all JSE-approved brokers.

You will have to complete a few forms and provide FICA information to your broker, but after this once-off process you will be able to buy and sell shares using an online platform. You can also place trades telephonically if you are not comfortable with the online trading system.

HOW TO SELECT A BROKER If starting with a small portfolio, fees are quite an important consideration. Have a look at the commission structures, minimum commission amount and administration fees that the broker will charge.

Opening your account with an institution that you already deal with may also make the process slightly easier.

HOW TO INVEST IN THE T WK AGRI GROUP TWK Agri shares currently trade on an over-the-counter share-trading platform (under temporary FSB exemption) at

www.twkshares.com. TWK Investments Ltd shares are available for public trading while TWK Agriculture Holdings (Pty) Ltd shares may only be bought by bona-fide farmers (as defined in TWK’s MOI and approved by the Board on an individual basis). If you want to become a shareholder in the TWK Group, visit the trading website and you can register and provide all FICA information electronically. Have all documents required as per the ‘Know-your-shareholder Document Checklist’ ready before commencing with the registration process.

TAX-FREE INVESTMENTS National Treasury launched an initiative to encourage South Africans to save by offering tax-free investments as from 1 March 2015.

You can invest up to R30 000 per year in one tax year and R500 000 in total over your lifetime. The return and growth on these investments are tax-free. Over a long term this can become a significant saving.

More information can be found on the SARS website as well as the financial institutions that offer these accounts.

GET TING PERSONAL I’ve chosen tax-free investments with equity exposure (rather than interest investments) as I have a long-term view and it fits my risk profile. When you decide on a service provider, consider any additional fees being charged for the tax-free product on top of the existing fees of the funds you are selecting to invest in. In my opinion, the service providers Satrix and Sygnia offer excellent tax-free investment choices with a selection of different funds and good cost ratios. Google ‘tax free investments with equity exposure’ for a few other options and some comparisons.

The earlier you start with a tax-free investment, the bigger your potential tax saving.

To invest in the 2016 tax year, you will have to open an account, deposit funds, and buy investment units before 28 February 2016. *The author is not a registered financial advisor. The content is for general information purposes only and not to be construed as financial advice.

For first time investors in equities, a taxfree investment with equity exposure is a great way to start.

17

Get more crop per drop Imke Nel, Radius editorial team, TWK Agri

Faced with the drought of the past months, many South African farmers are having to rely on groundwater reserves to carry them through the season. Those with sustainabil­ ity in mind have long been looking into the future and are using an arsenal of water conservation methods. Here are just a few: IRRIGATION The reality of an ever­shrinking water supply in the face of growing needs will become more evident, and eventually the true cost of water will emerge. Irrigation equipment upgrades can be costly, but there is no question that it will be worth it in the long run. Properly installed irrigation can save up to 80% more water than conventional irri­ gation, and can even contribute to increased crop yields.

The most efficient irrigation system depends on the crop, soil type, local climate and other factors. Gravity­flow systems are an example of a possible solution for more efficient water use.

Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to a plant’s roots, reducing the evaporation that happens with spray watering systems.

Timers can be used to schedule watering for the cooler parts of the day, further reducing water loss. Using water flow meters can help measure and control the amount of water being used for irrigation.

Smart water management is not just about how water is delivered, but also when, how often, and how much. To avoid under­ or overwatering of crops, farmers can care­

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RADIUS Feb • Mar 2016

fully monitor weather forecasts, as well as soil and plant moisture, and adapt their irrigation schedule to the current conditions.

WEATHER APPS Some farmers may be inclined to set an automated irrigation schedule and let it run regardless of the weather. Adjusting irriga­ tion systems to work in better harmony with natural precipitation may be costly at first, but it is an inarguable way to save signifi­ cant amounts of water. There are numerous weather apps available that provide up­to­ the­second precipitation reports. Using these along with irrigation systems can help save water, which will save farmers money and reduce wear and tear on systems.

SOIL MANAGEMENT Proper soil management is a key to con­ serving water. It is the soil that absorbs, transmits and holds the water for crops to use and there is much a farmer can do to manipulate the nature of soil. It is espe­ cially helpful if the soil quality has been compromised.

COMPOST AND MULCH Compost, or decomposed organic matter used as fertiliser, has been found to improve soil structure, increasing its water­holding capacity. Mulch is a material spread on top of the soil to conserve moisture. When it’s made from organic materials such as straw or wood chips, mulch will break down into compost, further increasing the soil’s ability to retain water. Farmers can also use black plastic mulch as a soil cover to suppress weeds and reduce evaporation.

COVER CROPS Planted to protect bare soil, cover crops can reduce weeds, increase soil fertility and organic matter, and help to prevent erosion and compaction. The cover crop causes water to more easily penetrate the soil, and also improves its water­holding capacity.

DROUGHT-TOLERANT CROPS Growing crops that are suited to a region’s climate is another way in which farmers can get a greater yield per drop of water. Crop species that are native to arid regions are often naturally drought­tolerant. Another option is the use of crop varieties that have been selected over time for their low water needs.

ROTATIONAL GRAZING Rotational grazing is a process in which livestock are moved between fields to help promote pasture regrowth. Good grazing management increases a field’s water absorption and decreases runoff, making pastures more drought­resistant. Increased soil organic matter and better forage cover are also water­saving benefits of rotational grazing.

For more information, write to inel@twkagri.com.

Each theme will be reviewed in-depth in coming issues

DIESEL VERSUS PETROL ENGINES – what to buy?

Nelene Botha, TWK Agri Motors

Buying a new vehicle is a complicated and quite frequently confusing experience. Not only does a prospective buyer have to take into consideration factors such as affordability, specifications and safety, but engine type also plays a major role.

ruggedly to withstand the rigors of higher compression, they are also technologically more advanced than petrol engines. If maintenance is neglected on a diesel engine, it could lead to serious financial implications for the owner.

Previously, the decision between diesel and petrol engines was quite clear-cut: Diesel was ideal for farmers’ tractors and pick-up trucks, and petrol was ideal for passenger vehicles. But choosing between petrol and diesel is becoming more and more difficult – diesel engine cars are no longer noisy or billow out plumes of black smoke every time you pull away from the traffic lights. And they match or even exceed their petrol counterparts in terms of performance and power.

Making the choice between petrol and diesel could seem overwhelming. Here are pros and cons of each.

In recent years great technological strides have been made in the automotive industry, particularly in terms of vehicle engines as manufacturers strive to produce cleaner, environmentally-friendly engines with low carbon dioxide emissions, without compromising on power and performance.

Maintenance: Diesel engines have no spark plugs or distributors, therefore they never need ignition tune-ups. But they still need regular maintenance to keep them running, such as frequent oil changes and air, oil and fuel filters that need to be replaced regularly.

Although diesel engines are built more

Power: Although diesel fuel is considered more efficient because it converts heat into energy rather than sending the heat out the tailpipe as petrol vehicles do, it doesn’t result in the flashy high-speed performance of a petrol engine. In some ways, a petrol engine vehicle is similar to a high-strung racehorse: fiery and fast. The diesel engine is more suited to a workhorse: slower, but stronger with more endurance. Because of the way diesel engines burn fuel, it provides impressive amounts of torque to the drive shaft, much more than petrol engines. This means that diesel engines can out-tow petrol engines, while still delivering on improved fuel economy.

Economy: Diesel engines get great mileage, typically delivering 25 - 30% better fuel economy than petrol engines, and even though diesel-powered vehicles are more expensive than petrol models, the cost advantage of the diesel engine’s greater fuel efficiency erases that discrepancy.

For more information, contact Nelene Botha on 017 826 2314 or prtsales@twkagri.com.

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Die werking van ‘n graansilo Alida Woest, Bestuurder: Silodienste, TWK Agri Graan

Die hooffunksie van ‘n graansilo is om graan namens produsente en kopers op te berg. Dienste sluit die volgende in: • Sifting van graan vir die verwydering van vreemde materiale en ongewenste sade wat skadelik of selfs dodelik kan wees vir mense of diere • Droging van graan indien die vogpersen­ tasie te hoog is • Beroking van graan Met die aankoms van ‘n vragmotor by ‘n graansilo word die besending geïnspekteer vir visuele afwykings, alvorens enige mon­ sters geneem kan word. Indien die graan op die vragmotor goedgekeur word, word ‘n 10 kg monster geneem. Monsters van die graan word ewekansig op verskillende plekke in losmaat met ‘n losmaatmonster­

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RADIUS Feb • Mrt 2016

nemingsapparaat geneem. Hierdie monsters word na die graderingskantoor geneem waar dit gemeng en verdeel word om ‘n werksmonster te verkry. Die werksmonster word gebruik vir die bepaling van die kom­ moditeit se graad volgens die graderings­ regulasies.

Verskillende graderingstoerusting word gebruik om die vogpersentasies en die graad van die kommoditeit te bepaal. Indien die vrag aan die voorgeskrewe graderings­ regulasie voldoen, word die betrokke besending geweeg en na ‘n geallokkeerde aflaaiput gestuur, waar daar met die aflaaiproses begin word.

Graan word met behulp van vervoerbande of kettingkaste na die bakkieshysers

vervoer wat die graan opneem na die gaandery. Hier word die graan op die boonste vervoerbande gestort tot by die afwerper, wat dit dan in ‘n bepaalde buis stort vir opberging.

Graanbuise het verskillende opbergingskapasiteite. Daar is meganiese uitlaatluike onder in die tonnel van die silokompleks om die graan uit die buis te kan kry. Van hier word die graan op vervoerbande gestort wat dit vervoer van punt A na punt B vir versending. Graan word gesif deur dit oor siwwe te laat beweeg en daarna in uitlaaibuise gestort om versend te word.

Gedurende die sifproses word die siklone aangeskakel om alle stof wat in die graan teenwoordig is te verwyder. Dit help ook om stofontploffings in die silo’s te voorkom. Die graan beweeg vanuit die uitlaaibuise deur ‘n uitlaaigeut tot in die waens van vragmotors. Die vragmotor word gegradeer om seker te maak dit voldoen aan die vereistes vir die tipe kommoditeit wat versend moet word voordat dit uitgeskaal word en die perseel verlaat.

Sodra die vragmotor die perseel verlaat verander die eienaarskap van die graan.

Die silo moet beskik oor die toerusting om te verseker dat die hoeveelheid en gehalte van wat ontvang en versend word korrek is.

VOGPERSENTASIES Graan is in die verlede ontvang teen vogpersentasies wat die veilige berging van die graan in die silo’s verseker het. Mielies is ontvang teen vogpersentasies tot en met 14% en sojabone tot en met 13%. Tegnologiese ontwikkeling het meegebring dat graan tans teen hoër vogpersentasies gestroop en ontvang kan word, wat produsente in staat stel om hulle graan makliker en vinniger van die land af te kry.

Graan word tans as volg ontvang: mielies word ontvang tot en met 18% vog en sojabone tot en met 15% vog. Indien graan met hoër vogpersentasies ontvang word moet dit eers gedroog word tot en met die verlangde veilige bergingspersentasies. Droging is belangrik om te voorkom dat fermentasie, swamme en insekbesmetting plaasvind.

DEURLUGTING Deurlugting word gebruik om die nat graan wat in die buise is af te koel deur koue lug

deur die gestoorde graan te blaas. Die koue lug word deur groot waaiers aan die buite kant van die buis ingeblaas. Die koue lug verplaas dan die warm lug tot bo waar dit by die buisuitlaat uitgeblaas word. Deurlugting voorkom ‘n afname in die graankwaliteit as gevolg van swamme en insekte.

Deurlugting bewerkstellig ‘n konstante temperatuur in die buis, wat verseker dat die graan nie warm word en daar kondensasie plaasvind in die opgebergde graan nie.

BEROKING Die beroking van die graan kan plaasvind met die ontvangs daarvan gedurende strooptyd en geskied deur middel van piltoediening, as die volume per dag dit regverdig. Of dit kan ook gedoen word as die seisoen geëindig het deur middel van die sirkulasie-stelsel.

Tydens die berokingsproses stel die berokingsmiddel gas vry wat deur die graan beweeg en die insekte dood wat moontlik in die graan teenwoordig is. Beroking voorkom insekinfestasie, kondensasie, swamme, asook warm kolle wat in die graan gevorm kan word, wat die gehalte van die graan kan beïnvloed. Die buise waarin daar beroking gedoen word moet so lank as moontlik goed geseël en toegehou word. Beroking word gedoen deur goed opgeleide en gekwalifiseerde silopersoneel. Streng voorsorgmaatreëls word gehandhaaf tydens die berokingsperiode, aangesien daar met gevaarlike middels gewerk word.

Rig enige navrae aan Alida Woest by graanadmin@twkagri.com.

21

Voeding van die reproduserende koei ALLES DRAAI RONDOM KALFPERSENTASIE JW van Niekerk, MSc-student (Universiteit van Pretoria)

Presisieboerdery was ‘n paar jaar terug ‘n redelike onbekende term in veeproduksie. Deesdae se wisselvallige reënval, hoë insetkostes en lae winsmarges, veroorsaak egter dat presisie­ boerdery absoluut noodsaaklik is vir enige veeboer.

Voeding kan as die fondament van presisie boerdery in ‘n kudde beskou word. (Presisieboerdery behels egter meer as net goeie voeding. Sonder effektiewe bestuur sal jou kudde nie optimaal produseer nie. Kuddegesondheid, teling en seleksie, asook algemene bestuurspraktyke moet ook die nodige aandag kry. Presisieboerdery moet dus holisties benader word.)

Presisievoeding kan as volg gedefinieer word: om die regte hoeveelheid voer, in die regte nutriëntverhouding, op die regte stadium van produksie te voer, om uiteindelik ‘n gesonde dier te hê wat optimaal produseer met die laagste moontlike omgewingsimpak.

Daar word gereeld klem gelê op die vinnige groei en afronding van speenkalwers en mens vergeet maklik van die belangrike rol van die reproduserende koei in hierdie proses. Die reproduksiefase en die groeifase is sekerlik twee van die belangrikste bestuursfases in ‘n beesboerdery. Die ekonomiese sukses van ‘n beesboerdery word bepaal deur die kalfpersentasie asook die speenmassa. Hoe hoër die kalfpersentasie en speengewigte is, gepaardgaande met goeie weidingsbestuur, hoe laer is die produksiekoste per kilogram vleis per hektaar geproduseer.

Die reproduserende koei is by albei hierdie fases betrokke: eers moet die koei dragtig raak en kalf en daarna moet sy genoeg melk

22 RADIUS Feb • Mrt 2016

produseer om ‘n swaar kalf te speen. Om dit te verseker, moet voeding en bestuur optimaal wees.

Beesboere moet daarna streef om elke koei elke jaar te laat kalf, asook om ‘n kalf van 180 - 240 kg op ‘n ouderdom van sewe maande te speen. Koeie wat nie elke jaar kalf nie, ‘vreet’ (letterlik en figuurlik) die wins op wat gegenereer word deur koeie wat wel kalf.

Omdat voerkostes so hoog is, is ‘n voervloeiprogram, wat deur die jaar voorsiening maak vir voldoende kwaliteit en kwantiteit ruvoer, ononderhandelbaar. Goeie weidingbestuur is noodsaaklik om genoeg ruvoer te verseker.

Indien van toepassing, kan weiding aangevul of gebalanseer word met behulp van aangeplante weiding, hooi en/of oesreste. ‘n Voerbank in die vorm van hooi en/of kuilvoer is noodsaaklik om in tye van ruvoerskaarste (lae reënval) uitkoms te bied.

Seisoenale en geografiese variasies kan sekere nutriënttekorte gedurende sekere tye van die jaar veroorsaak, wat deur middel van ‘n spesifieke aanvullingsprogram opgehef moet word. Hoewel elke plaas se omstandighede en aanvullingsprogram kan verskil, bly die basiese voedingsbeginsels dieselfde.

Die voedingstrategieë gedurende die volgende drie stadia is baie belangrik:

KORT VOOR KALWING Die hoof kalfseisoen in die somerreënvalstreke strek gewoonlik van Augustus tot November. Die laaste twee maande voor kalwing vind die meeste fetusgroei plaas.

Dit is ook die tydperk wat die koei se voedingsbehoeftes baie hoog is. Die energieen proteïenvlakke van die weiding is egter op daardie stadium op die laagste (laat winter) en hierdie voedingsbehoeftes behoort deur middel van ‘n produksielek aangevul te word. Dit sal die optimale ontwikkeling van die ongebore kalf, sowel as goeie bies- en melkproduksie verseker en ook die koeie se kondisie in stand hou. Indien die natuurlike weiding baie uitgevreet is kan aanvulling deur middel van kuilvoer, staande hooi of aangeplante weiding oorweeg word.

Tot ‘n derde van die koei se mineraalreserwes word gebruik vir fetale ontwikkeling en groei.

Mineraalaanvulling is gevolglik baie belangrik om geboortedefekte te voorkom. Voldoende mineraalvlakke is ook belangrik vir hoë kwaliteit kolostrum, waardeur immuniteit vanaf die koei na die kalf oorgedra word.

Die korrekte aanvulling voor kalwing is dus baie belangrik, aangesien dit ‘n direkte invloed het op die kalf se groeipotensiaal – voor en na geboorte. Kommersiële volvoerrantsoene en lekke bevat reeds al die regte minerale en verskaf ‘n basislyn van spoorminerale. Tydens verandering in fisiologiese

Shutterstock

status of produksiestadium, soos met kalwing, paring en toestande van stres, asook in omstandighede waar antagoniste ‘n rol speel, behoort alternatiewe aanvulling oorweeg te word. Inspuitbare spoorminerale wat die regte hoeveelhede en verhoudings van elke element bevat, kan die beperkinge van voeraanvulling oorkom. Doseermiddels, intraruminale kapsules en watergebaseerde medikasie is ander alternatiewe wat aangewend kan word.

GEDURENDE LAKTASIE Die eerste stadium van laktasie kom meestal voor net voor die kwaliteit van die weiding optimaal is. Later in laktasie is die energie en proteïen in die weiding gewoonlik voldoende. Goeie voeding tydens vroeë laktasie het twee hoofuitkomste ten doel: eerstens moet dit tot ‘n verhoging in melkproduksie en swaarder speengewig lei en tweedens moet dit verseker dat die koei so spoedig moontlik terugkeer na ‘n goeie liggaamskondisie. Dit sal koeie vinnig na kalf in siklus laat kom en dit moontlik maak vir die koei om binne 80 - 85 dae na kalf beset te raak en om elke jaar ‘n kalf te produseer.

Aan die begin van laktasie kan dit voordelig wees om die koeie toegang te gee tot kuilvoer of aangeplante weiding, totdat die natuurlike veld die nodige voedingsvlakke bereik het. Daar behoort ook volgehou te word met die voorsiening van ‘n produksie-

lek totdat die somerveld volop beskikbaar is, waarna na ‘n somer- of mineraallek oorgeskakel kan word. Mineraalaanvulling is steeds baie belangrik (insluitend kalsium en fosfaat in die regte verhoudings).

diere (selfs die dragtige koeie) se behoeftes relatief laag, maar diere het steeds onderhoudsbehoeftes. En hierin speel weidingbestuur en ‘n voerbank ‘n baie belangrike rol.

KORT VOOR EN GEDURENDE DIE PAARSEISOEN Die paarseisoen behoort saam te val met die tyd van die jaar wanneer die gehalte van die veld optimaal is (November tot Februarie). Dit is veral belangrik in die suurveldareas, waar die proteïeninhoud van die veld baie vinnig afneem. Indien goeie weidingbestuur toegepas word, sal die weiding genoeg energie en proteïen verskaf. Tekorte in makro- en mikrominerale moet wel aangevul word. Veral fosfaat moet gedurende die somer aangevul word deur middel van ‘n sogenaamde somer- of mineraallek.

Maak seker dat daar genoeg weiding beskikbaar is. Die proteïen-inhoud van die veld verlaag aansienlik gedurende die winter en om die vertering van die gras te bevorder sal dit voordelig wees om ‘n onderhoudsof proteïenlek te voer. Die proteïen is ter bevordering van die rumen-bakterieë wat die gras moet verteer. Die proteïenlek sal die weidinginname verhoog en voorkom dat die diere te veel kondisie verloor.

Mikrominerale (ook bekend as spoorminerale) is uiters belangrik vir optimale vrugbaarheid. Suid-Afrikaanse grond is oor die algemeen spoormineraal-arm en spoorminerale behoort gevolglik aangevul te word om aan die huidige hoë produksiestandaarde te voldoen.

Vir optimale vleisbeesproduksie is volvoere nie ekonomies nie en weiding is nie altyd voldoende nie. Strategiese aanvulling is dus baie belangrik om hoë kalfpersentasies en speenmassas, asook ‘n lae interkalfperiode, te verseker. Gesels met ‘n betroubare voedingkundige vir raad rakende ‘n toepaslike voedingstrategie vir jou plaas en produksiestelsel se unieke uitdagings.

Skakel JW van Niekerk by 083 255 2611 vir meer inligting.

WAT VAN DIE WINTER? Die winter word nie as ‘n ‘kritiese’ tydperk beskou nie, maar dit kan krities raak as die voedingsbestuur van die diere nie toereikend is nie. Gedurende die winter is die

23

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Requirements for a good fence Gert Jacobs, Consolidated Wire Industries Photo @L de Villiers

Each farmer has his or her own way or method of con­ structing fences. Here are some basic guidelines on how to erect a fence.

A good fence should be in a perfectly straight line from straining post to straining post, with all the posts and standards in perfect alignment. The straining -, corner- and gateposts should be sturdy and set vertically into the ground.

All other posts, standards and droppers should stand erect and maintain the same height above ground level. In this way, the topography of the farm will be followed.

Photo @L de Villiers

Thomas Mofokeng (left) and Jimmy Mazibuko

should stand erect and the wire strands should be securely tied to the droppers at

Straining posts should not be too far apart

the same spacing as on the standards.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the closer the posts and the standards are together, the more sturdy the fence.

Maintain your existing fence lines by keeping a grass clearance under and next to the line.

Irrespective of the number or type of wire

This will improve the life span thereof.

used, it should be at a specific height above ground level, parallel to the other and well

A good fence can never be erected with

secured to each standard in such a manner

inferior material. Do not use old, rusted wire

that it cannot be shifted vertically. The more

to tie droppers onto new fencing material.

wire standards in a fence of a particular

The rust of the old wire will eventually spread

height, the more difficult it will be for man

onto the new fencing material and shorten

or beast to climb through.

its lifespan.

Droppers should be spaced to equally divide

For more information, contact Gert Jacobs

the distance between the standards. They

on 082 491 5634.

24

RADIUS Feb â&#x20AC;˘ Mar 2016

Understanding the National Credit Act Charles Murray, Credit Manager, TWK Agri

Credit is one of the cornerstones of modern society. It pro­ motes commercial activity and sustainability of the economy.

However, the poor use thereof, unscrupulous lending and lack of money management skills often result in the consumer being over­indebted or unable to service credit agreements.

The population of South Africa consists predominantly of lower income earners who historically had limited or no access to regular credit channels. The complex nature of credit agreements rendered many of these consumers vulnerable and often exploited by credit providers. This led to the establishment of the National Credit Act (NCA), aimed to create an accessible and affordable platform with mechanisms to ensure protection of the consumer against unscrupulous lending and over-indebtedness.

Prior to June 2006, the Usury Act and the Credit Agreements Act governed South African credit law. However, both of these were replaced by the NCA during 2007, which also codified several basic consumer rights.

The main objectives of the NCA are to: • promote and provide a fair and nondiscriminatory marketplace for access to consumer credit and information; • establish unified norms and standards; • provide for the registration of credit providers and debt counselling services; • prohibit certain unfair credit and creditmarketing practices; • prohibit reckless credit by promoting responsible credit granting;

• provide for debt re-organisation in case of over-indebtedness; • promote an enforcement framework by establishing the National Credit Regulator and the National Consumer Tribunal; • promote black economic empowerment and ownership; and • repeal the Usury Act (1968), and the Credit Agreements Act (1980).

service should be of an acceptable standard, as the credit provider would have led the consumer to expect.

The purpose of the NCA is to promote and advance the social and economic welfare of South Africans, promote a fair, transparent, competitive, sustainable, responsible, efficient, effective and accessible credit market and industry. To achieve this, credit providers are expected to demonstrate that the consumer is confident in dealing with the credit provider and where the fair treatment of the consumer is central to the credit provider’s corporate culture. Products and services marketed and sold should be designed to meet the consumer’s needs and the consumer should be provided with clear information and kept appropriately informed before, during and after point of sale.

The NCA is part of a comprehensive legislation overhaul designed to protect the consumer and make credit and banking services more accessible. It aims to simplify many of the grey areas surrounding the credit market.

Together with the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act and the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, the NCA helps to enhance control for better and more responsible credit practices.

The consumer should not be faced with unreasonable post-sale barriers imposed by the credit provider to change products, switch providers, submit a claim or make a complaint.

For more information, send an e-mail to cmurray@twkagri.com.

Where advice is given, it should be suitable and take account of the consumer’s circumstances. Products should perform and

25

Regional fire protection Cornelis de Ronde, Silva Forest Services

A strategic fire prevention plan may form part of an integrated fire management plan, which includes fire prevention, pre-suppression and suppression as well as training and education, law enforcement and the use of incentives, and prescribed burning for special purposes.

Identifying problem areas from greatest to least risk by reviewing recorded wildfires that occurred within local plantations, or entered plantations from external sources in numbers and size, is a shortcut to a more comprehensive risk or hazard assessment that should follow. Compare the incidence of fires to existing fire hazard maps by marking it on plantation maps with pins of different colours. A shift in occurrence, if any, should then become apparent.

ESTABLISHING FIRE PROTECTION OBJECTIVES Fire protection objectives for a specific region are dependant on aspects such as natural vegetation cover, land-use, population distribution and density, topography and climate, wildfire history and present and future predicted fire hazards. All of these aspects – unique to each forest region – should be considered broadly before making decisions regarding major fire protection units, routes or specifications, or mapping the fire.

The size of an area demarcated for fire protection purposes depends on the specific area, and regional boundaries should be considered carefully if the area had not previously been identified and described.

Once the area has been clearly demarcated, fire protection objectives can be considered.

It is particularly the natural vegetation cover (montane grassland, savannah or fynbos) and the percentages of different land use activities (sheep farming, forestry or nature conservation) that will determine the protection strategy that should be followed.

These aspects are in most cases also significantly influenced by weather patterns (main fire season, main direction of dangerous wind) as well as population spread (density, site of informal settlements, potential urbaninterface problems).

Photos Shutterstock

26

RADIUS Feb • Mar 2016

A fire protection strategy should be incorporated into a regional fire protection plan, concisely compiled to cover important issues of fire protection at regional level such as: • Fire hazard evaluation and identification of hazardous areas • External and internal fire protection strategies including regional buffer zoning • Control over the fire protection programme • Disaster management

Also consider issues such as ecological burning restrictions, optimum riparian zone maintenance (water supply) and urban interface problems (actual or potential).

REGIONAL FIRE HAZARD MAPPING Before considering fire hazard mapping at regional level, it is necessary to classify the hazard according to the universal grading system. When regional fire hazard classifications are used, which vary according to the nature and percentage cover of natural fuels and land use, it may be necessary to base this mainly on natural vegetation cover or man-made fire hazard features, or a combination of the two. Once evaluation requirements have been met, develop regionspecific classifications.

The following is a typical classification, in this instance developed for the Melmoth district in KwaZulu-Natal: A. Extreme fire hazard (red) A1 Montane grassland not annually burned A2 Unmanaged (wattle) jungle A3 Rural settlements located on the dangerous, wind exposed side (mainly west and north) of industrial plantation boundaries B. High fire hazard (orange) B1 Irregularly-burned wetlands B2 Montane grassland burned annually, but during the fire season B3 Plantations consisting of Eucalyptus species B4 Areas adjoining rural settlements, situated on the less dangerous leeside, mainly south and east of boundaries at lower altitude C. Medium fire hazard (yellow) C1 Wetlands annually burned before the fire season C2 Plantations consisting mainly of Pinus species C3 Rural settlements situated on the less dangerous leeside, mainly south and east of plantation boundaries at similar or higher altitude C4 Montane grassland burned annually before the fire season D. Low fire hazard (green) D1 Areas adjoining well-managed Acacia plantations D2 Annually cultivated and well-maintained (ploughed) land D3 Mechanically-prepared and sown grazing camps

D4 Areas adjoining sugar cane compartments REGIONAL BUFFER ZONING On-site studies, wildfire simulation, topographical terrain considerations and wind flow dynamic studies (including most dangerous wind direction) together with wildfire history studies should be used when considering where major regional fire breaks (buffer zones) should be placed within a landscape.

These zones will disregard man-made property boundaries and provide continuous protection lines that should stop most (if not all) wildfires, or at least provide safe lines from where counter-fires can be applied against approaching wildfire fronts.

Consider the following criteria when you set up buffer zones: • Incorporate natural protection features as far as possible, such as watersheds, constantly flowing rivers and indigenous forests.

• Include major roads, suitable prescribed burning areas/compartments (natural as well as plantations) and cultivated lands.

• Incorporate recent wildfire areas.

• Place the zones as close as possible at a 90-degree angle with the most likely direction of maximum fire spread.

• Ensure that the buffers form continuous lines from the safest possible start to end points.

• Provide adequate width along favourable topography, from where counter-firing lines can be constructed and approaching wildfires effectively attacked and halted.

Buffer zones should be mapped on suitable regional fire management or protection maps, and described in detail in the strategic regional fire protection plan. All landowners and fire fighting organisations within the region should also have full access to detailed information so that fire fighting could, where possible, be concentrated along these lines.

STRATEGIC FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN When an integrated fire management plan is developed, pressure from a growing population should be considered. More and more people will infringe on the natural and plantation environment and subsequently increase the fire hazard. Identify urban interface problems and develop an action

plan alongside local authorities. Also accept global changes in weather patterns as fact and include this for future projections.

ADDRESSING URBAN INTERFACE PROBLEMS Much of the responsibility for implementing a comprehensive and effective plantationurban interface fire protection programme will fall on fire protection officers from central, provincial and local government.

When homes and other buildings are in or adjacent to fire-prone areas of vegetation, the following outcomes are likely: • Fire fighters could be put in exceptionally dangerous situations as they are forced to protect property.

• Fire commanders could shift tactics towards structure protection and away from controlling the main fire.

• The risk of loss of life and property is greatly increased.

• There are potential conflicting priorities in fire management policies where public and private land meet.

INTEGRATION WITH CONSER­ VATION PROGRAMMES Identify priority areas within each region deserving special conservation status, such as unique floral communities, breeding areas of rare animals and special cultural sites. Consider incorporating these as part of buffer zones. This facilitates the creation of natural corridors, following main riparian zones and an inter-connected internal buffer.

For sources and more information, write to Pieter Keeve, bestuur.bosbou@twkagri.com.

27

Agricultural outlook for timber in 2016 Julie Hayward, Agricultural economist, Absa Agribusiness

Over the past 25 years the rate of global deforestation has decreased by nearly 50%, according to the FAO. Natural forests constitute 93% of the total forest area, with planted forests making up the remainder.

The main timber-producing countries are the US, India, China and Brazil.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE As a result of the strengthening US dollar and a low demand, lumber prices dropped to their lowest levels in two years in the first half of 2015 in North America and Europe. Japan and China’s import prices also decreased, however not as sharply.

In India the demand for wood fibre has increased as a result of the growth in pulp and paper over the years. Consequently its domestic supply is inefficient. Indian pulp manufacturers are now importing hardwood chips from countries like South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Southeast Asia. South Africa was the dominant supplier of India’s 30% increase year-on-year in the first half of 2015.

The international softwood chip prices have declined by 11% from 2014 to 2015 and the hardwood chips moved slightly upward. Most of the hardwood chip trade is concentrated in Asia, where they import large quantities of acacia and eucalyptus from plantations in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa.

In 2015 the main changes in trade were increases in shipments from Vietnam to Japan, and from Australia to China, and a decline in volumes from Chile to Japan.

The depreciation of the rouble has made Russia more competitive in the international market; however, the Russian sawmills have not taken full advantage of this opportunity.

Finnish sawmills have exported more lumber to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China and the UK. In the US lumber prices have decreased substantially. In the first half of 2015 the demand for softwood lumber in China increased, with Russia remaining its cheapest

Photos Shutterstock

28 RADIUS Feb • Mar 2016

EXPORTS Over the past decade there has been a shift to outsourcing and mechanising of operations. Processing companies in South Africa have started securing timber for the next five years or more, through buying plantations in Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

The demand for paper is expected to increase by 2% to 12% over the next five years. The demand for treated poles from Africa and the Eastern markets is expected to remain high, especially with the anticipation of the further weakening of the rand.

source. A contributing factor to this cheap supply is that China owns numerous saw mills in Russia.

INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK China’s imports are expected to decrease in this year, should its economy not recover.

International prices are expected to remain low.

DOMESTIC PRODUCTION In South Africa there are three main types of forestry, namely woodlands, indigenous forests and plantations. The woodlands are comprised of 10% canopy cover and are widely spread over roughly 40 million hectares. Woodlands are mainly exploited for fuel wood. Indigenous forests are protected by law and have minimal economic value. In South Africa the indigenous forests are scattered in small concentrated areas with the exception of the southern Cape. Plantations in South Africa cover over 1,3 million hectares of intensively managed and regulated exotic trees.

Commercial forestry plantations, however, have been declining over the years as a result of development, crops and the fact that no new water quotas have been issued since 2006. The only possible areas to expand forestry in South Africa are in the Eastern Cape (100 000 ha) and Zululand (40 000 ha). The composition of trees planted is 51% pine, 42% eucalyptus and 7% wattle. Because eucalyptus and wattle are a harder species they are currently preferred in the market.

Of the timber produced in South Africa, 70% is used for paper and pulp production and the informal market remains a strong market for lumber.

The South African cellulose fibre sector has the ability to increase as pressure from the international market will encourage plastic manufacturers to increase their portion of cellulose fibre in order to be recognised as more green.

The informal market’s demand for timber is expected to remain strong in 2016.

Overall the South African prices for timber are expected to increase over the next year due to the weak rand and the ample export opportunities of the various timber products.

South Africa currently exports 88% of its timber to Japan, with China and other countries acquiring the remainder exports.

As a result of the depreciation of the rand, exports have had the opportunity to expand.

China’s economic downturn has not affected the timber industry severely as it is a minor buyer of South African timber. There has been an increase in timber used for biofuel, especially in the form of pellets to the EU. The international ratio of plastic to cellulose fibre in the manufacturing of plastic is 60% to 40% and in South Africa this ratio is 80% to 20%. In comparison to the inter national market, South Africa currently does not feature well in the eco-friendly production of plastic.

The export of treated poles into African and Eastern markets has remained strong as a result of development taking place in these countries.

DOMESTIC OUTLOOK In South Africa, the demand for timber is expected to increase slightly in this year with supply remaining relatively the same.

Further land claims could remove land under forestry.

Excerpt from the 2016 Agricultural Outlook by Absa Agribusiness

29

Company News Michelle Botha, TWK Trade’s procurement coordinator congratulating competition winner, Mxolisi Yende.

Trade division’s competition winner Imke Nel, TWK Agri Radius Editorial team

In the 75-year commemorative issue of the TWK Radius, TWK’s trade division ran a competition in which one lucky reader could win a gift voucher to the value of R2 500 – redeemable at any of TWK’s retail branches. Entries closed on 30 November 2015 and after correctly answering one

simple question – How old is TWK Agri this year? – Mxolisi Yende, a mining operator from Standerton won the draw. In possession of 2 ha of land, he will use his voucher to buy seed, cattle vaccinations and fertiliser to boost his farming operation. Congratulations Mxolisi!

Water – Nelene Botha, TWK Agri Motors

Imke Nel, TWK Agri Radius-redaksie

Did you know that the human body consists of more than 70% water? The human brain is over 80% water and blood consists of more than 83% water. Knowing this, doesn’t it make sense to ensure that the water you and your family consume is of the highest quality you can afford? TWK Motors have decided to join forces with the Absolutely Perfect Water group and opened the first store in Piet Retief on 4 January 2016. Visit the TWK Agri Motors complex in Church Street, Piet Retief, adjacent to First Car Rental to purchase purified and/or prepared water as well as water purification, filtration and dispensing equipment.

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source of life

TWK Cherry Classic Gholfdag Die Cherry Classic Gholfdag is ‘n jaarlikse instelling wat saam met die Kersiefees duisende mense na Ficksburg, die kersiehoofstad van Suid-Afrika, lok. TWK Agri Versekering het hierdie geleentheid vanaf 20 tot 21 November 2015 aangebied waartydens 64 en 120 spelers onderskeidelik oor twee dae die ‘Betterball Stableford’-spel aangepak het. Tot groot spyt van al die spelers (en TWK Agri self), het niemand die 2015 Toyota Fortuner op die derde gat, as ‘hole in one’-prys gewen nie. Dit was ‘n heerlike geleentheid om kliënte en versekeraars as deel van die Classic te kon hê en TWK Agri Versekering sien uit na die TWK Cherry Classic later vanjaar.

Contact Carl van Biljon on 086 743 1867 for more information.

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30 RADIUS Feb • Mar 2016

New home for TWK Agri’s Midas and First Car Rental Imke Nel, TWK Agri Radius Editorial team

Coinciding with the spring celebrations of 1 September 2015, TWK Agri’s Midas and First Car Rental businesses celebrated their newly renovated home in Piet Retief.

The premises are adjacent to TWK Agri’s Protea Tyres, and the old grain and malt building in Church Street had truly undergone a makeover. The occasion was marked with music and prizes awarded to winners in a lucky draw.

Another welcome addition to the family TWK Agri Motors is proud to announce the acquisition of a Bolt and Tool Africa (BTA) franchise for Piet Retief.

BTA stocks all major brands of power tools and hand tools, including Bosch, Metabo, Hitachi, Jonnesway, Gedore and Cromwell Kennedy and is conveniently situated next to Midas and Protea Tyres in the Church Street complex, offering a complete one-stop shopping experience.

‘If we don’t have it, we will source it,’ says Nelene Botha of TWK Agri Motors.

TWK Agri rewarded as Top 10 Lenovo Business Partner Imke Nel, TWK Agri Radius Editorial team

TWK Agri Computer Services was nominated as a Top 10 Lenovo Business Partner. This esteemed nomination, as one of Lenovo’s top buyers, afforded a TWK Agri Computer Services employee the opportunity to travel to Zanzibar.

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Eugene van Eck, TWK Agri Computer Services’ Network Manager, joined representatives

from the other nine nominated companies, along with Lenovo’s product and suppliers managers. The DoubleTree by Hilton hosted the group, who had the privilege of participating in scuba diving, touring the spice and dolphin routes and visiting the Freddie Mercury House museum and turtle sanctuaries.

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PlusZwei®Coex 3

O2 BARRIER 2 in 1

Die ideale oplossing vir elke toepassing.

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Duursame gehalte kuilvoerbedekking met hoë digtheid teen suurstof, wind, suur en is UV-bestand.

Wye reeks produkte in verskeie groottes.

RKW se bekroonde revolusionêre plastiekfilm.

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6 tot 10 keer beter bestandheid teen suurstofdeurdringing.

Vakuum-aksie lei tot aansienlik minder energie- en voedingstofverliese.

Beter kuilvoerkwaliteit.

Nette wat hou en hou en hou …

Ronde baalnet vir kuilvoer, hooi en strooi.

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4 000m lengte lewer meer bale per uur.

Hoogs betroubaar, ISO 9001-gesertifiseer.

2cm wyer vir volledige kantbedekking.

Geskik vir alle balers met ‘n toedraai-eenheid.

Hoogs UV-bestand en 100% HDPE-materiaal.

Waarskuwingsfunksie 30m voor einde van rol.

Versprei deur:

TWK Agri (Edms) Bpk, De Wetstraat 11, Piet Retief, 2380 Tel: 017 824 1000 • Faks 017 824 1077 • www.twkagri.com Skakel jou naaste TWK-tak vir verdere inligting of gesels met Johan Bender by 082 550 5595 of Dawie Fourie by 082 651 9024.

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