AgriProbe Vol 20 No 3

AGRI PROBE Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 ISSN: 1810-9799

Elsenburg Goes Global The impact of a potential loss of AGOA preferences 9th WCCA 2024

Research and news magazine of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture

LANDBOU RADIO RSG Landbou word elke Vrydagoggend om 5:25 vm. en Saterdae om 11:45 vm. uitgesaai.

Tydens ons programme maak ons kennis met innoveerders, boere-planmakers, asook diegene aan die voorpunt van landbou-tegnologie en navorsing. Maak gerus kontak en laat jou stem gehoor word. Ek nooi jou graag uit om stories van hoop en inspirasie met my te deel. Stuur gerus wenke en idees na Eloise Pretorius | eloise.pretorius@westerncape.gov.za

Elo ise Pr e

“Sien” jou binnekort op die radio!

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s iu

Vir meer inligting Meer inligting oor die programreeks is beskikbaar op www.rsg.co.za en die uitsendings kan ook afgelaai word.

Potgooie Vir aflaai van potgooie, skandeer die kode of besoek www.rsg.co.za/ rsg/page_id344/

Nou ook beskikbaar op die RSG toep!

t Setting the

SCENE

by Jacqui Pandaram

W

The growing season is upon us We are fast approaching the end of the year and are past the halfway mark. As the year continues, climate change is affecting the agricultural sector in many ways, and it requires the sector to invest more in resilience rather than response. We cannot continue to respond to the impacts of climate change – we need a paradigm shift whereby our programmes and initiatives aim to invest in mitigation, adaptation and risk reduction.

The winter season is characterised by extreme weather conditions. The Western Cape, or Cape of Storms, has experienced severe floods recently that impacted the agricultural sector significantly with damages and losses exceeding R1 billion.

Loadshedding has also affected the economy and those most vulnerable, especially our agriworkers. In response to the prolonged electricity disruptions, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture hosted a successful Energy Summit whereby the private sector, organised agriculture and key stakeholders were able to advice on potential solutions/ interventions to the energy crisis. We believe that an integrated and multi-sectoral approach is required to respond to these complex issues.

Further to the climate and energy challenges, animal diseases also affected the province and rapid response to the avian influenza outbreak as well as preventing foot and mouth disease kept our veterinarians on their toes.

Winter also reminds us that we are approaching a new season. If you have been experiencing a “winter season” in your life, in your relationship, in your family or in your career, just remember, “it is only a season”.

The past season must not make us bitter – it must make us better. Let us continue to serve our citizens selflessly with dignity, passion and compassion. We are not just ordinary public servants; we are called to be extraordinary leaders in agriculture.

May the NEW season ahead of us be the dawn of “A NEW DAY”… a new beginning and a time of refreshing. May your hope be restored, your faith be renewed and may the joy of the Lord be your strength.

Let us aim to be the best we can be in the current and the future seasons. Let us all join hands to take agriculture to the next level and let us never forget that it’s not about us but it’s about the people of the Western Cape.

The quote that inspired me from a very young age has become my motto over the years: “Good, better, best… never be at rest until your good is better and your better best.”

Jacqui Pandaram AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

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CONTENTS 4

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EDITORIAL Setting the scene The growing season is upon us

MINISTERIAL AGOA is important for our G4J Strategy

PROSPECTS New appointments: Paul Rockman

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HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT Agriculture excels at the Service Excellence Awards

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ECONOMIC NEWS The impact of a potential loss of AGOA preferences

30

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Take ownership of Africa – From the Africa Day Business Seminar to Africa Agriculture policy strategic focus 34

DIARY AND EVENTS 2023 MIRs launched – Highlights from the launch of GreenCape’s 2023 Green Economy Market Intelligence Reports

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Sagtevrugtebedryfshandleiding postuum bekend gestel

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9th WCCA arrives in Cape Town in 2024

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NEWS SNIPPETS Introducing canola to the Eastern Cape 22 Avian influenza – what you need to know

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CELEBRATING 125 YEARS Elsenburg goes global

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New game auction record for May!

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TAKING OUR SERVICES OUT THERE Multi-stakeholder dialogue on climate disaster solutions

42

Iron sharpens iron – WCDoA and The Sports Trust raising food security champions

46

World Milk Day 2023 – a moo-ving act of kindness

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ON OUR COVER

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RESEARCH NEWS Water quality – Western Cape abattoirs set for improvement

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OUR NATURAL RESOURCES Using FruitLook’s evapotranspiration data to estimate the irrigation needs of crops

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Are you killing your livestock?

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ELSENBURG JOURNAL Does shearing feedlot lambs improve profitability?

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How high pathogenicity avian influenza evolved in wild birds in Southern Africa from 2017-2018

The Western Cape exported approximately R1.6 billion worth of citrus to the US under the preferential market access offered by AGOA in 2022. This equates to 102 000 tonnes of highquality citrus and has created 35 000 jobs across the logistics value chain. Over the past few months concerns about South Africa’s potential loss of its AGOA eligibility were regularly expressed.

What is AGOA and what is the potential impact on the Western Cape agricultural sector? Read all about it on page 30.

EDITOR

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Mary James (021 808 5008) Mary.James@westerncape.gov.za CHAIRPERSON Dr Ilse Trautmann (021 808 5012) Ilse.Trautmann@westerncape.gov.za SECRETARIAT Gizelle van Wyk (021 808 5022) Gizelle.VanWyk@westerncape.gov.za EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Arie van Ravenswaay (021 808 5085) Arie.VanRavenswaay@westerncape.gov.za

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Ashia Petersen Ashia.Petersen@westerncape.gov.za Daniel Johnson (021 483 3261) Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za John Constable (021 808 7763) John.Constable@westerncape.gov.za Dr Lesley van Helden (021 808 5017) Lesley.VanHelden@westerncape.gov.za Riaan Nowers (021 808 5194) Riaan.Nowers@westerncape.gov.za

PUBLISHING TEAM Publisher: Erika Alberts Layout & design: Christopher Gara Copy editor: Aletta Pretorius-Thiart Financial director: Pat Botha For publishing enquiries, e-mail:

media@mlpmedia.co.za

Vusumzi Zwelendaba (021 808 5226) Vusumzi.Zwelendaba@westerncape.gov.za Sandile Mkhwanazi (021 808 7034) Sandille.Mkhwanazi@westerncape.gov.za Juan de Lora (021 808 5383) Juan.Delora@westerncape.gov.za

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

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MINISTERIAL

AGOA is important for our G4J

Strategy

by Minister Ivan Meyer & Daniel Johnson

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MINISTERIAL

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The Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs (G4J) Strategy imagines a 2035 where our economy is growing at between 4% and 6%. Where we are creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs, lifting people out of poverty. Where businesses, big, small and informal, have the energy, water, infrastructure, skills and technology to grow and succeed. Where a child, no matter where they are born, has the pathway to a better life.

To realise the goals of our G4Js Strategy we must harness every opportunity and advantage we can negotiate with existing and potential trading partners. A key trading partner for South Africa is the US.

“

”

A key trading partner for South Africa is the US.

Trade with the US is facilitated by the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which comes up for renewal in 2025. AGOA offers eligible African countries south of the Sahara duty-free access to the US market for more than 1 800 products. This is in addition to the more than 5 000 products that are eligible for duty-free access under the General System of Preferences programme.

Read more www.agoa.info

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Export User Manual: A Practical Guide for Exports to the U.S.

Agriculture constitutes 11% of the Western Cape’s economy and is a large contributor to employment. The province’s contribution to the country’s gross value added (GVA) in agriculture is above 20% and over 50% of the province’s exports originate in the agricultural sector.

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BY THE USAID SOUTHERN AFRICA TRADE AND INVESTMENT HUB PUBLICATION DATE: OCTOBER 2020

Scan the QR code or visit https://agoa.info/ images/documents/16030/ agoaexportusermanualoct2020. pdf to download the AGOA Export User Manual.

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Port of Cape Town, Table Bay.

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MINISTERIAL

In 2022, South Africa’s top exported agricultural products to the USA in value terms based on the selected products were worth R8.2 billion. At the top of the list were macadamia nuts and oranges, each accounting for 12.3% and 11.8% respectively of the total export value.

Beaumont is a drought tolerant macadamia nut variety and currently the most widely planted cultivar in South Africa.

Learn more https://samac.org.za/

These are followed by mandarins (11.8%), wine of grapes [in containers holding 2 litre or less] (8.1%), edible ice cream (4.9%) and dried grapes (2.1%).

Most of these products are produced in the Western Cape Province. The Republic of South Africa exported oranges worth R83 million to the USA in 2022, and have increased by an annual average growth rate of 16% in the past three years.

The agricultural sector is reliant on technology from the USA.

American suppliers in South Africa provide tractors, harvesters, drone technology, balers, planters, precision farming equipment and technologies, sprayers, irrigation, storage facilities, soil testing equipment and parts, and service facilities.

Citrus is the second most important agricultural export commodity in South Africa. The industry employs 10% of the country’s agricultural labour force.

Learn more https://www.westerncape.gov. za/news/western-cape-leadsway-citrus-exports

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Companies such as John Deere, Corteva, Pioneer, Bayer, Land O’ Lakes, CHS, PepsiCo, Walmart and many others sell all sorts of technology and purchase from South African farmers.

“

The G4J Strategy is the Western Cape’s bold step towards realising a better future for our country.

”

MINISTERIAL Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., United States.

Photo © Martin Falbisoner

Premier Alan Winde and Agriculture HOD, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, hosted an executive level sector discussion on the benefits of AGOA for the Western Cape and the development of a strategic case to ensure it remains in place. This engagement was hosted prior to Premier Winde’s trip to the USA.

The G4J Strategy is the Western Cape’s bold step towards realising a better future for our country as it will contribute to the Western Cape realising the outcomes of our economic strategy, which seeks to build the economy and create jobs for the citizens of the Western Cape.

It is for this reason that Premier Alan Winde recently led a Western Cape Learn more https://www.gov.za/speeches/ protecting-agoa-westerncape-united-states-tradeties-tops-agenda-provincialgovernment-13

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde with his delegation in the US to meeting senior officials to discuss AGOA.

delegation to Washington to lobby members of the US Congress and US Senators at Capitol Hill to keep SA part of AGOA beyond 2025.

Before he departing for the US, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture hosted a stakeholder engagement aimed at advising Premier Winde on the implications for agriculture if AGOA was not renewed. On the delegation’s return, armed with first-hand information gleaned, Premier Winde was able to represent the views of the agriculture sector in the US.

For more information, contact Daniel Johnson:

Ultimately, we must do all we can to grow our economy and protect jobs. AP daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

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2023 PROSPECTS

Please call me Paul!

New Chief Director: Operational Support Services

By Mary James

Tell us a bit about your family and where you grew up.

At first glance, some of the things you would notice about the new Chief Director: OSS is his tall frame, friendly smile and right after that, his infectious laughter. One thing is certain, Paul Rockman is definitely a people’s person, a perfect fit for the job at hand.

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I taught for five years and then I went into the retail sector for about three years.

While doing this I completed a Master’s in Public Administration. In 2000 I got an opportunity at the Provincial Government (DoTP) in their personnel directorate.

Subsequent promotions led me back to the Department of Education, where I eventually worked as the Director in the Office of the HOD up until 2011. For

2023 PROSPECTS the past 12 years I worked at the Public Service Commission as Provincial Director until the opportunity at the Department of Agriculture presented itself. I remember thinking: “I hope it embraces me as much as I am ready to embrace it.”

1

What will your new position as Chief Director: OSS entail?

Paul: From HR to facilities, internships, archives and energy resilience. Like the Afrikaans saying goes: “Dis so wyd soos die Here se genade!”

I am excited about learning and to bring my skills and knowledge to bear in this new environment.

2

What would you like to achieve in your new capacity?

Paul: I wish to see a steady upward trajectory in terms of conditions that are conducive for staff to work effectively and to flourish.

3

How did your previous positions/ experience prepare you for your new position?

Paul: At the Department of Education, Safe Schools was part of my directorate, so I am quite familiar with multiple sites requiring rapid and quick infrastructure delivery, safety measures, and having to contend with all sorts of external risks.

From a governance perspective, we need to be ethical in all that we do.

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Anything else you would like to add?

Paul: There is such a direct correlation between what all our colleagues in WCDoA do and how this changes lives – I want to be part of this.

For more information, contact Mary James:

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RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

What is your favourite food?

I like hot curry!

What are your hobbies?

I love music. I play the bassoon and clarinet and I love singing in the choir.

If I were to turn back the clock and come back as a different person?

I would be a fantastic pianist.

What makes you happy?

My two boys, Timothy and Nicholas, make me happy. I laugh easily and are always up for a good laugh.

If you could master one new skill in an hour, what would it be?

Being a mechanic. This would save me a whole lot of money!

Which book are you reading at the moment?

Because my boys are at university and I am an involved parent, I am reading their books. So, at the moment it’s Max Weber’s Economy and Society.

Favourite quote?

Be kind and respectful to everyone, no matter who they are. AP

mary.james@westerncape.gov.za AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

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DIARY & EVENTS

2023 MIRs LAUNCHED

Highlights from the launch of GreenCape’s 2023 Green Economy Market Intelligence Reports

by Tshepo Morokong1, Cilnette Pienaar2, Sixolise Mcinga3 and Sibusisiwe Maseko4 Western Cape Department of Agriculture, 2, 3, 4 GreenCape

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(MIRs) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This event marked the second formal launch of the MIRs. GreenCape’s team of experts presented key research findings tackling important topics, namely: 1

Sustainable agriculture

2

Water

3

Energy services

4

Large-scale renewable energy

Introduction

5

Electric vehicles

On 16 May 2023, GreenCape launched its Green Economy Market Intelligence Reports

These studies consultation with

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involved extensive the industry and

funding support from the South Africa UK Partnership for Accelerated Climate Transition (UKPACT), Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Sub-Saharan Africa and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA). The next section presents key highlights for the MIRs. Market Intelligence Reports key highlights The 2023 MIRs are a valuable resource for the industry and provide important information on some of the sector’s cutting-edge best practices and technologies. “Agriculture is dependent on natural resources, which are finite and also vulnerable to climatic conditions, hence research contributing to improving the resilience of primary agriculture and agri-processing serves a critical role,” said Minister Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

Solar dryer dome. Photo © Gerrit Rautenbach

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DIARY & EVENTS

Research contributing to improving the resilience of primary agriculture and agri-processing serves a critical role.

”

Trends in agricultural production show yield improvements because of favourable climatic conditions (e.g., rains) due to the El Niño phenomenon. However, the coming production season forecast much drier production conditions, which require a shift to more resilient production methods.

The sustainable agriculture team of experts has honed into opportunities that speak to this phenomenon and highlighted new and attractive investment opportunities. This is specifically for investors who would like to invest in sustainable agriculture and for producers who are interested in market insights to learn where the sector is going.

The next section is a summary of some of the key findings.

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DIARY & EVENTS

2023 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPORT

A floating solar station on a farm dam saves arable land and helps against evaporation, Western Cape.

Photo © Gerrit Rautenbach

Regenerative agriculture: Regenerative agriculture (RA) is a holistic farm management concept that not only includes maintaining current soil health but also rehabilitating soil that has been degraded due to exploitative production practices. RA introduces a low-cost production system in the long run as the benefits of this farming technology result in a significant reduction of input costs.

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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES HIGHLIGHTED IN 2023 MIR

Renewable energy applications: While renewable energy alternatives, such as solar PV systems, solar-powered irrigation systems and wind energy, have remained popular, there are other technologies that could have substantial potential in agriculture, particularly solar drying technology. Solar drying technology presents an exciting opportunity in agriculture, not only for greater benefits on farms but also as an environmentally sustainable method of reducing post-harvest losses in low- and middle-income countries. This technology has successfully penetrated markets in Asia and Africa, especially in countries such as India, China, Kenya and Burkina Faso.

South Africa’s agricultural sector is an untapped market for this technology.

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An apple orchard under nets for protection against threatening elements from nature, Western Cape.

Photo © Gerrit Rautenbach

DIARY & EVENTS

Pilot agrivoltaic power project.

Photo © Tobi Kellner

This encompasses conservation agriculture and additional principles of living roots and animal integration for improved biodiversity and productivity.

Smart farming: Refers to the use of technology to inform where and how resources are dispensed on a farm. Farmers are starting to realise the benefit of investing in smart farming technologies, particularly in the face of the increasingly unpredictable impacts of climate change.

Other drivers of increased farmer interest have been the clear financial savings technology that suppliers have been able to demonstrate to farmers.

Circular agriculture: Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology can provide a solution to a growing number of issues in the agricultural sector, particularly energy security for both seasonal and continuous production; management of agricultural waste residues and wastewater; and replacement of chemical-based fertilisers with a nutrientrich soil enhancer.

A circular economy in agriculture can be more resource efficient and potentially more resilient than the traditional linear economy in instances where producers can use circularity to reimagine production systems that have greater cost savings, income diversification and increased profitability.

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DIARY & EVENTS

2023 WATER MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPORT

There are related market opportunities in wastewater sludge beneficiation, including handling, transportation and off-take agreements.

The implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency interventions at public sector wastewater treatment works (WWTWs): There are various market opportunities related to WWTWs, including the supply, installation and operation of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies.

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WATER INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES 2023 MIR

The upgrade of wastewater infrastructure in the public sector: R8.14 billion in investment is required to restore the wastewater treatment works (WTWs) in the country to a functional state. The eight metros make up R2.76 billion of the total investment required.

The various market opportunities are related to infrastructure refurbishment, repair, replacement, maintenance and expansion.

The beneficiation of public sector wastewater sludge: Landfilling of wastewater sludge costs metropolitan municipalities across South Africa an estimated R132 million per annum.

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Wastewater irrigation.

Photo © John Carnemolla

DIARY & EVENTS

2023 ENERGY SERVICES MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPORT

by 2035 at a market value of approximately R100 billion. This steady growth, which translates to the potential creation of approximately 1 250 jobs, is significant in the South African context, considering the ongoing need to reduce the current unemployment rate.

Energy services investment opportunities highlighted for 2023, are: • Rooftop solar PV installations: 600900 Megawatt-hours (MWh) p/a, R7.5 billion p/a.

• Behind-the-meter storage: 250 MWh p/a, R2 billion p/a.

• Smart meters: 100 000 to 300 000 upgrade P/A, R1.2 –1.6 billion p/a.

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ENERGY SERVICES 2023 MIR

The term energy services (ES) is used to describe three interrelated energy market segments in the South African energy space, namely small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) [encompassing system sizes <1 Megawatt peak (MWp)]; energy storage; and energy efficiency (EE).

Rising electricity prices, energy insecurity, dropping technology costs, supportive energy policies and policy-related incentives prompt consumers to explore alternative energy options driving the growth of the ES market in SA and creating a thriving value chain.

A positive regulatory movement, investor sentiment and steady recovery in the key commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors have led to continued market growth in 2022.

The market is still expected to reach a total capacity of 10 gigawatts peak (GWp)

A rooftop solar PV system on a wine cellar.

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DIARY & EVENTS

2023 LARGE-SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPORT

2019 to be approximately 500 MW per year.

This has however already been exceeded in 2022. For example, the mining sector has reported a pipeline of renewable energy projects over 2 GW that could be brought on stream in 2022/23, with an estimated cost of between R30 billion and R40 billion.

The leading technology of interest is solar PV, alongside solar-diesel hybrid power projects or battery energy storage systems for overnight operations.

Local manufacturing of renewable energy components and systems: It is estimated that by 2030 approximately 14 million solar panels and approximately 3 600 wind turbines would be required to fulfil IRP 2019.

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LARGE-SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES 2023 MIR

Annual production assumes 70-90% localisation of key components and 90% of the balance of the plant by 2030.

Public procurement of new generation capacity: This opportunity is related to any new renewable energy capacity generated

by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) either being sold to the national utility (procured through the Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP)) or to public entities such as local municipalities.

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) stipulates the total market size for electricity generation needed to meet the country’s demand.

Private procurement of new generation capacity: The potential market size for this opportunity was approximated by the IRP

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Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy.

Photo © Eco Pic

DIARY & EVENTS

2023 ELECTRIC VEHICLES MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPORT

Four key market opportunities have been identified as attractive sectors for investment in the EV industry in South Africa: • Local manufacturing and electrification of public transport.

• Electric micro-mobility for last-mile delivery.

• Local manufacturing of electric private passenger vehicles.

• Local lithium-ion cell manufacturing.

Monarch tractor, a 75-hp electric smart tractor manufactured in Livermore, California.

Learn more!

Download the full reports here: https://green-cape. co.za/market-intelligence/

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES 2023 MIR

The emerging electric vehicle (EV) market currently represents a small share of the South African automotive industry but presents substantial opportunities for businesses and investors active and interested in the sector. AP

Learn more! https://www.monarchtractor. com/mk-v-electric-tractor

For more information, contact Tshepo Morokong: Tshepo.Morokong@westerncape.gov.za, Cilnette Pienaar: clilnette@green-cape.co.za, Sixolise Mcinga: sixolise@green-cape. co.za or Sibusisiwe Maseko: sibusisiwe@green-cape.co.za

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DIARY & EVENTS

SAGTEVRUGTEBEDRYFSHANDLEIDING

POSTUUM BEKEND GESTEL deur Dr. Ilse Trautmann

Dr. Ilse Trautmann oorhandig die boek aan Nicholas Dicey, die voorsitter van Hortgro, wat dit namens die bedryf ontvang het.

E

Etlike jare gelede kom klop die legendariese hortoloog, alombekend as Oom Koos Lötter, aan die deur van dr. Ilse Trautmann, destyds Hoofdirekteur: Navorsing en Tegnologie Ontwikkelingsdienste van die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Landbou, met sy boeke Die Vy in Suid-Afrika en The Fig in South Africa (gepubliseer in 2014) en onderneem die Departement om hierdie boeke te herdruk en te versprei.

J. de V. Lötter was beter bekend as “Oom Koos” onder die menigte kollegas en studente wie se lewens hy tydens sy

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23 jaar as dosent in die Departement van Hortologie aan Universiteit Stellenbosch geraak het.

Oom Koos is op 29 Oktober 2019 in die ouderdom van 92 jaar oorlede, net ’n paar maande nadat hy die eerste ontvanger van die Hortgro 1662-bedryfstoekenning was.

Oom Koos se vroeë navorsingswerk het ook navorsing oor enting en oorwerking ingesluit, en ’n boek getiteld Die beginsels van wondgenesing en oorwerk van vrugtebome het uit sy pen gevloei. Hierdie boek is egter nooit gepubliseer nie.

DIARY & EVENTS Van links: Anton Rabe (Hortgro), J. de V. Lötter en dr. Ilse Trautmann. Foto © Hortgro

Dr. Ilse Trautmann, tans Adjunk-Direkteur Generaal van Landbounavorsing en Regulatoriese Dienste, het tydens die bekendstelling van die boek by die onlangse Hortgrotoekennings 2023 vertel hoe Oom Koos die oorspronklike boek, wat hy self gedruk en gebind het, tydens die geleentheid in 2019 vir haar gegee het met die woorde: “Maak daarmee soos jy goed dink.”

Dr. Trautmann het die bedryf genader en daar is besluit om die boek by te werk en modern uit te lê met finansiering van die Departement. “Die skrywer Anna Mouton en bladuitlegkunstenaar Megan Merifield het uitstekende werk gedoen,” het dr.

Trautmann gesê. “Die resultaat is ’n moderne handleiding in Engels en Afrikaans wat van groot waarde vir die bedryf gaan wees en steeds die grondslagnavorsing en praktiese beginsels van wondgenesing en oorwerk van vrugtebome aan die bedryf sal wys.”

Die boek fokus veral op bladwisselende en sommige immergroen vrugtebome in die Wes-Kaap. Produsente en ander

Vir navrae, kontak dr. Ilse Trautmann:

belangstellendes wat die boek wil bekom, kan info@hortgro.co.za nader. AP

les pie PrinciD be nd ginsels van of wouw onddgenesin an g g n li hea en oogrwer k van kin top-worvr ug te bo s me ee in fruit tr Met spesiale s and some verwysing duou sommto igedeci imme ern Cape na bladwisselende rgroe West ial reference n vrugtebom en With spec n fruit trees in the e in die WesKaap evergree Deur er

J. de V. V. Lött ology Lötter

By J. de Oud -sen pom in ior lekto r in pomolog nce or lecturer Depa al Scie ie lturrtem Former seni of Horticu ent Hortolog ent Univ ersity eit Stellenbo ie Universit Departm sch Stellenbosch

Die Engelse weergawe is beskikbaar met die titel Principles of wound healing and top-working in fruit trees. Dit is gratis beskikbaar in elektroniese PDF-formaat.

Die PDFs van die boek is op die Departement se webwerf www.elsenburg. com beskikbaar by die volgende skakels: AFRIKAANS: https://www.elsenburg.com/ wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Lotter-Book2022-AFR-LR-Complete.pdf ENGLISH: https://www.elsenburg.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/06/Lotter-Book2022-ENG-LR-Complete.pdf

ilse.trautmann@westerncape.gov.za

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DIARY & EVENTS

Conference venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town.

9TH WCCA ARRIVES IN

CAPE TOWN IN

2024

by Dr Johann Strauss

C

Conservation agriculture (CA) has steadily been gaining ground worldwide since the seventies. Our province’s history with CA started in the early 1980s with a local Southern Cape farmer, Jack Human, leading the way. Others soon joined, and research followed suit. Since 2000 there has been a rapid uptake by farmers in the Western Cape.

Conference theme: Enhancing agricultural resilience by strengthening the impact of Conservation Agriculture (CA)

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The Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Conservation Agriculture Western Cape, Landbouweekblad and African Conservation Tillage Network joined forces to host this 9th congress, referred to as the 9WCCA, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Farmers, researchers and policymakers from around the world get together every four years to celebrate and discuss the successes and challenges of CA. In July 2024, it will be South Africa’s chance to host the next World Congress on Conservation Agriculture (WCCA).

DIARY & EVENTS Practical day venue: Langgewens Research Farm, Malmesbury..

SAVE THE DATE! 22 to 24 July 2024 Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa 25 July 2024 – Practical day Langgewens Research Farm, between Malmesbury and Moorreesburg in the Swartland, managed by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT!

Abstract submission has already opened and will continue until the end of November 2023, when registration for the congress will commence. For all the info, please visit the 9WCCA website https://wcca9.org/

The congress will include contributions from around the world and span over four days. Three of these days will be devoted to talks and posters on several aspects of implementing, promoting and building out CA. Langgewens Research Farm will host the fourth day of the congress to showcase CA under local conditions to delegates. AP

Learn more!

Scan the QR code or visit https://youtu.be/ lInomOCHW5Q to watch the video: ‘Conservation Agriculture bid video South Africa 2024’. Published by Bewaringslandbou Wes-Kaap.

Registration opens on 1 October 2023! Read more about it! https://wcca9.org/

We hope to see a strong South African contingent at the conference next year.

For more information, contact Dr Johann Strauss:

johann.strauss@westerncape.gov.za AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

21

NEWS SNIPPETS

Introducing canola to the Eastern Cape

by Dr Johann Strauss

O

Over the last few months, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Sustainable Cropping Research team has collaborated with our colleagues in the Eastern Cape on the aspects of canola production.

In the interim, the WCDoA donated a self-driven plot planter and wagon to the Eastern Cape Department so that trials could be planted in more areas in the province.

Canola fields near Riebeek-Kasteel, Western Cape Photo © Meldt van der Spuy

The research team in the Eastern Cape is looking into the possibility of establishing canola production in the province. During the initial visit in September 2022, we introduced the basics of canola crop production to our colleagues during a day of lectures in Mthatha. The day was attended by their research team, led by Dr Silwana, and possible local producers that were interested.

22 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

Introducing the basics of canola crop production.

NEWS SNIPPETS

Showing the team how to use the planter.

In March this year, we went to the Dohne Research Farm near Stutterheim to instruct the team there in the use of the planter and helped them lay out and plant their first trial.

During the visit, we invited the team to visit the Western Cape in April when we started planting our trials, which culminated in the team visiting the Riversdale trial site at the end of April.

We are looking forward to some great results in the near future and the WCDoA is proud to assist the Eastern Cape in establishing its canola industry. AP

“

Helping the team lay out and plant their first trial.

The WCDoA is proud to assist the Eastern Cape in establishing its canola industry.

”

Visiting the Riversdale trial site.

For more information, contact Dr Johann Strauss:

johann.strauss@westerncape.gov.za

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 23

NEWS SNIPPETS

AVIAN INFLUENZA

– WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

by Dr Lesley van Helden

H

High pathogenicity avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has recently caused outbreaks on poultry farms in the Western Cape. These outbreaks have raised concerns among consumers about the safety of poultry products available for sale at supermarkets.

It is crucial to address these concerns and emphasise that poultry products remain safe for human consumption, provided proper handling and cooking protocols have been followed.

24 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

Avian influenza virus.

Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects birds, including domestic poultry and wild birds, but rare cases of human infection can occur in people who have had close contact with infected birds by keeping or slaughtering poultry. No recorded case of avian influenza in people has been linked to eating poultry.

NEWS SNIPPETS The World Health Organization states that properly cooked poultry products, including eggs, are safe for consumption even in areas experiencing avian influenza outbreaks. Additionally, the influenza virus is sensitive to heat and is thus destroyed by cooking.

In South Africa, chickens and eggs from farms infected with high pathogenicity avian influenza do not enter the human food chain due to strict biosecurity measures implemented by farmers and Veterinary Services. Routine clinical surveillance and disease testing is done on commercial poultry farms. When a farm is suspected to be infected, it is placed under quarantine, meaning no poultry or poultry products may leave the farm without the permission of the State Veterinarian. On confirmation of the disease, all affected chickens are promptly culled, and their carcasses destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus. All eggs, manure and bedding from infected farms are also destroyed under the supervision of Veterinary Services. These actions ensure that no poultry products from infected farms can be sold.

Preventive culling of domestic poultry.

Photo courtesy of https:// www.thepoultrysite.com/

WILD BIRDS

Roasted chicken. Photo © Steven

“

Affected chickens are promptly culled, and their carcasses destroyed.

”

To further ensure the safety of poultry products, consumers should follow proper handling and cooking protocols. These include storing raw poultry separately from other foods, avoiding crosscontamination and practicing good hygiene by washing hands after handling raw poultry. Additionally, poultry should be cooked thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature of 75°C, to destroy any potential pathogens.

Read the Journal article, How high pathogenicity avian influenza evolved in wild birds in Southern Africa from 20172018 by Belinda M. Peyrot on page 69.

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 25

»

NEWS SNIPPETS

To protect themselves, backyard poultry keepers should implement biosecurity measures, including: •

•

•

•

Personal hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling poultry, their eggs or any equipment used in their care.

Personal protective equipment (PPE). Wear dedicated PPE, including disposable gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, a good quality mask, such as an N95 or surgical mask, and boots or shoe covers. Protective clothing should be kept separate from regular attire to minimise cross-contamination. Regularly clean and disinfect the protective clothing to prevent the spread of any pathogens.

Restricted access to poultry areas. Allow only essential visitors to the poultry area.

These visitors should follow proper hygiene protocols, including handwashing and wearing protective clothing.

Maintain a secure perimeter to prevent the entry of wild birds or other potential carriers of avian influenza. Keep feed and water sources clean and protected from contamination.

Health surveillance. Be vigilant for any signs of illness, such as decreased appetite, respiratory distress or a sudden increase in mortality. Isolate any sick birds and report the signs to your local veterinarian or animal health technician immediately.

While outbreaks of high pathogenicity avian influenza have occurred in the Western Cape, it is essential to emphasise that poultry products for sale at supermarkets remain safe for human consumption.

Adherence to proper handling and cooking protocols, as well as the strict safety regulations and monitoring in place, ensure the delivery of safe and wholesome poultry products to consumers.

For more information, contact Dr Lesley van Helden:

26 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

“

Poultry products for sale at supermarkets remain safe for human consumption.

”

Lesley.vanhelden@westerncape.gov.za

NEWS SNIPPETS

isiXhosa summary Ngaphandle kokuqhambuka kolwasuleleko olukhulu lo mkhuhlane weenkukhu e Ntshona Koloni, zisakhuselekile iimveliso zenkukhu nezithengiswa kwii venkile ezinkulu ukuba zingatyiwa ngabantu.

Ikakhulu, umkhuhlane weenkukhu uhlasela iintaka, kodwa kusenokwenzeka ukuba sibone iimeko ezinqabileyo zokosuleleka ko luntu oluthe lwachukumisa iintaka ezosulelekileyo ngokuthi bazibambe okanye ngokuxhela iinkukhu. Akuka bikho lwazi lushicilelweyo ngokwasuleleka kwabantu ngumkhuhlane weenkukhu, oluthe loyanyaniswa nokutyiwa kwenyama yenkukhu.

Ngaphezu koko, intsholongwane yalo mkhuhlane ayidibani nobushushu, yaye iyafa xa ithe yadibana nobushushu ekuyiphekeni.

E Mzantsi Afrika, iinkukhu namaqanda aveliswe ziifama ezinolwasuleleko ngu nobangela omkhulu momkhuhlane weenkukhu azivumelekile ukuba zingathengiselwa abantu. Xa ifama irhanelwa ukuba ngokosuleleka, iye ikheswe (ingavelisi zimveliso), loo nto ithetha ukuba akukho nkukhu okanye imveliso yeenkukhu ekuvumelekileyo ukuba ingaphuma kulo fama ngaphandle kokuvunyelwa ngoo gqirha bonyango lwemfuyo kurhulumente. Xa

sekufunyaniswe ukuba sikhona esi sifo, zonke iinkukhu ezifunyenwe zosulelekile ziyakhethwa ze zibulawe ze izidumbu namathambo azo zitshatyalaliswe, ngelokuthintela ukusasazeka kwale ntsholongwane. Ayatshatyalaliswa onke amaqanda, umqguba kunye nefuku ehlala iinkukhu kwiifama ezosulelekileyo. Oku kwenzelwa ukuqinisekisa ukuba akukukho zimveliso eziza kuthengiswa kwezi ziphuma kwiinkukhu zeefama ezinokosuleleka.

Ekuzikhuseleni kwabo kunye neenkukhu zabo, kufuneka abantu abazifuyela iinkukhu ngeendlela ezizezabo nezingaziwayo ngaba semagunyeni, bazikhusele zingabi nakuchaphazeleka, ngoku quka: • Ukuhlamba izandla kunye nokucoca izixhobo ezingcolileyo zokusebenza, phambi na semva kokusebanza ngee nkukhu • Ukunxiba iimpahla okanye ukusebenzisa izixhobo zokusebenaza ukwenzela ukhuseleko emsebenzini (ii gloves, izikhuseli zamehlo, isifonyo, iimpahla zangaphezulu zokusebenza kunye nezikhuseli zezihlangu) xa bezakuphatha iinkukhu • Ukungangenwa ngabantu okanye nezinye iinkukhu nkqu nemfuyo kwindawo apho kukho ezi nkukhu zosulelekileyo • Ukubeka esweni impilo yeenkukhu kunye nokwazisa ugqirha okufutshane wonyango lwemfuyo, ngaso nasiphi na isigulo. AP

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 27

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

AGRICULTURE EXCELS Service Excellence Awards

by Mary James

I

The large group of winners at this years’ Service Excellence Awards did the Department proud.

In May 2023, the Western Cape Government (WCG) rolled out the red carpet in recognition of excellence in public service delivery at the much-awaited Service Excellence Awards (SEA).

The SEA is an annual initiative within the WCG that promotes a citizen-centric culture, entrenches professionalism, as well as recognises and rewards excellence.

The purpose is to entrench the WCG’s value of caring by appreciating and recognising employees in exemplary cases. This year the awards further explored a WCG recognition system that extends to WCG citizens and provincial municipalities for encouragement of service excellence.

28 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

After months of planning, a call for nominations, adjudication and vetting, nearly 350 qualifying WCG employees made it to the Century City Convention Centre in Cape Town in the hopes of being a recipient of this coveted award.

Martin Luther King Jr. is quoted saying, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

With the multitude of jobs they are able to pursue, civil servants set themselves apart with their eagerness to want to help others and make a difference. As WCG employees, the goal is to work towards the betterment of our society – not just for today, but for generations to come. This is further driven by the WCG values.

At the event, WCG Director General, Dr Harry Malila, officially welcomed the exemplary employees and Premier Alan Winde delivered the keynote address and presented the winners with their awards.

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT Best Collaborative Programme/Project (WOSA/WOGA) (BCP-W) Silver: Rural Development and Partners, Rural Development.

Best Public Service Innovation Team/ Project (BFSI-T) Gold: GIS Innovation Team, Research and Technology Development Services.

Best Public Service Innovation Team Project (Gold) – GIS Innovation Team.

The master of ceremonies for this year’s event was well-known local comedian and GoodHope FM sports presenter Dalin Oliver, while the Mujahid George Band kept the crowd entertained.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) walked away with the following awards for this year’s Service Excellence Awards: Best Frontline Service Delivery (BFSD-E) Bronze: Jody Wentzel, Sustainable Resource Use and Management.

Best Support Service Employee (BSS-E) Bronze: Desiree Chinasamy-Dampies, Structured Agricultural Education and Training.

Best Public Service Innovator (BFSI-E) Bronze: Arie Van Ravenswaay, Research and Technology Development Services.

Best Citizen Performance (BCP-I) Gold: Annemarie Verwey, Rural Development.

Silver: Christo Peter Farao, Rural Development.

Bronze: Raymond Andrew Swartz, Rural Development.

For more information, contact Mary James:

In what can be defined as one of the highest recognitions to be bestowed upon a public servant in the WCG, the WCDoA is ecstatic to see so many of our colleagues bagging an award in most of the SEA categories.

The WCDoA is proud to be serving the agricultural sector in an effort to increase jobs and improve economic growth. In all the accolades received, we cannot forget the great collaborations with our stakeholders as we all share one vision, that of a sunrise sector for the Western Cape, #ForTheLoveOfAgriculture.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

– Mahatma Gandhi Once again, well done to all the winners! AP Find the full submissions of the winners by scanning the QR code or clicking this link: https://seawards. westerncape.gov.za/sites/default/files/2023-05/WCG%20 SEA%20Booklet%202023RGB%20Rev%204.pdf

Best Collaborative Programme Project (Silver) – Rural Development and Partners

mary.james@westerncape.gov.za AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 29

ECONOMIC NEWS

Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus).

The impact of a potential loss

OF AGOA PREFERENCES

I

by Dr Dirk Troskie

In 2000 the United States of America (USA) introduced the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), giving eligible Sub-Saharan countries duty-free access into the USA for 6 400 products. Although AGOA was initially intended to cover the period 2000 to 2008, it was later extended up to 2015. In 2015 it was extended for a further 10 years and is due to lapse in 2025.

Learn more! www.agoa.info

30 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

It is important to note that AGOA is an Act of the USA Congress.

As it is not a negotiated free trade agreement (FTA), it can be unilaterally amended by them at any time.

Another mechanism through which South Africa receives trade preferences is the generalised system of preferences (GSP).

In 1974 the USA introduced the GSP, which reduces duties on thousands of products imported from 119 countries.

Although 661 agricultural products are eligible to receive duty-free access under AGOA, South Africa is currently

ECONOMIC NEWS

President George W. Bush signs into law the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Acceleration Act of 2004 in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building Tuesday, July 13, 2004.

only using 44 of these. The total value of South Africa’s agricultural exports to the USA amounted to R9.3 billion in 2022,

of which fruit and nuts were the highest, followed by beverages and then vegetable preparations (see Table 1).

Table 1: South Africa’s agricultural exports to the USA in 2022

Product

Value (R million)

HST08: Edible fruit and nuts

3 982,24

HST22: Beverages, spirits

1 347,74

HST20: Preparations of vegetable origin

1 280,40

HST03: Fish and crustaceans

844,83

HST21: Miscellaneous edible products

531,76

HST17: Sugars and sugar confectionary

435,49

HST41: Raw hides and skins

203,71

HST12: Oil seeds and oleaginous

174,71

HST09: Coffee, tea, maté

99,81

HST06: Live trees and other plants

94,25

HST51: Wool (fine or coarse)

46,31

Other

262,78

Total

9 304,03 Source: Calculations by T. Morokong based on Quantec 2022 data.

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

31

»

ECONOMIC NEWS Table 2: Growth in South Africa’s agricultural exports to the USA over the period 2019 to 2022 Sector

Category

Agriculture

All Sectors

Agriculture as % of all

Value ($1 000)

Change

2019

2020

2021

2022

Value

%

Imports by the USA

431 958

438 121

521 398

643 396

211 438

49%

GSP imports by the USA

24 355

47 758

29 160

29 842

5 487

23%

AGOA imports by the USA

300 830

270 195

334 208

428 399

127 569

42%

64%

67%

60%

AGOA %

70%

62%

Imports by the USA

7 794 518

11 361 006

15 725 971

14 573 647

6 779 129

87%

GSP imports by the USA

756 815

714 265

625 197

597 868

-158 947

-21%

AGOA imports by the USA

1 224 562

1 178 223

2 072 296

3 015 291

1 790 729

146%

AGOA %

16%

10%

13%

21%

26%

Imports by the USA

6%

4%

3%

4%

3%

GSP imports by the USA

3%

7%

5%

5%

-3%

AGOA imports by the USA

25%

23%

16%

14%

7%

Source: US Department of Commerce as published by TRALAC and own calculations.

Port of Cape Town.

32 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

The port of Cape Town processed R210 billion worth of exports and imports in 2021.

ECONOMIC NEWS Port of New York and New Jersey.

Having long been the busiest port on the East Coast, it became the busiest port by maritime cargo volume in the United States in 2022 and is a major economic engine for the region.

From the same table it is also clear that South African products, from all sectors of the economy that receives AGOA preferences, increased by 146% over the same period. However, whereas 25% of South Africa’s exports receiving AGOA preferences in 2019 was from the agricultural sector, it declined to 14% in 2022. This decline is not due to a lack in export growth in the agricultural sector, but rather because export growth in other sectors grew faster than in agriculture.

This analysis shows that more than $3 billion of South African exports is at risk if we were to lose our AGOA preferences.

In the case of the agricultural sector, this amounts to 67% of the R9,3 billion exported in 2022; or, in other words, R6,2 billion.

A cautionary comment is that it is not a fact that this total amount will be lost, but that the actual loss will be determined by the competitiveness of individual firms. AP

For more information, contact Dr Dirk Troskie:

Watch this!

Scan the QR code or visit https://youtu.be/3b9Mu5Nr0c?si=_FYAy-YZ7Y6ClBVa to watch the video: ‘An economist says SA is on shaky ground over AGOA’.

Published by SABC.

“

More than $3 billion of South African exports is at risk if we were to lose our AGOA preferences.

”

Listen Now! Scan the QR code or visit https:// omny.fm/shows/the-moneyshow/south-african-agriculturecannot-afford-to-lose-ag to listen to a podcast: ‘South African agriculture cannot afford to lose AGOA - This is why...’. Published

by The Money Show, Cape Talk/ Radio 702.

dirk.troskie@westerncape.gov.za AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 33

ECONOMIC NEWS

TAKE OWNERSHIP OF AFRICA From the Africa Day Business Seminar to Africa Agriculture policy strategic focus

by Shelton Kaba Mandondo

T

Traditionally, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), in partnership with Wesgro, the Department of the Premier (International Relations) and Mazars Cape Town (a leading international audit, tax and advisory firm) have commemorated Africa Day by convening an annual business seminar during May. Africa Day is dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the successes of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, now the African Union) from its creation on 25 May 1963, in the fight against colonialism as well as the progress that Africa has made while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent faces.

Africa Day Business seminar key messages •

•

• • • •

•

Take ownership of Africa – write your own positive narrative to dispel global misconceptions about Africa.

Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement must work to uplift the continent from poverty.

Implement the CAADP compact.

Implement Energy Mix. Support SMMES programmes that embed energy resilience in sectors.

We need political will to implement agreed long-term strategies regardless of government in power.

There must be consequence management for bad governance, maladministration and corruption.

34 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

The 2023 celebrations were aimed towards accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to bring greater prosperity to the continent. In the Western Cape, invited guests included African Consular Generals, politicians and business communities (local and international). During the plenary session, the majority of participants made concerted efforts to showcase their countries’ unique selling points with respect to business offerings and prevailing socioeconomic opportunities.

Furthermore, WCDoA made the 2023 chapter of this celebration unique. It took a step further by hosting an extraordinary seminar with delegates from the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) at Elsenburg on 26 May 2023. Both events were officially opened by the WCDoA Head of Department, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa.

The Elsenburg seminar was attended by representatives from the Bureau for Food and Agriculture Policy (BFAP), Western Cape agriculture and agri-business leadership, WCDoA management and an ANAPRI delegation (led by Salomo Mbai, Director of Agricultural Trade Policy Institute at the Namibia University of Science and Technology). This was a unique opportunity to cross pollinate ideas and best practices, and foster dialogue on critical agricultural policy issues.

As an institution, the ANAPRI network draws its members from different countries on the African continent with diverse expertise and experiences in agricultural

ECONOMIC NEWS policy analysis, research and practical solutions. It was no surprise that the Elsenburg conversation concentrated on advancing sustainable agricultural development, food security and economic prosperity in Africa. Dr Troskie (WCDoA) demonstrated how data from evaluations is utilised as an evidence bank to guide policy, resource mobilisation and allocation in the Department.

WCDOA - ANAPRI seminar key message •

•

•

• •

•

• •

Use data-based evidence to advance sustainable agriculture development agenda for food security and economic prosperity.

Share data, strengthen outreach, seek validation, and jointly provide solutions to common challenges facing Africa.

Build capacity of member states to deliver sustainable and highquality research for effective national and regional policy.

Promote peer learning in the region.

Provide real time data to influence governments policy and decisionmaking process.

Support CAADP and Malabo domestication and policy influence through research.

M&E should be embedded in the discourse – both theory and practice.

Institutionalise this seminar – making it an annual event at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.

The BFAP team focused on value chain development using a deep-dive analysis done on Malawian agri-commodities as a case study.

ANAPRI disseminated information on studies done on fertiliser and soil health policies, unravelling the intricate components that shape farming practices and contribution towards agricultural productivity on the African continent.

It further unpacked the dynamics and the interplay between policy objectives, implementation mechanisms and outcomes.

Throughout the discussions, the delegates not only unpacked the components of fertiliser production, uptake and policy, but also the broader political landscape at play – including the influence of funders and the need for conservation agriculture and climate change to be factored in.

This enabled participants to identify areas for improvement and innovation with a wider focus on sustainable agricultural development, inclusivity and environmental stewardship.

In the end, it was acknowledged that ANAPRI’s commitment towards agricultural policy research in Africa is a testament to their dedication to improving livelihoods, enhancing food security and promoting economic growth on the continent.

Through its work, ANAPRI is empowering policymakers and agriculture stakeholders with the knowledge needed to navigate the complex policy landscape and create an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural development in Africa.

Dr Sebopetsa concluded the session by recommending the institutionalisation of this event as an annual learning exercise on the WCDoA calendar. All key stakeholders will be invited to attend in 2024 and the near future. As he put it, “Power lies in working together and Africa is a great, sleeping giant awaiting to be awakened – we have to learn and work from each other.”

It all started with a brief meeting of the HOD and ANAPRI Chairperson in Namibia a few years ago and the rest is now history. We are all on board. #ForTheLoveOfAgriculture. AP

For more information, contact Shelton Kaba Mandondo:

shelton.mandondo@westerncape.gov.za

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 35

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS

Elsenburg

Goes Global

by Sandile Mkhwanazi (left) and Zenovia Parker

As we grow!

Nandipha Mbizana, lecturer: Agribusiness Management, and two students, Mawande Siduka and Lu-Ann Fisher, travelled to Christchurch, New Zealand to attend the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) World Conference. Nandipha served as a reviewer on the Scientific Committee and attended both the academic symposium and the World E Tipu (“as we grow”) Forum.

The students participated on the student case competition, which allowed them to

36 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

From left: Nandipha Mbizana and students Lu-Ann Fisher and Mawande Siduka.

demonstrate their analytical, research design and problem-solving skills to potential employers and learn more from each other while also showcasing the next generation of change-makers in the agricultural sector.

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS

The French Connection comes of age In 2023, the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute welcomed the Centre de Formation Professionelle et de Promotion Agricole de Beaune (CFPPA) to the college on a two-week exchange programme. The Thuthukile Skweyiya Western Cape Burgundy Exchange Programme, launched in 2001 with the aim to uplift wine farm workers with no formal qualification, has been run-

ning for the past 22 years. In light of Elsenburg’s 125-year celebration, the rugby team from France played against the hosts in a series of matches and was also taken on a tour of our winelands. Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture in the Western Cape, and members of Top Management had a breakfast feast with the visiting team, showcasing agri-products from the Western Cape. AP

Read all about the 125-year celebrations in the December 2023 issue of AgriProbe!

For more information!

Scan the QR code or visit: https://www.elsenburg.com/ elsenburg-agricultural-training-institute/ for more information on the College and courses offered.

For more information, contact Sandile Mkhwanazi: sandile.mkhwanazi@westerncape.gov.za or Zenovia Parker: zenovia.parker@westerncape.gov.za AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 37

ECONOMIC NEWS

New game auction

RECORD FOR MAY!

by Riaan Nowers

Common springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). Photo courtesy of Francesco de Marco.

T

The game auction industry impressed with an all-time record of 26 game auctions that took place during May 2023.

This is the highest number of game auctions in any month recorded for the industry – a strong indicator of the industry’s vitality and the internal healthy competition that is out there.

38 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

By end of May, more than 27 000 animals were successfully transacted on these auctions, resulting in a turnover of more than R323,9 million. A staggering 23% of all auctions (18) had a turnover of between R3 million and R4 million. Table 1 shows that the average turnover of Quarter 2 (even though not completed yet) is standing at a healthy R3,288 million per auction, which is the highest in the past five years.

ECONOMIC NEWS Table 1: Summarised performance of game auction industry: 2020 – May 2023

PERFORMANCE OF GAME AUCTION INDUSTRY: 2020 – May 2023 Data below focusses on actual animal (game) sales and excludes hunting, livestock and other tourism sales 2020 Number of Auctions

2021

2022

2023

% Change

112

147

152

77

50,7%

R254 636 216

R353 301 286

R500 851 810

R 323 974 222

64,7%

Total head of game sold

28 567

38 283

49 489

27 134

54,8%

Average Auction Turnover

R2 273 538

R2 403 410

R3 295 078

R 4 207 457

27,7%

Average Auction Turnover: Quarter 1

R3 302 027

R2 448 305

R3 029 833

R 5 432 184

Average Auction Turnover: Quarter 2

R1 316 507

R2 286 830

R3 164 143

R 3 288 913

Average Auction Turnover: Quarter 3

R2 351 865

R2 611 000

R3 766 443

-

Average Auction Turnover: Quarter 4

R2 210 074

R1 716 930

R2 217 770

-

Average Number of game per auction sold

255

260

326

352

Average head of game sold: Quarter 1

283

233

315

822

Average head of game sold: Quarter 2

232

300

382

351

Gross Turnover

Average head of game sold: Quarter 3

253

229

282

-

Average head of game sold: Quarter 4

298

300

261

-

Average percentage of animals sold per auction

85,8%

89,9%

88,8%

92,0%

Average number of lots on offer

85

83

90

89

Percentage of lots on offer sold

81,2%

87,8%

87,5%

90,3%

Colour variants sold as % of total

9,2%

9,9%

11,4%

12,4%

Average price per head sold: Quarter 1

R11 681

R10 492

R9 608

R 6 607

Average price per head sold: Quarter 2

R5 683

R7 611

R8 288

R 9 369

Average price per head sold: Quarter 3

R9 312

R11 383

R13 335

-

Average price per head sold: Quarter 4

R7 478

R5 731

R8 498

-

Analysis of Timed vs Live auctions:

2020

2021

2022

2023

- Timed Auctions (%)

67,0%

38,3%

20,6%

21,2%

- Live Auctions (%)

33,0%

61,7%

79,4%

78,8%

- Timed Auctions

R25 818

R24 815

R35 968

R 25 028

- Live Auctions

R8 205

R16 327

R19 381

R 15 790

8,2%

Share in Gross Turnover per year:

Rand/animal:

Number of animals/auction: - Timed Auctions

219

212

143

272

- Live Auctions

283

286

392

381

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 39

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ECONOMIC NEWS

Aside from the common springbok, there are three springbok colour variant trophies that have become popular to collect and collectively officially recognised as the ‘Springbok Grand Slam’ – they are black, white and copper springbok.

Photos courtesy of Jules of the Karoo Safaris. Photos © Willem van Rooyen.

The average number of animals per auction sold (352) is slightly higher than that of previous years. The fact that some 92% of all animals available were sold, is another indicator of a healthy industry where trust in animal sales and genetics are so important.

Percentage wise, live game auctions continued to increase (78,8% of all auctions) and

again this is a healthy indicator of the post COVID-19 normalisation of the economy.

When moving away from colour variants, sales show a positive bias towards impala, blesbok, blue wildebeest, gemsbok, springbok and kudu sales with eland and red hartebeest sales also showing strong growth in numbers transacted (Graph 1).

Graph 1: 1: Number of animals per per species soldsold during 2023 Graph Number of animals species during 2023 6 000 4 500 3 000 1 500 0 Klipspringer Steenbok Duiker Kudu, colour variants Wildebeest, Golden (Splits) Common Reedbuck Bontebok Mountain Reedbuck Bushbuck White Rhino Fallow deer Wildebeest, King Zebra, Cape Mountain Roan Antelope Tsessebe Lechwe Gemsbok, colour variants Giraffe Eland, Livingstone Ostrich Waterbok Wildebeest, Black Nyala Sable antelope Buffalo Blesbok colour variants Zebra, Burchells Wildebeest, Golden Impala, colour variants Eland, Cape Red Hartbeest Springbok, colour variants Kudu Springbok Gemsbok Wildebeest, Blue Blesbok Impala

40 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

ECONOMIC NEWS Graph 2: Percentage price changes of male animals (2023 vs 2022 data) Graph 2: Percentage price changes of male animals (2023 vs 2022 data)

200,0% 150,0% 100,0% 50,0% 0,0% -50,0% -100,0% Buffalo, East African X Addo

Sable antelope, Western Zambian

Duiker

Buffalo, Kruger

Springbok, Heartwater

Common Reedbuck

Waterbok

Roan Antelope

Tsessebe

Ostrich

Springbok, White

Bushbuck

Eland, Cape

Blesbok

Gemsbok

Red Hartbeest

Mountain Reedbuck

Fallow deer

Lechwe

Springbok

Impala, Black

Wildebeest, Golden

Eland, Livingstone

Blesbok, White

Kudu

Nyala

Impala, Saddleback

Zebra, Burchells

White Rhino

Giraffe

Wildebeest, Black

Springbok, Kalahari

Springbok, Damara

Impala

Sable antelope

Impala, White Flank

Buffalo

Bontebok

Sable antelope, Zambian cross

Springbok, Black

Sable antelope, Zambian

Wildebeest, Blue

Wildebeest, King

Buffalo, East African

Sable antelope, Matetsi

Discussions on species’ prices become extremely complicated and “dangerous” as one needs to compare apples with apples.

However, when comparing males with each other, the percentages seem to indicate that

some sable antelope (Matetsi and Zambian) and buffalo (East African) as well as king and blue wildebeest bull prices increased well above those in the previous year. Graph 2 also shows that black springbok, white-flanked impala and Damara and Kalahari springbok rams realised healthy relative prices when compared to 2022.

Thank you again to all of the auction houses/ventures who share their results so diligently. Data is of the utmost importance in order to track progress and possible structural changes within any economic sector. Without reliable and timely data our decisions may be sub-optimal and poor decisions may be the result. AP

For more information, contact Riaan Nowers:

riaan.nowers@westerncape.gov.za

Colour variants continue to impress with their 12,4% share in sales, which is somewhat surprising as in some spheres there seems to be a market sentiment to move away from colour variants. However, clearly there is a demand for these species, thereby stimulating these transactions.

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

41

TAKING OUR SERVICES OUT THERE

Multi-stakeholder dialogue on climate disaster solutions

by Prof Stephanie Midgley

I

In April the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) hosted the Multistakeholder Dialogue on Climate Disaster Solutions in Vredendal. The Dialogue was a follow-up to the Drought Dialogue for the Agricultural Sector held in June 2016, which concluded with 32 jointly identified challenges, prioritised to five actionable points that were subsequently implemented.

The April 2023 Dialogue went beyond drought to cover all climate-related extremes

42 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

Specific objectives were to learn from the lessons of the past (post-2016), to revisit existing relief tools and resources, and to agree on forward planning for greater resilience.

and disasters across the Western Cape Province, aiming to “Move from relief to resilience and risk reduction”.

TAKING OUR SERVICES OUT THERE

“

We are mainstreaming climate change in the business of the Western Cape Government.

”

The two-day event brought together 81 government decision-makers at district and provincial level, with national-level officials, smallholder and commercial farmers and representatives of organised agriculture and industry-commodity organisations, conservation bodies, representatives of the banking sector, related agri-businesses and selected subject experts.

Delegates attending the Multi-stakeholder Dialogue on Climate Disaster Solutions hosted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture on 24-25 April 2023 in Vredendal, Western Cape.

During his address to delegates, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, highlighted that the Western Cape Government recently adopted a Climate Change Governance Framework. “The Western Cape Government will in the future be looking at the impact of climate change on its three strategic priorities, namely, jobs, safety and dignity, and wellbeing. By doing so, we are mainstreaming climate change in the business of the Western Cape Government,” Minister Meyer said.

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TAKING OUR SERVICES OUT THERE

Table 1. Ranked themes from negative (orange) and positive (green) lessons that will be taken forward into an Action Plan

THEME

DESCRIPTION (FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION AND CONVERSION INTO ACTIONS)

Lack of financial support

Financial losses led to producers taking more financial risks in the years after droughts. Farmers are not sharing losses to relevant entities. Challenge to obtain external investment and no sustainable financial bridging models.

Improved (adaptive) production methods

Conservation agriculture (CA) showed the benefits of soil water retention and soil fertility, spreading risks, etc., so more producers started implementing CA. Diversification into other crops and livestock in these dryland production systems. Plant according to natural resources – plant smart! Adjusting and advancing farming practices.

Lack of management of water (infrastructure) and irrigation systems

Illegal dams. Water use authorisations, verification and validation.

Illegal abstraction (from rivers and boreholes). Ineffective irrigation systems. Insufficient legal storage capacity. Some areas had dams but no water and others water and no dams – infrastructure. Over-allocation of resources. Infrastructure not maintained. Lack of strategic provincial water planning.

Problematic laws and regulations (that impede disaster risk management)

Disaster Management Act not making provision for perennial crops during drought.

Improved (adaptive) technology and innovation

Renewable power – alternative energy options. Efficient irrigation – technology has improved – AI/netting/mulching/innovations – irrigation efficiency (more production per litre of water), irrigation scheduling. Technology for irrigation has changed/ improved and seasonal amounts should take this into account.

Better water usage and irrigation

Increased recycling of water/alternative water sources/ groundwater to augment surface water – same water cycle.

Efficient water conservation. Build capacity in good years – assurance of supply and more storage. Increased measurement of usage (needs further improvement).

(Greater use of) Scientific data, forecasting and early warning

Using early warnings – seasonal outlook. Expansion of weather stations. Early-warning standard operating procedures.

Forecasting and early warning. Focus on scientific data – evidence, monitor, sense-making.

44 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

TAKING OUR SERVICES OUT THERE

Scan the QR code or visit www.elsenburg.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/09/ Multi-stakeholder-Dialogueon-Climate-DisastersSolutions-2023-Report. pdf to access the Summary Report.

On 24 April, 11 working groups discussed the risks, impacts and vulnerabilities of climate disasters in the Western Cape Province, as well as the negative lessons (challenges, barriers) learned since 2016 that must be turned into positive actions, and the positive lessons (successes) that should be further developed and scaled up.

On 25 April, the working groups reconvened to discuss the seven “negative to positive” themes and the nine “positive to scale up”

themes in more detail. The task was to choose the two most important themes from each group and to develop specific actions that are required for each.

The seven prioritised themes shown in Table 1 will be taken forward for further detailed discussion by task teams and developed into an Action Plan. AP

For more information, contact Dr Stephanie Midgley:

stephanie.midgley@westerncape.gov.za

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 45

TAKING OUR SERVICES OUT THERE

IRON SHARPENS IRON

WCDoA and The Sports Trust raising food security champions

by Vusumzi Zwelendaba and Gavilin Daries

One hundred development cyclists (Grade 8-12 learners) attended the training. These are learners from previously disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape. The learners were from the following local schools:

D

During May 2023, The Sports Trust hosted a Skills Training & Team Building Camp at Soetwater Environmental Centre in Misty Cliffs.

The purpose of the weekend was to teach the learners leadership skills, discipline, respect and about the environment.

Karel Abels (left) showed the learners how to establish a food garden at home or at school.

46 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

SCHOOL

AREA

DISTRICT

Overnorth High School

Mitchell’s Plain

Cape Metropole

Beaconhill High School

Mitchell’s Plain

Cape Metropole

Matthew Goniwe High School

Khayelitsha

Cape Metropole

Hexvallei High School

De Doorns

Cape Winelands

Orchard Primary School

De Doorns

Cape Winelands

Diazville High School

Saldanha Bay

Swartland

Piketberg

Swartland

Steynsville High School

On 13 May 2023, Vusumzi Zwelendaba, Director: Food Security and the Agricultural Advisors from the Cape Metropole District, hosted presentations on sustainable food programmes and the benefits thereof – both for personal use as well as creating SMME opportunities. Vusumzi presented the various interventions coordinated and offered by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) under the SubProgramme: Food Security (See Figure 1).

Basically, the learners were encouraged to start food gardens to address food security.

These learners are involved in sports through cycling. They say a healthy body results in a healthy mind. The key to this is access to affordable and nutritious food.

These learners are from disadvantaged

TAKING OUR SERVICES OUT THERE In addition to this, we expanded our footprint by partnering with a number of stakeholders, such as The Sports Trust, on the ground through our WCDoA Food Security Flagship Initiatives:

From left: Vusumzi Zwelendaba, Director: Food Security (WCDoA), learners from various schools, and Karel Abels, Senior Agricultural Advisor (WCDoA).

communities that are highly affected by food insecurity, hence there was a need to encourage them to start their own production of food. As sports people they need to eat healthy and nutritious food that might come at a price seeing the current economic conditions in our country.

Karel Abels and Gavilin Daries showed the learners how to establish a food garden at home or at school. Towards the end of the programme, the WCDoA donated seed packs to the learners. Each learner received three packets of different seeds, i.e. cabbages, carrots and green beans.

This was to encourage them to start their own household food gardens. This is in line with our broad strategic interventions:

•

One Home! One Garden!

•

Nourish 2 Flourish Mobilisation.

•

World Food Day (WFD) Initiatives.

•

World Food Day School Competition.

•

Food Garden Competition.

•

Agri-Processing On Wheels.

As the WCDoA, we always ensure that we take our services to the people where they are. To us, food security is an integral part of the wellbeing of the people of the Western Cape. It is through this understanding that food symbolises so many things, i.e. Hope, Care, Wealth, Dignity, Strength and Love.

One Home! One Garden! We leave no one behind! #ForTheLoveOfAgriculture Watch this!

Through the Sports Trust, the whole event was broadcasted on 31 May 2023 on one of their associate channels under Supersport, i.e. Channel 207. Scan the QR code or visit https:// youtu.be/F2rSt-qWORo to watch the episode.

Household agricultural food production initiatives, e.g. vegetable garden, chicken and piggery production.

1

Subsistence farming through supporting community and school food gardens.

2

Support to smallholder farmers for increased food security and job creation.

3

About a month or two from now, we will join The Sports Trust on a visit to some of the learners to see if they have started their own food gardens at home.

The Sports Trust indicated there might be some prizes for the learners to recognise those whose gardens are doing well. AP

For more information, contact Vusumzi Zwelendaba: or Gavilin Daries: gavilin.daries@westerncape.gov.za

vusumzi.zwelendaba@westerncape.gov.za

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 47

TAKING OUR SERVICES OUT THERE

World Milk Day 2023

– a moo-ving act of kindness

by Mary James

I

In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations established a day exclusively to highlight the importance of milk as a global food and to celebrate the dairy industry. This year’s theme is how dairy is reducing its environmental footprint, while also providing nutritious foods and livelihoods.

Learn more! http://www.fao.org/home/en

This year, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) chose to showcase World Milk Day to the future leaders and agriculturalists at JJ Rhode Primary School, a neighbouring school near Elsenburg.

48 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

“The annual World Milk Day provides the perfect opportunity to spread the word that milk is an integral part of a healthy, balanced diet and to express our gratitude to our milk producers, agri-workers and agri-businesses for working tirelessly to make milk accessible to our consumers,” said Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, in his keynote address.

The information session was nothing but fun and educational with the very engaging Grade R to 3 learners learning about the importance of a balanced diet, which includes milk and dairy products, where these delicious dairy treats come from, and the importance of cows. They were each given a cow mask in remembrance of the day.

Mooing outside were three beautiful Holstein cows. In a time when the youth are losing touch of where their food comes from, it was important for the WCDoA to have actual cows for the children to see, and

TAKING OUR SERVICES OUT THERE the animals formed an integral part of the learning and celebration. After all, what’s World Milk Day without the cows?

Marline Burger, an Animal Production Scientist, shared fun facts about dairy cows through her loudhailer, with the children getting an opportunity to ask questions.

Often known to be shy, these gentle beasts weren’t the least bit bothered by all the noisy activity around them, perhaps because they had some 100 masked cows staring back at them!

The day was concluded with delicious treats of yoghurts, drinking yoghurts and juice courtesy of Lancewood.

There were great expressions of delight and gratitude by the learners, with countless occasions throughout the day where one could hear and see sheer glee.

The World Food Prize winner Dr Verghese Kurien, known as the father of the white revolution of India, once said: “True development is not the development of land, or of cows; it is the development of men and women.” Through his entrepreneurial ideas and leadership with a particular focus on the skills development of women and youth, India became the world’s largest milk producer. This is a clear indication that we all need to take a moment to educate and invest in our future generation. #ForTheLoveOfAgriculture AP

Fun facts • While the number of producers in South Africa has declined by 46% from January 2015 to January 2022, milk production has increased by 7.2%. This indicates increased output per cow and more significant numbers of cows per producer.

• The Western Cape is home to 33% of the milk producers in South Africa.

They are responsible for 30.6% or 1 041 349 tonnes of the country’s fresh milk production, followed by our sister coastal provinces of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

• At an average, milk price at the farm gate of R7.50/kg, it equates to more than R7.81 billion in the province at the primary producer level alone.

• Of the more than 1 million tonnes of milk produced in the Western Cape, 62% is sold in liquid form as fresh, flavoured or long-life milk.

The remaining 38% is processed into concentrated products, such as custard, yoghurt and a great variety of cheeses. As a result, dairy product value-add plays a significant role in sustainable job creation.

"Quiet, we don’t want to bother the cows…"

For more information, contact Mary James:

mary.james@westerncape.gov.za AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 49

RESEARCH NEWS

WATER QUALITY Western Cape abattoirs set for improvement

by Dr Micaela A. Hartman

W

Water, a vital resource for life, can also harbour disease-causing agents. A recent comprehensive study by the sub-programme of Veterinary Public Health between 2021 and 2022 has illuminated the water quality situation within abattoirs across the Western Cape. This initiative is part of Veterinary Services’ effort to improve public health, safeguard our food supply and aid abattoirs in their pursuit of excellence.

50 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

RESEARCH NEWS

The study collected water samples from three critical points in all of the 62 abattoirs in the Western Cape over a full year: The first sample was obtained from the water entering the abattoir establishment, from sources such as municipal inlets, boreholes, reservoirs or other applicable sources.

1

The second sample was taken from water sources used during the slaughter process in the abattoir production area.

2

The third sample was collected from water sources used for the final carcass wash before the carcasses entered the chillers.

3

Water sample collection.

By measuring parameters such as total aerobic bacterial plate count (APC), total coliform count (TCC), faecal coliform count (FCC), E. coli count and faecal staphylococcal count (FSC), the study provides a comprehensive view of the water’s microbiological profile.

The following five graphs summarise the results of our data collection. Each graph reflects the results of a type of test conducted on three separate samples taken at each abattoir as well as the applicable legal limits.

Figure 1: Aerobic plate count of abattoir water samples.

Aerobic Plate Count of Aba1oir Water Samples 3000 2250 1500 750 0

A1 A4 A7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31 A34 A37 A40 A43 A46 A49 A52 A55 A58 A61 Export Limit (Cfu/ml) Local Limit (Cfu/ml) Aba1oir Inlet Water Sample (Cfu/ml) Aba1oir ProducIon Area Water Sample (Cfu/ml) Final Carcass Wash Water Sample (Cfu/ml)

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

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RESEARCH NEWS

“

The TCC is another indicator of water sanitation.

”

Figure 2: Total coliform count of abattoir water samples.

Total Coliform Count of Aba0oir Water Samples 300 225 150 75 0

A1 A4 A7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31 A34 A37 A40 A43 A46 A49 A52 A55 A58 A61 Export Limit (Cfu/100ml) Local Limit (Cfu/100ml) Aba0oir Inlet Water Sample (Cfu/100ml) Aba0oir ProducJon Area Water Sample (Cfu/100ml) Final Carcass Wash Water Sample (Cfu/100ml)

“

The FCC specifically indicates the risk of waterborne diseases.

”

Figure 3: Faecal coliform count of abattoir water samples.

Faecal Coliform Count of Aba2oir Water Samples

300 225 150 75 0

A1 A4 A7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31 A34 A37 A40 A43 A46 A49 A52 A55 A58 A61 Limit (Cfu/100ml) Aba2oir Inlet Water Sample (Cfu/100ml) Aba2oir ProducHon Area Water Sample (Cfu/100ml) Final Carcass Wash Water Sample (Cfu/100ml)

52 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

RESEARCH NEWS So, what do these results mean?

The APC provides an overall measure of bacterial presence but may not account for slow-growing anaerobic bacteria. While it is not highly specific, it does provide an indication of general water quality and the risk of waterborne diseases. The TCC is another indicator of water sanitation, as coliforms from soil, animal waste or human waste can contaminate the water source. The counts of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and faecal coliforms are included in the TCC. The FCC specifically indicates the risk of waterborne diseases caused by faecal coliforms, which can stem from sources like human sewage, agricultural runoff, storm effluent or inadequate water treatment. E. coli counts high-

light the presence of E. coli bacteria, while the FSC indicates the presence of staphylococci bacteria of faecal origin. Both types of bacteria can lead to severe food and waterborne illnesses.

Upon the identification of any concerns, the abattoirs were notified and assisted in taking immediate corrective actions to ensure improved water quality and meat safety in abattoirs.

By helping the abattoirs understand and reduce microbiological risks, it’s not just a matter of monitoring but actively improving the quality of water and subsequently, the health of our nation.

»

Final carcass wash.

AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 53

RESEARCH NEWS

“

E. coli counts highlight the presence of E. coli bacteria.

”

Figure 4: E. coli count of abattoir water samples.

E. Coli Count of Aba/oir Water Samples 160 120 80 40 0

A1 A4 A7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31 A34 A37 A40 A43 A46 A49 A52 A55 A58 Limit (Cfu/100ml) Aba/oir Inlet Water Sample (Cfu/100ml) Aba/oir ProducIon Area Water Sample (Cfu/100ml) Final Carcass Wash Water Sample (Cfu/100ml)

“

FSC indicates the presence of staphylococci bacteria of faecal origin.

”

Figure 5: Faecal streprococcal count of abattoir water samples.

Faecal Streprococcal Count of Aba2oir Water Samples 300 225 150 75 0

A1 A4 A7 A10 A13 A16 A19 A22 A25 A28 A31 A34 A37 A40 A43 A46 A49 A52 A55 A58 A61 Limit (Cfu/100ml) Aba2oir Inlet Water Sample (Cfu/100ml) Aba2oir ProducHon Area Water Sample (Cfu/100ml) Final Carcass Wash Water Sample (Cfu/100ml)

54 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

RESEARCH NEWS For context, according to the VPN16/201703 standards for Microbiological Monitoring of Water, the acceptable limit for APC in water sources used in export-approved abattoirs is capped at 100 colony-forming units per millilitre (cfu/ml), a standard far stricter than the 1 000 cfu/ml APC limit for

“

The data indicate that there is significant potential for enhancing water quality in our abattoirs.

”

abattoirs catering to the local market set by SANS 241-1:2015 Edition 2 Drinking Water.

This discrepancy sparks an important conversation about ensuring equally stringent standards for all abattoirs, and Veterinary Public Health is engaged in this dialogue and facilitating changes where needed.

While only 25.8% of the abattoirs fully met the required microbiological parameters at all three sampling points, this study’s insight has already resulted in notable improvements as corrective actions were taken. The importance of having access to potable water in abattoirs to ensure the production of safe products is undeniable.

The data indicate there is significant potential for enhancing water quality in our abattoirs, which will inevitably lead to better meat safety and increased product shelflife. With the assistance of Veterinary Public Health, abattoir owners have the support and resources they need to ensure reliable potable water in their operations.

This study and the following interventions are steps towards better water quality assurance, underlining the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s dedication to ensure a future of safe and wholesome food for all South Africans. AP

For more information, contact Dr Micaela A. Hartman:

micaela.hartman@westerncape.gov.za AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023 55

OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

Evapotranspiration. Image © Fisher et al., AGU-2019/NASA.

Evapotranspiration Scheduling

Using FruitLook’s evapotranspiration data to estimate the irrigation needs of crops

by Peter Keuck

C

Considering the impact of climate change on agriculture, along with the continuous growth in population and pressure to produce more food (FAO, 2015), the use of technology from the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), namely artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, drones and other remote sensing tools, are becoming the norm (Du Preez, 2020).

These technologies offer exciting opportunities for the agricultural sector that can the temperature data proi With vided by the TIRS instrument

on Landsat 8, scientists can determine how much water plants are taking up from the ground and ‘sweating’ out.

56 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

improve resource-use efficiency and productivity (Marucci et al., 2017).

Learn more! https://landsat.gsfc.nasa. gov/benefits/agriculturefood-security/

Watch this!

Scan the QR code or visit https://youtu.be/ cbP7XCtL8Is?si=OXZuDmzaa 9MFkuBn to watch the video: ‘BBC Follow the Food Becker Reshef’. Published by NASA Harvest.

OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

Satellite-based remote sensing technologies offer a low-cost and scalable solution for monitoring irrigation water use (Serrat & Herrmann, 2019).

FruitLook is a remote sensing tool specifically designed for the Western Cape agricultural sector, visualised through a web-based portal, www.fruitlook.co.za, that provides near real-time data based on remote sensing.

Water is a critical resource adversely affected by climate change. According to the Smart Agri brief for the deciduous fruit sector (Green Agri, 2023), a high probability of increased warming and reduced winter rainfall is predicted for the western parts of the Western Cape in the future – the regions in which high concentrations of key crops are produced.

Considering the essential requirement of rainfall and irrigation for the successful production of various crop types in the Western Cape, the efficient use of water by primary crop producers becomes a necessity for sustaining food production in an environment that is becoming increasingly complex and ever-changing.

Learn more! www.eleaf.com/services/ agriculture

Watch this!

Scan the QR code or visit https://youtu.be/4CroiJRIOSc?si=oEAhGJz5SmxnnAnq to watch the video: ‘Nevasco Group | Satellite Imagery for precision agriculture’.

Published by eLEAF.

by Dutch company i Developed eLEAF and fully funded by the

Western Cape Department of Agriculture, FruitLook offers farmers, consultants and researchers an overview of the growth, water use and nitrogen status of any crop type. This extra layer of information unlocks the ability of a crop producer to track the effectiveness of their management decisions, thereby supporting them to produce more while using fewer resources.

The FruitLook user base was recently introduced to a new tool named the Water Balance Calculator (WBC). It is based on the water balance approach and allows a FruitLook user to estimate the irrigation needs of a field according to its actual evapotranspiration (ET) data, obtained via FruitLook, soil characteristics and the desired level of water stress. This tool aims to take irrigation monitoring via FruitLook’s remote sensed data to the next level.

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OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

Next is on the horizon i Landsat — with launch planned in 2030,

CASE STUDY The calculator was trialled by long-term FruitLook users before its release and was found to be extremely valuable to determine how much irrigation is sufficient to keep their crops stress-free under changing weather conditions.

Mark Witney, an avocado producer from Loeriestroom Farm in Groot Brak, stated that “the most important part of the WBC is knowing how much water is available for my crop.”

Learn more! https://bluenorth. co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FL-Loeriestroom-Case-Study.pdf

The process of capturing information in the tool is simple, starting with the field details, such as crop, size, soil depth, irrigation efficiency, soil type, plant available water (PAW), initial soil water level (SWL), maximum deficit, Regulated Deficit Irrigation strategy and start date.

Thereafter, the user captures the ET, rainfall and irrigation applied. Based on the information provided, the tool will automatically calculate the current plant-available water, excess water and the recommended amount of irrigation required to replenish the soil profile of the field.

For more information, contact Peter Keuck: 58 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

the new mission will not only ensure continuity of the longest space-based record of Earth’s land surface, it will fundamentally transform the breadth and depth of actionable information freely available to end users.

Learn more! https://www.usgs. gov/landsat-missions/ landsat-next

When considering the irrigation volume recommended by the WBC, the user is urged to keep in mind that the result is subject to the reliability of the inputs provided and that FruitLook’s data is updated weekly (near-real time).

Besides the calculator, FruitLook offers crop growers an overview of their irrigation decisions today, so they can make choices that will ensure a more efficient tomorrow.

Are you interested in learning more about FruitLook or the Water Balance Calculator?

Contact the FruitLook Team at info@fruitlook. co.za or send a WhatsApp to 066 212 2211. AP

Learn more! www.fruitlook.co.za

peter.keuck@westerncape.gov.za

OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

ARE YOU KILLING YOUR LIVESTOCK?

by Dr Samantha Adey and Dr Cathy Fox

K

Karoo plants that are poisonous to livestock have plagued farmers for centuries.

In South Africa in 1775, nenta poisoning was first recognised as a disease entity in small livestock. It was later proven to be caused by plants from the genus Tylecodon (common name: nenta).

Tylecodon wallichii. Photo © Abu Shawka

The most infamous of the poisonous plants in the Klein Karoo are the nentas/ kandelaarsbos and the plakkies. These include Tylecodon ventricosus (stone nenta), Tylecodon wallichii (krimpsiekkandelaar, which is also toxic to bird species) and Cotyledon species (commonly known as pigs ears or plakkies). Poisoning by bufadienolides (the toxic components in the plants) can be either acute or chronic, depending on whether there is a cumulative effect or not.

!

Members from three plant families are responsible for the majority of livestock poisoning cases in the Little Karoo. These are Crassulaceae (plakkies and nentas), Iridaceae (irises) and Colchicaceae (poison onion, chincherinchee). They contain alkaloids in their leaves, bulbs and flowers, and this is the source of their toxicity to livestock.

Most of these plants occur abundantly in overstocked and overgrazed veld.

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OUR NATURAL RESOURCES Acute poisoning occurs when hungry animals consume large quantities of plant material. This affects the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and nervous systems, and leads to death within one to three days or to recovery within a few days. Affected animals can be visibly sick – they lie down or are obviously in pain, and in both cases, there are signs of bloating.

They exhibit salivation, lodging of food in the back of the throat and dribbling saliva.

Chronic (cumulative) poisoning, known as krimpsiekte, is more common and is also caused by the bufadienolides. Here the nervous system is mostly affected. Initially the animals swell up (opblaas) and display the characteristic pose of the feet together and back arched. The affected animals lie down frequently and develop paralysis.

Goats often do not exhibit symptoms until they are driven or disturbed. Poisoned animals tire easily and get left behind.

Symptoms of poisoning include shivering, staggering, muscular twitching, trembling of the lips, and in some cases, convulsions.

Animals dribble saliva, breathe rapidly and food may collect in the mouth, as they are unable to chew or swallow. Animals may die within a few days, but some recover if left undisturbed for some time. Poisoning can lead to abortions in pregnant ewes.

Cotyledon species near Oudtshoorn.

Recommended treatment includes 2g activated charcoal per kg body weight, mixed with water and stomach tubed. This is essential as the animals cannot swallow. The excessive stress caused by restraining and dosing the animal might induce fatal cardiac disturbances. After dosing, animals must be kept calm and rested in the shade, in a kraal or small paddock to minimise any further stress.

Cotyledon species in flower.

Illustration of Tylecodon ventricosus.

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OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

Pig's ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) flower.

Photo © JJ Harrison

Prevention of poisoning is more effective, and this is done by transferring stock to camps that are free of nenta and plakkies, and by eradicating the plants from the camps. Supplementary feeding during droughts will help ensure that animals consume fewer plakkies. Nentas and plakkies are symptoms of heavily grazed and overgrazed veld, so grazing system management is key to reducing the number of plants in camps.

Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ears), a common plakkie in the Klein Karoo region, has resulted in the fatal poisoning of ostriches in the Oudtshoorn area. Of the 90 ostriches in the camp, 25 died after eating the leaves of Cotyledon orbiculata. The birds died within five days of eating the plant.

The most common poisonous plant of the Iridaceae family is Morea polystachya, known colloquially as blue/poison morea, bloutulp and kraai-uintjie. The plant is 80cm high, with clusters of blue and yellow flowers on the tips of the branches. It typically flowers from March to May and occurs abundantly in overgrazed or poor condition veld. It is widespread throughout the country. Poisoning by Morea spp. and slangkop

Karoo blue tulip (Morea polystachya) flower.

(Drimia spp.) is usually acute intoxication as these species contain non-accumulative bufadienolides, so chronic poisoning does not occur. Drimia spp. more commonly occur in the northern parts of South Africa. AP

Chincherinchee (Ornithogalum spp.) poisoning can occur in many species, including people.

Ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, convulsions and death. Poisoning in cattle also causes blindness.

The key to preventing poisoning of livestock by toxic plants is veld management and supplementary feeding during dry conditions.

For more information, contact Dr Samantha Adey: or Dr Cathy Fox: cathy.fox@westerncape.gov.za

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ELSENBURG

JOURNAL Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

Does shearing feedlot lambs improve profitability?

Pieter G. Theron & Tertius S. Brand

How high pathogenicity avian influenza evolved in wild birds in Southern Africa from 2017-2018 Belinda M. Peyrot

20| |No No13| 2022 | 2023 62 AgriProbe Vol 19

ELSENBURG JOURNAL

Does shearing feedlot lambs improve profitability?

Pieter G. Theron1 and T.S. Brand1,2 Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.

Directorate: Animal Sciences, Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa.

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In traditional wool producing systems shearing is one of the most important actions to take place on-farm and therefore the timing and frequency thereof is regarded as a critically important part of the management program. As such, shearing programs are set up to allow for the production of as much wool of the desired quality as possible within a shearing cycle.

Contrastingly, in feedlots where the focus is exclusively on meat production, shearing is often regarded merely as an easy way to increase feedlot income. Sheep are shorn shortly before slaughter and the wool sold to help cover the running costs of the feedlot (Van der Merwe, 2020). This practice does not take into account the age of the animals or quality of wool produced.

Since feedlots generally operate on very small margins, questions have been raised as to whether shearing practices could be adapted to help improve profitability.

Shearing an animal places it under considerable stress (Elvidge & Coop, 1974; Carcangiu et al., 2008; Sanger et al., 2011) which could lead to the alteration of certain physiological processes in the animal (Wodzicka-Tomaszewska, 1963; Carcangiu et al., 2008; Aleksiev, 2011; Alqaisi et al., 2020) or physical actions taken by the animal (Wodzicka-Tomaszewska, 1963; Minson & Ternouth, 1971; Avondo et al., 2000). This post-shearing stress is mainly due to the challenges faced by shorn sheep in adapting to their thermal environment. Sheep are able to adapt to

a wide range of thermal conditions due to the insulating properties of their fleeces, which creates a microclimate next to the skin (Aleksiev, 2008). Shearing of sheep is therefore always accompanied by some degree of thermal stress, regardless of the season (Wodzicka-Tomaszewska, 1963; Aleksiev, 2008). Once the fleece is no longer available to help regulate homeostasis in the sheep by controlling body temperature, other physiological and biochemical pathways are triggered to maintain a homeostatic balance (Aleksiev, 2011). The upregulation of these homeostatic pathways will increase the energy expenditure of the animal (Minson & Ternouth, 1971). The increased energy demands of the sheep can be fulfilled either by bodily reserves or by an external energy source (feed). This means that animals will either have increased feed requirements (Elvidge & Coop, 1974) or use body reserves (Wodzicka-Tomaszewska, 1963).

Generally studies have found that shearing increases feed intake in sheep. WodzickaTomaszewska (1963) found that two-tooth Romney wethers with ad libitum access to feed increased their digestible dry matter intake by approximately 50% after being shorn in winter. Another study showed that ewes grazing on cereal stubbles at the end of summer increased their dry matter intake when shorn (Avondo et al., 2000). A US study found that shearing feedlot lambs increased their feed intake over the finishing period (Lane & Kemp,

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1990), while Çam et al. (2007) determined that shorn ram lambs increased their feed intake in winter. The same results were obtained by Keady & Hanrahan (2015) on crossbred Suffolk lambs during winter.

However, two studies done by Aleksiev (2008, 2011) found that shearing did not increase feed intake in lactating ewes.

The fact that both of these studies were done on lactating ewes may however have influenced the outcomes. Dabiri et al.

(1996) also reported that shearing did not increase intake in pregnant ewes. In this study intake may have been limited by the foetuses taking up space in the abdomen of the ewes. Mixed results were obtained in an Australian study when Merino wethers (initial weight ~ 41kg) were fed three different types of hay. These animals had eight months’ wool growth and were therefore older than average South African feedlot lambs. When compared to unshorn animals, shorn animals had a lower intake of lucerne hay, a higher intake of pangola hay and no difference in intake was found

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for setaria hay (Minson & Ternouth, 1971).

The authors concluded that the intake of poor-quality hay (pangola) could increase as a result of shearing.

Increasing feed intake without also improving growth rate would not be favourable in a feedlot situation and would in fact decrease profitability through higher feed costs. In the study of Çam et al. (2007), eight month old rams displayed increased growth rates after shearing during winter. However, no increase in ADG was displayed by the crossbred Suffolk lambs (initial weight 39kg) used in the study of Keady & Hanrahan (2015), while Lane & Kemp (1990) also reported no improvement in ADG for crossbred wethers (initial weight ~35kg) shorn in summer. Both of these studies therefore showed a decline in FCR (increase in FCR figures) of feedlot lambs after shearing.

Since shearing places sheep under thermal stress, the environmental temperature also plays a role in determining the response of the animal to shearing. Elvidge & Coop

ELSENBURG JOURNAL (1974) found that, at 17⁰C, shorn sheep had an 18% increase in feed requirement when housed and 24% when exposed, when compared to unshorn sheep. At 7-10⁰C that increased to 46% when housed and 76-78% when exposed. Eight-month old rams were also found to increase their feed intake when shorn at an average temperature of 5.4⁰C (Çam et al., 2007). A study done in Ireland during winter concurs with these findings (Keady & Hanrahan, 2015) as does one performed in New Zealand (Wodzicka-Tomaszewska, 1963) It can therefore safely be assumed that shearing lambs during winter will increase their feed intake although no significant benefit in terms of growth rate or feed conversion will accompany this increase since the additional energy is used for homeostatic maintenance and not production (Aleksiev, 2011).

Exposing sheep to high ambient temperatures may lead to a decrease in feed intake and thus inhibit growth (Dikmen et al., 2011). Shearing lambs during warmer periods could therefore help to alleviate symptoms of heat stress (Herrig et al., 2006; Dikmen et al., 2011). Herrig et al. (2006) found that shearing lambs during summer improved ADG, although there were possible confounding factors that could have influenced the outcome of this study. Feed intake and FCR were not considered in this study. Contrastingly, Lane & Kemp (1990) found that shearing feedlot lambs in hot weather increased

feed intake without increasing growth rate.

It then seems reasonable to assume that feedlot lambs should not be shorn in winter as this will only lead to the animals consuming more feed without simultaneously improving growth. At higher ambient temperatures, such as will occur during summer, the answer is not so clear. Since shearing still causes stress, even though the thermal shock will not be as great as in winter, animals will not necessarily show improved growth after shearing. A suggestion would be to avoid shearing as long as the environmental temperature is below the upper critical temperature (UCT) for sheep. The UCT for sheep has been set as 34⁰C for hair sheep and between 30 and 32⁰C for wool sheep (do Prado Paim et al., 2013). If animals are only shorn when temperatures rise above these limits, excessive heat stress which could lead to depressed feed intake should be avoided while no unnecessary stress due to non-essential shearing will occur either.

Considering the available studies on the subject, two main conclusions can be made.

Firstly, it appears that shearing lambs or two-tooth sheep, such as would ordinarily be found in feedlots, leads to increased feed intake by the animals (WodzickaTomaszewska, 1963; Lane & Kemp, 1990; Çam et al., 2007; Keady & Hanrahan, 2015).

Secondly, in studies conducted on slaughter lambs, growth rates were not significantly improved by shearing the lambs prior to

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ELSENBURG JOURNAL admittance to the feedlot even though feed intake increased (Lane & Kemp, 1990; Keady & Hanrahan, 2015). This means that the FCR of these lambs declined, making it less profitable to finish them off in a feedlot. It is possible that older sheep would display improved growth rates due to the increased feed intake associated with shearing (Çam et al., 2007), but this would not benefit feedlotters as mature animals have unfavourable growth rates when compared to lambs and will be less profitable to round off.

It therefore appears that, based on

current knowledge, there is little benefit to be gained in production terms from shearing feedlot lambs prior to rounding them off. Shearing per se may decrease profitability by increasing feed costs. Thus, the choice of if and when to shear feedlot lambs should be dependent on whether the wool-on hides or wool clip and shorn hides will provide the most income to the feedlotter. Due to fluctuations in feed costs and wool and hide prices, this will not be a static decision but will be dependent on the market circumstances at any given time. AP

References Aleksiev, Y. 2008. Effects of shearing on feed intake and milk yield in TSIGAI ewes. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science 14, 87-92.

Aleksiev, Y. 2011. Feed intake and milk yield responses to shearing in Pleven Blackhead sheep with different levels of production. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science 17, 673-679.

Alqaisi, O., Al-Jazmi, F., Al-Abri, M., Al Kalaldeh, M., Al- Sabahi, J., & Al-Marzooqi, W. 2020. Effect of diet quality and shearing on feed and water intake, in vitro ruminal methane production, and blood parameters of Omani sheep. Tropical Animal Health and Production 52, 1115–1124 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-019-02108-5.

Avondo, M., Bordonaro, S., Marletta, D., Guastella, A. M., & D’Urso, G. 2000. Effects of shearing and supplemental level on intake of dry ewes grazing on barley stubble. Small Ruminant Research 38, 237–241 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4488(00)00159-0.

Çam, M. A., Olfaz, M., & Garipoglu, A. V. 2007. Shearing male lambs in the cold season improves the carcass yield without affecting fattening performance. Animal Science Journal 78, 259–265 https:// doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-0929.2007.00433.x.

Carcangiu, V., Vacca, G. M., Parmeggiani, A., Mura, M. C., Pazzola, M., Dettori, M. L., & Bini, P. P. 2008. The effect of shearing procedures on blood levels of growth hormone, cortisol and other stress haematochemical parameters in Sarda sheep. Animal 2, 606–612 https://doi.org/10.1017/ S1751731108001651.

Dabiri, N., Morris, S. T., Wallentine, M., McCutcheon, S. N., Parker, W. J., & Wickham, G. A. 1996. Effects of pre-lamb shearing on feed intake and associated productivity of May- and August-lambing ewes. New

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ELSENBURG JOURNAL Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 39, 53–62 https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.1996.9513162.

Dikmen, S., Orman, A., & Ustuner, H. 2011. The effect of shearing in a hot environment on some welfare indicators in Awassi lambs. Tropical Animal Health and Production 43, 1327–1335 https://doi. org/10.1007/s11250-011-9859-4.

do Prado Paim, T., Borges, B. O., de Mello Tavares Lima, P., Gomes, E. F., Dallago, B. S. L., Fadel, R., de Menezes, A. M., Louvandini, H., Canozzi, M. E. A., Barcellos, J. O. J., & McManus, C. 2013. Thermographic evaluation of climatic conditions on lambs from different genetic groups. International Journal of Biometeorology 57, 59-66 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-012-0533-y.

Elvidge, D. G., & Coop, I. E. 1974. Effect of shearing on feed requirements of sheep. New Zealand Journal of Experimental Agriculture 2, 397-402 https://doi.org/10.1080/03015521.1974.10427703.

Herrig, J. J., Holt, S. M., & Daniel, J. 2006. Shearing Lambs Improves Growth Performance During Periods with Elevated Thermal Load. Pages 2006-2013 in Animal Science Field Day Proceedings and Research Reports.

Keady, T. W. J., & Hanrahan, J. P. 2015. Effects of shearing, forage type and feed value, concentrate feed level, and protein concentration on the performance of housed finishing lambs. Journal of Animal Science 93, 306-318 https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2014-7794.

Lane, S. F., & Kemp, R. A. 1990. The Effects of Shearing and Ralgro Implants on Feedlot Performance of Lambs During the Summer. Canadian Journal of Animal Science 70, 743–750 https://doi.org/10.4141/ cjas90-093.

Minson, D. J., & Ternouth, J. H. 1971. The expected and observed changes in the intake of three hays by sheep after shearing. Br. J. Nutr. 26, 31-39 https://doi.org/10.1079/bjn19710006.

Sanger, M. E., Doyle, R. E., Hinch, G. N., & Lee, C. 2011. Sheep exhibit a positive judgement bias and stress-induced hyperthermia following shearing. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 131, 94-103 https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2011.02.001.

Van der Merwe, D. A. 2020. Modelling the growth, feed intake and backfat deposition of different South African sheep breed types. Thesis (PhD Agr), Stellenbosch University. 2020. 178.

Wodzicka-Tomaszewska, M. 1963. The Effect of Shearing on the Appetite of the Sheep. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 6, 440-447 https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.1963.10423286.

For more information, contact Prof. Tertius Brand:

tertius.brand@westerncape.gov.za

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Located in the quaint coastal town of Betty’s Bay in the Overberg, the Stony Point Nature Reserve is home to a unique colony of African Penguins.

Photo © lkpro

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How high pathogenicity avian influenza evolved in wild birds in Southern Africa from 2017-2018 Belinda M. Peyrot1 1 Veterinary Services, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg, 7607, South Africa

READ THE FULL ARTICLE Peyrot BM, Abolnik C, Anthony T, Roberts LC. Evolutionary dynamics of the clade 2.3.4.4B H5N8 high-pathogenicity avian influenza outbreaks in coastal seabirds and other species in southern Africa from 2017 to 2019. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2022 Nov;69(6):3749-3760. doi: 10.1111/tbed.14744. Epub 2022 Nov 1. PMID: 36268570 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tbed.14744

In December 2017, large numbers of sick and dead swift terns (geelbek sterretjies) were reported along the southwestern coastline of South Africa. Clinical signs included diarrhoea, corneal oedema, weakness and incoordination, circling and/or the inability to fly, and other neurological signs. Laboratory testing confirmed H5N8 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) infections. Previously the only other record of similar mass mortalities in coastal seabirds occurred in 1961. In that year another high pathogenicity avian influenza virus killed common terns (gewone sterretjies) along the Southern

African coastline from Lambert’s Bay to Gqeberha. It was time to investigate why this phenomenon re-occurred in 2017.

HPAI viruses are spread over long distances in asymptomatic infections of migratory birds. Between November 2016 and January 2017, outbreaks of H5N8 HPAI viruses from Europe, the Middle East or Central and South Asia were introduced to wild birds and poultry in Egypt, Tunisia and Nigeria, followed by Niger, Cameroon and Uganda before reaching the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April 2017. In May 2017, H5N8 broke out on a commercial poultry farm near

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ELSENBURG JOURNAL

Greater crested tern (Thalasseus bergii), also called crested tern or swift tern.

Photo © Glen Fergus 70 AgriProbe Vol 20 | No 3 | 2023

ELSENBURG JOURNAL

African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), also known as the jackass penguin and black-footed penguin, is a species of penguin confined to southern African waters. Photo © lkpro

Harare, Zimbabwe, and a month later the first poultry outbreaks were reported at Villiers and Standerton in South Africa. These were the first reported cases of these viruses south of the tropic of Capricorn, disseminated via movements of afro-tropical waterfowl.

The South African epidemic was characterised by two genetically distinct virus clusters. The first spanned regions of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces and comprised four different genotypes.

The second, larger southern cluster affected the Western (most severely affected) and Eastern Cape provinces with outbreaks from August to October 2017. More than 70% of the layer hen population was culled. Many wild birds found inland were also affected. All the outbreaks in this southern cluster were caused by only one genotype.

By early 2018, these viruses had caused mass die-offs of coastal seabirds along the southern coastline of South Africa. By May

2018, an estimated 7 415 birds of 15 species including African oystercatchers (swarttobie), African penguins (brilpikkewyne), Cape cormorants (trekduiker) crowned cormorants (kuifkopduiker), common terns, sandwich terns (grootsterretjies), swift terns and Hartlaub’s gulls (Hartlaubse meeue) probably succumbed to HPAI. Terns especially were affected, but high mortalities in endangered species like the African penguin caused international concern.

Coastal seabirds and a single jackal buzzard (rooiborsjakkalsvoël) that became moribund or died on beaches or at breeding colonies between the Olifants River estuary and Gqeberha were collected by members of the public, managing conservation authorities, rehabilitation centres and Veterinary Services. Samples from the birds were screened for the presence of HPAI virus. Viruses from 25 of these samples were included in this study.

RNA extracted from each virus was submitted to the Stellenbosch University for

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Photo © JJ Harrison

genetic sequencing. Gene sequences and reference sequences from publicly available collections of sequences were compared.

Phylogenetic analysis software was used to determine the timeline of how the viruses evolved.

The molecular data available from other researchers showed that West Africa was the source of the Southern African H5N8 outbreaks in 2017. Additionally, the Zimbabwean virus detected only a month before the South African event started, was closely related to, but not a direct source of, the South African viruses.

The coastal seabird viruses, a subgroup of the southern virus cluster, likely originated

from a single introduction to seabirds by terrestrial birds around October 2017. These viruses were only detected in coastal seabirds from the beginning of 2018, but they were the same genotype as the poultry viruses.

H5N8 HPAI virus-linked mortalities in Namibian penguins exactly a year after the SA event were unexpected. Analyses showed that the South African coastal seabird strains were the source of the Namibian outbreaks.

Dates derived from viral sequence analyses can be used to unravel the complex movements of wild birds.

Surveillance and reporting efforts for HPAI virus infections in wild birds should be expanded and intensified. AP

References Abolnik, 2019, Outbreaks of Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2018 in the northern regions of South Africa were unrelated to those of 2017. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 67,3. https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13448 Fusaro et al, 2019, Disentangling the role of Africa in the global spread of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza. Nature Communications 10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-13287-y

For more information, contact Belinda M. Peyrot:

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belinda.peyrot@westerncape.gov.za

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