Farmers Review Africa March/April 2017

Volume 3. Issue 8. March - April 2017

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017 May 16-19

PREVIEW SUPPLEMENT

PAGE 17 - 34

The 3.0 V6 Amarok will be waiting for you at Volkswagen's stand, number 144, at NAMPO 2017. page 26

t Please visi te si b e w the

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rica

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ZIMBABWE THE ONCE BREAD BASKET OF AFRICA. P37

CATCHING UP WITH HIGH-FREQUENCY TRADING. P46

Contents 18

37

64

News

Events

6 Uncertainty in South African credit ratings downgrades

18 imagery from NAMPO

Market Info

New Product & Services

40 AFGRI acquires banking capability Bank of Athens

40 New trigger gun for high-pressure cleaners

Tech & Innovation

Cropping

66 John Deere launches real-time monitoring app

60 Producing more with less

Livestock

Country Focus

55 What’s more important.... time or money

37 Zimbabwe the once bread basket of Africa

24

46 March - April 2017

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

68 www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Volume 3. Issue 8. March - April 2017 C A R ME R S

RE VI E W AF RI CA

I S S UE

8

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017 May 16-19

PREVIEW SUPPLEMENT

FARMERS

Please visit the website

REVIEW AFRICA

HARNESSING GENE EDITING TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE. P13

Editors note

PAGE 17 - 33

a

farmersreviewafric .com

CATCHING UP WITH HIGH-FREQUENCY TRADING. P44

ZIMBABWE THE ONCE BREAD BASKET OF AFRICA. P35

We would like to welcome or readers to March/April issue of Farmers

Front cover :

Review Africa in the year 2017, We at Farmers Review Africa are

The 3.0 V6 Amarok Courtesy of Volkswagen Of South Africa

feeling proud to always give you enlightening news and insights on the agricultural sector.

Executive Editor

In its pages, you'll nd information on products, services, equipment

Lee Daniels

and trends and technology in the sector, in addition to an extensive

lee.daniels@farmersreviewafrica.com

preview of NAMPO Harvest Day.

Writers

e annual NAMPO Harvest Festival has become the biggest

Bertha M.

agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere and organisers

Maxin Fourie

expect more than 70 000 visitors over the four days of the exhibit. It

Advertising Executive

will take place in Bothaville, South Africa from the 16th-19th of May

Russou Billiard

2017.

russoub@farmersreviewafrica.com

In our country focus, we take a look at the Zimbabwean agricultural

Cleopas M.

economy which was once the bread basket of Africa but due to land

cleopasm@farmersreviewafrica.com

reform policies, drought, oods and the recent army wormy invasions,

Mkhululi K.

the nation has failed to feed its populace.

info@farmersreviewafrica.com

Harvesting of the 2017 cereal crops is expected to commence in April,

Project Manager

with the bulk of the maize crop to be harvested in May and June.

Victor Ndlovu

Early production forecasts for maize point to a strong rebound from

sales@farmersreviewafrica.com

last year's reduced output. e more positive outlook this season

Correspondents

mostly re ects wetter conditions, which are predicted to continue

Deward Sitali dewards@farmersreviewafrica.com zambia@farmersreviewafrica.com +260 96 187 4888 Himanot Kelemu

until harvesting.

On technology and innovation, John Deree has revolutionised the sector through the introduction of new Connect Mobile App with the aim of helping growers monitor, adjust and learn from the performance of their planter or sprayer while it moves through the

eastafrica@farmersreviewafrica.com Sales professor@farmersreviewafrica.com Graphic Design & Layout

eld.

When it comes to producing high-quality milk, clean milking equipment is a crucial part to achieving this goal, and we give an insight on how to clean milking equipment.

Que Gibson

Farming is evolving faster than any of us realize, with farmers solidly

gibson.q@farmersreviewafrica.com

in charge. To see how, just read the stories our latest issue and apply

Published by

their messages to an entire industry.

Mailing Times Media +27 11 044 8986

Bertha M.

sales@farmersreviewafrica.com

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Mailing Times Media (Pty) Ltd makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made as to such accuracy and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by Mailing Times Media (Pty) Ltd

[5]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

News

Uncertainty in South African credit ratings downgrades Downgrading will also have regional impact, says Agri SA. “e full impact of the South African credit ratings downgrades is still uncertain but it will be short-sighted not to expect that it will have an impact on our region and that it will most certainly also be felt by our neighbours especially in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)”, says Johannes Möller, president of Agri SA. He said that South Africa was in the past oen viewed as the gateway to Africa in terms of investment and logistics, whilst also being a major trading partner for many of these countries.

“On the investment front, the country's downgrading and also those of major local banks will most certainly not be conducive towards obtaining international funds for on lending into Africa nor can expansion of the banks into Africa be expected”, says Möller.

“Local interest rates also seem likely to March - April 2017

increase which will aggravate this situation”, he added.

He said that if the economy is to move into a recession, which seems likely, it will lead to a reduced demand for imports in general and equally so for our neighbours. “Livestock imports is a case in point as it is general knowledge that meat consumption is directly correlated to economic performance in South Africa; if we were to move into a recession the impact on our neighbours, some of them being heavily reliant on South Africa for these kinds of exports, is obvious.

In the customs union (SACU) reduced imports will also impact negatively on the customs pool – a major source of income for the BLNS countries. A depreciated Rand is also, despite its normal quality of supporting exports, not going to save the day for the region”.

Möller says that infrastructure in our country

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

is for the most part of it in a dilapidated state likewise that needed for proper interconnection in our region. Our scal space to deal with these matters will, as a result of the downgrades, become further cramped not only because of the general impact on the economy but also as a result of higher interest rates crowding out funds availability for capital expenditure by government.”

“It is clear that the full impact of the downgrades will also be felt outside of our own borders. Not only is the current situation deserved of focused attention by the social partners inside South Africa but members of especially SADC should also, in their own interest, contemplate joint solutions to deal with this situation”, Möller said. “We trust that the government and speci cally also president Zuma will take the lead in devising plans to restore the dignity of our country also in the interest of the region.” www.farmersreviewafrica.com

News

Ms Phiri

Dangote will be the largest exporter of rice in 5 years to come - AFDB President Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African

and processing rice in Nigeria. I said yippee! I

the Federal government to revive agriculture as

Development Bank (AfDB), says billionaire

went home, I told my wife, my best day as

the mainstay of the economy, and reduce

businessman, Aliko Dangote, may become the

minister,” he said.

importation of foods that could be produced

largest exporter of rice in the world by 2021.

“He comes back three months aer that, he

locally.

Speaking at the Mo Ibrahim Forum in Morocco

says I have changed my mind, I said 'what in

He lamented that Nigeria consumes 6.5 Mtn of

over the weekend, Adesina said Africa must

the world happened?' He said no, I have

rice which costs the nation over 2 billion dollars

focus on agriculture to drive growth and create

changed my mind from $300 million to a

annually pointing out that it is heartening that

jobs on the continent.

billion dollars.

the government now has policy direction that

“I remember when I was minister of

“If they continue that policy, he would

Agriculture in Nigeria. Aliko Dangote was

probably be the single largest producer of rice

encourages private sector's active participation in agriculture.

there, and he was our biggest importer at the

in the world, in about four years. e reason

He disclosed then that “In the next three years

time, and he and I used to have all the time to

why I was so excited about that is that

we want to produce one million tons of quality

dialogue,” Adesina said.

“One day, I was in my office, about 10 O'clock, Aliko walks in, Ngozi was minister of nance.

agriculture is cool, agriculture is a

rice and make it available and affordable to the

business…agriculture pays.”

people. We hope to do 150, 000 ha and when we

Adesina was named Forbes Africa Person of

Aliko bangs on my door and said 'minister I

the Year 2013, while Dangote won the same

came to see you', and I said 'what are we going

award in 2014.

to disagree on this time?'

“Dangote Rice outgrowers scheme is committed

It would be recalled that a tripartite agreement

“He said no, I have actually looked at the

put together by the Dangote Rice limited to

policies, and the policies you put in place for

create jobs for 16,000 outgrower rice farmers

import substitution are very right policies. So, I

in Sokoto was recently signed with the Sokoto

have changed my business model from being

State government and rice growers in the

an importer to being a local producer.”

country aer which he launched the rice

Adesina narrated the role Dangote played in his happiest day as a minister in Nigeria.

“I said what exactly are you going to do. He said I will put in $300 million into producing www.farmersreviewafrica.com

are done, Nigeria will not have anything to do with importation of rice.

outgrowers scheme in Sokoto.

Aliko Dangote , the Chairman of Dangote Rice Limited, Asaid he was moved to go into rice cultivation because of the genuine interest of

[7]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

to creating signi cant number of jobs, increasing the incomes of smallholders farmers and ensuring food security in the country by providing high quality seeds, fertilizers and agro-chemicals as well as technical assistance on best agricultural practice to farmers. “is Scheme will help to diversify the economy, alleviate poverty and reduce the nation's import bill. e scheme has been designed as a one stop solution for the rice value chain," Dangote stated.

March - April 2017

News

Africa’s food security challenges driving technological innovation Climate change, severe drought, water scarcity and the invasion of Fall armyworm sees Africa's food security under threat, but technology tools are available to help solve the continent's food security problems.

Lawrence Kandaswami, Managing Director, SAP South Africa says: "Smart farming solutions will become the cornerstone of global food production over the next decade.

By using cloud-based computing, big data, analytics, and IoT devices, and bringing together key industry players, we are able to deliver new innovations across the entire agricultural ecosystem to boost food production in a sustainable manner."

Africa faces enormous challenges to food security In 1950 Africa's population of 229 million people accounted for just 9% of the world's population. In 2015, less than three generations later, Africa's 1.16 billion people March - April 2017

account for 16% of the globe's 7.3 billion people. By 2050, Africa's population will have more than doubled to 2.4 billion people. In addition, two-thirds of Africa is arid or semi-arid, and 38% of people in subSaharan Africa live in a water-scarce environment.

caterpillar that eats crops before turning into a moth. e Fall armyworm outbreak could not have come at a worse time for Southern Africa, as the region has also recorded two years of record drought that has already affected more than 40 million people and reduced food supply by 15%.

"is creates enormous challenges in terms of food security. In fact, the Africa Union Commission recently highlighted the fact that, at current growth rates, by 2050 Africa will only be able to feed 13% of its population with its own resources. ere is an urgent need for a radical overhaul of agriculture and food production on the continent."

"e sheer speed and scale of the infestation are likely unprecedented. According to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, it took only eight weeks for the pest to spread to six African countries where there are suspected infestations, namely South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, and Mozambique. And since it targets maize a primary food staple in many of the affected areas - the region's food security has been put at tremendous risk."

Adapting modern tech to rural Africa According to Kandaswami, crop production in

Battling a plague of Fall armyworms African farmers are currently battling a plague of Fall armyworms, a type of

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

News Africa is greatly dependent on a large number of small-scale or subsistence farmers, for whom access to technology can be problematic. "However, we have shown how modern tech can be adapted to the rural African farming context with great success.

Ghana's StarShea scheme, for example, connected over 3,000 women farmers to the global Shea nut supply chain using soware combined with simple feature phones. is enabled buyers to procure directly from small-scale farmers in economic quantities while the farmers saw their incomes increase by as much as 60% in six months."

moisture content, humidity data, seed type, hours of sunshine and forecast weather. e ability to store and process this amount of historic data and to build complex models that optimise the relationships between these factors helps to improve yields while minimising input costs."

Precision farming the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture For Kandaswami, precision farming will be the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture.

"Precision Farming is the only lasting and

effective way to feed an African population that will require food production to increase by 200% in 2050. With Zero Hunger being the second goal of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that were adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit 2015, the responsibility rests on all of us to ensure Africa is able to feed its growing population in the years and decades to come. rough the use of technology driven by a digital transformation imperative, we are con dent that the continent's food security can be secured for the generation to come."

SAP's Smart Farming solutions are built on a number of key technologies, including the S/4HANA Cloud Platform, big data analytics, IoT (especially mobility and telematics) and applications that provide the capabilities required to drive more efficient and effective agriculture. "ere is a huge volume of data across the agricultural value chain. Collecting and processing this data in our in-memory platform and making the key insights available in a cloud-based model makes it possible to deliver greater value, increase production, reduce risks and lower costs. is opens the door to a wide range of soware applications: for example, we are able to calculate the optimal fertiliser quantities for an area based on soil type,

fertiliser.advisory@sugar.org.za

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

www.sasa.org.za/sasri

[9]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

News

African governments must prioritize agriculture to drive inclusive economic growth & development Governments across Africa, private sector actors, donors and development partners were today urged to step up efforts to accelerate Africa's path to prosperity, inclusive growth and de cent j obs cre at ion by moving f rom agricultural commitments to action. e call was made at the official unveiling of Côte d'Ivoire as the host of this year's African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), hailed as premier continental agriculture gathering, to be held on 4-8 September 2017. e west African nation, a leading agricultural powerhouse and a hub of expertise in improving smallholder farming, will be the rst francophone African country to host the annual Forum.

Chosen for its leadership in placing agriculture

March - April 2017

at the heart of its economic transformation, Côte d'Ivoire is among a few select African countries that have made the biggest investments in agriculture resulting in sizeable increases in both farm productivity and overall economic performance. ese countries provide a shining example of agriculture's potential to turnaround the continent's economic fortunes.

Under the leadership of His Excellence President Alassane Dramane Ouattara, the AGRF 2017 will focus on Accelerating Africa's Path to Prosperity: Growing Economies and Jobs through African Agriculture.

Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Côte

[10]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

d'Ivoire, emphasised his country's commitment to continually improve the agricultural sector which is key to its economic development.

"Five years of signi cant investments through the National Agricultural Investment Plan have enabled the country to empower farmers and place them at the heart of Côte d'Ivoire's economic transformation. e rst phase of the NAIP contributed to a signi cant boost in our agricultural production, with more than 17 million tons of food crops in 2015 compared to 11,886 million? Tons in 2012. We are delighted to see that our efforts are being recognized internationally. We are con dent that Phase 2 of the NIP, based on a more integrated approach that includes water resources management, health, electricity and education, will help to li

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

News farmers out of poverty and further stimulate our economy. Côte d'Ivoire is committed to developing its agricultural economy, this needs to be consolidated. " Agriculture is the backbone of Côte d'Ivoire's economy and its robust growth is driven by sustained investment in agriculture and smallholder farmers. e sector contributes 26 percent of GDP, 40 percent of all export revenue, close 75 percent of non-oil export revenue and employs close to 60 percent of the population. e 2016-2020 National Development Plan (PND) aimed at guiding the country into emerging nation status by 2020, considers agriculture as a key pillar and speci cally calls for an increase in agricultural output.

Speaking at the launch event in Abidjan, Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), said "Agriculture is now back at the top of Africa's development agenda as an economic driver for inclusive and sustainable development. Aer Seizing the Moment at AGRF 2016 and securing political, policy, and nancial commitments of more than $30 billion. As agriculture is the surest path to Africa's prosperity, we now need to harness this

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

surge of support for agriculture and ensure it creates decent jobs and drives economic growth across the continent."

Similar sentiments were echoed by the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina. Highlighting the Bank's prioritization of the agriculture sector against its $24 billion Feed Africa strategy, Adesina s aid "AGRF 2017 will br ing toget her stakeholders in the African agricultural landscape to share lessons on countering the challenges being experienced in the

agricultural sector across the African continent. e forum, expected to host African Heads of State, ministers, farmer organizations, private agribusinesses, nancial institutions, researchers, development partners, and implementing organizations, will provide a platform where delegates can discuss and advance policies, programmes, and scalable investments for the enhancement of agricultural transformation and food security. rough its Feed Africa Strategy, the African development Bank will raise its nancing of agriculture to over USD24 billion in the next 10 years"

· Stronger political leadership and increased spending on agriculture required for Africa's economic transformation · Côte d'Ivoire to host the Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) 2017, a high level continental Forum. Smallholder farmers as agribusiness game changers expected to top discussions

[11]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

News

New Farm Africa project to boost orange-fleshed sweet potato production in Uganda Farm Africa has received a grant from the Ajahma Charitable Trust to develop the production, storage and marketing of orangeeshed sweet potatoes in the Teso sub-region of eastern Uganda. e orange- eshed sweet potato is rich in vitamin A, as well as other essential vitamins, and is vital in the ght against vitamin A de ciency; a major health problem in Uganda. e de ciency affects 36% of women under 45 and 38% of children in Uganda, making it the leading cause of preventable blindness in children, as well as increasing the risk of disease and death from severe infections. “is project will have far-reaching bene ts for the people of Uganda,” said Rachel Beckett, Uganda Country Representative at Farm Africa. “Not only will it help farmers living in poverty to grow their incomes, but by ensuring there is a consistent supply of orange- eshed sweet potatoes, it will help ght against malnutrition in local women and children.” e soil and weather in Teso are well suited to March - April 2017

growing sweet potatoes, and Uganda is now the leading producer of sweet potatoes in Africa (CIP/CGIAR). Despite the fact that sweet potato is grown by over 44% of Ugandan farmers, many farmers fail to eke out of a living from its production. e majority of orange- eshed sweet potato farmers are all planted and harvested at the same time, which results in farmers selling their crops in over-saturated markets for low prices where supply is high and prices are low.

A lack of affordable processing and storage facilities, as well as limited knowledge about post-harvest handling, mean there are very few opportunities for smallholders to extend the shelf life of their highly perishable harvest. is project will provide farmers with the relevant skills, resources and knowledge to practice staggered planting to extend their harvest seasons, and reduce losses through improved processing and storage facilities.

Four new solar driers are being supplied to the local production centre where the sweet potatoes are taken to be dried. Once dried and

[12]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

cut into chips, the produce can be stored for three months and sold at a time when prices are more favourable to the farmer.

A production manager for the centre will also be employed to work with the farmers to coordinate planting and harvesting over a longer period so the centre can service as many farmers as possible.

Training on business planning, nancial management, marketing and contract negotiation by our local partner SOSPPA will help its member farmers, working as a collective, to negotiate supply agreements with commercial buyers such as millers who will pay good prices for a consistent supply of bulkprocessed orange- eshed sweet potato chips.

Rachel Beckett, Farm Africa's Country R e pre s e nt at ive i n Ug and a , s ay s , “Demonstrating that farmers can continue to earn a good income by processing, collectively storing and marketing orange- eshed sweet potatoes will encourage other farmers to grow more of this vital crop well into the future, beyond the lifetime of the project.” www.farmersreviewafrica.com

News

Government to roll out loan acquired from AFDB

THE Government is in the process of rolling out the US$50 million loan acquired from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to small-scale sh farmers across the country.

Meanwhile, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Michael Katambo has urged sh farmers to visit provincial coordinators' offices countrywide to access the application forms and be informed on how to access the loans.

Mr Katambo said the money, which was meant for aquaculture development in the country, would bene t small-scale sh farmers to enable them stock sh for sale on the national and international markets. e minister said in an interview that this was in line with President Edgar Lungu's vision to have Zambia start exporting sh in the next two years.

“We have received the $50 million loan from the AfDB and we are calling upon all small-scale sh farmers to visit provincial offices and get more information on how to access the loans,” he said.

Mr Katambo said his ministry had implemented the decentralisation policy where farmers who were interested in sh farming would access information from various provincial offices.

He urged all the small-scale sh farmers to take an interest and visit the provincial offices to access the application forms for the loans.

Mr Katambo also said that his ministry was allowing whistleblowers to report any suspected case pertaining to its operations.

He said allowing people to have access to offices was because the new ministry was being transparent, and allowing divergent views for development.

Mr Katambo said the whistleblowers would be protected and that people should present factual reports and not just mere hearsay.

By Mildred Katongo

The challenge ahead: Harnessing gene editing to sustainable agriculture e role of genetic engineering in agriculture and food has generated enormous interest and controversies, with a large-scale embrace by some nations and wholesale bans by others. Many studies have been done and much research remains to be done on the impact genetically modi ed organisms (GMO) can have on broader food systems.

Fast-moving developments, however, suggest that lines drawn in the sand both for or against the broader use of GMOs risk becoming a distraction, particularly in Africa. e major novelty is the emergence of CRISPR, which stands for "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats" and is popularly called "genome editing", which amounts to a much faster way to alter genomes. e method sharply lowers costs and amounts to a revolution for seeds. e second development springs from the rst: genetic engineering can now be deployed on a far vaster array of organisms and with more bespoke goals such as drought resistance or nutritional enhancement. Many GMOs in the market are for insect and/or herbicide resistance, as has been the case for many biotechnology products of the past.

Game changing developments While formulating national policies on GMOs is the responsibility of governments, informed debate entails that we recognise these developments change the game. e International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization considers biotechnologies as potential tools in the toolbox, meaning they may be appropriate. Our primary interest is in boosting food production, food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and rural employment.

At any rate, vast monocultures of cash crops such as maize, soy, and cotton - the main GMO varieties in the world today - are not our utmost priority. But CRISPR and related new approaches open the door to many more applications. To cite a few examples, all very recent: Researchers have developed a transgenic maize variety that keeps a atoxin out of kernels, thus tackling one of the world's single-largest food problems and source of farm-based agriculture loss.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

News Elsewhere, scientists in Ghana have developed a GM cowpea that survives pests or needs less pesticide - is advanced and might be available at a commercial scale as early as next year. Currently, the Maruca podborer destroys a hey share - oen more than half - of cowpeas grown in West Africa.

Or take cassava, which is one of IITA's favorite crops and is the second-most important source of calories consumed in sub-Saharan Africa. A recent exploratory review found 14 potential genetic pathways that could improve the crop's yield which has proven stubbornly stable for decades. One of them involved optimising the plant's photosynthesis in the same way that has worked well with tobacco and other plants. e goal is to adjust the plant's canopy so that more of its energy goes into actual storage roots rather than stems. Another potential path is to tweak the cassava so that it can thrive better in soils with lower phosphorus,

to which it is notably more sensitive than other major staple crops.

Working with Nigeria's National Root Crop Research Institute, IITA is conducting research on a disease-resistant cassava with higher vitamin A content. Nigeria is also running con ned eld tests for GMO sorghum forti ed to produce more iron, zinc, protein and vitamin A and to demonstrate greater nitrogen efficiency while growing. ese and other hypothetical developments - think salt-tolerant rice, or zinc-enhanced cassava, or zinc and ironforti ed pearl millet - may warrant pursuit.

Field trials across the continent Similarly, several con ned eld trials of GMOs are occurring in Malawi, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda.

African governments are taking cautious steps. South Africa grows GMO corn and soybeans, while non-food crops are legally

cultivated in Sudan.

Last month, Kenya's parliament authorised local crop researchers to start growing GMO cotton, although instructed not to let related by-products enter the human and animal food chain. Lawmakers also welcomed experimental genetic trials aimed at solving endemic national problems affecting sweet potato and cassava crops, and suggested they'd look at legalisation on a case-by-case basis.

Ghana recently authorised GMO guidelines a bill allowing them is not yet law - and other countries including Nigeria and Burkina Faso have moved even further.

A changing debate on GMO crops Opposition in the past has come for a host of reasons, including fears that GMO crops required expensive inputs provided by multinationals and posed environmental risks as they were oen designed to be resistant to herbicides. Many of the new proposals come without such baggage, suggesting the policy debate will change.

Norway has adopted an interesting regulatory approach to genetic engineering, which requires safety reviews, farmer consultations, and a litmus test of whether alternatives contribute better to sustainable agricultural practices. at's a far cry from the usually binary debate - stoked by stories about creating designer human babies - about GMOs. e subject matter is complex and the science even more so. It appears we are on the brink of a deluge of new discoveries - engineering bene cial soil microbes may soon be a booming research arena - many of which may not need the kind of capital-intensive agricultural operations where GMOs were rst developed and can instead directly address the needs of smallholders in developing countries and the speci c food and nutrition security and climate change challenges they face.

Genome editing can now economically be applied to the crop cultivars that farmers in a given locale prefer, consisting of highly targeted interventions that can address speci c challenges, and don't take years of breeding to consolidate.

March - April 2017

[14]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

News

Joburg rooftop gardens bringing agriculture to heart of city living Food shapes the daily patterns of city life, and

of food security are principally related to

that would have been spent on food and oen

food production in urban and peri-urban areas

household income and the ability to access food

provide some income for participants.

is increasingly regarded as integral to resilient

through purchase.

and sustainable city region food systems, says

Officials of the City of Johannesburg (CoJ)

e rooop garden of the 3 Kotze street Night

United Nations Fo o d and Agriculture

Food Resilience Unit and the Johannesburg

Shelter for adults, in Braamfontein, located on a

Organisation (UN FAO) director-general José

Development Agency are, therefore, working

at roof of about 13 m × 52 m with 28 shade-cloth

Graziano da Silva.

to help establish rooop vegetable gardens to

covered tunnels, produces 40 kg of fresh,

“In such food systems, urban and peri- urban

ensure food security for vulnerable people in

deveined spinach each week for local restaurants

agriculture is crucial to the food and nutrition

the inner city and promote entrepreneurship.

security of poor households, supplying urban

and generates about R800 of revenue. e garden also grows cabbage, rape, morogo, basil, dill,

residents with fresh, high-value local food,

e city has several productive urban and

cauli ower, broccoli and lettuce.

generating employment and creating greenbelts

rooop gardens in Bertrams, Alexandra,

e project's main aim, however, is to produce

that improve the quality of urban life, and

Braamfontein, Orange Farm and Riverlea,

fresh foods for the local community, generate

stimulating local economic develop- ment,” he

among others. Further, the Johannesburg

some income for participants, and donate some

says in the UN FAO 'Growing greener cities in

Property Company and the Johannesburg

of the produce to the homeless shelter.

Latin America and the Caribbean 2014' report.

Social Housing Company have provided space,

“Urban farms can help in poverty allevia- tion,

funding and support for two more rooop

job creation and skills development,” says CoJ

Most urban farmers are from low-income

gardens that will be launched this year in the

Food Resilience Unit manager Simon Motsusi.

households and take up farming as a means of

inner city.

reducing their spending on food and making

ese gardens reduce the levels of food

Effective Engagement

extra income from sales. In Johannesburg, levels

insecurity, offset some of the household income

However, growing greener cities with agriculture

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[15]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

News needs government from national to local levels

“Skills development is essential and has a huge

skills alone is not enough to ensure sustain-

to incorporate urban and peri- urban

impact on the success of a project, especially

ability and growth, Smith adds.

agriculture into city development planning, the

when training individuals who come from

“Entrepreneurship development, through

UN FAO report states.

different backgrounds,” says Ubuntu Business

training and coaching is essential to effectively

Governments set urban development policies

founder and MD Gary Smith.

support bene ciaries. Our programmes aim to

Further, the cooperatives that work and

namely food insecurity and unemployment.”

and priorities. As major landowners and managers of solid wastes and water supplies,

address two of South Africa's biggest challenges,

they can provide – or deny – the resources

maintain these gardens provide a sense of

Smith is personally involved in the Kotze street

needed for urban and peri-urban agriculture.

community to people who, in South African

project, but highlights that the sustainability of

cities, are oen from different regions of the

these projects hinges on timely disbursements of

“To realise urban and peri-urban agriculture's

country.

funding, overcoming bureaucratic delays and

full potential for generating income, stimulating

e gardens, therefore, serve as social networks

economic development and delivering food that

and centres for personal development, as the

is safe and of good quality, producers need

participants receive training and have access to

nding willing and dedicated participants. e Kotze street garden remains only a pilot

access to markets and technologies that add

the municipality's other support, training and

project and, using rooop gardens as places for

value to their produce,” the report emphasises.

skills development programmes, he says.

children to learn about agriculture and botany,

e 3 Kotze street project, which is a hydroponic

“Hands-on and experiential training enables

for youths to gain work experience and income

system, is one of several urban farming projects

participants to learn new skills, whether they

and for vulnerable people to access education,

t hat are helping t he city to re ne its

are well educated or not, but recruitment is

food and an income, is still a distant goal for the

development and food resilience programmes,

important to ensure the sustainability of these

city administration.

as well as its broader social development

projects over many years. is aspect of

“e city has to nd a way of making urban

funding, engagement and support models, says

individual training, development and growth is

agriculture work in each and every space in the

Motsusi.

a powerful tool that cities can use to empower

city. Since the inner city is lled with buildings,

Meanwhile, Kotze street rooop garden project

participants, their families and broader

rooop gardens is one of the ways we are trying

leader Catherine Khambule emphasises that the

communities.”

to green the city,” Motsusi says.

Impact Potential

farmers compete directly with fresh produce

depth of engagement, support and training are crucial to equipping participants with the required skills to grow the vegetables.

“It is how they work with us that makes the

A speci c challenge, he says, is that urban Urban and rooop farming is a viable and

vendors, who buy vegetables and foods at lower

sustainable way to produce vegetables and

prices from fresh produce markets.

herbs. However, with stable funding and

difference. Our trainers were accessible and

support from governing bodies, urban farming

A competitive advantage that urban farms have

remained supportive and engaged with us even

can be leveraged to provide food security, an

over commercial agriculture is that the “food

aer training. is is invaluable for us, as we

income, training programmes and resources

miles” – the distance food travels from

experience problems from time to time that our

for urban communities, Smith avers.

production to plate – is signi cantly lower than

training does not cover,” she states.

Agricultural entrepreneurship development is

commercial agriculture, which reduces the need

Entrepreneurship training and consulting rm

an effective tool to empower potential

for cold-chain logistics without impacting on

Ubuntu Business provided entrepre- neurial

entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and

freshness and taste, states Smith.

and business skills and practical, on-site

support they need to start and grow successful

e CoJ Food Resilience Unit states that some of

training and coaching to the members of the

agribusinesses, create jobs and support their

t he est ablishe d urb an far ms t hat have

urban farming cooperative who work in the

communities, he emphasises.

transitioned from food gardens to

Kotze street rooop garden.

However, empowering people with farming

microenterprises are already producing higher value products for local sale.

However, in the next phase of the initiative, the CoJ will aim to introduce agro processing into the supply chain of urban farmers and encourage value adding activities.

To do this, it will leverage its network of academic, private and public sector partners to boost food security and job creation. e aim is to use the pilot projects and the network of urban farms and gardens to increase the scale of rooop and urban farming in the city, and thereby help to ensure food resilience in urban communities, concludes Motsusi.

March - April 2017

[16]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

NAMPO HARVEST DAY 2017

PREVIEW

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[17]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

PREVIEW

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

IMAGERY FROM NAMPO e annual Nampo Harvest Festival has

themselves to compete in a difficult

By 5pm the exhibitors start to pack up. And all

become the biggest agricultural exhibition in

market and conditions against

those vehicles in the parking area have to head

the Southern Hemisphere and organisers

subsidised international producers.

home along the R30 between Orkney and

expect more than 70 000 visitors over the four

·It is a great networking opportunity. Farmers

Bothaville. e guesthouses and farms of the

days of the exhibit.

can learn from each other. e show

district are fully booked and people pitch their

Food security is crucial for communities and

creates opportunities that help

tents wherever there is an open eld or patch of

families around the world. When we help

agriculture as a whole. It does not only

grass with ablution facilities. e Nampo

farmers increase their communities' and

help farmers, but suppliers can also see

Caravan Park, about 2 km south of the

families' food security we can play a part in

what the needs on grassroots level are.

showground, is packed with tents, caravans and

transforming the lives of countless people by liing them out of dependence on others

·It is a great opportunity to build the image of

vehicles. ere are braai res all over the place

agriculture. It demonstrates what a

and when jackals start calling it feels more like a

is event is hugely important to South Africa

complex science agriculture has become.

as a whole – not only to the agricultural sector.

In 2016, Nampo attracted more than 650

holiday in the Kruger Park than a farmers' gathering.

Maize has a vital in uence on the total

exhibitors and 70 000 visitors. John Deere was

It's still dark in Bothaville at 6 am, but the

economy, as it determines food in ation in

one of the original exhibitors and the

morning traffic is already picking up. Up ahead

South Africa.

company is still involved. eir green and

you can see light aircra touching down at the

But the Nampo festival is not about maize

yellow tent is also one of the most popular.

Nampo air eld, guided in by a professional air

anymore, every perceivable crop is represented

rongs of people enter to see the tractors and

traffic controller. During Nampo this is the

and some of the heavyweights of the most

combine harvesters, and to buy branded

busiest airport in the country. If you visit most

important livestock breeders' associations are

shirts, trousers, belts, hats, toys, backpacks,

of the stalls you'll walk about 17 km!

exhibiting prime examples.

knives, watches, cellphone cases, coffee cups

Nearby, on the parade grounds, cattle and

e show has three main objectives:

and corkscrews. Every child under six seems

horses are being shown. Every breed has a

·To ensure sustainable and pro table farming in the context of food security. Farmers

to leave on a green plastic scooter with yellow

representative who mans the loudspeaker while

wheels.

they're in the ring.

can compare latest technologies and

At the patent competition, farmers enter

e rst Harvest Day was held in June 1967 on

services in one day on one site, do their

home-made inventions to be exhibited and

the farm Donkerhoek near Bloemfontein, with

planning for the ye ar and enable

judged. e best in each category wins a cash

eight exhibitors and about 200 visitors.

prize.

March - April 2017

[18]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Stand 213

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

MultiOne SA exhibits at NAMPO 2017 MultiOne SAis proud to announce that this year marks no exception, we will be attending the NAMPO har vest day agricultural exhibition as we have done last few years. e exhibition takes places between 16-19 May 2017.

We are also super excited to introduce new model loaders and attachments at this year's show, never showcased before in South Africa. In addition, we have a much larger play area for demonstrations and a bigger stand altogether was secured. Unlike last year you will be able to not only view our extensive range of farming loaders and attachments but will be able to participate in the demonstration areas and operate our l o a d e r s a n d at t a c h m e nt s . Po p u l a r attachments will include augers, trenchers,

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

mini diggers, bale handlers, green care attachments, mulchers, ail mowers, feeders, manure handlers, sweepers, small loaders, all terrain forklis and many more.

Agricultural machines never looked this good ever.

'Grain SAs NAMPO HARVEST DAY is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions under private ownership in the southern hemisphere and it takes place annually, just outside of the town of Bothaville, in the Free State province of South Africa.

Grain SA's NAMPO Harvest Day enables producers and other role players in the agricultural industry to experience the latest technology and products on offer in the farming industry rst-hand and on one terrain. e

[19]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

NAMPO Harvest Day also offers producers the opportunity to obtain knowledge from experts in their various agricultural elds by means of debating and discussion panels.

We will be conduction daily demonstrations of our range of farming equipment, mini tractors, mini loaders and other farming equipment during the course of the show. To view the latest technology in skid steer alternatives, articulated multifunction loaders and small tractors pay us a visit at stand 213 at Nampo park this year.

March - April 2017

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

website: www.masisizane.co.za

Stand 65c

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

Farmer first for Hydraform at NAMPO 2017

Marketing Director, adding, “e show facilitates the demonstration of all the latest technologies available to the sector, not only to grow this market, but to play their part in facilitating the constant improvement of the quality of produce.

NAMPO is thus an ideal platform for suppliers and manufacturers to access invaluable direct market input from their customer base and vice versa and, with the show's new international p av i l i on , t h e e nte r pr i s e i s g row i ng it s

]: Grain SA's NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show

agricultural community from across the African

international visitor and exhibitor base

is a staple on the calendar of the South African

continent. As such, it offers exhibitors direct

tremendously.”

agricultural community and those who serve it.

access to the who's who of the agricultural sector

Hydraform International, leading alternative

and a platform for networking not only within

building technology company in the developing

this industry, but with the many other

As a sector vital to the economy and the food

businesses that are critical to its success.

security of South Africans, the farmer's practice is

“e products and innovations on display at

variables like the weather, pestilence and the

world, will have the agricultural sector top of mind as it exhibits and demonstrates its brick and block making machinery at the show for the 21st consecutive year.

NAMPO, the largest agricultural show in the

a fragile one contingent upon unpredictable

NAMPO are of a world class standard,” remarks, Nazlie Dicks on, Hydrafor m Sales and

southern hemisphere, is attended by the

March - April 2017

Food on the table

instability of the labour market. Nazlie Dickson remarks, “e local agricultural sector has faced a number of obstacles of late, due to the drought and more recently, the outbreak of the 'Fall

[20]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Armyworm' in Limpopo and the North West

the show,” she adds.

Province,” adding, “And although there is an estimated 80% growth in maize production

e Hydraform HP1 is an entry-level block

compared to last year, many farmers may still

making machine that is aimed at small projects

struggle, since the maize price is expected to be much lower and catching up to losses will still prove to be difficult.”

Another challenge in the sector is the development of emerging farmers' operations.

Comments Dickson, “Unfortunately, over the

and has the agricultural sector in mind. e machine does not require diesel or electricity to operate and is done completely manually, without compromising on block quality. Being a Hydraform machine, it remains true to the original concept of manufacturing quality

course of the last two years or so, farmers have

interlocking building blocks from soil-cement

had many factors with which to contend and

technology.

spending has been restricted to other areas,” adding, “It is essential that emerging farmers are

“By nature, the successful farmer is an innovator

developed and equipped to set up and run

whose survival depends on nding solutions to

sustainable farming that can positively

his day-to-day challenges, making Hydraform

contribute to our country's economy. ese

technology an ideal companion for the players

farmers are hardest hit by drought and other

in this eld,” says Dickson, concluding, “We are

natural disasters due to the lack of insurance and

thus proud to have been associated with the

savings, which makes the topic of agricultural training and planning for various natural occurrences that could in uence farming activities top of mind at the show.”

“By nature, the successful farmer is an innovator whose survival depends on nding solutions to his day-to-day challenges, making Hydraform technology an ideal companion for the players in this eld,”

Vir al u plaasbenodigdhede Sedert 1968

* Verskuifbare beeskrale * Kalfkanteltoestelle * Selfvoerders * Landrollers * Hooi-ringvoerders * Baallaaiers en-vurke * Laaibanke * Tenkstaanders * Polibak vir kuilvoer * Skale en nekklampe * Spuitdippe * Suipkrippe * Honde-selfvoerders

NAMPO event for so long and are grateful to the growing enterprise for its support in connecting the agricultural industry with the tools it needs not only to survive, but to thrive.”

Hydraform will be exhibiting at NAMPO from 16-19 May 2017. Visit us at stand 65c and learn more about Hydraform's brick and block making machinery and how it supports the farmer and the developing world.

About Hydraform Hydraform has dedicated its more than 25

A growing partnership Hy d r a f or m h a s a l on g a n d s u c c e s s f u l relationship with the agricultural community, which is underpinned by the quality and toughness of its machinery which is used to build anything from staff housing, storage facilities,

years of experience in alternative building technologies to developing the Hydraform interlocking building system. rough continuous research and development with leading institutions, the company has

lodges and other buildings needed on farms.

developed a dry-stack interlocking building

“e challenges of the farmer represent

block, eliminating the use of mortar in 70% of

opportunities within the sector and the

the building structure with no need for

manufacture of quality bricks and blocks has

concrete or steel columns – saving money and

proven to be a viable business opportunity, not

delivering exceptional quality.

only in the construction of farm buildings, but in supplying bricks and blocks commercially,”

Contact:

Dickson notes, adding, “is is why we'll be

Moabi Rakosa

launching our new Hydraform HP1 block making machine at NAMPO, which will be demonstrated to the public for the rst time at

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Tel: +27 (0) 11 913 1449 Email: sales@hydraform.com Web: www.hydraform.com

[23]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

Marketstraat 2, Mooirivier, Kwazulu-Natal, 3300, Suid- Afrika Tel: 082 890 6269 Faks: 086 548 4790 Sel: 082 871 0123 E-pos: info@nmreng.co.za Webblad: www.nmreng.co.za

March - April 2017

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

Stand 139

Smith Power Equipment set to attend NAMPO 2017 Smith Power Equipment (SPE), South African importers and distributors of leading global specialist machinery, turf maintenance equipment and off-road vehicles, will be attending Grain SA's NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show taking place in Bothaville in the Free State from 1619 May 2017.

appear at NAMPO will boost mechanisation of agriculture in South Africa and fuel competition in the market,” remarks Keir. “Competition is a healthy ingredient for a growing economy and at SPE, we thrive on it, because it drives us to keep on bringing the best technology to the industry at affordable prices,” he adds. e state of the industry While the agricultural market has seen especially trying times over the past two years, there is plenty of room for optimism.

“We are very positive about what 2017 has and will bring and are already observing some positive trends in the market; the Rand is strengthening nicely and customers are spending more strategically than before,” comments Keir. “Even though we see disparate weather patterns and rainfall in different provinces, with the Western Cape still navigating a bad drought, it is encouraging that we have had good rains in the northern regions and that the crops are yielding,” he says.

Attracting close to 77 000 visitors each year, NAMPO is the largest agricultural trade show in the southern hemisphere. As such, Smith Power Equipment (SPE) nds great value in attending this event and will have a presence at the show this year as it has for the past 16 consecutive years.

“We've identi ed agriculture as a key market for SPE, since every farmer needs the right tools to do their work effectively and mechanisation is vital to running a farm more efficiently from a nancial perspective.” So says Robert Keir, SPE Marketing Manager, adding, “NAMPO brings the whole agricultural industry, including importers, dealers and customers to one place, offering an array of products and insights for the farmer to make the best informed investments for his operations.”

Apart from offering an agricultural networking platform, NAMPO is also an ideal event at which to launch new products to the sector. “Having new products, like our Kubota compact excavator KX080-3S,

March - April 2017

[24]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

16-19 May 2017

Smith Power Equipment (SPE), South African importers and distributors of leading global specialist machinery, turf maintenance equipment and off-road vehicles, will be attending Grain SA's NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show taking place in Bothaville in the Free State from 16-19 May 2017. at said, the agricultural market is still recovering and a challenge that comes with this is accessing nance. Keir asserts that creative scal offerings, like 'off balance sheet' funding are important in a climate such as this. “is type of approach to asset nance comes with bene ts to the farmer, such as not having to lay out any initial capital, which helps with essential cash ow.

Furthermore, lease payments on the equipment are fully tax deductible and VAT is paid on a monthly basis,” notes Keir, adding, “Tailor-made nance like this can mean the difference between the disappearance and survival of the farmer.”

While SPE look forward to topics such as greater agricultural mechanisation, the impact of emissions on the environment, product-buyer connections and nancial solutions in the sector being addressed at NAMPO talks, key discussions in which SPE will participate include the use of

“All our products are complementary to one another, supporting our vision to be a 'one-stop-shop' for equipment needs on a farm,” equipment in emissions management and

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

best practice usage of their equipment.

show,” he says.

As a solutions-driven company, SPE imports products that are well aligned with their customers' needs; with the ultimate goal of solving their day-to-day challenges by making their processes cheaper and f a s t e r . “A l l o u r p r o d u c t s a r e complementary to one another, supporting our vision to be a 'one-stop-shop' for equipment needs on a farm,” says Keir.

“Our products have been positioned, placed, promoted and priced speci cally for the agricultural sector, which makes our primary goal at NAMPO to meet with existing and potential customers, showing them what we have available on the market and learning how we can best serve their needs with our products. We have an extensive nationwide dealer network through which we distribute our world class products, which makes NAMPO an invaluable platform to meet directly with the end customer and to hear their thoughts and suggestions on how we can better offer our products to better their lives and businesses,” he concludes.

Bringing this to the NAMPO show, SPE will be showcasing all of its brands. “Polaris and Linhai quads and side-by-sides which service our customers' needs of getting around farm lands, security, farm work and hunting, will be on display at the show. ese are available in various models to suit any customer's needs and are available in both petrol and diesel.” remarks Keir.

“Kipor generators (1kVA to 100kVA) and forklis (diesel and electric – 2t to 7t), which add value to a farmer's operation with power supply and material handling; the Kubota tractors range of 18hp to the 130hp for various farming activities as well as our TLBs and recently expanded compact excavators range will also be on

[25]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

Smith Power Equipment will be exhibiting at NAMPO from 16-19 May 2017. Visit us at stand 139.

Smith Power Equipment contact: Robert Keir Marketing Manager Tel: 011 284 2024 Email: robertk@smithpower.co.za Web: www.smithpower.co.za

March - April 2017

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

Stand 144

Amarok 3.0 V6 to be launched at NAMPO 2017

even with the Dakar-tested Bi-Turbo charged two-litre TDI engine.

In the six years since it was launched, the Amarok has proven that it can tackle the toughest terrain and the roughest conditions every day with ease. is is exactly why farming and 4X4 communities contain the biggest Amarok fans there are! But just because it's

Amarok's 4x4 driving capabilities, you'll know

tough doesn't mean Volkswagen compromised

that the new 3.0 V6 Amarok will be the bakkie

on the driver's experience inside. People who

to be reckoned with.

have driven bakkies for decades have tested the Amarok and come out convinced; it is the most

As every year, Volkswagen will be at NAMPO 2017 in support of South Africa's all-important

e new Amarok remains the best in the SA

comfortable bakkie on the market, which is

agricultural community. And what will make

bakkie segment in terms of hard-working

important if you are spending most of your day

Volkswagen's stand particularly unmissable this

technology with its many class-leading features

behind the wheel on challenging roads.

year? e much-anticipated new three-litre

that competitors can't match. It has off-road

Amarok will be on show for the rst time in

ABS and ESP, a uniquely low centre of gravity

Of course the Amarok is not the only

South Africa at stand 144, giving NAMPO

and a heart-stopping 45 degree side inclination

Volkswagen on show at NAMPO. Another all-

visitors the very rst look at their long-awaited

angle whilst carrying a one-ton payload. Its

important model that Volkswagen will be

V6 bakkie.

100% German-engineered combination of

launching around the time of NAMPO is the

economical performance, reliable quality, all-

Golf. Visitors to Volkswagen's stand will be

e Amarok's 3.0 V6 engine gives 165kW, with

day comfort and value for money will ensure

among the rst to sit in the new Golf and they

an over-boost function taking the maximum

that the new Amarok remains unrivalled.

can take a closer look at other exciting models such as the two-colour Kombi and the recently

output to 180kW for up to 10 seconds. Even though this standard power output is the

Come and see for yourself how the Amarok

launched California Beach camper van and

highest for engines this size in the bakkie

performs. Visitors to NAMPO can watch how

Tiguan.

market, the over-boost feature makes

the new Amarok performs on the 4X4 track

overtaking whilst towing equipment feel even

during vehicle demonstrations twice a day,

e 3.0 V6 Amarok will be waiting for you at

more effortless. Coupled with this power is

every day during NAMPO. Volkswagen will be

Volkswagen's stand, number 144, at NAMPO

550Nm of torque available from 1400 to

showing how the Amarok is as comfortable

2017. Be amongst the rst in South Africa to see

1750rpm. If you've already experienced the

with any off-road challenge as it is to sit inside,

this exciting new bakkie!

March - April 2017

[26]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

PREVIEW

BI to display total solutions for the farming community at NAMPO 2017

Bearings International (BI) has a wide product range to meet the speci c requirements of the agricultural sector. e leading supplier will again showcase its major brands at Grain SA's NAMPO Harvest Day from 16 to 19 May near Bothaville in the Free State.

BI has a long and proud association with the

With over 75 000 visitors setting a new

·Rocol: Lubricants

NAMPO Harvest Day, according to CEO Burtie

attendance record at NAMPO last year,

·Dodge: Housed bearings and sha mounted

Roberts. “We once again look forward to

Trevelyan says the annual show is an ideal

gearboxes

networking with clients and roleplayers in the

platform for BI to get closer to its customers in

·Jonnesway: Hand tools

industry to showcase the products and solutions

the sector, and to educate them on the bene ts

·Power Take-Off (PTO) units ·Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)

from our extensive product range. BI can be

and advantages of standardising on its extensive

found at its traditional stand as in years past,

product range.

where we will welcome visitors as in years past.”

“With the agricultural sector under increasing

BI's diverse product line-up runs the gamut from

BI has both the experience and expertise,

pressure to cut costs and improve productivity, supplying bearings and chain to couplings and

backed up by some of the best products out

transmission products for arduous farming

there, to help customers reduce their downtime

applications such as ploughing, planting,

and boost productivity signi cantly,” Trevelyan

harvesting, and baling.

stresses.

A dedicated sales team and product managers

e company also provides expert advice on

will be on hand to answer all customer queries,

keeping farming equipment operating at

and to introduce the wide range of brands

optimum efficiency, in addition to outlining the

distributed by BI. Various product promotions

most proactive maintenance procedures to

and

increase the lifespan of equipment. It carries a

exclusively to visitors to the BI stand.

competitions will also be available

Additional brands on display will be FAG premium bearings, Agri Chain, TR Gearboxes, and Opti/Contitech (Goodyear). BI, part of the Hudaco Group, has consolidated its position as leading distributor of bearings and power transmission products in Southern Africa.

Bearings International Contact Phone: (011) 899-0000 Fax: (011) 899 6586 Email: info@bearings.co.za Web: www.bearings.co.za 24 hour hotline: 083 250 9191

comprehensive stockholding of critical spares, in addition to chain and V-belt drives, that can be

e brands on display include:

dispatched to customers' sites at short notice.

·KML: Bearings and transmission components

“We are far more than a product supplier,

·Loctite: Adhesives, sealants and surface

focusing on offering our customers in the

treatment

agricultural community a total solution for their

·Bauer: Electric motors

speci c needs,” BI Business Unit Head Ross

·Citronol: Environment-friendly hand cleaners

Trevelyan comments.

and

degreasers

Bauer Electric motors

·Makita: Power tools

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[27]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

Stand 15 & 16 Sanlam Hall

at NAMPO 2017 Boerslim/Smart farming concept BMG will again be exhibiting its extensive range of agricultural components at Nampo (Sanlam Hall, stands 15 and 16). is year's stand highlights the importance of company's B oerslim/Smart farming concept, which was launched by BMG four years ago to assist farmers cope with c onst ant ly chang i ng t re nds i n t he agricultural sector.

March - April 2017

“rough the Boerslim/Smart farming initiative, BMG's team of agricultural experts offers farming sustainability solutions throughout Africa that focus on effective food production, the correct use of suitable equipment for the speci c task and the efficient application of advanced technologies,” explains Carlo Beukes, agricultural manager, BMG. “We work

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

closely with famers to demonstrate that the investment in the latest equipment is necessary to maximise productivity and does t r ans l at e i nt o t ang i bl e op e r at i on a l efficiencies.

“A recent case study is testament to this.

BMG was approached by a local farmer who wanted to accelerate his tobacco drying

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

16-19 May 2017

process and expand crop production, but was restricted by power supply limitations.

Aer the installation of BMG Motoline variable speed drives, the farmer is able to run 22 tobacco drying containers at once, where previously he could only run and

As an example, BTC seed coulter discs are manufactured from 6 mm tough Boron steel and are hardened between 55 and 58 hrc. alternate between nine drying containers at any one time. As a result, he has more than doubled his crop production output.”

Working demonstrations will showcase how BMG's range of electronic, uid technology, tools and power transmission components operate together to form an efficient system that enhances productivity and energy efficiency.

www.bmgworld.net

BMG's high quality replacement agricultural components, which conform to rel e v ant qu a l it y assu r anc e and speci cation certi cations, are engineered to improve productivity in the farming sector, to operate efficiently for extended periods and to reduce costs in the long term. As an example, BTC seed coulter discs are manufactured from 6 mm tough Boron steel and are hardened between 55 and 58 hrc.

New to the range is the complete 8 series PTO drive sha product line, designed and manufactured by La Magdalena in Italy, to meet the requirements in technical advancements in agriculture demand. is is an OEM quality product and caters for heavy duty applications.

BMG provides solutions to all key players in the agricultural sector, including local m a nu f a c t u r e r s o f e q u i p m e nt a n d

implements, as well as agricultural re-sellers and the farmer.

For further information Carlo Beukes, Agricultural Manager, BMG Telephone (011) 620 1500 Email carlob@bmgworld.net Web www.bmgworld.net

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

PREVIEW

CASE Construction Equipment will be presented at Nampo Show 2017 CASE Construction Equipment will be present at the Nampo Show, which will be held in Bothaville, South Africa, from 16 to 19 May 2017.

e CASE 570T model represents the continuity of the CASE DNA, built on the company's long history of industry rsts...

On display at the CASE stand will be a wide range of equipment including the CASE 570T, 580T and 695T tractor backhoe loaders and the CASE SR130, SR150, SR175 and SR200 skid steer loaders. All of them, reliable and productive machines with best value for money.

March - April 2017

According to Ross Collard, managing director of CSE, CASE dealer in South Africa: “Nampo is an important platform to s h owc a s e t h e C A SE C ons t r u c t i on Equipment offering to a large number of new and existing customers, we have taken traction at this event over the last few years and the resulting exposure has led to increased sales of equipment”.

Besides the product offering visitors will see a variety of items from the CASE shop, from fashionable, high quality leisure and work wear to stylish accessories and highly detailed scale models and of course a cuddly toy!

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

Top equipment for the most demanding application e CASE 570T model represents the continuity of the CASE DNA, built on the company's long history of industry rsts which include the world's rst factory-built tractor loader backhoe introduced in 1957.

More than 600,000 units later, CASE backhoe loaders are synonymous of performance, high liing capacity, best digging depth, and great breakout forces. e 570T backhoe loader stands above the competition with high-productivity features and the excellent performance delivered by fuel-efficient FPT Industrial S8000 engine.

Manufactured in more than 3,000,000 units,

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

16-19 May 2017

South African customers will get their chance to see several CASE models at this year's Nampo show, including the best-sold backhoe loaders and best-in-class skid steer loaders

the S8000 engine suits a diversi ed range of applications and is well-known in Africa and the Middle East markets. e sturdy design of the 570T model ensures ease-ofservice and reliability even in heavy-duty operations. Cost-effective for fast return on investment, the 570T backhoe loader is expected to enlarge CASE's customer base and reinforce the brand's presence in Africa.

e fully glazed cab is now equipped with a redesigned front door wiper that offer a greatly increased wiping area and improved visibility.

At the same time, it will be possible to see several models of the CASE skid steer loader range which offer more engine and hydraulic power, best in class breakout forces and increased productivity while maintaining outstanding cab space and allround visibility.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

e CASE SR150 skid steer loader is equipped with an upgraded 2.2 litres engine displacement and delivers more power than ever before: 60 hp (45kW).

Additional pushing power is offered by the new small frame loader arm stops on the loader arm. anks to these signi cant performance improvements, CASE skid steer loaders stand out from competition and offer the best-in-class peak torque in the SR150 model. CASE now offers nonpneumatic tyres on the SR150 model. Solid tyres are purpose-built to last longer and to increase the stability and the li capacity of the machine. Furthermore, they provide excellent traction even on dirt, sand, mud and gravel operations, highly important in farms. e hydraulic coupler, now available on SR150 models, allows to change attachments without getting off the cab. e fully glazed cab is now equipped with a redesigned front door wiper that offer a

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

greatly increased wiping area and improved visibility. Two new options are available on large models for additional protection in heavy duty applications: the metal light bezels that protect the working light and are ideal for forestry and demolition operations; the brace added on the hydraulic coupler to increase the torsional rigidity for more accurate and precision works.

CASE Construction Equipment: Close to the customer CASE has built a solid reputation and a loyal customer base over the years, due to the excellent quality of the products and the wide range of services that customers appreciate rough CSE, the company shows its commitment to deliver specialist advice, tailored nance packages and a rst-class aer sales service with a 100% total satisfaction guarantee, providing the partnership that farmers deserve.

March - April 2017

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

PREVIEW

Lincoln Lubrication & SKF showcase agricultural solutions at Nampo 2017 “We have supported Nampo for the past seven years, exhibiting jointly with SKF for the past two years when we became part of the global SKF group,” says Lincoln Lubrication's Regional Manager, Jaun Herbst. e exhibition stand which is located in the main hall at Nampo will display Lincoln Lubrication's automated greasing systems and Muster II re suppression systems as well as SKF's Agri hub and Yelag bearings. “e two companies' complementary product portfolios provide farmers with the opportunity to conveniently source greasing systems, re suppression, bearings and related accessory solutions from a single source supplier.”

Modern farmers are focusing more and more on the quality of products rather than on price as they realise that in good quality they

nd reliability, cost saving and uptime which subsequently leads to a return on investment and pro tability. “Our comprehensive agricultural product solutions are delivering on all fronts,” asserts Herbst. Lincoln Lubrication's products have been tested in agricultural markets around the world with great success and Herbst adds that a number of OEM's have Lincoln Lubrication Systems tted as a standard. e local agricultural sector is a growing market for Lincoln Lubrication and presents untapped potential to provide solutions for a number of machinery reliability issues.

But the agricultural industry is not without its own inherent challenges. In order to successfully address this tough market it is important to have an understanding of the challenges faced by farmers.

“e three year drought that has gripped our country and which still continues in the Cape regions means that many farmers are not in a position to invest in new products or upgrades.

When it comes to crop farming for example, farmers have a limited window period for planting and harvesting so costly breakdowns in the eld are simply not an option. ere is a direct correlation between pro tability and production. When it comes to crop farming for example, farmers have a limited window period for planting and harvesting so costly breakdowns in the eld are simply not an option. Farmers therefore depend heavily on equipment and system reliability which is paramount to uptime.

Lincoln Lubrication automated lubrication system delivers fast accurate greasing for optimum equipment reliability

March - April 2017

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

16-19 May 2017

Lincoln Lubrication South Africa is showcasing its automated lubrication and Muster II re suppression systems as well as parts and service solutions at Nampo 2017.

”Lincoln Lubrication's automated lubrication systems which include single nipple greasing as well as fully monitored systems deliver fast accurate greasing for opt imum e quipment reliabi lity. e lubrication specialist recently came to the assistance of a customer in the Free State who was experiencing problems with the greasing of his crop sprayer. “When greasing the machine during planned maintenance, some points were oen missed while others were either over- or under-lubricated leading to equipment downtime,” explains Herbst. is not only wasted valuable time but also compromised equipment reliability. e farmer wanted a dependable system that gives him the assurance that all points are greased and that the correct quantities are delivered to each point.

Long-term customer relationships are of the utmost importance for both Lincoln Lubrication and SKF. “We recommended the single nipple greasing s y s t e m a s t h e b e s t s o lut i on . Us i n g

distribution blocks we route all greasing points to one grease nipple, which enables lubrication of all points from one greasing point, eliminating the risk of missing any greasing points for complete peace of mind.

In addition, the system also offers substantial time saving. e 45 minutes normally required to lubricate all 40 points on the crop spray is now reduced to a mere eight minutes as there are only seven greasing points that cover the whole machine with the exception of the rotational greasing point (prop sha).

Herbst adds that although this system is not fully monitored and automated, an electric pump can easily be added to the system without changing any con gurations. e farmer expressed extreme satisfaction with the product as well as with the professional and experienced service and onsite product training from Lincoln Lubrication. He was also impressed that he can conveniently deal with a single source supplier for b ot h his b e ar ings and lubrication system requirements.

Long-term customer relationships are of the

utmost importance for both Lincoln Lubrication and SKF. “We believe in building partnerships with our customers and do not merely supply commodities; we support our products with parts supply, expert advice and training; our highly skilled technical team deliver specialist maintenance and aer-sales service. As part of our customer service, we pay regular visits to our customers to ensure that our systems are in good working order.”

Lincoln Lubrication's agricultural offering is av ai l abl e f rom SK F ' s e x te ns ive Ag r i distribution network. “Product knowledge is extremely important so we are spending time with distributors and end-users, sharing product information and training. We have completed a number of Muster II re suppression demos in the Free State which we plan to roll out across the country together with our successful crop spray system,” concludes Herbst.

omated single nipple Lincoln Lubrication's aut n of all points from atio greasing system_lubric risk of missing tes ina elim nt one greasing poi greasing points.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[33]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

NAMPO Harvest Day 2017

PREVIEW

Navistar International New Distributor for MWM Engines in Southern Africa Navistar International Southern Africa (NISA)

In addition a large number of MWM engines

Navistar owned company and, as such, we are in

are pleased to announce that they have become

sold into Southern Africa have been supplied

an very favourable position to offer complete

t h e o ffi c i a l au t h o r i s e d Imp o r t e r s a n d

into the Agricultural and Automotive industries

engines for sale, as well as being able to supply

Distributors of MWM engines and parts in Sub

tted in various makes of well know top branded

excellent aersales parts and service back

Saharan Africa for MWM Engines

equipment including pick-up trucks, MCV &

through an established dealer network which will

manufactured in Brazil

HCV trucks, buses and agricultural tractors as

be supplemented by dealers appointed in

well crop spraying and fertiliser equipment etc.

industry speci c sectors”

MWM is a German designed engine that started production in 1953, with more than 4,2 million

MWM engines are available in Automotive

Loakes continued “Parts for MWM engines are

engines produced in its 63-year history. It has a

applications in Mechanical or Electronic

currently being stocked at NISA's PDC (Parts

complete line of the most advanced technology

versions with power outputs ranging from 88kw

Distribution Centre) in Midrand and we have

engines that meet the strictest pollutant emission

to 240kw (120hp to 324hp) Engines are also

already imported 2 training engines as well as a

standards.

available for Generators with standby ratings

number of complete engines which are available

from 31kVA to 260kVA at 50 Hz, in either

for sale”

Currently MWM Brazil exports to over 30

mechanical or electronic con gurations. MWM

countries in South America, North America,

engines are tted in Ford F250 pick up's and

NISA will provide technical and training support

Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa and

other automotive products in Mechanical or

for the MWM engine and dealers will have access

Oceania.

Electronic versions. In addition a large number

to systems such as the Service Portal and the

of MWM engines sold in Southern Africa have

Parts Catalogue on-line.

In excess of 10,600 engines have already been

been supplied to the Agricultural Industry tted

sold into Southern Africa in various applications

into Massey Ferguson and LS tractors and

including Automotive, Agriculture, Power

Montana & Stara Crop Spraying equipment.

Generation, Construction and the Marine industry sectors

Dave Loakes, Managing Director of NISA said that “MWM Diesel Engines in Brazil are a

X.10 Series Available in 4 & 6 cylinders Mechanical or Electronic Natural, Turbo or Turbo-Aer cooled aspiration 58kW to 179kW power range Agricultural, Construction, Industrial, Automotive & Marine applications

D229 Series Available in 3,4 & 6 cylinders Natural or Turbo aspiration 27kW to 134kW power range Agricultural, Construction, Industrial & Marine applications

March - April 2017

contact: John Barnett 011 542 2957 john.barnett@navistar.com Kevin Lowings 011 542 2996 kevin.lowings@navistar.com

[34]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Country Focus

Country FocusZimbabwe the once bread basket of Africa Zimbabwe needs 1.8 million tonnes of the staple maize every year to meet the needs of its people and livestock. e agricultural industry in Zimbabwe is made up of three main components — the large scale commercial and agribusiness sector, the small scale commercial farming sector and the communal farming sector. Despite the shambles of the “fast track land reform” exercise, the industry remains concentrated in these three sectors. e communal farming sector occupies about 20 million hectares — 16 million legally classi ed as such and perhaps 4 million hectares of acquired land (legal and illegal) which is now occupied virtually on a communal or tribal basis. e small scale commercial farming sector comprised about 24 000 individual farms in 1997 (former Purchase Area farms) and now www.farmersreviewafrica.com

has perhaps another 50 000 units located on what were large scale commercial farms.

What remains of the large scale commercial farming industry comprises perhaps 5 million hectares under A2 settlers and another 4 million held by large agri-business rms (Triangle, Hippo Valley, Mazoe, Mwenezi Ranch and conservancies. es e include a fe w of the old p ostindependence farmers in speci c industries such as dairy, tobacco and fruit. Contested land (land occupied without legal transfer) remains about 8 million hectares and can only be released for proper settlement aer the payment of compensation to the owners.

In the past (up to 1997) the industry employed a third of the national labour force, generated directly and indirectly about a quarter of the Gross National Product of the country and half its exports. As an exporting nation, food prices

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

in Zimbabwe were held down by market forces to a level that re ected regional and global market conditions less the cost of bridging to markets.

In times of drought, the commercial farming sector could irrigate up to 300 000 hectares of land and ensured that the output of tobacco and food crops were adequate to meet demand. In fact, in some cases (tobacco and horticulture) output actually rose as yields were higher in dry years and crop quality enhanced.

Crop yields were generally above regional averages and in many cases comparable to the best in the world. Farmers borrowed an estimated US$2 billion a year against their title deeds to fund their activities and were able to secure their inputs on time and at a world market price. is enabled them to meet stringent production timetables and targets and the thereby optimise output. Communal farmers March - April 2017

Country Focus dominated the markets for maize (60% on average), cotton (80%) and small grains as well as ground nuts and beans. ey also supplied about a million small livestock to local markets and for consumption and about 20% of all cattle sold on local markets. eir major problem was not being able to hedge against the weather or manage the out c om e . In a d rou g ht ye ar n at i on a l dependence on the commercial farm sector increased dramatically.

In 2014/15 season we have seen rainfall decline to about 80 or 90% of average, but its distribution has been very uneven: a very dry start in October and November, a very wet December and then little rain in January and February. is has not been kind to the crops. Early planted crops and crops assisted with irrigation have done well and there will be a critical volume of tobacco of good quality to meet market demand.

However, the balance of the tobacco crop (about half) is of poor quality and low yield and is likely to nd a buyer with difficulty and even then at very low prices.

It is the food crops that have been hardest hit.

Late planted maize (always low yield) is going to yield very little, in many cases nothing. Even the small grains have suffered and are not going to yield very much. e same fate applies to all other rain fed crops — many of critical importance to the rural community. e cattle look wonderful throughout the country but face severe water shortages in the dry season as river ow has been very limited. is was not a season like 1983 or 1992 when the rains failed almost totally and we had a total crop failure, but nevertheless — it is going to be a hungry year with major food shortages in many districts.

get through the winter on what is in the dams.

Reports indicate that tea production is also good but there is very little of anything else.

Agricultural contribution to our national economy is a fraction of what it was (overall it is down by about 70% and this year will be much worse) and therefore I expect agricultural output to fall in 2015 and this will further exacerbate the overall decline in the economy.

It will also put greater pressure on our balance of payments with imports of food taking a much higher proportion of available import capacity than 2013 or 2014. e impact on consumers will be signi cant as the region as a whole is going to have to import basic staples, like maize, for the rst time for some years. Zambia has had too much rain as has Malawi. South Africa will also have to import grain to meet demand as their season has been both drier and more dysfunctional than usual.

Already basic food prices in South Africa are up 30%.Because of our open market policies and the use of the US dollar, we will not experience any shortages of food stuffs as was the case in 2008, but the shortage of disposable income will be very serious. VAT collections and the sale of basic food items in 2014 declined by 25% on average — in the rst quarter of 2015 the indications are that this decline is continuing.

It is going to be this failure to make enough money that will create the specter of widespread hunger and malnutrition in 2015 and into 2016. Food stress is going to present in many rural districts and in all urban areas and this is going to be a major challenge for the government, the aid agencies and the affected communities.

e wider economy was already in a crisis created by the collapse of con dence in 2013 and the ight of capital from the banks and our markets. Revenue to the State in 2015 will be 17% lower than in 2013 and continues to decline.

Under these conditions the failure of the 2014/15 agricultural season is a disaster.

Maize production in 2017 forecast to recover from 2016's drought-reduced output Harvesting of the 2017 cereal crops is expected to commence in April, with the bulk of the maize crop to be harvested in May and June.

Early production forecasts for maize point to a strong rebound from last year's reduced output. e more positive outlook this season mostly re ects wetter conditions, which are predicted to continue until harvesting. ' Additionally, an increase in the area planted to maize, estimated at a near-average level of 1.2 million hectares, is also anticipated to contribute to a larger output in 2017.

Howe ve r, a lt h ou g h t h e ab ove - ave r a ge cumulative rainfall volumes since October 2016 have bene tted crop and pasture development, heavy rains have also resulted in localized ooding causing crop losses, while waterlogging is likely to constrain yield potentials in the affected areas, particularly for the late-planted crop that is more susceptible to the impact of excessive moisture.

In addition, the outbreak of fall army worm, an invasive species to the subregion, is likely to also further limit year-on-year production gains; an estimated 130 000 hectares of maize have been affected.

Production of cash crops, mainly cotton and tobacco, is also foreseen to rise in 2017, mainly supported by an expansion in the sown area.

I personally do not see a maize crop of more than 600 000 tonnes. Small grains well down on last season. Tobacco will probably decline by 20% in volume and more in value as low grade tobacco will attract very low prices and may not even nd buyers. Sugar likes a dry season if the estates have enough water and they might just

March - April 2017

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Market Information

Case IH gives an insight into the modernization and mechanization of farming

Case IH shares the company’s experience & expertise with visitors at the 5th Commercial Farm Africa summit in Tanzania e 5th Commercial Farm Africa summit has brought together industry professionals from all over the continent to share insights into transforming Africa's agricultural value chain. e two-day event in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (March 14th and 15th) was a valuable opportunity for visitors to hear experts give talks on a wide range of important farming matters.

Speakers at the summit included Case IH's Head of Corporate Farming for Middle East and Africa, Tom Davies, whose presentation provided real-world advice on e Modernization and Mechanization of Farming Practice. Case IH also supported the event for the rst time this year as Corporate Sponsor. e summit was opened on behalf of the Minister (His Excellency Hon. Dr Charles J. Tizeba, Tanzania's Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries) by Mdm. Margaret Ndaba, Assistant Director for Development Assistance & International Cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. She spoke about opportunities in Tanzanian agriculture and set the scene for issues to be discussed during the event. ese looked at how public and private sectors can play a bigger role in transforming Africa's agricultural sector by modernizing and introducing innovative technology to the farm; increasing farm productivity; investing www.farmersreviewafrica.com

in agro-related and value-added processing industries; and investing in transport infrastructure and post-harvest storage facilities.

Case IH's speaker at this event, Tom Davies, leads the company's Middle East and Africa team responsible for special projects in the agricultural sector. ese projects can range f ro m s m a l l h o l d i n g d e v e l o p m e nt t o multinational corporations' requests for advice or support. Davies said: “Our aim is to make the ownership of a large farming enterprise - and in particular the detail mechanizing of it - as simple and economic as possible for the highest returns.”

In his presentation, Davies described Case IH's successful business approach. He explained how the key elements of this are collaboration with professional producers to develop products, services and complete solutions; focus on productivity enhancements to improve customers' return on investment; continuous investigation and application of technology to minimize the risks of farming, ensuring a knowledgeable n e t w or k of e mp l oy e e s , d e a l e r s a n d distributors; exible nancial services offerings; and accessible parts and service support.

With such a strong offering, Case IH is well established in Corporate Farming in Africa,

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

but there are plans to build activities further. Davies commented: “We will expand the team and locate members in strategic locations in Africa to be closer to our customers. e scope of activity will also be widened beyond the preparation of projects, with a strong emphasis on support in the eld. is will include a permanent presence during the equipment start-up phase and direct support for parts, technical issues, training and advice.

“Sugar cane production accounts for approximately 50 percent of our activity and the sugar cane industry is at the core of our strategic plan. In this sector Case IH is the leader for technology and expertise. And we offer a complete range for production, from cultivation equipment to sprayers and the most trusted sugar cane harvesters in the industry. We can also draw on a complete range of products within the company to offer solutions for on-site power generation, construction equipment for drainage or farm roads, industrial-scale material handling, commercial vehicles for transport, and even buses for the workforce. In other words, Case IH provides everything a farmer needs from a single source. is is unique in our industry.”

March - April 2017

Market Information

AFGRI acquires stake in bank and broadens financial offering AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited (“AFGRI”), the leading agricultural services and food processing company is pleased to announce the potential acquisition of the National Bank of Greece Group's stake in the South African Bank of Athens Limited (“Bank of Athens”), corresponding to 99.81% of the issued share capital (the ''Transaction”) of Bank of Athens. e Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, regulatory approvals from the South African Reserve Bank (“SARB”), the South African Minister of Finance as well as the South-African Competition Authorities. AFGRI is liaising with SARB in this regard and is in the process of preparing the prescribed applications for the regulatory approvals under the guidance of appointed advisors.

“AFGRI values the support of clients, depositors and banking partners of the Bank of Athens and commits to continue to provide the service excellence they are accustomed to,” said AFGRI CEO, Chris Venter. He went on to say that acquisition would be a further enabler to both AFGRI and Bank of Athens' customers.

Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation, the indirect controlling shareholder of AFGRI, has provided its support for the proposed transaction. e Bank of Athens was established and has been operational in South Africa since 1947. It offers comprehensive traditional business banking such as lending, transaction banking, treasury and foreign exchange. It is further known for its focus on the development of market leading niche transactional banking offerings in partnership with businesses.

“We are impressed with the strides Bank of Athens has made in specialised banking offerings especially as these pertain to the application of technology and innovative solutions,” indicated Venter.

Venter concluded by indicating that the acquisition provides an additional retail and alliance banking platform to current and prospective AFGRI customers where deposit taking and lending is possible and in this way

March - April 2017

enables AFGRI to continue with its focus of innovation and an enabler to food security.

[40]

Dam Linings and Tarps Reservoir linings

Earth dam linings

Trailer Tarpaulins

Truck tarpaulins

Welded mesh reservoirs

For more informa on contact

+27 72 279 3294 Or visit

www.tatamatarps.co.za FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Products & Services

Cheers to largest centrifugal pump in South Africa Part its new Packo range of food-grade pumps, the new centrifugal pump is capable of pumping beer into eight million 250 ml bottles an hour. It was launched towards the end of last year. e Dutch-based Verder Group acquired the UK-based Fullwood Packo Group in 2015, with Verder South Africa embarking on an extensive marketing campaign for the food & beverage industry.

Kobus Fourie, Packo pump specialist at Verder South Africa, explains that the range has application in 11 niche sectors. ese are dairy, meat and sh, textiles, wastewater and potable water, breweries and distilleries, food and beverage, washing and disinfection, surface treatment, vegetables, animal feeds and biogas, hot frying oil, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.

“At the moment, our campaign is focused on breweries and food and beverage,” Fourie www.farmersreviewafrica.com

con rms. Globally, a demand for increased production capacities and more efficient processes in the food and beverage industry has seen a need for stainless steel pumps with ow rates in excess of 1 000 m³/h.

and easy to clean. Applications include dairies, breweries, and distilleries. e pumps are a particularly reliable option for ltration applications, pasteurisation, yeast propagation, and in cleaning systems.

Responding to this latest market trend, Verder South Africa has launched its Colossus pump, an extension of Packo's MCP3 and MFP3 pump range. It weighs 1.6 t, and offers a ow rate of 1 200 m³/h, with a 200 kW motor.

Fourie reveals that Packo itself is undergoing an expansion and renovation of its facilities, which will allow it to manufacture and test pumps with a ow rate of up to 2 000 m³/h.

While many breweries still use cast-iron pumps for higher ow rates, the stainless-steel design of the Colossus is much more hygienic. “It is likely to become the standard in the food and beverage industry in the future,” Fourie comments. e MCP3 and MFP3 pumps are also energyefficient and maintained easily, with an electropolished nish that is highly-corrosion resistant [41]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

The largest centrifugal pump available on the South African market for the food and beverage industry has been introduced by Verder Pumps South Africa.

March - April 2017

Products & Services "EASY!Force", the new trigger gun for professional hot and cold water high-pressure cleaners from Kärcher. e yellow and black trigger is visible at the back of the handle. e recoil of the water jet presses the handle into the ball of the hand. e trigger gun can be used in continuous operation without additional force and effort.

A yellow safety lever in the handle prevents accidental operation of the trigger gun.

Kärcher redefines the most important control element

New trigger gun for high-pressure cleaners For its range of commercial cold and hot water

trapezoidal thread, "EASY!Lock", allows a tight

trigger gun is suitable for all Kärcher cold and

high-pressure cleaners, Kärcher is introducing

and reliable connection with only a single turn

hot water high-pressure cleaners with a

the "EASY!Force" trigger gun in a brand new

(360°). Further connections - from lance to

maximum pressure of up to 300 bar.

design. e main feature is the trigger, which is

nozzles and from hose to high-pressure

pushed into the handle with the ball of the

cleaner - also feature the new "EASY!Lock

Contact

hand. When the trigger is operated, the recoil

thread. In this way, all components can be

Kärcher (Pty) Ltd.

of the water jet automatically presses the trigger

changed quickly and easily. A total of 476

Cnr.Mount Joy & Gorge Allen Rd.

into the hand, which contributes to effortless

accessory parts have been converted to the

Willbart Ext 2.

use. e reduced force action prevents hand

new screw thread. anks to special adaptors,

Germiston (South Africa)

and nger strain and in turn muscle cramps.

the new trigger gun can also be connected to

T +27 11 657 7300 www.karcher.co.za

Accidental operation is prevented by a yellow

existing high-pressure cleaners. e adaptors

safety lever in the handle. is can be released

can also be used to connect newly purchased

again aer brie y operating the trigger.

high-pressure cleaners with the new thread to existing components.

Kärcher has used this new trigger gun design as an opportunity to introduce further

e valve has also been substantially

improvements. As a result, both interfaces from

improved, both main components, ball and

the trigger gun to the lance and high-pressure

valve seat, are now ceramic. is ensures a

hose have been redesigned. A quadruple

lasting and reliable seal. e "EASY!Force"

March - April 2017

[42]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.karcher.co.za

Products & Services

Excessive grain safely storable in low cost plastic bags While the anticipated size of the harvest could

Owing to this, the Hitec grain bags enable

“e grain can be loaded in the bags directly from

have a stabilising effect on food price in ation, an

improved quality and the ability to engineer and

the harvester or from a truck and be stored safely

increasingly competitive global market continues

improve costs on the end product, impacting on

for up to two years.

to pressure South African producers to nd new

South Africa's ability to remain globally

Additional bene ts include lower initial

ways of cutting costs on grain and silage storage.

competitive, he says.

investment, on-site storage, exibility and savings

One such method is the use of massive Hitec

Van Niekerk notes that the bags boast a

on freight,” notes Kelly.

grain bags on sites around the country, which is

trademarked, seven-layered barrier

lm,

He says that the grain bags supplied by Rhino

the result of a new deal between South African

dramatically increasing the strength of the bags,

Plastics were used extensively by their clients

agricultural specialists Rhino Plastics – part of

while, more importantly, reducing the oxygen

during the 2016 intake season to store wheat,

the sustainable solutions group of companies,

permeability of the lm.

barley and oats – among other grains and silage.

He also claims that since introducing the

He also states that the bags handle very well on

Rhino Group – and Greece based master batches and agricultural

lms manufacturer Plastika

Kritis.

product, demand from across the country has

bagging machinery and have high-quality

surged. “Customers range from farmers to

stretching and durability properties.

“is deal not only has signi cance for the local

agricultural organisations stretching into

e Hitec grain and silage bags create a hermetic

market in terms of better value, it also offers the

Southern Africa.”

environment, which promotes oxygen depletion

industry a far superior product,” says Rhino

Rhino Plastics director Brendan Kelly says the

and simultaneous carbon dioxide production.

Group MD Brian van Niekerk.

bags are a solution for storing grains such as

is is because of the respiratory process of the

wheat, barley, maize, sorghum, soybean, rice, rye

biotic components inside the bag, Kelly adds.

is comes aer a report was released by

and legumes, which are increasingly in demand

government's Crop Estimates Committee on

globally.

“e new atmosphere in the bag, rich in carbon

e seven-layered Hitec grain bag is one of many

deactivates, or reduces not only the reproduction

January 26, stating that South African maize farmers are set to have their hands full come

dioxide and poor in oxygen, suppresses,

harvest time, aer planting almost a third more

agricultural products supplied by Rhino Plastics.

or development capacity of insects and fungi, but

hectares this season.

Other products include silage lms, balewrap

also the grain's own activity, in turn, facilitating its

e report indicated that 2.5-million hectares

lms, liner low density

preservation. Users report that the Hitec bag packs

had been allocated to maize, which marks a 31%

polyethylene irrigation pipe, mulch lms and

lm, green house

between 5% and 10% more grain than other bags

increase on the 1.9-million planted during the

dam liners, among other related products.

of the same size,” he concludes.

previous, drought-ridden year.

March - April 2017

[44]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Products & Services

Filtration solutions can prevent explosions in food & beverage sector Food processing, involving baking our, soup

“You have to take everything into consideration

e dust is collected in a bin or it goes through a

powders, milk powder, spices, avourings and

when you work on a solution for highly

rotary valve for safe discard.

sugar, for instance, can cause highly explosive

explosive factories – it is not only what they do

In the highly unlikely event of an explosion in the

organic dust, and industrial equipment company

but also how they do it – even what shoes

lter unit, Envirox makes use of a valve which

Envirox sales manager Anton Hertenberger says

employees wear. at's how technical it gets,”

prevents the explosion from propagating back

its Nederman ltration systems are designed to

says Hertenberger.

down the line.

mitigate explosions at such facilities.

Industry standards indicate that manufacturers that emit dust in facilities with a Kst rating of

lt r at i on c omp any

between 0 and 200 must be equipped with an air

Nederman specialises in combustible dust

Swe d i s h i n du st r i a l

ltration system, as these dusts are classi ed as

solutions and Envirox designs the

ltration

St 1 dust, which may result in an explosion.

solutions, which are built and assembled by Nederman in Sweden

e explosion is then safely vented by means of the explosion panels, thereby not harming people or machinery.

He warns that all factories that emit combustible dust should be equipped with Atex- compliant

e Kst is the dust de agration index, and it

dust extraction and ltration systems to prevent

e lter units are then sent to South Africa,

measures the relative explosion severity,

explosion.

where Envirox distributes them on the local

compared with other dusts.

e ltration systems also assist in preventing

market. Hertenberger says Envirox can design a

According to Hertenberger a Kst value of

cross contamination in production lines and

custom ltration solution within 24 hours.

between 200 and 300 is highly explosive but a

keeping factories clean.

He explains that a re is started with oxygen, fuel

dangerous.

Kst rating of 300 and above is the most e South African Bureau for Standards (SABS)

and ignition – sparks and static discharges can

Envirox can design ltration solutions that are

is extremely strict in terms of hygiene standards

cause an explosion with organic dust as fuel.

able to handle all three dust type classi cations.

in the South African food and beverage industry.

Using Atex-compliant

Hertenberger says companies have to use

e SABS 10049:2012 standard states: “e

ltration units with

explosion vent valves and antistatic

ltration

ltration systems that are speci ed to their

practices described in this standard are aimed at

media, in combination with fans equipped with

requirements, and properly designed, built and

assisting the food-handling organisation to

sparkles inlets, Envirox signi cantly reduces the

assembled, but they are oen not even aware of

manage its operations to prevent or control the

risk of explosion.

this need.

contamination of food, either through direct

e Nederman lters consist of extraction arms

contamination.”

e Atex directive consists of two European Union directives describing the equipment and

contamination or as a result of cross-

work environment allowed in an environment

and hoods which are earthed and connected to a

Hertenberger adds that conditions must almost

with an explosive atmosphere.

duct line.

be sterile to prevent contamination across

e arms extract dust from the atmosphere and

production lines, so manufacturers bene t

“e biggest problem is that there are too many

carry it to the dust collector at a speed not less

doubly by ensuring that dust is removed from

manufacturers who are not even aware they are

than 25 m/s to prevent settling within the duct

t h e i m m e d i at e at m o s p h e r e , a s i t c a n

working in extremely explosive environments.

lines.

contaminate other products.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[45]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

Products & Services

Catching Up with High-Frequency Trading e rst official stock market, as we understand

of a contract, the process has evolved to

in doing so allows brokers and traders to pro t

the concept today, began in Antwerp in the

entering a buy or sell order into a program and

from market imbalances that were once out of

1500's. Merchants and money lenders had been

watching it be processed in the electronic

their reach.

trading amongst themselves for centuries, most

maelstrom which is the modern world of

particularly the merchants of Venice, but no

High-frequency trading is quickly becoming the

nance.

dominant force in the market, world-wide.

formalised exchange existed until the Huis ter Beurze.

We are in the midst of such an evolution right

Established in an inn run by the Van der

next phase of investing: high-frequency

Beurze family (from whose name we derive

trading.

now, as dealers and brokers move onto the

frequently gather in the Huis to manage deals

Simply put, high-frequency trading is next

and give one another nancial advice.

logical step in nding and executing deals on a

that the items traded there were bonds and promissory notes, but the concept proved so successful that it gradually spread to the rest of Europe, and from there to every corner of the globe.

From these beginnings of men trading debts with one another in smoky rooms, or over cups of coffee, the global exchange has evolved into a multi-trillion dollar machine of enormous complexity.

Where once bid and ask spreads were written on chalkboards, they are now ashed to millions of computer and television screens the world over, every second of every hour of every day.

Where once a deal was realised by the signing March - April 2017

trades, and that amount is only set to grow.

As a result, ordinary traders are frequently

“bourse”), traders and merchants would

Technically, it was not a “stock” exchange in

Almost 60% of trade done on the New York Stock Exchange is as a result of high-frequency

global level.

nding themselves chasing a target which moves ever further away, and at a greater pace. To operate without an understanding of highfrequency trading in today's market is to run a race with a weight tied to your legs.

e continued progress in both the speed and processing power of modern computers and

At Russellstone International, we are leading the

the increased complexity of the programs they

foray of high-frequency trading in the South

run has made it possible for a deal to be found,

African derivative markets. As registered a

identi ed and made in the blink of an eye.

member of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange,

Less, in fact, than the amount of time it takes

improve on a range of algorithms which make

our team continues to design, implement and to blink an eye, a process which takes 500

up the basis of our high-frequency trading

milliseconds and in which a modern algorithm

strategy.

would have completed two trades and be on its way to nishing a third.

We aim to offer potential clients the opportunity

Using algorithms to identify the most

trading, for themselves.

to take advantage of this, the next evolution of complicated of mathematical patterns, highfrequency trading can spot the tiniest of market movements, over the smallest of time periods. It then acts to execute the trade, and

[46]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

Craig Robinson Director Russellstone International (PTY) Ltd www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Established in 2010, Russellstone International has since risen to become one of the leading broking firms in the South African Derivatives market.

As a registered member of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Russellstone International is the market leader in algorithmic trade execution technology in the Agricultural, Equity and Currency Derivative markets on the JSE.

Utilising the latest in trading software, we also take advantage of advances in the field, making use of drone technology to conduct crop surveys and provide you a detailed assessment of the current conditions on (and in!) the ground.

Whether you're a miller or farmer looking to diversify your portfolio, or a large corporate that requires knowledgeable trading expertise to support your business, Russellstone International has an experienced team that is ready to offer you the advice and support that you require.

If you are interested in finding out more, visit our website at www.rsitrading.co.za. You can also drop us a line at info@rsitrading.co.za or +27 12 743 5390 and we will be more than happy to assist you!

Russellstone Interna onal (PTY) td is a registered member of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Reg No 2001/023483/07 A member of the Russellstone Group.

Products & Services

Africa’s potential If Africa has the second largest continent and population in the World, why not consider it as a business potential for fertilizer industry?

Analysing the facts of Africa, it's the second largest continent in the world with more than 30 900 000 km2 of total area and also the second largest world population with about 1.2bi people, it means that we have a huge area to work on. And the key for its development is partnerships.

With more than 60% of its 1.166 billion people living in rural areas, Africa's economy is inherently dependent on agriculture. More than 32% of the continent's gross domestic product comes from the sector considering that food is the basis for humans, and the fertilizer is essential for rural areas where most food comes from.

Africa has receiving more than USD30bi of foreign investments for the fertilizer market since 2012 till now. Huge corporations and others are coming to invest in agribusiness in Africa and creating local opportunities as well, for example Bagtech has a Japanese company as its partner: Toyota. Bagtech delivered a fertilizer blending plant to them in Kenya in 2016, and the company projects 2017 better than last year.

According to e World Bank and US Department of Agriculture projects the agriculture and agribusiness in Africa will grow to be US$1 trillion industry in Africa by 2030. To promote this outcome, the continent must review its incentive structures. Over the next decade, fertilizer use is projected to increase by almost 2 percent annually, which is consistent with overall crop production growth trends.

In the North of Africa is possible to nd one of the largest phosphate March - April 2017

reserves in the world as well the main exporters of fertilizers in Africa. e main consumers of fertilizer in World are China, India, USA and Brazil which are considered more developed areas using more fertilizer per hec than Africa. And the main consumers of fertilizer in Africa are Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa respectively. According to FAO, Africa growth fertilizer demand will increase more than others continent with 3.6%.

So why not believe in Africa?

Bagtech e company has a long history in Africa. Bagtech is proud to be an African company which started its activities in 80's when the coffee market was booming. By that time the company was offering services for coffee market in Africa, and aer some years started to develop its own equipment for agri industry. “We had a long and hard way to become who we are today, and nowadays we provide services and equipment from Africa to Africa focus on fertilizer market.” Fred Coelho, Managing Director. e company's main goal is to offer their clients all their expertise in the fertiliser and

[48]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Products & Services agro-industry by providing consultancy, equipment and services around Africa.

Most of fertilizer equipment found in Africa region has more than 30 years old and most of them are in a bad condition due to lack of maintenance. Maintenance is essential every day since fertilizer product is a very corrosive product. Bagtech team is always present at the customer's facility providing service and showing how to clean the machine aer work. It can impact on customer's production if it is not clean proper, also can rust the machine.

“Maintenance is the most important part of equipment to keep it on, and our team is always assisting our customers across Africa and training their staffs how to make it every day “says Fred Coelho.

TWK, ETG, Yara and others. ey manage 7 fertilizer plants in South Africa and have capacity to manufacture about 10 custom made equipment per year. e company can design in-house fertilizer blending plants from very small capacities to over 100 tons per hour, coating plants, bagging equipment from 10kg to 1ton, screening equipment and any other compact plant as per customer needs.

Africa is showing its potential on fertilizer market, is showing that has professional people and technology to offer to Africa and to the world. Bagtech has equipment across Africa and offer services for more than 30% of main ports in Africa. e company delivered more than 90 fertilizer equipment for Africa along its history.

For more info: www.bagtechint.com

Developed in a partnership with Festo, Bagtech equipment comes with an advanced technology which can be controlled by online system from anywhere with your laptop or cell phone “In my view, Africa needs to encourage African companies and give the opportunity to show that we also have technology and knowledge to offer. When you encourage local content, you create local jobs, companies can invest on technology and on people. Both can grow together” says Fred Coelho. Bagtech has grown signi cantly and currently employs 150+ workers having as its clients the main players in fertilizer market such as Toyota Kenya,

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[49]

Developed in a partnership with Festo, Bagtech equipment comes with an advanced technology which can be controlled by online system from anywhere with your laptop or cell phone

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

Products & Services

Pumps range optimal for conveying acidic substances Pumps supplier Verder South Africa notes that

creates three distinct pressure regions around

Further, the company is excited to grow into the

its range of centrifugal mag drive pumps,

the impeller. ese regions are the suction

pharmaceuticals and food and beverage

VERDERMAG, operates “exceptionally well”

pressure in the impeller eye, the discharge

industries, as well as the preservative side of the

when conveying abrasive and corrosive

pressure in the volute and the balance pressure

chemicals industry; they are linked in many ways,

substances, making it ideal for the chemicals and

behind the impeller.

she notes.

“One of the many applications Verder specialises

In operation, the balance pressure is about one-

ac t ively involve d in t he chemic a ls and

in is the transfer of hazardous chemicals,” says

quarter to one-third of the discharge pressure,

petrochemicals industry for decades, has

Verder marketing manager Elaine van der

which is created by the routine pumping action

managed to build a formidable reputation with its

Westhuizen.

of the impeller, while the balance pressure is

customers in this market.

She notes that one of the company's recent

controlled by the combined action of a xed and

projects was for chemicals company Omnia

a variable ori ce. e xed ori ce is created by a

petrochemicals industries.

She says that the company, which has been

Verder's peristaltic and air-operated double-

Group's agriculture division Omnia Nutriology,

set of clearance rings behind the impeller. ese

diaphragm pumps are frequently used at water

which approached Verder in November

rings limit the leakage ow behind the impeller

puri cation and treatment plants, where chemical

regarding the conveying of liquid fertiliser.

to a relatively constant rate. e leakage then

dosing is required. “We also have many clients

“Based on the process requirements, we

ows around the magnets and past the bushing

that require fertiliser applications in process

suggested the VERDERMAG centrifugal pump,

to the thrust control valve.

plants.”

as it can easily transfer the required aggressive chemicals product without any leakages.”

To further its strategic goals, the company last Van der Westhuizen notes that Verder is looking

year acquired distribution rights for the Packo

forward to servicing the chemicals and

pumps range used in the food and beverage

Other advantages include the pump casing,

petrochemicals industry this year, as the

industry. e process pumps are used in the most

bonded with ethylene tetra uoroethylene or

company sees massive potential in this evolving

demanding hygienic applications, including

per uoroalkoxy linings, with a minimum

market, consisting of many and varied potential

ltration, pasteurisation, yeast propagation and

thickness of 3 mm. Further, it is a nonstainless

and existing clients. Further, she notes that the

steel pump, making it more cost effective, as it

company's product and technical services

clean-in-place cleaning systems.

uses a cast iron casing. Additionally, certain

offering ensures that clients receive several

Van der Westhuizen concludes that Verder's

stainless steel alloy pumps are unableto convey

bene ts, including reduced maintenance,

commitment to clients is paramount, noting: “It is

the full range of acidic substances, unlike the

reduced consumption and total cost of

our motto that, rather than simply just selling a

VERDERMAG, Van der Westhuizen comments.

ownership savings.

pump, we provide a solution and enhance a

e pump uses a thrust balance design, which March - April 2017

client's production process.

[52]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Supplement

Cleaning & sanitizing milking equipment When it comes to producing high-quality milk, clean milking equipment is a crucial part to

For good results, you must: §

achieving this goal. Monitoring milk quality counts, and keeping your milking equipment

§

cleaning on track is a must to consistently produce high-quality milk.

§

All it takes is a failed drain or bad gaskets leaking air because they weren't changed on

§

Acid rinse

Have a starting water temperature of

is cycle is used to neutralize any detergent

160ºF or above

residue, remove minerals and inhibit bacteria

Discharge water with a temperature

growth. e acid rinse must circulate for three

of 120ºF or above

to ve minutes. e water start temperature

Deliver 20 good slugs going 25 to 35

should be 95 to 110ºF, and the pH of the acid

feet per second through the system

solution must be 2.0 to 3.5.

Have the proper amount and type of

schedule, to derail your cleaning system. And

chemical for your milking system

Sanitize cycle

all of a sudden, your bacteria count is higher

size, complexity, hours of milking

is cycle kills bacteria. Use an EPA-registered

than expected.

To ensure clean milking equipment, these six

§

and water type

sanitizer product. e water start temperature

Traditional wash cycles use a

should be 95 to 110ºF and circulate for three to

requirements must be met: time, temperature,

chlorinated alkaline detergent, and

water volume, chemical balance, velocity and

you need to meet the minimum

100 to 200 ppm of chlorine when testing the

drainage. If one is off, your cleaning results will

active alkalinity parts per million

drain of the cycle.

be compromised.

(ppm), active chlorine ppm and pH

e clean-in-place wash contains up to four

for your system.

An alternative is to use an EPA-registered acid

Specially formulated one-step

sanitizer on the acid cycle and do the acid and

washes can be used to help save

sanitize in one cycle.

different cycles. Each has a speci c function,

§

and each needs precise control of the six

ve minutes. Chlorine sanitizers should yield

requirements to properly clean your milking

water and time but must meet the

All milking equipment, lines, and utensil

equipment.

minimum required active acidity

surfaces that come into contact with milk or dirt

and pH for your system and be

or manure must be thoroughly cleaned and

Pre-wash/rinse

compatible with your water type.

sanitized before the next milking.

load from the milking system and warms the

On this type of wash, the acid rinse

milk pickup and sanitized before the next

equipment surface for cleaning. e water

is not needed, and it combines the

milking. e purpose of cleaning is to remove

starting temperature should be 95 to 110ºF.

functions of two cycles into one.

milk soils, organic and mineral solids that form

Circulate washwater seven to 10

on equipment surfaces aer the milk is removed.

is cycle removes 90 to 95 percent of the soil

Bulk milk tanks also must be cleaned aer each

§ e water should circulate once to rinse the

minutes depending on how quickly

e purpose of sanitizing is to kill residual

equipment and then be diverted out of the

you can generate slugs. For example,

microorganisms present on these surfaces

system. Ideally, the cycle will have enough

if you can generate three slugs per

immediately prior to milking. Inadequate or

water to rinse until it drains clear at the end.

minute, you could achieve 20 slugs

improper cleaning or sanitizing or both allows

Main wash. is cycle removes butterfat,

in seven minutes. But if you only

bacteria to remain on equipment surfaces and to

protein and minerals. It uses slugs of hot water

generate two slugs per minute, then

grow and multiply. is results in elevated

and chemicals to scrub the interior surfaces.

you need a 10-minute wash.

bacteria counts in milk.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[53]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

Supplement

Robotic Milking: What’s more important... time or money In 2025 almost half of the dairy herds in North West Europe will be milked by robots.

On a global scale robot arms are making their entry into conventional milking parlours to confront rising labour costs and achieve ease of work.

A milking robot will prove a 36% labour saving on a dairy farm throughout the year compared to a conventional milking parlour.

dairy farms worldwide milking their cows automatically.

At rst glance, a robotic milking machine appears complicated and intimidating.

However, aer studying this piece of equipment for a time, you soon come to realize that it consists of a number of basic components, each one individually fairly simple.

e rst milking robots were installed on commercial dairy farms in the Netherlands in 1992. e re al bre ak-t hroug h in automated milking came at the end of the 90s. Today there are approximately 1200

So why do people continue to look at rob ot ics as an a lter nat ive to more conventional milking systems? e rst and still the most fundamental attraction for the less-than 120 cow dairies, is the issue of

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[55]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

lifestyle. Although images of dairymen lying in meadows or lounging at the beach for weeks on end is a little over-stated, the fact that a new generation of dairy producers can gain a greater degree of control over their daily routines, and can choose to be available for family and other-than-farm-related activities, is a huge attraction.

Cropping activities don't need to come to a halt in order to come home to do the chores, since the milking is being done by milking robots while the dairy producer is off planting or harvesting his crops. On the smaller dairies, where the owners are still involved in March - April 2017

Supplement all aspects of the operation, this robotic alternative will become increasingly attractive. e drudgery associated with the actual activity of milking cows drives people to look for alternatives. e majority of dairy producers I talk to today don't look forward to the actual chore of milking, and are always looking for a way to pass the job off to someone else, and are ver y open to discussions about a machine that will do it for them.

One of the most powerful arguments in favour of robotics relates to the availability and cost of labour. In some areas of North America, attracting labour to perform milking chores, is a virtual impossibility. ere are three types of commercially available automatic milking systems worldwide: · Single-stall units utilize one robotic arm for each stall. is is the most popular and proven technology. · Multiple-stall units – a newer concept where one arm serves two or more stalls. · Automatic Milking Rotary (AMR) is the latest advancement in highcapacity automated milking. It combines the highest efficiency of both conventional and automated milking by employing a rotary platform with multiple robotic arms that can prep, attach and postspray up to 90 cows per hour.

What automatic milking systems can realistically offer : Low-Stress Cow Environment In a robotic facility a cow is free to follow her natura l biorhyt hm. R at her t han b e constrained by the schedule of the dairy operator, she is now completely in charge of when she will eat, lay down and go to be milked. No longer is the intervention of a human in her environment associated with having to get up to stand in a holding area to wait to be milked.

Cows are creatures with strong social interaction. Cows will repeatedly associate

March - April 2017

with the same cows, and more timid cows tend to avoid the company of more aggressive ones. e fact that cows are now able to choose when and with whom they associate, makes for a much lower level of stress in the dairy herd.

One of the most immediate sensations that a person encounters when entering a robotic dairy, is the relaxed and restful atmosphere that pervades the free stall. is low-stress environment is a very positive bene t of robotic milking. Although results are sketchy and not yet de nitive, it would appear reasonable to expect that this reduction in stress would result in increases in a herd's longevity, a cow's overall condition, and health.

Consistent and Repeatable Routines Unlike humans, machines are not affected by the time of day, seasons, or mood swings.

You can rely on a robot to milk your cows, identically the same way, whether it's 10:00 on a Monday morning, or midnight on Christmas Eve. You can be con dent that a properly functioning robot will milk your cows identically the same way every single time. is predictable consistency on the part of the robot works very well with cows, who themselves thrive in an environment that is consistent and predictable. e direct bene ts of this are hard to quantify, but anyone who has milked cows realizes that, the more consistent and predictable a prep routine is, the more consistent the milk let down re ex will be.

Improved Management e choice between robotic and conventional milking systems is much broader than simply choosing between milking alternatives.

It n e c e s s it at e s a c h oi c e b e t w e e n management styles. e fundamental difference between robotic milking and conventional milking regimens lies in the fact that, in a conventional system, the dairy operator physically intervenes in a cow's daily routine, at speci ed times, to force her to the milking centre.

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is is fundamentally different than a totally voluntary system, which is characteristic of a robotic milking facility. Since the success of a robotic milking facility is so dependent on a cow voluntarily attending to the milking stall, it is absolutely critical that all of the factors that contribute to a cow's contentment be well understood, and heeded.

Any aspect of a cow's environment that is allowed to deteriorate, whether that relates to nutrition, ventilation, stall comfort, hoof condition, or health, etc. will quickly affect her sense of contentment, and result in a reduced desire to voluntarily attend to the milking robot. Fewer visits to the robot will translate to less milk harvested, and a less pro table animal.

However, in the case of a conventional system, the same de ciencies in any of these areas result in the same suppressed milk production, and a similar general lethargy of the cow. But all of this is masked because she is forced into the milking parlour, and so a subtle change in her condition is not nearly as apparent.

Much of the grief experienced by the early adopters of robotic milking came as a result of the fact that many continued to operate the dairy operation as they had before.

However, as some dairymen improved their management style to a level required for a successful robotic installation, their efforts have begun to pay back through improved general herd health, lower veterinary cost, increased longevity, and improved milk production.

A heightened attention to detail, and a more disciplined approach to management, are keys to the long-term success of a robotic installation. ese are exciting times to be a part of the dairy industry. To suggest that robotics will not play a huge role in the dairy industry in years to come would be naïve. How quickly producers will adopt robotic technologies for use on the dairies will depend on how quickly manufacturers can meet the basic requirements of reliability, predictability, affordability, availability and exibility.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

darren.hutcheson@gea.com.

gea.com

Supplement

Irrigation and Drainage Irrigation and drainage, arti cial application of water to land and arti cial removal of excess

development, production, treatment and

drainage improvements are undertaken on

disposal of agricultural drainage water.

cropland currently affected by excess water and high water tables.

water from land, respectively. Some land requires irrigation or drainage before it is

Excess water in the crop root zone soil is

possible to use it for any agricultural

injurious to plant growth. Crop yields are

Drainage (both surface and subsurface) is not

production; other land pro ts from either

drastically reduced on poorly drained soils,

simply the conversion of wetlands, but the

practice to increase production.

and, in cases of prolonged waterlogging, plants

improvement of naturally inadequately drained

ere are several concerns about the

eventually die due to a lack of oxygen in the

cropland. It is complementary to irrigation and

sustainability of irrigation and drainage

root zone. Sources of excess soil water that

is viewed as an essential component of irrigated

projects, and there are water quality problems

result in high water tables include: high

agriculture. e objective is to increase

related to the disposal of drainage water. ere

precipitation in humid regions; surplus

production efficiency, crop yields and

are also problems with land degradation due to

irrigation water and canal seepage in the

pro tability on naturally poorly drained agricultural lands.

irrigation induced salinity and waterlogging.

irrigated lands; and artesian pressure.

ere have been instances where saline or high

Waterlogging in irrigated regions may result in

nutrient drainage water has damaged aquatic

excess soil salinity, i.e., the accumulation of

ecosystems.

Drainage continues to be a vital and necessary

Agricultural, environmental and socio-

salts in the plant root zone. Arti cial drainage

economic bene ts of drainage

is essential on poorly drained agricultural

e primary bene ts of drainage go beyond the

elds to provide optimum air and salt

control of excess soil water and accumulation of

component of agricultural production systems.

environments in the root zone. Drainage is

excess salts in the crop root zone.

In order to enhance the net bene ts of drainage

regarded as an important water management

e coincident environmental and socio-

systems, more attention will need to be given to

practice, and as a component of efficient crop

economic bene ts associated with disease vector

the water quality impacts of drainage water

production systems. World food supply and

control and public health must be fully

disposal. is document identi es potential

the productivity of existing agricultural lands

recognized. One of the major environmental

can only be maintained and enhanced if

bene ts of drainage is its positive impact on

problems and management options in the March - April 2017

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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Supplement

improving the health of humans, plants and farm animals. Drainage of wet, swampy areas

·

uptake of plant nutrients.

maintain favourable long-term salt and water

Higher value crops can be planted,

balances in the crop root zone. Salinity and

has led to a reduction in mosquito breeding

and there is exibility to introduce

waterlogging are caused by a build up of the

sites in all parts of the world. e effect has

new and improved cropping

water table due to deep percolation of normal

systems.

excess water and canal seepage.

been a drop in the incidence and prevalence of important water related and mosquito

·

transmitted diseases, e.g., malaria, yellow fever and lariasis.

In general, land value and productivity are increased.

·

Farm income is increased and

in arid regions than in humid regions in order to

income variability reduced.

control salinity. Water in excess of plant

Drainage maintains favourable salt

evapotranspiration (ET) needs is always

eliminate foot-rot in large animals and, to a

and air environments in the crop

unavoidably applied during irrigation. is

certain extent, the breeding environment of

root zone.

Furthermore, drainage of stagnant water can

·

Buried pipe drains are generally installed deeper

additional quantity of water applied is known as

aquatic and semi-aquatic snails, which are the

the leaching fraction. Naturally occurring as

intermediate host of schistosomiasis. Drainage

Surface drainage

well as applied salts are then leached from the

also reduces or eliminates mildew infections

Surface drainage is oen achieved by land

root zone by this water, and removed from the

and various root rots of plants. e overall

forming and smoothing to remove isolated

impact of improved drainage has been an

depressions, or by constructing parallel

Deeper drain installation ensures that salts do

improvement in hygienic conditions, in the

ditches. Ditches and furrow bottoms are gently

not rise too rapidly to the soil surface due to

health sector and in the productivity of human

graded and discharge into main drains at the

beings. By growing high value food crops in

eld boundary. Although the ditches or

eld via the pipe drains.

capillary action. Drainage also prevents waterlogging of the root zone. e amount of

well-drained soils, the health, nutrition and

furrows are intended primarily to convey

irrigation water to be removed is generally less

economic status of rural populations can be

excess surface runoff, there is some seepage

in arid than in humid regions.

improved. ere are also increased

through the soil to the ditches, depending on

Vertical drainage by means of tube-wells is also

opportunities for employment, as new

the water table position.

used to control waterlogging and salinity in

industries may develop in prosperous areas.

Where drainage is used to reclaim salinized and

is could be regarded as a form of shallow

some parts of the world, e.g., India, Pakistan and

subsurface drainage. Surface drainage is

central Asian republics.

especially important in humid regions on at

waterlogged lands, it is an environmentally

lands with limited hydraulic gradients to

e primary purposes of tube-wells are the same

bene cial practice, because the land is returned

nearby rivers or other disposal points. ere is

as those of horizontal drains, and at the same

to its full productive potential. e adaptation

also a need for good surface drainage in semi-

time to extract groundwater for irrigation. As a

of subsurface drainage systems to serve as sub-

arid regions which are affected by monsoons.

result of pumping, the water table is lowered,

Subsurface drainage

is situation is ideal where the groundwater is

irrigation or controlled drainage systems leads to other bene ts, i.e., the reduction of nitrate pollution.

and salinization due to capillarity is minimized.

Surface drainage alone is seldom sufficient to

not very brackish or saline, and is therefore

remove excess water from the crop root zone.

suitable for irrigation. In areas where the

e eld-scale bene ts of drainage can be

Deep ditches or subsurface pipe drainage

groundwater is highly saline, the pumped water

summarized as follows:

systems enable a more rapid water table

may be too saline for irrigation, unless mixed

drawdown. e downstream ends of the

with fresher or less saline water. Where the

·

· ·

·

Drainage promotes bene cial soil bacteria activity and improves soil

laterals are normally connected to a collector

groundwater is too saline for crop production, it

tilth.

drain. e required diameter of the pipe

must be disposed of. Drainage does not have a

ere is less surface runoff and soil

collectors increases with the area drained.

direct impact on groundwater quality. It only

erosion on drained land.

Drain spacing is usually dependent on soil

serves to collect and transport excess water.

Improved eld machine trafficability

hydraulic conductivity and a design drainage

reduces soil structural damage. Soil

rate coefficient. Depending on topography,

Secondary drainage treatments

compaction is reduced and less

land formation and proximity of a water

Methods of improving the internal drainage of

energy is required for eld machine

receiving body, the collector may outlet by

low permeability soils include: subsoiling, deep

operations. Drainage also allows for

gravity to an open main drain or into a sump.

tillage, mole drainage, and biological practices,

more timely eld operations.

In the latter case, the discharge is then pumped

viz., cropping with deep rooted legumes (e.g.,

Consequently, the growing season

to another drain, or ultimately to a lake or

alfalfa) and crop rotations. In some parts of the

can be lengthened and crops can

stream.

world, deep rooted trees are used to lower the

achieve full maturity.

Horizontal subsurface drainage systems are

water table. ere are usually no water quality

Crop yields are increased because of

used in irrigated arid and semi-arid regions to

hazards associated with these supplemental

improved water management and

reclaim saline and waterlogged lands, and to

drainage practices.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

Supplement

Precision Farmingproducing more with less Predicting the future is a great pastime, but divining the course of technology is not always easy. Certain ideas appear to be on track to come to market, but then others that seem less likely eventually take hold.

For more than 10,000 years people have cultivated crops using trial and error, received wisdom and how the soil feels when they rub it between their ngers. Only recently in history, mechanisation revolutionised the countryside with machinery and replaced horses with tractors.

Nowadays, we're witnessing a new farming revolution triggered by the adoption of staggering new technologies: satellites, high precision positioning systems, smart sensors and a range of IT applications combined with hightech engineering.

Precision agriculture is a method of farm management that allows the farmer to produce more efficiently, thereby realizing gains through economical use of resources. An important effect

March - April 2017

of precision farming is the high environmental

the nature of the commodities market.

bene t from using chemical treatments only where and when they are necessary. is

Steps in the Precision Agriculture Process

promotion of environmental stewardship is a

Precision agriculture is a cyclic process, of course,

key component of the new attitudes in

but a farmer can get started on site-speci c

agriculture.

farming at just about any time of the year.

Generally, farmers need to perform annual

Based on what are called "site-speci c" methods,

planning, data collection, and analysing steps to

precision agriculture involves studying and

complete the precision ag cycle.

managing variations within elds that can affect

·

Before Planting - perform soil testing,

crop yield. It revolves around the idea that

then data analysis to determine spatial

treating a large region as a uniform area is

variations in soil conditions that call for

essentially wasteful and uses an excess of costly

a variety of treatments or planting

resources in the form of fertilizers, pesticides,

methods. ·

and herbicides.

In the Growing Season - begin by planting with variable seeding rates

Any area as large as a eld can contain wide

across the eld, and use variable rate

spatial variations in soil types, nutrient

application (VRA) of fertilizers as

availability, and other important factors; not

determined by soil test data. Crop

taking these variations into account can result in

scouting is done to search for problems

a loss of productivity. While farm input costs

such as weeds, pests, or diseases.

continue to rise, individual farmers cannot do

Findings determine whether further

anything to raise the price of their crops due to

VRA of chemical treatments or other

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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Supplement

·

actions are warranted.

overhead turning, following

During the Harvest - as the crop is

overlapping of rows. ese technologies reduce

harvested, a yield monitor in the

human error and are the key to effective site

Sensors and remote sensing: collect data from a

combine logs geo-referenced yield

management:

distance to evaluating soil and crop health

data to be analysed and mapped across

o

eld edges and

Assisted steering systems show

that information to the particular eld location.

(moisture, nutrients, compaction, crop diseases).

the eld. Variable yield results across

drivers the way to follow in the eld

Data sensors can be mounted on moving

the eld can help the farmer discover if

with the help of satellite navigation

machines.

his management methods have been

systems such as GPS. is allows

Integrated electronic communications between

successful, and determine how to

more accurate driving but the farmer

components in a system for example, between

proceed in the next season. o

still needs to steer the wheel.

tractor and farm office, tractor and dealer or spray

Automated steering systems, take full

can and sprayer.

control of the steering wheel allowing

Key technologies & concepts High precision positioning systems (like GPS)

the driver to take the hands off the

Variable rate technology (VRT): ability to adapt

are the key technology to achieve accuracy when

wheel during trips down the row and

parameters on a machine to apply, for instance,

driving in the eld, providing navigation and

the ability to keep an eye on the

seed or fertiliser according to the exact variations

positioning capability anywhere on earth,

planter, sprayer or other equipment.

in plant growth, or soil nutrients and type.

anytime under any all conditions. e systems record the position of the eld using geographic

o

Intelligent guidance systems provide different steering patterns (guidance

coordinates (latitude and longitude) and locate

patterns) depending on the shape of

and navigate agricultural vehicles within a eld

the

with 2cm accuracy.

combination with above systems.

eld and can be used in

Automated steering systems: enable to take

Geomapping: used to produce maps including

over speci c driving tasks like auto-steering,

soil type, nutrients levels etc in layers and assign

Tech & Innovation

New packhouse technology increasing productivity at Two-a-Day Two-a-Day, a shareholder of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, has invested in a new packing facility to better manage the increasing volume of fruit from growers in the Elgin, Grabouw, Villiersdorp, Vyeboom and Greyton valleys.

According to Two-a-Day Group Operations Director, Dawid Malan, the new sorting and packing facility imported from e Netherlands, at a multi-million rand investment, uses the latest technology and robotics to better sort fruit and correctly pack it for delivery-ready storage. And, with saving water resources at the forefront of all activities, the design reduces water use by more than 60% compared to other sorting facilities.

“We have year-to-date saved 62% more water across all our operations than we did previously,” Malan says.

Modern fruit sorting “We again looked to Greefa, one of the global leaders in fruit sorting technology, to provide a new Geo-Sort 10-lane sorting system complete with the newest generation of camera-sorting equipment able to sort up to March - April 2017

60,500kg bins per hour,” he explains. “When fruit arrives in bins at the packhouse it gets gently tipped into a water-based system that is best for gentle fruit handling. e rst part of the grading machine is the CDZ/95/D singulator which has been developed speci cally for the sorting of round, delicate fruit, with a size range of 40 - 120mm in diameter and a maximum length of 120mm. e so rubber diabolos, mounted at a pitch of 95mm, ensure fruit-friendly singulation.”

According to Malan, a big part of modern fruit sorting practice is the use of camera technology to not only grade fruit in line with cosmetic colour and blemish standards but to also analyse the internal quality of fruit to alert for defects such as internal browning or to measure sugar content in the form of Brix. “e rotation speed is set in such a way that the largest sized fruits make one full rotation under the vision eld of the cameras. Our new Greefa set uses a double set of cameras so the length in which the fruit has to rotate is twice the usual length.

Even at higher speeds of processing, this new fruit rotation system is much more gentle

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

than machines with a single rotation section,” he says.

Not only do LED lights save energy and last longer but they also produce less heat and less dust which is much more fruit friendly than other systems. “High-resolution cameras and LED lighting can differentiate fruit size, short/long, colour and blush along with background colour almost in an instant.

Greefa's well-known iQS (Intelligent Quality Sorting) make use of the mounted colour and infrared cameras and captures the weight of each individual piece of fruit. Also, the weight is far more accurate using the transfer unit than it is using a traditional weighing system which uses the bridge underneath the cups system. In this way, the in uence of dirt and water are kept to a minimum.”

Evaluation of the whole fruit reducing potential claims Tru-Cape Managing Director Roelf Pienaar says: “this new sorting equipment will help reduce the potential claims we have to pay back from fruit that has, for example, been delivered with internal browning. Something

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Tech & Innovation that, in the recent past, could only be discerned by cutting into fruit.”

Malan adds that the Greefa sorting system which uses iFA and NIR (Near Infra Red) can detect water core damage unlike the more common systems that measure re ection, the new Greefa uses transmission technology. “is ensures that the whole fruit is evaluated, resulting in a very accurate measurement. e system is able to measure values for internal browning and water core. en, aer setting the different levels in the self-learning soware, an extremely high level of accuracy can be achieved.

According to Malan, the Greefa iQS 4 system is the latest generation of quality grading and is, without a doubt, the most accurate and advanced system available worldwide. “Since the introduction of external quality systems in 1996, Greefa has always been the leader in this eld of technology and has maintained its position by heavily investing in research and development. We like that the system is fully dynamic and any new defects can be trained and new algorithms be installed remotely when required. A large team of engineers is working continuously, dedicated to evolving the algorithms of this system.”

Intelligent fruit counting Malan says that iPWC is the abbreviation for “Intelligent Package Weight and Counts” which enables the user to select the number of pieces of fruit (also known as the fruit count) to go into a package and the weight of that package. During sorting, the soware will try to ensure that the average weight of all fruits in a certain group is as close to or slightly higher than the desired average weight. e new tech approximates human reasoning better than previous systems did.

During sorting, when the fruit has a weight that is in an overlapping range, the soware will determine in which group the fruit will best t. e end result is a more nuanced high-speed sorting system than ever before.

Malan explains that the difference between dynamic and variable threshold is that dynamic will adjust itself according to the lot quality using a buffer of 1,000 apples to

Tel: Faks: Sel: E-pos: Webblad:

“Although sorting technology has been available for some time, what's new is that more of the entire process is now mechanised, increasing overall productivity. Aer fruit is sorted according to pre-programmed requirements and automatically packed ready for market, the new Yaskava robot will form the base of the Gossamer Robot Palletising station,” Malan says, adding that the Gossamer Robot station is capable of packing up to 1,000 cartons per hour which will improve their productivity.”

According to Pienaar, based on the number of trees already in the ground, Tru-Cape is expecting as much as a 20% growth in volume in the next few years and the new technology and investment that Two-a-Day has made will allow the company to successfully pack and store the increased volumes.

082 890 6269 086 548 4790 082 871 0123 info@nmreng.co.za www.nmreng.co.za

Vir al u plaasbenodigdhede Sedert 1968 * Verskuifbare beeskrale

* Baallaaiers en-vurke

*Skale en nekklampe

* Kalfkanteltoestelle

*Laaibanke

* Spuitdippe

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* Landrollers

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* Honde-selfvoerders

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determine the percentage graded in each class.

Marketstraat 2, Mooirivier, Kwazulu-Natal, 3300, Suid- Afrika

Tech & Innovation

John Deere launches real-time sprayer and planter monitoring app production steps provide additional insights

John Deere has introduced the new Connect Mobile App with the aim of helping growers monitor, adjust and learn from the performance of their planter or sprayer while it moves through the eld

for growers to consider that can improve their productivity and reduce operating costs.

Over time, Connect Mobile will include other operations, such as harvesting, the ability to add more data and to help growers make better-informed decisions with greater con dence.

Operators can seamlessly move the app from one John Deere machine to the next, and from

With the app growers can monitor job quality

one production step to another with Connect

in real time and better understand what is

Mobile's common user interface. “e result is

going on with their sprayer or planter in

a better understanding of the job being

nozzle-by-nozzle and row-by-row detail. “By

performed. Data is saved on the iPad so it goes

using Connect Mobile, operators will know

where you go. At any time, or in any location

they are doing the best possible job with the

as the data is saved, you can quickly review

investment they have made in their John

past work,” Mishler adds.

Deere equipment,” says John Mishler, production and precision ag marketing

Using the app, operators can easily compare

manager for John Deere.

data layers from previous production steps

By visualising job performance, operators can

information can help growers better

with what's seen when scouting elds. “is quickly and more easily identify potential

understand what might have caused what

problems. Multiple map layers across

they're seeing in the eld,” Mishler explains.

March - April 2017

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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Tech & Innovation

Volvo Penta powers MTS-Sandei’s latest tomato harvester

Stage IV/Tier 4 Final diesel engine, which uses

SCR instead of a diesel particulate lter for

With a capacity of 80 tonnes per hour, the

higher intake and passage of tomatoes, and

emissions control, resulting in a compact engine

OEM's new THV 800 model is the largest yet

therefore a greater capacity per hour. e self-

that is easy to maintain. A common-rail

for the Italian company.

propelling machine feeds its crops into a trailer

injection system and the ability of the engine to

Created to meet the industry demand for a

towed by a tractor, and has been designed to

produce high torque at low rpm reduce noise

higher capacity machine, the THV 800 will be

work for 24 hours per day, every day

and fuel consumption, thereby reducing

powered by Volvo Penta's eight-litre

throughout the harvesting season which

emissions.

TAD871VE engine. e machine has been

typically lasts for around 90 days.

successfully eld-tested by some of MTS-

“For perishable crops such as tomatoes, having

Sandei's customers and will be previewed at

e machine implements mechanical

low exhaust emissions is very important,” says

EIMA International Agricultural and

procedures through optical sorters to harvest

Giacomo Mondini, Volvo Penta's sales manager,

Gardening Machinery Exhibition in Bologna,

fruits, soil and stones until the fruit alone are

before its official launch in 2017.

nally placed cleanly in sections into the

Italy. “MTS-Sandei, like us, has an ethos of caring for the environment, and we have spent a

trailer. e THV 800 can be customised with a

lot of time in research and development to make

“is is an exciting time for us to produce a

range of attachments to suit the customer's

our products as eco-friendly as possible.

new high capacity tomato harvester and to

needs and can also be altered to harvest

satisfy our customers' demands. Our THV 800

strawberries, peppers and cucumbers.

is one of the biggest on the global market and we believe it will be a market leader,” says

“e machine is strong and robust in order to

Andrea Zanoli, research and development and

work continuously, but also needs to be

operations manager at MTS-Sandei.

sensitive enough to handle such delicate

e THV 800 has some components that are

vegetables,” adds Zanoli.

wider than on previous models, allowing for a

Volvo Penta's TAD871VE is an eight-litre

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[67]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

Volvo Penta is supplying an 8-litre engine for agricultural specialist manufacturer MTS-Sandei, for its latest tomato harvester

March - April 2017

Training

Case IH distributor training in Tunisia & Morocco Case IH Agriculture has held two Commercial

of comfort, low maintenance and reduced fuel

Training events - in Casablanca, Morocco and

consumption offered by these proven Case IH

Tunis, Tunisia - to highlight the performance

machines. e Farmall JXM in particular was

characteristics of the Maxxum, Farmall JX,

popular with participants, keen to assess the

Farmall JXM, JX Straddle and JXT tractor

impressive fuel economy and low noise levels

ranges. In Tunisia, Case IH was assisting

offered by their Stage III engines. Available in

importer Agrodis in training its distributors,

two power ratings, this new tractor can bring

while in Morocco the company was working

new levels of comfort to markets where

with newly-appointed importer Hydrau Mac, in

functionality is the undisputed main value of a

the rst training of this kind in North Africa

tractor.

Practical understanding of new technologies to boost mechanization in North Africa

Hence, the practical touch of looking at the controls, features and performance of tractors

since the recent re-organisation of commercial “Training sessions such as those carried out in

sold in these African markets. is is what will

walk-arounds, the two-day events provided sales

Casablanca and Tunis typically have two

allow more customers to get exposed to the

teams with the features, bene ts and customer

pur p os es,” s aid D aniel B ord ab oss ana,

bene ts of the models sold in the area.”

areas. With both classroom sessions and product

requirements of these popular tractor models.

Marketing Manager for Case IH Middle East and Africa. “ey allow sellers to get both a

“ese training sessions, done in French for the

theoretical and practical understanding of the

rst time, also help us to prepare for the future.

tractors in their class (up to 125hp), with much of

technology underlying customer values. Case

e market right now is just for tractors between

the training concentrating on functionality in

IH is successful because it provides equipment

70 hp and 100hp. e next 10 years could bring

tough operating conditions. Salesmen also

with features that again and again prove

not just another 30hp to the average power but a

become familiarised with the additional bene ts

bene cial to customers all over the world.

whole new class of features on most sold tractors.”

e machines are some of the most rugged

March - April 2017

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FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Training With that in mind, delegates were also

advanced products and services to the market.”

“e advantage for us of these training sessions is

introduced to the performance advantages

Having the right products for the market is one

that we can be in direct contact with the trainers

available from higher horsepower tractors such

thing, but sharing the experience and expertise

who really know the Case IH product, answering

as the Maxxum and shown a clear roadmap of

to make the best of this machinery is equally

all of our questions,” said Noureddine Amraoui,

future evolutions.

important for Case IH. Both Tunisia and

Commercial Director of Agrodis. “e bene t for

Morocco are keen to adopt environmentally-

our distributors is learning about the products

Tunisia and Morrocco, strategic markets for

friendly mechanisation, and training in the use

and the advantages that will improve agriculture

Case IH

of equipment is a vital component in ensuring

dramatically in our country.”

Agriculture plays a major role in

that farm workers have the right tools for the job.

Tunisia's economy, with around 17% of the country's workforce engaged in agricultural production. e sector contributes 10% of GDP and is growing at 5% per year. In Moro cco more than half the working population is involved in farming. “ M o r o c c o a n d Tu n i s i a a r e potentially very good markets, due to t he rapid de velopment of a g r i c u l t u r e ,” s a i d D a n i e l B ordabossana. “Case IH will continue to fuel the growth of the agricultural sector, bringing more

www.caseih.com

Case IH Commercial Training Morocco

Insights

Using wastewater as an agricultural resource Rather than continuing to treat wastewater like

(UNU-INWEH), the UN's Educational,

crops. But the practice can be used in rural areas

garbage, it should be managed as a resource

Scienti c and Cultural Organisation and the

as well — indeed it has long been employed by

that can be used to grow crops and address

Leibniz Research Alliance Food and Nutrition.

many smallholder farmers," notes De Souza.

"Although more detailed data on the practice

managed adequately and safely used in a way

water scarcity in agriculture, says the FAO.

e important thing is that wastewater be

Properly managed, wastewater can be used

is lacking, we can say that, globally, only a

that is appropriate to local conditions, he adds.

safely to support crop production — directly

small proportion of treated wastewater is being

An alternative source of a critical resource

through irrigation or indirectly by recharging

used for agriculture, most of it municipal

Water is of course fundamental for food

aquifers — but doing so requires diligent

wastewater. But increasing numbers of

production, and the intensifying scarcity of this

management of health risks through adequate

countries — Egypt, Jordan,, Mexico, Spain and

important natural resource — likely to be more

treatment or appropriate use.

the United States, for example — have been

intense in a context of climate change — has

exploring the possibilities as they wrestle with

very signi cant implications for humanity's ability to feed itself.

How countries are approaching this challenge

mounting water scarcity," says Marlos De

and the latest trends in the use of wastewater in

Souza, a senior officer with FAO's Land and

agriculture production will be the focus of

Water Division.

Globally, population growth and economic expansion are placing increasing pressure on

discussions by a group of experts taking place this week in Berlin during the annual Global

"So far, the reuse of wastewater for irrigation

freshwater resources, with the overall rate of

Forum for Food and Agriculture (19-21

has been most successful near cities, where it is

groundwater withdrawals steadily increasingly

January). e event has been convened by FAO

widely available and usually free-of-charge or

by 1% per year since the 1980s. And those

along with the United Nations University,

at low cost, and where there is a market for

pressures are now increasingly being

Institute for Water, Environment and Health

agricultural produce, including non-food

exacerbated by climate change.

March - April 2017

[70]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Insights

Already, agriculture accounts for 70% of global

they are being used, and the crops that are

freshwater withdrawals — with demand for

being produced.

reducing environmental contamination, and supporting food production, infrastructure and

food estimated to grow by at least 50% by 2050,

management systems for reclaiming, treating, In Egypt, for example, where water supplies

and re-using wastewater can be job creators,

Yet demand from cities and by industries is on

are limited and wastewater tends to be highly

according to De Souza.

the rise as well.

contaminated, constructed wetlands are

agriculture's water needs are poised to expand.

Greater use of non-conventional, alternative

proving to be a promising, economically viable

e Global Forum for Food and Agriculture,

sources of water — including the urban effluent

approach to treatment. In Egypt, and also in

organised by the German Federal Ministry for

and farm-runoff — can help mitigate this

Tunisia, wastewater is being widely used in

Food and Agriculture (BMEL) takes place every

competition, if properly treated.

agroforestry projects, supporting both wood

year, bringing together high-level decision

production as well as anti-deserti cation

makers, technical experts, researchers and

In addition to helping cope with water scarcity,

efforts.

farmers to discuss pressing issues affecting

wastewater oen has a high nutrient load,

agriculture worldwide.

making it a good fertiliser. "When safely used

In Central Mexico, municipal wastewater has

and managed to avoid health and

long been used to irrigate crops. In the past,

e forum's theme this year is "Agriculture and

environmental risks, wastewater can be

ecological processes helped reduce health

Water - Key to Feeding the World." An

converted from a burden to an asset," De Souza

risks. More recently, crop restrictions — some

organising partner of the event, FAO is taking

crops can be safely grown with the wastewater,

the lead on a number of events at the forum.

says.

while others cannot — and the Managing risks

installation of water treatment

Untreated wastewater oen contains microbes

facilities have been added to the

and pathogens, chemical pollution, antibiotic

system.

residues, and other threats to the health of

In Jordan, reclaimed water

farmers, food chain workers, and consumers —

represents an impressive 25% of

and it also poses environmental concerns.

all total water use in the country.

In the United States, treatment

A number of technologies and approaches exist

and managed aquifer recharge is

that are being utilised around the globe to treat,

a common practice, especially in

manage, and use wastewater in agriculture,

the West.

many of them speci c to the local natural

Beyond helping tackle the

resource base, the farming systems in which

problem of water scarcity,

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[71]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

Events

Armyworm, aquaculture & other exciting & interactive workshops & demos at Agritech Expo Zambia Armyworm and aquaculture

“Aquaculture sector has a very high potential for alleviating poverty” e upcoming Agritech Expo at GART in Chisamba will once again offer free workshops offering practical advice as well as live demonstrations to help farmers combat challenges such as the armyworm, explore new technologies such as aquaculture as well as learn from experts on improving efficiency of operations and yields on their farms. e award-winning event returns to Chisamba for the fourth time this year from 27-29 April.

March - April 2017

inability by capture sheries to meet the demand

e Armyworm Combat Workshop will take

for sh, only through sh farming as a business

place on Saturday, 29 April and will provide an

shall we meet this demand,” says Mulolwa

opportunity for agri institutions and all scale

Simposya, ADAZ Acting Executive Manager. He

farmers to take part in discussions and

adds “the aquaculture sector has a very high

contribute to creating an effective battle plan

potential for alleviating poverty for many small

to avoid a similar crisis in the future. e

scale farmers while increasing the sector's

session will be led by Dr Anton Chapoto,

contribution to the national GDP.”

Director of Research at the Indaba Agriculture Policy Research Institute (IAPRI).

Agritech Expo Zambia workshops programme:

e Aquaculture Development Association of Zambia (ADAZ), a supporting association of

Commercial Farmers Focus Day workshops,

Agritech Expo Zambia, are amongst the

ursday, 27 April

experts who will address farmers during the

eme: Advancing commercial farming through

free workshops at the event. “With the de cit in supply of sh by the local market, and the

[72]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

nancial support and innovation Topics:

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Events

- Integrated, low risk crop protection solutions

eme: Arresting the armyworm's evolved

Agricon, BHBW, Case Construction, Case

- Cash ow based solutions

nature to revive the agri economy's livelihood

Agriculture, Gourock and SARO.

- Breakthrough microbial formulations

Topics:

- Key fundamentals of nance and farm

- Natural orientation: Introduction to the

management

armyworm crisis in Zambia

Agritech Expo Zambia recently won two

- Panel discussion: Identifying battle plans to

coveted awards at the AAXO ROAR Organiser

Interactive training workshops: Friday, 28

defeat the armyworm parasite

April – Saturday, 29 April

Multi-award winning Agritech Expo

and Exhibitor Awards in Johannesburg which honour excellence in the exhibition and events

eme: Shaping today's farmers through smarter

Agritech Expo's live machinery and product

additions

demonstrations are always very popular with

for Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition +12000

Topics:

all farmers and this year include the 4x4

sqm and for Distinction in Social Responsibility.

- Sustainable disease management

vehicle test track, mowing and baling demos,

- Financial skills

the sprayers arena as well as live planting

- Advanced crop nutrition

demonstrations.

industry on the continent. Agritech Expo won

e expo has an outreach programme at the local Golden Valley Basic School, where, with the assistance of numerous event sponsors, it is

In the heart of Zambia's

assisting the school with much needed

agri-hub

infrastructure upgrades, equipment supplies and

Last year the event drew a

management of the school's farm.

record-breaking attendance of 17 605

Agritech Expo Zambia is owned by the Zambia

visitors. is year even

National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and is

more small-scale,

organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-

emerging and commercial

based trade exhibition and conference organiser,

farmers are expected to

and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd,

descend on the GART

based in the UK. Other well-known agri events

research farm in the heart

by Spintelligent include Agritech Expo Tanzania

of Zambia's agri-hub,

and Agribusiness Congress East Africa.

where the latest farming products and services will

Agritech Expo Zambia 2017:

be showcased. e three-

Dates: 27-29 April 2017

day expo will furthermore

Location: Gart Research Centre,

feature an even greater

Chisamba, Zambia

international presence with

Website: www.agritech-expo.com

- Increasing crop productivity

international pavilions from Germany,

- Effects of nitrogen on yield

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Agritech_Expo

Zimbabwe, Czech Republic, the Netherlands,

- Poultry broiler and layer houses

Facebook:

the UK and France already con rmed.

- Generate energy from chicken waste

https://www.facebook.com/agritechexpozambia/ LinkedIN:

- Integrating sh farming with conventional

As in previous years, Agritech Expo enjoys

crops

extensive support from the agri industry with

Armyworm Combat workshop: Saturday, 29

returning as platinum sponsors again.

April

Con rmed gold sponsors are Action Auto,

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7477169

well-known suppliers AFGRI and John Deere

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[73]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

Events

Viable, cost effective pumping solutions from a company committed to the customer

solutions with world class products and services

With a sharp customer focus, Tormac has always

and uPVC Pipes.

and to create more employment for the people. e

course, by the strong infrastructure, cutting edge

e Need:

aer sales service with a team of more than 20

technology and products that meet customer

ere is more than enough fresh water in the

people.

expectations. e company is committed to

world for domestic use, agriculture and industry;

ensuring that the pumps they design meet speci c

delivered on the promise. Made possible, of

market since 2011to support the pumping needs of Agricultural, Residential, Mining, Government Institutions, NGOs and Industrial customers. e Finecop Enterprise Ltd, is been established in Zambia with a Vision to provide complete water

company has a dedicated workforce for sales and

however, the poor are largely excluded from this

AG R I T E C H E X P O 2 0 1 7 , C H I S A M BA ,

requirements. Factors that has made Tormac one

globally recognized “human right.” e millions

ZAMBIA:

of the leading names in the industry.

forced to collect water from drains, ditches and

For the second time, Tormac – Finecop co-

streams suffer a deprivation that threatens life,

ordinately participating in Agritech Expo in

Research & Development is one key area that

destroys opportunity and severely undermines

Zambia which will be held in the month of April

Tormac has made extensive investments to ensure

human dignity. is is the problem, and it can all

2017 from 27th to 29th. e complete range of

that they always stay relevant to the market needs.

be avoided.

products will be displayed in our stall to be visibly

emerging out of customer interactions, Tormac

Tormac is the key for People primary necessity:

In the last year participation in Agritech Expo-2016

provides solutions that work effectively, wherever

For any country and for any people the foremost

(14th Apr – 16th Apr) Tormac - Finecop displayed

By keeping an ear to the ground, and of course,

in the world.

proven our standard & quality to the customers.

need is Water; the second most need is

entire range of products which really attracted the

agriculture. e vision of Tormac is to giving the

Farming community and most of the customers are

e products currently available include Stainless

perfect solution for people need in terms of our

eager knowing Tormac energy efficient submersible

Steel Submersible Pumps, ermoplastic

products.

pumps & solar driven pumpsets.

Submersible Pumps, Cast Iron Submersible

Tormac giving the complete pumping solution to

For Zambian enquiries please contact: Finecop

Pumps, Submersible Motors and Controls,

satisfy the people need with the different range of

Enterprises Limited. +260 9555 15585, +260

Centrifugal Pumps, Inline Booster Pumps, Jet

products.

97832 0974.

Self-priming Pumps, Peripheral Pumps, solar

To know more about Tormac and product ranges

driven pumps and complete accessories like

TORMAC - FINECOP:

logon to www.tormacpumps.com or email to

Customized control panels, Submersible cables

Finecop – Tormac jointly working in Zambian

tormac@tormacpumps.com.

March - April 2017

[74]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Email: tormac@tormacpumps.com Website: www.tormacpumps.com

Events

PERRY of Oakley at Agritech Expo 2017 Are you going to Agritech Expo on 27th -29th April at the Gart Research Centre, Zambia?

Perry of Oakley are going to be exhibiting there and we would welcome the chance to talk to you about your grain handling and storage requirements.

Perry of Oakley are the UK's most experienced manufacturer of materials drying and handling equipment, we have over 70 years' experience in the manufacture and design of various drying and handling equipment including continuous ow driers, belt driers, chain and ight conveyors, belt and bucket elevators, screw conveyors and augers, square bins and grain cleaners; all of which are suitable for most granular bulk materials.

From full turn-key solutions through to one-off pieces of machinery for farms, commercial grain stores, seed plants, aking & feed mills, biomass handling & drying systems and much more, Perry has a solution to most of your handling and drying applications.

Our extensive experience in engineering is Perry's greatest strengthwhen you purchase a Perry product, you are receiving a high quality

www.perryofoakley.co.uk sales@perryofoakley.co.uk +44 (0)1404 890300

product that is built for durability and efficiency. All of our products are designed and manufactured by a team of experienced engineers in our purpose built factory in the south west of England. We have

The UK’s most experienced manufacturer of materials drying & handling equipment.

designed full solutions for many industries & products all over the world, including; standard cereals handling, drying & storage, aking

•

mills (we are also the Gearn Inc. dealer for Africa), feed mills, woodchip delivery, drying & storage, seed plants and many more.

• •

Over our many years, we have accumulated a number of case studies that showcase the full process and successful outcomes from a selection of satis ed customers. If you would like to read more, please nd our range of case studies via: http://www.perryofoakley.co.uk/case-studies-0

• • • •

Meeting new clients and creating new networks is something that is very important to us, and as such we would like to invite you to our show stand to meet our representative - Mr Kenny Lauder. We are also happy to facilitate official appointments for you to have a more in depth one-to-one conversation with Kenny, please feel free to get in touch with us if you would like to book an appointment.

We look forward to seeing you on 27th-29th April. www.perryofoakley.co.uk +44 (0)1404 890300 sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

• •

Continuous Flow Grain Driers Belt Driers Chain & Flight Conveyors Belt & Bucket Elevators Belt Conveyors Aspirator Cleaners Augers & Screw Conveyors Ducting & Valves Much More!

Marin Sread “We have been really impressed with the Perry Drier & handling equipment we have had installed. It is really quiet, clean, and easy to use.”

Events

Investing in Nigeria’s Agribusiness Sector is too risky, true or false

drive investment into the agriculture sector. It will also highlight various schemes and policies put in place by the Government to help support both new and existing investors keen to venture into Nigeria's Agricultural sector and this will done in partnership with African Development Bank, AFEX Commodities Exchange Limited and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.

Many years ago, Nigeria used to be a very risky ground

production and has since scaled up her paddy rice

to infuse investments because of over-dependence on

production by 40,000 metric tonnes per year in 2

ere is also an Exclusive Site Visit which will come aer

crude oil.

cycles of planting (wet and dry seasons) while her rice

the Forum, it would also be an opportunity for 8

e oil boom that Nigeria witnessed in 1970s led to the

mills have a milling capacity of 210,000 tonnes.

Investors and key stakeholders of Nigeria's Agricultural

neglect in its Agricultural sector in favour of over-

is is in line with the current demands for rice in the

sector to visit 4 Agribusinesses seeking expansion

dependence on crude oil thus making Agricultural

country estimated at 6 million metric tonnes.

place on the 15th+16th June, 2017.

sector to suffer from mismanagement, inconsistent and bad government policies. is used to be what is

nance, the site visit component of the mission, taking

e supply of rice in Nigeria is currently at 3.5 million

e Investment forum component of the mission, open

obtainable in Nigeria in the past but since the decline in

metric tonnes yet with a gap of 2.5 million metric

to 150 delegates, takes place on 13th+14th of June, at

oil prices, the vandalization of oil pipelines that rocked

tonnes and like Vanguard indicated in her report, the

Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria, secure your pass now.

the oil producing states, and the economics crunch that

only way to bridge the gap in Rice Production is

plagued the country, Nigeria government has since

supposedly a massive in- ow of Foreign Direct

Key features of AAIM2017 include

made efforts to diversify its economy into non-oil

Investments like Olam into rice sub-sector.

·

Examination of the latest investment/ nance

It is however gladdening that government policies are

strategies for Nigeria's Agribusiness Sector

consistently being reviewed to support diversi cation

· Blended Finance for Agribusiness development in

In 2015, Ventures Africa reported a meeting between

process and strengthen the country's effort to attract

Nigeria

President Buhari, Nigeria's President and the President

investors and this to a large extent tells about why

· Innovative and Sustainable nancing approaches for

sectors with Agriculture being a focal point.

of International Fund for Agricultural Development,

investors need a country like Nigeria to invest in as it

Agribusiness in Nigeria

Dr Kanayo Awanze at the Aso Villa where the President

remains a go-to country for Agricultural growth and

·

noted that he is bent on expanding the country's

development in Africa.

Government policies to promote investment and

agribusiness development in Nigeria · Agribusiness investment trends in Nigeria

Agricultural Sector since petroleum will no longer be sufficient for major revenue generation and the high

is year, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Honourable Minister of

·

point of the meeting is the IFAD's pledge to help

Agriculture, Okechukwu E. Enelamah; Minister for

expansion nance

promote Agricultural growth in Nigeria.

Industry, Trade and Investment, Kemi

· Case studies from Agribusiness Investors in Nigeria

Adeosun;

Upon the conclusion of Nigeria's premier Economic

Minister of Finance, Deputy Governor, Sarah Alade,

discussion forum put together by Nigeria Economic

Central Bank Of Nigeria will be available at AAIM

Pitches from pre-vetted Agribusinesses seeking

Our organization has also partnered with Nigerian

Summit Group where industry leaders, members of the

Investment Forum to illuminate investors on

Investment Promotion Commission to make provisions

private sector and the government are able to engage

Government Policies that supports Prospective

for our Speakers/Delegates to enjoy Visa upon arrival.

and identify their issues in a bid to come to speed on

investors in the Nigerian Food and Agribusiness

You cannot afford to miss out of this.

workable solutions, the Minister of Budget and

Sector. In particular, this session will highlight both

For more information about the investment forum and

National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma noted

past and present government policies implemented to

to register, please visit www.agriqueafrica.com or email info@welcome2africa.org

that the Federal Government is working on relevant policies to support its diversi cation effort with a pivotal vision to produce its own food especially.

Moving forward, It is safe to note that Nigeria has enjoyed ground-breaking efforts in its Agricultural sector and Olam Nigeria is a successful case study on which this premises is predicated. Investments efforts

by Olam Nigeria to build a Rice Farm is a giant stride and according to Vanguard in 2016, Federal Government is making huge efforts to achieve selfsufficiency in Rice Production in Nigeria and in line with this, Olam Nigeria has increased paddy rice production by 40,000 metric tonnes. Olam Rice Farm is making efforts in line with FG's efforts to scale up rice

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[77]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

March - April 2017

Events

Advertisers index 02 COOPERS 03 STRUCTA 09 SASRI 20 MASISIZANE FUND 23 NMR ENGINEERING 29 BMG 35 IMPERIAL TRUCK CENTRE 36 VALUE ADDED AGRI 40 TATA MA TARPS 43 KARCHER 47 RSI 50 BAGTECH

March - April 2017

54 SHRI NAVKAR METALS 57 GEA 61 KSB 62 MARSH 65 NMR ENGINEERING 69 CASE IH 71 LAEVELD AGROCHEM 75 TORMAC PUMPS 76 PERRY 79 SAWPA 80 T-L

[78]FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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