Farmers Review Africa Sept/october 2016

Volume 2. Issue 5. September - October 2016 D A R ME R S

RE VI E W AF RI CA

I S S UE

5

Innovative financing needed for growth in demand for farming equipment -p16

t Please visi te si b e w the

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KENYA HOSTS CASE IH COMMERCIAL AND OPERATOR TRAINING. p10

rica

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PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF MASTITIS IN DAIRY HERD. p31

AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY: HOW GIS CAN HELP YOU WIN THE FARM. p48

Contents 04 Contents 05 Editors note 06 Biggest Africa farm takes shape 08 How imports are aiding in drought

6

09 Over $600 million worth of agri projects 10 Kenya hosts CASE IH training 14 $30bn boost for African agriculture 16 Innovative nancing needed for growth 14 $30bn boost for African agriculture 18 Environmentally intelligent farming 21 Zambia’s agro impetus 26 Animal health & production

10

28 Regulatory harmonisation 31 Prevention & control of mastitis 36 Farm animal identication 38 Poultry processing wastewater 40 Grain temperature monitoring systems 42 Seed potato grower of the year 2016 44 Innovation by Africa based companies

28

46 How sustainable are your egg cartons?

48 How GIS can help you win the farm 51 Precision control from planting to harvest 54 The use of technology in mechanised irrigation 56 Waste not, want not 58 Where is the re 61 Managing moisture

51

62 Smart technology for future farming 66 Advertisers index

September - October 2016

[4]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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Volume 2. Issue 5. September - October 2016 D A R ME R S

RE VI E W AF RI CA

I S S UE

5

Editors note Innovative financing needed for growth in demand for farming equipment -p16

We are excited to bring you our Sept-Oct edition of Farmers Review Please visit the website

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KENYA HOSTS CASE IH COMMERCIAL AND OPERATOR TRAINING. p10

Africa, where we tell stories of food production, and draw insights

a

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on the challenge of feeding the global population of nine billion

AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY: HOW GIS CAN HELP YOU WIN THE FARM. p48

ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION. p26

projected by 2050.

Front cover : Thomas Mason Courtesy of www.dudutech.com

Food, like water and air, is life. We also look at how our food is produced and whether that is done in a sustainable, efficient, and

Execu ve Editor

safe manner.

Lee Daniels

Farming has an impact on our water supply, which can be polluted

lee.daniels@farmersreviewafrica.com

by pesticides and fertilizer runoff. It affects climate, releasing, by

Writers

some measures, more greenhouse gases than all the cars, trucks,

Bertha M.

and planes in the world. Dams rearrange and disrupt rivers to

Maxin Fourie

provide water for crops. Landscapes are stripped of trees to create

Adver sing Execu ves

cultivable land.

Russou Billiard

Farmers stand out in today's culture for their ability to make actual

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decisions, not just choices. Now the rewards for choosing which

Cleopas M.

decisions to make are about to multiply

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Most farmers use the winter to ensure their equipment, inputs and

Mkhululi K.

workforce are all perfectly prepared for peak performance the day

info@farmersreviewafrica.com

they can hit the field in the spring.

Project Manager

Now there's a counterpoint in the business cycle too. It emphasizes

Victor Ndlovu

using the summer to ensure the farm is primed to make maximum

sales@farmersreviewafrica.com

gains from its business management opportunities once the

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fieldwork slackens.

Maambo Hakayobe

Today's farms are evolving faster than we are able to quantify. It

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isn't just a matter of acres or equipment; there's also the harder-

+260 97 238 1801

to-measure matter of business growth and sophistication.

Himanot Kelemu

We're all fond of quantifying how our field productivity is steadily

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climbing. Could you compete with your neighbours for land if your

+254 71 123 7910

yields were still where they were a decade ago?

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Looking ahead, Farming Review will be even more aggressive in

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solving farmers' challenges while continuing to serve our readers.

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Information about the farmer is just as important as the

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F A R ME R S R E V I E WA F R I C A

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Can we feed 10 billion people on organic farming alone?

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PRECISION FARMING - THE WAY TO GO FOR AFRICA. p26

NEWTECHSHEDS LIGHTONTHEFUTURE OFFOOD

12 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ROBUSTA FARMING. p40

TRANSFORMING AGRICULTURE HELPS AFRICA. pp44

WHEN THE TIME IS RIPE . p44

Over 100 sales people take part in Case IH Training Camp in South Africa -p12

WHY IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO INVEST IN MPUMALANGA PROVINCE’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR. pp48

TRADITIONAL DROUGHT TOLERANT, NUTRITIOUS CROPS BACK? pp29

Bertha M.

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

The future of automatic milking comes to Africa -p26 Please visit the website

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HOW CAMEROON’S STOLEN WOOD REACHES INTERNATIONAL MARKETS. p9

FARMERS ADOPT MOBILE PHONES TO BOOST HARVEST. p12

IMPACT OF GENETIC PROGRESS ON THE PROFITS OF DAIRY FARMERS. p36

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ZAMBIA FIRST COUNTRY TO CREATE A SMART FARMING TRAINING CENTRE. p7

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REFUGEES IN KENYA ARE FARMING THEIR WAY TO SUCCESS. p52

NEW AGRA-WORLD BANK AGREEMENT TO SUPPORT FARMING-LED TRANSFORMATION. p6

[5]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

News

Biggest Africa Farm Takes Shape in Central Ivory Coast In central-eastern Ivory Coast, a

plantations doesn't exist anywhere

million metric tons after plantations

cocoa plantation that will be Africa's

else in Africa.”

were hit by the worst desert winds in

biggest, spanning an area equal to

About 800,000 farmers grow cocoa

30 years. A smaller-than-forecast

about 3,000 soccer fields, is taking

in Ivory Coast using a limited

African harvest in the season ended

shape.

amount of fertilizer and reaping

Sept. 30 led to a global shortage of

Solea, a unit of Brussels-based KKO

beans from aging trees. The result?

350,000 tons, the worst in decades,

International SA, is developing about

Yields of about 500 kilograms (1,102

Olam International Ltd, said.The

2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of land

pounds) of beans per hectare, half of

nation became the world's No. 1

near Bocanda and is trying to secure

those in Malaysia.

grower at the expense of its forests,

another 1,000 hectares. The project

Production 'Archaic'

which have made way for plantations.

in the nation that's the world's top

Methods “remain archaic,” said

Output Crunch

cocoa producer is unusual, because

Ghosh. “Every year it's the same:

While demand for beans to make

90 percent of its cocoa comes from

production is good when rains are

chocolate and cocoa butter for

family-run farms of 2 to 4 hectares.

good, production is bad when rains

pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is

“We want to shake things up,” Solea

are bad. We can't go on like this. It's

increasing, global output isn't, Ghosh

Deputy Managing Director Indranil

like when Apple upgrades its

said. “Everyone is obsessed with

Ghosh said as he was driven in a

operating system. In Ivory Coast,

processing, but there's no sustainable

pick-up truck between lines of cocoa

cocoa has remained at version 1.0,

approach to make production answer

trees set to produce the chocolate

we want to improve the protocol and

tomorrow's needs.”

ingredient for the first time this

create a cocoa 2.0 and go higher.”

Solea wants to plant 4 million cocoa

season. “Such a large area of

Ivory Coast's output fell 13 percent

trees on 3,000 hectares by the end of

irrigated and fertilized cocoa

in the 2015-16 season to 1.57

2018 and targets production of as

September - October 2016

[6]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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News much as 15,000 metric tons of

plantation -- that's never been

“We let the trees grow, suffer and

beans, with a yield of 5 tons a

done," Solea Chief Financial Officer

then identify the best soldiers that

hectare, when its trees reach

Laurent Skrypczak said. “We're

resist dryness and we clone them on

maturity in 2024.

adapting to cocoa what was done

weaker trees," Ghosh said as he

Its two plantations -- Kotokonou and

with fruit trees in Europe 40 years

pointed a “mother tree” full of green

Akossikro -- are located on either

ago.”

pods as long as 20 centimeters (8

side of the 725-kilometer (450-mile)

Securing the land was difficult, KKO

inches).

N'Zi river in the central-east of the

Managing Director and Founder

KKO is in talks to acquire an

country, which was the hub of its

Remy Allemane said in Abidjan, the

Ecuadorian company that specializes

cocoa belt in the 1960s. After years

commercial capital. “Finding 20 or

in intensive cocoa farming as it aims

of extensive cocoa and coffee

50 hectares is easy, but 2,000

to develop at least 1,500 hectares of

farming, the soils became unfertile,

hectares in one piece is almost

densified plantations in the South

and decimated forests led to a drop

impossible."

American nation, Madagascar and

in rain, prompting thousands of

Once found, it took months of talks

Ivory Coast. An agribusiness group in

farmers to move to the nation's west

to reach a deal with the local

Nigeria has approached KKO to

in the search of better land.

population. He signed leases of 35

develop a cocoa plantation on a

Irrigation System

years, the lifespan of a cocoa tree.

10,000-hectare area, Allemane said,

Kotokonou is divided in 24 blocks of

In return, he committed to hire

without giving further details.

20 hectares each, surrounded by 47

villagers and give landowners 5

In Kotokonou's experimental section,

kilometers of tracks. Trees were

percent of the company's revenue.

Solea is looking at ways to have 6,000

planted every 2.5 meters on 400-

Solea employs 800 people.

cocoa trees per hectare -- compared

meter straight lines. Akossikro is still

The company has spent 17 million

with 1,300 in a regular Ivory Coast

being developed.

euros ($19 million) on the project

plantation. This has only been tested

To overcome the lack of rain, Solea

and wants to issue 12 million euros

on an experimental farm in Ecuador,

has set up a micro-irrigation system

in convertible bonds by the end of

under different climate conditions.

that supplies each of Kotokonou's

the year to complete it and expand

“Cocoa trees will grow more compact;

800,000 trees. A 2.5-kilometer tube

overseas, Allemane said.

we'll prune the leaves and pods will

links the N'Zi river to a relay station,

Mercedes Seed

grow on the trunks," said Ghosh. “We

which connects to cocoa plants

Solea uses a more-productive hybrid

know we're not going to succeed at

through thinner pipes. Each tree gets

cocoa seed called Mercedes,

first try, we'll probably make many

as many as 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of

developed by an Ivorian research

mistakes. But it's worth it. If it works, it will be a revolution.”

water and some soluble fertilizer

institute. Its one flaw is that trees

from two drippers every second day.

grow unequally, which the company

“Drip irrigation on a large cocoa

wants to address through cloning.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[7]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Market Information

How imports are aiding in the relief of the

drought Adam Orlin, Head of Investec Import Solutions

In 2015, South Africa experienced

sector, many expect that while the

declined while imports have

the worst drought ever since 1992,

short-term impact has already been

increased.

which had a severe effect on the

felt, unfortunately, we are still likely

The impact has been greatly felt in

agricultural sector - with farmers

to see the impact for many years to

Southern African countries such as

witnessing their livestock dwindle

come.

Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe,

and crops shrivelling to dust. And the

If you take maize harvest for

Lesotho, Zambia and Mozambique

effects are still being felt – as the

example which has been significantly

who usually rely on agricultural

country waits for the summer

lower and which has not met the

imports from South Africa – in fact,

rainfalls that we so desperately need.

demands of the country's citizens

up to 40% of their food is grown in

In fact, the drought didn't just affect

has resulted in the need to import 5

this country. Lesotho, Namibia,

crops and cattle, but also had a

tons of maize from May this year.

Swaziland and Zimbabwe have

negative impact on the country's

This import rate is expected all the

declared national emergencies in

Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which

way through to mid-2017, which of

response to drought conditions and

has declined at an alarming rate.

course impacts consumer pricing

will require more imports than usual.

According to a report by Agri SA* the

directly.

As such, the reduced agricultural

2015 drought severely impacted all

As a result, we have seen an

exports have seen the Government's

areas of food production locally –

increase in imports, not only from a

revenue decline more than the norm

including maize, wheat, sugar, beef

commodity perspective but also from

and the import of foodstuff, from

and sheep. Given that South Africa is

the broader industry, which in itself

overseas, increase exponentially.

the largest producer of maize on the

is widening the trade deficit. While

The biggest challenge local

African continent, which to many is a

South Africa has a large agricultural

agricultural goods importers are

basic and staple food, this is a

export market, due to

currently facing is directly related to

continent-wide crisis. Given the wide-

underperforming crops and a deficit

inflated prices and shortage of goods.

spread impact across the agricultural

of output, exports in this sector have

While we are speaking specifically to

September - October 2016

[8]

FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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Market Information the agricultural sector here, this is a

a partner who is able to remove the

averages to forecast costs without

common challenge for any importer.

administration and complexities

fully appreciating how forex gains or

There are many steps involved in

associated with managing the import

losses that remain unallocated for,

importing goods – from order, forex

process, as well as leverage

and freight costs relative to the value

management, payments and logistics

economies of scale to ensure

of the import can impact on the true

to port, incorporating inland

competitive rates and potential cost

cost of the goods. With the impact of

transport and product costing. When

savings. Additionally, online access

the drought still being felt, operational

these elements are not managed on

to real-time orders, foreign

costs set to increase and not to

an integrated basis, delays, errors

exchange information, shipment and

mention the uncertainty around the

and indirect costs can occur –

delivery details, as well as payment

Rand value; the industry cannot

something importers cannot afford to

particulars, enables importers to

afford to get their calculations wrong.

get wrong as the overall impact could

immediately have a dashboard view

Ultimately, it's about managing the

be detrimental.

of their stock and investment. This

transactional risk – which could make

Finding the right partner becomes a

enables them to determine their

or break the sector.

critical step in the value chain. The

total landed costs, including the cost

Adam Orlin

import process is not an easy one to

of finance and other disbursements.

undertake and importers need to find

Many organisations still rely on

Over $600 million worth of agri projects to be presented in Cape Town this November

looking at getting in the double digit returns that the African agri sector has to offer ... half of the projects we've found thus far are greenfield and the half focus on expansion and existing projects...with 30 projects already in we expect this number to exceed our 100 project target

by November” says Ben Leyka, Executive Director of the African Agri Council who organises the event.

Some of the heavyweight finance and investment companies already on board include Acorn Private Equity, Thebe Investment Corporation, 1K1V, JIC Holdings, Agri Vie Investments, Octopus Investments, Industrial

The African Agri Council in partnership with Wesgro and

Development Corporation (IDC), Scibus Investments PTY

the Western Cape Department of Agriculture brings the

Ltd., Old Mutual Investment Group, Signature Agri

African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII), to Cape Town,

Ventures Ltd., Camscorp, Old Mutual Investment Group,

South Africa 28 – 30 November 2016.

FNB, Deutsche Bank to name a few.

The AAII features a unique and key highlight -- the

“We are building a platform where delegates can do more

“Investment Discovery Matchmaking” sessions where

to accelerate investment into this sector,” says Leyka.

project owners looking for investors will get the

With participation from Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, South

opportunity to pitch a robust panel of investors - a

Africa, DRC, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe to

highlight of the Indaba.

name a few - the African Agri Investment Indaba is a must

Over 30 projects have already been submitted from 10

attend for any financier or investor involved or interested

African countries covering a range of sectors such as

in the African agri sector, whether seasoned or a new

technology, poultry, aquaculture, meat and livestock,

entrant. Not only can delegates expect a number of

fisheries and agro processing to name a few.

opportunities to network with and learn from industry

“The Investment Discovery Sessions' database of

heavyweights and pioneers, but the unique forum offers a

projects will appeal to a broad range of investors who are superb opportunity to fill their pipelines.

Country Focus Market Information

Agriculture Kenya hosts Case IH commercial and operator training The push for productivity in countries across Africa is generating an increasing demand for agricultural equipment and training on mechanised farming and machinery operation. To meet this growing requirement across African markets, Case IH held a theoretical and practical training course for more than 30 participants in Kenya – a country where agriculture is a key sector for the economy.

Case IH has provided an in-depth

140hp Farmall A models and right up

Product specialist, Nadir Ekiz, in

training course designed to appeal to

to the 112-141hp Maxxum and 142-

attendance also gave the

distributor sales people and

213hp Puma tractors at the heavier

participants the chance to provide

operators from across the Middle

end of the scale.

feedback on the type of

East and Africa, with models specific

“This event was the perfect

specifications that they feel are

to each country, at a site in

opportunity for the sales people from

most suitable for the local market

Naivasha, Kenya. With a focus on the

our distributors to come and spend

conditions.”

latest Case IH tractor lines, the

time using our products in the field

Nadir Ekiz, Case IH Product

courses offered a blended

with a variety of implements,”

Marketing Specialist for Middle East

programme of theoretical and

commented Herve Vermersch, Case

and Africa added: “The training

operational sessions. The training

IH Trainer. “This has given them a

offered in Kenya was a great

programme covered a wide range of

better understanding of the

opportunity for our distributors and

Case IH tractors, from the 35-75hp

capabilities and suitability of our

their salespeople to expand their

JXT and the 80-88hp Farmall JXM at

products for different applications

knowledge about the advantages of

the smaller end, through the 110-

and environments. Having the

the Case IH tractor range with

September - October 2016

[10] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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Market Information hands on experience. We will

Toyota, together with Case IH, are

Equipment, who travelled from

continue to deliver our best-in-class

putting all our efforts into expanding

Zimbabwe for the training event

training in the region to the benefit of

mechanisation, so that improved

concurred: “This was a great event

our distributors.“

yields can be obtained in order to

which I have enjoyed attending. I

feed the increasing population.”

have learnt a lot of new selling points

Kenya, host country – The

The company's main goal is to

on the tractors. What I found most

importance of developing

continue to grow the Case IH market

interesting was there are so many

mechanisation of agriculture

share and be the most highly

other specifications on a tractor other

For the host, Kenya distributor Toyota

respected agricultural machinery

than the horsepower, which I need to

Tsusho East Africa, demand for

supplier in the region. This focus on

bring to our customers' attention.”

tractors in the 75hp (56kW) range is

sales and operator training is

particularly high. There is also

particularly important to the

For more information contact:

growing popularity for machinery

successful development of

Silvia Kaltofen

with both two- and four-wheel drive

mechanisation in the country.

in the 80-90hp (60-67kW) range.

Ph: +43 7435 500 652 Case IH Communication Specialist

“The agricultural sector represents

Positive Feedback

25% of Kenya's GDP, employs 80%

“The event was very positive,

of the population and is therefore a

especially the operator training

key sector of the economy,” said Ian

aspect,” said Mr Allen. “This further

Allen, General Manager Case

strengthens the confidence of our

Agriculture at Toyota Tsusho.

sales force to show our customers

“The Government´s focus on

the real benefits of the correct

developing agriculture is extremely

operation of the tractors, ensuring

important. It encourages the private

the customer understands all of the

sector to be a major player in

features and benefits.”

developing agriculture and in

Steven Griffiths, Agricultural Sales

particular mechanisation. We at

Representative of Agricon

Africa & Middle East Email: silvia.kaltofen@cnhind.com www.caseih.com

Herve Vermersch, Case IH Trainer

Training in Kenya

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[11] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Market Information

Collaborative approach results in new guidelines for greenhouse management Consumers are increasingly looking

using a science based approach,

for quality food which is healthy, safe

both to identify the sustainability

supply chain can be improved. The

and at the same time cultivated

“hotspots” within a supply chain and

challenge before us, then, is to work

sustainability performance of the

sustainably.

to define ways in which these

collaboratively, developing an

Greenhouse hydroponic cultivation

“hotspots” can be addressed by

approach that drives better

already uses water more efficiently

implementing specific

understanding, standardization, and

than field based production systems.

improvements. A sustainable food

informed decision making.

However large amounts of water are

production sector is the only way we

The information provided within these

still lost in so called 'open' systems.

can provide a planet of nine billion

“Best Practice Guidelines for

Water use efficiency can be

people with adequate food and

Greenhouse Water Management” is an

significantly improved by collecting

water. According to the United

example of such a collaborative

drain water and reapplying it to the

Nations, only 0.5 per cent of the

approach, where GRODAN, Priva and

crop. Grodan, Priva and Groen Agro

water on Earth is available fresh

Groen Agro Control have come

Control have collaborated to produce

water and 70 per cent of the fresh

together to offer advice to help

The Best Practice Guidelines for

water which is consumed is used in

facilitate improved environmental

Greenhouse Water Management.

the agriculture sector. Through its

performance in the greenhouse sector

The guide has been written to

Food, Beverage, and Agriculture

via more efficient use of water

provide greenhouse owners and

(FBA) working group, TSC aims to

resources and a reduction or

managers with an overview of

drive improvement in the

elimination of pollution. The two firms

current best practice. It can also be

environmental and social

will also explore the environmental

used to help train greenhouse

sustainability of global agricultural

problems caused by fertiliser run-off.

employees and as an aid to help

supply chains”.

TSC's own research has also

businesses answer questions from

Increasingly, within the greenhouse

highlighted these two issues, amongst

the general public on water and

industry, there is mounting pressure

others, as being environmental

nutrient management in greenhouse

to reduce the environmental impacts

“hotspots” within the greenhouse

horticulture.

associated with crop production.

sector. The guidance on water use and

The guidelines have been endorsed

Retailers, producers, suppliers,

water management within this

by Koen Boone, managing director

governments, NGOs, researchers

document should help to drive

Europe of The Sustainability

and consumers all hold a stake in

improvements in the horticultural

Consortium (TSC) and employed

the sustainability of global food

supply chain. This, in turn will allow

within the LEI Wageningen UR, the

production and consumption,

producers to communicate clearly

Netherlands.

including that coming from the

with other stakeholders about the

Boone explained, “At The

greenhouse sector.

tangible steps they are taking to

Sustainability Consortium (TSC) we

In this context, it is critical to

make their contribution to improving

work with multiple stakeholders,

identify the areas where the

the sustainability of the sector.

September - October 2016

[12] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Market Information

$30bn boost for African agricultureLets turn pledges into businesses at the Agri Investment Indaba!

Has Africa's growth run out of steam?

Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) as

While African agriculture has seen

This question has been on the minds

African leaders, businesses, and

significant progress, there's a greater

of many investors, business leaders

major development partners pledged

need to emphasize on the impact of

and policy makers as they observe

more than US$30 billion dollars in

lack of financial resources in the

increasing interest in key industries

investments to increase production,

agriculture industry to ensure a good

such as agriculture, energy and

income and employment for

return for our progress. Much more is

smallholder farmers and local African

needed for African countries to feed

technology, with however limited access to financial resources.

Companies (African and international) are looking for business-building opportunities and governments are seeking to

agriculture businesses over the next

themselves and the world.

ten years. The collective pledges at

Do you want to gain access to

the 2016 AGRF are believed to

investment and key partners that will

represent the largest package of

take your company and agri projects

financial commitments to the African

to the next level? The African Agri

agricultural sector to date.

Investment Indaba (AAII) 2016, taking place from the 28 – 30

accelerate growth by diversifying

There's a call for investors and

their economies.

financiers to join the “Seize the

November 2016 at the CTICC in Cape

The time has come for businesses

Moment” campaign and keep the

Town, is the meeting place for senior

and governments across the African

momentum by turning these pledges

government officials, executives and

continent to translate opportunities

into actual business. With a key

entrepreneurs across the agri value

into tangible economic benefits.

focus on production of scale,

chain. With over $1bn worth of

Although Africa's economies have

technological advancement and

projects already in our database and a

diversified to an extent, more is

access to market tabled at

growing investor participation

needed to overcome economic

agricultural forums and government

competing for the best projects to

vulnerabilities. With the need for

cabinets, the African Agri Council

grow their agri portfolio, AAII 2016 is

large companies to power the

(AAC) has developed the African Agri

the ideal deal-making forum.

continent's growth, the agriculture

Investment Indaba (AAII), the

industry is certainly committed to

gateway to bankable agri projects in

For more information, please visit our

play its part.

Africa, as a move towards seizing

website (www.agricouncil.org and

It was a blockbuster moment for

the moment.

www.agri-indaba.com).

African agriculture at the African September - October 2016

[14] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Market Information

Innovative financing needed for growth in demand for farming

equipment

AFGRI, one on the largest distributors of agricultural machinery in South Africa, predicts subdued growth in the market for agricultural machinery to 2020, provided farmers can get access to financing.

The market for agricultural

counterparts in South Africa. “The

He says as Africa is the lowest

machinery in South Africa is expected

high demand for mechanisation will

mechanised continent, the growing

to grow by between 3% and 5% over

definitely play a role in the growth in

demand for mechanisation will drive

the next four years.

the agricultural machinery market on

the market for agricultural

Patrick Roux, Managing Director at

the African continent. The vast new

equipment. According to the

AFGRI Equipment, says in South

developments in Africa on clearing

Technavio report this will be

Africa the growth in the market for

bush for arable land will force the

supported by the announcement that

agricultural machinery will be

mechanisation route for all farmers

agricultural departments across the

supported by the rapid expansion of

and innovative plans for structured

continent will allocate more than US$

technology that will improve yields

deal making on equipment will also

48 million in subsidies to small

and make farming more cost

play a role.”

farmers during 2015-2017.

effective.

AFGRI has taken the lead with

Roux says in some countries, notably

Globally, the agricultural machinery

innovative finance schemes in

Zambia, there is good support to

market is expected to grow at a

Zambia and Uganda.

make finance available for farmers to

compound annual rate of over 7%

In Zambia, AFGRI's John Deere

buy mechanised equipment, but the

during the period 2016-2020,

dealership, in partnership with

difficulty to access finance can

according to global research

Zanaco and the Zambia National

hamper the growth rate.

company Technavio.

Farmers Union (ZNFU), provide

Technavio expects that Asia Pacific

In its latest research report on the

agriculture asset finance to help

(APAC) will continue to generate the

agricultural machinery market

farmers mechanise their operations.

bulk of the revenue for the global

(released in June), Technavio says

In Uganda, the Abba Mechanisation

agricultural machinery market. In

globally growth will be driven by

Circle, through AFGRI's Agricultural

APAC the market is expected to reach

growing urbanisation, and different

Development Services Division,

US$74 billion by 2020 compared to

initiatives from governments

provides farmers with access to

US$46 billion expected in North

regarding agricultural activities. Many

mechanisation, which is purchased by

America. APAC has a larger share of

governments, especially in

AFGRI and made available to them

the market mainly due to the growing

developing countries, are offering

through rental agreements.

population in this region, which

credit facilities and subsidies to

Much more is needed in Africa to

gradually boosts the demand for food.

farmers, which help them in

drive the agricultural sector and

Increased mechanisation is supported

purchasing advanced machinery.

increased demand for agricultural

by government initiatives such as

Roux says the growth in the market

equipment. To assist farmers in

subsidies for agriculture and credit

for agricultural machinery in South

Africa to increase their yields

availability.

Africa will largely depend on cyclical

through the use of modern

In contrast to this rapid growth, the

factors, especially seasonal rains,

equipment, government involvement

agricultural machinery market in

whilst the consolidation in the sector

is crucial, and so is the availability of

North America has reached maturity

due to the drought of the past few

financing for agricultural equipment,

and is expected to witness slow

years will also play a role.

says Roux.

growth due to a decline in the price of

He expects a more robust growth in

According to Roux, this will require

commodities and a weak forecasted

Africa, where the commercial farmers

the banking sector to take some

economic cycle in North America.

are less mechanised than their

calculated risks.

September - October 2016

[16] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Market Information

DudutechEnvironmentally intelligent farming Thomas Mason, Dudutech Managing Director

Dudutech is an Integrated Pest

successful IPM is more than

Africa. We have offices in the UK,

Management (IPM) business which

products; it is a philosophy of

Netherlands, Kenya, South Africa and

researches, produces and provides

growing that is supported by a

distribution partnerships in the USA,

on-farm technical support for an

number of crop management

Canada, Colombia, Guatemala,

extensive range of our own biological

techniques, physical interventions

Ecuador and Mexico.

control agents. Established in 2001

and biological control. Central to this

Our close working relationships with a

as a research hub we have rapidly

is a 'prevention mentality' as

number of International Research

grown into a global biotechnology

opposed to treatment of pest and

Institutions and Government Bodies,

business, employing leading

disease with agrichemicals.

as well as the cooperative work

entomologists and microbiologists to

Dudutech markets a range of

between Dudutech staff and Flamingo

develop solutions to reduce pesticide

products and solutions with more in

Agronomists has resulted in the

usage on our farms globally. Our

development. Our product range

development of practical, efficient

name Dudutech comes from the word

consists of 16 biological agents and

products.

'dudu' a Swahili word for insect.

these can be categorized into 5 main

The Flamingo group having its own

types of product:

We look forward to working with you,

bio control business Dudutech has

Ÿ

Insect parasitoids

the farmer, and trust you will enjoy

promoted a close collaborative

Ÿ

Insect predators

Dudutech's services and products

working relationship between IPM

Ÿ

Insect killing nematodes (EPNs)

scientists and growers. We

developed - By Growers, For Growers™.

developed IPM solutions for our own

Ÿ

Insect killing fungi (EPFs)

farming operations across the world

Ÿ

Soil Health Products

and it is this heritage which makes

Dudutech has sold these products,

Managing Director

Dudutech unique, an IPM company

alone or in combination to solve pest

Dudutech

set up; By growers, For growers™.

problems and reduce pesticide use

As farmers, we believe that

farms in Europe, the Americas and

Thomas Mason

Animal Products CRV is the distributors of a range of products by a South African start-up company, BOViTIME Animal Products.

They approached us in 2012 with their first product, a scratch-off heat detector under the BOViFLAG brand.

After evaluating several similar products in the past, we were immediately impressed with the product's adhesive ability. Some farmers even reported they needed pliers to remove the sticker.

Following the typical challenges that faces a start-up company, BOViTIME later added a range of leg and tail markers, BOViTAG, as well as tail paint under the BOViPAINT brand.

Both these products have proven to be working really well with our farmers, and we have seen many farmers converting to these brands.

Earlier this year we presented them a challenge to supply us also with a lubricant for AI procedures. Within one month they have developed a product, and started supplying our representatives with BOViLUBE. The product is packaged in a one litre bottle which is very convenient to handle. What strikes us about BOViTIME, is that they not only put a product on the market, they also do it stylishly. Their product and brand designs are world class, and its no surprise that they managed to export their products to seven countries already. It is great to be part of a South African success story in the dairy supply manufacturing industry, and we are proud to partner with BOViTIME in this regard. From what I hear there are a

few exciting new products under development, and I trust we will soon hear more from this exciting young company. More information on them is available at www.bovitime.com The products available under the BOViTIME stable are: ·

BOViFLAG scratch-off heat detectors.

·

BOViTAG animal leg or tail markers

·

BOViPAINT tail paint markers

·

BOViLUBE AI lubrication gel

These products can all be ordered from your local CRV consultant. To locate the consultant in your area, visit www.xseed.co.za

Country Focus

Zambia's Agro Impetus Of all Zambia's economic sectors,

percent of the population and makes

more investments in most sub-sectors

agriculture holds more promise than

up around 20 percent of overall

of Zambia's food-processing industry,

any other in the country's march to

gross domestic product (GDP).

for both small-scale and large-scale

economic diversiďŹ cation.

projects,'' ZAM says.

Since mining, the country's prime

Food Processing

High potential sub-sectors encompass

industry, is a wasting asset, it is

Food processing represents an

growing and processing oil seeds;

important more than ever before, to

outstanding investment opportunity

downstream processing of meat and

explore sectors that are sustainable

in Zambia due to vast natural

dairy products; producing palm oil;

to wean the country from the copper

resources, extensive arable land,

manufacturing soy-based food

spoon it was born with.

ample water and investment

products; million wheat, rice and

Zambia's has 40 percent of the water

incentives and many joint-venture

maize to produce our; producing

resources of the entire southern

options.

juices, carbonated drinks, beer and

African region. Of the 58 percent

The Zambia Association of

other beverages; processing

arable land, only 14 percent is

Manufacturing (ZAM), says despite

groundnuts; producing ketchup and

currently cultivated. In real terms,

its strong performance, the country's

other tomato-based products;

this means that of 42 million

food-processing industry has

roasting and grinding coffee beans;

hectares, only 1.5 million hectares is

achieved only around one-quarter of

processing cassava, pineapple,

farmed each year.

its capacity and potential so far.

mangoes and sugar cane; producing

The agricultural sector employs 85

''There are vast opportunities for

dried fruit and processing ďŹ sh to

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[21] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Country Focus

exploit Zambia's vast fish resources.

taxes on leather production

Government will ensure adequate

Other investment opportunities

machines and equipment to further

funds for irrigation development

include producing tinned foods,

enhance growth.

annually. Currently, K56.7 million has

confectionery, bread products, honey

been set aside for irrigation in the

and cheese.

Farm Block Development

2016 national budget,'' he pointed

One example of potential food

In a bid to grow the agriculture

out.

–processing projects in Zambia is

sector, Government is developing the

COMESA's Regional Investment

Farm Block Development Programme

Key players in Zambian

Agency (RIA) promotion of a

with vast opportunities for investors.

agribusiness

greenfield project to build pineapple

Ten farming blocks have been

These include, inter alia, Zambeef

–canning factories in the north-

identified (one in each province).

Products, Zambia Sugar and the

western part of the country

''The Nansanga Farming Block in

Zambia Breweries Group, a subsidiary

Mwinilunga district in the province

Serenje, central Zambia, is the most

of South African giant SABMiller, one

has been ranked as Zambia's best

advanced, with roads constructed

of the world's largest beer

location for pineapple production. In

and power connected. We have

manufacturers.

the 1990s, a pineapple processing

already allocated pieces of land to

facility in the area produced around

small-scale and commercial farmers.

11,368 tonnes

We are in the process of awarding

Zambia must take action to invest in

from 1,421 hectares of pineapple

10 000 hectares of land to what is

industrialization in order to be

plantations. The facility was later

referred to as a core venture,''

competitive and take advantage of the

closed down. The planned new plant

Minister of Agriculture, Given

business opportunities in the region,

is expected to produce about 12,000

Lubinda said.

Zambeef Joint Chief Executive Officer Dr Carl Irwin told delegates at the

tonnes of processed pineapple per annum.

Zambeef

Irrigation

fifth Zambian International

Zambia's future indeed lies in

Investment Forum (ZIIF) this week.

Aquaculture

agriculture and President Lungu's

“Zambeef strongly believes in

In diversification away from maize,

administration has emphasized its

Zambia's potential to feed itself and

one of the sub-sectors which is being

determination to pursue an

the region given its abundant

promoted is aquaculture. In August

agriculture-led economy through the

resources; good soils, climate, readily

2015, the Government launched a

rolling out of irrigation schemes and

available as well as the ability to

$10 million privately-owned fish

other innovations throughout the

produce most crops given the right

farm, Yalelo. The firm, located on the

country.

investment. But only in adding value

shores of Lake Kariba in southern

Speaking during the launch of the

to our produce can we fully realise the

Zambia, already produces 6,000kg of

construction of the $28 million

sector's full potential,” said Dr Irwin,

tilapia daily.

Mwomboshi Irrigation Dam in

who was speaking at the opening of

In a deliberate effort to increase

Chisamba, central Zambia recently,

the high-level conference, which was

domestic fish production, the

President Lungu reiterated his

officially launched by H.E. the

Government is encouraging private

commitment to diversifying the

President, on. Edgar Chagwa Lungu

investment.

agricultural sector.

and attended by Minister of

''The construction of this dam gives

Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon.

a practical expression of my

Margaret Mwanakatwe.

The Common Market for Eastern and

Government's resolve to put

Dr Irwin highlighted some of the

Southern Africa (COMESA) recently

agriculture at the centre of our

benefits of focusing on value adding

received $400,000 to support the

economy. Irrigation farming is an act

operations and the opportunities

growth of the leather sub-sector in

of diversifying the sector away from

presented for the national economy;

Cattle

Zambia and three other member

rain-fed agriculture, President Lungu

increased national food security, social

countries.

said.

development in rural areas, job

Zambia has the potential to grow its

Currently, the construction of dams

creation, and tax and duty generated

leather value chain to half a billion

is underway in Lusitu (Chirundu) and

as result.

dollars a year if all hides are

Musakashi in Mufulira district.

Zambeef alone has generated US$220

transformed into finished products.

''We aim to have over 75,000

million in revenue for the financial

The state has also agreed to waive

hectares by 2030. To achieve this,

year 2015 and US$38 million of

September - October 2016

[22] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Country Focus

foreign exchange income for the

sorghum in the country.

impact on 3,500 households in the

nation; invested more than US$150

The group purchases a signiďŹ cant

year to March 31, 2015.

million in the last eight years;

quantity of raw materials locally. A

From 2015, the company introduced

employed more than 6,000 staff and

total of 40,000 tonnes of maize is

cassava into its Eagle lager formula. It

contributed US$18 million in tax and

bought from small-scale farmers for

is now developing an end-to-end

duty paid to the Zambian

use in the production of opaque and

supply chain supporting small-scale

government

clear beer.

farmers in Northern and Luapula

The group has engaged close to

provinces, and with innovative

commercial farmers in the growing

technology will deliver a high quality,

Margins in both the regional and EU

of barley, with a planned annual

affordable clear beer that will grow to

export markets are expected to

uptake of 12,,000 tonnes. In 2015,

become a leading brand within the

remain under pressure from surplus

two small-scale barley outgrower

company's portfolio.

sugar stocks on the world market.

pilot programmes have been

Zambia's agriculture is on the rise and

Realization in these markets will

introduce with a view to further

is changing many lives in various

continue to be inuenced by

expansion

corners of the country.

More than 10,000 tonnes of sugar

As the Ministry of Agriculture

were consumed towards the

rightfully acknowledged: ''Agriculture

Zambian Breweries

manufacture of non-alcoholic drinks.

is the only sector that assuredly

Zambian Breweries and National

A further 1,750 tonnes of sorghum

alleviates poverty in the country. The

Breweries are among the largest

was used in the production of its

focus is to grow this industry that is

buyers of maize, barley, cassava and

affordable Eagle lager, with a direct

the future of the country.''

Zambia Sugar

exchange rate movements.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[23] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

P.O. Box 129, Bellville 7535 | Tel: +27 (0)21 959 8400 | Fax: +27 (0)21 959 8545 Email: nevilles@johnthompson.co.za | www.johnthompson.co.za

Livestock

livestock herd health

Animal health and production Livestock are important in supporting

private sector is the most effective

At the same time, consumers want

the livelihoods of poor livestock

response to this alarming situation.

virtually risk-free food and their belief

keepers, traders and labourers

The recently experienced animal

is that food safety should be

throughout the developing world.

disease crises have provided a

addressed on farms as well as during

Diseases affecting livestock can have

clearer understanding of the beneďŹ ts

processing.

a devastating impact on animal

to the international community of

productivity and production, on trade

applying the appropriate animal

Disease prevention, control and

in live animals, meat and other

health policies and programmes in

eradication

animal products, on human health

order to safeguard public health and

One of the main functions of an

and, consequently, on the overall

ensure food safety.

animal health service is to control

process of economic development.

A number of activists, consumer

and, if possible, eradicate the major

As a result of globalisation and

groups, politicians, scientists and

epizootic diseases, e.g. foot-and-

climate change the world is currently

stakeholders all want to make

mouth disease, rinderpest, African

facing an unprecedented increase of

signiďŹ cant changes to livestock

swine fever, contagious bovine

emerging and re-emerging animal

production practices.

pleuropneumonia, tick-borne

diseases and zoonoses (animal

These changes include modiďŹ cation

diseases, animal trypanosomiasis, etc.

diseases transmissible to humans).

of stocking densities, limitations on

All of these major epizootic diseases

Improving the governance of animal

use of antibiotics and requirements

have very serious effects on animal

health systems in both the public and

for access to the outdoors.

production. It is only after they have

September - October 2016

[26] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Livestock been brought under control that

·

the economic impact of the

Livestock diseases contribute to an

improved breeding, production and

disease on the country and

important set of problems within

control of other enzootic and more

the benefits to be gained by

livestock production systems. These

readily suppressed diseases can be

its eradication. This should

include animal welfare, productivity

achieved.

include any direct effects,

losses, uncertain food security, loss of

Major epizootic diseases generally

such as loss of production,

income and negative impacts on

can only be controlled by well-

milk supply, draught power,

human health. Livestock disease

planned programmes, coordinated

etc., as well as the effect on

management can

and implemented by a strong central

trade in animal products and

disease through improved animal

veterinary authority. In large

exports;

husbandry practices. These include:

countries much of the day-to-day

·

methods of preventing a

reduce

controlled breeding, controlling entry

running of programmes can be

resurgence of the disease

to farm lots, and quarantining sick

decentralized to the provinces or

after it has been eradicated.

animals and through developing and

regions. It is essential that there is a

These methods may involve

improving antibiotics, vaccines and

strong control point responsible for

border control and

diagnostic tools, evaluation of ethno-

surveillance;

therapeutic options, and vector

methods of controlling and

control techniques.

setting up, coordinating and implementing policy.

·

When planning disease control

eradicating the disease.

Appropriate sustainable livestock

policies the following must be

These must be practical and

management practices are required so

sustainable;

considered: ·

the distribution of the

·

disease, i.e. how widespread it is in the country and how far it is expected to spread;

·

availability of sufficient

that livestock keepers can take advantage of the increasing demand

financial support;

for livestock products (where this is

the presence of necessary

feasible) and protect their livestock

legal powers.

assets in the face of changing and increasingly variable climates.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[27] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Livestock Vaccinating a cow against East Coast Fever.

Regulatory harmonisation will accelerate delivery of livestock health products to farmers.

GALVmed/Karel Prinsloo

Regulatory harmonisation: Improving access to safe, effective and quality veterinary medicines across East Africa The costs of animal disease

from applicants. Harmonisation of

countries – Burundi, Djibouti,

In Africa, millions of people depend

the registration system for

Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan,

on livestock for their livelihoods.

veterinary medicines across nations

Tanzania and Uganda. Only three

However, the high prevalence of

simpliďŹ es the process, saves time

countries already possessed a

livestock diseases, such as East

and resources and helps to ensure

recognised registration system

Coast Fever and Newcastle disease,

drug quality, safety and efďŹ cacy.

(Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda).

to name just a few, are a major

In 2011, a GALVmed initiative

Participants were asked what would

constraint to increasing smallholder

'Harmonisation of Registration

be needed to achieve a harmonised

incomes and enhancing agricultural

Requirements for Veterinary

system for registering veterinary

development, food security and

Immunologicals and Development of

vaccines and it was concluded that

resilience. Accessibility and

a Mutual Recognition Procedure

the development of a set of

distribution of high quality veterinary

(MRP) in East Africa' was launched

harmonised technical documents was

medicines is therefore the best tool

to provide support in this critical

required.

to combat animal diseases and help

area. The enterprise was undertaken

As a result of the workshop, a

curb economic losses.

to assist the East African Community

technical working group (TWG) was

(EAC) in harmonising registration

formed consisting of participants from

Cross-country registration of

requirements in the established

the national regulatory authorities of

veterinary medicines

regulatory authorities and

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Registering veterinary medicines in

strengthening their veterinary

Burundi, Rwanda and the EAC

Africa through the currently

vaccine regulatory systems.

Secretariat are also members of the

established processes is cumbersome

GALVmed's work commenced with a

TWG whose role was to work on and

and time consuming, requiring

workshop in Nairobi, involving

develop the following registration

considerable technical information

regulators from eight East African

documents: a harmonised application

September - October 2016

[28] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Livestock form to send to EAC Regulatory

need for separate applications and

Ethiopian regulatory authority said:

Authorities when applying for

time consuming assessments by

“Harmonisation and MRP of vaccine

marketing authorisations;

each country. Gilly Cowan,

regulation benefits local farmers,

harmonised product information

GALVmed's Regulatory Affairs

product applicants, vaccine producers

templates to be included in the

Consultant said, “MRP saves time,

and regulators. Farmers will enjoy

summary of product characteristics,

effort and is predictable. Assessors

increased availability of safe,

product labels and package leaflets;

and inspectors from different

effective, quality vaccines at

a guide to the structure of a

Regulatory Authorities will build trust

affordable prices in the market for

registration dossier for a veterinary

in each others' work, enabling

livestock diseases. National medicine

immunological product; and a guide

valuable veterinary vaccines to be

regulatory authorities will be better

on the data required in the

registered quickly and

equipped to register medicines in a

registration dossier to demonstrate

simultaneously in as many EAC

cost-effective and timely manner by

product quality, safety and efficacy.

countries as the applicant wishes.

improving regulatory processes and

Once the harmonised Marketing

making better use of scarce technical

Progress of the Mutual

Authorisations are granted there are

skills. Vaccine producing companies

Recognition Procedure (MRP)

other advantages for applicants. No

and their local representatives/

The rationale for the MRP is to obtain

longer will they need to wait for the

agents will benefit from simplified and

marketing authorisations for a

last approval from a Regulatory

standardised regulatory approval

particular product without incurring

Authority before making a change to

processes. It will become possible to

long delays. An assessor in one

the production, testing or label

submit dossiers for much-needed

country is responsible for evaluating

claims of their product. The approval

medicines simultaneously in multiple

the registration dossier before writing

process will happen simultaneously

countries, and evaluation turnaround

the assessment report. The same

in all the countries that were

times will improve.”

report is then shared with all other

involved in the MRP.”

By Sophie Reeve, WrenMedia

applicant seeks marketing

Who benefits from MRP?

Find out more about our work at:

authorisations. This eliminates the

Dr Zelalem Gebretsadik of the

www.galvmed.org

regulatory authorities where the

GALVmed/Sephi Bergerson

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[29] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Livestock Professor Pamela Ruegg

Prevention and control of mastitis in dairy herds Milk and milk products are well

is real and may mean the difference

animals.

recognised as highly nutritious and

between the success or failure of a

That means mastitis detection and

quality foods. Milk is used daily in

dairy operation.

treatment protocols should be built

most homes, offices and eating

Mastitis is the inflammation of the

specifically for each farm with the

establishments worldwide. At one

mammary gland and udder tissue,

herd's veterinarian involved.

time in the UK all young children

and is a major endemic disease of

The universal aid to Mastitis control is

were supplied with 1/3 pint of fresh

dairy cattle. It usually occurs as an

through teat disinfection which should

milk every morning and this had to

immune response to bacterial

be carried out after every milking and

be drunk! Today, in a very different

invasion of the teat canal by variety

sometimes before as well, if high yield

part of the world, the Chinese

of bacterial sources present on the

animals are involved. The teat

population is now being encouraged

farm, and can also occur as a result

disinfectant should be effective in

to drink liquid milk. Substantial

of chemical, mechanical, or thermal

killing the organisms which cause

investment has been made in dairy

injury to the cow's udder.

mastitis and also maintain the

farms and the milk processing

In a recent study, roughly four cows

condition of skin on the cows teats.

infrastructure. Various flavours are

out of every 10 received treatment

Evans Vanodine are specialists in this

added to liquid milk to further

for mastitis during lactation.

sector and have a range of products

encourage consumption and to make

Other studies suggest at least 20 to

designed for all environmental

it an attractive 'in-drink'.

25% of cows are culture negative at

conditions

Mastitis is the most costly and

the time they receive treatment, and

common disease in a dairy farming

some portion of cows get treated for

How to break the mastitis cycle –

enterprise. Undetected at a

bacteria that doesn't respond well to

the Solution is from EVANS

subclinical level, it may not be

antibiotics. Those statistics are scary

VANODINE – the Masodine Teat

effectively prevented or controlled.

and difficult to defend to consumers

disinfectant range.

Profit loss, while often not quantified,

worried about antibiotic use in food

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[31] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Livestock

Mr. Peter Thompson International Division Manager Evans Vanodine International plc

Profit from Hygiene on the Dairy

areas clean. The farm buildings in

and treatment of clinical cases of

Farm

which the animals are housed should

mastitis; dry cow therapy; and early

Total dairy farm hygiene is by

be maintained in good condition.

culling of cows with repeating or

definition essential; carefully thought

Cubicle bedding, ideally, should be

persistent infections. Evans Vanodine

out procedures developed to achieve

mucked out and changed daily. All

have been involved in this concept

real levels of Biosecurity are of

cubicle floorings must have soiling

since 1919 and now have a range of

paramount importance. An

removed before disinfectant

Dairy Farm Hygiene products

appropriate programme, diligently

treatment.

benefiting 60 countries worldwide.

followed, will lead to the highest

The maintenance of a very high

quality of milk possible from healthy

Biosecurity programmes

standard of farm hygiene has to be

animals and enable the best price ex

More dairy farmers are now

today's most important milk

farm for a satisfactory economic

exploring the application and

production objective. We know that

gain, in other words good hygiene =

benefits of a clear, totally

hygiene levels influence economical

more profit

comprehensive, formal programme

results and that legislators, dairies

It is encouraging to note that dairy

pertinent to their particular farm and

and supermarkets are continuously

farmers determined to stay in

circumstances. The need is to

demanding and enforcing higher

business are rising to the challenges

identify each Critical Control Point

standards for liquid milk and further

and employing total farm hygiene

(CCP) on the farm, develop a plan to

processed milk products. Consumers

programmes. Environmental

control the risk at each point,

are becoming more aware of and

Hygiene, using for example Evans

implement the plan, record all

concerned about issues of safety

FAM 30, the UK's leading Iodophor

actions, audit the records and, most

concerning the foods they buy and

disinfectant, ensures that walkways

importantly, train all staff to follow

consume.

and collecting yards are kept free

the plan with a full understanding of

The goal is, therefore, to produce the

from microorganisms and, ideally,

the needs and benefits to cow and

highest quality milk possible on each

such areas should be kept as dry as

milk hygiene. Evans Vanodine

farm, from healthy cows under top

possible. Pools and areas of standing

Biosecurity programmes provides

management. Each farm must rise to

water should be drained.

the platform for this important

the challenge of providing top level

Farm vehicles, equipment, boots,

management method.

hygiene conditions in order to

etc., must be cleaned and disinfected

We recommend a five point plan

maximise customer satisfaction and

regularly. Foot and wheel baths

involving: pre- and post-milking teat

economic return. A complete Dairy

containing a suitable disinfectant

dipping with fully authorised and

Farm Hygiene programme is essential

concentration should be installed at

well proven disinfectant products

in the achieving of this and

all access points.

that have global usage experience;

importantly maximising the

The use of automatic scrapers is

daily milking machine cleaning, and

profitability of the milk producer

beneficial for helping to keep floor

regular servicing; early diagnosis

themselves.

September - October 2016

[32] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Livestock

Dar Al Dawa Veterinary & Agriculture Industrial Co. Ltd DADvet's reputation as a leading

buildings, machinery, environment,

the high quality DADvet range,

veterinary and agricultural products

operations and products, equivalent

include exporting to Middle East, Asia,

provider in the region and worldwide,

to the requirements for human

Africa & Europe markets.

is becoming exceedingly impressive

pharmaceuticals.

The following production lines are in

due to the company's commitment to

Under the supervision of highly

operation at Dar Al Dawa Veterinary &

excellence, and making sure that

qualified veterinary doctors, DADvet

Agriculture Industrial Co.

each DADvet product manufactured

carries out veterinary and

and delivered is of absolute optimal

agricultural field trials that are

quality.

conducted in coordination with

The company was established in

scientific and academic institutions

1988 upon the initiative of Dar Al

in the region, and worldwide.

Dawa Development and Investment

Quality philosophy in DADvet is

Co., with a vision of meeting the

based on the clear understanding

various needs of the veterinary and

and complying with the concept of

agricultural sectors in Jordan, and

the international equal treatment of

other exporting countries.

veterinary and human medicines

DADvet, the sister company to Dar

from the regulatory and technical

Al-Dawa, was built according to the

aspects.

GMP requirements including design of

Development of regional markets for

September - October 2016

[34] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

·

Syrup and suspension

·

Creams and ointment

manufacturing and filling line. manufacturing line. ·

Disinfectants manufacturing and filling machines.

·

Veterinary powders manufacturing line.

·

Injectables filling and sterilizing line.

·

Bolus production line.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Livestock

Farm Animal Identification-Ear Tags BEING able to identify individual

example, all cattle must have an

animals on your property is critical to

electronic national livestock

process. Ensure you can achieve this

good farm management. Although

identification tag before moving

in your facilities before you start the

most farmers don't name every

properties. All sheep must have a

job.

animal they have, knowing which

visually readable identification tag

Some ear tags come as separate male

animal is which is still very

and both cattle and sheep tags must

and female parts, while other tags are

important.

be stamped with a Property

single tags that wrap around the edge

One of the most common methods of

Identification Code – PIC.

of the ear. Each requires a slightly

identifying livestock is to apply an

Identification tags vary in size,

different technique.

ear tag. While this is not as reliable

colour, material (metal or plastic)

In most cases a two-part tag is

quality animal restraint during the

as branding, ear notching or ear

and shape. They are made by a

applied through the middle part of the

tattooing, it is quick and allows for

number of companies, each with

ear. This means it is less likely to get

visual or electronic identification of

their own design. Application devices

caught on things and torn out. One-

each animal.

also differ across tags and so grazing

piece “wrap-around” tags need to be

Farmers use ear tags to identify

situations should be taken into

placed much closer to the edge of the

individual animals in a herd where

account when choosing a tag.

ear or they will cause damage to the

one animal looks very much like

Before applying an ear tag, make

ear by rubbing. This is particularly

another.

sure it is the appropriate tag for the

important if you apply them to young

Ear tags and other forms of

species and breed. If using a brand

lambs as the ear will keep growing

identification are also very important

you aren't familiar with, ask a

and this can cause problems.

when it comes to the sale and

producer for tips on applying the

Use the correct applicator for your

transport of farm animals. Farmers

tag. Manufacturers provide

tags as many are not compatible with

and veterinarians need to be able to

application instructions which are

more than one type of tag. The male

keep track of which animals are sold

important to follow to ensure tags

part of some tags has a piercing

or transported to other farms or to

stay on, and avoid problems such as

mechanism built in, while other

processing facilities. This becomes

ear infections.

systems rely on the applicator to

especially important if there is an

Pay attention to where the ear tag

pierce the ear or punch a small hole in

outbreak of disease in farm animals.

should be placed in the ear, what

the ear. A piercing type applicator

Ear tags are available for most

direction the ear tag should go

used with a tag that also has a

livestock, although they aren't

through the ear (which part faces

piercing point will ruin the tag.

commonly used on dairy goats due to

the front of the animal) and what

If the applicator pierces the ear, then

high rates of infection.

disinfectant protocol should be

disinfecting it between animals is

The first thing to consider is the most

followed between tags.

important. Applying ear tags when

appropriate ear tag. This will be

The job is made far easier and has a

stock are wet or dusty is more likely

governed, in part, by regulations. For

better outcome when you use high

to result in infection and potential tag loss.

September - October 2016

[36] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Poultry processing wastewater treatment system With the steady increase in poultry

average-sized chicken. When

to take place in order for the plant to

processing rates, there has been a

processing turkey the volume of

be in compliance with local, state and

corresponding increase in wastewater

water is even higher with average

federal environmental regulations.

pollutant concentrations. Despite

weight of slaughtered turkeys

Screens are the most popular form of

mechanical improvements in

exceeding 4 times that of a chicken.

preliminary physical treatment

wastewater treatment, many poultry

It is not unusual for a typical poultry

process used in on-site poultry

processors continue to pay

processor to generate 1,000,000 to

wastewater treatment systems to

unnecessarily high fees for municipal

1,500,000 gallons of wastewater

remove constituents .Screening

water discharges

daily.

systems typically consist of primary

In the meat processing industry,

This water will be laden with fats,

and secondary rotary screens that

water is used extensively for washing

proteins and carbohydrates from

remove solids greater than 500

the cattle, sheep or pig carcasses.

meat, fat, blood, skin and feathers.

micron (Âľm) in size.

Water is also used for sanitizing and

The water is also polluted with a fair

Screens recover offal, which has

thoroughly cleaning of all equipment

amount of grit and other inorganic

substantial value as a raw material for

used in the process at the facility.

matter. Waste load can be

the poultry rendering industry, and

A large quantity of water is also used

determined by a number of different

remove larger solid particles from

for scalding of hogs to facilitate hair

measurements, including BOD

PPW preparing the wastewater stream

removal. Federal regulations dictate

(biochemical oxygen demand), TSS

for advanced treatment systems.

that a complete cleaning and

(total suspended solids

Poultry processors are required to

sanitation process be conducted after

concentration), COD (the chemical

remove the majority of the soluble

every killing and processing shift at

oxygen demand), and FOG (fats, oil

and particulate organic material in

the plant.

and grease), but poultry plant

their wastewater prior to discharge

The cleanup period generally uses

wastewater is most often tested for

from the plant in order to achieve

considerably more water that the

BOD which is a measure of the

compliance with local, state and

actual processing of the meat. As a

amount of oxygen needed to

federal environmental regulations.

result of there being often time in

degrade the organic matter

The problem is that few screening

between shifts and the processing

(feathers, fat and blood) in the

systems are really capable of

cleanup phases the generation of

wastewater.

continuously cleaning out all of this

wastewater can be inconsistent.

Poultry processing plants are

material to a level within the

Poultry processing plants, as in many

required to remove the majority of

standards of municipalities, and

other food processing activities

all soluble and particulate organic

municipalities use BOD loads to

typically are high water users. For

material in their generated

determine charges and surcharges for

broilers, 5 to 10 gallons of water are

wastewater prior to any discharge

wastewater dischargers.

used to process one 5 pound,

from the plant. This process needs

September - October 2016

[38] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Cropping

Grain temperature monitoring systems It is important to monitor grain

the grain bulk forms a peak.

temperature and to keep stored grain

there is always an unusual increase in temperature. For those who manage

cool and dry by regular aeration or

Determining the moisture

grain, temperature is the best

by turning it.

content of grain

indicator of grain quality. Grain is a

High moisture and warm

Grain with a moisture above grade

living organism. Like other living

temperatures in grain allow for the

requirements can create an

things, it breathes (respires) and it

rapid growth of insects, fungi and the

environment conducive to insect and

may become sick. Excessive moisture,

possible production of mycotoxins.

fungal growth and development if it

high temperature, and poor grain

is not managed. Grain left

condition (damaged kernels) are

How temperature and moisture

unmanaged may increase in

generally considered the most

work

temperature and subsequent

important factors that lead to trouble

Grain is a very good insulator. When

convection currents can cause

in stored grain.

it is undisturbed, it holds

surface condensation.

The three speciďŹ c causes of heating

temperature well. If warm grain is

To determine the moisture content of

are respiration of the grain itself

placed into storage and left

grain at storage, take samples from

(metabolism of viable grain),

undisturbed, convection currents

bins every 3 to 4 weeks after

microora (microorganisms such as

develop and cause hot spots and

storage if grain is not managed (no

fungi and bacteria), and insect

moisture condensation. The greater

aeration or turning). Samples should

infestation.

the temperature differential (the

be taken from several areas of the

difference between the temperature

bulk and be kept in sealed plastic

How aeration systems work

of the grain and the outside

containers prior to testing.

Aeration systems preserve stored

temperature), the stronger the

grain and keep it dry by reducing the

convection currents. The stronger the

The importance of grain

temperature of grain and reducing

convection, the greater the effect of

temperature monitoring

moisture migration. Appropriate

heating and condensation on the

Temperature is the key to safe grain

aeration can prevent convection

grain. This is particularly evident

storage. When grain goes out of

currents and condensation from

when stored grain is not leveled and

condition, regardless of the cause,

occurring.

September - October 2016

[40] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Cropping

It is important to consider the

the ambient temperature falls below

control of grain insect pests.

physical characteristics of grain when

that of the grain bulk, initially during

considering aeration and drying.

the early evening, night, and early

Other cooling methods

Factors such as grain class and

morning, you can use aeration to

If an aeration system is not available,

storage configuration impact the

reduce the temperature of the grain.

turning grain outside the bin is an

static pressure and thus the aeration

If you aerate grain when the

alternative to aerating it in the bin

fan requirements. In general, as

ambient temperature is above 20°C

when the ambient air temperature

static pressure increases (e.g.

and the temperature of the grain is

falls below 15°C. Turn the grain every

increased height of the storage or

above 30°C, the odors produced will

2 to 4 weeks until the grain

change in the class of commodity in

be more attractive to insect pests.

temperature reaches 15°C. This

storage), the amount of time

Sanitation involving cleaning and

procedure involves removing about

required to properly aerate also

treating grain is very important in

one-third of the grain from the bin

changes. Please consider consulting

preventing problems.

and putting it back in the bin.

with your aeration system provider to

As well as preventing insect

Grain chillers can be used to reduce

determine aeration or drying times

infestations, aeration is also very

the temperature of the grain when

for the bin type or commodity that

effective in controlling them. Once

outside temperatures are above 20°C.

you have in store.

the grain temperature is reduced to

Grain chillers reduce the temperature

below 18°C (which prevents insect

and moisture of air used to aerate the

feeding and reproduction) a further

grain. Once grain is chilled it remains

How to use aeration systems Stored grains should be aerated as

temperature reduction can be used

cool for extended periods, due to its

soon as possible after harvest,

to cause mortality. Refer to the

natural insulating properties.

particularly if aeration can reduce the

disinfestation time periods required

bulk temperature below 18°C. When

at low temperatures table in Physical

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[41] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Cropping

JP van den Berg and his wife, Linné, Sanette Thiart, Managing Director,Potato Certification Service, and Hennie van der Westhuizen, Business Manager: Central, Bayer

Seed Potato Grower of the Year 2016 JP van den Berg from Northwest was

registration to control results) were

named Seed Potato Grower for 2016

used to determine the winner.

potato production. Therefore, Bayer

at the Bayer gala dinner during the

Bayer and Potato Certification

launched its promise of "Committed to

Seed Potato Grower's forum in

Service strive to build on quality as

the Future" where we collectively

Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal.

the cornerstone for the industry.

want to responsibly manage the

Bayer is proud to be the main

Both organizations stand for

challenges of the future.

sponsor of this prestigious event and

sustainability for all stakeholders in

Along with the 18th Seed Grower of

also proud to congratulate JP van der

the potato industry. After a difficult

the Year Award, Potato Certification

products to support sustainable

Berg as the winner.

year during the 2015/16 drought, it

Service is also celebrating their 21st

As JP mentioned when he accepted

has become very clear that

anniversary. The company has played

his prise “Farming isn't a one man

consistency and reliability are two

a leading role over 21 years in the

show, it's a whole team behind you”

qualities that will support players in

pursuit of sustainable supply of high

Bayer is very proud to be part of JP's

the potato industry. Bayer strives to

quality plant material to the Potato

team and we stand behind him, well

provide access to innovation, by

Industry.

done JP.

investing in research to offer the

The other finalists for this year's award were Frans Engelbrecht (North

For the first time special recognition

potato industry products that

was also given to a group because of

address problems like managing

their involvement with the winner and

West) and W & K Boerdery (Western

virus vectors and soil-borne

even more due to the fact that all

Free State).

diseases. It is also important to

three finalists were Wesgrow growers.

Three years' certification data (from

protect the current potato protection

www.bayer.co.zw

September - October 2016

[42] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

SIM'Actus

SIMA Lab

SIMA World

SIM'Alertes

SIMA Live

SIMA, A WORLD-CLASS STANDARD The interna onal trade show for all technologies and solu ons for high-performance and sustainable agriculture, SIMA (26 February to 2 March 2017) has, edi on a er edi on, progressively become a major interna onal event.

SIMA 2017: GLOBAL MOBILISATION Displaying more interest than ever in the appeal of SIMA and that of its visitors’ profiles, exhibitors from outside France represen ng 40 countries have signed up in great numbers for the exhibi on. More than 40 new companies have registered to date, including examples such as Lovol Arbos Group, a Sino -Italian firm, and Korean companies Tongyang and Kamico.

Other noteworthy ini a ves are the first- me par cipa ons of Finland, Indonesia and Japan, the launch of two new pavilions represen ng China and North America, and the substan al increase in the exhibi on space of certain countries such as Italy, Ireland and the Czech Republic.

EVENTS REVEALING THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL FORMS OF AGRICULTURE As an event aimed at all forms of agriculture, SIMA 2017 will be holding several events rela ng to the big global challenge for years ahead: Producing more, be er. These events include the SIMA African Summit, echoing the agreement signed by CEMA and the United Na ons FAO, the SIMA Dealers’ Dayng, a day dedicated to informal mee ngs between exhibitors and dealers from all over the world in associa on with SEDIMA and CLIMMAR and including a focus on the job of dealer in ten years, and finally the Interna onal Mee ngs, offering visitors a cross-sector perspec ve of all forms of agriculture with the help of contributors from a range of countries.

SIMA, a worldwide network Capitalising on its exper se and renown, SIMA has recently developed its brand and network in Asia and North Africa.

It has notably joined forces with the exhibi on organiser IMPACT in Bangkok to launch SIMA ASEAN. Following a successful inaugural event in 2015 (300 exhibitors from 23 countries and 13,200 professional visitors of 56 different na onali es), this year’s edi on will take place from 8 to 10 September 2016.

Among the firms exhibi ng feature leading names such as Claas, JCB, Kubota and New Holland, alongside Manitou (expanding its stand space from 2015), MX, Forges de Niaux and Monosem.

SIMA has also teamed up with SIPSA to launch a brand new show, SIMA-SIPSA Algeria, whose first edi on will be held in Algiers from 4 to 7 October 2016. Its aim is to extend its reach across all of North Africa and into Africa more generally. With a comprehensive product range catering to the needs of the region (inputs, trac on, lling, crop protec on, harves ng, irriga on, storage, livestock equipment, replacement parts, new technology, etc.) the show is supported by the Algerian authori es. It will play host to more than 600 exhibitors including Dubrulle/AVS, GEA Process Engineering, Irrifrance, Laforge, Monosem, Privé SA, Sonamia Monroc, Sulky Burel and Vaporma c, and expects to welcome around 20,000 professional visitors.

SIMA in figures * - 1,740 companies from 40 countries - 238,848 visits from 142 countries - 300 interna onal delega ons - 92% visitor sa sfac on rate *Source: SIMA 2015

www.simaonline.com

#SIMA_PARIS

Ideas & Innovation Tea farmers in Uganda

Innovations by Africa based companies Development is no more a donor and

encourage world leaders to make

market selling prices and input

recipient formula, African people are

their data in agriculture and nutrition

prices. This knowledge could mean

using the now available information

open so that it is freely available and

the difference between a profit and a

on agriculture released by countries

usable worldwide for better policy

loss for many farmers. GODAN

around the world to create and

and decision-making by 2050, when

Partner Esoko offers farmers open

develop solutions the best way they

the global population is expected to

data on the selling price of

know how to directly affects the

hit 9 billion. By opening data on

commodities produced by farmers

sector and their immediate

agriculture and nutrition the aim is

in the region as well as the input

communities.

also to achieve the United Nations'

prices of resources such as seeds and

The agriculture sector is undergoing

goal 2 – 'zero hunger' by 2030 -

fertilisers. Esoko sends information

a lot of change with data finally being

ensuring food security.

through SMS allowing for easily

released by the US and UK

access to daily prices information,

government to help farmers around

which can help them to increase their

the world, especially in Africa. The

AFRICA CASE STUDIES:

profits and provide fairer prices.

initiative created as a by-product of

Please see below 4 case studies

the G8 Summit in 2013 is finally

which demonstrate the innovations

A Google for farmers - the quest

yielding results with young African

being spearheaded by Africa based

to empower agro-preneurs in

innovators from all over the continent

companies Agrinfo, VOTO, Esoko and

Tanzania

using the data and information

BROSDI:

For farmers trying to lease land in

released to make real change and

rural areas in Tanzania, the process is

after the sector and the market in

Mobile phones allow for fairer

often done using just a piece of paper.

which they operate.

pricing in Ghana

Because this is usually a simple

For rural farmers in Ghana, it has

agreement signed by the parties with

GODAN, or Global Open Data for

not only been difficult to have the

village leaders, the farmers are

Agriculture and Nutrition, a 350+

access to seasonal data but also to

unable to use this piece of paper as

partner organisation formed to

vital information including

collateral to get a loan. Tanzanian

September - October 2016

[44] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Ideas & Innovation GODAN partner Agrinfo, uses

coverage vastly increased, there has

in Uganda, it takes more than

geodata to map these pieces of land

been a huge explosion of people

external money or technology to solve

and collect important information

owning phones and SIM cards, and

long term problems such as poverty.

about each plot. Not only does this

being able to get connected. GODAN

The Busoga Rural Open Source and

sharing of farmland information

partner VOTO Mobile is a three-year

Development Initiative (BROSDI)

enable farmers to better manage

old Ghana-based tech startup and

recognises this, and has been using

their land, it also places a value on

social enterprise. Its mission is to

open data for the past decade to

their land by assessing their

empower communities to collect and

mobilise farmers to form communities

ownership and area size, type of

share information via mobile to drive

that can drive their own development.

investment and expected outputs.

positive social change. To do this,

This method of Open Development

VOTO helps businesses,

sees BROSDI assisting farmers

Women at the forefront of social

governments, and NGOs use mobile

through education on using

change in Ghana

technologies to gather information

technology to expand their business,

Mobile technologies have been

and feedback through interactive

but primarily relies on local knowledge

around for years, but they are only

SMS or voice calls in local languages.

to build networks of farmers that can

now becoming a viable technology

rely on each other to provide solutions

for dispersing information.

Open Development empowers

Particularly in Africa, where prices

communities in Uganda

have come down, and mobile

In poor communities such as those

Receiving weather updates

to agricultural problems.

Ideas & Innovation

How sustainable are your egg cartons?

Design touches all areas of life, from

usually the end of the line for

be remanufactured to produce

computer interfaces to the packaging

recycled paper because paper quality

polyester fiber, which is used in

of the goods in our shopping basket.

degrades with continued recycling.

carpets, insulating fleece for clothing

Nature has given the egg a natural

According to the Technical

and containers.

package - the shell. Despite its

Association of the Pulp and Paper

Egg packaging should be designed to offer the following:

relative strength, the egg is an

Industry, wood fibers can only be

extremely fragile product and even

recycled five to seven times before

·

designed to travel and protect

with the best handling methods,

they become too short and brittle to

·

designed to pamper and

serious losses can result from shell

be made into new paper products.

damage. Economical marketing

A unique benefit of cardboard egg

·

designed to suit your goals

generally requires that eggs be

cartons is that you can start

·

designed to stand out

protected by the adoption of

seedlings in them. Fill each section

Eggs also need to breathe, hence the

specialized packaging and handling

with soil and a few seeds. Once the

packaging material used must allow

procedures.

seeds have sprouted, divide the

for the entrance of oxygen. The

The most important use for an egg

carton into the individual

material used must be clean and

packaging is the maximum efficiency

compartments and plant them

odourless so as to prevent possible

in handling and transport with the

(carton and all) in the ground. These

contamination and tainting. Authentic

lowest possible risk of breakage and

cartons are biodegradable so they

egg packaging materials can be

waste. No matter how far the journey

can also be put into your compost

reused, but careful attention must be

is from the factory or farm to the

bin.

paid to possible damage, odours and

protect

cleanliness.

supermarket, we should be able to count on an egg that is not broken.

Polyethylene terephthalate

The packaging must be made to

As the world becomes more

(PET)

withstand handling, storage and

environmentally conscious, industry

PET is good for protecting the eggs,

transport methods of the most diverse

leaders continually find ways to make

but also because the manufacturing

kind and to protect the eggs against

operations more sustainable. This

process minimizes materials used,

temperatures that cause deterioration

can mean anything from recycling

energy consumed and waste

and humidity. Finally, consumers like

more around the office to adopting

generated in production.

to see what they are buying,

Lean principles. Some companies are

The plastic egg carton is 100%

especially if it concerns fresh produce.

even thinking green when it comes to

recyclable and is made entirely from

An egg package should be designed

packaging.

100% recycled materials (recycled

so that the customers not only

soda bottles). The carton is labeled

recognize the product as such, but

Pulp paper/cardboard

with the #1 recycling code, which

can also see the eggs they are

These cartons are made from low-

can be recycled by most municipal

buying.

grade recycled paper. Egg cartons are

waste-collection agencies. PET can

September - October 2016

[46] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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Ideas & Innovation

Agriculture Technology: How GIS Can Help You Win the Farm Today's farmers use sophisticated

Geographic Information Systems are

vast amounts of agricultural data and

agriculture technology because they

incredibly helpful in being able to

interactive maps, and support farming

can save time and money. Crops

map and project current and future

communities.

grow in specific locations. This makes

fluctuations in precipitation,

Producers use GIS to better manage

Geographic Information Systems

temperature, crop output, and more.

their farms by creating information-

(GIS) an extremely relevant tool for

By mapping geographic and geologic

dense reports and maps that give

farmers.

features of current (and potential)

them a unique perspective of their

Precision farming uses GPS on the

farmland scientists and farmers can

operations. The powerful analytical

field. While satellites and drones

work together to create more

capabilities of GIS offer an array of

collect vegetation and weather

effective and efficient farming

options for visualizing farming

information from the sky. Where

techniques; this could increase food

conditions, as well as measuring and

does this data all go? That's why

production in parts of the world that

monitoring the effects of farm

agriculture maps serve it to the

are struggling to produce enough for

management practices.

people.

the people around them.

Combined with remote sensing

Droughts, floods, swarms of insects

All sectors of the agriculture industry

technology, GIS can be used to

and poor farming techniques have

use (GIS) technology to share data,

precisely determine and control

plagued the agricultural community

increase yields, predict outcomes,

inputs, saving preventive expense and

for centuries. Improvements have

and improve business practices. By

reducing the amount of harm to the

been made to insure the safety and

applying GIS technology to their

soil. Farm managers also use GIS to

gain of crops worldwide and yet

operations, agricultural operations

submit government program

these factors and many more

are able to manage resources and

applications, simplifying what used to

continue to make or break individuals

responsibilities more efficiently,

be time-consuming multistep

and communities affected by them.

devise data portals that disseminate

processes.

September - October 2016

[48] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Ideas & Innovation GIS can analyze soil data combined

Not only do farmers save money on

with historical farming practices to

fertilizer, but they are saving the

Vegetation Index (NDVI). We have a

determine what are the best crops to

environment from over-application.

local and global estimate of crop

plant, where they should go, and

This is because of lot of the excess

productivity for the entire planet from

how to maintain soil nutrition levels

fertilizer tend to end up in streams

a long list of satellites orbiting the

to best benefit the plants.

and rivers by run-off.

Earth.

Agricultural Geographic Information

Precision farming applies fertilizer

What can drones collect on a field?

Systems (AGIS) can map not only

only where it's needed. It's site-

topography and crop health, but help

specific Sensors on a machine gather

solve wider economic issues in

information about the crops. In

municipalities and urban centers that

addition, the GPS gives you the

may stem from rural farming

exact position on the field. Precision

Ÿ

Plant health and field nutrients

Ÿ

3D elevation and volumetric

indices like Normalized Difference

Ÿ

Plant height, count and biomass estimates

Ÿ

Presence of disease and weeds

practices.

farming then applies a variable rate

The future implications of AGIS are

of fertilizer to nutrient-deficient

incredible and immense in scope.

sites.

Instead of workers scouting fields,

With the permeation of technology in

The farmer who uses precision

agriculture technology like drones can

the global culture today it is possible

farming can save anywhere in the

cover more ground.

that in a few years GIS could be

ballpark of 2-15$ per acre. Over

available to rural farmers in the

time, this makes an incredible

Drones can inspect crop health from

developing world to better help them

investment.

the sky and where plant stress is

grow crops, feed their families, and

data

occurring. Farmers can make

produce enough food to ship to

Data From the Sky – Satellites

actionable decisions on applying

neighboring areas. Farmers in

and Drones

nitrogen and monitoring yields.

severe-weather prone areas (like

What do crops need to grow?

Farmers can use precision watering

flood plains or drought zones) would

Other than sunlight and nutrients,

sensors because they know where it's

be able to predict what this weather

plants need the right amount of

needed most. They can combat the

could do to crops, could move fields

water. Too much (flooding) or little

spread of pests by identifying critical

to better geographic locations, and

(drought) water impacts crop

intervention areas.

know how to irrigate based on local

growth.

One small drone can help make some

water resources and weather

Satellite technology like Soil

very powerful decisions for farmers.

patterns. The world food crisis could

Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS)

be alleviated by the use of GIS.

collect real-time (passive)

Data online – Real-time mapping

microwave energy from the Earth's

The United States Department of

Data From the Machine –

surface. This can better forecast

Agriculture (USDA) National

Precision Farming

crop production and monitor drought

Agricultural Statistics Services (NASS)

Farmers use precision agriculture

and flooding.

developed the mapping application

because they can reduce the amount

Landsat satellites analyze the

CropScape where farmers can obtain

of fertilizer applied on the field.

greenness of vegetation using

acreage estimates of crop types.

Simply, farmers can see what crops are growing where and how much. In

Drone collecting data

addition, government have also used CropScape on issues like food security, land-cover change and pesticide control.

At a global scale, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations AgroMap breaks down primary food crops with its global spatial database of agricultural landuse statistics.

For large-scale planning, online tools like plant hardiness defines suitable climatic growing areas for different types of crops.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[49] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Ideas & Innovation Modelling – Mashing data sets

taking into account

of land use over time, is there enough

Researchers are mashing together

evapotranspiration, rainfall, runoff

arable land to serve a growing

various inputs to better model and

and other factors.

population?

understand crop production.

Geographic Information Systems

Maps serve the purpose of raising

The Crop Assimilation Model (CAM)

assists decision-support. IDRISI's

awareness about global hunger and

and Soil-Water-Air-Plant (SWAP) in

Reducing Emissions from

places that are in need like the FAO

GRASS GIS serve as crop

Deforestation and forest Degradation

Hunger Map and World Food

productivity monitoring tools by

(REDD) determines the opportunity

Programme Food Security Analysis.

simulating soil, water and crop

cost of potential agricultural revenue

Satellite, mobile-collected and GIS

processes.

versus deforestation.

data storage are safeguarding food-

The Length of Growing Period (LGP)

Aspect and microclimate can locate

insecure populations by establishing

is when crops meet the full

potential areas that can be

underlying causes

evapotranspiration demands of

harvested like the south-facing

Precision farming, satellites, drones,

precipitation and soil moisture

slopes of the Swiss Alps. The south-

webmaps and sophisticated models –

holding capacity. Each crop type has

facing slopes shelter from cold and

this list represents some of the

specific moisture requirements

dry winds which is critical to

agriculture technology being used on

making LGP difficult to calculate.

successful crop growth.

farmland today.

The modern-day farmer needs to

The Erosion-Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC) models crop yields

Meeting Future Food Demand

understand a lot more than just what

and irrigation requirements to

How can we fulfill the needs of a

to seed – soils, weeds, nutrients,

climate change. While the

growing and increasingly affluent

weather, insects, disease, machinery

Agricultural Non-Point Source

population? Agriculture technology is

and climate.

(AGNPS) Model predicts the effects of

helping diagnose food security. Can

These emerging trends provide the

agriculture on water quality.

we learn from historical data?

location intelligence farmers need to

And the Versatile Soil Moisture

Landsat satellite data provides a

get the job done faster and with more

Budget (VSMB) simulates soil

unique view of historical agricultural

knowledge. What are some of the

moisture conditions of cropland areas

land. When you plot historical trends

other growing trends for agriculture technology?

Ideas & Innovation Trimble TMX-2050

Precision control from planting to harvest Trimble Solutions Enable Farmers

range of displays from the entry-

and application control needs of their

to Operate More Strategically

level EZ-Guide® 250 which provides

farm.

Farmers are facing increasing

basic precision agriculture

pressure to produce more with less.

functionalities up to Trimble's

GNSS Correction Services

They are looking for solutions that

premier display, the TMX-2050™

To provide farmers with the level of

help maximize efficiency and operate

display. It is ideal for growers who

accuracy that is right for their

more profitably while also meeting

want to implement the latest

operation, Trimble offers a portfolio of

increasing regulations around

platform for connectivity with auto-

correction service options that are the

environmental protection and natural

guidance, and standardized

most versatile and accurate of their

resource conservation. Trimble

protocols including ISOBUS for

kind in the industry.

precision agriculture products are

variable rate application which

Trimble RTX (Real Time eXtended) is a

designed to help farmers achieve

includes an intuitive user interface

high-accuracy GNSS correction

these goals with solutions for all

built on the popular Android™

service delivering repeatable

seasons, crops, terrains, and

operating system. To provide

centimeter level positions worldwide.

farmers with the level of accuracy

Combining real-time data with

that is right for their operation,

innovative positioning and

Making a Difference

Trimble offers a portfolio of

compression algorithms, Trimble

Trimble solutions can make a

correction options which are the

RTX™ utilizes an established global

difference in how a farmer runs his

most versatile and accurate of their

reference station network along with

operation. Trimble guidance and

kind in the industry.

satellite orbit and clock information to

steering solutions minimize skips and

Trimble displays are available in a

compute high accuracy positions. The

vehicles.

overlaps between passes and reduce

range of configurations and price

real-time technology is available via

crop damage and compaction to

points so farmers can customize the

satellite or IP delivery across most of

improve yields. Trimble offers a

display to suit the specific steering

the world.

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[51] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Ideas & Innovation are looking for ways to optimize

Data Management and Decision

accommodate a wide range of

their water use. To help achieve this,

Making

applications and accuracy

Trimble offers land leveling to ensure

To help farmers more efficiently

requirements: CenterPoint® RTX

efficient distribution of water by

manage the large amount of data

(<4cm) and RangePoint® RTX

maintaining grade which can result

their precision agriculture applications

(<50cm). Trimble RTX technology

in improved yield, minimized water

are recording, Trimble's data

also powers Trimble xFill®, providing

costs, and enhanced farm

management solution provides

centimeter-level back up corrections

productivity.

wireless data transfer between the

via satellite for customers using RTK

Because every drop matters, every

farm and office or between vehicles

or VRS systems. xFill bridges the

decision farmers make about

operating in the same field—saving

gap when users lose cellular

irrigation is critical. With the

time and increasing efficiency.

connectivity or radio line of sight,

Irrigate-IQ™ precision irrigation

The data management solution also

allowing them to continue working

solution, farmers can apply the right

provides farmers with the data they

seamlessly in the field for up to 20

amount of water, fertigation,

need to make better decisions about

minutes on all compatible receivers.

chemigation, or effluent in the right

their farm. For example, the solution

And, now xFill can be used

place – while minimizing nutrient

includes a customizable dashboard

indefinitely beyond 20 minutes with

and chemical runoff. The Irrigate-IQ

view that provides a centralized

an xFill Premium subscription,

solution also is fully scalable to best

snapshot of farm operations as well as

enhancing your productivity in the

suit farmers' irrigation needs.

key information impacting farm

field.

For farmers who experience the

decisions such as weather, fleet

opposite challenge—too much

details, field operations data,

Resource Conservation

water—Trimble offers a drainage

boundary maps, and more. With this

As the world's growing population

solution which can help improve

information at their fingertips,

requires more water, and regulations

yield by controlling ponding,

farmers can make more informed

around its usage increase, farmers

optimizing root depth, and

decisions about their daily farming

maximizing planting seasons.

activities.

Trimble RTX correction services

To learn more about Trimble, visit http;//www.trimble.com/agriculture.

Available via satellite delivery, no base station required

TRIM

BLE

RTX

CO R

REC

TED

DAT A

L-Band Satellite

GNSS Satellites

Trimble RTX-Tractor

September - October 2016

[52] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Ideas & Innovation

The use of technology in mechanised irrigation The development of electronic

us for communication with systems

operation. Alpha numeric displays

technology has impacted all of us. It

regardless of their accessibility.

manipulate by a key pad could be

allows better communication, better

Devices have been developed that

very confusing resulting in limiting the

access to information, and

are easily retrofitted to pivots in the

utilization of the systems capability.

innumerable things that make our

field. In their simplest form they can

Touch screen technology provides a

lives easier. It is only natural that

be used for monitoring the system

much more intuitive and efficient

these new tools are being put to use

only. More sophisticated units add

operator interface. Visual

to enhance the operation of irrigation

the ability to control at least the

representation of the system as

equipment as well.Unlike most other

basic functions of the system.

programmed is one facet.

farm equipment, irrigation systems

Another is the ease of moving through

typically operate unattended. Most

Improved performance and

farming operations have multiple

efficiency

irrigation installations and often

several screens that provide direct feed back to the operator. One of the

To improve the efficiency with which

main bits of information needed for

times these are distributed over a

water is applied it is often desirable

effective management of an irrigation

large area. In the critical growing

to “program” a pivot or linear move

system and its functions is location.

season timely management is very

system to alter its operation either

For center pivots, several devices

important. Interrupted operation at a

by time of day or location in the

have been used to mechanically

time of high crop stress can be

field. For instance half of a pivot

measure the angular location of the

costly. Monitoring used to require an

might be planted to corn and the

pivot center.

individual visual checking each

other half to soybeans, or the

The accuracy and reliability of such

system. This required a lot of time

operator might want to irrigate only

devices is suspect because relatively

and if a system failed just after being

at night.

small angle changes represent large

checked it would set idle until the

Early computerized control panels

displacement of the out end of a

next scheduled “drive by”, wasting

allowed these things to be

system. A GPS device located on or

valuable time. Satellite and cell

accomplished but with a marked

near the end of a system provides the

phone networks are now available to

increase in the complexity of

accuracy needed.

September - October 2016

[54] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Ideas & Innovation

Low costs mechanized devices

dug wells, deepening a well using

Most water enters artesian wells from

for irrigation

traditional methods is dangerous.

the bottom and a wrapped screen

Well Jetting

The wrapped filter reduces this risk

increases the recharge rate

Well jetting is a low-cost technique

The installation of a wrapped screen

significantly by expanding the surface

for establishing small diameter wells

in a short borehole at the bottom of

area for collection of water. Without

(50-160 mm) using the forces of

an existing cement lined well is a

the wrapped screen, the only benefit

water to cut directly into the ground,

cost-effective alternative for farmers

market gardeners with limited water

liquefy the soil, and allow the

in areas with sandy soil and low well

availability would gain from an

insertion of riser pipe or well screens

recharge rates. Although results

improved manual water lifting device

The applicability of well jetting and

might differ depending on local

or mechanized pump over the

the modification of the technique that

conditions, field tests conducted in

traditional system would be the labour

has to be used where it is applicable

Senegal in 1994 found that well

time savings in lifting water because

depend on the nature of the soil

recharge rate increased by 100

they lack the additional water needed

above the aquifer, the depth of the

percent following installation of the

for expanding production.

aquifer, and the grade of sand in the

wrapped filter.

aquifer.

In northern Nigeria, well jetting has been used with temporary casings to install over 5 000 new wells in just a few hours per well in places with 3-4 m of heavy soil overburden. By contrast, it can take three days to construct a well using manual techniques Highly favorable conditions over extensive areas in the southern part of the country, very similar to those that exist in northern Nigeria, could allow well jetting to flourish in Niger. In these areas, coarse sand is under pressure and former river beds have formed very permeable aquifers.

Wrapped Screens The ability of some farmers to expand their irrigated area or provide crops with a larger amount of water is sometimes limited by insufficient water availability due to low well recharge rates. In Senegal it has been found that hand-dug, cementlined wells typically have overnight recharge rates of 3-4 m3 of water and this amount can easily be pumped out in less than an hour .

Deepening cement-lined wells by adding cement rings is time consuming, expensive, and might allow more fine sand to enter the well - reducing the well's capacity and water quality In addition, as in the case of newly constructed handwww.farmersreviewafrica.com

[55] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Ideas & Innovation

Waste not, want not: turning harvest waste into electricity When even waste material can be

net output of 2.2 MW bringing much-

“This was the first anaerobic digester

used to produce energy, it's a

needed power into the grid at a time

project for GE in sub-Saharan Africa.

win-win situation all round

when Kenya's energy needs are

It is a big win for Kenya and Africa in

Across Africa, countries are

steadily rising.

general, demonstrating that waste to

committed to scaling up renewable

The plant is powered by GE's J420

power projects are feasible in this

energy production to meet their

Jenbacher engines, which are able to

market” stated Oluwatoyin Abegunde,

growing energy needs. However, this

operate smoothly at 2,000 meters

GE's distributed power leader for

will require bold thinking and

above sea level. This was the first

Africa.

innovation to deliver affordable and

time that Jenbacher engines were

Beyond producing power, the plant

reliable power solutions that can be

deployed on a renewable energy

has multiple environmental benefits.

rapidly deployed.

project in East Africa. As the largest

These include the development of a

Africa's first grid-connected

biodigester of its type in East Africa,

rich natural fertiliser, which is a by-

anaerobic digester plant on Gorge

Gorge Farm Park is seen as a

product of the power production

Farm in Kenya was developed by

trailblazer for renewable energy

process. Once fed back into the land

Tropical Power and is operated by

development in the region.

this helps to improve crop health and

independent power producer

The project cost US$6.5mn to build

reduces the need for synthetic

Biojoule. The Gorge Farm Energy

and was developed in under 12

fertilisers. Further by displacing oil-

Park, launched in August 2015, and

months, with a projected payback

fired generation from the grid, the

uses organic waste and sunshine to

period of less than six years.

plant reduces carbon emissions by

produce renewable power, both of

“Through the Gorge Farm Energy

7,000 tonnes a year.

which are plentiful on the 800ha

Park we aim to displace the

“The Gorge Farm Energy Park is a

vegetable farm.

expensive and imported generation

showcase project for Nakuru County,

Currently only 23 per cent of Kenya's

fuels – like diesel and heavy fuel oil

Kenya and the African continent.

population have access to electricity,

– from Kenya's distributed power

Distributed power projects are vital to

said the World Bank, yet access to

mix. The Gorge Farm AD Plant is

our energy security, reliability and

energy is a key imperative for

proof that locally produced feedstock

efficiency. And the Park will be using

economic development.

can generate clean and cost effective

local crop waste and the sun to

Gorge Farm Energy Park has an

distributed power,” says Mike Mason,

generate clean, renewable power

installed capacity of 2.8MW, with a

chairman of Tropical Power.

close to the point of use,” said Nakuru county governor Kinuthia Mbugua.

September - October 2016

[56] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Machinery Preview Powerful water friendly Fire Fighter from Goscor Power Products

Where's the fire?

Ever mindful of customer needs and

low water consumption. Ideal for

can lead to pump blockage.

the environment, Goscor Power

grass fires, the unit is powered by

The Fire Fighters are also extremely

Products offers a high quality range

the new rugged and durable 7 HP

versatile as their rugged pumps are

of powerful, water-friendly Fire

Rato engine, a compact, efficient

equipped with stainless steel pistons

Fighters that are ideally suited to

and economical power pack that

and acid resistant seals making the

handle anything from small grass

does not compromise on

units suitable for cattle dip and fruit

fires to larger forestry applications.

performance. “In fact,” says Bester,

tree spraying insecticides.

With over 30 years of experience in

“when it comes to performance this

Showcased at Nampo 2016, the Fire

the development of Fire Fighting

unit is more powerful than most of

Fighter range was extremely popular

equipment, the company's rugged

its closest rivals! Putting customers

with the farming community. “Our low

and reliable low, medium and high

first is part of our value proposition

cost unit in particular attracted a lot

pressure Fire Fighters are designed

and we trust that by offering farmers

of attention,” notes Bester who invites

and engineered to deliver important

this unit at a reduced cost will assist

farmers to contact Goscor Power

cost saving and safety benefits that

them in protecting their livestock

Products for a quote. “Our excellent

enable farmers to realise a rapid

and crops.”

show price specials still apply!”

return on their investment.

The Fire Fighters feature a

Goscor Power Products is part of the

“We empathise with our farmers who

Polyethylene 620 litre low profile

Goscor Group of Companies and leads

are under extreme pressure having

water tank with a large 450mm

the Southern African market as a

been dealt a double blow – the

diameter lid for fast filling and easy

specialist distributor of a holistic

protracted weak economic climate as

cleaning. Alongside struts on the

range of compact power equipment

well as the severe drought that is

tank ceiling and sides as well as

including pumps, generators, welders,

gripping our country,” says Managing

baffles on the bottom of the tank

firefighters, engines, rammers, rollers

Director, Mark Bester. “In an effort to

interior, the step tank's low centre of

and compactors. The product

come to the aid of our farmers we

gravity limit water movement for

portfolio, including parts and spares,

have decided to introduce a low cost

enhanced vehicle stability during

are readily available from the

high pressure Fire Fighter. Delivering

transportation. Corner struts

company's dealer support network

on quality and performance at an

facilitate safe and secure tie-down of

across South and southern Africa

affordable price, this unit is kind on

the unit on the back of the vehicle.

including Botswana, Mozambique,

the farmer's pocket and on the

The black tank interior blocks UV

Namibia and Zambia.

environment, boasting impressively

rays to prevent algae build-up which

September - October 2016

[58] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Machinery Preview

Center-Pivot and Linear Move Irrigation Systems Rainfall is the principle source of

to thirteen acres in one circle, to

controlled from the main control

water; however, many farmers are

multiple tower machines capable of

panel. For most machines this

turning to irrigation to supplement

irrigating over 500 acres. The single

involves controlling the speed of the

precipitation. There are many types

tower machines are towable and

outside tower, i.e., does the electric

of irrigation systems. But, most

designed to be used on multiple

motor on that tower operate

farmers have limited choices for their

pivot points. Multiple tower

continuously or is there stop and go

particular farm or field.

machines may also be towable, but

operation? The micro-switches at each

Some systems are inherently more

there is a practical limit of

of the other towers then control the

approximately 150 acres for a

amount of run time for the motors on

others are designed to overcome

towable machine.

each tower so that the lateral line

limitations such as irregular field

Power units for pumps to supply

remains properly aligned. Improper

shapes, sloping land, or limited water

water to pivots can be electric or

alignment usually results in automatic

supplies. All of these factors should

internal combustion. For the electric

system shut- down to prevent system

be considered before selecting a

drive pivots, three phase power is

damage.

particular type of system.

needed to operate the motors at

When properly designed and

The center pivot and linear- move

each tower. This can be supplied by

managed, the center pivot and linear

type irrigation systems are usually

a three-phase power line, a

move machines are the most energy

the most practical system for

generator powered by an internal

efficient type of sprinkler irrigation

irrigating large, rectangular or

combustion engine, or a phase

system.

regular shaped fields.

convertor to convert single-phase to

On large fields, the center pivot and

The center pivot is a self-propelled

three-phase power.

linear move machine offers the

continuous move machine that

Safety controls on the pivot include

grower a system that is efficient in

water and energy efficient while

rotates around a central pivot point.

proper wiring and grounding,

energy and water usage. It also

The propulsion system may be oil

especially of electric-drive units, and

requires the least amount of labor of any of the sprinkler systems.

hydraulic, water hydraulic, or electric.

micro-switches at each tower to

Center pivots are available in sizes

keep towers properly aligned. Speed

from one tower, that irrigates seven

of rotation of the machine is

September - October 2016

[60] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Soils & Pastures

Managing MoistureControlled water drainage patterns Drainage has long been an important

wet periods, but utilize control

convey ponded surface water to

component of land management in

structures to manage the water level

ditches. Vegetated field borders and

plains and water regions. On flat,

in the drainage outlet, making it

drop inlet pipes are used to stabilize

poorly drained soils, intensive

possible to reduce over drainage.

ditch banks and minimize erosion

drainage is necessary to facilitate

In some cases, the system can be

while conveying surface runoff from

seedbed preparation and planting in

used to provide sub irrigation during

the surface drains into the ditch.

order to minimize plant stress and

dry periods. Collectively, these

Subsurface drainage is obtained by

subsequent yield reduction resulting

practices are referred to as water

buried tile or tubing (4- to 6-inch

from poor soil aeration that

table management and involve a

diameter) that is placed 3 to 5 feet

accompanies waterlogging.

combination of management

deep and 50 to 200 feet apart. A

The drainage intensity required for

practices including surface drainage,

subsurface system provides drainage

agricultural production is not the

subsurface drainage, controlled

when the water table rises above the

same in all years or all periods of the

drainage, and/or sub irrigation.

drain depth and water flows toward

year. While wetness is the major

Drainage is accomplished by two

and into the drain. The drainage

concern, weather conditions vary

methods — open-ditch systems

process whereby water infiltrates into

such that crops periodically suffer

designed to provide primarily surface

the soil and moves within the soil

from drought stress that may

drainage (surface runoff) or

profile is referred to as subsurface

substantially reduce yields in some

underground systems comprised of

drainage, shallow ground water flow,

years. Intensive drainage systems,

drain tile or tubing designed to lower

or sometimes interflow.

necessary to provide trafficability

the water table by subsurface flow.

In practice, it is often difficult to

during extreme wet periods often,

A surface drainage system typically

differentiate between surface and

remove more water than necessary

consist of 3- to 5-foot deep, open

subsurface drainage, because the

during drier periods, leading to

ditches installed on 300- to 600-foot

outflow in drainage ditches or canals

temporary over drainage.

intervals. Surface runoff develops

is usually a combination of both

Problems with drought on drained

when the rate of rainfall exceeds the

surface and subsurface flow.

soils have resulted in a transition

soil's capacity to absorb water,

The relative proportion of surface and

from conventional drainage methods

thereby resulting in surface ponding.

subsurface flow in the total drainage

to water table management systems.

Shallow surface drains (hoe drains)

volume depends on many factors.

The latter provide drainage during

are often utilized to effectively

These include rainfall intensity, land >>p65

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

[61] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Machinery Preview

EuroTier 2016: GEA to showcase “Smart Technology for Future Farming” Process engineering group, GEA, will

of infected or at-risk animals and

improving herd performance.

showcase cutting-edge automation

treatment and progress checks

Another mobile software has been developed with the aim of further

and sensor-based technologies for

during lactation periods, through to

the dairy industry at this year's

animal management adjustments.

optimizing the overview of all

EuroTier (November 15 – 18, 2016,

As a result, the CMIQ sensor

livestock farming and crop

Hanover, Germany). They will

technology leads to verifiably

management processes: the

empower customers to produce milk safely and increase animal health, while optimizing revenues and milk quality – all while coping with today's

improved herd health with less work.

365ActiveBox with the 365TimeApp.

GEA is launching the system in

The boxes with SmartSensor

2017.

technology send data directly to the farmer's smartphone. By these simple

GEA DairyNet: Successful

means, working and machine times

partnership between GEA and

can be recorded, temperatures

GEA's product solutions are smartly

365FarmNet bears new fruit

displayed and monitored, and animal

linking farm, barn, herd and health

GEA DairyNet offers dairies a web-

weighing data transmitted to the dairy

management.

based herd management system

farmer who can intervene at any

which facilitates the division of the

stage.

challenging market environment.

Patented innovation: sensor

herd into specific feeding groups. It

technology identifies cases of

is a key element in the 365FarmNet

Automated milking systems from

suspected mastitis during milking

platform. Thanks to this, farmers

GEA continue to make headway

With CMIQ monitoring, GEA is

can document, evaluate and manage

GEA DairyProQ, the automated and

presenting the world's first real-time

cattle rearing processes in

modular milking rotary parlor, is

system for effective early detection

combination with crop management

already in operation with more than

of mastitis at the quarter level. The

for the first time. Combining the

500 milking stalls following successful

CMIQ sensor records the milk

expertise of the individual partners

pilot projects. It has now entered

composition of each individual

GEA, fodjan and 365FarmNet within

serial production. Good news: GEA is

quarter during the overall milking

a new “365Feeding” concept gives

offering its customers an extended

process. It analyzes and compares

farmers new ways to best adjust

warranty of up to five years for the

existing data on short notice, so any

feeding to the animals' performance

DairyProQ system. With a new

necessary action can start right after

potential. Consequently, the farmer

improved design, the milking stall

milking, from the automatic selection

boosts animal health while also

module enables fast service.

September - October 2016

[62] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

www.farmersreviewafrica.com

Machinery Preview The youngest member in the

Foods and the Dutch Dairy

automation range, the GEA Monobox,

Association (NZO).

has also been very well received on

workload, the continuous pushing means less food is wasted and productivity is increased.

the market. Since March 2016 more

GEA MixFeeder WIC: How smart

than 200 individual boxes have

are automatic feeding systems?

GEA SRone+ manure scraper is an

already been sold in 15 countries.

Since July 2016, GEA's product

advanced version of SRone

Unlike other products on the market,

developers have been adding the

GEA has recently launched the new

the GEA Monobox handles all

control software WIC (Wireless

manure scraper SRone+ specially

milking-related processes in one

Integrated Control) to the tried-and-

designed for more complex stall

attachment operation. It also

tested GEA MixFeeder. The WIC

layouts and floors of up to 12,000

includes the verifiably safe Apollo

system directly connects raw feed

square metres. Besides many other

system for automatic dipping within

stores and silos and controls each

special functions, the SRone+

the teat cup.

individual step of the process fully

features high-tech equipment with a

automatically: from the precise

gyroscope, extensive RFID/TAG

GEA Apollo system approved by

weighing and mixing of the feed

sensor technology and semi-rigid PUR

leading milk processing

components in accordance with set

wheels. SRone+ is a premium version

companies

feeding plans and specifications, to

of the tried-and-tested basic unit,

The Apollo system, a technology

time-controlled group feeding. The

SRone, for simpler stall layouts, and

specially developed by GEA to

MixFeeder with WIC ensures that

which starts without any

improve udder health and prevent

each group of animals receives the

programming.

mastitis, ensures that automated

individual feed blend it needs,

dipping and backflushing processes

tailored to its performance level. The

run with maximum reliability and

WIC software can be controlled via

produce high quality milk in both

PC or touch panel.

automated and conventional

Find out more at our EuroTier press conference on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. in Hall 13/14 of

parlours. Careful dipping and

GEA enhances automated barn

the Hanover Trade Fair Convention

intermediate disinfection of the

equipment: FRone

Centre.

milking cluster prevent the

With GEA FRone, a robot pushes the

transmission of mastitis pathogens,

feed in front of the feed fences

Contact

thereby minimizing the spread of

instead of the farmer – saving his

GEA Southern & Eastern Africa

infection. Independent testing

precious time. This ensures that

48 Reedbuck Crescent, Corporate Park

confirmed complete product safety.

cows always have access to fresh

South, Midrand 1682, RSA

Based on these tests, GEA was

feed, regardless of the order in

Tel. + 27(0)11 392 7114, Fax.

granted exclusive sales authorization

which they feed. As a result, they

+27(0)11 392 7000

in certain countries by leading milk

eat more often and remain healthy

info-sea@gea.com

processing companies, including Arla

and productive. Besides reducing the

DairyShow 2015 China

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[63] FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

September - October 2016

Soils & Pastures <<p61 surface roughness and slope,

Surface drainage systems result in

occurs more quickly. When

vegetation, soil permeability, and

rapid removal of excess water over a

flashboards are added to the riser, the

ditch or drain tubing spacing and

relatively short time period. This

subsurface drainage rate is decreased

depth.

water flowing over the land surface

and the height of the water level in

Open ditches are normally spaced

has relatively high energy sufficient

the ditches and surrounding fields

farther apart than buried tubing,

to detach and transport soil particles

rises. Managing the field water

which typically causes subsurface

and constituents attached to them,

through the use of controlled drainage

flow to be slow, resulting in collection

such as phosphorus, organic

allows timely drainage but also

of predominately surface drainage.

nitrogen, and many pesticides.

maximum storage of water within the

But in highly permeable soils, open

Subsurface drainage typically

field for utilization by the crop.

ditches may provide significant

contains very little sediment, but

Generally, with improved drainage,

subsurface drainage.

contains high concentrations of

there is a tendency for the planting of

Drainage and Water Quality

soluble constituents such as nitrate-

higher value crops, and increased

Nitrogen and phosphorus are

nitrogen.

chemical applications. This may lead

transported from land-based

Controlled Drainage

to increased chemical loads in surface

activities to receiving streams and

Water control structures, such as a

runoff and subsurface drainage

estuaries by drainage of excess

flashboard riser, installed in the

discharge. Crop production methods

rainfall. The difference in drainage

drainage outlet allow the water in

should, therefore, focus on more

method (surface versus subsurface

the drainage outlet to be raised or

efficient water, fertilizer and pesticide

flow) is important from a water

lowered as needed. This water

applications. Water quality benefits

quality standpoint because the

management practice has become

associated with water table

characteristics of the two drainage

known as controlled drainage.

management will only be achieved if

waters differ.

When the flashboards are lowered or

sound agricultural practices are

removed, subsurface drainage

followed.

Events African Agri Investment Indaba (AAII) Date: 28-Nov-16 to 30-Nov-16 Loca on: Cape Town / South Africa Agra Innovate West Africa Date: 23-Nov-16 to 25-Nov-16 Loca on: Lagos / Nigeria

2nd AIFA Conference Agriculture Investment & Funds Africa Date: 27- Oct-16 to 28- Oct-16 Loca on: Johannesburg / South Africa

Advertisers index 02 TORMAC PUMPS 13 MASCUS 15 AGRI-COUNCIL 18 DUDUTECH 17 MUNTERS 19 MUELLER 20 MMI STEELS 24 AGRITEC AFRICA 25 JOHN THOMPSON 27 FOUR LAKES 30 DELAVAL 33 BITEK INDUSTRIES 35 DADVET 37 SPECTROMETER TECHNOLOGIES

September - October 2016

39 SAWPA 41 TSGC 43 SIMA 45 WATEX 47 MPACT 50 ITS PUMPS 53 TRIMBLE 55 JABECO 57 UNISA 59 NILFISK 64 GEA 65 HEFER PLANT 67 BAGTECH 68 CONTINENTAL

[66]FARMERS REVIEW AFRICA

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