AgriBulletin_190130 by Far North Bulletin

FAR NORTH MEDIA

January 2019

Flight Commander Jaco Mol. Photo: Joe Dreyer

SANParks declares war P2 & P3

The bees knees of it all P6

FMD outbreak contained P7

January 2019

FAR NORTH MEDIA

Publication of: FAR NORTH

Bulletin F A R

N O R T H

M E D I A

Personnel Editor / Journalist Joe Dreyer 072 930 1462 joe@bulletin.us.com Accounts / Admin Ansie Smuts 076 333 0523 ansie@bulletin.us.com Bemarking / Marketing Jacques Smuts (Best/Man) 071 268 2543 jacques@bulletin.us.com Lizan Botha 076 795 5000 lizan@bulletin.us.com Ontwerp / Design Tamryn Lancefield 083 637 9551 tamryn@bulletin.us.com Tessa Thompson 079 653 6317 tessa@bulletin.us.com

Distribution

This means war The fight against poachers targeting the Kruger National Park’s elephant population was given a major boost this week with the launch of Project Ivory in Phalaborwa on Monday morning. Hosting the event which saw national and international media in attendance, was SANParks head of communications, Ike Phaahla. During the event guests were introduced to the new Specialist Ranger Unit, the upgraded aerial wing and the mounted patrol unit which will join forces in a concerted eﬀort to more eﬀectively patrol the park’s boundaries and protect the elephant and rhino population against the scourge of poaching that has swept through the area. In recent months the poachers have started turning their attention to the hunt-

ing of elephants for their ivory tusks, which like the rhino horn, is a much valued commodity in the international ivory trade. With the new mounted patrol unit, rangers are able to react to poacher sightings quicker and provide much needed support to the park rangers in the event of contact with these criminal groups. “These four Rangers are part of the Phalaborwa Rangers and were trained within two weeks in the art of horse riding. A year ago, the horses were stabled outside of town which was a problem as we had to first travel eight kilometres before we reached the boundary fence and then only could we conduct our patrols. This has now changed with the opening of this new satellite station,” explained Karien Keet, of SANParks Ranger Services. Horses are like members of the team and can cover greater distances than foot patrols. Because they are animals, they can move extremely close to any wildlife and can access areas which are impossible to reach by vehicles. Up to 30 kilometres can be covered

per day by this unit. The mounted unit is also incorporated in the monitoring and tracking of rhino and elephants. The mounted unit will start working along with the K9 units which will be used to conduct the tracking when spoor are discovered. The project is completely funded by the Honorary Rangers who donated three of the four horses to the unit. They also sponsor the upkeep of the animals. “These horses were all champion endurance horses and in fact, one of them was the 2008 Walvisbaai Enduro champion. It is very important to have the right horses as you do not want to struggle with a diﬃcult horse in an emergency situation.” Following the impressive display and introduction of the K9 Specialist Unit and the mounted Rangers, the guests were transported to the Phalaborwa airfield where the new aircraft and flight teams were introduced. Continued on page 3

Tzaneen • Haenertsburg Modjadjiskloof • Mooketsi Letsitele • Gravelotte • Mica Trichardtsdal • Ofcolaco Lenyenye • Nkowankowa Giyani • Phalaborwa

Contact Details Pobus/P O Box 3838, Tzaneen, 0850. Tel: 015 306 0198 071 268 2543 (Jacques) 072 930 1462 (Joe) Fax: 086 502 1853 17B Second Avenue, Tzaneen Copyright © 2016 Far North Bulletin All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or be transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission by Far North Bulletin.

Website Visit our website at www.bulletin.us.com and read the latest news, as well as back copies.

Karien Keet introduces her mounted ranger unit to members of the National and International Media in Phalaborwa. Photo: Joe Dreyer

Verbod op die verkoop van onvolwasse avokado’s

Inspections to prevent sale of immature avocados

Die verkoop van onvolwasse avokado’s (wat nie behoorlik ryp sal word nie) is verbode in terme van die Wet op Lanbouprodukstandaarde. Inspekteurs sal vroeg in die seisoen op die markte begin om avokado-volwassenheid te toets. Die verkoop van alle onvolwasse avokado’s sal verbied word. Avokado produsente word aangeraai om seker te maak dat hulle vrugte voldoen aan die vereiste volwassenheidstandaard voordat dit gepluk word. Vir die kultivar Fuerte moet die vrug se voginhoud 80% of minder wees. Betroubare avokado-pakhuise is almal toegerus om die vereiste volwassenheidstoetse uit te voer. Inspekteurs sal avokado- volwassenheid op die Nasionale Varsproduktemarkte kontroleer. Daarom moet produsente seker maak dat hulle vrugte aan die nodige vereistes voldoen voordat hulle oes. Sodoende sal hulle nie die risiko loop dat die verkoop van hulle vrugte verbied word nie. Alle koste om onvolwasse vrugte van die mark te verwyder sal vir die produsent se rekening wees. Vir verdere inligting oor die volwasseheidsbepalings kontak die Subtropiese Kwekersvereniging (Subtrop) by tel: 015 307 3677.

The sale of immature avocados (which will not ripen properly) is prohibited in terms of the Agricultural Product Standards Act. Inspectors will be testing maturity levels of early season avocados oﬀered for sale. If avocados are found to be immature, the sale of this fruit will be prohibited. Avocado growers are advised to ensure that their fruit meets the required maturity standard before picking. For the cultivar Fuerte, fruit moisture content must be 80% or less. Reputable avocado packhouses are all able to carry out the necessary maturity testing. Inspectors will be checking avocado maturity on the National Fresh Produce Markets. Growers should be sure that their avocados are properly mature before harvesting to ensure that they do not run the risk of their fruit being rejected. The grower will be responsible for the cost of removing immature fruit from the market. For further information on maturity testing, contact the Subtropical Growers Association (Subtrop), tel. 015 307 3677.

January 2019 Continued from page 2 “We need to empower conservation management through the delivery of a variety of safe and specialized aerial functions to maintain the range of assets within the National Park system,” explained Flight Commander, Jaco Mol during his opening address. Currently, SANParks owns and operates four ASB-50B3 helicopters and three Cessna fixed-wing aircraft and a compliment of five ultra-light aircraft which then make up its Air-wing division. At present the helicopters and two of the Cessna aircraft are based in Skukuza. The ultra-light aircraft are strategically placed with section rangers across the park. The aircraft are operated and maintained by a team of dedicated pilots, maintenance crews and engineers. Aerial support has had to increase exponentially because of the drastic increase in poaching activities. “Testimony to the dedication of every member of the aerial wing, is that currently we are sitting with a combined total of 35 000 flight hours for SANParks group with zero serious incidents. Current capacity with the flight crew and assets at our disposal is 2 500 flight hours per annum. The demand for aerial support is about 3 500 flight hours and the majority of this deficit is because of the increase in law enforcement operations.” As an illustration of the monetary aﬀect that poaching has had on the industry,

Mol explained that to operate one chopper costs around R10 000 per flight hour and a Cessna runs into around R3 000 per flight hour. The cost of a helicopter of the type employed by SANParks is just shy of R45 million. To replace one of the Cessna’s would run you around R7 million out your pocket. If one multiplies the annual flight hours with the cost per flight hour, it can be determined with some accuracy that an amount of around R35 million needs to

Nicholus Funda, Chief Ranger KNP.

be budgeted for every year just keep the birds in the air. This would not have been possible were it not for the assistance from the Honarary Rangers and a host of local sponsors. Boots on the ground are vital in any conflict, and to this eﬀect it was necessary to introduce a specialist K9 unit to the fight.

These rangers have received specialist training, are very well armed and able to counter any poaching incursion with deadly speed and freighting force. Each ranger is equipped with an AK-47 assault rifle, side arms, combat knives, Kevlar vests and a survival pack which enables them to stay out in the veld for extended periods. Not only will this unit conduct regular patrols and sporadic incursions into known poacher hotspots, but they will also provide backup to the

alongside their four-footed comrades in arms, and together, present a formidable force able to track down and apprehend would-be poachers. While the decline in rhino poaching incidents in the Kruger National Park reported in 2018 (292 compared to 333 for the same period in 2017) could be attributed to the physical decline in rhino population, there has been a marked increase in the poaching of elephants (58 were poached in the Kruger National Park during 2018).

Kevin Pietersen of the Legacy Foundation.

existing ranger units in the event of contact with poachers. At their side are a variety of dog breeds including the German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois which are used predominantly for tracking and sniﬃng out ivory, firearms and explosives. The K9 handlers have been well trained to live

It is the hope of SANParks management and indeed every South African wildlife lover that the introduction of these specialized units will finally bring about an end to the senseless killings of the country’s precious wildlife in the name of superstition and greed. — Joe Dreyer joe@bulletin.us.com

January 2019

FAR NORTH MEDIA

Watering the Mind Campaign Avid rower, John Dempster has set out to help raise awareness for mental health issues in South Africa. In an effort to try help himself with his own struggles with mental health, he has aimed to race the 2019 Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. In doing so he hopes to inspire other South Africans to come forward and deal with their own mental health issues. In attempting to complete the Atlantic challenge, John hopes to break the stigma attached to people who have suﬀered from Mental Health issues in their life. To do this, John has partnered with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and their “Suicide Shouldn’t Be a Secret” programme which aims to lower teenage suicide rates in SA by interacting and educating rural high schools. Suicide is the third highest cause of death in SA teenagers, accounting for a shock-

ing 9.5% of all teenage deaths! The 2019 Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge is 3000 miles… The premier event in ocean rowing – A challenge that will take more than 3000 Miles west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain (28oN 18oW) to Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda (17oN 61oW). The annual race begins in early December, with up to 30 teams participating from around the world.

The race structure brings together an environment where teams from across the globe gather in the race village San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands. “The Watering the Mind Campaign is a chance for me to be open with others about my struggles with mental health. By rowing across the Atlantic I hope to show others that struggling with your mental health does not mean that you’re a weak person, and that great things can still be achieved. Partnering

with SADAG allows me to combine my story and with their eﬀorts in order to change the lives of as many South Africans as possible.” Says John. Dr Frans Korb, SADAG Board Chairperson and Psychiatrist – “Your support and unbelievable contribution towards those in dire need of Mental Health Care is remarkable. You are truly an inspiration to all. We are incredibly proud to support you throughout this journey” You can help support Watering the Mind by giving to the campaign! The goal of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in an eﬀort to curb teen suicide in South Africa will not be possible without the generosity of others. John has committed an entire year to raising awareness for Mental Health, and will be spending up to two months on the ocean, but he cannot do it without your incredible support. All donations go solely toward the Watering the Mind campaign. Please support them with any possible donation by going to www.wateringthemind.org.

R100k boost to stop poaching One of the major contributors to the success of SANPark Rangers fight against the scourge of rhino and elephant poaching within the borders of the national parks, has been Project Rhino. During the launch of Project Ivory in Phalaborwa on Monday, this week, the institution handed over a cheque worth R100 000 in funds raised through their various campaigns, to the members of the Park rangers. These funds are to be allocated to the needs of the Joint Operations Centres situated throughout all national parks and will greatly assist in the fight to keep the country’s wildlife assets safe. Seen here is General Johan Jooste RET, handing over the cheque to the members of the SANParks Rangers.

nursery Growers of quality avocado/mango trees and garden plants Enquiries: Jackie 083 255 2327 • sales@colorweis.co.za

January 2019

Dwergverkleurmannetjie gedy op Mahela se kiwi plaas Mahela Groep se eerste goue kiwis oes word binnekort gepluk maar dit is nie net die kiwi’s wat floreer op Stanford Heights nie. Die getal Wolkberg verkleurmannetjies op die plaas het die afgelope tyd aansienlik toegeneem danksy Mahela se pro-bewaring benadering tot boerdery. Francois Vorster sê Mahela gebruik nie skadelike plaagbeheermiddels in en om die kiwi wingerde nie. Die verkleurmannetjies kan dus nie indirek vergiftig word

deur insekte te eet wat met gif in kontak was nie. Werkers weet ook om die verkleurmannetjies met vrede te laat. Vincent Egan, ‘n herpatoloog en inwoner van Haenertsburg, sê boorde of wingerde in die omgewing is ‘n gunsteling blyplek vir die klein reptiele vanweë die mikro-besproeiing, die wegkruipplek wat die bome bied en die bye wat hulle lok. Die Wolkberg dwergverkleurmannetjie

Een van die Wolkberg dwergverkleurmannetjies wat Mahela Groep se kiwiboord as sy tuiste gekies het. Foto’s geneem deur Francois Vorster.

Horse owners take note A city girl by rites, but a country girl by heart. This is most likely the most accurate description of the vision that awaits when one first sits down to meet the new veterinarian in town. Originally from Bryanston, Larissa Odendaal (30) completed her studies at the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort campus after which she married and moved to Tzaneen where she practiced before moving out on her own by starting Serala Animal Clinic in King Edward Street. Despite being a highly capable veterinarian and treating all kinds of animals including household pets, Dr Odendaal has an insatiable love for the equestrian

kingdom. Because of this, she specialises in horses and has found a home among the equine fraternity in the region. Her love of animals is tangible as she explains in detail some of the most memorable moments in her career and expresses the importance of loving an animal as though it is a member of your family. Bulletin introduced Dr Odendaal to the community in our first edition of the year two weeks and would like to remind our readers that she may be contacted during oﬃce hours between Monday and Friday – but due to her schedule preferably by appointment – and 24 hours on her emergency line at 083 600 6961.

(Bradypodion transvaalense) is een van 17 dwerg verkleurmannetjie spesies wat endemies is aan Suid-Afrika. Herpatoloë is van mening dat daar nog baie onontdekte dwerg verkleurmannetjie spesies in Suid-Afrika is. Die Wolkberg spesie word 45mm-100mm lank (stert uitgesluit) en kom voor in die natuurlike woude, valleie en graslande van Limpopo, Mpumalanga en Kwa-Zulu Natal. ‘n Studie wat in 2009 gedoen is het hulle getalle op 12 000 geskat. CITES lys die Wolkberg dwergverkleurmannetjie se status onder die minste bedreigde spesies. Die 2009 studie het egter gevind dat hierdie status heel moontlik in die toekoms gaan verander a.g.v. die impak wat klimaatsverandering op die verkleurmannetjies se habitat gaan hê. Die ondersoek het gevind dat die Wolkberg verkleurmannetjie se klimaatsone met 40% gaan krimp indien die aarde 4°C warmer word. Behalwe vir ‘n ineenkrimping reken die navorsers dat die klimaatsone suidwaards, heeltemal uit Limpopo, gaan skuif. Dit is onwaarskynlik dat die verkleurmannetjies vinnig genoeg sal kan migreer om by te bly. Volgens Vincent kan groepe verkleur-

Volwasse dwergverkleurmannetjies word 45-100mm lank, stert uitgesluit.

mannetjies in die proses afgesny word van die res van die populasie. Dit sal tot ‘n beperkde genepoel en uiteindelike uitsterwing van die geïsoleerde groepe lei. Klimaatsverandering kenners reken dat die aarde se gemiddelde temperatuur met 4°C teen so vroeg as 2064 en so laat as 2095 gaan styg mits daar drastiese stappe geneem word om die mens se bydrae tot aardverwarming in te perk. Pieter Vorster van die Mahela Groep sê dat boere ‘n bydrae kan lewer tot die beskerming van verkleurmannetjies deur ‘n geïntegreerde benadering tot pesbeheer te volg. Dit behels onder andere die loslating van natuurlike predatore en die bewaring of hervestiging van natuurlike plantegroei waar die verkleurmannetjies en hulle voedselbronne kan oorleef.

Emergency: 083 600 6961

015 004 0940 • seralavet1@gmail.com 4 King Edward Drive, Arborpark, Tzaneen

Business hours: Monday - Friday 08:00 - 18:00 • Saterday 08:00 - 12:00 Sunday & Public holidays CLOSED (By appointment only)

January 2019

FAR NORTH MEDIA

New beeginnings:

Innovative hive design set to revitalise local beekeeping Local beekeeping is currently faced with a range of challenges, including adverse weather conditions and the rapid decline in bee numbers worldwide – which is a global concern seeing as bees pollinate crops that are produced for human consumption. The cheap price of lowquality imported honey is also a threat to South African honey farmers. However, a new type of beehive has the potential to revitalise honey production in this country. The concept sees traditional wooden hive structures replaced with an innovative concrete frame. Although a concrete hive is not in itself a new idea, the new Beegin hive provides several design adjustments that have helped a test group of beekeepers to increase their productivity. The progressive, aptly named Beegin was created by Ivan Brown and was born out of this intrepid industrial design student’s goal to expand local beekeeping and contribute to both job creation and food security in this country. Brown is currently studying for a master’s degree at the University of Johannesburg. His work on Beegin, which started as a research project, has been featured at several international design conferences. He has also coauthored several research papers. Brown came up with the design when he entered the PPC Imaginarium Awards, the country’s most supportive arts and design competition for emerging creatives that seeks to reward innovation in concrete. Brown was named the runner-up in the industrial design category of the awards in 2015 and PPC then supplemented Brown’s prize money with a seed grant to assist him with prototyping his initial concept. PPC has since assisted Brown with further funding to aid the nationwide rollout of the project after a successful testing phase. The testing process took two years. In that time, all ten of the participants (five beekeepers and five urban farmers) were kept appraised of Brown’s new beekeep-

ing technology. “The testing process was fantastic!” he adds. “We uncovered a range of issues with the original design and the production process. We refined the entire system.” For the farmers involved, these tests served as a learning process, teaching them to introduce and keep bees on their farms. Since then, honey production has increased considerably. Having learned the requisite skills, farmers and beekeepers are now able to serve as access

bees expend a great deal of energy regulating the temperature of the hive to keep the larvae alive,” says Brown. “The energy is made by consuming honey, and by insulating the bees from temperature variations the hives become more productive and efficient.” Mike Shapland, a hobby beekeeper based in Johannesburg, took part in the testing process. A long-

Ivan Brown

points in the community. Marginalised farming communities may thus manage to take part in processes surrounding the keeping and introduction of beehives. In addition, the insulation properties of concrete proved to be beneficial in the testing phase of this innovative beehive concept. “In hot and cold weather, the

time user of traditional wooden hives, Shapland compares the old hives with the benefits of the new concrete one. “There’s a dramatic eﬀect on productivity,” he notes. “The bees don’t have to work as hard. And fewer of them have to work!” Low productivity is among the barriers to production in the South African

honey-making industry. South Africa is short several thousand tonnes of honey each year, according to commercial beekeeper Brett Falconer. Competition from cheap imports, of which 76% are Chinese, is an added challenge to beekeepers looking to enter the local honey-making industry. Cheap, low-quality imports have been on the rise since 2001, putting strain on local honey producers, who also have to contend with poor environmental conditions. Free State-based Danie Peach is another beekeeper who took part in the Beegin testing process. He found that the new concrete design helped to accommodate changes in weather. “The past two to three years were very dry,” he says. “The wooden hives crack and you need to go back to the hives and repair the cracks. But with the concrete that is not the case.” Now that Brown’s design will be available nationwide, it has the ability to impact the economy positively on a larger scale. Case studies show that beekeeping has empowered small businesses in areas like Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, introducing a new wave of local commercial beekeepers. For example, Mokgadi Mabela founded Polokwane-based business The Native Nosi in 2015 to produce local, quality honey, as well as alleviate poverty through job creation. Mabela’s honey is currently in high demand, and she hopes to expand her business. Thoko Njemla began beekeeping 16 years ago in response to a job shortage in the Eastern Cape. As of early 2017, she employed five people and harvested several tonnes of honey each year. Small honey-producers in South Africa can indeed thrive and beekeeping has the potential to empower even more SMMEs. The new Beegin hive seems set to fast-track that success. 2018 looks to be a most promising year for Brown’s fledgling company of the same name. Since April 2018, Beegin has sold tools and beehives to businesses and individuals across South Africa, in the hope of seeing beekeepers become fully selfsuﬃcient, and beekeeping in general become more sustainable. Media RELEASE ISSUED BY: Scout PR & Social Media. Contact: Stephanie via stephanie@ scoutpr.co.za +27 (0) 21 685 0169

January 2019

MEC takes Multi-million marula hub FMD personally Following the confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth Disease in various areas of Limpopo, the Limpopo MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Basikopo Makamu visited the aﬀected areas on the 28th of January to oversee and participate in the containment programme. The programme was rolled out since the disease broke out, two weeks ago. The containment programme is done in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Some of the measures implemented to contain the spread of the disease include placing the FMD areas under quarantine, vaccinating, dipping and branding the aﬀected livestock, erecting road-

blocks to discourage the movement of the aﬀected livestock and engaging with the farmers and communities within the areas. During the MEC’s visit, he and his entourage briefed the communities and farmers on the Department’s progress concerning the containment of FMD and their future plans to prevent the outbreak. Makamu met with various members of the Joint Operations Committee and saw to it that roadblocks were up and running before the weekend. He also visited a number of dipping sites. Bulletin will keep our readers updated on the developments regarding the FMD outbreak in the weeks to follow.

A multi-million Rand Marula hub is to be birthed in the heart of Marula country, Phalaborwa, by 2020. This is set to coincide with the 15th annual instalment of the much debated Marula Festival which attracts scores of tourists and investors to the small mining town every year. Speaking at the launch of the 2019 Marula Festival in Lephalale two weekends ago, Limpopo MEC for economic development and tourism Seaparo Sekoati, said plans were at an advanced stage with the Department already having invested the initial R10 million in funding into the purchasing of equipment for the hub which the Department said would house around 14 co-operatives. A 15 hectare site has been identified, and will have multi-purpose community grounds that will become the new home of the annual Marula Festival and be for the use of the local community. According to the Sekoati, the current venue for the festival has reached its maximum capacity as the event attracts around 30 000 visitors each year. It is estimated that this new venue, which has still not been named, would be able to com-

fortably house 50 000 people. “There is a great opportunity here to expand the marula value-chain beyond just the production of traditional marula beer and raw marula supply to Distell,” said Sekoati. “The marula fruit is very high in Vitamin C and can be used for juice production as well as other products such as marula jam and for use in cosmetics. We are looking at working with the University of Limpopo at the hub to do research into marula uses and beneficiation.” The CEO of the Limpopo Tourism Agency, Sonto Ndlovu, elaborated on the decision by the Department and said that the Marula Festival has a positive economic impact of more than R45 million on the Phalaborwa ecnomomy which oﬀers a much needed boost to the local community. It has grown in stature over the last 13 years, and she estimated that 10 percent of the more than 30 000 people who attended the event are international visitors. “This is set to grow as we’ve started creating tour packages around the festival. The event has inspired a diﬀerent kind of thinking around what the province can do around Agri-tourism.”

HUMAN RES

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HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL INTERVENTIONS GROWS IN STRENGTH

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clients, will strengthen the em HRPI is a professional human resources and labour lawwhich specialist company. workplace. We currently service a broad spectrum of clients across South Africa, Kenya and Malawi. We would further like to draw the at

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Daneel joins HRPI It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Daneel Retief at our Tzaneen branch. Daneel decided to join forces with the team at HRPI as a

clients, which willservice strengthen the clients, employer-employee relationshipthe andemployer-employee enhance productivity in the related to our which will strengthen Domestic Workers workplace. workplace. relationship and enhance productivity in the workplace. National Minimum Wage (NMW) Farmof/ Forestry Workers We would further like to draw the attention of readers to the content the National We would tothe draw the attention of readers the content of the National Minimum We would furtherfurther like to like draw attention of readers to the to content of the National Minimum Minimum Wage Act which was implemented as from 1 January 2019. All employers obliged to payasthe NMW as from 01 January 2019. TheWorkers NMW has been on signed by employed an expanded Wage Actare which was implemented 1 January Wage Act which was implemented fromas1from January 2019. 2019.

the President of South Africa and is legislation we must all adhere to. The NMW has been All Other Workers National Minimum Wage (NMW) National Minimum Wage (NMW) implemented in the following categories: National Minimum Wage (NMW)

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January 2019

FAR NORTH MEDIA

Digitally transforming agriculture across distances • • •

Cloud based solutions enable 50% savings Sensors can transmit vital information over 50 kilometres Digital data speeds up compliance reports

The implementation of the cloud, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 can offer benefits to the agriculture industry by enabling farmers to optimise their operations through digital transformation, thus feeding the world more efficiently and sustainably. Global demand for food is expected to double by 2050 and farms will need to scale up production to accommodate this demand. Farmers must also increase their sustainability efforts – around twothirds of South Africa’s water is used for agricultural purposes, specifically irrigation and, as South Africa is ranked as the 30th driest country in the world and a high water-stressed country, efficient and effective use of this finite resource is critical. “Schneider Electric foresees three trends that will digitally transform agriculture,” explains Marc Ramsay, Vice President Anglophone Africa Industry Business Unit at Schneider Electric. “These are cloud based deployment, improved visibility and control of equipment and the need to be sustainable and compliant.”

Implement lightweight cloud deployments

One traditional barrier to adoption for digital transformation in agriculture is the mismatched capital investment and existing infrastructure, as the average farm was not built to handle large, on-premises software installations.

Focus on improved visibility and control

Farmers operate in a very time-sensitive environment, where they need to be responsive to quickly shifting weather, crop and market conditions. Furthermore, fields and equipment are kilometres apart, which means that conducting accurate, on-site assessments requires extensive travel time. Farmers can realise significant benefit from digital transformation solutions that allow them to see how their equipment is performing, whenever and wherever they are. Advanced cloud and mobility capabilities mean farmers can view the status of critical equipment such as irrigation pivots, AND they can control it – directly from their smartphones, tablets or other mobile devices – so pivots can be turned on or oﬀ, water delivery adjusted, or pumps started or stopped.

Enhance sustainability, efficiency and regulatory compliance

The enhanced visibility and control provided by digital transformation allows farmers to use their resources more eﬃciently, reducing costs and increasing sustainability. For instance, a cloud-based IoT system allows users to adjust their irrigation pivots based on rain levels, allowing farmers to reduce water and energy costs. One farmer has reported a 50% reduction in energy costs and up to 50% reduction in water flowing through his meters – attributed entirely to the increased visibility the cloud IoT solution has provided. Another major cost that farmers face is their regulatory burden, with increasing environmental regulations requiring extensive documentation to show compliance. Digitised solutions provide extensive archived data stores, enabling fast retrieval of key information for improved regulatory compliance.

New technologies breach distance

New low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) wireless technologies have broken through the 100-metre ceiling and now reach up to a 50-kilometre distance. This allows new LPWAN enabled sensors to detect and respond to environmental inputs (such as position, pressure, or other event-driven state changes) and then send a signal to a remote transmission station and then on to the cloud. “The sensors connect to the cloud using antennas similar to mobile phone antennas that access traditional wireless

networks via cell phone towers. Once transmitted to the cloud, the sensor data is interpreted by applications that reside on our servers and then transmitted to a laptop, or to an application on a tablet or cell phone,” continues Ramsay. “Schneider Electric demonstrated these sensor-based applications at the IoT Solutions World Congress in Barcelona Spain in late 2017. One of the test beds demonstrated an irrigation system that provides water to crops. Until now, irrigation ramps were not able to support any type of sensor because the data created was not retrievable. The new technology enables global sharing of information as it pertains to water pressure so that eﬃciency and energy can both be optimised. The second test bed illustrated how a distant valve can be monitored so that accidental release of wastewater and harmful chemicals into a river or lake can be avoided. If the valve is open, information is sent to an operator via an alarm on a mobile device. “Schneider Electric has collaborated with Microsoft to provide the Azure cloud infrastructure, which enables irrigation monitoring and control from mobile devices, improving operational agility, eﬃciency and sustainability. The cloud management technology ensures that information can be shared quickly and conveniently with key stakeholders. We look forward to assisting the South African agricultural industry into a digitised future,” concludes Ramsay.

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Cloud-based solutions are crucial to expanding digital capabilities to farms – a cloud-based solution allows farmers to experience the benefits of digital transformation without extensive capital investment or large IT overhead. Selecting a scalable, hardware-agnostic cloud solution allows farmers to build on top of existing hardware easily, without worrying about interoperability issues.

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January 2019

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Serves 4 - 6

Ingredients: • • • • •

olive oil, for cooking 30ml (2 tbls) harissa paste 4 free range chicken fillets, lightly pounded 80ml (1/3 cup) water 125ml (1/2 cup) natural yoghurt

Salsa • 300g Romanita tomatoes, diced • 2 nectarines, finely diced • a handful of mint and coriander, roughly chopped • 2 scallions, diced • 1 red chilli, seeds removed and thinly sliced

Method: • • •

15ml (1 tbsl) lemon juice 20ml extra virgin olive oil salt and black pepper

Avocado cream • 1 avocado • 125ml (1/2 cup) plain full cream yoghurt • 15ml (1 tbsl) lemon juice • salt and black pepper To serve • 8 medium or 4 large flour tortillas, warmed • 2 baby gem lettuces, shredded • grated cheddar, to serve

Rub the harissa paste over the chicken and set aside for 30 minutes to marinate. For the salsa, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and toss gently to coat. Chill until serving. To make the avocado cream, place the avo, yoghurt and lemon juice in a processor. Blitz until smooth. Season lightly, then chill. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a griddle pan. Season the chicken on

ZZ2 tomatoes are available at National Fresh Produce Markets, independent fresh produce retailers, most supermarkets and Food Lover’s Market stores.

info@zz2.co.za | www.zz2.co.za | 015 395 2040 |

ZZ2Farming |

@ZZ2Farming

both sides with salt and pepper. Cook on one side, without turning, about 4 minutes, then turn and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add the water and simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in the yoghurt and heat through. Slice the chicken into strips. To serve, spread the avo cream onto the warm tortillas, top with lettuce, cheese, chicken strips and heaps of fresh salsa.

January 2019

FAR NORTH MEDIA

BiomosomeTM Eko-Passende Weiding Plantegroei tipes in Suid-Afrika, wat as biome bekend staan, is as volg gekarteer: • soortgelyke plantgemeenskappe, ten opsigte van die voorkoms en mate van teenwoordigheid van spesies, • struktuur, nagelang van variasie in lengtegroei en • deelname in soortgelyke ekologiese prosesse soos jaarlikse reënval, reënseisoen, voorkoms van ryp, natuurlike blaarvreters en intensiteit van weerlig. BiomosomeTM saadmengsels is op grond van BIOOM beginsels ontwerp. Die genetika van die saadspesies is aangepas by die omstandighede van die teiken omgewing. BiomosomeTM saadmengsels bied ‘n groot verbetering vanaf die

alomvattende veldsaad en weidingsaad mengsels wat algemeen beskikbaar is. Biomosome™ reeks Daar is drie reekse vir elk van die bostaande areas: • Herwinningsreeks vir gronderosie, ou plaaspaaie, uitgetrapte veld, mynrehabilitasie en siviele ingenieurs grondwerke. • Inheemse weidingsreeks vir die omskepping van reeds bewerkte landbougrond en onder reeds versteurde grond. • Wildelewereeks vir opheﬃng van swak en verwaarloosde veld.

Sakata MayFord bied BiomosomeTM mengsels vir die volgende areas aan:

Voorbereiding

Oorwegings wat reeks keuse beïnvloed: Herwinningsreeks

Inheemse weidingsreeks

Wildelewe reeks

Toestand van die saadbank in die grond Saadbank afwesig of onvoldoende

Aanduiding van voldoende saadbank

Tydperk om benuttiging te weerhou Geen benuttiging totdat plante goed gevestig is Geen verwydering van plantegroei of deur benuttiging of andersins, totdat plante bekwaam is, geblom het en saad laat val het

Metodes om benuttiging skade tydens vestiging te vermy Bosverpak kolle of stroke wat in beweide areas gesaai is. Die stapels moet uit ten minste 50% doringtakke bestaan en minstens 1 meter hoog wees

Versprei die risiko deur groot gekonsolideerde areas gelyktydig aan te plant en die dieregetalle laag te hou

Omhein klein areas eﬀektief, veral waar die dieregetalle hoog is

Voorbereiding vereis los grond vir bemesting, om ‘n saadbed mee voor te berei en om waterindringing en belugting te bewerkstellig. Tydsberekening is belangrik aangesien doeltreﬀende grondvoorbereiding klam grond vereis en daar moet genoeg tyd voor die volgende droë seisoen wees vir die saad om te ontkiem en plante te vestig. Onmiddellik na die grond losgemaak is word die saad op die bewerkte gedeeltes gestrooi. Die bolaag met die oppervlakkigtoegediende saad word vasgerol om ‘n ferm saadbed te verkry. Deur takke te pak sal dit die plante beskerm teen onder andere beweiding, voordat hulle gevestig is. Dit sal ook die plante toelaat om die grond te stabiliseer, veral waar gronderosie voorgekom het. Biomosome™ herwinningsmengsels is ontwerp om by die plantsuksessie proses in te pas. Met verloop van tyd sal ander spesies hulle op die terrein vestig, of vanaf saad van die omliggende plante-groei, of vanaf elders toegedien. Bestuur van die plant-suksessie pros-

es is baie belangrik om die grootste voordeel uit die moeite en koste van herwinning te trek. Dit sal ook verhoed dat die terrein na die voormalige degradeerde toestand terugkeer.

Nasorg

Deur takke te pak sal dit die plante beskerm teen onder andere beweiding, voordat hulle gevestig is. Dit sal ook die plante toelaat om die grond te stabiliseer, veral waar gronderosie voorgekom het. Biomosome™ herwinningsmengsels is ontwerp om by die plantsuksessie proses in te pas. Met verloop van tyd sal ander spesies hulle op die terrein vestig, of vanaf saad van die omliggende plante-groei, of vanaf elders toegedien. Bestuur van die plant-suksessie proses is baie belangrik om die grootste voordeel uit die moeite en koste van herwinning te trek. Dit sal ook verhoed dat die terrein na die voormalige degradeerde toestand terugkeer. Vir meer inligting oor Sakata MayFord se BiomosomeTM saadmengsels skakel gerus vir Leon Labuschagne by 083 585 1181 of besoek die MayFord webwerf by www.mayford.co.za.

January 2019

FAR NORTH MEDIA

January 2019

Best Short-Term Intermediary South Africa 2018

Gold BID Quality Award