ProAgri BNZ 20 by ProAgri

ProAgri B otswa n a / N am i b ia/ ia / Zim b ab w e No 20

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Vegetable planting guide: Become self-sufficient

Expand your goat farm

Botswana page 22

Namibia page 30

Zimbabwe page 39

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Letter from the Editor e are firmly in the grips of winter. Some regions might experience more severe cold fronts than others, but climatologists expect a very cold winter. Certain stereotypes immediately come to mind when one thinks of the winter months. For most people it is the time for thick blankets and warm meals. For some it is a time for harvesting grain and citrus. For others it is a time where the cold is severe, and the resources to guard against it are few. For the grain and citrus farmers, it is time to cash in on the past season’s labour. The seasonal work brought along by the harvest will create employment opportunities for many seasonal workers. Grain farmers play a vital role in the economy, and often have to endure droughts or low commodity prices. Farming, and maize farming in particular, is one of the main contributors to job creation. Apart from creating jobs, many subsistence farmers depend on the surplus that they produce for an annual income to afford basic necessities such as groceries and education. In order for the farmers to continue contributing to the national economy, they need to be able to sell their produce at a profit. Providing the farmers with aid in the form of a state subsidy to compensate for the lower income generated, will improve agricultural resilience in a hostile economic environment – thus stimulating the economy and aiding in food security. African governments in general need to realise the potential that agriculture holds for the continent. Many say that

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John Deere provides high-quality equipment and well-trained experts to the farmers of Africa.

they do, but unfortunately there often is more talk than actual implementation of viable ideas. Farmers need access to land tenure, or private land ownership as well as resources such as water, irrigation systems, seed, and fertiliser. It does not end there. After the crops have been harvested, farmers need the infrastructure that grants them access to markets where they will be able to sell their goods. The private sector is anxious to participate in the growth of African agriculture. Once the African rulers have created a socio-economic climate that is conducive to agricultural growth, we truly have the potential to feed the world! Is your government doing something to help you farm better? We would love to hear about it so that it can set an example for others to follow. Farm smartly! Jaco Cilliers jaco@proagri.co.za

No matter what you farm with, John Deere has what you need

Wintering of ruminants: Feed wisely and farm efficiently

Farming with goats Part 7: Best breeding practices to expand your flock

Feed your cattle for success - with Rumax's support

13.

Agri4all offers everything you need for your farm on one site

15.

Cattle farmers benefit from Reinke irrigation

16.

Composting systems Part 3: Building and maintaining a compost system

19.

Falcon – ideal solutions for soil cultivation and bedforming

22.

Sheep farming made easy Part 2: Production cycles and reproduction management

25.

Cattle health management: Prevention is better than cure

31.

FieldNET and Zimmatic: A winning combination for Namibian farmer

32.

Namibia: Sheep production figures drop due to drought

35.

New horizons: Have you ever considered growing vegetables in Namibia?

39.

Vegetable crop production guide Part 1: Spinach

43.

Vlakte Bonsmara auction highlights: The red breed does it again!

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

ProAgri B ot s wa n a/ a / N a m i b i a/ a/Zimbabwe

577 Rossouw Street, Die Wilgers, Pretoria +27 (0)79 515 8708 www.proagri.co.za Copyright © 2019. All rights r eserved. No m aterial, text or p hotographs may be r eproduced, copied or in any other way t ransmitted without the written consent of the publisher. O pinions expressed are not n ecessarily those of the publisher or of the e ditor. We recognise all trademarks and logos as the sole property of their r espective o wners. ProAgri shall not be liable for any errors or for any actions in reliance thereon.

ProAgri Editor Jaco Cilliers > +27 71-893-6477 jaco@proagri.co.za Reporters Benine Ackermann > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za Bianca Henning > +27 82-326-2572 bianca@proagri.co.za Specialist writer Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Marketing Manager Diane Grobler > +27 82-555-6866 diane@proagri.co.za Marketing Xander Pieterse > +27 79-524-0934 xander@proagri.co.za Candice Rieger > +27 83-292-3150 candice@proagri.co.za Johan Swartz > +27 71-599-9417 johan@proagri.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 82-698-3353 tiny@proagri.co.za Anelda Strauss > +27 74-424-0055 anelda@proagri.co.za Zainab Pandor > +26 (0)97-769-9786 zainab@proagri.co.za Creative Director Christiaan Joubert > +27 72-419-3990 christiaan@proagri.co.za Design Michelle Kruger & Lizelle Erasmus Enquiries Engela Botha > +27 12-803-0782 engela@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler

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ProAgri BNZ 20

No matter what you farm with, John Deere has what you need

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here is no need to accept second best just because you are farming on a smaller scale. John Deere has developed the new 5E Series 3-cylinder tractors especially for the small-scale farmer. John Deere has gone to great lengths to build the ideal tractor for smaller livestock operations, intensive grassland work, wide orchards and vineyards, smallholdings, and part-time farming. The 5E 3 Cylinder is a perfect example of how attentive John Deere is to their customers' feedback and understanding of individual requirements. Easy to operate and maintain, the 5E 3 Cylinder tractor gives you all the quality and ruggedness you expect from a John Deere. Highly efficient, proven technology – in fact, 100% John Deere engineering. These 3-cylinder tractors define new standards of performance and economy at an affordable price. These cost-effective machines will show you their true worth with their hard work in the field or yard, and their abilities in vineyards, orchards or municipal services. Experience the 5E Series: Rated Power: 41 kW (55 hp), 48 kW (65 hp), and 56 kW (75 hp). Powerful and economical: 2,9-litre, 3-cylinder, John Deere PowerTech engine turbo charged with 3 different transmission options available (55 to 75 hp). Your choice of drive: Two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Compact and agile: Tight turning

circle (3,6 m) open station with foldable roll-over protection bar. Available in cab configuration. Fuel saver: The 540/540 Economy PTO allows operators to select the engine rpm for reduced fuel consumption, reduced noise levels, reduced vibration, and less wear on the engine, while keeping the proper 540 rpm at the PTO. Lift capacity: 1,8 tonnes at hitch ball. Versatile: Wide range of attachments and implements. Easy front loader operation: Joystick and optimised gear change. First-class as standard: Rear work lights, rear SCV with cross-lever operation, full set of mudguards, et cetera. Custom-built option: Talk to your John Deere dealer and specify the tractor that is exactly right for you. One of the great strengths of the new John Deere 5E Series tractors is their exceptional versatility. It makes them the perfect all-rounders for many different applications such as ground preparation, tilling, sowing and all major and minor tasks on smallholdings and smaller livestock farms including: • Dairy farms • Specialist horticultural businesses • Landscaping in gardens and parks • Local authorities • All types of front loader work This is where they can show their outstanding versatility and manoeuvrability, their strength when it comes to lifting heavy loads and their exceptional stability thanks to optimised load

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

distribution. Whether you are a full or part time farmer, smallholder or grower, a John Deere 5E Series tractor is an inspired choice. The 3-cylinder John Deere PowerTech engine of the 5E Series tractor with its turbocharged and 2,9-litre capacity offers high performance as well as optimum fuel efficiency. Its integrated turbocharger compresses the intake air, thereby providing more oxygen for combustion. Thus, you get more performance for less fuel. The onepiece, tilting engine hood on the 5E Series tractors opens wide to give easy access to all maintenance points. John Deere has the answer to your challenges. John Deere is committed to keeping you up and running. That is why our products and technologies are quality-built, state-of-the-art and efficient. We have invested generously in building an effective dealer network so we can be like a good neighbour: there to help when you need us. All our dealer staff are John Deere trained. They know every nut and bolt on your equipment, and they are skilled at diagnosing any potential problems.

Interested in learning more about the John Deere 5E 3 Cylinder tractor? Contact your nearest John Deere dealer or visit the John Deere website https:// www.deere.com/sub-saharan/en/ index.html.

ProAgri BNZ 20

Wintering of ruminants: Feed wisely and farm efficiently W

inter is properly rearing its head with the first frost that had already occurred in places. The unpredictability of nature always presents challenges and can catch even experienced farmers unexpectedly. It is therefore of the utmost importance to not only rely on what the weather prophets say. Even if a wet winter is predicted, our planning should rather be to prepare for the worst. Farmers who act proactively will reap the benefits in the form of cost savings and better production. The challenges that the winter months pose to livestock farmers can easily be overcome if a farmer plans for it throughout the year. Challenges that farmers should provide for are the quality and quantity of grazing available in the winter period, veld fires, unusually long winters, as well as production targets that must be achieved to farm profitably. As seasoned farmers always say, you should never run out of plans. Based on the information provided by nutritionists, ProAgri compiled the following tips on feed flow, feed requirements, and other guidelines to tackle wintering as practically and economically as possible. The timing of the placement of winter licks is extremely important. Knowledge of the existing nutritional resources to provide the right supplements for your animals, is the key secret to the successful wintering of your cattle so that they can maintain condition and achieve the long-term goals for reproduction. Lick programmes and lick intake One of the most important factors

in determining how much feed should be provided, is the fact that feed intake is the crucial driver of livestock production. After the first frost, the nutritional value of the veld decreases drastically, and it then consists mainly of fibre. Lick can supplement the nutritional value. It is therefore important to provide a good protein lick as soon as the first frost appears. Lick intake is also a good indication of roughage quality and availability. The lower the roughage quality or its availability, the higher the lick intake of ruminants. Lick can be a large part of a farmer’s input costs, but if lick is used judiciously, it is very cost effective. It is therefore important to follow a wellplanned lick programme. Please note that lick only serves as a supplement to the limited nutrients or nutrient values from grazing. It is not a feed in itself. Lick is only recommended when there is sufficient grazing or other roughage available. Maintaining body condition The economic maintenance of body condition is of cardinal importance in any wintering programme. Ruminants create energy from digestion of feed, but they also need sufficient protein to feed the rumen microbes that help to digest the feed. To measure the feed requirements of the livestock and the availability of the different feed sources, the terms dry matter (DM) and dry matter intake (DMI) were created. This is the value of the feed, without the effect of moisture and other aspects, to determine and balance the roughage intake of the animal accordingly.

Two-week rainfall outlook for Africa and Southern Africa. (Image: https:// sawx.co.za/) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

by Bianca Henning

Livestock need nutrients (energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins) for the basic functions of survival, growth, lactation, and reproduction. (Image: Pixabay.com) Wintering of livestock remains one of the biggest challenges for any livestock farmer. The following guidelines or principles are important: • Adequate quantities of roughage in the form of saved grazing are a prerequisite for successful wintering of livestock on winter fields. • Supplementation should take place from as early as mid-March, even earlier depending on the season. Weighing animals regularly can determine exactly when growth stops, or weight loss occurs. • Supplementation should not be stopped after the first rain, but only when enough edible material is available in the spring to cause lick intake to drop drastically. • When non-protein nitrogen or NPN such as urea is used as a protein source, a limited energy supplement is essential to achieve the best utilisation of urea. • When urea is used in winter licks, it remains economical and beneficial for body mass to add a small amount of ammonium sulphate. • Phosphorus supplementation has a suppressive effect on body mass and should not be included in winter licks for dry animals. • If the volume of your winter grazing is a problem, get rid of old and surplus cattle in time. • Preserve your cash flow and take care of the core herd. It is important to decide which animals are the producing ones, and to maintain them in the best possible condition. Good grazing management remains the key to success for wintering in the summer rainfall areas of Africa and Southern Africa. It is important to adapt the animal numbers to the climatic conditions each year so that your core herd's condition is maintained, longevity can be ensured, and long-term reproduction goals can be achieved. 5

Farming with goats Part 7: Best breeding practices to expand your flock E

very farmer wants to expand his flock. However there are key principles that need attention concerning the effective management of ewes, rams and kids. Reproduction and kidding management directly affect the flock’s reproductive performance. Reproduction efficiency in any goat flock can be assessed by considering the following aspects: • The interval between consecutive kiddings of a ewe (that is preferably less than 250 days). • The number of kids per ewe. • The number of kids born and weaned in the flock.

as they are ready. However, it results in kids dropping throughout the year, making good management, recording and strategic feeding of ewes impossible. It also means that the farmer needs to keep the ram in good condition all year round. The challenge with kids being born in late winter or spring is that there is a shortage of feed during late pregnancy when the growing foetus is putting heavy demands on the ewe, as well as during early lactation.

Ram management

The ram must be managed (and fed) so that he is healthy and able to work effectively during the mating season.

During the breeding season, keep a ratio of 1 ram for 20 to 30 ewes. Replace rams every three years to prevent inbreeding. Choosing a ram It is important to ensure that the ram that you choose brings the correct genes into your flock. Use only the best animals for breeding. The ram contributes half of the production characteristics of each kid. It is also important to ensure that the ram is fertile. Besides reproductive soundness, it is important to make sure that the ram has sound legs and feet so that he is able to work effectively over the breeding season.

Poor production results mainly from kid mortality. This results in a shortage of ewe kids to keep as replacements when older or unproductive goats are culled. Mortalities of kids are due to poor management (including poor nutrition), unhygienic overnight facilities, theft, poor flock hygiene (with coccidiosis as a major problem) and predators. Breeding season In general, the goat production system found in KwaZulu-Natal is that of free ranging goats with mating occurring throughout the year, most kids being born between March and August. In a system where the rams are with ewes throughout the year, the advantage is that the ewes will take the ram as soon 6

ProAgri BNZ 20

Make sure that: • The sheath and penis are free from any abnormalities, swellings and wounds. • There are two testicles, and they are roughly the same, well-formed and freely moving within the scrotum. • The testicles feel firm and cool and are without swellings or wounds. • The circumference of the scrotum is 34 cm from 18 months of age.

Ewe management

Choosing an ewe Only keep ewes that kid every year. When buying or selecting an ewe make sure that: • Udder is firm and well-shaped. • Teats are clear of the ground. • Teats are evenly sized and show no signs of damage. • There are no signs of pain when handling the udder. • The temperature of the udder is the same as that of under the belly. • The milk is creamy, smooth and free from clots or blood. • The vulva has no abnormal discharges or swellings. Management before mating It is important that ewes have access to good browse, or a good nutrition from three weeks before mating to two weeks after mating. This may require supplementation over the winter period to ensure reasonable body condition. Body condition score of approximately 3 will be ideal for the mating season. Minimise handling during the mating season, and for two weeks after the end of the mating season. Ewe management during pregnancy Gestation (or pregnancy) in goats is approximately 150 days (5 months) long. Make sure that there is sufficient feed during the early stage (to prevent reabsorption of the foetus) and sufficient food during the last 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy, when the foetus is growing rapidly. Do not overfeed the mother as it may cause birth difficulties. Management practices at kidding • Avoid disturbing ewes during kidding (for example do not move them or handle them). • Try to separate them from the rest of the flock before they kid. • Earmark kids, with a number related to their mothers. • Sufficient feed must be available – animals have increased needs during kidding. Culling ewes After weaning the kids, decide which ewes to breed with the following season and which ones to cull – cull those with udder or mouth problems as they will not be able to raise another kid properly.

Raising female goats as replacements Young ewes tend to reach sexual maturity at 5 to 9 months of age, provided they have been grown adequately and are in good condition. Try to make sure that young ewes do not mate until they are 12 months of age, or their growth will be stunted. Therefore, if possible, keep weaned female kids away from the rams to prevent early mating (this may not be practical for many farmers in communal areas). Animals with good characteristics need to be kept as replacements while those with poor characteristics should not be used for breeding and should be sold. Generally, breeding of ewes should be delayed until the animal has attained 60 to 70% of its mature body weight. For indigenous goats, mature ewes weigh on average 35 kg so should not be mated until they weigh 22 kg.

The information in this article is credited to Mdukatshani, Heifer International South Africa and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development who published the Goat Production Handbook in 2015.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

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ProAgri BNZ 20

Feed your cattle for success with Rumax's support by Jaco Cilliers

eed makes the difference between success and failure in livestock farming. Everyone knows that. Good feed improves production and lowers the vet’s bill. The quality of the feed mixture must also be maintained constantly to ensure the best possible production figures. To keep the quality of the feed the same all the time, and to keep the feed bill lower, more and more farmers take to mixing feed themselves. Rumax, a supplier of top implements to farmers in Africa, understands the importance of feed and that the process of feed processing starts much earlier than with the feed mixer. The quality of the raw materials is just as important as the final feed mixture. That is why Rumax provides a range of feed processing equipment to serve the farmer throughout the feeding process — from manure spreaders to hammer mills, feed mixers and pelletisers. With this equipment, the farmer improves his grazing and also mixes feed of a consistently high quality that makes his animals perform better. Jaco Pieters started Rumax in 1999 and today, 22 years later, wise farmers choose Rumax above all others for feed mixers and other equipment. "We wanted to build a hammer mill that does not create dust, and at that time there was nothing like it available on the market," says Jaco. "We designed a hammer mill where the motor drives the mill directly. The end result was a hammer mill with higher efficiency, but less wear and tear." Today, farmers on farms all over Southern Africa use Rumax equipment to dish up only the best feed for their animals.

in three different sizes. The full-feed mixers are available in 7 m3, 9 m3, and 15 m3 while the lick mixers are available in 0,5, 1,5, and 2 tonnes sizes. All Rumax equipment is guaranteed for 12 months. The equipment is designed to require as little servicing as possible. The blades, bearings and other parts can be ordered from Rumax and will be delivered on the

farm within a day or two. Most of the parts are also available at the nearest cooperative. "The most important part of the business is our service to the farmers," says Jaco. "Any farmer can contact me directly if there is anything he needs help with. All the equipment we manufacture can be customised to suit the farmer's specific needs.”

Rumax's full-feed mixers are available in three different sizes ranging from 7 m3, 9 m3, to 15 m3. In addition to the full feed mixers, they also manufacture lick mixers in 0,5, 1,5, and 2 tonnes sizes.

The Rumax range includes:

Manure spreaders Used to spread manure, compost, or wood chips, and mostly used for grazing and orchards. Hammer mills Rumax's hammer mills are available in sizes from 2,2 to 55 kW, and are used for milling grain and roughage. No wind is used, which saves energy. Instead of blowing out the final product, it is carried out by an auger. Feed mixers Rumax supplies both full-feed and lick mixers, each of which is manufactured

Rumax hammer mills range from 2,2 kW for milling grain, to the giant 55 kW models that grind whole round bales before being fed into the feed mixers. Give your herd the Rumax advantage with good quality animal feed. Contact Jaco Pieters at +27-82-335-3970 or +27-23-342-6070, or send an e-mail to jaco@rumax.co.za. Also visit www.rumax.co.za to see Rumax's entire range of top products.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Botswana 10

ProAgri BNZ 20

KARAT 12 THE IDEAL CHOICE FOR MAXIMUM VERSATILITY

The Karat intensive cultivator is the all-rounder among cultivators. Its interchangeable shares make it the perfect choice for shallow and medium-depth stubble cultivation and topsoil loosening for mulch tillage:  23 cm line distance for optimal loosening and intensive mixing  Hydraulic traction booster for reduced fuel consumption  Working depths from 5–30 cm  Range of different shares, including carbide-coated shares for high acreage performance Contact your nearest area sales manager to find out more about LEMKEN Karel Munnik, director + area sales manager, 082 412 2577, k.munnik@lemken.com Blackie Swart, area sales manager, 082 404 9651, b.swart@lemken.com

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Everything your farm needs, in one place Equipment, implements, livestock, property, transport, services and much more.

Join the largest online trading platform for the agricultural industry in Africa, without paying a cent! Search and advertise any agricultural product in 10 countries: South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Angola, Malawi, Kenya and Mozambique. Diane Grobler: +27 (0)82 555 6866 | diane@proagri.co.za

www.agri4all.com

ProAgri BNZ 20

Agri4all offers everything you need for your farm on one site T

he world has changed, and agriculture is no exception. Farmers had to adapt quickly to the strange conditions that dominated recently. Shows and auctions, which were usually large events, had to move to online platforms to comply with COVID regulations. Agri4all is a website that has been in existence since 2018 and which offers farmers the opportunity to buy all necessities, without taking a step out of the farm gate. The page is conveniently divided into main sections, namely equipment, vehicles, livestock, auctions, property, and others. It includes everything a farmer needs on one convenient search and buy platform managed by ProAgri Media. The farmer is the target market and therefore only products and services applicable to the farmer are advertised. You do not have to waste time looking through page after page of pictures when you are looking for a certain item. The site boasts the most agriculturally targeted advertisements compared to similar platforms in Africa. Agri4all offers advertisers the best value for money and offers the farmer the widest range and widest choice of products and services. Borders also do not limit you at all. Agri4all stretches across national borders and offers products and services to farmers in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In the beginning of 2021, it has also expanded to Tanzania, Malawi, Kenya, Angola, and Mozambique. Searching for a product or service within a certain country is very easy. The farmer simply selects the country in which he wants to search on the website's homepage.

When Agri4all adds a new country, all the agricultural organisations, service providers and large businesses are approached to advertise their products and services in that country's section. A dedicated social media campaign is being launched to ensure that the right products reach the right target market. This means that the farmer can get the products or services he needs directly on his smartphone. Should a farmer have any queries, he can simply post a social media commentary and the advertiser will contact the farmer to answer all his questions. The various platforms reach around six million farmers and agricultural businesses every month. Transport companies are also involved in the Agri4all network, so that the farmer can have his product delivered without difficulty, even across national borders. It also gives the farmer the chance to obtain different cost estimates, and then choose the one that best suits his pocket. Agri4all can also be used by farmers to market their fresh farm produce, or to find buyers for their herd's genetics. It is also the best platform to advertise any service and used equipment to farmers. Agri4all changes the way farmers are conducting business. It creates a safe and consumer-friendly trading platform on which farmers can obtain products and services without leaving the farm.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

The products on Agri4all are supported by informative articles published in the ProAgri magazines, and on the ProAgri website, www.proagri.co.za. The information shared on these platforms empowers the farmer to make an informed decision before buying. To get the best products at the best price on the largest platform in Africa, please visit www.agri4all.com. Farmers can also subscribe to the newsletter to receive free news weekly. Send an e-mail to nita@agri4all.com to receive the free newsletter and stay up to date on the latest products and services on offer.

To take advantage of Agri4all's excellent marketing opportunities, contact Diane Grobler at 082-555-6866 or diane@proagri.co.za.

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PRECISE IRRIGATION

CENTER PIVOT VRI PIVOT CENTER CENTER PIVOT VRI VRI

OPTION 1: SPEED VRIOPTION OPTION 2: ZONE VRI OPTION OPTION 1: 1: SPEED SPEED VRI VRI OPTION 2: 2: ZON ZON SLICE THE CENTER PIVOT PIE

SLICE SLICETHE THECENTER CENTERPIVOT PIVOTPIE PIE BE MORE SPECIFIC AND FIND NEW POTENTIAL BE BEMORE MORESPECIFIC SPECIFICAND ANDFIND FIND

VARIABLE RATE IRRIGATION

Speed VRI is economically accomplished by segmenting the pivot path into Zone VRI dividesthe the pivot coverage more rings (zones) around Speed Speed VRI VRI isiseconomically economically accomplished accomplished bybysegmenting segmenting thepivot pivotpath pathinto into area into two orZone ZoneVRI VRI divides divides the the pivot pivotcoverage coveragea

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ProAgri BNZ 20

the total area within each slice. Each slice can also be accurately proportioned within thebe fibe eld. Irrigation rates are achieved throughwithin individually the the total totalarea area within withineach eachslice. slice.Each Eachslice slice can canalso also accurately accurately proportioned proportioned withinthe thefield. ficontrolled eld.Irrigation Irrigationrates ratesare areaca

Cattle farmers benefit from Reinke irrigation by Jaco Cilliers

rrigation is not only for grain farmers. Any cattle farmer can also benefit from it. Buying feed for animals can often be very expensive, and can negatively affect your profitability. Furthermore, the purchase of feed can expose the farmer to price fluctuations and variations in the quality of the feed. During severe droughts, there may be no feed available to purchase at all. Therefore, many farmers prefer to produce their own feed instead. Willie Odendaal from Aliwal North in South Africa is such a farmer. Willie produces his own feed by planting 11,8 hectares of feed crops under irrigation. The mixture he plants under the centre pivot consists of teff and feed sorghum. He says: "The Reinke centre pivot enables us to produce more kilograms of meat per hectare. Therefore, I can say that this pivot is an excellent investment for the farm." This statement is supported by the scale: The growth mass of Willie's 280 calves increased on average by 860 grams per day over 30 days on the irrigated pasture.

Willie Odendaal (right) is very pleased with the service he receives from Kobus Labuschange (left), the local Reinke agent of Aliwal North.

Willie Odendaal planted a mixture of teff and feed sorghum to give his cattle nutrition a proper boost. With the Reinke centre pivot, Willie can now ensure that his cattle will have enough food throughout the year without him having to purchase feed.

Willie farms with Fieldmaster cattle, a new breed that he and a few other farmers developed to ensure better meat production in the area's climatic conditions. The main aim is to ensure high fertility. Willie irrigates from a rainwater dam on the farm. From the large dam, the water is pumped to a smaller irrigation dam, and from there to the centre pivot. Willie explains that he decided on a Reinke pivot because of the sturdy structure and the excellent service he receives from Kobus Labuschagne, the local Reinke dealer from Aliwal North. “Kobus helped with the whole process from the design to erection of the pivot. He is always available to help, and he is always readily available," says Willie. Apart from the structure and aftersales service that is very important to Willie, he also states that Reinke offers excellent value for money. "I would recommend Reinke to anyone. The difference I can see in the meat production of my cattle is worth it all," says Willie. Reinke uses only the best quality high-strength steel in their pivots. The

Willie Odendaal farms with Fieldmaster cattle outside Aliwal North. The Reinke pivot on his farm helps him to produce more meat per hectare.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

pivot structure is smartly designed to provide stability and strength with the least quantity of steel. The pivots are designed with an unusually low centre of gravity, which helps with overall sturdiness and stability. Reinke prides itself in providing irrigation solutions to any farmer who needs their expertise. "We are part of the whole process, from planning and design to the construction of the pivot, and after-sales service," says Patrick Ellis, Sales Director for Reinke Africa.

For more information on how Reinke can assist you to make more profit from any form of farming, contact Patrick Ellis at +27-(0)31350-4525, or send an e-mail to patrickellis@reinke.com.

Composting and composting systems Part 3:

Building and maintaining a compost system A

compost system can be compared to a living thing that requires the essentials of all living things: air, food, and water in a balanced combination.

heap. It will also encourage earthworms to penetrate the heap and help the decomposing process.

Choosing the ideal location The compost system should be based on a surface with sufficient area for drainage. It is also important to take into consideration a location that can use the nutrients that leak from the compost heap, so that the soil organisms can reach the heap easily. Water should be close by so that you can wet the compost heap when needed.

Layer of twigs and coarse materials At first, place a layer of twigs and coarse materials approximately 5 to 10 cm thick. This will allow air circulation at the base of the heap that ensures better aeration in the heap.

Wet the ground underneath the heap If you wet the ground underneath the heap, it will prevent the soil from absorbing the moisture out of the

Layering in your compost system

"Brown" and "green" layers Green and brown materials with favourable proportions of carbon and nitrogen offer microorganisms a “complete meal”. This helps the breakdown of the compost. Try to maintain a 50/50 ratio between "greens" and "browns" for the

correct balance of nutrients. When the heap is turned for the first time, the "browns" and "greens" will mix with each other. Top layer It is normally a good idea to add a thin layer (2 cm) of garden soil as a top layer. This introduces microbes to the heap so that decomposition can start as soon as possible. Cover the heap It's a good policy to cover the heap to keep in moisture and to keep out rain. A black plastic bag is ideal.

Monitoring the compost heap

Heating up: The compost heap should be heating up in a few hours’ time. The tempera-

If the nitrogen content is too low, add high nitrogen materials such as fresh grass clippings or fruit and vegetable peels. 16

ProAgri BNZ 20

ture can be tested by sticking your arm into the heap. Be careful as it could burn you if the heap is working effectively. If the heap does not heat up, you most probably don't have enough nitrogen or "greens" in the compost. Maintaining moisture: The moisture content must be maintained at 45 to 50%. The compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge and should contain enough water to almost drip when you squeeze a handful. Turning the compost heap: By turning your compost heap regularly, you will decrease your composting time considerably; aeration increases, and all the material get exposed to the hot centre. The heap should be turned when the temperature inside starts to decrease. The season has no effect on the compost heap because it is the heaps' centre temperature that is the crucial factor.

Select a spot with a good balance between sun and shade on the heap so that it doesn't get too dry or remain too wet. (Image: Pixabay.com) the heap is too small, the heat also escapes without having any effect on the compost. If the nitrogen content is too low, add high nitrogen materials such as fresh grass clippings or fruit and vegetable peels. Pests in the compost heap If flies, dogs, cats, rats, and other pests are attracted to the compost heap, make sure that there are no meat, bones, dairy products, or fatty food in the heap. Bury kitchen scraps deep into the compost heap to prevent fly infestation. Composting process takes too long Sometimes the materials are not shredded enough and should be cut smaller. To speed up the composting, add livestock manure or mix in some topsoil.

Snip the materials as much as possible so that it can decompose easier. (Image: Pixabay.com) When is the compost ready? The compost is ready for use as soon as the compost heap fails to heat up once more after being turned. The original ingredients of the compost heap should be hard to recognise, except for materials like straw that will not be fully decomposed. Finished compost has a dark colour with a soil structure and the smell of humus on a forest floor. The volume of the finished compost heap will be 25 to 40% of the original compost heap. The time taken for compost to be ready depends on how often you turned the heap if sufficient wetting occurred and if the right materials were used to build the heap.

Trouble shooting

Bad odours in the compost heap When the compost heap has a bad odour, it contains sulphur or ammonia or both. Sulphur smells of rotten eggs and indicates that the compost heap is too wet. Ammonia odour occurs when there is too much nitrogen or "greens" in the compost heap. Both these problems can be solved by turning the heap whilst adding more dry "browns" like twigs and dry leaves to the compost heap. Compost heap does not heat up Either the compost heap lacks moisture or there is a nitrogen or "greens" shortage in the heap. Sometimes when

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Compost heap is too wet If your compost heap received too much water due to poor drainage, too much rain or a lack of aeration. This problem can be solved by adding more dry "browns" and moving the compost heap to a place where drainage is sufficient. The heap can also be turned to improve aeration.

Next month we shall look at the use of compost. Stay tuned for more, happy composting! We thank the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa for the material they provided for the readers of ProAgri BNZ. For more information, visit their website www. arc.agric.za. 17

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Falcon – ideal solutions for soil cultivation and bedforming T

ough. Reliable. Durable. These are but a few of the characteristics attributed to Falcon’s range of tillage and seedbed preparation equipment. Taking centre stage are Falcon’s Rotavator and Bedformer. Both the Rotavator and Bedformer are designed and manufactured with the demanding conditions of the African continent in mind and offer spot-on solutions to various soil preparation challenges. These challenges include impacted earth, root bound by weeds, or dense, heavy soils. By combining soil cultivation with bedforming not only saves time and reduce fuel consumption but also improves operational efficiency.

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Falcon Rotavator The Falcon Rotavator is the ideal implement for cash crop farmers who need to bury and incorporate crop residues quickly, between crops. The rotor turns at the optimum speed for all cultivation operations and the required tilth can be obtained by adjusting the forward speed and the setting of the rear deflector. Blades can be mounted in a three-bladed configuration for a fine tilth or in a two-bladed configuration for a coarser finish. The applications of this versatile implement include seedbed preparation – from coarse to fine, on uncultivated, ripped or ploughed soil, green manuring, fertiliser incorporation, weeding, stubble mulching, planting kikuyu grass, preparing playing fields, landscaping and soil stabilisation for roads. The range is suited to tractors rated from 35 to 60 kW and offers working widths from 1,25 to 2 m and a maximum working depth of ±300 mm. All rotavators are supplied with a PTO shaft and torque limiting slip clutch, central and offset mounting points, depth control skids, parking stand and a complete set of blades. Falcon Bedformer The Bedformer’s adjustable forming elements, mounted on the frame of the rotavator, creates a bed at the width required for a particular crop and the rear flap leaves a perfect level bed so that planting can commence immediately. The F175 and F200 rotavators also have as an option, a bedformer with an additional central former which allows you to create two, narrower seedbeds in a single pass. This bedformer was specifically developed to assist vegetable farmers who requires additional row spacing. ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

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Sheep farming made easy Part 2:

Adequate feeding of ewes during late pregnancy and lambing is critical for lamb survival. Photo: Pixaby.com.

Production cycles and reproduction management R

eproduction is one of the most important factors which determine profitability when farming with sheep. The reproductive rate varies by farm, production system, and geographic areas. An ewe's production year can be divided into four distinct critical periods. The ewe is mated during a mating season of about three to six weeks, followed by a gestation period of 153 days (depending on breed) and a lactation period of up to 120 days.

•

In-phase vs accelerated lambing In-phase lambing systems is when each ewe lambs only once a year. The group is divided into two so that the ewes from different groups will lamb at different times of the year. Accelerated lambing is when ewes lamb more frequently than once a year. The purpose of accelerated lambing systems is to reduce fixed costs, produce a more uniform supply of lamb throughout the year, and increase profitability.

•

• •

•

Test rams for fertility. If only a few rams are used, they must be fertile. Rams must be healthy at breeding time. The maximum age at which rams can be used for mating is 7 to 8 years. Old rams cannot follow ewes for long distances. Ensure that the rams are in a good condition at breeding time. They must not be overfat because then they become lazy. When animals must walk long distances during the breeding season, rams must be bought in good time so that they can adapt to the environment. Do not release expensive, newly bought rams in areas where there are large numbers of poisonous plants.

Factors that influence the production of breeding ewes are: Breeding ewes are subject to the consequences of seasonal changes in Factors that influence the the environment, directly through the production of rams are: influence of climate on the animal itself, • Rams must be functionally effective: and indirectly through variation in the they must have healthy reproducpastoral resources which provide most tive organs and strong, healthy legs. of her nutrition. Performance must be considered in light of the management system and genetEwe colostrum is the first feed for the new-born lamb ics of the breed. and the key to its survival. Proper new-born lamb care • Ewes must be is a critical component of herd profitability. Photo: functionally Pixaby.com.

efficient. A healthy udder with two normal, healthy teats is essential. Examine the teats regularly in areas where ticks occur. Ewes with hard udders (because of inflammation or blue udder), and those with abnormally thick teats must be culled. Ewes must not be too old when they are mated. They must be culled after 5 to 6 lambing seasons (7 to 8 years). Their teeth become bad, and they cannot walk long distances to find grazing. Ewes must be healthy. Disease conditions such as fever immediately after mating could cause resorption of the foetus and abortion. Young ewes should be mated for the first time at 18 months.

•

Breeding season Mate the ewes so that they lamb when grazing is plentiful. Lambs will then have a better chance of survival. It also prevents the buying of expensive feed, and the lambs are ready for the market at an early age. Limit the breeding season to 6 weeks to include two oestrus cycles. When the mating season is too long, flock management (dipping, vaccination and dosing) is more difficult. Pairing weight of the young breeding ewes Ewes typically reach puberty at 5 to 12

New-born lambs. Photo: Pixaby.com. 22

ProAgri BNZ 20

months, depending on breed, nutrition, and date of birth. The ideal pairing weight for good reproduction and production of ewes should be between 48 and 51 kg. When mating young ewes at 12 months, their weight should be 80% of their adult weight. If they are mated at 18 months, their weight should be 94% of their adult weight. The right pairing weight ensures that production goals are achieved. Care of the ewe before lambing The lamb harvest is the farmer's return on his investment for the past season. It is of great importance to every farmer that the ewe lamb should perform as best as possible with the help of supplementation. The deficiencies in natural resources should therefore be corrected by supplementary nutrition to meet the animal's needs and to harness the genetic potential in terms of reproduction and production. Avoid underfeeding and stress. Animals should not be driven for long distances during the first 3 weeks of pregnancy. This could cause resorption of the foetus. Provide sufficient feed to ewes during late pregnancy (last 6 to 8 weeks) to ensure that strong lambs are born, which have the prospects of a good life expectancy. Lambing time Lambs should suckle as soon after birth as possible to take in colostrum. Colostrum ensures that they build up natural immunity against diseases. Provide proper shelter against wind and rain. Ewes with lambs should not be allowed to become too thin, because the lambs will not get enough milk.

When the ewe has a lot of milk, the lamb grows quickly and can be weaned sooner. This gives the ewe a chance to reach an acceptable mass before the start of the next breeding season. If an ewe loses too much condition during lambing time, she will not conceive easily during the next breeding season. Care of the ewe after lambing Healthy management practices involve taking care of your ewes six weeks before pairing season; uterine recovery is granted in the three weeks after lambing day; time is given to wean the lamb (if conditions weaken, with creep feeding weaned as early as at 60 days) and then given a rest period of more than 4 months before being mated again. Factors that influence the production period of breeding ewes are: The number of lambs weaned, mated per ewe, increasing to the ewe’s age of five years, after which it decreases as the ewe gets older. The survival age of the ewes remains constant to the age of seven years after which it decreases. An early mating age and longevity of ewes are therefore important factors to consider in the choice of a breed. Weaning percentage The weaning percentage directly determines the mutton production and can be increased by: • An increase in the lambing percentage (number of lambs born per mated ewe). • An increase in fertility: The occurrence of multiple births therefore has a positive influence on meat production. There is, however, a notable weaker growth with multiples compared to single

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

•

lambs. An increase in fertility must, therefore, be linked with selection for better growth potential to be significant. An improvement in the percentage of ewes lambed per ewes mated. The fertility of the ewes and rams is especially important here. An improvement in survival, the number of lambs born per the number of lambs weaned. As far as the choice of a breed is concerned, maternal characteristics are important here. An increase in lambing frequencies: three times every two years instead of the normal annual lambing.

Factors influencing the total mass of lamb produced per year: Milk production of the ewes This feature largely determines the pre-weaning lamb growth and is especially important with a high fecundity characteristic. The growth of lambs The growth potential of the lambs is to an extent influenced by the heredity of this feature and varies from breed to breed. The “type” and carcass quality, has an anticipatory value to predict the percentage fat and percentage good meat cuts of a carcass.

Next month we shall look at sheep production facilities and equipment. We thank the ARC Institute for Agricultural Engineering in South Africa for making their manual on sheep production and facilities available to the readers of ProAgri.

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effects of the dry winter weather which should be followed by warm, wet conditions. Managing the health of your herd is a critical step towards profitable cattle production. Waiting until you experience a loss on your farm may cost you dearly. It is therefore important to invest in the prevention of diseases in your herd. Why vaccinate? The three main reasons to vaccinate are to increase immunity, reduce the spread of disease and eliminate diseases. Vaccination programmes should always be customised according to your farming operation. Items to consider while establishing a vaccination programme include geographic region, and the type of cattle on your farm. A vaccination programme is an important element in a comprehensive, wellplanned herd health control strategy.

about 3 weeks until the fully engorged adult female blue tick drops off to lay her eggs on the ground. They often appear in June/July and may infest cattle into the spring. The tick is easy to recognise on the back, sides, neck, and upper legs of the cattle. All farmers know this tick species, which transmits redwater and gallsickness mostly during wet summer months. Larvae are very small, and farmers must look carefully for these parasites when deciding when to dip. The enzootic areas of the disease correspond to the distribution of the vector species in southern, eastern, and western African countries. Avoid dipping calves to control blue

Preventing diseases by using a herd health management plan saves time and money. (Photo: pixabay.com) tick for up to 4 to 6 months of age during cooler months as 4 to 5 month old calves are resistant to redwater and gallsickness. Allowing them to be exposed during this period will induce a resistance to these two tick transmitted diseases. Brown ear ticks are well known to farmers. The life cycle is yearlong with larvae and nymphs active in winter, and adults active in summer around January, February, and March. The adults can cause severe damage to the ears, head, neck, and areas under the tail, leading to skin damage and screw worm infestation. The adult tick also transmits theileriosis causing high mortality in cattle.

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External parasites External parasites include horn flies, face flies, stable flies, ticks, and lice. The largest health problem comes from the additional stress caused to animals by these insects. When infested, cattleTraining& Research spend more time in the shade and do not graze, which leads to poor offered at performance. Metsimotlhabe Eliminating the areas where pests Tara Farm reproduce also helps to reduce the severity of external parasites. Pour-on and dips are effective in treating animals infested by ticks. It is important to understand the life cycle of ticks and recognise the stage and species of ticks infesting cattle when treating for tick infestation. The blue tick, which is easy recSome ticks species may overwinter off the hosts. (Photo: pixabay.com) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Botswana

Tactical dipping during the winter months reduces larval and nymphal numbers, thereby reducing the challenge posed by adult brown ear ticks and the risk of theileriosis. Be aware that calves are very susceptible to theileriosis and cattle of all ages must be free of adult brown ear ticks during the critical hot, wet months. Internal parasites Internal parasites such as roundworms, lungworms, and liver flukes commonly occur in cattle. These hidden parasites cause poor performance and occasionally kill young animals. Invasion of the stomach or intestinal wall by a parasite leads to poor digestion of nutrients and damage to organs. Signs of parasite infestation include scouring, rough hair coat, poor weight gain, and a potbelly appearance. Deworming at strategic times during the year reduces the numbers of internal parasites. Use faecal sampling to determine the severity of the infestation and the type of dewormer that will be effective. Treat animals with a long acting flukicide such as Fluconix which also controls wireworm, and an anthelmintic such as Intermectin as we enter the cooler autumn months. Thereafter it

is not necessary to deworm stock until warmer temperatures are experienced from September onwards. Calves Dose at 6 weeks against tapeworm with Niclosamide or a Benzimidasole. Thereafter, a Benzimidasole may be used to dose calves up to 7 months of age every 4 to 8 weeks (depending on the type of pasture and the rainfall). Dose again at 12 months and thereafter at 18 months. An Ivermectin such as Dectomax can be used as a substitute for Benzimidasole.

(appetite for strange objects such as plastics, decaying carcasses, faeces, et cetera). Eating decaying carcasses and contaminated vegetation causes botulism in cattle.

Cattle Healthy cattle over the age of 20 months build up immunity against internal parasites. Dosing of mature cattle is thus usually unnecessary unless they have been under stress because of disease, drought, or a difficult calving. Disease control Vaccinations and parasite controls are available for many of the diseases affecting cattle. Vaccinate all animals against botulism before the winter months, even if additional feed and lick is not fed to animals, as a lack of phosphorus causes pica in animals

Cattle are likely to pick up internal parasites when they graze established pastures. (Photo: pixabay. com)

Cattle vaccine guide. (Image: MSD Animal Health) 26

ProAgri BNZ 20

A lack of green fibre in winter leads to a vitamin ADE deficiency which affects the immune system, leading to other diseases such as keratitis and bone deficiencies. Supplementing all stock with injectable Vit ADE improves response of animals to vaccines. Safety Do not vaccinate shortly before or after transporting, dipping, castration, and dehorning. Stress neutralises vaccination. Some vaccines must be administered in winter, well before the onset of wet weather that heralds the arrival of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. In cattle, these diseases include lumpy skin disease (LSD), rift valley fever (RVF) and three-day stiff sickness (ephemeral fever). Do not wait for the rains to begin before you vaccinate. Be aware that LSD and RVF can cause abortions if not treated correctly. Bulls can be rendered unable to service cows for weeks and sometimes months after contracting three-day stiff sickness. It is notable that although anthrax can infect livestock any time of the year, most outbreaks of disease occur in the early winter as water levels in dams drop. Vaccinate against anthrax well before the winter months, especially in the lowveld of Zimbabwe. Do not be afraid of vaccinating in winter three months before breeding as the vaccine can last for up to two years. Summary of vaccinations required by cattle: • Breeding cows and heifers QE (quarter evil), anthrax, RVF, LSD, vibrio, and BVD/IBR. • Bulls require all the above as boosters, and young breeding bulls require two vibrio vaccinations six weeks apart before the breeding season starts. • Do not omit three day stiff sickness vaccination in bulls before the wet weather. Cows optional. • Weaners QE, LSD, RVF, anthrax, botulism, tetanus. • Weaner heifers require CA (contagious abortion) vaccination additionally between three and eight months of age.

We thank the following sources for the material used in this article: MSD Animal Health https://www.msd-animal-health. co.za/ The Agricultural Research Council https://www.arc.agric.za/ Vet360 https://vet360.vetlink.co.za/ Fivet Animal Health www.fivetanimalhealth.com

General vaccination programme for beef cattle (by Dr Ariena Shepherd)

Name

Type

How

Animals

Comments

Clostridium group

Inactivated vaccine

Injected under the skin, usually in the neck

Calves: twice 4-6 weeks at around 4-6 months Yearlings: booster at 16-18 months Cows: booster 4-6 weeks before calving Bulls: 4-6 weeks before breeding

It is better to use a combination vaccine (7 or more) rather than single type as there are many clostridiums and different ones can be identified by a laboratory

Anthrax

Inactivated vaccine

Injected under the skin, usually in the neck

Calves: twice 4-6 weeks apart at around 4-6 months Yearlings: booster at 16-18 months Cows: booster 4-6 weeks Bulls: 4-6 weeks before breeding

Usually only used if feeding silage

Lumpy skin disease

Live spores (Sterne) vaccine

Injected under the skin, usually in the neck

Calves: at 7/8 months Yearlings: 16-18 months Cows: annual after calving Bulls: annually after breeding

Cows and bulls can be given a booster during outbreak

Brucella abortus

Live freezedried vaccine

Injected under the skin, usually in the neck

ONLY heifers between 5 and 8 months

This vaccine is required by law

Anaplasmosis, Asiatic redwater, African redwater

Live freezedried vaccine

Injected into the muscle, usually in the hind quarters

Calves: 8-10 months

Older animals can be done, but they may need blocking. Do not vaccinate pregnant cattle

Heartwater

Live freezedried vaccine

Injected into a vein

Calves: 2-3 weeks old

Older animals can be done, but they may need blocking. Do not vaccinate pregnant cattle

Rift valley fever

Different types of vaccines

Injected under the skin, usually in the neck

All animals anually depending on type

Don't use the live vaccine during the first half of pregnancy

Three-day stiff sickness

Live vaccine

Injected under the skin, usually in the neck

All animals anually (as routine only bulls after breeding)

Vaccination during an outbreak will be effective

Salmonella, E Coli

Different types of vaccine

Injected under the skin, usually in the neck

Only use in herds which have a problem

Vaccinate according to veterinarian instructions

Campylobacter, trichomonas, pink eye

Inactivated vaccine

Injected under the skin, usually in the neck

Only use in herds which have a problem

Vaccinate according to veterinary instructions

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Botswana 28

ProAgri BNZ 20

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Namibia

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FIELDNET EN ZIMMATIC: 'N WEN-KOMBINASIE VIR HIERDIE NAMIBIESE BOER Gerhard Spangenberg boer met mielies en koring in Namibië. Slegs twee jaar gelede het hy sy eerste twee Zimmatic-spilpunte en 'n FieldNET-subskripsie aangeskaf nadat hy by ander produsente baie van hierdie produkte gehoor het. Ons het hom ontmoet om 'n beter idee te kry oor presies hoe sy boerdery voordeel getrek het uit die Zimmatic- en FieldNET-kombinasie wat hy in sy lande gebruik. Wat gewasboerdery betref, is water een van die belangrikste faktore op enige plaas. 'n Koring- en mielieboer in Namibië het onlangs met ons gesels om te verduidelik wat die vernaamste redes is waarom hy slegs Zimmatic-spilpunte op sy plaas gebruik.

water verloor nie,” het hy bygevoeg. “Ek sal eerlikwaar sê dat sedert ons die Zimmatic-spilpunte en FieldNET op ons plaas begin gebruik het, dit ons bedrywighede aansienlik vergemaklik het. Die opvallendste verskil is natuurlik dat ons nou beter opbrengste kry, wat hoofsaaklik te wyte is aan die baie akkurate watertoediening wat die spilpunte in ons landerye lewer,'' het hy gesê oor die praktiese impak wat die spilpunte op sy plaas gehad het.

Gerhard Spangenberg is 'n betreklik nuwe Zimmatic-boer. Net twee jaar gelede het hy twee Zimmatic-spilpunte gekoop nadat hy van mede-produsente gehoor het dat hierdie produkte baie beter watertoediening bied as ander handelsmerke. “Die afgelope twee jaar wat ons Zimmatic-spilpunte op ons plaas gebruik, het ons nie een probleem met hulle gehad nie. Ek weet dat daar feitlik geen ander spilpunte is wat die lang lewensverwagting het wat Zimmatic bied nie,” het Gerhard gesê. Hy het bygevoeg dat Zimmatic-spilpunte ook bekend is vir hul sterkte en duursaamheid. As boer moet hy sorg dat hy belê in toerusting wat hou.

“Benewens hul robuuste bouvorm, is Zimmatic-onderdele baie maklik om te vind. Dit maak onderhoud 'n briesie as jy iets op u spilpunt moet vervang,” voeg hy entoesiasties by. In Namibië moet boere die uitdagings van boer in 'n baie droë klimaat oorkom. Trouens, vir die grootste deel van 2020 het die land steeds deur 'n verwoestende droogte gesukkel wat tot voedseltekorte gelei het. As gevolg van hierdie

omstandighede is behoorlike besproeiing noodsaaklik om goeie oeste tydens produksie te verseker. Vir hierdie doel vertrou Gerhard op FieldNET om hom te help om op hoogte te bly van wat gedurende die seisoen in sy lande gebeur.

Volgens Gerhard is sy plaaslike Zimmatic-handelaar, Aqualand Irrigation, ware kundiges wat FieldNET en Zimmatic betref. Hy sê dat hulle hom op 'n baie professionele manier kon adviseer het oor die produkte wat hy benodig, met die unieke eienskappe van sy boerdery in gedagte. Verder sê hy dat hul naverkoopdiens eenvoudig briljant is. “FieldNET en Zimmatic gaan soos brood en botter saam. Dit is 'n wen-kombinasie - daarvan kan ek getuig,” het hy gesê.

“Ons gebruik FieldNET op ons Zimmatic-spilpunte. Met die toep kan ons presies sien hoeveel water toegedien word en wat die vordering met die besproeiingsiklus is. Die beste ding is egter dat FieldNET my toelaat om my spilpunte aan en af te skakel, selfs as ek met vakansie is, sodat my boerdery nooit tot stilstand hoef te kom nie," het Gerhard verduidelik. Aangesien Namibië 'n droogtegeteisterde land is, is water 'n skaars en waardevolle hulpbron. Vir Gerhard verseker FieldNET dat geen water vermors word as sy Zimmatic-spilpunt 'n fout ondervind terwyl dit loop nie. “As daar 'n probleem by die spilpunt is, skakel FieldNET dit af, sny die watertoevoer en laat my dadelik op my selfoon weet. Op hierdie manier kan ons die probleem dadelik regstel, wat ons baie produksietyd bespaar. Nog belangriker is dat ons weens die proaktiwiteit van FieldNET nie 'n druppel

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Vir meer inligting oor Zimmatic- en FieldNET-produkte in Namibië, klik hier.

Namibia

Namibia:

Sheep production figures drop due to drought A

serious drought hampered sheep production in Namibia since 2013. There was no grazing and farmers had to sell 50% of their livestock to survive. Luckily, since the beginning of January 2021, good rains fell in Namibia and farmers are building up their livestock numbers again. Sheep production showed a shocking decrease in the last two decades according to Jako van Wyk, Vice Chairman of the Livestock Producers’ Organisation of Namibia and a livestock farmer himself. “This is mainly because of the intervention from the government and the drought. Since

2004, the government set a quota system on the export of live sheep to South Africa. For every one sheep that is slaughtered in Namibia, one may be exported. For a time, the quota even allowed only one sheep to be exported for every six sheep slaughtered locally. The cattle and sheep production value dropped by 33 and 42,8%, respectively, while the goat production value for 2020 was reduced by 13,9%, according to the Namibian Agricultural Union’s fourth quarter agri-review 2020 report. Bertha Ljambo, Agricultural Economist of the Namibia Agricultural Union

(NAU) added that due to the drought, major destocking took place in 2019, leading to a large number of livestock being marketed. “In 2020, farmers moved into a herd rebuilding phase meaning fewer livestock were marketed, hence, a drop in the 2019 and 2020 marketing figures,” she added. Many farmers changed from sheep to game or cattle farming, although ewes can lamb every year or two times in three years, and lambs can be marketed at ten months of age. Therefore, sheep producers are able to recover faster than cattle producers after a drought.

ProAgri BNZ 20

The NAU entered into discussions with the government last year to prevent the agricultural industry from coming to a standstill because of COVID and to ensure that auctions could still go on. The Swakara sheep industry also showed a decline. This is because of auctions that are being held in Denmark. COVID regulations forced the auction to be held online and because the Swakara sheep is a visual product that you want to see and feel, the sales were poorer than was anticipated. More on the exports of livestock (from the Namibian Agricultural Union’s fourth quarter agrireview 2020): A drop in the number of marketable livestock led to a reduced throughput to export abattoirs. Specifically, the number of sheep procured by export abattoirs reached such low levels that it became unsustainable, and for that reason one of the last two existing export abattoirs temporarily ceased operation. Sheep export abattoirs secured approximately 194 510 units of sheep per annum on average (2017 to 2019), and in 2020 the estimated throughput dropped to 25 341 sheep, which is a major decrease of about 86,8%. The exportation of live sheep declined by 47,7% (that is 435 441 on average (2017 to 2019), and 227 583 live sheep in 2020 (see Figure 3). B and C class abattoirs procured an estimated number of around 148 681 on average (2017 to 2019) and 115 548 head of sheep in 2020. Moreover, local abattoirs recorded an increased goat throughput of 6 999 goats in 2020, whereas the average between 2017 and 2019 was 5 018, indicating a growth of about 39,5%. Live export of goats decreased by 43,8%, as 144 657 was the 2017 to 2019 goat average, and 81 301 goats were exported in 2020. Live goats are mainly exported to South Africa for ceremonial purposes. Therefore, despite a reduced number of goats on the market, the halt of social gatherings as a result of COVID could have also negatively affected the export of live goats from Namibia to South Africa. The NAU production cost index recorded a 110,1 basis point in the 4th quarter (Q4) of 2019, and 113,4 basis point in Q4-2020 (see Figure 4). This means the annual agri-inflation rate grew by 3,1% year-on-year (Y-o-Y), while the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 2,4% (Y-o-Y) during the same time period. It goes to show that the price of production input items increased more than the price paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services. ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Namibia

Agrimark Agrimark is for is for people people who who share share a love a love of the of the land, land, people people who who plant plant andand dig,dig, dream dream andand do.do. On On thethe farm, farm, in the in the home home andand in the in the outdoors, outdoors, we’re we’re for for thethe enthusiasts enthusiasts andand thethe experts, experts, for for thethe people people who who lovelove rolling rolling up up their their sleeves sleeves andand getting getting their their hands hands dirty. dirty. Whether Whether you’re you’re a farmer, a farmer, a farmer-in-training a farmer-in-training or aorfarmer a farmer at heart, at heart, from from thethe country country or from or from thethe city,city, Agrimark Agrimark is for is for you,you, your your friends friends andand your your family family (even (even your your fur fur family). family). is for people who share a work lovework ofisthe people whowholesome plant and dig, It’s It’s a place aAgrimark place where where a good, a good, honest honest day’s day’s respected, is land, respected, where where wholesome downdowndream and do. to-earth to-earth values values areare honoured honoured andand upheld, upheld, andand where where people people likelike us us Plant Plant andand On the farm, in theDo, home and in the outdoors, we’re for the enthusiasts and the Harvest, Harvest, Dream Dream and and Do, Care Care and and Grow. Grow. experts, for the people who love rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty. Whether you’re a farmer, a farmer-in-training or a farmer at heart, from the country or from the city, Agrimark is for you, your friends and your family (even your fur family). Ondangwa Ondangwa It’s a place where a good, honest day’s work is respected, where wholesome downto-earth values are honoured and upheld, and where people like us Plant and Harvest, Dream and Do, Care and Grow. Grootfontein Grootfontein Ondangwa

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New horizons: Have you ever considered growing vegetables in Namibia? M

ost farmers in Namibia are expert growers of maize or pearl millet. However, growing vegetables for own consumption or for the market may be fun and lucrative. Vegetable seeds are readily available in Namibia and most of them are hybrids that produce a higher yield. There are vegetable crops to suit every taste and preference: • Leafy vegetables: Plants with edible leaves such as cabbage, spinach and swiss chard. • Fruit vegetables: Plants with edible fruits, like tomatoes, peppers and melons. • Root vegetables: Plants that store food in their own roots or in their tubers underground, for example carrots, beetroot and sweet potatoes. • Legumes: Plants that produce pods with edible seeds, such as peas and green beans. • Bulb vegetables: Plants that store food in swollen leaves at the base of their stems, like onions and garlic. To grow vegetables, a seedbed should be prepared. To prepare a seedbed, tillage is needed. It is important for a seedbed to be deep, even and firm. Tillage helps to control weeds and minimise soil erosion, and to also introduce fertilisers and pesticides into the soil. Tillage operations use primary and secondary implements. Primary implements are basic implements used to loosen the soil, like ploughs, disc ploughs, chisel ploughs and rippers. Secondary implements are cultivators, discs and harrows, and are used for the final seedbed preparation.

Some crops should be sown in nurseries and other can be sown or planted directly in a garden. A nursery bed should have good soil

Crop type

Crop

with compost, a reliable water supply, and preferably shade netting. Here is a guide to help the farmer with his planning:

Sowing method Nursery

Leafy

Root

Fruit

Legume

No group

Sowing depth

Direct

Cabbage

1 cm

Cauliflower

1 cm

Onions

1 cm

Carrot

1 cm

Beetroot

2-3 cm

Potatoes

7 to 10 cm

Sweet potatoes

Cuttings

Tomatoes

1 cm

Peppers

1 cm

Eggplant

1 cm

Swiss chard

2 cm

Pumpkins

3 to 4 cm

Melons

2 to 3 cm

Beans

5 cm

Peas

5 cm

Cowpeas

3 cm

Maize

4 to 5 cm

Local vegetables

1 cm

Table one from Crop Production Guide, compiled by Ingo Jacobi, published by NNFU and NAU Joint Precidency Committee, 2008.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

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How to prepare a nursery seedbed: • It should be dug very deep with a spade. • The size of the seedbed should be around 1 m x 1,5 m. • Fertiliser should be added and worked into the soil. • Give the seedbed enough water. • Before sowing, the seedbed is raked carefully so that it is level and has a fine tilth. Sowing in nursery beds • Make holes for the seeds with a small stick. • The depth of the holes or furrow should be about five times the diameter of the seed to be sown. • The distance between rows should not be more that 15 cm. • Sow the seeds thinly with about 5 cm between each two seeds to ensure a good stand. • Cover the seeds and press down the soil lightly by hand. • Water the seedbed using a can with a fine nozzle or use a tin can with small holes pierced in the bottom. At the beginning, daily watering should be done. • About thee weeks after germination, excess seedlings should be

•

removed to allow proper root development for the remaining well-spaced plants. Keep the area around the seedbeds free of weeds and insects.

More information on the crops/ vegetables that farmers can grow in Namibia: Pearl millet/mahangu (Pennisetum glaucum) is the major food cereal in the northern communal areas of Namibia and is popularly known as mahungu. It is normally reserved for those areas where maize and sorghum fail to grow because of low rainfall or adverse soil factors. This crop also has a high heat tolerance. Cowpeas like legumes are able to fix nitrogen in their roots with the help of bacteria, thereby increasing soil fertility. It is an ideal crop for Namibia as it tolerates heat and relatively dry weather conditions. This crop is suitable for both human and animal consumption. Beetroot is a cool-weather crop and will produce most of the year in Namibia.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Carrots are grown for their edible roots, which can be eaten either cooked or raw. Carrots contain vitamin A and can be stored for relatively long periods. Green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are warm-season annuals. Peppers and chillies (Capsicum spp) are small, bushy annuals or short-lived perennials with fruit usually red or green in colour, and can be eaten either raw or cooked. Onions (Allium cepa) are biennial herbs with bulbs formed at the base of the plant from thickened food-storage leaves. It contains calcium, iron, fibre and vitamins B1, B2 and C. Sweet potatoes (lpomea batatas) are an important food crop. The tubers are boiled or roasted, and the young leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) are sub-tropical plants and related to potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tobacco plants. They can be eaten in various ways. Source: We thank the Crop Production Guide, Namibia, compiled by Ingo Jacobi, published by NNFU and NAU Joint Precidency Committee, 2008, for using their guide.

Namibia

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Vegetable crop production guide Part 1:

Spinach A

griculture is not only limited to commercial farming units. In fact, the majority of agricultural products in Africa are produced by small-scale and emerging farmers. If more people are empowered by knowledge to grow their own food, there will be less hunger and better nutrition on the African continent. This series of articles aims to teach you how to grow your own vegetable crops successfully, with different crops being featured in each article. In this first article, we discuss the best practices of growing spinach. Climatic and soil requirements Spinach seeds germinate at 2 °C to 30 °C. However, 7 °C to 24 °C is optimum. Seeds will not germinate well in warm weather. Although spinach will grow in temperatures ranging from 5 °C to 24 °C, growth is most rapid at 15 °C to 18 °C. The plant requires a constant and uniform supply of water in order to obtain a good crop of high quality. During spinach production, the soil should never be allowed to dry out. Spinach requires plenty of water, although the soil should have good drainage. Spinach grows well on a variety of soils, although fertile, sandy loams with a high organic matter content are preferred. Heavier soils can be quite productive if these are well drained and irrigated with care. Spinach is particularly sensitive to saturated soil conditions and to acidity. The optimum soil pH is 6,2 to 6,9. Uses Spinach is used raw in salads and

cooked as a potherb. The leaves may also be canned or quick frozen. Spinach can be used as a source of vitamin A, B1, B2, niacin and calcium. The crop also has a hypoglycaemic effect that can be used in treating urinary calculi and lung inflammation. The seeds can be used as a laxative and for treating breathing difficulties and liver inflammation.

Cultivation practices

Planting Spinach is propagated by seed that is found inside the fruit as a result of fertilisation. The soil will have to be ploughed to a depth of at least 20 cm and then harrowed. Harrowing should be done very thoroughly for the land to be flat, especially on irrigated land, so that the water can flow evenly. The seed is broadcast or sown in rows on

wide beds. Spacing should be 50 to 60 cm between the rows and 15 to 20 cm between the plants in a row. If the spinach crop is seeded directly, the planting depth should be about 20 mm. However, the depth of planting on heavy soils should be much shallower than that of the light soil for ease of germination and emergence. Spinach can be planted from August until April. Slight variations in planting date may exist because of the micro and macroclimate variation and taking into account the rainfall patterns and variation. Fertilisation Preplant phosphorus (P) application ranges from 56 to 112 kg/ha. Some growers use broadcasting and others band-placing (5 to 7,5 cm to the side and below the seed row) after beds are

Spinach can be used as a source of essential vitamins and minerals to supplement your diet.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Zimbabwe 40

ProAgri BNZ 20

rated or a pre-emergent herbicide. This herbicide is applied before the plants are planted and after planting but before emergence. The most effective and efficient control of weeds is by integrated pest management.

Spinach requires deep, fertile soil with lots of compost. Spinach also needs to be watered regularly to prevent wilting. listed but prior to planting. N quantities should range from 90 to 224 kg/ha, depending on the length of the growing season and market destination. Approximately 56 kg/ha is applied before planting, followed by one to three sidedressings or water-run applications. In commercial conditions, tissue analysis can be used to evaluate the fertilisation need and the quantities required. Irrigation Spinach fields are sprinkler irrigated to ensure the germination of the seed. The very first irrigation is performed immediately after planting, and a second one can follow just before emergence. The first irrigation will be needed to germinate the crop, but several short sprinkler applications are

often necessary to prevent soil crusting. Once a uniform stand is established, most growers switch to furrow irrigation. Continued use of sprinkler irrigation favours infection and the spread of leaf-spot diseases. Weed control Hand-weeding is an expensive component of the crop production. A more economical alternative is to hoe the field when weeds are small and have not flowered yet. Sometimes two handhoeing methods may be necessary. Shallow cultivations are also used to control the weeds on spinach fields. Only registered herbicides can be used during the production of spinach. A typical weed control programme includes the use of a preplant incorpo-

Pest and disease control Spinach leafminer and aphids are the most frequent pests of spinach. Control can be done by destroying infected crop residue and weeds. Also use registered pesticides. Apply management strategies for diseases and pests, including crop rotation and spraying with registered insecticide and fungicide. An integrated pest management programme can be followed. Diseases include downy mildew, furasium wilt and yellow rot, spinach blight or yellows and damping off. These can be controlled by treating the seeds with a registered chemical immediately before planting; by planting resistant cultivars; avoiding planting when the soil temperature is high; practising 3-year crop rotation; and considering hot water treatment of the seed. The information provided in this article is credited to the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. For more information visit their website on www.daff.gov.za.

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Enzyme analysis

Nematode count and iden ﬁca on

Organic carbon content

The above are all indicators of soil microbial ac vity.

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ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Zimbabwe 42

ProAgri BNZ 20

Vlakte Bonsmara auction highlights:

The red breed does it again!

LAR 14 showed off at auction. The exceptional bull was bought for 1,8 million rand by a Consortium Bonsmara buyers, the bull's top genetics accrual was also on offer at the auction. reflected the top-quality bulls and commercial female animals that were offered. An excellent turnover of R6 175 500 was achieved at the auction. The auction was hosted by Vleissentraal Bushveld, Mike Killassy was the auctioneer. The auction was also hosted online by SwiftVee.

n Friday the 7th of May 2021, in the heart of the Bushveld, on the farm Doornpan 45 km from Roedtan in the Limpopo province, the Vlakte Bonsmara study group held their auction. It was a huge success where top animals, 23 bulls and 300 female animals respectively, came under the hammer. The auction registration started early with cattle farmers queuing up too scared they might miss something. Welcomed with open arms and warm hearts with a traditional bowl of porridge and kaiings for breakfast, mouths shiny eaten of all the fried fat with the bulging of calves in the background. These are the things that make one childishly excited and nostalgic again. Few things as cheerful as a packed auction ring where avid buyers loudly pursue the Red Breed's prices. The day was filled with chatting, laughing, buying, and socialising. The Vlakte Bonsmara study group consists of 20 breeders who breed top-quality medium-frame Bonsmaras in the north-eastern region of South Africa that will most definitely ensure

an excellent contribution to any cattle farm. The group was founded and established thanks to several forward-thinking Bonsmara breeders in this district. The study group's motto "as good as stud" is essentially a great motivation to pursue only the highest feasible standards. The bulls and female animals that were on offer at the auction spoke for themselves. The study group usually hosts three auctions every year. Apart from the weaner calf auction in July, the production auction in May (mainly focused on female animals with a good offer of bulls) and then the traditional bull auction in October, where a good combination of top bulls and female animals is offered. The interest in the Bonsmara breed was rekindled here at the auction. Functionally efficient animals, which make the breed extremely sought after and proved themselves once again at auction. Good pigmentation around the eyes, udders, and claws. Smooth skin, sturdy legs and hooves and excellent maternal qualities. The prices achieved at the auction

This meat machine was the bull of the day. Highest price obtained at the auction and sold for R200 000. Seller André van der Heyde of Boschoek Bonsmaras. ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 20

Auction results: • Highest price bull: Lot 10, R200 000 (Seller: André van der Heyde of Boschoek Bonsmaras) • Highest price pregnant heifers: Lot 78, R49 000 (Seller: Tian Kruger of TKB Bonsmaras) • Average price bulls: R65 375 • Average price pregnant cows and calves: R22 682 • Average price heifers: R15 118 • Average price cows and calves: R22 682 • Average price pregnant cows: R20 600 • Average price pregnant cow and calf: R30 744 • Average price pregnant heifers: R25 826

These pregnant heifers speak for themselves. They achieved the highest price at auction of the female animals. These beautiful pregnant heifers were sold for R49 000 by Tian Kruger of TKB Bonsmaras. Congratulations to all the sellers and to the buyers who walked away with top animals. With the amazing result of the auction through these actions, the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders’ Society is committed to making a positive contribution to the promotion of a balanced environmentally friendly beef-cattle industry, and to ultimately support its members in viable business endeavours. For more information on the Bonsmara Breed, contact the Bonsmara Breeder’s Society at +27 (51) 448 6084 or send an e-mail to info@bonsmara.co.za. Visit their website at www.bonsmara. co.za. 43

ProAgri 253 – Maart / March 2021

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Articles inside

Vegetable crop production guide Part 1: Spinach

FieldNET and Zimmatic: A winning combination for Namibian farmer

Cattle health management: Prevention is better than cure

Composting systems Part 3: Building and maintaining a compost system

Agri4all offers everything you need for your farm on one site

Cattle farmers benefit from Reinke irrigation

Feed your cattle for success - with Rumax's support

Sheep farming made easy Part 2: Production cycles and reproduction management

Wintering of ruminants: Feed wisely and farm efficiently

Farming with goats Part 7: Best breeding practices to expand your flock

No matter what you farm with, John Deere has what you need