ProAgri BNZ 34 by ProAgri

ProAgri B otswa n a / N am i b ia/ ia / Zim b ab w e No 34

John Deere: The farmer’s first choice

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Botswana page 13

Namibia page 23

Zimbabwe page 29

From forest to final form, Wood-Mizer offers it all

Agrico offers sustainable water use through drip-irrigation www.agri4all.com

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Cover Agrico is at the forefront of development in terms of water conservation and efficiency. Read on page 3 how you can also farm sustainably with Agrico and their water solutions.

Stop and smell t he roses

e are officially at the halfway point of 2022. As another year is speeding by, I know you are wondering how you got here; how time has moved this quickly. As we get lost in the hustle and bustle of life, we tend to forget to do the things that bring us joy. With the days, weeks and months rushing by, we get so caught up in our busy work activities that we sometimes forget to simply take a break just to breathe. It was Mahatma Gandhi who said: “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” I’m sure you have heard the phrase: “You need to stop and smell the roses.” I want to say it is really important to appreciate what you already have in life. It is a simple statement, but in an age when the current thinking is “faster is better”, we need to hear it again and again. Life in the making is what our days are about. Don’t stop making plans and setting goals. Don’t give up dreaming and thinking of what could be.

Pause It is important to pause, reflect and sometimes just stop and smell the roses.

Here are three things (or three “P's”) that might be worth doing at the halfway mark of 2022:

ProAgri greetings Bianca Henning bianca@proagri.co.za

Content

Push on At the halfway mark, many of us feel tired. There is no question, 2022 has been all over the map, but with this unprecedented year coming to a close, take that last leap of faith to make the best of what is left of this year. Plan Even though it is July, the strategic planning season is actually in full swing. Now is the perfect time to pause, push on and plan. We hope you enjoy this issue of ProAgri BNZ 34, take some time to sit back, read, relax, and stay warm until next time.

Dream sustainably with Agrico Wood-Mizer makes a welcome return to NAMPO! John Deere: The farmer’s first choice Cattle breeds Part 3 Vegetable production Part 15: How to start with Swiss chard Agricultural technology news from around the world Erosion control in Malawi Part 5: How to deal with flat, bare areas Crop production guide in Namibia Part 11: Pest management Green technology in sub-Saharan Africa Pig farming Part 4: Health management in your piggery Ancient African food Part 4: The answer to Africa’s malnutrition and obesity? 38. How to improve father-son work relationships 3. 5. 7. 8. 13. 17. 20. 23. 29. 31. 34.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

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 © 2022. 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 BNZ Editor Bianca Henning Reporters Benine Ackermann Maryna Steyn Natasha Kruger

> +27 82-326-2572 bianca@proagri.co.za > +27 73-105-6938 benine@proagri.co.za > +27 82-261-9177 maryna@proagri.co.za > +27 81-736-4236 natasha@proagri.co.za

Specialist Writer Annemarie Bremner > +27 82-320-3642 annemarie@proagri.co.za Client Relations Manager Carin Swartz > +27 84-233-0123 carin@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 Johan Swartz > +27 71-599-9417 johan@proagri.co.za Tiny Smith > +27 82-698-3353 tiny@proagri.co.za Brandon Gotz > +27 76-820-8478 brandon@proagri.co.za Lynette van Tonder > +27 74-694-4422 lynette@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 Distribution and subscription Nita Volmer-van Zyl > +27 79-515-8708 nita@proagri.co.za Accounts Ronel Schluter > +27 12-803-0782 accounts@proagri.co.za Business Manager George Grobler

ProAgri BNZ 34

Dream sustainably with Agrico

by Annemarie Bremner

“O

ur dream was to get water to Groenvlei farm, located 5 km from the nearest water source," says WG Treurnicht, who grows wine grapes just outside Porterville, at the foot of the Olifants River Mountains. The farm joined hands with Agrico Piketberg to make this dream come true. They first set foot in the irrigation industry in 2004 with the planting of rootstocks. Before this, they were dryland grain farmers. "It was the logical decision to approach Agrico, because I was at university with Walter Andrag," jokes WG. Yet friendship with the managing director of the company is just one of the reasons for the successful longterm relationship. "Agrico has been the leader in water management in the Western Cape for decades, and with their expertise, they have established a solid footprint throughout Southern Africa. "We started irrigating without any experience. That is why we needed irrigation experts who could provide guaranteed products and service to make the journey with us,” says WG. With a water source in the Olifants River Mountains, WG built a large catchment dam on the farm Soverby. The big challenge was to transport the water from the dam to the farm Groenvlei 5 km further downhill and handle the unmanageable pressure! While pumps are used on the upper farm, Groenvlei relies on gravity and natural flow. With a drop of more than 70 metres, the pressure in the pipes is up to 8 bar. A burst pipe can be a disaster. WG says that due to the high pressure, it is extremely important to have a trustworthy supplier and products. "About 90% of everything Agrico provides us with is buried 1,5 metres deep. There is only one chance to do it right!” Today, there are 75 hectares of wine grapes and 10 hectares of rootstock that receive water through drip irrigation. The nursery is moved every season

WG Treurnicht inspects his grapes to make sure they are top quality.

Niël Carstens from Agrico Piketberg says they know where every line and dripper is on the farm, and problems can be solved quickly. for protection against diseases. Therefore, the block needs to be surveyed every season and the irrigation planned from the start. The pipes are removed and rolled up to move them to the new block. Along with thorough planning and a smooth installation process, scheduling is just as essential. It is important that the system communicates and performs as planned. WG has been practicing conservation farming for many years, and the choice for drip irrigation over the more common micro-irrigation in the area has been made with a view to the sustainable use of water. Niël Carstens, Branch Manager of Agrico Piketberg, says one of the great advantages of the farm is its clean water source. The water is not full of minerals like iron or other impurities that tend to clog the drippers. This

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

Left: This dam and Agrico's superior irrigation planning turned a dream into reality.

WG Treurnicht, farmer from Porterville in the Western Cape, and Niël Carstens, Manager of Agrico Piketberg, both know that a good relationship between supplier and customer is the first step to success

Good planning and water management are essential for the successful cultivation of vines. improves the consistency of the water application and reduces maintenance. To make the correct recommendation for irrigation, factors such as the crop, soil type, slope and water quality are taken into account. "We try to get the maximum value for our customers from their available water — we do not believe in waste." Most of the water management takes place in the filtration house where the pressure and the distribution of the water are controlled. Because Porterville is a winter rainfall region with hot and dry summers, they need to be proactive. Moreover, the seasons are not always predictable due to climate change, and from 2015 they have experienced many challenges with below-average rainfall. WG concludes: “Our entire farming is future-oriented. Farmers need to understand that water will become a major challenge in the world. That is why it is important to build a relationship with an organisation like Agrico that is at the forefront of development in terms of water conservation and efficiency.”

Dream sustainably with Agrico. Call +27 (0) 83-455-5423 or +27 (0) 21-950-4111, send an e-mail to sales@agrico.co.za, or visit www.agrico.co.za.

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ProAgri BNZ 34

Article supplied

Wood-Mizer makes a welcome return to NAMPO! Above: Showing how it is done.

fter a two-year layoff due to Covid-19, Wood-Mizer made a welcome return to NAMPO 2022, the largest agricultural expo in the Southern Hemisphere! Originally organised by the erstwhile Maize Producers Institute (SAMPI), later by the National Maize Producers Organisation (NAMPO), and since 1999 by Grain SA, NAMPO is a juggernaut, world-class agri-event rivalled by few other similarly styled shows globally. With just under 800 exhibitors spread across 24 hectares, excluding 80 hectares set aside for demonstrations, and about 80 000 visitors to the event, NAMPO 2022 made a welcome return to SA's national exhibition circuit, the 54th edition in the event's history. The NAMPO Harvest Day offers a unique platform for producers and visitors to expand knowledge and explore new technology and productivity solutions in agriculture and related sectors.

An LT15Start blasting through timber.

Early morning visitors to WoodMizer’s stand at NAMPO 2022.

A packed stand! Wood-Mizer's association with NAMPO goes back to 2016; the company's timber processing solutions displayed at the show offers farmers, land-care specialists, and visitors rare insight into advances made in timber beneficiation technology. In an era where farmers are looking to boost farm profits and sustainable land-management practices prioritise the sustainable use of trees and timber, Wood-Mizer's product range at NAMPO provided a unique perspective on technology to reach these goals. Wood-Mizer's range includes solutions across the entire timber value addition chain - from forest to final form. The range consists of narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, resaws, board edgers, wood kilns, woodworking machines, material handling, sawmill blades, and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and professionals across the world. Wood-Mizer's Regional Sales Director for Africa, Bruce Husi, said that NAMPO is a one-of-a-kind event. "It brings stakeholders from across South Africa, Africa and even abroad together to offer a unique perspective on the latest advances in agri-land care technology, services, products, and related industries. "Farmers get to see how to build profitable timber businesses with timber on farms using our technology.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

But then we also reach across a much wider audience at NAMPO. Anyone interested and passionate about timber can use our solutions to build timber businesses that work. "And finally, NAMPO also offers a unique brand-building opportunity for Wood-Mizer. "The high visitor count past the Wood-Mizer stand allows us to introduce the brand to the uninitiated. Existing customers deepen their association with us while new leads from the show drive sales into the future," Bruce Husi said. Lee Pauls, Wood-Mizer Sales Manager for South Africa, concluded that "Wood-Mizer's plans are also far advanced to make NAMPO 2023 even more extensive. A larger stand, combining with other role players in the timber sector exhibiting at NAMPO to drive interest in timber production, increase sales from the event, and develop NAMPO even further are on the cards." See Wood-Mizer at NAMPO 2023!

Not even bad weather kept them away. Visit www.woodmizer.co.za to learn more about new product releases and company news from Wood-Mizer. 5

ProAgri BNZ 34

Left: The 5725 John Deere high-crop model works ideally for the crops that Jan grows.

John Deere: The farmer’s first choice by Bianca Henning

f you have ever been ready to get to work in your fields, only to find your equipment was not working, then you know the importance of reliability. Farming consists mainly of timecritical tasks — you have to be ready to go when the time is right, whether it is tilling the soil when the conditions are favourable, planting your crops within the limited window, spraying weeds and pests before they ruin your crop, and harvesting while the moisture content is just right. If you miss your window of opportunity and have to wait another two weeks because of the weather, it could cost you in yield, and ultimately hurt your bottom line. Jan Keyser, farmer in the northern parts of Namibia, ultimately believes in the reliability of his farming equipment. Jan farms approximately 450 km north of Windhoek and 20 km north of Tsumeb. Jan’s father bought the farm, Huebus-ost, in 1985. In 2012 Jan took over from his father. Today the farm is better known as Keyser Boerdery. They mainly plant crops under irrigation: potatoes, carrots, onions, maize, and citrus. “The reason why we initially bought the farm was its agricultural potential. Over the years the farm has developed extensively. We have expanded a lot with our irrigation systems on the farm, since our rainfall is quite challenging in Namibia. To date we have 150 ha of crops under irrigation and 32 ha under citrus. We pack, market, and distribute the fresh produce to the northern parts of Namibia and Windhoek. We have also expanded our citrus operation, and recently we have set up the first ever citrus packhouse in Namibia, with our eye on expanding to enter the export market. “My wife, Juanita, and eldest son, De Waal, are my right hands on the farm, while my other two sons, Bothma and Arend, are still pursuing their professional careers. It is such an honour

Jan Keyser with his eldest son, De Waal, with their John Deere 6155 tractor. to know that one day I can leave something behind, a legacy and something that my sons can take ownership of,” says Jan. Jan has thirty permanent workers on the farm and makes use of seasonal workers from the area from time to time. “Our farming operation can of course not operate effectively without the right and reliable equipment,” Jan explains. “That is exactly why John Deere is still my number one choice. Reliability, good quality products, value for money, prompt service, and minimal downtime. Their equipment makes farming much easier for me.” Jan’s fleet consists of seven John Deere tractors, ranging from 55 to 110 kW. He bought his first 6430 John Deere tractor in 2012. This tractor is still working like the first day of its arrival on the farm, and still looks brand new. “The 6430 tractor was exactly what I needed for my farming operation at that stage,” says Jan.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

He also has a 5725 high-crop model which works ideally for the crops that he grows. “This tractor is very handy, especially with spraying of row crops and the planting of potatoes and onions. I also have a 6105 and a normal 5725 model, which is a very handy all-rounder tractor for everyday work on the farm. Then I also have a 5090, 6155, and the most recent addition to my fleet is the 5076.” Jan also has a John Deere baler. “One of the core aspects of my farming activities is to look after what I have, and to take care of the farm and equipment. Neatness is very important to me,” Jan adds. “Every Friday the tractors get a wash, and I firmly believe when you look after your equipment, it will look after you in return. Neatness doesn’t cost you money.” Jan adds: “The reason why I decided on John Deere is because of the good network that they have in Namibia.” Hoffmans, the nearest John Deere dealership to Jan, is located in Otjiwarongo, approximately 220 km away. “I have been working for many years with Hoffmans. They supply all the parts and service all my tractors. The client service and support that I get from them is phenomenal. I don’t have to give them praise unnecessarily, but they really mean a lot to me. “I take good care of my equipment, but normal problems can occur, and whenever they do, downtime is minimal. Since I have been a client of John Deere, no tractor has been out of order for more than a week. I am very thankful and satisfied with my choice since day one.”

Jan’s fleet of John Deere tractors ensures effective and efficient land preparation for the next planting season. Make the right choice today. Contact or visit your nearest dealer today to discuss the various options offered by John Deere. Farm more productively, efficiently, and comfortably with John Deere. 7

Cattle breeds Part 3

by Natasha Kruger 8

ProAgri BNZ 34

Drakensberger

In 1497, the seafarer, Vasco da Gama, first encountered black oxen when rounding the Cape. In 1836, several Voortrekker families left the Cape with similar black oxen, referred to as Vaderland cattle. Most of these farmers settled along the Drakensberg mountain range, where they developed the breed further. In 1947 the Drakensberger Cattle Breeders’ Society was formed. Drakensbergers are a mediumsized beef breed, with bulls weighing 820 to 1 100 kg and cows weighing 550 to 720 kg. They are black with smooth coats and clearly defined bodies. These cattle have a tranquil temperament; cows have excellent mothering abilities; easy calving because calves are small; and a low abortion rate. The breed is disease and internal parasite resistant, ultraviolet radiation resistant, and heat resistant due to its loose hide and coat. Production regions The Drakensberger is popular all over Southern Africa because of its adaptability, hardiness, and ability to thrive on poor-quality veld. Having strong legs and hard "buffalo" claws, they are able to easily negotiate even the most rugged terrain. Their high milk production enables weaner calves to obtain a 60 to 70% skeletal development. Some weaners can reach 206 kg at the weaning age of 205 days. Use A closed herd of Drakensbergers can produce some of the best beef in the world, but they are also frequently crossed with other breeds to create hybrids. The breed has no known ancestors, so breeding it with another breeds yields superior results. They

Drakensberger cows. (Image source: drakensbergers.co.za)

Hereford bull. (Image source: gemstonecattle.com)

are often used as a foundation herd for semen or bulls from other breeds because of their maternal qualities. These cattle are classified as a subspecies in the Bos indicus group. Meat quality More than 80% of Drakensbergers have a marbling gene, which is the same gene that makes Angus and Wagyu beef so popular. As a result, the meat is juicy, tender, and easy to slice.

Hereford

Hereford is a popular beef breed in Southern Africa. The Hereford breed appears to have evolved from draught oxen descended from Roman Briton small red cattle and large Welsh breeds. The breed evolved in Herefordshire, a historic agricultural region of England. It is one of the oldest English breeds, with a high meat yield and production efficiency being top priorities. The cows weigh 500 to 650 kg, and bulls between 900 and 1 100 kg. Hereford cattle have a distinctive white head, crest, underline, socks, and tail switch. They have a reddish hue and can be polled or horned. As a result of their early maturation and ability to produce high-quality meat

Hereford cow and calf. (Image source: gemstonecattle.com) from low-quality forage, they are known around the world as "the breed that made grass famous". Production regions Because of their hardiness and ability to thrive in the harshest of climates, Herefords can be found all over. They can survive anywhere, from the bitter cold of winter to the sweltering heat of warmer regions. Since the Hereford has developed immunity to tick-borne diseases, purebred herds can now be found in the northern parts of South Africa, particularly in the heartwater and redwater regions. In warmer climates, crosses with Zebu cattle are beneficial, while more temperate ones benefit from crosses with Angus cattle. Hereford cattle are classified as a subspecies in the Bos taurus group. Use Hereford cattle can be used on their own in closed herds, but they are also very popular in crossbreeding programmes because of their high level of heterosis. This is because they are pure and have good mothering skills, fertility, and utilisation of forage. Meat quality Even though they are a popular breed in feedlots, they can also be "fattened" on natural and established pastures, allowing them to truly be sold as "grass fed". Cattle farmers, feedlot owners, and consumers around the world recognise the distinctive white head as a quality trait marker.

Limousin Drakensberger bull. (Image source: drakensbergers.co.za) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

Limousin cattle were originally used as draught animals and slaughtered when they became too weak to work. They 9

Limousin cows. (Image source: grangelimousins.com)

Limousin bull. (Image source: agriland.ie) have the adaptability to thrive in harsh, rugged, and rocky conditions. The breed has excellent meat-producing qualities and is produced worldwide. The Limousin is known as the "carcass breed” for its exceptional beef qualities. Feedlot cattle have excellent feed conversion, gaining an average of two kilogrammes per day. Because it can produce a lot of meat, this breed often wins carcass competitions. The breed is characterised as being medium-framed, with cows 10

weighing 650 to 850 kg and bulls weighing 1 000 to 1 300 kg. Despite their size, the cattle are lean with no excessive fat. They are easy to handle on the farm or in a feedlot because of their docility. The cows are extremely fertile and produce small calves for easy calving. Despite this, the calves grow rapidly due to the high quality milk produced. In the course of her productive life, a cow can produce as many as fourteen calves.

Production region Limousin cattle are well-known for their adaptability and ability to thrive in harsh environments. They thrive in the Highveld's cold winters with lowpalatable sourveld grasses. Use However, the Limousin is also used as a component for crossbreeding programmes, whereby the meat quality of other breeds is improved. These cattle are classified as a subspecies in the Bos taurus group. ProAgri BNZ 34

Meat quality Feed conversion and average daily gain are excellent with "naturally" produced meat. The cattle are naturally raised without the use of hormones, making their meat exceptionally tender, tasty, and healthy. They also produce low-fat carcasses with a high slaughter percentage and high meat-to-bone ratios.

Nguni

In the past, these cattle were more than just a source of food and milk; they were also used to pay wedding gifts, and this practise continues to this day. Keeping as many cattle as possible led to overcrowding and the belief that these animals were underperforming. The Nguni is medium-framed, with cows weighing 300 to 400 kg and bulls weighing 500 to 600 kg. Ticks do not usually attach to Nguni cattle due to their smooth coats and short hair. Colours, patterns, and horn shapes

differ from other breeds. Skin and eye cancer is prevented by the unique pigmentation of their hides, which is used to make handbags, floor covers, and wall art. The breed has evolved to withstand the harsh conditions of Southern Africa, including heat, cold, and disease. According to research, they are the most tick resistant of all cattle breeds. Nguni cattle are calm and easy to handle. As with the Afrikaner and Brahman, their feed conversion rate is superior to most other breeds. The Nguni Cattle Breeders Society labels it as the breed that “produces the most kilogrammes of beef per hectare at the lowest cost”, making the Nguni “the most profitable and economically sustainable beef breed”. Production region In Southern Africa, Nguni cattle are kept because of their toughness and

ability to thrive on poor quality veld. As a result of climate change, Southern Africa is likely to have more extreme weather. The fact that Nguni cattle can handle high temperatures shows potential for its role in meat production in the future. Use Although primarily a beef breed, Ngunis may also be used for milk production, and their hides are highly sought after. Nguni cattle are classified as a subspecies in the Bos taurus africanus group. Depending on how they are kept, they can be used to improve the meat quality or maternal characteristics of other breeds. With early sexual maturity, high reproductive rates, easy calving, and above-average milk production, the Nguni has excellent maternal traits. As a result, various crossbreeding programmes make use of the dam line. Meat quality Although the quality of Nguni meat is on par with that of most other breeds, the meat's colour tends to be darker, making it more attractive for the consumer. As a result of its hardiness, the breed can be allowed to finish itself off on the veld naturally. The term "finished off on the veld" refers to the fact that these cattle do not need to spend time in a feedlot.

Nguni cows and calves. (Image source: nguni.co.za)

References Southafrica.co.za. (2022). South African Beef Breeds. [online] Available at: https://southafrica.co.za/ south-african-beef-breeds.html. Loubser, A., Schutte, N. and Hofmeyr, I., (2007). Cattle breeds of South Africa. Pretoria, AgriConnect, Pages 97-165.

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Nguni bull. (Image source: nguni.co.za) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

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ProAgri BNZ 34

Although Swiss chard can be enjoyed fresh like spinach, the stems are usually bitter. Cooking the vegetables improves the taste. (Source: Pixabay)

Photo: (Source: Pixabay)

Vegetable production Part 15: How to start with Swiss chard S

wiss chard can easily be confused with spinach. This is because these green, leafy vegetables only differ slightly in appearance: Swiss chard has bigger, broader leaves and thicker stems. When it comes to nutritional value, both are jampacked with minerals and vitamins, and the only real difference is that spinach is higher in calcium, whereas Swiss chard is higher in vitamin A. You might also be surprised to know that the plant is actually related to beet, not spinach. Interestingly, the vegetable did not originate in Switzerland, but rather Italy. It was named, however, after the Swiss scientists who were responsible for classifying the plant. As a crop, this vegetable delivers an average yield of around 8 to 15 t/ha. The crop is easy to grow and harvest, making it ideal for even the most novice grower to cultivate.

due to the bitter taste of the stems, the vegetable is usually cooked. Swiss chard’s unpleasant taste is due to the oxalic acid. Cooking the plant destroys these molecules, making the vegetable more palatable.

Soil preparation

Start to prepare the soil by clearing the planting area of weeds and grasses. You can do this approximately a month before you plan to plant the seeds. Water the field and continue to loosen the soil with a fork to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. This helps promote

Other varieties of chard have different coloured stems; from white to green or even red, yellow, and pink. (Source: Pixabay) drainage, root penetration and aeration. Add the fertiliser, manure, or compost. Loosen the soil with a plough or fork. Swiss chard requires a lot of compost or manure, in addition to fertiliser. Mix it as instructed and make sure the seedbed is fine. Any big clods can prevent germination.

Climatic and soil requirements

Swiss chard is a cool-weather crop, but it is not unheard of to also grow it in hot summer months. The optimal temperatures for this crop ranges between 16 °C and 24 °C. The best times to plant this crop is from August to April, but in warmer areas, it can be planted from March to June. It fares best in well-drained, loam soil, but it will also grow in clay soil if it is fertile. The acidity of the soil needs to be between 6 and 6,8 pH.

Uses

The stem and the leaves are edible, but

Swiss chard can be grown in an open field or in a tunnel. (Source: Pixabay)

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

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Planting

Swiss chard seeds are directly sowed into the furrows. Make furrows of 3 cm deep with a spade or rake. Space the rows 25 to 35 cm apart. Sow the seeds 2 cm apart and cover with soil. Irrigate the seedbed after sowing and cover it with a layer of mulch to keep the moisture from evaporating. After five to six days, the mulch can be removed to stop seedlings from being too leggy. The seeds should germinate by day eight. Plants will germinate in seven to eight days. Remove the grass mulch after five to six days to avoid long, leggy seedlings. You can also thin the plants out three weeks after seedlings have emerged, ensuring plants are 10 cm apart. These plants are top heavy and can easily be damaged by the sun. It is important to thin seedlings out to 10 cm apart, not later than three weeks after the seedlings have emerged.

Young plants have shallow roots and need to be irrigated often to ensure they do not dry out. (Source: Pixabay)

Fertilisation

Before planting, apply 2:3:2 (22) Zn fertiliser. The measure to apply is 900 kg/ha or 90 g/m2. Mix it into the top 10 cm of the soil. Three weeks after emergence, topdressing can be applied between 5 to 15 cm away from the plants. The quantity to use is 8 g KAN/LAN per 1 m row on each side. Nitrogen is vital for Swiss chard. It ensures the plant produces large, broad leaves. After another 5 weeks, the same topdressing can be applied again. This time, it can be worked into the top 2 cm of the soil by using a fork. Take care not to damage young, fragile roots. Irrigate after fertilisation.

Irrigation

Swiss chard has a very shallow root system; therefore it requires regular irrigation – once or twice a week to keep the soil moist.

Harvesting

To stimulate regrowth, and thus obtain a higher yield, plants need to be harvested often. This can be done by cutting off the outer leaves with a sharp knife. Cut the leaves 30 to 50mm above the soil. Do not damage the new shoots. To ensure freshness, leaves can be bunched and stored in water - almost like flowers – until they are used. You can only refrigerate Swiss chard for up to eight days before it spoils due to its high transpiration rate.

Pest and disease control Pests

Aphids Aphids are small insects that suck the fluids from plants and transmit viral diseases. Check your plants regularly to see if there are pests. If you find

aphids on your vegetables, you can dilute a teaspoon of dish soap in a litre of water and spray the solution over the plants. Alternatively, you can use registered pesticides such as Phosdrin or Mevinphos. Cutworm These pests hide underground during the day and feast on the seedlings at night. You will need to check regularly if your seedlings disappear, but you can use cutworm bait preventatively. Red spider mite An early sign of infestation is stippled areas on leaves. Leaves become chlorotic and in severe cases, webs are produced on leaves and stems. Control: Regular checking is important. Spray with dish soap diluted in water. Larger insects, which make large holes in the leaves, can cause a lot of damage. Spray chemicals registered for aphids. Nematode infestation Can be seen as swellings on the roots. Practice intercropping with marigold, mustard, and rapeseed; fallowing. Also use soil solarisation or spray registered pesticides such as Nemacur and EDB.

Swiss chard diseases:

A couple of diseases affect Swiss chard. First, there is cercospora leaf spot, which causes small, dark brown spots on the leaves. The spots have a lighter colour in the centre. Second, there is pythium root rot. It is caused by soil that didn’t drain well after irrigation or rain. Although there isn’t a registered chem-

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

Swiss chard usually has broad green leaves and thick white stems. (Source: Pixabay) ical to control these diseases, there are preventative measures you can follow. These are: • Rotate crops • Destroy infected plants by burning them • Sanitise the field after harvests • Fertilise plants well • Don’t over-water • Water Swiss chard in the morning so the leaves are dry at night

The information provided in this article is credited to the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) ÚRC Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute (ARCVOPI). For more information, contact +27(0)12-841-9611 or visit http://www.arc.agric.za.

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Agricultural technology news from around the world Land Rover Defenders can now go electrical

A ‘drop in’ kit is now available in England to convert Land Rover Defenders to full electric power. Converted Land Rovers have been tested on a farm over the past 18 months. According to reports the vehicle is quiet and nippy with improved off-road and towing performance. Electrogenic, the maker of the system, reckons the cost can be recouped after only four years. The conversion is said to be simple, with a low-voltage electric motor replacing the diesel engine. It is bolted to the Defender’s existing clutch bell housing and the vehicle keeps all its gears. The 120 hp and 235 Nm of torque the electric powertrain develops is said to be comparable to the original diesel engine. An electric vacuum pump, power steering and heating are added, together with LED lighting. The 53kWh battery pack simply lifts into the engine bay in the form of two 135 kg boxes that plug together. A full charge provides around 160 km of on-road range; more when driving off-road or around a farm. The kit comes standard equipped for 7,5 kW AC overnight charging (quicker charging optional). The electric powertrain is designed to be maintenance-free.

In South Africa an electric farm bakkie is already old news. Farmers looking for a lekker local version, need not look further than Worcester where Rumax is continuously upgrading its electrical solution for the farm.

“Defenders fitted with our easy to install kits do everything required of them on the farm quietly and efficiently,” comments Steve Drummond, Electrogenic Co-founder. “They are always there ready for use – just unplug and drive away; no more factoring in trips to the petrol station, and instant heat on cold frosty mornings.” The kit will be available to ship from October 2022. (Sources: www.electrogenic.co.uk, www.ProAgri.co.za) An autonomous future winks AgXeed, a Dutch start-up company, is getting important role players in the agricultural machinery world on board. CLAAS announced it has entered into a cooperative venture with AgXeed and acquired a minority shareholding in the company's international funding round as a mark of their commitment to technological growth. The aim is to cooperate on the development and commercialisation of autonomous agricultural machines. A while ago Amazone also announced its financial interest in the company. The aim of the strategic partnership is to further develop Amazone mounted implements with regard to their autonomous use in the field. The autonomous platforms from AgXeed are described by Amazone as an ideal match to its product range. The combination of minimal ground pressure, optimised weight distribution and flexible mounting zones open up new possibilities for constructing intelligent farming solutions. The tracked AgBot has already been used successfully in conjunction with Amazone cultivation and seeding equipment. In addition to cultivation and seeding, the new four-wheeled AgBot can also be used with Schmotzer (part of the Amazone Group) hoes for mechanical weed control. In addition, the FTender universal front hopper system for seed and fertiliser along with the FT-P for crop protection agents and liquid fertilisers, can also be combined with a range of Amazone machinery for specific applications. Various sensor systems constantly monitor and analyse the work done. CLAAS says in its news release that the farming industry must further increase productivity in the decades ahead to meet the needs of a growing global population. For CLAAS, collaborating with and investing in AgXeed marks a logical step towards futureproof technologies. "Our involvement provides CLAAS

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

with access to innovative technologies in a familiar market segment, and complements our own expertise in autonomy and robotics,” explains Thomas Böck, CEO of the CLAAS Group. "In turn, AgXeed benefits from our extensive expertise and networks in many areas such as data transfer, interfaces and drivetrain solutions. This solution offers farmers and contractors concrete economic added value, and what’s more, it will soon be available." AgBot, together with the associated software solutions and platforms, is expected to be launched in 2022. Optional crawler tracks with belt widths from 300 to 910 mm, combined with a low maximum weight of 6 t (without ballast) makes the AgBot very soil-friendly. The vehicle also features an adjustable track width, load-sensing hydraulics, and a linkage with a lift capacity of up to 8 tonnes. An electric PTO, independent of the engine speed, and external high-voltage connections are optionally available. The electric equipment includes all the technology required for hazard and obstacle detection, in addition to an RTK (real time kinematics) steering system. AgBots will be launched in various sizes and performance classes. (Source: CLAAS media release, www.amazone.com)

One million Masseys made for farmers AGCO recently celebrated the production of the one-millionth tractor at its Massey Ferguson® Beauvais plant. This significant milestone coincides with the company’s 175th anniversary. Massey Ferguson has been manufacturing tractors in Beauvais, France since November 20, 1960. Thierry Lhotte, Vice President and Managing Director, Massey Ferguson EAME, and President of AGCO in France presented the one-millionth tractor produced in Beauvais – a brand-new MF 8S.305 Dyna-VT™ - to Thierry Aubrée, a farmer and contractor from the village of La Chapelle des Fougeretz in 17

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an ag machine, • MF 8S Series in 2020, with its award-winning Protect-U™ concept, which features a 9,4-inch gap between the cab and the engine installation, reducing heat, noise, and vibrations being transmitted to the cab and improving cooling and performance. The MF 8S Series received the Tractor of the Year 2021, Red Dot: Product Design 2021 and Farm Machine 2022 awards. Brittany, France. “On behalf of all our employees and dealers, I want to thank our customers for their steadfast trust,” said Lhotte. The new 8S adds to Aubrée’s expanding Massey Ferguson fleet that already includes four tractors, three combines, and two large balers. Boussad Bouaouli, Vice President, Manufacturing Beauvais, emphasised employee commitment on the Beauvais MF campus development. “From 1960, there have always been people who kept the site moving, always with the right farmer-first focus to address challenges of the times and, above all, with a clear view to the future.” It all started with the MF 825 in 1960. From then, the site grew continuously, producing iconic tractors driven by innovation, including: • MF 3000 Series in 1986, the first tractor with onboard electronics, • MF 8600 in 2008, introducing the efficient power concept, which reduces environmental impact, courtesy of the first use of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology on

The site has seen innovative developments in recent years, and up to 100 tractors can be produced and shipped daily to dealers in more than 70 countries. (Source: www.news.agcocorp. com/news) Case IH goes big with new flagship round baler Designed for larger livestock farms and contractors, the new RB HD Pro is designed to produce higher density bales in a wide range of crops, from wet silage to dry straw. Topping the company’s variable chamber round baler range, there are two models: the RB456HD Pro (1,2 mwide bales from 90 cm to 1,65 m in diameter) and RB466HD Pro (1,2 m wide but from 90 cm up to 1,9 m in diameter). Each size comes with three rotor options: a feeding rotor, 13 cutter knives or 25 cutter knives, making six models in all. Fitted with heavy duty components and fewer moving parts, main features include a completely re-designed bale chamber and belt path, as well

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

as strengthened and enlarged rollers, shafts, and tailgate. The more powerful gearbox and driveline is said to increase the number of bales per hour (bale size, wraps and density pressure can all be set up on same screen page in the cab). “In some places we have simplified things to help reliability and maintenance, for example reducing the number of driveline chains and sledge rollers,” comments Michal Jankowski, Case IH Product Marketing Manager. Able to handle up to 30 tph, the new balers are designed to manage everything from straw and hay to haylage and silage at different cut lengths, thanks to new no-slip dual drive rollers and a wide range of knife sets selectable from the cab. An extrawide diameter rotor helps prevent blockages, while a new active drop floor means any that do get through can be cleared quickly. The new balers will be available for the spring season 2023. (Source: profi)

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Erosion control in Malawi Part 5: How to deal with flat, bare areas E

rosion is caused when a lot of water have set up a nursery where indigeruns over bare soil. Soil usually nous trees are grown in large numbers. becomes bare because of overgrazIn the previous two issues, we ing, which is caused when a farmer discussed how soil erosion on steep keeps more livestock than the land can slopes, which had caused head-cuts support. If the farmer has no other and gullies, was successfully treated land where the animals can graze, the by using available plant material such vegetation doesn’t get a chance to as branches, grass, and shrubs. This recover, even after it has rained. readily available material was used to During a drought, the situation gets build branch breaks and grass fences worse. The bare soil is baked hard by that were used to slow down the water the hot sun and whatever plants reand prevent more damage. mained, also shrivel up and die. In this issue we look at the way When a heavy downpour of rain in which Conservation Management follows, there are no plants to protect the soil and to keep the running water from washing away the soil. Water that flows unchecked over the soil causes soil erosion. Eventually most of the topsoil is washed away and the subsoil is all that is left, without any organic material or nutrients for plant growth. Even if some water remains on top of the bare soil, little or no moisture penetrates the hard soil. Because there are no plants on top of the ground, there are also no roots underneath the ground that will hold the moisture, and muddy puddles soon evaporate leaving the land as dry as before the rain. Flat land without any vegetation. To prevent this from happening, Ken Coetzee and Wallie Stroebel of Conservation Management Services from George in the Western Cape were appointed by Wells for Zoe, an Irish charity organisation, to help restore some of the degraded land in Malawi. Wells for Zoe is working on the Enyazini reforestation project near the town of Mzuzu in the northern part of Malawi. They provide wells and pumps for the community in this area, and they are busy with the reforestation of the mountain slopes that were stripped bare by the cutting down of trees for firewood and charcoal. For this purpose, they Example of flat, bare land with little vegetation. 20

Services helped to prevent the soil from drying out by making hollows, or ponds, to capture the run-off rainwater, silt, animal droppings and seeds.

Action

On bare areas capped with hard soil, hollows are created to allow water to infiltrate and rehydrate the parched soil. Hollows or ponds are constructed to catch the water before it runs off, thereby creating a place where run-off soil or silt is captured, as well as seeds and other organic material. When the seeds germinate, grass and other plants grow to provide ground cover for the bare soil. This method consists of digging rows of hollows across flat bare areas where little or no plant cover exists. It is applied on flat or gently sloping ground, and each hollow incorporates an inflow and an earth berm opposite the inflow, creating a small dam which can hold roughly 45 to 55 litres of water.

Step by step action

On bare, flat areas of land where plant cover is absent, mark the outline of the hollows in alternating rows. Avoid the destruction of existing plants, as they help to bind the soil. Hollows should be about two metres apart in rows of one metre apart. The hollows should be cut in a horseshoe shape (see Figure 1). Arrange the rows of hollows so that water flowing past the hollows in one row will be trapped in the hollows of the next row, in other words, stagger the rows of hollows across the site to be treated. The layout should be staggered (See the photo of the final result). It is very important that the open side of the horseshoe faces in the direction that the water will be flowing from. ProAgri BNZ 34

This will ensure that the maximum quantity of water is captured and held. Dig the bowl of the hollow by using a hoe or pick and shovel and place the excavated soil on the bottom side of the hollow to create a berm or little dam wall on the side to which the water will normally flow. Make sure the berm is compacted throughout the process to ensure that it will form a strong retaining wall. The hollows need to be no larger than 800 mm wide, 500 mm wide and 300 mm deep. Place brush or mulch inside every hollow to create a favourable environment for seed germination and to protect the seedlings. Sow a mixture of local grass seeds in every hollow to ensure that new plant cover will be established. The wind will also help to bring grass seeds into the hollows; in grassy areas seeding will not be necessary.

Contact details Ken Coetzee, Wallie Stroebel and Bruce Taplin 4 Chestnut Street, Heather Park, George, 6529, South Africa Cell Ken: +27 76-227-5056; Wallie +27 82-493-1441 Website: www.conservationmanagementservices.co.za

Figure 1: The construction and layout of hollows or ponding.

Illustrations provided by Conservation Management Services.

Digging the hollows by hand.

Compact a soil berm on the downslope side of the hollow to ensure that it will be strong enough to hold the run-off water.

Put leafy branches or brush inside the hollows to create a microclimate for plant germination and to protect new seedlings from grazing animals.

The final product with hollows staggered across the land.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

Namibia 22

ProAgri BNZ 34

Crop production guide in Namibia:

Pest management by Natasha Kruger Pesticides must be used in a way that minimises their potential to cause harm to people. (Image source: pexels.com by Laura Arias)

vital part of crop production is pest control. However, pesticides should be used responsibly to prevent harming farmers, workers, consumers, and the environment. Guidelines for action Always: • Keep pests at a manageable level rather than killing them as well as their natural enemies. • By using pesticides in the right way, you can try to keep pests from getting used to them and becoming resistant. There are a number of ways to accomplish this: • Use pesticides from various groups or pesticides that combine biological and chemical control methods. • Never use too much pesticide. Carefully follow the instructions on the label.

Part

•

By implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the application of multiple techniques to reduce pest populations and keep them below levels that cause economic harm. Using pesticides incorrectly can lead to: • The annihilation of beneficial natural enemies of pests. As a result, pest infestations will continue to rise. • Resistance to pesticides. • Death or serious illness. Pesticides are extremely harmful to the environment. In food, pesticide residues can harm people's health. pollute the environment, and get into drinking water sources. Right: Maize beetles eating the tassels of maize.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

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"Soil tillage is a highly effective method for preventing the spread of soilborne pests and pathogens."

(Image source: unsplash.com by Josh Berendes) The most important characteristics of IPM instruments Instruments in the IPM family fall into the following categories: • Cropping, cultivation, and plant breeding methods. Effect: Pest pressure decreases, yields increase, and pesticides become more cost-effective as a result. • Methods of control based on mechanical and physical mechanisms. Effect: Stabilisation of yields and reduction of risk. • Natural insecticides and biological plant protection methods. Effect: Stabilisation of yields and reduction of risk. • Methods based on chemicals. Effect: Stabilisation of yields and a reduction of uncertainty. Methods of cultivation, crop production, and plant breeding Choose the right crop for the right site Soil, climate, and location all play a role in promoting healthy crop growth and reducing the risk of insect pests. Tilling the soil Soil tillage is a highly effective method of combating soil-borne pests and pathogens. Tillage, for example, destroys the eggs of locusts and grasshoppers, as well as a wide variety of caterpillars. Selection of hardy cultivars Selecting crop varieties that are resistant to some local pests and diseases is critical. As with all things, there

Shorten the time between harvest and storage by harvesting as early as possible. are advantages and disadvantages to each variety. When it comes to reducing your exposure to risk, mixing and matching different kinds is recommended. Fertiliser application to increase plant resistance Plants that receive adequate nutrients during their early stages of growth are less vulnerable to pests during this period. Plant resistance will be improved, in particular with the availability of potassium. Rotation of crops A properly designed crop rotation

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

system should be implemented in order to prevent the build-up of soil-borne pathogens. The more crops there are in a field, the more stable it is. Harvesting date and method Harvest as early as possible and shorten the time between harvesting and storage. Reduced storage time helps to keep pests at bay. Set traps and plant border crops as a preventative measure Insects prefer certain plants to hide or live in, and this preference is based on their biology. As a result of this knowledge, "trap plants" and natural en 25

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ProAgri BNZ 34

The Melia tree, which bears yellow fruit, can be used to make the most widely used natural pesticide. (Image source: plantsystematics.org) emies are used to control insect pests. For instance, including some rows of tobacco or maize in a cotton field acts as a trap for African bollworms. The trap crops are used to control the bollworms that have made themselves at home there. Similarly, selective spraying of the bushes around the field where armoured bush crickets spend the day can keep them from moving.

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Pest control through horticultural methods Pests benefit from crop residues when the weather is unfavourable. The African bollworm in cotton and the stem borer in maize and sorghum can be significantly reduced by destroying crop residues. Those ecological niches are destroyed when crop residues are piled up and used as animal feed or when the leftovers are ploughed into the soil after harvest. Compost piles should be at least 30 metres away from vegetable fields in order to avoid "airborne" fungi contamination. Make sure that the compost-making location is facing the major wind direction. By using pesticides in the right way, you can try to keep pests from getting used to them and becoming resistant. Never plant seeds that you've collected yourself. They may already be infected with harmful pathogens when you use them. Control methods based on mechanical and physical principles A mechanical approach is usually the best option for farmers who have limited resources or whose crops suffer from low levels of pest infestation. However, because of the time and labour involved, this method is only appropriate for small-scale farmers. In a garden, a simple physical collection and destruction of armyworms, armyworm crickets, armoured crickets, and creeping locusts should be carried out immediately after they are discovered. It is also possible to cut and remove parts of plants that are infected. Biological methods of pest control Living organisms Pests can be controlled using

biological means, such as using living organisms. The advantages of biological control over chemical methods are: • It is very specific. Only one pest is being targeted by this method of control. • It is non-toxic. • Once natural enemies are introduced, they become part of the landscape. • It makes good financial sense in the long run. Initial expenditures, however, are prohibitively expensive. • When a chemical's selective action is known, it is possible to use it with other kinds of systems. Pesticides that are made from natural ingredients The Melia tree (Melia azedarach) and/or the Neem tree can be used to make the most common natural pesticide, a plant extract, which can be used to control pests. Namibia is home to a large population of Melia (Cape syringa). The Neem tree has been established in several locations at Omahenene Research Station and Ogongo College. Neem or Melia plant extracts are highly effective in small vegetable production. The following is the procedure to be followed: • In March, the fruit is ready for picking. Ideally, they'll have a yellowish hue. • They need to be dried and then crushed in a mortar to make an extract suspension. • Crush the Neem or Melia fruit and add water to the mixture (500 g crushed seeds in 10 litres of water). After 24 hours, use the solution to control a wide range of vegetable pests, including armyworms and locusts.

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ProAgri BNZ 34

Left: Electric vehicles form part of the green technologies. (Source: pexels)

Green technology in sub-Saharan Africa

s the world seeks more sustainable farming methods that positively contribute to flora and fauna, the concept of green technology holds the key to global problems such as climate change, better water use, and less pollution. Green technology is a phrase that describes the use of technology and science to reduce human impacts on the natural environment. It encompasses a wide area of scientific research, including energy, atmospheric science, agriculture, material science, and hydrology. It applies to the agricultural sector in wastewater treatment, elimination of industrial emissions, recycling and waste management, selfsufficient buildings, generating energy from the waves, vehicles without carbon emissions, and solar energy. The main aim of green tech is to protect the environment, repair damage done to the environment in the past, and conserve the earth's natural resources. Green technology has also become a burgeoning industry that has attracted enormous investment capital. The advantages that green technology can provide subSaharan Africa are: • significant energy savings, • slowing down global warming, • reducing air, soil, and water pollution, • reducing the use of plastics, • protecting natural resources, • possibly feeding larger populations, • effective recycling, • new business opportunities on a national and international scale.

Unfortunately, for most developing countries, the main restriction of such technology is the high costs involved in setting it up. Other disadvantages are the research and development costs, solving technical issues associated with green technologies relying on a small pool of experts, long implementation period for African countries, job losses, and a lack of a regulatory framework. But farmers can still start using green technology in the production process. The possible areas include soil preparation, climate analysis, staff management, pest and disease control measures, water use and chemical management, harvesting or culling techniques, packaging procedures, refrigeration, post-harvest processing, logistics, security, good maintenance and reparation of all mechanical, hydraulic, electrical installations and their infrastructure. The best way for sub-Saharan countries to adopt green technologies is through green technology transfer. According to the African Development Report 2012 – Towards Green Growth in Africa, technology transfer can help sustain natural resources and improve the livelihoods of people who depend on those resources. The increasing water scarcity, the unreliability of water supply, and competition for land arising from other non-agricultural demands necessitate the need for technology transfer. Thus, when properly sourced and managed, technology transfer can enhance land productivity and tackle problems of food and water insecurity.

Solar power is one of the green technologies that can simultaneously assist farmers and help the environment. (Source: Pixabay) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

A fact that cannot be ignored is that whilst the need to finance investment in hard technologies is crucial, capacity building initiatives and other institutional technologies also deserve attention. These 'soft' technologies include training, market linkages, distribution systems, availability and access to microfinance, and more networking between research institutions, rural infrastructure providers, and the private sector.

Self-sufficient buildings can produce their own energy. (Source: Scott Webb via pexels) The technology transfer process is centred around three main participants: Technology suppliers; the technology transferred, and the technology importers. The technology suppliers are encompassed by the supplier's firms, engineering, managerial and other technological capacity contributors. The technology to be transferred consists of capital goods, engineering services, managerial services, product designs, skills and knowledge for operations and maintenance, and lastly the expertise and experience for generating and managing technological change. The technology importers will look at the creation of new production capacity and the accumulation of innovation capacities. As the first world countries go greener while simultaneously improving their technological, financial, labour, functionality, and performance, they lead in profit earning and maintain their position at the forefront of global food production. We cannot fail to be a part of the movement by looking aside and being unresponsive to the changes around us. We must also be a part of the progressive movement. The only way sub-Saharan countries can move towards the partial and full application of green technologies, is through the support of governments, non-governmental companies, and the private sector. They need to provide the necessary policing, laws, tax deductions, infrastructure, and capital to allow farmers and farming companies to organise themselves and apply green technology. 29

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Pig farming Part 4: Health management in your piggery P

iggery production systems are kept at peak performance by the upholding of a variety of parameters. One of these is health management. Efficient and effective health management safeguards good reproductive performance, consistent pig numbers at all stages of production, and consistent growth factors, which then contribute to a steady, high income for the piggery enterprise. One of the first steps towards creating a health management system is the use of production records. Various records are utilised to assess performance and identify areas of concern. Record-keeping ensures an efficient diagnosis assessment of the functionality of the treatment and/or mitigation strategies.

The assessment process involves: • taking an appropriate history of symptoms and collecting relevant data; • physical examination; • generating a provisional and differential diagnosis; • testing, if required (ordering, reviewing, and acting on test results); and • reaching a final diagnosis and prognosis. Health records help set targets and motivate farm staff to achieve the targets. Types of records kept are: • veterinarian records; • medication and treatment records; • vaccinations; • medicated feed mixing records; • biosecurity checklists; • visitor logs; and • needle and drug storage inventories. An element of health management that springs up right from the inception of the project is biosecurity. Biosecurity encompasses the procedures or measures designed to protect the pigs against harmful biological or biochemical substances. The management of health issues regarding biosecurity can be classified into three fields:

by Tapuwa Mashangwa

First, there are strategies designed to live with endemic diseases. Generally, endemic diseases are instigated by pathogens that survive in the environment and are too difficult to eliminate, or they are ubiquitous organisms that generally cause few problems. Endemic diseases can be mitigated by maximising immunity and minimising the challenge, whereas ubiquitous organisms may be managed by solving environmental-management deficiencies which usually cause them. The second field is the elimination of pathogens. Their elimination usually involves the administering of chemical substances such as antibiotics, or quarantine to create herd immunity. The third and last part of biosecurity are actions to prevent pathogens from entering the herd, such as foot baths, spraying of vehicles, and limitation of human movement in the sties. Poor health management can lead to a population of pigs with underdeveloped immune systems, stress leading to a weakened immune system, overwhelming pathogen challenges, or the entry of new pathogens into a population of pigs without specific immunity. Health conditions affecting pigs include parasitic diseases, which may be internal or external. Parasitic diseases are roundworm and tapeworm that

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

can be controlled with medicine in the food, and the provision of clean and dry pens, periodic disinfection of sties, separation of young ones from adults, washing sows before farrowing, and preventing the pigs from wandering about where they can feed on human faeces. External parasites such as mange, lice, myiasis can be solved by scrubbing sows with Gamma BHC insecticides four days before farrowing, cleaning and scrubbing the farrowing pens before use, maintaining proper animal nutrition and health programmes to reduce severity and spread. Recommended control products for this are: Ivermectin (1% injectable), or Malathion (1% spray). Reproductive disorders and diseases include anaphrodisia, leptospirosis, brucellosis, uterus prolapse, mastitis and endometritis (bacteria). Preventative measures include improved feeding of mineral-rich feeds, regular deworming, vaccination, and hygienic measures. Diseases and disorders of the digestive tract are scouring, birth diarrhoea, red diarrhoea or clostridial enteritis, transmissible gastroenteritis, salmonellosis, and swine dysentery. Measures to mitigate this include but are not limited to keeping pens, feed, and watering troughs clean, separation of affected animals from healthy animals, 31

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One of the first steps towards creating a health management system is the use of production records that keep track of your pigs’ health. (Source: pexels.com)

(Source: pexels.com)

and keeping the pigs warm. Some of the diseases of the respiratory are influenza, pseudorabies, pneumonia, atrophic rhinitis and pasteurellosis. Preventative measures are good ventilation, vaccination, hygiene, and the use of antibiotics. Under nutritional disorders is anaemia which can be treated by providing iron injections or oral iron-paste containing iron, feeding compost of good quality and supplied daily, as compost of poor quality may contain bacteria, and wood ash can also be put into the pen. Other diseases are foot and mouth disease (FMD), swine fever/hog cholera and anthrax. Mitigation includes vaccination, quarantine, use of antibiotics and sometimes thorough disinfection of the farm and burning of carcasses. The existence of a health anomaly for a pig may present itself by: • the pig not eating or not showing an interest in feed and or water; • rapid breathing which is usually indicative of a fever; • white pigs may become reddish; • diarrhoea which may be bloody or blood-stained; • droopy ears or ears pointing downwards; • dull eyes; • dull skin and hair; • a limp tail; • and the pig may separate itself from the herd. Generally, as elaborated, it is paramount for farmers to constantly monitor and assess the state (behavioural and physical) of their herd for the early detection of any health issues.

ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

Zimbabwe

by Tisha Steyn

Ancient African food Part 4:

The answer to Africa’s malnutrition and obesity?

n the previous issue, we discussed ways of bringing back food plants our ancestors used, but which have become neglected and underutilised in recent times. By using these plants in the diet, African families will get the nutrients they need on a sustainable and affordable basis, and it will help fight health and developmental problems caused by malnutrition. In this issue we look at global initiatives, such as the Global Seed Vault in Norway and the World Vegetable Centre (WorldVeg), and what they are doing to ensure that a variety of plants survive for biodiversity and food security. The Global Seed Vault “A seed is a time capsule,” says Jurie van der Walt, who has been studying and writing about ancient plants that have become neglected and underutilised species (NUS). “Seeds can be stored for hundreds of years, and even thousands of years.” This Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, was built to store about 500 seeds each of 4,5 million varieties of crops. The Vault officially opened on 26 February 2008 and has since received more than a million distinct crop samples, representing more than 13 000 years of agricultural history. The seeds were donated by almost 34

all the countries in the world. The Vault does not store genetically modified seeds, as the Norwegian law prohibits it. The Vault is a backup facility for the world’s crop diversity. It provides longterm storage of seeds duplicated in gene banks around the globe to protect the world’s food supply against the loss of seeds due to equipment failure, accidents, mismanagement, a cut in funds or natural disasters. The Vault functions like a safe deposit box in a bank. The contents of the box remains the property of the person who deposited it, and only this person has access to the materials. The seeds are sealed in three-ply foil packages before being placed in plastic containers that are stored on metal shelves. The seeds are stored at −18 °C. Limited access to oxygen ensure low metabolic activity and delay the aging of the seeds. The permafrost surrounding the facility helps maintain the low temperature of the seeds in case of a power failure. The World Vegetable Centre (WorldVeg) The International Year of Fruits and Vegetables was celebrated in 2021. The year also marked the fiftieth year of existence of the World Vegetable Centre. This international non-profit research institute was established to

help smallholder farmers and local communities in developing countries to increase the production of vegetables. WorldVeg was founded as the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre in 1971. The name changed to World Vegetable Centre in 2008. For the first twenty years, research focused on the sweet potato, but now it is focused on three groups of globally important vegetables. These include solanaceous crops, which include tomato, sweet pepper, chili pepper and eggplant; bulb alliums, like onion, shallot and garlic, and cucurbits, including cucumbers and pumpkins. They also do research on the indigenous food plants of Africa and Asia. These vegetables are researched so that WorldVeg can provide seeds of nutritious plants at an affordable price to farmers, who can also sell excess food for an income. WorldVeg keeps the world’s largest public collection of vegetable seed, with about 70 000 accessions, or products derived from 440 vegetable varieties from 158 countries. WorldVeg maintains vegetable biodiversity by conserving genetic material, called germplasm, mostly in the form of seeds of these plants that are either cultivated in gardens, or gathered from the wild. Jurie explains: “I had the opportunity to talk to the Head of WorldVeg’s ProAgri BNZ 34

Indigenous vegetable seeds are being harvested in India. gene bank in Africa, Dr Sognigbe N’danikou, who joined Worldveg in April 2019 as scientist:

The Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, where seeds from all over the world are kept in case a calamity threatens food security and plant biodiversity. ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

Traditional Vegetable Conservation and Utilisation “Dr N’danikou’s task is to maintain and improve the traditional African vegetable germplasm collection and associated documentation at the WorldVeg gene bank in Arusha, capital of Tanzania. WorldVeg provides seeds for safekeeping in the Global Seed Vault. “The Centre’s research and development work focuses on breeding improved vegetable lines, developing and promoting safe production practices, reducing postharvest losses, and improving the nutritional value of vegetables.” Besides research, the centre also builds networks and do training and promotion to raise awareness of the role of vegetables for better nutritional health, and ultimately to alleviate poverty. Dr N’danikou also explains that the centre stores seeds of the ancient and 35

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indigenous food plants of Africa and to make these available to farmers for multiplication. These food plants include African eggplant, African nightshade, Amaranth, Jute mallow, Spider plant, Okra, Moringa, Roselle, Cow peas, and Mung beans. Vegetables a pathway out of poverty towards better health Dr Roland Schafeitner, a researcher who leads the vegetable diversity and genetic improvement programme at WorldVeg, believes almost a billion people around the world suffer chronic malnutrition, two billion have micronutrient deficiencies and another two billion are overweight. According to Jurie, Dr Schafeitner also believes that improved vegetable production systems and new ways to process, market and trade produce, can provide income for smallholder farmers, especially women and youths. New ways to farm can also reduce the impact of farming on the environment, while making the soil more fertile so that crop health and yields can improve. The doctor states: “You can earn more money with a hectare of vegetables than with a hectare of rice or wheat. Vegetables are a pathway out of poverty.” According to Jurie, three billion people around the world are unable to

afford a varied healthy diet. “There is a need to tackle the issues around the availability, accessibility and affordability of fruits and vegetables.” The lack of healthy, nutritious fruit and vegetables leads to stunted growth in millions of children; many millions of women of reproductive age suffer from serious vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and a billion people, including children, adolescents, and adults, are overweight or obese. “This represents a major burden on the social and economic development in low- and medium-income countries,” says Jurie. “Research studies indicate that the greatest food security challenge in 2050 will be providing nutritious diets rather than adequate calories.” Low productivity Although smallholder farmers in Africa grow indigenous, healthy, and nutritious foodplants as a pathway to healthy living as well as an income, low productivity remains an obstacle. Low productivity, which ranges from 35% in sub-Saharan Africa, 47% in South-East Asia, and 64% in South Asia, leads to a short supply of nutrient-rich vegetables. In these regions, among others, the low productivity, the unavailability of vegetables, and a poor vegetable

value chain, are caused by technological and socio-economic factors. This is made worse by climate change, which causes higher temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and the occurrence of extreme weather patterns. According to Jurie, a recent study of global vegetable and legume production found that if greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continue at the present rate, with the resulting higher temperatures, water scarcity and increased salt content of the soil, vegetable yields could drop by 35% by 2 100. Vegetables must be able to adapt To change this course of events, it is important to ensure that the vegetables can adapt to environmental changes. Therefore, the research conducted by the WorldVeg Centre in Arusha has for the last fifty years focused on improving vegetable varieties and production systems to cope with high temperatures and weather extremes in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The centre is therefore able to expand its research to make vegetables even more resilient to climate change, such as reducing inter-season variability (able to grow in all seasons) and prevent losses after the vegetables have been harvested. Production and supply (push factors) need attention in Africa, where 13% of the countries provide enough vegetables, compared to Asia, where 61% of the countries do. Demand and activism (pull factors) must grow the consumer’s choice and preference for fruit and vegetables. Jurie believes education on all levels is necessary to change people’s behaviour. They must learn about nutrition, the social norms of healthy eating, and must start taking charge of their diets and therefore their own health.

Contact details Jurie van der Walt at jurievdw@ mweb.co.za His books are freely available on request. The history of food and why we eat it (2020), and We need to revive the ancient indigenous food crops of Africa (2021) Svalbard Global Seed Vault (2021, December 12). Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svalbard_Global_Seed_Vault World Vegetable Centre (2021, November 21). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ World_Vegetable_Center WorldVeg stores seeds of indigenous plants and provide samples of all to the Global Seed Vault. ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

Zimbabwe

(Image source: unsplash.com by Daiga Ellaby)

How to improve

father-son work relationships by Trevor Dickinson

onflict between fathers and sons relates to traditional male roles. Once men understand the underlying issues, they can work to transcend their competitive instincts. “No matter what advice I give you, you reject it,” says a father to his son. “You think you’re so damn smart just because you have a BSc Agric. Well, you’re in the real world now.” “Why did you insist I spent half my life studying at university,” the son replies, “and then refuse to let me put in practice what I know will work?” “You’re 26 years old,” the father retorts. “I’ve worked in this business for more years than you’ve been alive. I know what works and what doesn’t. Don’t waste my time.” It seems that these family members, for whatever reason, simply don’t know how to talk to each other. If they find the problem intolerable, they may visit a consultant, who may lay out a stepby-step plan for appropriate behaviour to ensure no such scenes will occur in the future. It’s a very male approach to life: Tell me the apparent problem and I’ll give you a solution. A harmonious relationship can be achieved by following a few easy steps. The underpinnings of the problem are complex, but ultimately make sense. The father and son don’t want to disrespect each other, but something keeps preventing them from pulling together, and instead they pull apart. Both father and son must understand the origins of their conflict in order to 38

change their perspectives. If they can understand why they fight, the situation won’t seem so overwhelming, and resolution will be possible. Nothing is more destructive in a family agribusiness than the statement, “I don’t know why, but we’ll never get along.” Such a sense of hopelessness will ultimately cause the demise of the agribusiness. “Family agribusiness” connotes an

idealised image of kin happily working side by side in an atmosphere of mutual support, love, and common purpose. Classically, at the helm of this noble enterprise is the wise and generous father. His chief goal is to prepare and nurture his offspring so they may one day take over the family farm. The children are empowered to mould the agribusiness to reflect their

Entrepreneurs must be fiercely independent, confident, and without vulnerabilities or doubt. (Image source: unsplash.com by Frame Harirak)

ProAgri BNZ 34

generation’s passions and skills while maintaining its established legacy. At a mutually agreed-upon time, the father gladly relinquishes his control over the farm and moves into retirement, content that he has successfully completed his work. As the direct result of his expert mentoring, his children assume the task of lovingly passing on their father’s vision, and their own, to future generations. This scenario is a reality for a select and fortunate few. In most family agribusinesses, each day brings another noble struggle fuelled by family members’ frequently opposing visions, developmental needs, abilities, expectations, and goals. The male perspective Without question, the creation of a family business is an act of hope and love. To maintain the business, the family must ingeniously balance what’s best for each family member and for the business. But men, who continue to head most family agribusinesses, typically lack the skills of balance and integration. Particularly when a male child is appointed to succeed his father, the outcome frequently is conflict.

In separate discussions with father and son, it is common to hear each one assert that their family agribusiness has achieved its success primarily as a result of his efforts. Each nod to the well-meaning of, somewhat competent, work of the other. But, with great sincerity, each pride himself of rescuing the business from the catastrophe that certainly would have occurred under the other’s leadership. Interspersed in this description are genuine assurances of love. Yet there remains great concern that the son is simply not ready for immediate succession or that the father, however brilliant his original work, has now grown hopelessly out of touch. They sound narcissistic and condescending. But each man is simply doing what he was raised to do — compete. Both fathers and sons are primed to be victorious. They’re too often confused about how to win without destroying the one they love in the process. Notions of mediation are contrary to their assigned life purpose to win. In a culture where the primary value of any man still rests in his ability to produce and conquer, how is cooperation anything but a loss of power?

Conflict is simply seen as the price one pays in the pursuit of victory. Ask a man about his philosophy of conflict resolution — he is likely to respond that he is all for it, as long as it doesn’t mean he loses. However, when a father and son truly love each other and work together as a single unit, there is little to compare with the strength of their connection. The singularity of their focus, their shared intuition, their unwavering mutual trust, and their combined efforts can be overwhelming to their competition. But when they cannot come together as a unit, the battle can be fierce. Yet, it is too simplistic to describe most relationships between fathers and sons as either loving or combative. Usually, both love and competition are present. To be a father or son is to unconditionally love the other. But to be a man means fighting for your position and power without concern for the enemy. In addition, to be an entrepreneur means enveloping oneself in the role of the lone cowboy: fiercely independent, confident, without vulnerabilities or doubt. It is the role of the unflinching

At a mutually agreed-upon time, the father gladly relinquishes control of the farm and retires. (Image source: unsplash.com by Warren Wong) ProAgri Botswana / Namibia / Zimbabwe 34

Zimbabwe

decision-maker who doesn’t sweat. It is also the role of the leader who rules either benevolently or as a despot, but must rule alone. Where in this characterisation is there room for mentoring and sharing power with a beloved son? It is a dilemma most fathers face in family agribusinesses. The business a father creates, or the multigenerational family farm he successfully stewards, becomes his identity. It is not only his identity within his family or community, but also his identity as a man. What more loving a gesture is there than to offer his farm to his son? But internal conflict ensues upon the realisation that a son who succeeds in the family farm will ultimately share, steal, or usurp the father’s own identity. Paternal pride thus is mixed with grief and a fear of loss of power or self. Subtle gestures Certainly, there are fathers who “eat their young”. But for most loving fathers in family businesses, the phenomena described here are almost undetectable. The conflict manifests itself in the form of small gestures, in a father’s simultaneous promotion and subtle sabotage of the son’s efforts. The project he hands his son and then critically micromanages is explained away as mentoring. The son resentfully describes the experience as diminishing. Yet, how can the father truly mentor? His own father was likely a poor role model. How can the son accept appropriate mentoring if he has been raised to become a totally self-reliant male? He is expected to somehow spring forth with knowledge and expertise that only experience can bring. For the most part, he is play-acting at being his father. Daughters, by contrast, don’t directly threaten their fathers the way sons do. Many can share their father’s identity without stealing it. Often, they can challenge their fathers in ways inconceivable to their brothers. Of course, daughters in family agribusinesses have issues of their own. Many of them complain they continue to be viewed as “Daddy’s little girl” and, despite their expertise, are often not taken seriously as businesswomen. Where sons often get dismissed because their power threatens that of their fathers, daughters often get dismissed because their power is not taken seriously in the first place. Conflict between fathers and daughters exist, but it usually has a different flavour. Unlike the often-unending fight for control between fathers and sons, in many families conflict between fathers and daughters is more fleeting and cooperation comes more easily. Perhaps this is because women traditionally have gained power in cooperation and have learned to advance with40

out threatening men. More and more fathers are leaving their businesses to daughters, who have managed to challenge them successfully, thus gaining respect and authority. Both fathers and sons take their family company personally. The son’s boss is not just a symbolic paternal authority figure – he is literally the father. He is not just the person who directs the son’s professional life; he is the one person who holds the key to the son’s sense of himself as a man. The son is not merely an employee whose job performance will enhance or hinder the performance of the company – he is literally the son. He is the natural extension of the father; someone who can partially guarantee his immortality or render his life’s work and identity all but worthless. The power of this connection must be acknowledged. The contradictory dynamic of unconditional love and competition must be addressed. How can father and son work together, love each other, state their needs, be heard, and actually learn to negotiate their differences? How can each retain a sense of his individuality and purpose while forging a working relationship? Resolution takes courage The path to resolution of these issues is clear-cut and simply understood: Talk to each other. The problem is that it takes an enormous amount of courage for men to actually talk about their feelings. Plus, men don’t often exactly know what they are feeling or how to put words to it. Any negotiation demands knowing your position, stating it and then being willing to compromise. Recognising, much less proclaiming, one’s vulnerability is often simply too overwhelming for men. The father and son for example could continue to debate about the value of an BSc Agric versus the “school of hard knocks”, or they could bravely take a stab at revealing what each is really experiencing. The father could say: “Son, it is hard to hear what you have to tell me about the business because it seems as though you think all that I’ve done is worthless. It hurts me to think you no longer look up to me.” The son could share: “I’ve worked hard for you to be proud of me, and the more I’ve accomplished the more defensive you’ve become. That hurts and confuses me.” That is when they should start a long and heartfelt conversation that would inevitably result in resolution. Three things are essential for this type of conversation to occur: 1. Trust that each won’t be diminished in the other’s eyes, 2. a belief that it is beneficial to risk showing one’s emotional hand, and 3. the initiation of such a courageous interchange by the father.

Preparing his son for succession must be his legacy, not his demise. (Image source: pexels.com by Steh Nobre) The father must step up to the plate and begin mentoring his son; that is, he must act like a father. He must serve as a model of the wise and generous elder wo believes a man must be able to reveal both his strengths and his struggles. He must want to not only impart knowledge, but also help develop essential qualities in his successor. He is there to help his son grow into his own person and not a clone of himself. He must believe that to prepare his son for succession will establish his legacy and not his demise. The son must open himself to being mentored. He must value his father’s courageous attempts to be honest with his feelings. He must meet the challenge of showing his own vulnerabilities. He must admit he can actually learn something and believe that it doesn’t reduce him as a man. He must relinquish some control and challenge the myth that he should know things he cannot yet know. He must trust that his father sincerely can make room for him personally and professionally in the family business. He must honour his father while finding his own way. Resolution can best be achieved when father and son understand the origins of the conflict. A change in their belief systems can lead to a change in behaviour. Fathers and sons working together can then begin to transcend their basic instincts to compete and conquer. They can begin a conversation and hopefully come to understand, as many women do, that true power is gained in cooperation.

Trevor Dickinson is the CEO of Family Legacies, a family business consulting company. For more information, visit www. family-legacies.com.

ProAgri BNZ 34

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