The year has certainly started off with speed and intensity. Between January and February this year, we have spent some time with farmers in the Southern parts of South Africa. Not only did the floods hit farmers in South Africa hard, but Zambia, as well.
Seeing the damage after the heavy rains is truly heart-breaking. The season looked set to be a good one, but recordbreaking rainfall has turned into a nightmare for farmers. Looking at the statistics of the floods in Zambia early February, it has affected over 20 000 citizens.
In this context, IWMI International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has come forward with the offer of support for post-flood recovery strategy development, as well as the strengthening of digital climate agro-advisory services.
Global animal health company, Zoetis, recently renewed their co-funding with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance the health and productivity of dairy, beef, poultry and fish producers in seven new countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Zoetis is pleased to receive a $15,3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to further develop and integrate innovative solutions to advance veterinary care and diagnostic services that will ultimately improve livestock health and productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Some highlights of this month’s edition:
Our cover story tells more about John Deere AME’s Construction, Mining and Quarrying Division’s announcement of its focus on investing in industry-standard training programmes for operators.
Did you know that pineapples (one of my favourite fruits), is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, minerals, and fibre. In this month’s Fruit Production article, we take a look at pineapple production and how you can farm it profitably.
Make sure you save the dates for the annual Agritech Expo marked on your calendar from 20 to 22 April 2023. Visit https://www.agritech-expo.com/ for more information. We are excited to announce that the ProAgri-team will also attend the expo. Stop by, get your latest copy of ProAgri Zambia, and chat with us. We look forward to seeing you there!
As a brand and a publication, we are always looking for new, impactful ways to tell the stories of agriculture in our communities and on our continent. We want to hear from you, where you are, how you are, what you are doing and planning. Reach out to me by sending an e-mail to bianca@proagri.co.za. I look forward to hearing your story.
ProAgri greetings
Bianca Henning bianca@proagri.co.za
Investing in Africa: It’s about more than just hard metal with John Deere
FAW trucks celebrates significant production milestones
Food safety and zoonotic control on farms
Give your livestock a head start the Rumax 7 way
The importance of balanced fertilisation
Agrico macro-irrigation improves water management for pecan nuts
BSi Steel: Africa's leading steel supplier
Make money with layers by keeping your production up – Part 1
Pig farming Part 7: Marketing – the final test for success
Aquaculture, aquaponics the way forward
Beekeeping part 8: How to obtain bees
Processing of condiments Part 27: Pickled beetroot
Sheep breeds Part 3: Native sheep breeds of Southern Africa
From silkworms to silk garments Part 3: Silk harvesting
Technews: The latest in agricultural technology from around the world
John
Fruit production part 3: Pineapple in its crowning glory
Tsebo Kenya's farm-to-fork initiative reaps sustainable and refreshing benefits
Taking good soil samples: Tips for small-scale farmers
on page 2 how John Deere bridges the gap between equipment, education, and employment.
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Deere is committed to the industry and will continue to grow, invest, and build Africa. It is about more than just hard metal with John Deere. Read
John Deere AME’s Construction, Mining and Quarrying Division has announced its focus on investing in industry-standard training programmes for operators. Operator training is essential when machinery of this calibre is sold, and John Deere understands it, thus the immense focus John Deere AME is placing on developing this asset. This programme aims to provide trainees with the necessary tools and education to become trainers in the industry.
Though still in the early stages, John Deere trusts this will be a testament to its dedication to the industry, servicing its customers, and providing opportunities to those who might not have them otherwise.
Having entered the African market in 2021, John Deere Construction has already demonstrated its commitment to keep growing and achieving more for its equipment, customers, employees, dealer network, and the difference it wishes to make across the continent.
The John Deere Construction Journey
The Yellow John Deere Equipment range is known throughout the industry for its exceptional quality and reliability, making it the go-to choice for companies in construction, mining, quarrying, and related industries.
From the beginning, John Deere Construction has been serious about growth and providing its customers with the best equipment and an even better customer experience.
Expanding the John Deere Construction brand into Africa
Announced in March 2021, John Deere Construction entered the African Market by introducing its construction line-up to eighteen countries across Southern and Western Africa, where Deere-branded construction products were previously unavailable. Press release, March 2021
Additional John Deere Construction models touched African soil for the first time
In September 2021, John Deere Construction made its first step toward expansion by introducing nine additional machines to the line-up of the already existing 17. Press release, September 2021
Not only does John Deere offer advanced machines, but they also offer tools that assist customers to better manage their fleet and improve productivity through hard data.
JDLink™ is a free subscription-based John Deere telematics system that allows owners and managers to remotely connect to their machinery to help monitor and track operations and productivity. It allows customers to track their machines in real-time, giving them access to vital information such as machine location, fuel consumption, and machine health.
It allows for machine monitoring such as performance, and identifies any issues before they become major problems, helping them keep their machines running at peak performance and minimising downtime. It allows customers to manage their fleets more efficiently as well, schedule maintenance and repairs from the app, ensuring their machines are always in top condition.
In March 2022 John Deere Financial has announced that they have extended their portfolio offerings to include
It’s about more than
the John Deere Construction, Mining and Quarrying machines to the portfolio. Press release, March 2022
In July 2022, John Deere AME launched their 460E-II Articulated Dump Truck, the first one to touch Southern African soil, and it was on display for customers to see and touch. Press release, July 2022
Now, John Deere is taking their commitment further with the development of their new programme, providing operator training to the industry to passionate members of local communities that might need direction in creating a path for them to build a career.
Working with expert trainer, Paul Sethusa, who has over 29 years of experience in the industry, John Deere, in partnership with their dedicated dealer network, provides a free six-month programme that bridges the gap between school and the work market. The programme provides theoretical and in-field training, followed by on-thejob experience with a dedicated John Deere dealer.
John Deere is committed to the industry and will continue to grow, invest, and build Africa.
FAW Trucks offer a locally produced model range that continues to represent robust solutions and excellent value for money in the extra-heavy, heavy, medium, and light commercial segments of the South African vehicle market. The popularity of the FAW Trucks model range has been endorsed
“The last nine years, following the opening of our production facility, saw the brand enter a period of rapid growth within the highly competitive commercial vehicle market. All models are assembled to extremely high standards in order to withstand the harsh conditions of the African continent as they continue
ments, including mining, and long-haul operations.
The attendance of a variety of ministers and government officials at the line-off ceremony reaffirms the importance of this production facility in the Eastern Cape’s automotive industry and the value of its continuous investment in the region. This is all thanks to the sales success of reliable Chinese products that have become an integral part of the African commercial vehicle landscape.
In attendance at the roll-off ceremony were the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Retief Odendaal; Provincial MEC for Finance, Economic Affairs, and Tourism, Mlungisi Mvoko; and Chinese Consul General to Cape Town, Changan Tang, with the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel; and the Chinese ambassador to South Africa, Xiaodong Chen, showing their support with video messages.
"Whilst we are proud of being able to surpass the 10 000 production mark in such a short time, we are only just getting up to speed."
There are plans in place to ramp up production, in order to meet demand, which should see us surpass the 15 000 mark before the end of 2023,” says Yongjun.
by the fact that the 10 000th unit has rolled off their production line in only eight years.
FAW Trucks SA, which has been present in South Africa for 28 years now, consists of joint investments by FAW group and CADFund. FAW Trucks soon realised that their vehicles meet the needs of South African and African users and commenced construction of a manufacturing plant in Coega, Gqeberha in 2012.
At that time the investment totalled R600 million and the 30 000 m2 facility includes a state-of-the-art training facility, a body shop, and a paint shop. Vehicle production commenced in 2014 and now, nine years later, the 10 000th unit has rolled off the production line just a few months after the plant celebrated the production of their 8 000th unit.
to deliver on the promise of a truck built in South Africa for Africa,” says Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks South Africa.
The production facility employs staff from the local communities within the operation of Production, Technical and Quality, Operations and Supply Chain, Finance, and Human Resources Departments. The current production variety includes seven different models, which are produced at a capacity of approximately 200 units per month.
The completion of the 10 000th locally produced model follows in the wake of ongoing sales success and record sales in the last two quarters. Fittingly the 10 000th model is a JH6 28.500FT. This 6x4 AMT Truck Tractor is one of the most popular models in the FAW line-up and a big contributor to the continued growth of the brand in a variety of seg-
FAW Trucks recently expanded their model range with the addition of the new JH6 33.420FT 6x4 truck tractor, giving customers even more choices when shopping for the correct solution for their particular needs.
Integral to the success of any brand is a well-established dealer network. FAW Trucks recently received Silver status at the NADA DSi awards, which is indicative of the growing confidence by their dealer body in the locally produced product range as well as the service and relationship between the manufacturer and their dealer network.
For more information visit www.faw.co.za or contact (+27) 87-700-2858.
Benefits of Novadog food:
Ideal balance of calcium
Added omega 6:3 to support a healthy coat
Dietary fibre for gut health
Dietary fibre for gut health
Essential amino acids
Essential amino acids
Vitmin C & trace minerals support immune function
Vitmin C & trace minerals support immune function vailable
For more information on the Novatek Feed range or feeding management, please contact us at: +260 971 252 522 | info@novatek.co.zm | Plot 9070, Katanga Rd, Lusaka, Zambia
Article supplied by Novatek Feeds
The control of zoonotic agents in poultry and animal stocks has the effect of reducing the challenges to food safety management systems in processing and also further down along the food chain. A Food Safety Management System (FSMS) is described as a programme or practices and principles that are aimed at preventing food safety hazards from causing adverse health effects on consumers, in this case both livestock and humans.
The aim of a food safety management system is to ensure that food/ feed is safe to eat and will not lead to outbreaks of foodborne illness among consumers.
On the other hand, a zoonosis or zoonotic disease is described as an infectious disease of humans caused by a pathogen (that is to say an infectious agent, such as a bacterium, virus, parasite, or prion) that can jump from a non-human (usually a vertebrate) to a human and vice versa. Examples of zoonotic agents are bacteria like Salmonella which is associated with poultry and Listeria monocytogenes which is associated with pigs.
It is a well-known fact that production and maintenance of healthy stock requires a blend of good husbandry practices, which may include proper stock selection and veterinary attention. One of the inputs is feed, which is both a source of pathogen-free nutrients as well as a balanced diet to maintain healthy livestock. The feed produced by Novatek Animal Feeds goes through a rigorous and robust food safety management system to ensure high quality feed to our customers. Our control measures can be divided into
three sections namely, pre-production controls, production controls and dispatch or delivery controls.
Pre-production controls are measures to control contaminants before the production of any feed. These controls focus primarily on raw materials. One of the most important control measures is the bio-security spray. The purpose of this chemical spray is to keep pathogens out of the facility. This step may also be referred to as bio-exclusion. In order for this control to be effective, every vehicle must undergo a biosecurity spray in order to access the facility. The other control used is laboratory sampling and test-
ing of raw materials which is done on every consignment received.
On the other hand, production controls are measures to control contamination of feed during production. In this step several strategies are employed. Firstly, employee bio-security measures, for instance proper clothing when handling feed and correct habits in the production areas. Secondly, pest control measures to keep out pests such as rats. This is because pests are vectors of zoonotic diseases. Thirdly, continuous microbiological testing of materials and feed. And finally, production process steps such as heat treatment.
The final set of controls are dispatch or delivery controls. These are basically measures to control contamination during the transportation of feed. The strategies employed are firstly, the cleaning, sterilisation and fumigation of trucks. This is because the vehicles
travel to several towns and farms so they are exposed to possible contamination. The second strategy in this step is feed protection from environmental factors. This is done by use of impervious tents and containerised vehicles.
For more information, send an e-mail to Robert Kanyembo, Novatek National Sales Manager, on salesmanager@novatek.co.zm, or contact him on +26-097-1252-522. Visit the website at www.novatekfeeds.com.
Weather-resistant phosphate trace-mineral supplements and concentrate for your cattle, sheep and goats.
PhosSure 6/12 & PhosPro 17:
• Essential for optimal growth, production and reproduction of animals grazing phosphate poor pastures.
• The molasses byproduct enhances palatability to ensure sufficient P intake.
• Contains increased levels of essential trace minerals in the correct ratio to phosphorus.
• A unique feature is the hard crust that forms after exposure to moisture, protecting the product from rain damage.
• PhosPro 17 contains 17% protein in the form of Feed Grade Urea for optimal activity of the microbes in the rumen.
For that extra nutritional boost when your animals need it most.
Every farmer knows what animals eat is the basis of successful livestock production. That is why the serious livestock farmer prefers the feed mixer that gives him the best quality fodder with every mouthful that goes down an animal’s throat and which will finally determine the money that goes into the bank account. That feed mixer is bound to be a Rumax!
It is no mystery why Rumax leads in fodder mixing technology. This local manufacturer makes use of only the best skills, material and equipment to provide the farmer ultimately with only the best equipment. Farmers all over the country trust the Rumax feed mixer range, consisting of 5, 7, 9 and 15 cubic metre models – one of which will be exactly what the farmer requires for his needs.
One of the most popular and affordable feed mixers is the Rumax 7 with its two mixer augers with 80 serrated tempered steel blades, which shreds and mixes a ton of fodder in a matter of only five minutes, compared with the older model feed mixers. This robust mixing speed represents an important saving on diesel compared with old technology machines, which required ample time to ensure that the feedstock was properly mixed. What’s more, it saves time that can now be spent profitably elsewhere.
The farmer saves further time and money because Rumax equipment has been designed and manufactured to be as tough and dependable as possible so that repair and maintenance costs can be cut to a bare minimum.
One of the reasons for the favourable price of the Rumax 7 is the fact that it is chain driven and does not rely on expensive gearboxes. Furthermore: Because Rumax is locally manufactured, it is not subject to unfavourable exchange rates and high import costs. But savings is not the only advantage that Rumax holds for the farmer –Rumax also eliminates mistakes and waste so that the smallest part of the feed that the farmer pays for, ends where it will earn him profit in the end.
Every mouthful of Rumax-mixed feed contains everything that is necessary to provide the best possible growth and meat/dairy production. This is further made easier by an accurate weight scale and easy operation of the Rumax mixer. The Rumax 7 only requires 45 kW tractor power and the fodder is served to the animals in a palatable form with a chain-driven feeder or an auger according to the farmer’s choice. The mixer can also be used in a stationary position driven by an electric motor.
Two sturdy mixer augers with 80 serrated tempered steel cutting blades ensure that the Rumax 7 shreds and mixes the fodder for your animals in a jiffy.
To round everything off – Rumax is supported all over the country by excellent after-sales service that will prevent animals on any farm having to bed down without their nightcap. Consequently it is no surprise that, in the two and a half years since the launch of the Rumax 7, more than one hundred of the excellent feed mixers have been sold all over the country to satisfied farmers. Farmers from various regions in South Africa have voiced their respect for Rumax feed mixers.
One of them is Carlo Nortjé, a Loxton sheep farmer, who says: “The Rumax 7 comes at a price that suits my pocket. More important – the craftsmanship is of such a high quality that you simply cannot break their machines. Further the Rumax people are a friendly and helpful crowd providing service of the highest order.”
Another of the many satisfied clients is Heni Visagie van Ottegat Trust, who farms with sheep between Sutherland and Calvinia. He has had his Rumax now for more than seven years and has so far not experienced any problems – only pleasure.
You can also spur your animals on towards their best performance. Talk to Jaco Pieters of Rumax on 082-335-3970 or 023-342-6070 (landline), or send an e-mail to jaco@rumax.co.za. Also visit the website www.rumax.co.za to view the whole range of winning Rumax implements.
Article supplied
Balanced crop fertilisation is a crucial aspect of agricultural productivity, and it can be especially important in Africa, where many farmers struggle with low soil fertility and limited access to fertilisers.
Here are some key points to consider when implementing balanced crop fertilisation:
The first step in balanced fertilisation is to test the soil to determine its nutrient content and pH level.
Based on soil test results, a grower can create a nutrient management plan that specifies the types and amounts of fertilisers to apply to each crop. This plan should take into account the specific needs of each crop and the timing of fertiliser application.
Farmers should prioritise the use of fertilisers that are rich in the specific nutrients that their crops require, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Usually, in Zambia, farmers use urea as a source of nitrogen and compound NPK, as a source of phosphorus, but neglect the potassium. Potassium chloride, or muriate of potash (known also as MOP), is the most concentrated source of potassium.
In addition to chemical fertilisers, organic matter is also a valuable source of nutrients for crops and a powerful soil conditioner, that positively affects soil biological activity, soil structure, and water retention properties. Organic matter can be incorporated into the soil using cover crops, crop residues, and animal manure.
The timing and placement of fertilisers also have a significant impact on crop
yields. Applying fertilisers at the right time can ensure that crops have access to the nutrients they need at critical growth stages. Additionally, placing fertilisers in close proximity to the crop roots can increase the efficiency of nutrient uptake.
Overall, balanced crop fertilisation requires careful planning and management. However, when done properly, it can help to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and ultimately enhance food security for millions of people across the continent.
We at United Fertilizers Company Limited invite everyone to our crop trial at the upcoming AgriTech Expo Zambia, which will take place 20 to 22 April, to observe balanced fertilisation and good agronomical practices in action.
For more information, visit the United Fertilizers website at https://ufertilizers.com/about
To meet the water requirements of pecan nut trees for commercial production in South Africa, rainfall is not enough. That is why smart irrigation solutions are necessary during the critical growth phases to ensure optimal yield and quality.
Heinrich Weideman has been farming with pecans since 1994 in the Perdeberg district near Kimberley. His farm, Patrysvlei Pecans, is one of the oldest pecan orchards in the Northern Cape.
Their relationship with Agrico started even earlier. Heinrich was a vegetable and grain farmer before he invested in pecans. It was during those years that his path crossed with Agrico.
"In 1988, we set up centre pivots. I was impressed with Agrico's products, expertise and service. That is why it was natural to approach Agrico for the next irrigation solution."
The perfect area for pecan production
They decided to switch to nuts because it can be marketed as an export product, and the process can be mechanised. Patrysvlei Pecans' nuts are mainly grown for the export market, specifically China. Exportation is made possible by SA Pecans.
"In the beginning there was little information available. We consulted Prof Holzhausen at the ARC (Agricultural Research Council). He mapped South Africa and classified it into areas A, B and C in terms of suitability for pecan
cultivation. We saw that we fell into an A+ category."
The area’s high summer temperatures and cold winters provide a rest period for the tree. Without enough rest, quality and the yield decrease. There is also lower humidity which lowers the risk of disease.
To track down the right cultivars, Heinrich relied on the expertise of America's fourth-generation pecan farmers. He initially planted several cultivars, but Wichita and Western Schley proved most successful in the Northern Cape.
Macro-irrigation under the pecan trees allows the leafy green orchards to bear fruit at the end of summer. The Agrico Kimberley branch set up the irrigation system to make the most of every drop of water.
entire surface is sprayed and it uses significantly less water.
"We irrigate 220 hectares of pecan orchards with trees planted 10 by 10 meters apart," Heinrich explains.
A pecan tree needs approximately 1 200 ℓ of water per season. The American farmers recommended that the system should be able to apply 400 ℓ per tree per day, but Heinrich's system can apply up to 1 300 ℓ per tree per day for peak season irrigation. When he irrigates in these months from December to mid-February, the system uses 270 to 290 ℓ/h per tree. In winter, the trees rarely need water.
Heinrich knows how important it is for a service provider to understand that agriculture does not have office hours.
"I can call Freddie any time when I need him, and he can help me right away,” he says. "Agrico helps us with the expertise and the technology they offer.”
From
Initially, Heinrich used flood irrigation to water the trees. However, managing the irrigation application, water evaporation and scheduling, proved to be a challenge.
Freddie Craigie, irrigation marketer at Agrico, has been part of the Kimberley team since 2003. Since 2010, he managed irrigation for farmers in this district. He was responsible for converting Heinrich’s flood irrigation system to macro-irrigation.
Where crops such as pecan trees require more water than micro-irrigation can provide, but other systems apply too much water, macro-systems are ideal. With macro-irrigation, the
Freddie explains that an irrigation system must be designed in close collaboration with the farmer to ensure that the needs of the farmer and orchard are understood. After the plans are finalised, the layout is done and construction under Freddie's expert guidance follows.
"We are involved in the entire process - from design to the moment when the excited farmer opens the taps for the first time. Even after that, we are always available to help."
Patrysvlei Pecans also recently set up a sorting plant. "We wanted to set up a cracking plant back in 1998, but there wasn’t enough volume to justify the investment. Instead, we shifted our focus to improved nut grading. This process assures our buyers that the size, quality and uniformity of nuts are consistent," he says. "Now we also provide this service to other producers."
Since 1994, the team at Agrico Kimberley has been working closely with Patrysvlei Pecans. The men smiling so contentedly are (from left to right) Freddie Craigie and Joe Coetzee from Agrico, with Heinrich Weideman, farmer of Patrysvlei Pecans, and his son-in-law, Dirkie Calitz,
In the plant, nuts are classified according to size, i.e., small, medium, large and extra-large. Nuts that are poorly filled are then removed using a vacuum process. Finally, the nuts are bagged and the cargo is prepared for shipment.
Article supplied
BSi Steel (Pty) Ltd was founded in 1985. For more than three decades we have forged a peerless reputation across Southern Africa as a trusted, reliable supplier. We now command a significant market share in steel distribution throughout Southern Africa, and continue to grow our business on solid foundations. Our distribution platform has been structured to achieve optimum efficiency and excellent service to our widespread clients. Klipriver is our central distribution and processing warehouse that services all of South Africa, exports and African markets. Klipriver comprises a 23-hectare site with over 30 000 square metres under roof.
BSi Exports (Pty) Ltd is situated at Klipriver. This specialised operation provides a broad range of steel products as well as steel related products. Direct deliveries are made to our African clients from South Africa. Key markets are Zambia, Zimbabwe, DRC, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Angola. BSi African branches are situated in Lusaka, Kitwe, Harare, Bulawayo, Lubumbashi, and Kolwezi. Shearcut (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of BSi, geared to handle
steel processing such as coil slitting, cut-to-length sheets, blanking, punched lipped channel et cetera for BSi and a number of other clients.
BSi Steel has a branch in Lusaka which is perfectly positioned to service your steel requirements, whether large or small. We have been servicing Zambia's steel needs since 1997. Our range of steel stock is the largest and most diverse in Zambia, and we carry stocks in excess of 4 000 tonnes at any given time. We also process sheets into IBR and corrugated sheets cut to length to match your requirements, and offer bull nosing and cranking services. We stock steel-related products such as cutting and grinding disks, welding rods and primer paints.
We now also stock a wide range of fencing products, special steel round bars and roof insulation products. In addition, our knowledgeable and professional staff are on hand to assist you with technical support as and when you require it. To ensure that we are able to handle your orders, we run sophisticated order processing systems that are linked via fibre optics, to all our operations that will ensure we offer the short-
est possible lead times. Our fleet of delivery vehicles, ranging from 30-tonne horse and trailers to 1-tonne bakkies, are geared to handle bulk orders as well as your just-in-time requirements.
Vision: We will forge a steel icon through enduring partnerships. Mission: We are a human centred, client-focused enterprise, dedicated to consistently delivering top quality steel at competitive prices. We invest in the lives of our people, the communities we live in and the sustainability of our environment.
For more information, contact our Kitwe branch by sending an e-mail to saleskitwe@bsisteel.com or call them on (+260)212-210-670, located at Plot 1304, Chibuluma Road, Kitwe, Zambia, or our Lusaka branch by sending an e-mail to saleslusaka@bsisteel.com; or call them on (+260)211-222-112; located at Plot 5113/5114, Cnr Lumumba and Bombo Road, Light Industrial Area, Lusaka, Zambia.
Layer farming means raising egg-laying birds for the purpose of commercial egg production. Due to their high nutritional value, the demand for eggs has continued to grow worldwide. Eggs are easy and quick to prepare and can be used in a wide range of recipes both on household and commercial levels. This has seen layer farming grow quickly in the livestock sector.
In Zambia, the most commonly used layer in commercial egg production is the Lohmann Brown. Egg production begins when the birds reach about 18 to 22 weeks of age. Flock production rises sharply and reaches a peak of 84 to 90% at about 30 weeks of age. Production then gradually declines to about 65% after 12 months of lay at 72 weeks of age.
Eggs are the main source of revenue for the layer farmer, hence the farmer will need to sell lots of these in order to realise profits from his venture. The profitability of a layer farm is determined by the difference between the revenue received from the egg sales and the costs incurred by the farmer to keep the enterprise going.
If a farmer is able to meet his production costs and earn some profit through egg sales, then the enterprise is considered as profitable. However, as the birds age and production continues to reduce, the farmer may find himself unable to meet his production costs. This usually happens when production has dropped to under 50%. At this point, the farmer starts to incur a loss and needs to cull the birds.
This can be achieved if the farmer can keep his egg production high for as
long as possible. For this to be possible, we need to understand why birds stop laying too soon and what can be done to prevent it. This will help us keep a reasonable production going over a longer period.
Hens need a balanced and adequate diet to maintain egg production. Each egg contains significant amounts of protein and energy, which must first be consumed by the hen as part of its daily food intake. Too little dietary energy or an imbalance of amino acids can cause reduced egg production. Hens also need sufficient amounts of calcium in their diet to produce eggs. The shell of each egg contains roughly two grammes of calcium. If we do not provide adequate calcium in the diet, the bird uses up its calcium reserves from the skeleton, which quickly depletes and the bird ceases to lay eggs. To maintain egg production, flock owners should feed only a prepared layer ration balanced to meet all of the hen’s nutritional requirements.
Tiger Animal Feeds produces three separate rations for laying birds, providing them with the needed nutrients to keep up production until the time of culling. The ration will keep the flock at the right and uniform weight in order to reach a high peak and have persistence of production. These feeds are given in the table below.
Look out for Making money with layers by keeping your production up, part 2, in the next issue.
Tiger Animal Feeds ensures that farmers are able to access technical assistance from our Technical Team which is always available and reliable.
For more information, contact Barbara Mulonda Simbaya, on barbara.mulonda@tigerfeeds. com.zm or (+260)969-202-207
A crucial element of the piggery business chain is the market. Thoroughly compiled market information and linkages determine piggery production objectives and profitability due to the corresponding buyer and customer’s requisites which can aid them to access domestic, regional and global markets.
According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) document, The Role of Market Information, efficient market information can have positive benefits for farmers, traders and policymakers.
Up-to-date, or current, market information enables farmers to negotiate with traders from a position of greater strength. It also facilitates spatial distribution of products from rural areas to urban areas and between urban markets by sending clear price signals from urban consumers to rural producers regarding quantities and varieties required.
Securing of markets usually involves vetting of supplier and buyer business and farm documentation, and contract agreements covering factors such as price, supply frequency, product packaging, storage facilities, and logistics, which are important in maintaining product quality.
Optimum market accessibility for piggeries is also shaped by various macro and micro-economic elements.
Micro-economic elements influencing markets include customers, availability of employees, distribution channels and suppliers, availability of investors
and media, and the general public. Regarding customers, producers have to ensure that their marketing campaigns attract the right customer base, for example product photography ideas have to align with customers’ desires. Other important factors related to customers are stability of demand, prospects of sales growth, relative profitability, and intensity of competition.
On the supplier side, producers have to be cognisant of their role in the value delivery process, ascertain that the piggery business has the necessary resources to market demands, and be aware of the qualitative and quantitative determinants influencing price changes.
In the case of producers selling products via a third-party reseller, or middlemen such as wholesalers and retailers, then the success of the marketing will be highly dependent on them. If let’s say, a certain retail seller has a strong reputation, it will pass on to the farm product.
In the case of competitors, farms have to ensure that sales and marketing strategies understand competitor operations, as their product and its price affects the farmer and can be used to gain an edge over them.
Depending on the market target, shareholders and investors may help fund the piggery to meet market volume demands, and it is important to
note that inasmuch as including investors can help share risks of operating and often gain support and expertise, some control of the venture may have to be relinquished.
Media and the general public can affect the ongoing business image. Communities often support companies that provide jobs, pay taxes and operate with social and environmental responsibility.
Macro-economic elements affecting piggery markets are inflation, employment, consumer spending and a country’s monetary and fiscal policy.
According to Investopedia, inflation is a key factor watched by economists, investors, and consumers. It affects the purchasing power of a country’s currency. The higher the inflation the less the purchasing power of the currency. This purchasing power always affects all economic sectors.
Federal reserve banks or central banks seek to regulate employment levels through monetary policy stimulus and credit measures. These policies can ease borrowing rates for piggery businesses to help improve capital spending and business growth, resulting in employment growth.
Slow growth or decline in consumer spending suggests a decline in aggregate demand, which affects business performance.
Monetary policy measures are typi cally based on interest rates and
The TOPIGS Tempo boar is ideally adapted for African environmental conditions, this proven by our client list, their production results and profitability. Many top farmers in Africa have invested in the breed with huge success. The excellent health status of our genetics is considered a major competitive advantage. Many producers choose to repopulate with Topigs Norsvin genetics to reap the benefits of this advantage.
• The TN70 is a cross between the Topigs Large White and the Norsvin Landrace.
• Highly prolific, easy in use sow
• Amazing weaning ability
• Top contribution to finishing pig quality
• Produces large litters of strong, uniform
TN70 & TN Tempo: The ultimate combination
• Tn Tempo brings robustness, uniformity and fast growth potential
• The TN70 is and excellent mother which strengthens these qualities by contributing the best feed efficiency to the finisher compared to any other sow in the world
• Together, the TN Tempo and TN70 offer you the potential to produce the most output against the lowest cost, combination unrivaled.
the potential to produce the most output against the lowest cost, combination unrivaled.
Zambian Pig Genetics is the distributor of Topigs Norsvin genetics in Central Africa. Built on our global research, innovation and absolute commitment to integrity and biosecurity, our close partnership approach means your farm benefits directly from our experience, energy and passion.
Zambian Pig Genetics is the distributor of Topigs Norsvin genetics in Central Africa. Built on our global research, innovation and absolute commitment to integrity and biosecurity, our close partnership approach means your farm benefits directly from our experience, energy and passion.
access to credit. The tightening of monetary policy indicates rates are rising, making borrowing more costly and less affordable, and vice versa. Loosening of monetary policies is always favourable for agricultural businesses.
In sub-Saharan countries dependent on agriculture, a government’s strategies when it comes to fiscal policies have to be favourable. Low tax rates increase individual and business incentives to work, invest, and save.
Poor piggery market information and linkages can result in a lack of connection with customers, growth opportunity loss, higher risk vulnerability, poor business decisions, and ultimately loss of customers to competitors, all of which can be avoided by being vigorous in compiling the information. Good research and linkages can aid increased sales, improved brand recognition, and can also be used to measure brand reputation.
Isabelle Tsakok in her article, The Pivotal Importance of Good Access to Markets for Farmers, states that if
governments want to transform their agriculture, they must provide an environment that enables their farmers to be productive and to sell profitably. Governments that have succeeded in providing such an environment over decades have used a variety of ways, acting along the entire value chain from production, through processing, marketing (domestic and foreign), and on to final consumer demand. The success of this process also relies on support and proactive participation of the piggery private sector as well.
Technology is the key that can unlock the potential of aquaculture. A conference on new and advanced techniques in aquaculture, aquaponics, and hydroponics was presented in collaboration with the University of Stellenbosch in Stellenbosch from 22 to 24 November 2022.
Henk Stander, Principal Technical Manager at the Department of Aquaculture at the University, highlighted the development of aquaculture. His presentation provided some background, while others highlighted some aspects of the industry.
Aquaculture refers to the farming of aquatic organisms including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic plants in all types of water environments. Farming implies a measure of intervention in the rearing process to enhance production, including regular stocking, feeding, and protection from predators. Farming also implies individual or corporate ownership of the stock being cultivated.
Aquaponics is a food production system that couples aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, crayfish, snails or prawns in tanks) while hydroponically cultivating plants in nutrient-rich water.
Hydroponics is a type of horticulture and a subset of hydroculture which involves growing crop plants without soil by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions in aqueous solvents, or with their roots mechanically supported in an inert medium such as perlite or gravel.
Fisheries and aquaculture sectors have been increasingly recognized for their essential contribution to global food security and nutrition in the 21st century. The consumption of aquatic foods has increased at an average rate of 3% per year between 1961 and 2019.
With an annual growth rate of 5,8% since 2010, it is the fastest-growing food-producing sector. In 2018, 114,4 million tonnes of live weight, valued at US$ 263,6 million, was produced. Aquaculture provided more than 50% of the fish consumed globally, and it is expected to grow to 202 million tons by 2030.
Capture production or fishing has plateaued due to overfishing, but the demand is increasing, and aquaculture must fill the gap, especially in Africa.
In Africa, 2 196 million tonnes of aquatic species are produced annually, which is about 2,67% of global production. Nearly all of it (99%) is produced
by Tisha Steynin inland waters. In 2018, Egypt, the largest producer since 1950, produced 71,10%, followed by Nigeria with 13,26% (mainly catfish). South Africa is the 10th largest producer at 0,28%.
In South Africa, production was 6 365,8 tons, worth approximately R1 billion, in 2018. These include mainly high-value species such as trout, abalone, oysters, and mussels. Trout is the dominant freshwater species (±1 503 tonnes, valued at about R98 million), followed by catfish (20 tons, valued at ± R0.5 million), and tilapia (571,3 tons, valued at ± R25 million).
Marine species contributed about 67% of production by quantity and 85% by value. This is dominated by abalone, with 1 522,2 tonnes in 2018. The estimated value is US$48,98 million. In 2018, the total marine finfish production was about 73,8 tonnes valued at ± US$ 5 million, mussel production was about 2 182 tonnes valued at ± US$ 2 205 691, and oyster production was about 466.3 tonnes, worth approximately US$1 132 652.
Developing sectors in South Africa include tilapia, catfish, marron, seaweed (for abalone feed), and prawns. Marine species, including cob, yellowtail, tuna and sole, have high yields and
high value, and are dependent on the development of offshore aquaculture technology.
The selection of a suitable species depends on the temperature and quality of water, control of reproduction and the efficiency thereof, the availability of infrastructure and feed technology, as well as marketability.
There are many challenges, including excessively high production costs and a lack of funding. Skills are in shortage, as is a constant power supply. In addition, a stable political environment is lacking, while corruption and a high crime rate undermine profitability. In addition, the industry is still overregulated.
According to Henk, solutions could include the upscaling of aquaculture through the expansion of existing farms, and providing an incubation model for new farms. In addition, new technologies are needed for sustainable intensification and for unlocking the aquaculture potential. It is also necessary to access and develop new markets. It is important to define an aquaculture masterplan, train people, apply research, and, quite importantly, gain government support.
Colin Bremner of Kleinskuur Aquaponics believes aquaponics need not be
complicated, as many believe. “We can imitate nature as closely as humanly possible by observing, learning from, and using the solutions provided by nature.”
He said the natural water cycle with evaporation and rain must be imitated by pumping the water. “You can build a patchwork using many pumps to get the water to where you want it to go at the rates you need, or you can uncomplicate this process with a proper design which must be a true recirculating system. Plan the level of every component properly to enable gravity to do its work and use pipe thickness and other design
teria to do their work and not denitrification caused by anaerobic bacteria.” Since there are often fine particles in the gravel section, you must ensure all the water can drain properly.
Unathi Sihlahla, Director INMED South Africa, explained how social entrepreneurship help upscale aquaculture and aquaponics in South Africa.
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Inmed Aquaponics strengthens food security in vulnerable communities, and provides the necessary training and economic development for women, the youth, and people with disabilities to create sustainable incomes and build stronger communities.
Unathi said: “Despite aquaculture being hailed as the fastest-growing farming sector in the world, South African aquaculture is still lagging and faces a lot of challenges.
methods to determine flow rates.”
He said bacteria and other living organisms convert waste through nitrification and mineralisation to nutrients for plants. “Just make sure there is proper water flow, especially on the bottom of your fish dam, and throughout your whole system, because you want to encourage good aerobic bac-
To embrace aquaponics, small-scale farmers need:
• an appropriate technological approach suitable for smallholder farmers by being cost-efficient and productive;
• a comprehensive understanding of all economic aspects of aquaponics;
• an enabling environment with a favourable regulatory framework,
Despite aquaculture being hailed as the fastest-growing farming sector in the world, South African aquaculture is still lagging and faces a lot of challenges.
In an aquaponic system the fish feed not only has an influence on the growth of the fish, but also on the performance of plants in the system, explains tour leader, Dolly Tuaandi.
government support, and a simple authorization system;
• a reliable supply of fish fingerlings and quality feed for fish; and
• funding mechanisms suitable for smallholder farmers, including those with low literacy levels.
Feed
Ryan Weaver, technical support, and Sales Manager at Specialised Aquatic Feed Farm, said management practices that will negatively impact feed performance include:
• feed must be stored in a dry, cool storeroom off the floor and 10 cm away from the walls;
• rough feed handling and transport may cause the feed to break up into dust;
• feeding strategy must prevent overfeeding and underfeeding; and
• water quality in the production system must remain excellent because poor water quality will result in reduced feed visibility and uptake.
Carel van Heerden, founder of Green Stream Nutrients, said if the correct nutrient ratios are present, crops grow and metabolise more effectively. This results in the more effective use of nutrients, which reduces the need for nutrient supplementation. This leads to decreased required volume flows and therefore infrastructure. With the correct balance between the nutritional needs of the aqua life, plants and microbes, the predicted design parameters are closer to the actuals. Green Stream Nutrients provide a turnkey solution for aquaponics.
The conference included a tour to the University of Stellenbosch’s commercial aquaponic unit where different methods of growing plants are being explored.
Colin Bremner of Kleinskuur Aquaponics explains the importance of proper drainage in gravel systems to allow aerobic bacteria to effectively convert fish waste into plant nutrients. This KSBA96 system was recently completed in Stellenbosch.
Estelle Kempen of the Department of Agronomy at the University of Stellenbosch said an estimated 45% of South Africa’s total available food supply is being lost or wasted yearly, with the primary production stage of the food cycle on farms being a major contributor.
Environmental factors, like unseasonal weather, destructive pests and diseases can damage entire crops at a time, leading to enormous wastage. Poor planning in the pre-harvest and production phase, incorrect use of pesticides and a lack of training also lead to losses. Produce that does not meet quality standards is not only a huge financial concern for producers and markets, but it is also a large contributor to food waste and the sustainability of our growing systems.
In the Kleinskuur Aquaponic systems, fish are kept in nets in a self-cleaning raceway dam to make management and handling easier.
Estelle said: “Protected cultivation systems or greenhouses and hydroponics enable us to minimize the biotic and abiotic pressures on our crops, allowing for better quality products.”
Contact Henk Stander at hbs@sun. ac.za for more information.
Swarming is a natural way for bees to form a new colony.
A new beekeeper can buy or catch a swarm of bees. Buying is the easy option, but with a bit of practice, you can capture a swarm that is on the move for free.
But be careful, do not attempt any of these capture actions without having at least some prior experience or preferably training with an experienced person. Also, make sure to wear protective gear, or at least a hat, veil and gloves. “More people die from bee stings annually than snake bites,” says John Moodie of Honeywood Farm, who
has been a beekeeper for more than half a century. He strongly advises that you must ensure that the bees pose no threat to anybody in the vicinity, nor yourself.
Remember, if you are living in South Africa, you must register as a beekeeper with the Department of Agriculture.
The easiest way to get a swarm of bees is to buy it from an existing beekeeper. Before you buy, peek inside the hive to ensure the bees are in good condition
and acting like healthy, active bees. Also, make sure that the frames are wired correctly to prevent the bees from criss-cross building the comb. Keeping a clean, clear, stable structure will make your bees happy so they will build correctly on each frame allowing you to inspect frames for honey, the queen’s laying patterns, and disease.
Before handling bees, it is necessary to produce smoke to calm them down. A bee smoker is used to puff smoke
More than just an effective nitrogen source
A superior top-dressing fertilizer used for all crops (vegetables and field crops)
Greensulf is superior to other top dressings like Urea because:
• It is an ammonium nitrate-based fertilizer (quicker uptake)
• 20% more use efficient than Urea.
• Negligible nitrogen losses (Urea has more than 40% loss)
• Does not cause ammonium toxicity.
• Improved cation uptake which is inhibited by Urea.
• Leads to increased root growth and reduced acidification compared to Urea.
• It contains Sulphur and Calcium
• It is cheaper than Urea.
into the hive. The smoker consists of a fire chamber, which is filled with flammable material such as pine needles that will produce smoke when lit, and the bellow that will get a puff of smoke from the nozzle, which can be directed to where the smoke is needed. Keep in mind that bees usually move upward, so smoking must be directed at the side you want the bees to move away from, that is the bottom of the hive.
Bees release a pheromone from the Nasanov gland near the sting to orientate the other bees where to go. The Koschevnikov gland releases the alarm
pheromone, which warns the bees that there may be danger and that they must prepare to leave the hive.
This scent not only warns the other bees of possible danger but also helps disoriented bees to get back to the hive and to mark food and water to direct other worker bees to it. It is used in addition to the intricate wiggle dance of bees.
Smoking masks this alarm so the bees remain calm, allowing the beekeeper to inspect the hive.
The smoke does not harm the bees, and neither does it make them sleepy.
In fact, it causes the bees to prepare to leave the hive from the perceived threat, so they eat a lot of honey to provide the necessary energy to find a new home. When their tummies are full, they are less inclined to sting.
The drumming method is used for rehiving an existing swarm in an old box.
Once the smoke has calmed the bees you can proceed to get them from the old hive to a new one. As the bees would have attached the top of the frames to the roof of the hive, it is necessary to turn the hive on its side so that you can remove the floor to gain access. Put a new hive with loose frames next to the upturned hive so that the entrance at the front is aligned with the open bottom end of the old hive.
Start rhythmically tapping on the old hive, which will soon make the bees uneasy so they will instinctively move to the open end and into the new hive.
It may be necessary to smoke the bees more than once if you see them using their wings. Direct the smoke from the bottom to gently drive the bees to move to the top. Wait for all the bees as well as the queen to leave the old hive.
As soon as the whole swarm has moved into the new hive, it is necessary to place a few frames containing brood with new eggs, larvae, and young bees, as well as a frame with honey and pollen inside the new hive.
To remove a swarm, combs can be cut from the old hives and fitted into some of the frames of a new hive, keeping them in place with pieces of string, sticky tape, or rubber bands. These ties can be removed as soon as the bees have reattached the combs to the frames.
Placing brood in the hive will keep the bees from absconding, and provide new worker bees while the queen starts laying eggs for a new batch of larvae.
The cheapest way of obtaining a swarm of bees is to encourage migrating bees to move into your own prepared hive.
Swarming is a honeybee colony's natural way of reproduction. In the process of swarming, which usually takes place in spring, a single colony splits into two or more distinct colonies.
When a swarm emerges, it usually does not move far, but clusters on the branch of a nearby tree. The bees cluster around the queen while scout bees go find a suitable new nesting site. After a day or two, the bees follow the scouts to their new home.
This is the ideal opportunity to hive a swarm. Hold a suitable container, such as a cardboard box or custom-made swarm trap just below the cluster, give the branch a quick shake, and hopefully the swarm will fall into the container.
Make sure all the bees, and especially the queen, are in the container before quickly closing the lid. Move the container with the bees to your hive. Make sure the container is well-ventilated, or else the bees might suffocate. If the bees must remain in the container for a while, it is best to place it in a cool, dark place and never in the sun as the heat can kill them. Handle the container with care so that the bees do not suffer unnecessary bumps as it will upset them.
If you want to capture a swarm by allowing it to move into a catch box of their own free will, it is necessary to prepare a catch box and place it correctly. You can build your own catch box with scrap wood and attach it to the branch of a tree in a field or in your garden. Make sure that there are no people moving around the area, and that there are no bright lights or loud noises, such as a lawnmower.
Place the box upright, facing east for sunrise. Strap it securely to a branch and make sure the lid cannot be blown off by the wind. Clear the entrance and pathway of hanging branches or other obstructions. Tilt the box slightly forward to keep rainwater from flowing into the entrance.
Use bait to invite the bees to move
Keeping bees is hard work, but very satisfying. (Source: Pixabay)
in by painting the hive with propolis or melted beeswax, or binding old comb to the frames. A few drops of lemon essence at the entrance of the box may also attract them. According to John, honey doesn’t work and will only be stolen by other bees.
Remove the box about two weeks after a swarm has moved in and the queen has started laying eggs. The swarm will be more likely to stay then.
Once there are three brood frames full of comb, the swarm is ready to be transferred to a brood box. Move the box away at night.
Sometimes a swarm finds a new home in a place where it is inconvenient for a home owner. On social media, one often sees a cry for help from people who need an unwanted swarm to be removed. “This is a service offered by bee-keepers – it takes time, experience and specialised equipment to perform an efficient removal operation,” says John. It needs to be done by a registered bee-keeper who has insurance if the bees should create any disturbance. It generally involves several trips so travel and time need to be considered when quoting for bee removal.
In such an instance, it is best to use
the funnel method to channel the bees to a hive. Close all the entrances to the place where the bees have settled. Attach a screen of mesh or any other flexible material in the shape of a funnel with the open side to the only remaining entrance. Foraging bees will have to leave the nest out of the small hole at the bottom but won’t find their way back in again.
“It is unlikely that the queen will move out so you may have to kill her with the few remaining bees left behind with her,” says John.
Bees are calmed down by smoke so that they will not be aggressive when the hive is being inspected. (Source: Pixabay)
More information about the Honeywood Farm Bee Course is available at: www.honeywoodfarm.co.za
Anderson, R.H., Buys, B., Johannsmeier, M.F. (2014). Byeboerdery in Suid-Afrika. Department van Landbou-tegniese Dienste Bulletin no. 394, 1978. Hersiene uitgawe. Beehive Cross Combs (and how to fix and prevent them). (n.d.) Dadant. Available at: https://www.dadant. com/learn/beehive-cross-combsand-how-to-fix-and-prevent-them/
Booysen, F. (2016) Catch boxes. Southern Beekeeping Association. Available at: https://beekeepers. co.za/catch-boxes/
Nasanov's gland. A Dictionary of Zoology. Encyclopedia.com. Available at: https://www.encyclopedia.com
Salkeld, A. (2022) Why do beekeepers use smoke? Buddha Bee Apiary. Available at: https://www. buddhabeeapiary.com/blog/why-dobeekeepers-use-smoke
Wikipedia (2022) Swarming (honey bee) Available at: https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarming_ (honey_bee)
Underhill, R. (2010) Bee transfer by funnel. The peace bee farmer. Available at: https://peacebeefarm.blogspot. com/2010/05/bee-transfer-by-funnel.html
Pickled beetroot is skinned, sliced and cooked beetroot packed and preserved in vinegar, a little salt, with or without sweetener and spices. The product is sealed in glass jars and pasteurised to ensure a long, stable shelf life. Baby beets may be pickled whole.
Harvesting
Commercially grown beets are harvested by means of a mechanical beet harvester that cuts the soil below the root tip, thus loosening the soil for easy lifting. The leaves and excess soil are removed in the field to reduce waste loads on the processing site. Care must be taken to leave a short stalk behind to minimise leaching of the pigment. The beetroot is taken directly to the processing site or kept at temperatures of 1 °C and a relative humidity of 90%. Fresh beetroot yields a superior product since storage leads to reduction of sugar levels and textural changes.
Root crops such as beetroot are covered with soil that needs to be removed. The harvested beets can be dry-cleaned by tumbling them in a slightly inclined rotary screen or slotted drum to loosen and separate dry dirt. Dry-cleaning is an optional process, but reduces the load of the washer. It is only effective if the adhering soil and dirt is dry.
Washing
The beetroot is first soaked whole by being conveyed on a carrier belt submerged in a water tank. Soaking aids
the removal of stubborn dirt, and reduces the load of soil in the wastewater to the washer. The beets are then tumbled through a rotary brush washer, followed by rinsing in a rod washer.
The washed beetroot is sorted and inspected prior to further processing. Any infected, rotten or badly damaged beetroots are removed manually from the sorting belt. Sizing can be done manually or mechanically by rollergraders. Uniformity of size is an important factor if heat processing such as blanching or cooking is performed.
Beetroot differs from all other forms of pickled vegetables in that it is cooked and not just blanched prior to pickling. Cooking time and temperature depend on the size and age of the beetroot and the equipment used, but generally between 1 and 2 hours at 95 to 100 °C is required to produce a tender product.
Cooking can be performed by boiling in salted water or by steaming. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages to consider. Batch operations are more common than continuous operations due to the long time required for cooking and the cost of continuous equipment with the desired capacity.
The beetroot is peeled after it emerges from the cooker. The hot beets are peeled using abrasive peelers. The peeled beets are left to cool in the packing liquid prior to slicing.
The packaging liquid is prepared from natural malt vinegar to which 2% salt (by weight of the beetroot) has been added. If salt was added previously in the cooking water, it is omitted in the packaging liquid. The addition of pimento for additional flavour is optional. The addition of sweetener in the form of granular sugar, glucose syrup or artificial sweetener is also optional, depending on the age and sweetness of the beetroot and customer preference. Artificial sweeteners are useful in creating diabetic products. The quantity of sweetener to be added is judged according to taste. The addition of sweetener should be declared on the packaging label.
Cooling is necessary prior to slicing to reduce the chance of breaking and fragmenting the hot cooked beets. Rapid cooling is desirable to save time and prevent loss of colour through oxidation, and to reduce the risk of fermentation.
The beetroot is cooled by immersing it in the packaging liquid. The liquid thus serves the dual purpose of cooling medium and preserving during packaging. The cooled beets are removed, drained and passed on to the slicing equipment. The liquid is strained to remove any bits of beetroot, and saved for packaging.
Slicing involves cutting a product at a specific angle to produce pieces with equal thickness. The larger sized beetroot are generally cut into smaller pieces. Slices in the order of 5 mm thick are popular for pickling. Uniformity of size is important to ensure an even uptake of acid during storage. Crinklecut slices have become quite popular recently. A wide variety of vegetable slicing equipment is available in a wide range of sizes and capacities, depending in the output required.
Bottling of pickled beetroot
Bottling involves preserving and sealing the product in a glass bottle. The whole baby beetroot or sliced beetroot pieces are filled into suitable glass
jars and topped with the packaging liquid. The ration of pieces to liquid varies, but a reasonable ration to aim for it 70% slices and 30% liquid (after pasteurisation) as this would result in a final overall acidity of approximately 1,6% and salt concentration of 0,6%. It is important that all the pieces should be completely covered with the liquid. A headspace of 1/8 the volume is left at the top of the jar. The jars are sealed hermetically with self-venting, acid-resistant lacquered metal screw caps capable of forming a vacuum seal.
Pasteurisation is a mild heat treatment that destroys all vegetative pathogens and heat sensitive enzymes. Pasteurisation thus improves the keeping quality of the product. Pasteurisation of pickled beetroot entails the controlled and limited heating of the product in a sealed container that is capable of forming a headspace vacuum upon cooling. It is impossible to give specific time and temperature requirements in a general report such as this, since sufficient pasteurisation depends on the size and dimensions of the container, the starting temperature, the type of equipment used, the type of product and the pH. As a general rule, the point of slowest heating in pickled beetroot should be held at 74 °C for at least 25 minutes.
In the case of beetroot, it is not essential to use the most rapid and efficient heating (and cooling) method possible as is the case with other pickled products, since the product has been cooked and a soft texture is desirable. Pasteurisation extends the shelf life of the product by destroying spoilage micro-organisms and heat inactivation of most enzymes that cause darkening, softening, clouding, sedimentation and flavour deterioration. Pasteurisation also removes air in the product, thus minimizing oxygendependant spoilage mechanisms.
Pasteurisation can be performed by various methods and equipment. Batch steam cabinets or batch retorts
are commonly used for pickled beetroot. The jars are placed in the batch pasteuriser. The temperature is slowly raised to 82 °C over a period of 1 hour, and held at this temperature for the required time. The jars are then removed and allowed to cool. Although continuous retorts can be used, it is very costly due to the large capacity needed for such long, slow heat treatments. Glass jars are currently being replaced by retort pouches. This greatly affects the required processing parameters such as time and temperature required for pasteurisation.
Cooling should follow pasteurisation. The first stage of cooling takes place in the steam cabinet or retort by replacing the hot water with cold water. Further cooling takes place when the containers have been removed. Alternatively, the containers can be quickly cooled by passing them through misting tunnels. Cooling of glass jars should be gradual to prevent thermal shock that would result in cracking of the jars. The cooling water also removes traces of packaging liquid from the outside surfaces of the jar. The jars are then allowed to dry naturally or blow-dried with hot-air fans prior to labelling.
The jars are labelled with pre-printed labels that contain all the necessary information and coding as prescribed by law.
The physical appearance of a sheep can be a significant factor in determining its overall characteristics. However, the breed's ability to achieve the highest levels of productivity and profit is the only factor that can account for the significance of this appearance.
Dorsets are medium-sized, all-white sheep that can be horned or polled. They have desirable carcass qualities due to their good body length and muscle conformation. The fleece is extremely dense, tightly packed, and it does not contain any dark fibres at all.
Dorset ewes typically produce a fleece weighing between 2,25 and 4 kilogrammes with a yield of 50 to 70 percent. The length of a staple can range anywhere from 6 to 10 centimetres. It is anticipated that the diameter of the fibres will range from 33 to 27 microns.
The average weight of a mature Dorset ewe is between 68 and 90 kilo -
grammes; however, ewes that are in show condition can easily weigh more. The average weight of a Dorset ram is between 102 and 125 kilogrammes.
The Dorset is one of the few breeds that can breed "out of season," making it one of the more unique types of sheep. It is not uncommon to see multiple births, and the ewes are known to be excellent mothers and milk producers. Both in the ewe flock and in commercial settings, Dorsets can be useful in their capacity as terminal sires.
Both New Zealand and Australia contributed to the development of the Corriedale breed. After Leicester (long-wool) rams and Merino ewes were bred together, the Corriedale breed was developed through line breeding and thorough selection among the offspring of those animals.
The Corriedale sheep breed is valuable because it can be used to produce both wool and meat. It is polled and
has a high-quality carcass, in addition to having a large frame size. Although the historical purpose of the Corriedale has been to produce premium lambs when mated to sires of meat breeds, the breed is now achieving performance levels comparable to those of purebred lambs. This is because Corriedales are more genetically diverse than purebred lambs.
This benefit, along with the breed's high monetary value as a skin, makes it likely that the animal will continue to be a popular breed.
The wool produced by Corriedale sheep typically has a diameter ranging from 31,5 to 24,5 microns and is known for its high yield. The fleece of a mature ewe can be quite valuable; its weight can range anywhere from 4,5 to 7,7 kilogrammes, and its staple length can be anywhere from 9 to 15 centimetres.
The yield percentage of the fleece ranges between 50 and 60 percent. The typical adult ram weighs anywhere
Learn more about sheep around the world
between 79 and 125 kilogrammes, whereas the typical adult ewe tips the scales between 59 and 81 kilogrammes.
The mature weight range of Lincoln rams is between 113 and 160 kilogrammes, while the mature weight range for ewes is between 90 and 113 kilogrammes. Lincolns have a form that is somewhat rectangular, a deep body, and show a great deal of width. They have a back that is straight and strong, and their wool is thick. They frequently lack fullness through the leg and have the appearance of being somewhat upright when their fleece is short.
The Lincoln's fleece is carried in thick locks that are frequently twisted into a spiral toward the end. Lincolns should have dense wool growth up to their knees and hocks; however, it is not uncommon for certain individuals to have wool growth below these points.
The staple length of Lincolns is among the longest of all the breeds, ranging from 20 to 38 centimetres, and the yield can be anywhere from 65 to 80 percent. Lincolns are bred to produce good quality wool. Lambs, and even sometimes older sheep, will have a part of their fleece running over their back. Lincoln ewe fleeces can weigh anywhere from 5 to 9 kilogrammes, making their wool the coarsest and heaviest of all long-wooled sheep varieties. The fibre diameter of the fleece can be anywhere between 41 and 33,5 microns, and its numeric count ranges from 36 to 46. The lustre of the fleece
is quite impressive, even though it is coarse and has a hair-like appearance.
The Lincoln has a large carcass that is lean and well-muscled throughout. The prolificacy of the Lincoln is about average. Since mature ewes are easy feeders, they can sometimes become overonditioned, and as a result, they do not breed as frequently as breeds that have a lower aptitude to take on fat.
Lincolns are hearty eaters that can make excellent use of a plentiful supply of high-quality roughage or pasture. Lincolns are bred in the United States. The Lincoln should have clear white colour markings, and its head should be larger and more pronounced than the heads of other long-wooled breeds.
The breed is characterised by the presence of a forelock that sits in the space between the ears; when allowed to develop naturally, this forelock is relatively subtle.
The Hampshire Standards were developed to focus primarily on the characteristics that researchers have identified as contributing to a higher level of productivity in individuals. The characteristics of multiple births, weight relative to age, face covering, refinement about the head and shoulders, muscling, and freedom from unsoundness are given a significant amount of weight in the selection process. Two of the most notable things about Hampshires are how fast they grow and how well they use the food they eat.
The Hampshire is a breed of sheep that is known for its gentle temperament, large size, and open face. To be considered mature, rams should weigh at least 125 kilogrammes and ewes should weigh at least 90 kilogrammes when they are mature adults. The ears should be of average length, fairly thick, covered with coarse hair that is either
dark brown or black, and free of wool.
The face should be a decent length, have a dark colour, and be nearly devoid of wool from the eyes down. A continuous woolcap should be seen that extends from the neck to the top of the head. Wool should be kept to a minimum on the lower part of the legs, between the knee and the hock.
The Hampshire should have quality without any signs of weakness and size without any signs of being rough.
A mature ewe's fleece weighs between 2,7 and 4,5 kilogrammes, has a micron measurement of 25 to 33, and a spinning count of 46 to 58. The staple length of the fleece will range from 5 to 9 centimetres, and the yield percentage will be between 50 and 62 percent.
Oklahoma State University Board of Regents. (1995). Sheep Breeds - Breeds of Livestock, Department of Animal Science. Available at: http://afs.okstate.edu/breeds/ sheep
M any insects and spiders produce silk, which is essentially a solidified, viscous liquid secreted from specialised glands or orifices. The only significant source of silk for textile use is the silkworm larva, also known as the silk moth due to the two glands on either side of its body. As a textile material, silk can be found in two distinct forms: continuous filament yarn and staple yarn. There is a wide variation in the length of the filament, from about 300 metres to about 1 200 metres. Glycine, serine, alanine, and tyrosine are the primary amino acid constituents of this polymer.
The first step in making silk is to kill the insects inside the cocoons. The cocoons are steamed or baked to kill the insects inside. Reeling is a delicate process used to extract the silk fibre from the cocoons.
The delicate cocoons that result from
an early harvest are easily destroyed if the process is interrupted. However, the moth's emergence after a delayed harvest could ruin both the cocoon and the filament. Following collection, cocoons are sorted by a variety of criteria, including colour, size, fibre diameter, and uniformity. The size and consistency of the cocoon are two of the most important factors in determining its quality. Similarly, the finer the fibre, the better.
When heated in boiling water, the gummy substance that keeps the cocoon filament in place is released. In order to create the thread that is wound on a reel, the filaments from four to eight cocoons are heated, joined, and twisted. Whenever a cocoon is unwound, it is immediately replaced by a new cocoon. When processed, the resulting thread is known as “raw silk”, and it typically contains 48 individual silk fibres. The thread is continuous, and its fibres are much
longer than those used to spin cotton or wool, for example.
Silk is made up of long chains of amino acids — glycine and alanine, in particular linked together via peptide links and hydrogen bonding between parallel chains.
Raw silk, in addition to sericin and fibroin, has the other components listed in Table 1, including mineral matter, traces of fat, colouring matter, and water.
NO. COMPONENT AMOUNT (%)
1 Sericin 15 to 25
2 Fibroin 62,5 to 67
3 Water 10 to 11
4 Salts 1 to 1,5
Physical characteristics
Strong and resilient, silk has a tensile strength of 0,34 N/Tex to 0,39 N/Tex and an elongation at breaking point of 20% to 30% (Tenacity is the standard way of assessing the strength of textile products such as yarn and fibre ropes. Tenacity is measured by dividing the breaking load of the component by its mass per unit length and is expressed in N/tex in the International System of Units. Tex is a mass per unit length of 1g/km). It has a high natural resistance to creases and can bounce back
quickly after being folded or stretched. Silk is an extremely hygroscopic fibre, regaining between 10% and 15% of its original moisture content after being dried. It has a poor electrical conductivity and it's easy to carry, keeps you warm, and drapes well.
Its cross section is triangular, and it is a smooth, translucent fibre. The high sheen of continuous-filament silk is one of the reasons for its prestige.
Chemical characteristics
Cold, highly concentrated mineral
acids dissolve silk quickly and easily. Nitric acid, even in its diluted state, discolours silk yellow. Short periods of contact with cold, concentrated solutions of caustic alkalis appear to have no effect on silk. Strong zinc chloride solutions can break down silk. When exposed to sodium chloride for a short time, there is no effect.
The lustre of silk is exceptional. The triangular cross section can be examined under a microscope to confirm its identity. Scales do not form on silk as protein-based fibre. Silk can also be identified by dissolving it in a 59,5% to 70% sulphuric acid solution.
The harvesting of cocoons from the mountage is an important task and the quality of the cocoons is affected by the season and method. Harvesting takes place 6 to 8 days after mounting.
If you put a cocoon that has a pupa inside it into boiling water, the pupa will die. The pupa is an excellent source of protein and can be sold locally as a protein source to generate additional income. (Source: pexels by Quang Nguyen Vinh)
If cocoons are harvested before the young silkworms inside have fully pupated, the delicate pupa inside may be damaged by the force of the harvesting tool, transportation, or the removal of
the floss (the floss of the cocoon is the thread that the silkworm first expels when making the cocoon, and is the cotton-like cocoon filament covering the outside of the cocoon). Because of this, the cocoon's interior becomes tainted and loses quality.
The harvesting process is not complete until the defective cocoons have been removed through cocoon sorting. Often only double cocoons, thin shelled cocoons, pierced cocoons, and unshaped cocoons are discarded in the silk reeling process.
To protect the interests of both the farmer (the seller) and the silk reeler (the buyer), cocoons must be graded fairly and accurately.
Better-quality cocoons result in more money in the farmer's pocket, and the correct evaluation of cocoon quality is essential. For the silk reeling side, cocoon quality is also important from the perspective of securing profit, as it directly influences reeling efficiency and the quality of the raw silk.
Cocoon drying, reduces the humidity of the pupa and cocoon for long-term storage to prevent mould and
Cocoons in the process of being hand-sorted. (Source:
discoluration, and equalises the thread's loosening and tension when silk reeling, revealing the bivoltine cocoon's characteristics. Cocoon drying temperature, time, and degree of drying are all important for raw silk production.
Proper cocoon drying affects reeling efficiency and raw silk quality. The drying conditions may vary, but ideally by increasing the temperature to 110 °C within 30 minutes, maintaining it for 2 to 2,5 hours, and then decreasing it to 60 °C for 3 to 3,5 hours, the cocoon can be dried and reduced to 45% of its original weight in 5 to 6 hours.
On certain farms it is difficult for the drying cocoon equipment to increase the room temperature to 110°C, and sometimes drying takes longer than a day and is confirmed by touch, which is not proper drying.
The drying facilities' structure and external chimney height make cocoon insertion and removal difficult. Inadequate drying causes cocoon discoloration and mould, lowering raw silk quality. These risks need to be overcome for successful silk production.
Starovoytova, D. (2015). Mulberry and Silk Production in Kenya. Textile Science & Engineering. Volume 5. Pages 1-7.
SMEDA. (2020). Sericulture / Silk Production – Small Business. Ministry of Industries and Production (MoI&P) Government of Pakistan. Available at: https://smeda.org/ phocadownload/OTC_Documents/ Sericulture%20-%20Silk%20Production%20for%20Small%20Business.pdf
Duraiswamy, D. (2019). The Origin of Silk Production. Silk- Road Universities Networks Online Journal.
CGSpace. (2007). Sericulture in East Africa. Japan Association for International Collaboration of Agriculture and Forestry. Available at: https://www.jaicaf.or.jp/fileadmin/ user_upload/publications/FY2007/ report-2007_1_e.pdf
JCB is planning to unveil their brand new hydrogen combustion engine in March at the Conexpo 2023 show in Las Vegas as part of the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE).
“The JCB engineering team has made enormous strides in a short space of time to develop a hydrogen internal combustion engine and it already powers a JCB prototype backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic handler. As the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen, I am delighted we are now able to present this technology on the international stage,” says JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford.
JCB has been responsible for a series of industry innovations on its ‘Road to Zero’. The company developed the world’s first battery-electric mini excavator and has been at the forefront of electric technology development to meet customers’ demands for zerocarbon products with its E-TECH range.
JCB’s commitment to reducing emissions goes back almost 25 years, and its latest diesel engines have already delivered a 97% reduction in NO x emissions and a 98% reduction in particulates since 1999. Today JCB’s dieselpowered machines also emit 50% less CO2 compared to those manufactured in 2010. JCB’s clean diesel engine technology will also be showcased on the stand in Las Vegas.
A team of 100 engineers has been working on the development for more than a year and the 50th JCB hydrogen combustion engine has now come off the production line as part of the development process.
JCB invested £100 million to produce these efficient hydrogen engines, and this investment is going full-steam ahead. (Source: JCB)
Drones have their place in watching crops, but what about an autonomous rolling watchdog also peeping under the leaves for problems? The SentiV scouting robot from the France-based company, Meropy, caught the eye at CES 2023 (Consumer Electronic Show) in Las Vegas.
SentiV is a scouting robot with sensors that highlights the variability within field crop plots and detects
potential threats to crops. Its route can be plotted through any shape field, and it will go about its business quietly until the field is completely surveyed.
The information gathered is highlighted within variability maps, allowing farmers to plot any inputs daily, with precision.
Meropy says: “We develop SentiV for the people of the agricultural sector. Our goals are for a better farming profitability (input savings, improved yields and crop quality), a good quality of life for farmers (time saving and better working comfort), and environmental preservation (input reduction and less soil compaction).” (Source: Meropy)
A vegetable-picking robot that uses machine learning to identify and harvest a commonplace, but challenging, agricultural crop has been developed by engineers. For a human, the entire process takes a couple of seconds, but it is not so easy for a robot.
The ‘Vegebot’, developed by a team from the University of Cambridge, was initially trained to recognise and harvest iceberg lettuce in a lab setting. It has now been successfully tested in a variety of field conditions in cooperation with G’s Growers, a local fruit and vegetable co-operative.
Although the prototype is nowhere near as fast or efficient as a human worker, it demonstrates how the use of robotics in agriculture might be expanded, even for crops like iceberg lettuce which are particularly challenging to harvest mechanically.
“Every field is different, every head of lettuce is different,” said co-author Simon Birrell from Cambridge’s Department of Engineering. “But if we can make a robotic harvester work with iceberg lettuce, we could also make it work with many other crops.”
The Vegebot first identifies the ‘target’ crop within its field of vision, then determines whether a particular lettuce is healthy and ready to be harvested, and finally cuts the lettuce from the rest of the plant without crushing it so that it is ‘supermarket ready’.
The researchers developed and trained a machine learning algorithm on example images of lettuces. Once the Vegebot could recognise healthy lettuces in the lab, it was then trained in the field, in a variety of weather conditions, on thousands of real lettuces.
“We wanted to develop approaches that weren’t necessarily specific to iceberg lettuce so that they can be used for other types of above-ground crops,” said Iida, who leads the research team.
A robotic harvester could be trained to pick only ripe vegetables, and since it could harvest around the clock, it
could perform multiple passes on the same field, returning at a later date to harvest the vegetables that were unripe during previous passes.
Collecting precise soil samples is essential for farmers because it determines the quantity and balance of nutrients available for crops, and can determine crop yields.
“Smartcore,” an autonomous robot developed by a pair of Purdue University College of Engineering graduates, is designed to collect accurate, repeatable soil samples in fields and bring them to the edge of the field for shipment to the lab.
Troy Fiechter and Drew Schumacher founded Rogo, officially Rogo Ag LLC, a startup to advance the technology and move it to the public. A video about the company and technology is available at https://youtu.be/RgigU1ckNtk .
“Smartcore helps farmers make better strategic decisions,” said Schu-
macher, Rogo’s president.
SmartCore uses a Bobcat skid steer chassis and navigates fields using boundary algorithms and a variety of obstacle detection sensors. It also is equipped with RTK GPS to ensure that soil samples are taken from the correct spot and can return every season within inches.
The largest and most common source of error in the soil testing process is with collecting the soil sample. Smartcore is unique in using a highspeed, self-cleaning hydraulic auger that collects soil to a precise depth.
“People often think that because you stick a probe 6 inches into the soil that means 6 inches of soil are extracted,” Schumacher said. “But a probe might plug up and you collect less than six inches. Or it might plug up and send a wad of dirt down into the rest of the soil. A lot of things can go wrong if you do not use the right equipment. Our depth is accurate within an eighth of an inch 100% of the time, and it is fully extracted every time.”
In traditional sampling practices, the variance in depth and location can lead to a sampling error as high as 20%. Errors can cause farmers to spend more than necessary on fertiliser, or under apply in certain areas.
“Farmers want to sample from the same location so they can understand how their soil is evolving,” Schumacher said. “If you don’t compare the same
soil site season to season, you are going to have a field that varies a lot. If you want to know what you added to the field and how it is changing the field, you have to compare apples to apples as much as possible.”
“We have seen more interest in what we are doing. It has started some good conversations that have been valuable,” he said. “We are always looking to serve more farmers and more retailers so we can continue to make a difference.” (Source: Purdue)
Pineapples. Who does not enjoy the sweet and sour flesh from time to time? Freshly sliced, the yellow fruit is juicy and rich in vitamin C and fibre. It is a tropical fruit that is grown in many places over the world.
The fruit is used to make juice or eat raw, or in dishes like salads and deserts, or as a garnish with meat and pizza. In the Philippines, the leaves are used to make textiles and twine, and they are even used for medicinal purposes. By-products of fruit processing are wine or vinegar. Dried fruit waste can even be fed to livestock.
Pineapples originated from Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. Today they are produced in many places across the globe where there is a tropical climate. In Africa, Tanzania, Angola, and South Africa are the bigger role players.
Two varieties that show success in Africa are the smooth leaf Cayene (Hawaiian) and the thorny leaf Queen (Formosa).
To grow pineapples, it is best to ensure that they are planted in sandy loam to clay loam soils. It is key that the soil drains well, so there should be enough organic material. The pH should be between 4,5 and 5,5.
The ideal temperature should be stable between 24 to 30 °Celsius.
The ideal rainfall for pineapple plants is 1 000 to 1 500 mm per year, with optimum conditions created when the water is evenly distributed throughout the year.
To start the soil preparation, plough and harrow the designated field. You
should harrow it up to three times until a fine bed is created. Next, create furrows to serve as drainage channels for excessive water.
If it is an old field that is being replanted, first have the old plants uprooted, placed in a heap, and burned to use as compost.
Commercial farms require deep ploughing of 60 to 75 cm. Remember to leave enough space on the ridges so plants can still be accessed for harvesting and weeding.
Pineapples are usually propagated with cuttings. They are called suckers, slips, and crowns. Suckers are the parts that develop at the base of the leaves. Slips and crowns develop at the base or above the ground, or on top of the fruit.
Make sure you get the planting materials six to eight weeks after harvesting the plant from which the cuttings will come. These materials should be similar in size and type to promote uniform flowering and fruiting. Before the cuttings are planted, they need to be cured in sunlight for approximately one week. This helps to prevent infection and rotting.
22 to 24 months after crowns are planted, they will flower. For slips it takes 18 to 20 months, and suckers flower after 16 to 18 months.
Pineapples can be planted either in single or double rows.
For single row planting, space the plants 80 to 100 cm apart in rows 25 to 30 cm apart. For double rows, plant the pineapples 20 to 30 cm apart in a row, with 50 cm between the rows, and 80 to 100 cm between the double rows.
Source: University of Queensland.
Planting a pineapple crop in fertile soil is more important than trying to make plants grow through fertiliser alone. The quantity of fertiliser that you apply will depend on the soil condition. Make sure to do a soil analysis where possible so you know what your field needs. You may choose to use both organic and inorganic fertilisers on your crop. Use the dosage recommendations from Table 1 as a fertiliser programme.
It is common practice for pineapple growers to induce flowering though fertiliser to promote year-round production and uniform flowering and fruiting. This practice stabilises production and provides an income all year long.
Plant size determines when flowering should be induced.
Commercial farms induce flowering when the plants have at least 36 functional leaves or reached a height of 1,2 m in middle elevation and 1 m lower in lower elevation.
Calcium carbide (CaC2) can be used for this and gives approximately 60 to 70% flowering. Prepare the solution by
dissolving two kilogrammes of calcium carbide in 19 litres of water. Apply 30 ml onto the growing point of each pineapple. The pineapple will flower approximately 40 days after flowering was induced with fertiliser.
When the plant starts to flower, it makes these beautiful, spiked flowers that turn into the fruit. (Source: Vecteezy)
Sources:
Arcelo, M.M. 2010. Pineapple production guide. Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research. Available: https://library.buplant.da.gov.ph/ images/1641883999Pineapple%20 %20Production%20Guide.pdf.
As part of the Tsebo Solutions Group, Tsebo Kenya shares its parent organisation's environmentally responsible ethos and commitment to managing its environmental footprint by employing water and energy saving and cutting down on waste and emissions across all its operations.
Food production represents one of the world's most environmentally damaging industries, considering the waste that goes into growing, packaging, and transporting food. Tsebo Kenya embarked on a farm-to-fork initiative to source locally and now ensures optimally fresh produce while substantially lowering its carbon footprint.
As with other countries in the world, Kenya has been experiencing rampant food inflation, making it increasingly challenging to retain the level of quality and cost-effective pricing for which Tsebo is known. At the same time, Tsebo Kenya's chefs expressed a need to update their menus with fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables.
However, they found that their legacy wholesale suppliers were inconsistent in their provision in terms of quality and timing.
In line with Tsebo Solutions Group's renewed sustainability drive, Tsebo Kenya realised that by circumventing the middleman and going directly to the source, they could ensure the provision of the best quality products at the most reasonable prices. By initiating a farm-to-fork programme, they would not only provide cost-saving and reliable provision for Tsebo Kenya's catering solutions, but it would also have direct benefits for the local farming communities in which they operate.
The farm-to-fork (also known as farmto-table) movement encourages the use of natural, locally produced foods over imported or processed alternatives. It supports community-based food systems by buying directly from growers to support local economies
Supplied by Tsebo Solutions Groupand farming communities that observe sustainable farming practices.
This helps to decrease the physical distance produce needs to travel, thereby reducing the environmental impact of transportation. It also helps to create sustainable food systems that support ethical labour practices, community upliftment, and environmental conservation. For a commercial caterer like Tsebo Kenya, farm-to-fork allows auditable traceability for produce as it moves through the food supply chain.
Tsebo Kenya initiated relationships with dependable local suppliers, markets, and farms. All fruit and vegetables (ranging from potatoes, carrots, and spinach to lichis, apples, and tomatoes) are sourced from suppliers at the local markets or, for bulk quantities, directly from local farms for distribution by Tsebo to its client sites.
All suppliers are thoroughly vetted to ensure the quality and freshness of their organic produce. Tsebo Kenya's Health and Safety Manager and procurement teams work closely with the relevant chefs to ensure that an auditing process
is followed, particularly when it comes to bulk suppliers who need to provide consistent quantities and quality.
Local farmers are given guidelines to help them consistently meet Tsebo's high expectations for freshness, quality, and quantity in terms of ripeness levels, size of produce, and packaging, among other stipulations.
Chefs inspect the local markets and identify suppliers that produce fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables that will revitalise their dishes and allow them to create inspiring seasonal menus.
"I met one of Tsebo's sourcing people at the Kagio market. They bought 100 kg spinach and 80 kg kale from me. This was 80% of my stock, and I was overjoyed. The quantities they have been sourcing from my farm have increased threefold as they now buy 500 kg spinach and 350 kg kale weekly. I am unable to meet their demand and now buy from neighbouring farms, thus empowering more mothers like me. This has allowed me to contribute to the household's financial needs and reduce my husband's financial strain.
“I am proud to be associated with Tsebo and hope they can grow their business more to empower more mothers like me," says Rose Mburu, Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
The relationship between Tsebo Kenya and local farmers has yielded symbi-
otic benefits for both Tsebo, its communities, and its clients, as well as a reduced environmental impact.
The four main items currently being sourced in metric tonnes per week are:
• Potatoes: 5 tonnes
• Watermelons: 5 tonnes
• Pineapples: 5 tonnes
• Spinach: 5 tonnes
For Tsebo, the benefits of being able to procure fresh, higher-quality fruit and vegetables were immediately obvious to clients through inspired, frequently updated menus using seasonal ingredients.
Other benefits include:
• Faster supply and on-demand procurement of produce.
• Strong and sustainable relationships with local communities.
• A competitive edge in the market –procuring the best quality products at a fair price.
• A seven percent reduction in procurement costs.
• Environmental benefits and a lower carbon footprint.
• Regular demand helps farmers prioritise which crops to focus on and reduces waste.
• By prioritising small, organic farmers, mostly women-owned enterprises or cooperatives, small farmers can grow their businesses and receive fair prices for their produce.
• Tsebo facilitates the development of farmers' businesses by teaching them how to upscale, deliver on time and achieve compliance with health, safety, and quality standards.
What's next:
The next phase of the farm-tofork initiative is to provide additional training for the suppliers at a grassroots level. Tsebo aims to partner with small-scale farmers to help them grow their businesses in a financially sound and sustainable way. The aim now is also to source animal protein from local suppliers, which will necessitate additional training to meet strict health and safety protocols.
By developing a local food supply chain, Tsebo Kenya has reduced its carbon footprint and improved the reliability and freshness of produce used in its kitchens while significantly and sustainably contributing to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in the communities in which it operates.
Successful farmers regularly take samples of their soil to determine the fertility or nutrient levels of their land and make educated decisions about the best way to manage it. Taking a soil sample is a straightforward process that requires little in the way of expensive or specialised equipment.
The first thing that has to be done is to figure out which parts of the field need to have samples taken. The easiest way is to use a soil map or search for regions of the field that have varying colours or textures. After determining which locations are to be tested, the farmer should use a shovel or spade to dig a small hole approximately 15 to 20 centimetres deep in each of those places. Fill a clean bucket with a strip of soil taken from the top to the bottom of the hole.
It is best not to mix the different samples and mark each one with the position it was taken from. If a composite sample is required, mix the different samples on a clean surface and, then take a sample weighing around one kilogramme and put it in a bag or container that you have labelled.
You do not need to remove roots that are in the soil. The sample must be taken or sent to a laboratory so that it can be examined there.
The label must be secured either on the inside or outside of the bag showing the following information:
• The collector (if it is not the farmer), as well as the name of the farmer, and his address
• The date the sample was taken
• The field and place in the field it
was taken from
• What kind of crop is intended to be planted
• What has been grown in the field in the past
• What fertilisers, pesticides, or herbicides have been used
• Where the water comes from (rain, a well, or a borehole)?
Prevent the samples from drying out by placing them first in paper or plastic bags and then in a cooler bag. Do not leave samples exposed in the field or in a vehicle on days that are extremely hot. Neither should you expose samples to direct sunlight or any other source of heat. Always remember to store your samples in a cool location. Transport samples using cool boxes or insulated containers, then store them in a cool place or in a refrigerator at 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, and send them through the mail or deliver them by hand within a week or as soon as possible.
In the laboratory, the soil sample will be analysed for a variety of nutrients and characteristics to determine their levels. The farmer will be able to obtain information about the fertility of the soil from the results of the tests, which will assist him or her in making educated decisions regarding the most effective way to manage the soil.
The collection of soil samples is an essential component of the management of a small-scale farm. The
procedure is not overly complicated; it can be carried out with a minimum investment of time and money, and the results can be extremely helpful in determining the fertility of the ground.
For more information on where to send your soil samples, contact:
Botswana
Soils Engineers Botswana Pty Ltd
Address: Mathangwane Road, Plot 463, Gaborone West Ext 4, Botswana
Contact number: +26-73-903-252
E-mail: soils@btcmail.co.bw
Namibia
MIST Agricultural Laboratory
Address: P.O Box 431, Rundu, Namibia
Contact number: +26-481-577-6112
E-mail: admin@mistal.com.na
Zimbabwe
Windmill Pvt Ltd
Address: 21 Coventry Road
Workington Harare
Contact number: +26-324-2753784-9
References:
Agricultural Research Council.
(2023) SOIL ANALYSIS. ARC-Institute for Soil, Climate and Water. Available at: https://www.arc.agric. za/Advisory%20Services/Soil%20
and%20chemical%20safety.pdf
Go
Carefully remove any surface vegetation to expose bare soil
Dig a hole, the depth and width of the spade
Use the spade to cut a thin slice of soil from one side of the hole
(Source: ARC)
Place approximately 1 kg of the soil in a sample bag
Do not mix soils from different places, even in the same field, unless a composite soil sample is required
Use strong plastic or canvas bags that will not tear easily and mark each bag carefully
Submit your samples to the ARC laboratory
contact.
3. Effect in three days. Glyphoste needs 7-10 days
4. Application in all crops, including vegetables and fruits.
5. Good effect in some difficult weeds killing
6. Transplanting in 1-4 days. Glyphosate needs 20-30 days
bite & suck crops, foundations, wood etc. Termirid is applied in foundation soils for ants & termites. It is different to other insecticides as it cannot be smelledIt acts to kill insects and not repel them.
Our Fertilizer is a locally manufactured, innovative plant nutrition that complements our clients’ businesses. Our comprehensive range can match the nutritional needs of crops at every growth stage. Testing and quality control is core to our business. Superfert is blended in batches that are individually checked through daily testing. All the ingredients we use are thoroughly researched and of A-grade quality sourced from first rate suppliers only.
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