Namibia Agriculture Union Weekly Newsletter

WEEKLY NEWS – 24 May 2012

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: LIFE IS LIKE PHOTOGRAPHY. WE DEVELOP FROM THE NEGATIVES

Sakkie Coetzee: Manager NAU

In today’s newsletter –

·         Hunting season officially announced

·         Veld Fires

·         FA and other days

Hunting season officially announced

Cabinet officially approved the 2012 hunting season and a hunter may hunt the following animals: 3 large game species or 2 large game species and 4 small game species or 1 large game specie and 8 small game species or 12 small game species. Large game species are Kudu, Oryx and Red Hartebeest. A hunter may not hunt more than 1 Kudu during the hunting season. Small game species are Springbuck and Warthog. Various bird species may also be hunted.

Hunting permits will only be issued to farm owners or lessees and in case of a Conservancy to the Conservancy Committee. No permits will be issued directly to a hunter. Permits are issued upon submission of a written invitation to the prospective hunter. This invitation must contain the following information: name and address of farm owner or lessee or Conservancy; name and address of hunter; name, number and district where farm or Conservancy is situated; type fencing and whether it is registered; total amount huntable animals which are hunted; period of hunt and the invitation must be signed by the farm owner or lessee or committee. Each permit costs N$100.

Permits are available at the following offices:

For the Karas region: at the Ministry’s offices in Karasburg and Keetmanshoop

For the Hardap region: at the Ministry’s office at Mariental

For the Omaheke region: at the Ministry’s office in Gobabis

For the Otjozondjupa region: at the Ministry’s office in Otjiwarongo

For the Kunene and Otjozondjupa regions: at the Ministry’s office at Outjo

For the Otjozondjupa and Oshikoto regions: at the Ministry’s office in Grootfontein

For the Erongo region: at the Ministry’s offices in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

Veld Fires

With winter approaching we would like to request members to take the necessary precautions against veld fires. Herewith a few tips on how to prevent fires –

·         stacks have to be packed away from footpaths, paths and railway lines

·         the safest way to keep petrol and diesel is in underground tanks

·         never ever keep fertilizer near petrol storages

·         do proper fire belts

·         discuss plans for a fire belt system with neighbours

·         arrange a joint firefighting system with neighbours

·         ensure that all firefighting equipment is in a working condition

Small stock courses

The following small stock courses are offered:

Boer goats: 30 July – information day at NLA, Mariental. 31 July – 1 August – Jnr and Snr course at Mariental.

Van Rooy sheep: 1 & 2 June at Stampriet

Persie sheep: 8 June at the small stock pens, Windhoek show grounds

Damara sheep: 20 and 21 June at Namboer, Windhoek

For further information and registration contact Carina Vermeulen at Tel 061 252994 (only mornings) or send a mail to btgn@mweb.com.na.

SWAKARA SNOK courses

The next SWAKARA SNOK course will be held from June 12 – 14, 2012 at the Gellap East Research Farm, Keetmanshoop: 12 June: lamb description, photo judging and breeding and ram selection, electrical shearing demonstration, Herd Master norms / policy and for the workers: stunner, finnishing off lambs, slaughtering and splinting of pelts and an electric shearing demonstration. On June 13: rangeland management, strategic feeding, animal health and a practical rangeland session in the field. On June 14: estates and testaments, pelts analytical register and theory of pelts sorting, pelts sorting. The courses are from 08:00 – 16:00 and are only for current pelts producers. Accommodation will be made available at Gellap Ost. For further details contact John Hartung, Tel 063 223268, Anton Losper, Tel 081 2010679 or Stef Coetzee, Tel 063 224851.

FA and other days

Omuramba FA is holding a meeting on June 5 at 14:00 at Kroonster. Guest speaker is Mr Bertus Kruger who will talk about „Back to Basics“. For further details contact Mrs Christa Engelbrecht, Tel 062 571540, jeng@mweb.com.na.

Kalkfeld FA is hosting a grass day / farmer’s day on June 6 at 09:00 at Farm Klein Otjikango-Ost of Günther and Caroline Kahl. Guest speaker is Mr L Lubbe, main agricultural researchers of Windhoek and Messrs S Albat and G Kahl will give a short introduction about de-bushing and field use practices. A grassland sightseeing tour will be held at 14:30. Please register before or on May 31 with Mrs Caroline Kahl, Tel 067 290020. Further details can be obtained from MrsFriedensdorf, Tel 067 290009, kfriedensdorf@iway.na.

Dorsland FA is holding its Annual General Meeting on June 6 at 14:00 at Saambou. Guest speaker is Mr Chris Steenkamp who talks about the prospects for the future of auctions. For further details contact Ellie Lottering, Tel 062 571527, franseli@iway.na.

Grunau FA is holding its annual Rugby / Hunting dance on June 9 at 16:30 (RSA time) at the Grunau FA house, Grunau. Entrance is N$100 per person whereby a Steak dinner and dance is included. The game between the boks and England will be broadcast on a big screen. Further details from Hans Eberhard, Tel 063 262087, hans@iway.na.

Steinhausen FA is holding a member meeting on June 12 at 14:00 at the FA hall at Farm Steinhausen. For further details contact Mayke Rumpf, Tel 062 561422, combumbi@iway.na.

WestelikeKhomasis holding a meeting on June 13 at 15:00 at the Harmonie hall. For further details contact Amanda Greeff, Tel 064 551565, Luanda@iway.na.

Helmeringhausen FA is holding a meeting on June 13 at 10:00 at the FA centre. For further details contact Timm Miller, Tel 081 2079974.

Karasberge FA is holding a meeting on June 14 at 14:00 in the FA hall. For further details contact Christine Smith, Tel 081 7759424, elias@iway.na.

The Afrikaner Breeders are holding a grading course on June 19 & 20. On June 19 the course will be held at Klein Onganja and on June 20 at Neudamm. Costs will be N$200 per person. Please register before June 12 with Florence Hamman, Tel 060800 4708, flhamman@mweb.com.na.

The Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association of Namibia is offering a two-day judging course on 4 & 5 July on the farms of Mr Andre Boehmcker and MrImmoWilckens. The course will be offered by Mr Martin Seyfferd. Registration is N$800 per person. Only limited amount participants can take part. For any further enquiries contact MaxieBoehmcker, Tel 081 2688939, moringa@iway.na. Santa Gertrudis are ideal for crossbreeding. Light calves at birth and fast growth.

Karibib FA is holding a meeting on July 14 at 16:00 at Farm Abbabis. For further details contact Mrs D Gladis, Tel 061 248480, helmuth@hemconamibia.com.

The SA Butchery Training School offers blockman courses (SETA accredited). The courses are about 2 weeks and cost N$6 500. For further details contact Johan, Tel 081 246908, johan@unieke.com. 

Abattoir Prices Namibia 29 May 2012

Agra Hartebeestloop Auction: Farmers Pay for Good Genetics

The Agra Stud Services auction (Hatebeestloop) on the farm of the Bonsmara breeder, Dr. Joggie Briedenhann close to Stampriet once again proved that farmers are willing to pay for good genetics. The auction raised  N$10 million, with N$ 400 000 being paid for for an exceptional Bonsmara bull (Hart 08-82).
The complete article (Afrikaans) with photos is available at:  http://www.republikein.com.na/die-mark/boere-dok-op-vir-goeie-genetika.148696.php 

Bonsmara bull Hart 08-82 that was sold for N$ 400 000

Upcoming Auctions

1. Super Game Dealers will have a "catalogue" auction in Windhoek on the 15th of June 2012. Scares       game species (Golden Oryx, Red Oryx and Golden Wildebeest) will be on offer. The full article (Afrikaans) with photo's is available at: http://www.republikein.com.na/landboufokus/katalogus-veiling-bied-superwild.148693.php

2.

                                                                             3.

                                                                               4.

                                          5. Blaauwberg Auction dates for June 2012

Dealing with Climate Change: Let's Act to Adapt

A workshop on "Dealing with Climate Change" in Swakopmund was organised by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. The workshop was held on the 21st of May at the Swakopmund Entertainment Center.  It was a multidisciplinary participatory workshop where a community information toolkit on climate change adaptation was discussed. Extension staff (7) from the Erongo region attended the workshop and will disseminate the information as part of their extension message to farmers in the rural areas of Erongo region.


Useful links: 

http://www.met.gov.na/Directorates/Parks/Documents/CPP%20poster%201%20version%202.pdf

http://www.undp.org.na/cpp-islm-sam.aspx

Funding:    http://www.thegef.org/gef/gef_country_prg/NA 

Namibia Agriculture Union

WEEKLY NEWS – 18 May 2012

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: YOU’VE GOT TO GET UP EVERY MORNING WITH DETERMINATION IF YOU’RE GOING TO BED WITH SATISFACTION – George Lorimer

Sakkie Coetzee: Manager NAU

In today’s newsletter –

·         Broiler project on time

·         FA and other news

Broiler project on time

The first broilers of Namibia Poultry Industries (NPI) are available in the Namibian market. According to MrGys White, the Managing Director and board member of the Namib Mills Group, who was a speaker at the Poultry Producers Association member meeting, about 47 000 broilers are slaughtered daily at the NPI plant near Windhoek. The aim is to get 250 000 local produced broilers weekly into the Namibian market.

This plant of approximately N$540 million employs 500 people and includes all aspects from laying of eggs, hatching, raising and slaughtering. A very high biosecurity is handled to ensure the prevention of any sicknesses. The plant is also environmental friendly.

The broiler industry qualifies for infant industry protection as from June 1, 2012 which has been granted by the Ministry of Trade and Industry for a period of eight years. NPI plans to implement various initiatives during these eight years which shall increase the competitiveness of the broiler industry in Namibia.

SWAKARA news

New address: The Agra Pelts Centre and offices of the Karakul Board are moving and as from June 1, 2012 the address will be: Cobalt Str 35, Prosperitas. Telephone number, fax and e-mail address remain the same.

Lamb stunners: The board requests all producers to register their old stunners or to buy new ones. For the September 2013 auction the board made it compulsory that all producers who deliver their pelts as from January 2013 for the September 2013 auction must be in possession of a registered stunner.

Copenhagen tour: Following the success of the 2007 producers’ tour to Copenhagen, it has been decided to again offer a tour for producers. The costs of such a tour for five days will be approximately N$20 000 and interested parties can put their name down for the April 2013 auction at the Karakul Board office, Tel 061 237750, swakara@agra.com.na. 

The following SWAKARA SNOK courses will be held at Farm Swartkop in the Karasburg vicinity on the 22, 23 and 24 May. On 22 May (from 08:00 – 16:00): lamb description, photo judging and breeding and ram selection, electric shearing demonstration. For the employees: stunner, slaughtering and splinting of pelts. On May (from 08:00 – 16:00): SWAKARA in the market, pelts analyses statement and theory of pelts sorting, pelts sorting, Herd Master (breeders) norms/policy. In the evening there will be a function. On May 24 (from 08:00 – 16:00): rangeland management, estates and testaments, animal health, lectures and costs of BioBoost Solutions and a sightseeing of the greenhouse of Bioboost Solutions. There will also be a woman and workers program. The courses are only for current pelts producers and no accommodation is available. May 24 is an open day and can thus be attended by all interested parties. For more details and to register contact Eureka de Jager, Tel 063 683497, 081 3083658 or Rossouw Strauss, Tel 063 280090, 081 2291480.

Small stock courses

The following small stock courses are offered:

Boer goats: 21 May – information day at Namboer, Windhoek. 22 – 23 May – Jnr and Snr course at Windhoek. 30 July – information day at NLA, Mariental. 31 July – 1 August – Jnr and Snr course at Mariental.

Van Rooy sheep: 1 & 2 June at Stampriet

Persie sheep: 8 June at the small stock pens, Windhoek show grounds

Damara sheep: 20 and 21 June at Namboer, Windhoek

For further information and registration contact Carina Vermeulen at Tel 061 252994 (only mornings) or send a mail to btgn@mweb.com.na.

FA and other news

Aranos FA is holding a meeting on May 23 at 15:00 at the FA hall. Further details from Joleen Mans, Tel 063 250187, kierie@iway.na.

Hoërand FA is holding a member meeting on May 23, 2012 at 14:00 at the FA hall at Farm Stubbenkamer, Maltahöhe district. Mr Gerald John of Boomlusern is the guest speaker. The day will be concluded with a bring and braai and further details can be obtained from Bartie Burger, Tel 063 683360, 081 3792626 or MarykaTruter, Tel 081 2624146.

Witvlei FA is holding a slaughtering oxen competition on May 23 & 24. On May 23 it will be held at the Namboer kraals, Witvlei from 08:00 and on May 24 the cattle will be slaughtered at the Meatco abattoir, Windhoek. The day will be concluded with a Steak braai. For further details contact Mrs M Bouwer, Tel 062 570317, gmbouwer@iway.na.

Kalkfeld FA is hosting a grass day / farmer’s day on June 6 at 09:00 at Farm Klein Otjikango-Ost of Günther and Caroline Kahl. Guest speaker is Mr L Lubbe, main agricultural researchers of Windhoek and Messrs S Albat and G Kahl will give a short introduction about de-bushing and field use practices. A grassland sightseeing tour will be held at 14:30. Please register before or on May 31 with Mrs Caroline Kahl, Tel 067 290020. Further details can be obtained from MrsFriedensdorf, Tel 067 290009, kfriedensdorf@iway.na.

Dorsland FA is holding its Annual General Meeting on June 6 at 14:00 at Saambou. Guest speaker is Mr Chris Steenkamp who talks about the prospects for the future of auctions. For further details contact Ellie Lottering, Tel 062 571527, franseli@iway.na.

Grunau FA is holding its annual Rugby / Hunting dance on June 9 at 16:30 (RSA time) at the Grunau FA house, Grunau. Entrance is N$100 per person whereby a Steak dinner and dance is included. The game between the boks and England will be broadcast on a big screen. Further details from Hans Eberhard, Tel 063 262087, hans@iway.na.

WestelikeKhomasis holding a meeting on June 13 at 15:00 at the Harmonie hall. For further details contact Amanda Greeff, Tel 064 551565, Luanda@iway.na.

Karasberge FA is holding a meeting on June 14 at 14:00 in the FA hall. For further details contact Christine Smith, Tel 081 7759424, elias@iway.na.

The Afrikaner Breeders are holding a grading course on June 19 & 20. On June 19 the course will be held at Klein Onganja and on June 20 at Neudamm. Costs will be N$200 per person. Please register before June 12 with Florence Hamman, Tel 060800 4708, flhamman@mweb.com.na.

The Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association of Namibia is offering a two-day judging course on 4 & 5 July on the farms of Mr Andre Boehmcker and MrImmoWilckens. The course will be offered by Mr Martin Seyfferd. Registration is N$800 per person. Only limited amount participants can take part. For any further enquiries contact MaxieBoehmcker, Tel 081 2688939, moringa@iway.na. Santa Gertrudis are ideal for crossbreeding. Light calves at birth and fast growth. 

Valencia Mine Usakos Community Garden Project

As part of its social responsibility, Valencia Uranium (Pty) Limited embarked upon an ingenuous way of empowering Namibians by spearheading the ‘High 5 Concept’. The concept aims to unlock income-generating opportunities through self-employment with special focus on promoting SME-type ventures specializing in transporting supplies to the mine, bakery, butchery, grocery shop and vegetable production in Usakos. Following deliberations on the ‘High 5 Concept’ and in consultations with the implementing agency (AgriFutura), it was decided that phase 1 of the ‘High 5 Projects’ be directed to vegetable production to ensure that beneficiaries are more focused and for the financial supporter (Valencia Uranium) to easily gauge adoption rate.

Project objective and outcome

    The objective of the project is to enable the Usakos community to produce fresh vegetables for the Valencia village and local market. This also provides an opportunity to actualize the Valencia-Usakos Community SMEs (VUCoSME) Trust and to roll-out other SMEs that will boost community self-employment and income generating activities within the town of Usakos. It is also expected that upon acquiring the necessary skills, members will be motivated to acquire more land and replicate this idea so as to enhance local food production and become self-sufficient.

Investment

 ·Capex related cost estimates   - N$1,993,676.00

·Opex related cost estimates  per year   - N$   726,232.00

·Total investment year 1  - N$2,719,908.00

·Total investment year 2  -  75% of proposed budget

·Total investment year 3  -  50% of proposed budget

·From year 4 and beyond, it is expected that the project should be self sufficient and sustainable.

·The Trust is the key player expected to drive the project and ensure its sustainability.

The complete power-point presentation can be downloaded at: https://www.box.net/shared/72456698f40c740bcf90

Website –  www.forsysmetals.com

Abattoir Prices Namibia 15 May 2012

Namibia Agriculture Union

WEEKLY NEWS – 11 May 2012

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: A SMILE IS A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW OF THE SOUL, INDICATING THAT THE HEART IS AT HOME.

In today’s newsletter –

SAKKIE COETZEE: MANAGER NAU

·         Farmers’ day of 2011 Runner up Young Farmer of the Year

·         FA and other news

Farmers’ day of 2011 Runner up Young Farmer of the Year

The farmers’ day of the runner up of the 2011 Young Farmer of the Year competition, Mr Willem Groenewald on his Farm Pierre between Outjo and Otavi, again put the importance of the control of bush encroachment on farms in the spotlight.

The successful farmers’ day which was hosted by Noordgrens FA in cooperation with MrGroenewald, was attended by a large group of people from Northern areas. The president of the NAU, MrRyno van der Merwe who was one of the speakers, emphasized the importance of the management of resources in his speech. This connected with MrGroenewald’s presentation about his activities to improve his rangeland through de-bushing and an effective after-care program.

MrGroenewald uses the unnecessary bushes to produce charcoal, but more important is the regular burning program he applies to do after-care for re-growth. It was clear that the control of bush encroachment in the northern parts of the country must be an integral part in the current management system of farmers and most probably also for coming generations.

The pilot plant for a project for the use of bush to generate power is also on MrGroenewald’s farm. CENORED is busy with the last adjustments in order to enable power generated by this plant to be taken up in the national distribution network.  

Small stock courses

The following small stock courses are offered:

Boer goats: 21 May – information day at Namboer, Windhoek. 22 – 23 May – Jnr and Snr course at Windhoek. 30 July – information day at NLA, Mariental. 31 July – 1 August – Jnr and Snr course at Mariental.

Van Rooy sheep: 1 & 2 June at Stampriet

Persie sheep: 8 June at the small stock pens, Windhoek show grounds

Damara sheep: 20 and 21 June at Namboer, Windhoek

For further information and registration contact Carina Vermeulen at Tel 061 252994 (only mornings) or send a mail to btgn@mweb.com.na.

SWAKARA courses

The following SWAKARA SNOK courses will be held at Farm Swartkop in the Karasburg vicinity on the 22, 23 and 24 May. On 22 May (from 08:00 – 16:00): lamb description, photo judging and breeding and ram selection, electric shearing demonstration. For the employees: stunner, disposing of lambs, slaughtering and splinting of pelts and electric shearing demonstration. On May (from 08:00 – 16:00): estate and testament, pelts analyses statement and theory of pelts sorting, pelts sorting, Herd Master (breeders) norms/policy. In the evening there will be a function. On May 24 (from 08:00 – 16:00): rangeland management, why farm with SWAKARA, strategic feeding, animal health, practical rangeland session in the veld. The courses are only for current pelts producers and no accommodation is available. May 24 is an open day and can thus be attended by all interested parties. For more details and to register contact Eureka de Jager, Tel 063 683497, 081 3083658 or Rossouw Strauss, Tel 063 280090, 081 2291480.

Clinics in the Karas region

The Ministry of Health and Social Services announced that a national measles, oral Polio, Vitamin A Supplementary and Deworming campaign will be held from 5 – 7 June (first round) and from 10 – 12 July (second round) in the Karas region. For any further enquiries contact MrMukuveKavetu at kavetomukuve@yahoo.co.uk.

FA and other news

Aranos FA is holding a meeting on May 23 at 15:00 at the FA hall. Further details from Joleen Mans, Tel 063 250187, kierie@iway.na.

Witvlei FA is holding a slaughtering oxen competition on May 23 & 24. On May 23 it will be held at the Namboer kraals, Witvlei from 08:00 and on May 24 the cattle will be slaughtered at the Meatco abattoir, Windhoek. The day will be concluded with a Steak braai. For further details contact Mrs M Bouwer, Tel 062 570317, gmbouwer@iway.na.

The Scientific Society offers a German lecture by Dr Roy Miller under the theme “ Multidisciplinaryevidence shows that the Sun and Water and not CO² have been and will continue to be the main drivers of the past, present and future climates“. This lecture will be held on May 29 at 19:00 at the Namibia Scientific Society, 110 Robert Mugabe Ave, Windhoek. For further details contact WaltraudFritzsche from the Scientific Society at Tel 061 225372, nwg@iway.na.

Kalkfeld FA is hosting a grass day / farmer’s day on June 6 at 09:00 at Farm Klein Otjikango-Ost of Günther and Caroline Kahl. Guest speaker is Mr L Lubbe, main agricultural researchers of Windhoek and Messrs S Albat and G Kahl will give a short introduction about de-bushing and field use practices. A grassland sightseeing tour will be held at 14:30. Please register before or on May 31 with Mrs Caroline Kahl, Tel 067 290020. Further details can be obtained from MrsFriedensdorf, Tel 067 290009, kfriedensdorf@iway.na.

Grunau FA is holding its annual Rugby / Hunting dance on June 9 at 16:30 (RSA time) at the Grunau FA house, Grunau. Entrance is N$100 per person whereby a Steak dinner and dance is included. The game between the boks and England will be broadcast on a big screen. Further details from Hans Eberhard, Tel 063 262087, hans@iway.na.

Karasberge FA is holding a meeting on June 14 at 14:00 in the FA hall. For further details contact Christine Smith, Tel 081 7759424, elias@iway.na.

The Afrikaner Breeders are holding a grading course on June 19 & 20. On June 19 the course will be held at Klein Onganja and on June 20 at Neudamm. Costs will be N$200 per person. Please register before June 12 with Florence Hamman, Tel 060800 4708, flhamman@mweb.com.na.

The women of Hochfeld FA have arranged a cake decorating workshop, to be held on 26, 27 and 28 June 2012 at Hochfeld Lodge. The course is presented by Capetonian cake decorator, Mrs Anne Tangney. FOUR different courses are now being presented, namely “formal cake decorating”, “basic piping (butter cream) and moulding”, as well as “royal icing and moulding” andthe newest, exciting addition of the “Chocolate Plastique” (chocolatefondant)course. Each course will be repeated on different days, at different timeslots. Participants may choose which courses they would like to attend, and need not attend all three courses. Classes are limited to 10 participants per class. There are still seats available in each class. To register and obtain more details, please contact Bianca Marggraff, Tel 062 504211, 081 3007584, bianca.marggraff@mtcmobile.com.na. Closing date for all registrations and deposits is Thursday,10 May 2012.

The Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association of Namibia is offering a two-day judging course on 4 & 5 July on the farms of Mr Andre Boehmcker and MrImmoWilckens. The course will be offered by Mr Martin Seyfferd. Registration is N$800 per person. Only limited amount participants can take part. For any further enquiries contact MaxieBoehmcker, Tel 081 2688939, moringa@iway.na. Santa Gertrudis are ideal for crossbreeding. Light calves at birth and fast growth.

Okavango Fishing Break: April/May 2012 Long week-end

The long week-end at the end of April opened up an opportunity for a welcome, well deserved break  and a time to relax, rest and reflect...!!!
Fishing (catch and release) in the Okavango river, the border between Namibia and Angola, is one of the most tranquil and rewarding experiences for a sport fisherman. The river subsided considerably by the end of the rainy season with very pleasant weather. Excellent conditions for fishing and wildlife (hippo's, crocodile's, birds etc) observation. 
I caught and released more than 50 Nembwe (briem) and other briem species along with countless amounts of smaller ("malkop") and bigger (3-6kg) Tiger fish. Most of the time was spend drifting live and dead bait for tiger fish. 

 Impression: The strike of a large (even small) tiger fish must be among the best in fishing


Video (wmv, 20mb) Available at: http://youtu.be/9B7XENwWJ44

Okavango Nembwe 
(Serranochromis robustus jallae)
with its signature orange  band on the  dorsal and tail fins

"pienk Happy" (tilapia)

Longface (kromkop Kurper) Briem (Serranochromes angusticepas)

Tiger Fish (Hydrocynus vittatus)