In today’s newsletter:
- Dairy producers discuss crisis in industry
- NAU president visits Minister of Lands
- FA and other news
Dairy producers discuss crisis in industry
The Dairy Producers Association of Namibia met on Monday, July 23, 2012 for their annual member meeting. Even though there were various points to be discussed on the agenda, the deterioration of the dairy industry was the main theme. A second dairy producer is currently busy to get rid of his herd. The effect of cheap UHT milk (under cost price) on local markets has a very negative influence on the sale of Namibian UHT products. UHT products nearly make up half of the local milk production. A fact which the authorities do not understand is that due to transport and feed prices, the Namibian producers will never be able to compete with South Africa and other subsidised countries!
The Namibia Dairies group took a big risk to start the !Ameib Superfarm. The big challenges and risks of an intensive industry such as a milk farm are clearly illustrated here. The dairy producers salute Namibia Dairies who took a clear decision to not yet be another distributor of foreign products in Namibia but to rather invest in a real Namibian product of high quality. The additional employment opportunities which were created by the super farm are a typical example of what the agricultural sector contributes towards the community.
The situation for the dairy producers however is getting worse and they decided to launch another action in an attempt to show the authority that the dairy industry, which up to now has been identified as a strategic agricultural industry, is busy to come to an end. Due to limited funds, each producer contributes from his milk price towards another consultancy in order to get the information to the relevant officials.
The president of the NAU, Mr Ryno van der Merwe said that local economies cannot afford to carry on without the contribution of dairy producers (employment creation, investing, economic contribution towards a proud Namibia product). The commercial producers are excited about the possibility of the development of dairy expanding possibilities in the communal areas, but are concerned whether such an industry will be maintainable on long term and without substantial investing.
Dairy Provider of the Year
The NAU would like to congratulate the winners of Dairy Provider of the Year. These are:
The president of the NAU, Mr Ryno van der Merwe and the Executive Manager, Mr Sakkie Coetzee visited the Minister of Lands, Mr Alpheus !Naruseb on July 25. Mr !Naruseb was assisted by the Deputy Minister, Mr Theo Diergaardt, the acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Shivute and other senior personnel members of the Ministry. The aim of the visit was mainly to get the support from the Ministry of Lands for the NAU initiative about economic growth and employment creation. Minister !Naruseb’s first comment was that the inter-action between the NAU and the Ministry must take place on a more regular base as both these parties have a big influence on the land reform process and the handling of peace and stability in rural areas.
The Minister and personnel fully support the initiative of the NAU with regard to economic growth and employment creation in the agricultural sector and offered their cooperation in identifying projects, mainly on resettlement farms and –areas which can contribute towards the aims of this initiative. The Minister pointed out that numerous initiatives only stay in boardrooms and never reach the communities. Thus it is important to involve the communities in practical ways.
Other points on the Agenda were veld fires on resettlement farms, the valuation rolls for 2013 – 2018 as well as the affordability of land tax. The Minister pointed out that the Ministries responsibilities end as soon as the beneficiaries of the resettlement farms get their lease agreements. He confirmed that resettled farmers have to comply with their responsibilities with regard to veld fires and get involved in the various communities. The Minister undertook to give a manual to resettled farmers in future which inter alia addresses this issue.
Charcoal Producers Association will hold Conference
The Charcoal Producers Association will hold their member meeting and Conference on August 16 at 08:30 at the Reit Klub, Otjiwarongo. Speakers are Dr Trede from DECOSA who will talk about sustainable charcoal production, Mr Willem Groenewald, the chairperson of the Namibia Forestry Council and Mr Tobias Konzmann who will talk about “Energy for the future”. For further details contact Mrs Annatjie du Preez, Tel 061 237838, annatjie@agrinamibia.comm.na
FA and other news
Otjiwarongo FA is holding a meeting on July 31 at 09:00 at the conference hall of the NG Church, Otjiwarongo. For further details contact Callie Steenkamp, Tel 081 3326292,tilla@iway.na
Verre Suide FA is hosting its annual winter school on August 2 at Warmbad. All farmers and interested parties are welcome. The theme is „Optimal meat / cattle production in the south of Nambiia“. The talks include sheep, cattle and goats and judging of the different breeds in the vicinity will take place. Speakers are inter alia Wessel Visser of Swakara, Governor Bernardus Swartbooi,Sakkie Coetzee of the NAU, Koos Claassen of Meatco and Danie de Lange of Feedmaster. Elize Louwrens will give a practical demonstration of painting techniques on furniture, frames, etc at the women’s programme. The costs for this demonstration are N$150 per person and further information is available from Chane von Schauroth, Tel 063 683493, chanevs@mweb.com.na. The cost for the winters school are N$250 per person which include all meals. The day is concluded with a steak braai and music. Further details and enquiries about stands can be addressed to Gunther von Schauroth, Tel 063 683493, gavonschauroth@iway.na
Meatco is holding a General member meeting following the decision which was taken during the 26th Annual General Meeting of Meatco. This General meeting will be held on August 3 at 09:00 at the Wanderers Sports field, Windhoek. The aim of this meeting is to give feedback around the recent development of the corporation’s ownership and future legal structure and –framework and to discuss this. For further details contact Nico Weck or Ebben Kalondo at Tel 061 3216400,nweck@meatco.com.na or ekalondo@meatco.com.na
Osire / Waterberg FA is holding a meeting on August 7 at 08:30 at Farm Ondekaremba Nord 215 of Fam W Wilckens. Guest speakers are Mr Momberg of Efekto who will talk about preparing the garden for the growing season, Mr Meyer who will talk about scanning of cattle for gestation and Mr Fourie who will talk about RFID ear tag scanning. For further details contact Mrs D Wilckens, Tel 067 306201,wilckens@iway.na
Summerdown FA is holding a John Deere day and judging of slaughtering oxen on the hoove on August 8. For further details contact Henriette le Grange, Tel 081 1249670,hh@iway.na
Kalkplato FA is holding a member meeting on August 8 at 14:00 at Witbooisvlei. Guest speaker is Riaan Dames who will talk about rangeland management. Mr Oubaas Steenkamp will give a practical demonstration of mechanic de-bushing after the meeting. For further details contact Morné Mostert, Tel 063 252433, 081 3769156,trio@iway.na
A game farm farmer’s day will be held on August 8 at 09:00 at the RL Farm, Omaruru. For further details contact Ilono Mentrup, Tel 081 1273040, rlfarm@iway.na
Witvlei FA is holding a general meeting on August 8 at 14:00 at the farmer house at Witvlei. Guest speakers are Mr P W Katamelo, LP and Gobabis Regional Representatives and Mr Laubscher of Namibia Hunters Guide. For further details contact Mrs Monica Bouwer, Tel 062 570317, gmbouwer@iway.na
Klein Nossob FA is hosting its annual Kalahari Farmers day on August 9 & 10. All farmers in the vicinity and interested parties are invited to this day and farmers can exhibit their animals (large stock, small stock, horses, etc). This is not only for registered breeders but for everyody who has a passion for his/her breed. Speakers are Mr Riaan Momberg of Efekto, Mnr P Hugo and Mr W Visser and the motivational speaker for the women is D Visser. On August 9 there will be a Steak braai and dance with the Aranos Kalahari Orkes. Further details and entry forms are available from Jerrie Kotze, Tel 081 3012215, jbkotze@mweb.com.na or Danie Visser, Tel 081 2769152,visserd@mweb.com.na
The GTO (Grootfontein, Tsumeb, Otavi) RAU is hosting a grazing day on August 14 at 07:30 at the Kalkfontein Lodge. The day will be hosted by Riaan Dames and at 12:40 a farm sightseeing will be held at Farm Gaikos. Costs are N$50 for NAU members and N$100 for non-members. Please register before July 14 with Mr Willem Enslin, Tel 081 2305078.
Omuramba FA is holding a meeting on August 14 at 14:00 at Kroonster. Guest speakers are Mr Kobus du Plessis of Meatco and Mr Chris Opperman. For further details contact Mrs Christa Engelbrecht, Tel 062 571540, jeng@mweb.com.na
Helmeringhausen FA is hosting the annual Keetmanshoop RAU winter school on August 15 & 16 at Farm Lovedale. Speakers are Andre du Toit who will talk about trophy monitoring and tending to hunting rifles; Jo Gaugler who will talk about agricultural economy and sustainable production; Old Mutua; Awie Steenkamp who will talk about hoove care of cattle and horses; Tandelta who will talk about alternative telecommunication; Niekie Meyer who will talk about scanning of animals; Dr Hensie Lategan who will talk about small stock diseases; Bernd Rothkegel who will talk about agricultural marketing and Meatco.At the women’s program are the following speakers: Ms Carien Viljoen who will talk about conflict handling; Mrs Inez Miller who will talk about worm farming for compost; Mrs Onell Simon who will talk about mosaic work and Ms Maryke de Vos who will talk about „do it at your own home“. Numerous practical demonstrations will be given during those 2 days. The first day will conclude with a dinner and SWAKARA fashion parade. Costs are N$300 per person for both days and meals are included. NAU members who present their membership card, will get a 20% discount. For further details contact Timm Miller, Tel 081 2079974,miller@mtcmobile.com.na , Andre Coetzee, Tel 081 1287101,andrecoetzee@mtcmobile.com.na , Louisa Campbell, Tel 081 2819074, info@lovedale-namibia.com , or Christian Frank-Schultz, Tel 081 3543619, duwisib@iway.na (accommodation).
Aranos FA is holding a member meeting on August 15. Further information will be given in due course or can be obtained from Joleen Mans, Tel 063 250187,kierie@iway.na
Maltahöhe FA is holding a member meeting on August 15 at 09:00 at Farm Nomtsas of Mr & Mrs Albert Voigts-von Schütz. Guest speakers are Mr Merwe Fourie who will talk about the use of „Tag Readers“ and Dr Gaugler who will demonstrate a gestation „scanner“ on cows. For further details contact Mr Christian Otto, Tel 063 293512,ottojagd@iway.na
Karasberge FA is holding a meeting on August 23 on 14:00 at the FA hall. Further details from Christine, Tel 081 7759424, elias@iway.na
Osire/Waterberg FA is holding its „Inter Farmers Association Sports Day – 2012 Farmer Olympics“ on September 1 at 07:00 at the Osire Waterberg farmers hall at Farm Osire Noord. Individual sports which are offered are airgun shooting, bokdrolverspoeg and soccer wall. Entertainment for the children and general entertainment such as a mini show, tasty food and dance is offered. Each team has to consist of 8 members of which at least 2 must be women. Entrance fee per team is N$100 and social teams are welcome to take part. Entrance fee is N$80 for adults, N$40 for children up to 13 years and children under the age of 6 are free of charge. The entrance fee includes dinner and dance. Entrances for the sports day close on August 1,2012 and can be addressed to Piet van Vuuren, Tel 081 2562666, pietvanvuuren@mtcmobile.com.na or Dagmar Wilckens, Tel 067 306201, 081 2807829,wilckens@iway.na
The Limousin Breeders Association is hosting a judging course on September 6 & 7 at Farm Ombuerendende of Sigi and Heide Baas. The course is offered by Messrs Willie Grobler and Barend Dorfling and costs N$500 per person. Enquiries can be addressed to Ellie Lottering, Tel 081 2924917, franseli@iway.na
Summerdown FA is hosting a loose goods fund raising auction on September 15. Farmers who would like to enter their goods, must please contact Henriette le Grange at Tel 081 1249670, hh@iway.na
A Dexter course will be held by Mr Willie Grobler on October 6 at 08:00 at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring, Windhoek Showgrounds. For further details contact Carina Jansen van Vuuren, Tel 067 312918, orpheus@mweb.com.na
The Dairy Producers Association of Namibia met on Monday, July 23, 2012 for their annual member meeting. Even though there were various points to be discussed on the agenda, the deterioration of the dairy industry was the main theme. A second dairy producer is currently busy to get rid of his herd. The effect of cheap UHT milk (under cost price) on local markets has a very negative influence on the sale of Namibian UHT products. UHT products nearly make up half of the local milk production. A fact which the authorities do not understand is that due to transport and feed prices, the Namibian producers will never be able to compete with South Africa and other subsidised countries!
The Namibia Dairies group took a big risk to start the !Ameib Superfarm. The big challenges and risks of an intensive industry such as a milk farm are clearly illustrated here. The dairy producers salute Namibia Dairies who took a clear decision to not yet be another distributor of foreign products in Namibia but to rather invest in a real Namibian product of high quality. The additional employment opportunities which were created by the super farm are a typical example of what the agricultural sector contributes towards the community.
The situation for the dairy producers however is getting worse and they decided to launch another action in an attempt to show the authority that the dairy industry, which up to now has been identified as a strategic agricultural industry, is busy to come to an end. Due to limited funds, each producer contributes from his milk price towards another consultancy in order to get the information to the relevant officials.
The president of the NAU, Mr Ryno van der Merwe said that local economies cannot afford to carry on without the contribution of dairy producers (employment creation, investing, economic contribution towards a proud Namibia product). The commercial producers are excited about the possibility of the development of dairy expanding possibilities in the communal areas, but are concerned whether such an industry will be maintainable on long term and without substantial investing.
Dairy Provider of the Year
The NAU would like to congratulate the winners of Dairy Provider of the Year. These are:
- Intensive producer: !Ameib Super Farm (Mr Hannes Kemp) and extensive producer: Mr J O Horn
- Intensive producer: Mr Paul Carstens and the extensive producer it is Mr Dirk van Wyk
- Intensive producer: Mr Hermanus Biewenga and the extensive producer prize is shared between Mr Japie Engelbrecht and Mr John Luck
- Mr Kokkie Adriaanse received the prize for the lowest somatic cell count
The president of the NAU, Mr Ryno van der Merwe and the Executive Manager, Mr Sakkie Coetzee visited the Minister of Lands, Mr Alpheus !Naruseb on July 25. Mr !Naruseb was assisted by the Deputy Minister, Mr Theo Diergaardt, the acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Shivute and other senior personnel members of the Ministry. The aim of the visit was mainly to get the support from the Ministry of Lands for the NAU initiative about economic growth and employment creation. Minister !Naruseb’s first comment was that the inter-action between the NAU and the Ministry must take place on a more regular base as both these parties have a big influence on the land reform process and the handling of peace and stability in rural areas.
The Minister and personnel fully support the initiative of the NAU with regard to economic growth and employment creation in the agricultural sector and offered their cooperation in identifying projects, mainly on resettlement farms and –areas which can contribute towards the aims of this initiative. The Minister pointed out that numerous initiatives only stay in boardrooms and never reach the communities. Thus it is important to involve the communities in practical ways.
Other points on the Agenda were veld fires on resettlement farms, the valuation rolls for 2013 – 2018 as well as the affordability of land tax. The Minister pointed out that the Ministries responsibilities end as soon as the beneficiaries of the resettlement farms get their lease agreements. He confirmed that resettled farmers have to comply with their responsibilities with regard to veld fires and get involved in the various communities. The Minister undertook to give a manual to resettled farmers in future which inter alia addresses this issue.
Charcoal Producers Association will hold Conference
The Charcoal Producers Association will hold their member meeting and Conference on August 16 at 08:30 at the Reit Klub, Otjiwarongo. Speakers are Dr Trede from DECOSA who will talk about sustainable charcoal production, Mr Willem Groenewald, the chairperson of the Namibia Forestry Council and Mr Tobias Konzmann who will talk about “Energy for the future”. For further details contact Mrs Annatjie du Preez, Tel 061 237838, annatjie@agrinamibia.comm.na
FA and other news
Otjiwarongo FA is holding a meeting on July 31 at 09:00 at the conference hall of the NG Church, Otjiwarongo. For further details contact Callie Steenkamp, Tel 081 3326292,tilla@iway.na
Verre Suide FA is hosting its annual winter school on August 2 at Warmbad. All farmers and interested parties are welcome. The theme is „Optimal meat / cattle production in the south of Nambiia“. The talks include sheep, cattle and goats and judging of the different breeds in the vicinity will take place. Speakers are inter alia Wessel Visser of Swakara, Governor Bernardus Swartbooi,Sakkie Coetzee of the NAU, Koos Claassen of Meatco and Danie de Lange of Feedmaster. Elize Louwrens will give a practical demonstration of painting techniques on furniture, frames, etc at the women’s programme. The costs for this demonstration are N$150 per person and further information is available from Chane von Schauroth, Tel 063 683493, chanevs@mweb.com.na. The cost for the winters school are N$250 per person which include all meals. The day is concluded with a steak braai and music. Further details and enquiries about stands can be addressed to Gunther von Schauroth, Tel 063 683493, gavonschauroth@iway.na
Meatco is holding a General member meeting following the decision which was taken during the 26th Annual General Meeting of Meatco. This General meeting will be held on August 3 at 09:00 at the Wanderers Sports field, Windhoek. The aim of this meeting is to give feedback around the recent development of the corporation’s ownership and future legal structure and –framework and to discuss this. For further details contact Nico Weck or Ebben Kalondo at Tel 061 3216400,nweck@meatco.com.na or ekalondo@meatco.com.na
Osire / Waterberg FA is holding a meeting on August 7 at 08:30 at Farm Ondekaremba Nord 215 of Fam W Wilckens. Guest speakers are Mr Momberg of Efekto who will talk about preparing the garden for the growing season, Mr Meyer who will talk about scanning of cattle for gestation and Mr Fourie who will talk about RFID ear tag scanning. For further details contact Mrs D Wilckens, Tel 067 306201,wilckens@iway.na
Summerdown FA is holding a John Deere day and judging of slaughtering oxen on the hoove on August 8. For further details contact Henriette le Grange, Tel 081 1249670,hh@iway.na
Kalkplato FA is holding a member meeting on August 8 at 14:00 at Witbooisvlei. Guest speaker is Riaan Dames who will talk about rangeland management. Mr Oubaas Steenkamp will give a practical demonstration of mechanic de-bushing after the meeting. For further details contact Morné Mostert, Tel 063 252433, 081 3769156,trio@iway.na
A game farm farmer’s day will be held on August 8 at 09:00 at the RL Farm, Omaruru. For further details contact Ilono Mentrup, Tel 081 1273040, rlfarm@iway.na
Witvlei FA is holding a general meeting on August 8 at 14:00 at the farmer house at Witvlei. Guest speakers are Mr P W Katamelo, LP and Gobabis Regional Representatives and Mr Laubscher of Namibia Hunters Guide. For further details contact Mrs Monica Bouwer, Tel 062 570317, gmbouwer@iway.na
Klein Nossob FA is hosting its annual Kalahari Farmers day on August 9 & 10. All farmers in the vicinity and interested parties are invited to this day and farmers can exhibit their animals (large stock, small stock, horses, etc). This is not only for registered breeders but for everyody who has a passion for his/her breed. Speakers are Mr Riaan Momberg of Efekto, Mnr P Hugo and Mr W Visser and the motivational speaker for the women is D Visser. On August 9 there will be a Steak braai and dance with the Aranos Kalahari Orkes. Further details and entry forms are available from Jerrie Kotze, Tel 081 3012215, jbkotze@mweb.com.na or Danie Visser, Tel 081 2769152,visserd@mweb.com.na
The GTO (Grootfontein, Tsumeb, Otavi) RAU is hosting a grazing day on August 14 at 07:30 at the Kalkfontein Lodge. The day will be hosted by Riaan Dames and at 12:40 a farm sightseeing will be held at Farm Gaikos. Costs are N$50 for NAU members and N$100 for non-members. Please register before July 14 with Mr Willem Enslin, Tel 081 2305078.
Omuramba FA is holding a meeting on August 14 at 14:00 at Kroonster. Guest speakers are Mr Kobus du Plessis of Meatco and Mr Chris Opperman. For further details contact Mrs Christa Engelbrecht, Tel 062 571540, jeng@mweb.com.na
Helmeringhausen FA is hosting the annual Keetmanshoop RAU winter school on August 15 & 16 at Farm Lovedale. Speakers are Andre du Toit who will talk about trophy monitoring and tending to hunting rifles; Jo Gaugler who will talk about agricultural economy and sustainable production; Old Mutua; Awie Steenkamp who will talk about hoove care of cattle and horses; Tandelta who will talk about alternative telecommunication; Niekie Meyer who will talk about scanning of animals; Dr Hensie Lategan who will talk about small stock diseases; Bernd Rothkegel who will talk about agricultural marketing and Meatco.At the women’s program are the following speakers: Ms Carien Viljoen who will talk about conflict handling; Mrs Inez Miller who will talk about worm farming for compost; Mrs Onell Simon who will talk about mosaic work and Ms Maryke de Vos who will talk about „do it at your own home“. Numerous practical demonstrations will be given during those 2 days. The first day will conclude with a dinner and SWAKARA fashion parade. Costs are N$300 per person for both days and meals are included. NAU members who present their membership card, will get a 20% discount. For further details contact Timm Miller, Tel 081 2079974,miller@mtcmobile.com.na , Andre Coetzee, Tel 081 1287101,andrecoetzee@mtcmobile.com.na , Louisa Campbell, Tel 081 2819074, info@lovedale-namibia.com , or Christian Frank-Schultz, Tel 081 3543619, duwisib@iway.na (accommodation).
Aranos FA is holding a member meeting on August 15. Further information will be given in due course or can be obtained from Joleen Mans, Tel 063 250187,kierie@iway.na
Maltahöhe FA is holding a member meeting on August 15 at 09:00 at Farm Nomtsas of Mr & Mrs Albert Voigts-von Schütz. Guest speakers are Mr Merwe Fourie who will talk about the use of „Tag Readers“ and Dr Gaugler who will demonstrate a gestation „scanner“ on cows. For further details contact Mr Christian Otto, Tel 063 293512,ottojagd@iway.na
Karasberge FA is holding a meeting on August 23 on 14:00 at the FA hall. Further details from Christine, Tel 081 7759424, elias@iway.na
Osire/Waterberg FA is holding its „Inter Farmers Association Sports Day – 2012 Farmer Olympics“ on September 1 at 07:00 at the Osire Waterberg farmers hall at Farm Osire Noord. Individual sports which are offered are airgun shooting, bokdrolverspoeg and soccer wall. Entertainment for the children and general entertainment such as a mini show, tasty food and dance is offered. Each team has to consist of 8 members of which at least 2 must be women. Entrance fee per team is N$100 and social teams are welcome to take part. Entrance fee is N$80 for adults, N$40 for children up to 13 years and children under the age of 6 are free of charge. The entrance fee includes dinner and dance. Entrances for the sports day close on August 1,2012 and can be addressed to Piet van Vuuren, Tel 081 2562666, pietvanvuuren@mtcmobile.com.na or Dagmar Wilckens, Tel 067 306201, 081 2807829,wilckens@iway.na
The Limousin Breeders Association is hosting a judging course on September 6 & 7 at Farm Ombuerendende of Sigi and Heide Baas. The course is offered by Messrs Willie Grobler and Barend Dorfling and costs N$500 per person. Enquiries can be addressed to Ellie Lottering, Tel 081 2924917, franseli@iway.na
Summerdown FA is hosting a loose goods fund raising auction on September 15. Farmers who would like to enter their goods, must please contact Henriette le Grange at Tel 081 1249670, hh@iway.na
A Dexter course will be held by Mr Willie Grobler on October 6 at 08:00 at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring, Windhoek Showgrounds. For further details contact Carina Jansen van Vuuren, Tel 067 312918, orpheus@mweb.com.na
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