Namibia Agriculture Union Weekly News: 7 September 2012

Namibia Agriculture Union: http://www.agrinamibia.com.na/

In today’s newsletter: 

• Agri Outlook Conference: experts say: Tighten you belts
• NamLITS system
• Meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare
• Pig producers will hold member meeting and information day
• FA and other news

Disclaimer: Although everything has been done to ensure the accuracy of information, the NAU takes no responsibility for actions or losses that might occur due to the usage of this information. 

Agri Outlook Conference: experts say: Tighten you belts
The annual Agri Outlook Conference was held this year in Pretoria under the theme “Is SA now entering a golden age?”. As usual the economic-, commodity prices- and weather outlook roused interest. The volutality of variabilities of the economy, weather and commodity prices warn for caution and against taking risks. 

The economic prospects for the next year are hampered by the variation of factors which have an influence on the economy. The crisis in the Euro zone and the decelaration of China’s economic growth cause that the economic growth of developing countries will be slower than expected. Even though the global economy is not in a recession officially, a longer period of lower growth (3 – 5 years) is expected. The growth of the  BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) is lower than expected and it is expected that the global economy will grow at about 3% and South Africa at about 4%. Interest rates should be on the current level until 2018, whilst inflation will increase moderately to 6,5%. For the short term it is expected that food prices will increase mainly due to petrol prices. 

It is expected that all agricultural commodity prices will increase over medium to long term, even though in general terms they have decreased the past few years. On short term prices can be changeable. The long term forecast is mainly linked to the growing world population for whom food has to be produced, but unfortunately the world economy does not grow at the same speed and this causes that especially the buying power for products such as meat can take longer to realise. The drought in America put the world stock of grain under big pressure and this could cause that especially the maize price will be high, which again will increase the feeding costs of feedpens which will put pressure on beef prices. The low sheep production in Southern Africa could cause that sheep prices increase although there is a concern about the low import parity price of mutton. 

It is also expected that carcass prices will increase faster than weaner prices and it most probably is wise to consider ox farming instead of the sale of weaners of the hoof.

According to indications there is a 70 – 80% chance that an El Nino is busy developing which naturally will have a great impact on the expected rainfall for the next season. Especially the western parts of Southern Africa, which includes Namibia, can be affected negatively by an El Nino phenomenon. Furthermore there are indications that Southern Africa is entering a dry cycle which has to be taken into consideration. It is warned not to take short term decisions with regard to production methods and that production conditions should not be overestimated. The first part of the rainy season (September – December) should be an indication of what could be expected. If this part of the season is good, it can be expected that the second part of the season (January – April) will be poor.  

NamLITS system
The following are some common errors that were picked up by the NamLITS office after records have been received from DVS Offices for capturing: 

• Ear tag numbers are incorrectly recorded on the movement notice, therefore it cannot be captured and this causes errors in the ear tag tracing process:  producers should please make sure that the correct numbers are entered and should please write clearly.
• Farmers are not submitting animal registration cards, but they are moving animals that have not been registered.
• Advise producers to get a herd statement before obtaining/applying for a movement permit.

Meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare
The AEA (Agricultural Employers Association) management held a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare on Thursday, September 6, 2012. 10 different labour matters which affect farmers in one way or another, were discussed. The AEA was represented by its chairperson, Mr Förtsch, the vice chairperson, Mr Wright as well as the Principal Officer, Mr van Vuuren. The Minister’s delegation included the Deputy Minister as well as the Labour Commissioner. 

One of the important matters on which agreement was reached, was the re-activating of the NALF (Namibian Agricultural Labour Forum). NALF consists of members from the AEA, the NNFU and NaFWU (Namibia Farm Workers Union) with the Ministry as facilitator. The aim of this forum is to promote dialogue and debate between all concerned parties in the agricultural sector about labour matters and to make recommendations to the Minister of Labour and the Labour Advice Board. The envisaged apprenticeship for young farm workers and the adaption of minimum wages are some of the matters which will be handled by the forum. 

The new Labour Amendment Act of 2012 and how it affects the farm workers, was also briefly discussed. The Special Advisor of the Ministry, Adv Ya Toivo invited the AEA to hold further talks with her directly in order to solve any generalities and misunderstandings. 

The Ministry again confirmed that the extension of the collective agreement for the charcoal industry was published incorrect in the Government Gazette of December 1, 2011. It was agreed that further negotiations in this regard will be handled by the Deputy Minister of Labour.  

Thank you
We would like to express our gratitude towards all farmers and their workers in the Plessisplaas area for their assistance and support during the veld fire on Farm Coetzee and ajoining farms. The preparedness and willingness of people who had to travel long distances to help, really was encouraging. May we all be blessed with early rain! Hendrik Koekemoer. 

Pig producers will hold member meeting and information day
Pig producers are requested to diarise the following date when feedback about the latest developments in the pork industry are given: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at the NAU board room, Windhoek. A detailed program on which the keynote speaker will be announced will follow soon. 

16th Namibia Rangeland Forum
Agra Professional Services is organising the 16th Namibia Rangeland Forum from 11-13 September 2012 at the Arebbusch Lodge in Windhoek.  A registration fee of N$300 per person applies and provides for attendance of the Forum for 3 full days and includes two lunches, two dinners, all tea, coffee and refreshments during the day as well as a visit to Farm Düstenbrook with tea/coffee/refreshments and a lunch on the third day.   

Further details from Marieta Grobler at +264 81 124 8701, Fax: +264 61 290 9354 or e-mail marietag@agra.com.na  well in advance.  

FA and other news
Hoërand FA is holding a member meeting on September 12 at 09:00 in the FA hall at Farm Stubbenkamer, Maltahöhe district. The theme is “Small stock farming” and speakers are Mr Pieter Hugo from Agra Professional Services and Danie de Lange from Feedmaster. The day will be concluded with a bring and braai and everybody is welcome. For further details contact Maryka Truter, Tel 081 2624146,hardegat@iway.na  or Bartie Burger, Tel 081 3792626, antoiburger@gmail.com  

Hochfeld FA is holding a member meeting on September 12 at 10:00 at Farm Okongeama of Ebbie and Heide Fischer. Guest speakers are Mr Callie Buitendag of Agraforum, Mr Izak le Roux of Sunlab, Mr Fanus Komen of Sidi Parani and Mr Wimpie Coetzee of Agra. Mr Danie van Vuuren of the NAU will talk about labour matters. For further details contact Silke Mostert, Tel 081 1248124, silke@mtcmobile.com.na  

Okahandja RAU is holding a Crime Prevention Meeting on September 13 at 09:00 at the FA hall at the Reit Klub, Okahandja. For further details contact Carine Neethling, Tel 062 518375, agagia@mweb.com.na 

The fundraising loos goods auction of Summerdown FA which should have been held on September 15, has been cancelled

Koës FA is holding a sports day on September 15 at 08:00 at the Koës pan. Various sports (jukskei, bow shooting, cycling, golf) will be offered and the day is concluded with a Steak braai and dance to the music of JUBA. Further details from Hentie Dames, Tel 063 252660, intosand@iway.na 

The founding meeting of the SWAKARA Industry Forum will be held on September 19 at 09:00 at the Canyon Hotel, Keetmanshoop. At 18:30 a dinner will be held and the costs are N$100. For further details contact Jenny, Tel 061 237750 / 2900311, info@swakara.net  

Okahandja FA is holding a member meeting on September 19 at 13:00 at Farm Huettenhain of Sebastian and Vanessa von Koenen. All interested parties can attend the Q & A Producer Satisfaction Study (of which the details have already been forwarded to everybody) at 12:00 to give their opinions. For further details contact Mrs Gudrun Heger, Tel 062 503778, 081 2805901, gurdrun@otjiruse.com  

Dordabis FA is holding a member meeting on September 20 at 14:00 at the FA hall. Guest speaker is Mr Heinrich Lesch from Fodder Solutions. Further details from Mrs Christine Romeis, Tel 061 231230, cwromeis@iway.na  

Onder Nossob FA is holding a spring dance with André Havenga on September 21 at the FA hall at Akanous. The theme is “carnival” and the costs are N$100 for adults and N$50 for children under the age of 13 years and these costs include the dinner. For further details contact Elana van Wyk, Tel 063 275239, 081 2200791,dvanwyk@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 

Westelike Khomas FA is holding a meeting on October 17 at 15:00 at the Harmonie hall. For further details contact Amanda Greef, Tel 064 551565, luanda@iway.na