In today’s newsletter:
- Feedmaster’s press release with regard to alleged banned substances in Veekos feeds
- Pig producers will hold member meeting and information day
- FA and other news
Feedmaster’s press release with regard to alleged banned substances in Veekos feeds
Veekos (Pty) Ltd in Upington, a wholly owned subsidiary of Feedmaster in Windhoek, produces a wide range of animal feed products for both the South African and Namibian markets.
The South African market demands the inclusion of growth promotors, and all feed products for the South African market are labelled indicating the presence of such substances. For the Namibian market no growth promotors are included and the bag labels of all Namibian products do not state the presence of any such substances.
Early during 2012 a new label printer was commissioned at the Veekos factory in order to improve traceability during the manufacturing process and an error occured when the wording of the South African bag labels was printed on the Namibian bag labels of two of the products, namely Veekos Stoetvee Korrels and Veekos Skaap Afrond Korrels.
The importation of all products from the Veekos plant was suspended with immediate effect by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (Namibia), reasons given “...... the labels on certain feeds did not comply with Namibian veterinary import permit requirements”.
Samples were immediately taken of the incorrectly labelled bags, in the presence of the Registrar of Feeds, as well as Meat Board officials and the samples were despatched to independant and accredited analytical laboratories in South Africa. Results from the one laboratory reflected levels of “less than one part per million”, indicating the absence of banned substances. (To put this in perspective, an inclusion level of at least 20 parts per million is regarded as a minimum of the applicablwe growth promotor to be effective.) Another independent laboratory clearly stated that “no growth promotors were detected” in the same samples.
Recent media reports indicating that Veekos products tested positively for banned substances are totally incorrect. Despite the fact that all samples of imported Veekos products tested negatively for any growth promotors, and that this information was brought under the attention of all majore retailers as well as the Registrar of Feeds, media reports still wrongfully claim that Veekos products contain banned substances.
Meanwhile, the local Directorate of Veterinary Services remain firm that the matter is currently under investigation and that the ban on Veekos products remain. Follow-up discussions with the relevant authorities are planned for later this week.
Since 2009 both Veekos’ lick and lucerne pellet plants are fully AFRI Compliance certified, confirming adherence to the Act on Animal Feeds (Act 36) for both the Namibian and South African markets. Both Veekos plants are currently also in the process of implementing the international ISO 22000 food safety standards and aims to obtain certification already during early March 2013.
In order to supply the local Namibian market on the short term, approval was obtained from local authorities to import Veekos branded feeds, being manufactured by other factories in South Africa.
Feedmaster is for the past 30 years a reputable Namibian company that has invested locally and still provides quality products to the Namibian farmer and meat industry and will also do so in future. It deplores the unfortunate event, which had no intention to harm the Namibian meat industry and will do every effort to restore its credibility.
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. The theme of this year’s forum is: Bush Encroachment – an ASSET or LIABILITY”? Presentations and discussions will be focusing on the following three topics: 1) Physiological, Socio Economic and Ecological Aspects of Bush and Bush Control; 2) Bush Control and Utilisation Methodologies and Practices; and 3) Sustainable Bush and Rangeland Management. The third day of NRF16 will be a field visit to the farm Düstenbrook outside Windhoek to look at the effect of controlled fire on bush encroachment and rangeland rehabilitation. Speakers are the Forum is inter alia Honourable Minister John Mutorwa of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Mr Ryno van der Merwe, president of the NAU, Dr Axel Rothauge, Mr Dave Joubert, Mr Nico de Klerk, Mr Bertus Kruger and more.
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. This registration fee also provides for an information file with the programme and abstracts of all papers to be presented. Professionally done proceedings of the Forum will also be made available to you as part of the registration fee. Note that accommodation in Windhoek during the Forum is your own responsibility!!!
All farmers and people in the agricultural industry are invited to attend the Forum. The Forum can host a maximum of 150 participants. Since this event is extremely popular, you are urged to book your attendance with Marieta Grobler at +264 81 124 8701, Fax: +264 61 290 9354 or e-mail marietag@agra.com.na well in advance. A detailed programme is also available from Marieta upon request.
Thank you
We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude all the farmers and their staff from the Nauchas, Claratal and especially the Gamsberg area for their help and support with the fire on the Farm Friedental on the 28.08.12. Anton & Karen Loubser.
Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry hosts Water Investment Conference
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry will host a Water Investment Conference from September 12 – 14, 2012 at the Safari Conference Centre, Windhoek. The aim is to bring together all role players (water users, providers, NGO’s, water source manager, development partners, etc) to discuss matters such as investments in the water sector, exchange information, promote local production of plants, etc. Persons who would like to exhibit products can contact Ms Naumkolo Mwangala or Ms Florence Kamona at Tel 061 2087200/1. General enquiries can be addressed towaterconference2012@mawf.gov.na or the website can be visited atwww.nwic.com.na .
FA and other news
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. For further details contact Piet van Vuuren, Tel 081 2562666, pietvanvuuren@mtcmobile.com.na or Dagmar Wilckens, Tel 067 306201, 081 2807829, wilckens@iway.na
The annual Harvest Festival will be held on September 1 at 14:00 at Farm Ghaub of André and Marilize Compion. Guest speaker is Mr Ryno van der Merwe of the NAU and the day will be concluded with a dance with “Fredbuzz”. Entry fees are N$80 for adults and N$30 for primary school children. For further details contact Marilize Oosthuizen, Tel 067 240362, omarilize@gmail.com
The annual Spring Symposium which is hosted by the Otjiwarongo FA will be held on September 4 & 5 at the NG Church hall, Otjiwarongo. It will be in form of a course and the theme is „Grazing for profit“. It will be offered by Mr Bruce Brown of RCSSA of South Africa and the aim is to help farmers to manage and use their rangeland more sustainably and economically. Mr Brown recommends that participants bring along stationery, a calculator, records of grazing and herds, rainfall and prices of various components. The costs are N$500 per person which includes meals. Please register before August 29 with Callie Steenkamp, Tel 081 3326292, tilla@iway.na . For further details contact Thinus Pretorius, Tel 081 1282429 or Johan van Schalkwyk, Tel 081 252166.
A ground nut information day will be held on September 5 in the Rundu vicinity and on September 6 in Grootfontein an information day. The LNR cultivar tests from last year will be discussed by Mrs Lourraine Salomon, an agronomist of South Africa and she will also give information on how ground nuts must be treated in order to get a maximum production. The 2013 prices will be announced and the ground nut plant near Grootfontein which is planned in 2013 be discussed. For further details contact Dawie Kok, Tel 067 232654, 081 2616173, bstroom@mweb.com.na
The annual Stampriet Show will be held from September 5 – 7, 2012. There will be Dorpers, Damaras, van Rooy’s, Swartkop Persies, Goats and Kalahari Reds. The following auctions will also be held: weaner, cattle, bulls, Dorper Topram and Inter-breed ram. To register and for more details contact Izak Meyer at 063-260230 / 081 212 1177 / ijmeyer@iway.na . For bookings of stands please contact Dina Kotze at 063-260169 / 081 1275524 / tobie@mweb.com.na
Keetmanshoop RAU is holding a meeting on September 6 at 08:00 at Farmers Insurance Brokers. For further details contact Ms Leehanee Schnitter, Tel 063 223343, 081 4996278, khpslu@gmail.com
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
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
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
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
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
Veekos (Pty) Ltd in Upington, a wholly owned subsidiary of Feedmaster in Windhoek, produces a wide range of animal feed products for both the South African and Namibian markets.
The South African market demands the inclusion of growth promotors, and all feed products for the South African market are labelled indicating the presence of such substances. For the Namibian market no growth promotors are included and the bag labels of all Namibian products do not state the presence of any such substances.
Early during 2012 a new label printer was commissioned at the Veekos factory in order to improve traceability during the manufacturing process and an error occured when the wording of the South African bag labels was printed on the Namibian bag labels of two of the products, namely Veekos Stoetvee Korrels and Veekos Skaap Afrond Korrels.
The importation of all products from the Veekos plant was suspended with immediate effect by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (Namibia), reasons given “...... the labels on certain feeds did not comply with Namibian veterinary import permit requirements”.
Samples were immediately taken of the incorrectly labelled bags, in the presence of the Registrar of Feeds, as well as Meat Board officials and the samples were despatched to independant and accredited analytical laboratories in South Africa. Results from the one laboratory reflected levels of “less than one part per million”, indicating the absence of banned substances. (To put this in perspective, an inclusion level of at least 20 parts per million is regarded as a minimum of the applicablwe growth promotor to be effective.) Another independent laboratory clearly stated that “no growth promotors were detected” in the same samples.
Recent media reports indicating that Veekos products tested positively for banned substances are totally incorrect. Despite the fact that all samples of imported Veekos products tested negatively for any growth promotors, and that this information was brought under the attention of all majore retailers as well as the Registrar of Feeds, media reports still wrongfully claim that Veekos products contain banned substances.
Meanwhile, the local Directorate of Veterinary Services remain firm that the matter is currently under investigation and that the ban on Veekos products remain. Follow-up discussions with the relevant authorities are planned for later this week.
Since 2009 both Veekos’ lick and lucerne pellet plants are fully AFRI Compliance certified, confirming adherence to the Act on Animal Feeds (Act 36) for both the Namibian and South African markets. Both Veekos plants are currently also in the process of implementing the international ISO 22000 food safety standards and aims to obtain certification already during early March 2013.
In order to supply the local Namibian market on the short term, approval was obtained from local authorities to import Veekos branded feeds, being manufactured by other factories in South Africa.
Feedmaster is for the past 30 years a reputable Namibian company that has invested locally and still provides quality products to the Namibian farmer and meat industry and will also do so in future. It deplores the unfortunate event, which had no intention to harm the Namibian meat industry and will do every effort to restore its credibility.
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. The theme of this year’s forum is: Bush Encroachment – an ASSET or LIABILITY”? Presentations and discussions will be focusing on the following three topics: 1) Physiological, Socio Economic and Ecological Aspects of Bush and Bush Control; 2) Bush Control and Utilisation Methodologies and Practices; and 3) Sustainable Bush and Rangeland Management. The third day of NRF16 will be a field visit to the farm Düstenbrook outside Windhoek to look at the effect of controlled fire on bush encroachment and rangeland rehabilitation. Speakers are the Forum is inter alia Honourable Minister John Mutorwa of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Mr Ryno van der Merwe, president of the NAU, Dr Axel Rothauge, Mr Dave Joubert, Mr Nico de Klerk, Mr Bertus Kruger and more.
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. This registration fee also provides for an information file with the programme and abstracts of all papers to be presented. Professionally done proceedings of the Forum will also be made available to you as part of the registration fee. Note that accommodation in Windhoek during the Forum is your own responsibility!!!
All farmers and people in the agricultural industry are invited to attend the Forum. The Forum can host a maximum of 150 participants. Since this event is extremely popular, you are urged to book your attendance with Marieta Grobler at +264 81 124 8701, Fax: +264 61 290 9354 or e-mail marietag@agra.com.na well in advance. A detailed programme is also available from Marieta upon request.
Thank you
We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude all the farmers and their staff from the Nauchas, Claratal and especially the Gamsberg area for their help and support with the fire on the Farm Friedental on the 28.08.12. Anton & Karen Loubser.
Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry hosts Water Investment Conference
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry will host a Water Investment Conference from September 12 – 14, 2012 at the Safari Conference Centre, Windhoek. The aim is to bring together all role players (water users, providers, NGO’s, water source manager, development partners, etc) to discuss matters such as investments in the water sector, exchange information, promote local production of plants, etc. Persons who would like to exhibit products can contact Ms Naumkolo Mwangala or Ms Florence Kamona at Tel 061 2087200/1. General enquiries can be addressed towaterconference2012@mawf.gov.na or the website can be visited atwww.nwic.com.na .
FA and other news
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. For further details contact Piet van Vuuren, Tel 081 2562666, pietvanvuuren@mtcmobile.com.na or Dagmar Wilckens, Tel 067 306201, 081 2807829, wilckens@iway.na
The annual Harvest Festival will be held on September 1 at 14:00 at Farm Ghaub of André and Marilize Compion. Guest speaker is Mr Ryno van der Merwe of the NAU and the day will be concluded with a dance with “Fredbuzz”. Entry fees are N$80 for adults and N$30 for primary school children. For further details contact Marilize Oosthuizen, Tel 067 240362, omarilize@gmail.com
The annual Spring Symposium which is hosted by the Otjiwarongo FA will be held on September 4 & 5 at the NG Church hall, Otjiwarongo. It will be in form of a course and the theme is „Grazing for profit“. It will be offered by Mr Bruce Brown of RCSSA of South Africa and the aim is to help farmers to manage and use their rangeland more sustainably and economically. Mr Brown recommends that participants bring along stationery, a calculator, records of grazing and herds, rainfall and prices of various components. The costs are N$500 per person which includes meals. Please register before August 29 with Callie Steenkamp, Tel 081 3326292, tilla@iway.na . For further details contact Thinus Pretorius, Tel 081 1282429 or Johan van Schalkwyk, Tel 081 252166.
A ground nut information day will be held on September 5 in the Rundu vicinity and on September 6 in Grootfontein an information day. The LNR cultivar tests from last year will be discussed by Mrs Lourraine Salomon, an agronomist of South Africa and she will also give information on how ground nuts must be treated in order to get a maximum production. The 2013 prices will be announced and the ground nut plant near Grootfontein which is planned in 2013 be discussed. For further details contact Dawie Kok, Tel 067 232654, 081 2616173, bstroom@mweb.com.na
The annual Stampriet Show will be held from September 5 – 7, 2012. There will be Dorpers, Damaras, van Rooy’s, Swartkop Persies, Goats and Kalahari Reds. The following auctions will also be held: weaner, cattle, bulls, Dorper Topram and Inter-breed ram. To register and for more details contact Izak Meyer at 063-260230 / 081 212 1177 / ijmeyer@iway.na . For bookings of stands please contact Dina Kotze at 063-260169 / 081 1275524 / tobie@mweb.com.na
Keetmanshoop RAU is holding a meeting on September 6 at 08:00 at Farmers Insurance Brokers. For further details contact Ms Leehanee Schnitter, Tel 063 223343, 081 4996278, khpslu@gmail.com
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
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
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
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
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
No comments:
Post a Comment