Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Namibia Agriculture Union Weekly News: 13 June 2014



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.

THOUGT FOR THE WEEK: OLD WAYS WON’T OPEN NEW DOORS

In today’s newsletter:
·         Press release by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) of South         Africa
·         Rabies project gets green light
·         AEA Congress
·         FA and other news

Press release by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) of South Africa
Following an internal livestock industry meeting, a Press Release was issued by DAFF on June 10, 2014. Two representatives of the Namibian Directorate of Veterinary Services were also invited to the meeting.
The South African strict new import regulations for livestock from Namibia will be simplified for slaughtering cattle and slaughtering sheep to enable trade again, taking into consideration the protection of South Africa’s animal health status.
Dr Gideon Brückner, independent expert about questions regarding the World Health Organisation and the International Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), was the mediator at the meeting.
According to the statement of the Department there will be one standard operational procedure (SOP) for cattle and sheep which are imported with the aim to be slaughtered in South Africa. The SOP will be applicable on animals which will be slaughtered immediately as well as for those who are sent to feed lots. Certain substantial questions in the proposed SOP still require further inputs.
The livestock industry will submit information about minimum structural and management requirements for feed lots and abattoirs to the Department whilst the Department will determine measures for the non-compliance.
The Department will add all inputs into one SOP and hold a meeting before the end of June during which the SOP will be concluded. The consolidated SOP will then be discussed with all provincial Veterinary Services.
Rabies project gets green light
After the NAU has received promises for more than N$1,2 million of the envisaged N$2 million which is needed for the research project to develop an antidote for the rabies epidemic in Namibia, the management of the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) decided to proceed with the project.
Promises were already received from international donours, NAPHA (Namibia Professional Hunter Association), CANAM (Conservancy Association of Namibia) and Farmers Associations for the funding of the project.
The project will be done at the Waterberg where it will be attempted to develop an oral antidote which is taken by Kudu’s to limit rabies. The aim of the project is –
·         To get more information about the epidemiology of rabies in Kudu’s
·         To get possible proof of the existence of natural immunity
·         To proof that horizontal transfer through direct contact with the virus is  possible
·         The development of a method or oral vaccination of Kudu’s

Activities which will be done -
(i)           The development of a suitable oral vaccine-containing bait
(ii)         The administration of an oral vaccine and the comparison of the development of anti-rabies antibodies with intra-muscle injection of the same vaccine on groups of Kudu’s
(iii)       Conducting clinical trials of the vaccine through a complete post mortem on all vaccinated Kudu’s

Dr Libertina Amathila, former Deputy Prime Minister, is the patron of the project.   

SAADPP:  Regional Policy and Agribusiness Conference
SAADPP held a Regional Policy and Agribusiness Conference in Johannesburg on 05 and 06 June 2014.  Wallie Roux from the NAU attended the Conference.
SAADPP is a private sector-led partnership platform aimed at identifying and removing barriers to agricultural development, investment and trade in Southern Africa.  As such SAADPP was launched under the NBF’s Removing the Barriers in Agricultural trade programme during 2012.  The mission of the NBF is to promote sustainable economic and social development in Africa through the private sector as its strategic emphasis.
SAADPP is working towards mobilising and institutionalising regional private sector voice through three stakeholder identified thematic working areas, namely Regional Market Integration, Alternative Funding Streams and Capacity Building.  As a private sector-led platform it facilitates direct dialogue between governments, the private sector, donors and other development partners to achieve the CAADP goals.   The NBF already launched the SAADPP initiative in three Southern African countries, namely Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.  The NBF plans to launch this initiative in other countries in the region.
SAADPP:  Southern African Agricultural Development Partnership Platform
NBF:  NEPAD Business Foundation
NEPAD:  New Partnership for African Development
CAADP:  Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Plan

AEA Congress
The 27th annual congress of the Agricultural Employers Association (AEA) will be held on June 17, 2014 at 07:30 at the Arebbusch Travel Lodge, Windhoek. For more information and to register, please contact the Principle Officer of the AEA, Mr Danie van Vuuren at Tel 061 237838, lwv-aea@agrinamibia.com.na.
FA and other news
Nauchas FA is holding a meeting on June 14 at 15:00 at Farm Charé. Speakers are Mr Derek Wright, the president of the NAU and Mr Len de Jager. For further details contact Lizelle Knipe, Tel 081 2688912, spreetshoogte@iway.na.
Hoërand FA is holding a member meeting on June 17 at 14:00. Guest speaker is Mr Jaco van Zyl of Agrimed. For further details contact Mr Bartie Burger, Tel 063 293330, 081 3792626.
Osire-Waterberg FA is holding a meeting on June 18 at 14:00 at the Osire FA hall. Guest speakers from AgriBank and the Roads Authority will address the meeting. For further details contact Anka Visher, Tel 067 306208, hpvisher@iway.na.
Witvlei FA is holding a general meeting on June 18 at 14:00 at the farmer house at Witvlei. Guest speaker is Mr Maans Dreyer of Aqua Real Estates. Further details from Monica Bouwer, Tel 062 570317, gmbouwer@iway.na.
Helmeringhausen FA is holding a member meeting on June 18 at 10:00 at the FA hall. Further details from Timm Miller, Tel 081 2079974, miller@mtcmobile.com.na.
A cattle information day will be held on June 19 at 09:00 at Farm Neu Otjisauona of Katja, Diethelm, Nikolai and Nicola Metzger. Guest speakers are inter alia Fred Dell, Derek Wright, the president of the NAU, Adv Rukoro of Meatco, Llewelyn Angus and Thys Meyer. For further details contact Diethelm and Katja Metzger, Tel 062 503732, diethelm@kamab-simbra.com or Hennie Kruger, Tel 081 2964280.
The Namibian Afrikanerbees Breeders Association is hosting an information day at the Neudamm farm on June 19 at 09:00. In the afternoon a sightseeing of the animals will be done and the registration fee is N$150 per person. A deposit of N$80 must be paid before June 11 and please register on or before June 11 with Florence Hamman, Tel 0608 00 4708, flhamman@afol.com.na.
The Extension Office of the Ministry of Agriculture is holding a lecture about the marketing of animals. This lecture will be held on June 19 from 17:45 – 20:00 at the Extension office, c/o Luderitz/Fidel Castro Str, Windhoek. The lecture will be held by Norbert Neumann and interested parties can contact the Extension Office,  Tel 061 2044112 or Norbert Neumann, Tel 081 2327027, neumann@iway.na.
Maltahöhe FA is holding a member meeting on June 25 at 09:00 at Farm Kachauchab of Mr Christian Otto. Speakers are Dr Diana van Schalkwyk who will talk about profitability of venison production and Mrs Letitia du Plessis who will take about estate planning. For further details contact Christian Otto, Tel 063 293512, 081 2269518, ottojagd@iway.na.
Epukiro FA is holding a meeting on June 25 at 14:00 at Farm Hippo of Mr and Mrs Faan Beukes. Guest speaker is Chief Inspector Johan Vermeulen who will talk about theft. For further details contact Cora Jacobs, Tel 081 3010286, cj.jacobs@live.com.
Steinhausen FA is holding a member meeting on June 25 at 09:00 at the FA hall at Farm Steinhausen. For further details contact Mayke Rumpf, Tel 062 561422,  combumbi@iway.na.
The Extension Office of the Ministry of Agriculture is holding a lecture about rangeland on June 26 from 18:00 – 20:00 at the Extension office, c/o Luderitz/Fidel Castro Str, Windhoek. The lecture will be done by Leon Lubbe and to register, please contact the Extension office at Tel 061 2044112.
Meatco is holding its Annual General Meeting on June 27 at 09:00 at the Wanderers Sports Club, Windhoek. For further details contact Nico Weck or Cloretha Garises, Tel 061 3216400.
The Grootfontein kuierfees is held on June 27 & 28. Well known artists such as Kurt Darren, Pieter Koen, Ricus Nel and the group Adam will perform. N$300 000 can be won with the lottery. Further details will be available on the website www.kuierfees.com or from Yvonne de Jager, Tel 081 1270830, santatol@iway.na.
Agra ProVision is hosting a breakfast meeting on June 27 from 07:30 – 09:30 at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring, Windhoek Showgrounds. The theme is “Winter Supplementation” and is officiated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Mr Joseph Iita. Please register before June 24 with Twaku Kayofa, Tel 061 2909364, twakuk@agra.com.na.
Ariamsvlei FA is hosting its winter festival on June 28. The day starts with a braai competition for adults, a sausage braai for pre-school children and a patty braai for primary school children. There will be chicken catching, kettieskiet, bokdrolspoeg, etc. During the day music will be supplied by Landi Blaauw of Keetmanshoop and in the evening she will perform with Die Broers. For further enquiries contact Tel 081 1474373 of  081 6242619.
The Koës Pan Rally will be held on July 4 & 5 at Koës. On July 4 a 150km off road race is held and on July 5 a mini rally, 1, 4 mile jump, dune climbing, etc. The prize giving will be held each evening at the Koës Hotel. For further details contact Rickus,  Tel 081 1280126, rickus@iway.na or Hester, Tel 063 252642, plaashansa@iway.na.
Steinhausen FA is hosting a Meatco farmer’s day on July 12 at 08:00 at Farm Steinhausen. For further details contact Mayke Rumpf, Tel 062 561422, combumbi@iway.na or Morné du Plessis, Tel 081 2854065, ModuPlessis@meatco.com.na.
Karibib FA is holding a meeting on July 26 at 16:00 at Farm Abbabis of Mr H Gladis. For further details contact Mrs Gladis, Tel 061 248480, Doris.Gladis@elvey.co.za.
Karasberge FA is hosting its annual Winter School on August 6 at 07:00 at the FA hall. Guest speakers are inter alia Pieter Hugo, Dawie Roodt,  Gerrit van Zyl, Piet du Toit and Susan Coetzer. A Women’s program is also offered. For further details contact Amelia van Rooyen, Tel 063 280677, javan rooyen@iway.na or Retief von Wielligh, Tel 063 280801, retiefenrika@mtcmobile.com.
The slaughtering oxen competition is again held at the 2014 Windhoek Show and halter domesticated oxen can be entered at livestock@wssnam.org. Any commercial farmer can enter and the prize money is sponsored by Feedmaster. For further information contact Hennie Kruger, Tel 061 224748, simnamibia@gmail.com.
Leonardville FA is hosting a farmers day on August 23. André Havenga will make the music during the day and evening. Target shooting, various demonstrations, etc will be offered during the day. For any further enquiries contact 063 273336 / 062 581010 /0813132305.
Exchange Rate NAD (07-13 June 2014)


June
EURO
USD
POUND
PULA

Saturday
7
14.443
10.587
17.792
1.196

Sunday
8
14.439
10.584
17.786
1.196

Monday
9
14.445
10.631
17.857
1.210

Tuesday
10
14.504
10.709
17.941
1.213

Wednesday
11
14.529
10.737
18.030
1.209

Thursday
12
14.489
10.689
18.015
1.203

Friday
13
14.584
10.741
18.233
1.187


Saturday to Thursday:  17:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
Friday:  08:32 UTC




Sunday, April 27, 2014

Namibia Agriculture Union News: 25 April 2014

Namibia Agriculture Union: NAU

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.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: BELIEVE YOU CAN AND YOU’RE HALFWAY THERE – Theodore Roosevelt

In today’s newsletter:
·         Export to South Africa at critical point
·         Produce commercial, says Minister of Agriculture
·         FA and other news

Export to South Africa at critical point
The past 2 weeks three urgent meetings of the meat industry were held, one of which under the chairmanship of the Minister of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Mr John Mutorwa in order to discuss the strict measures which were put in place by South Africa for the import of animals to the RSA.
The latest development is that an urgent request by the industry is made to the Department of Veterinary Services in South Africa to extend the date of May 1, 2014 for the implementation of these requirements in order to hold further talks. At the same time it was decided that a high level delegation of Namibia’s meat industry under the leadership of the Directorate of Veterinary Services visit South Africa to discuss the seriousness of this matter with the meat industry in South Africa. At this stage the Meat Board attempts to get an urgent appointment with the South African meat industry for such a meeting. South Africa however has 2 public holidays next week which hampers such a meeting.
The NAU/LPO is represented by some of their regional representatives, agents and livestock exporters and managers in order to give the necessary inputs.
In spite of an agreement reached by the Department of Veterinary Services in South Africa and the Directorate of Veterinary Services of Namibia on March 7, 2014, the Department of Veterinary Services in South Africa reverted to their original requirements which shook the meat industry in January 2014.
The Minister of Agriculture also brought the seriousness of the matter under the attention of the Minister of Trade & Industry, Mr Calle Schlettwein as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Produce commercial, says Minister of Agriculture
At the official opening of the NNFU Congress on Thursday, April 24, 2014, the Minister of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Mr John Mutorwa encouraged farmers to move away from the idea to only produce for domestic use, but also to produce surpluses. The NNFU Congress is held under the theme “Small scale farmers – the key to food production”. Minister Mutorwa suggested that the theme should rather be “Farmers – the key to food production” and against this background he made the above remark.
The Minister also quoted from a local daily which said that: “a farmer (is) since long not a small scale farmer who produces for the survival of his family. The post modern farmer is a scientist who uses high technology to produce much more with fewer resources” (the Republikein 9 April 2014).
The Minister also defended Government’s involvement with the creation of infrastructure in especially the northern communal areas. He said that the building fresh produce hubs and abattoirs is giving access to farmers where they can sell their products. He especially referred to slaughtering of cattle under trees which is seen as “traditional”, but rather is done in the absence of other slaughtering facilities.
The Minister also appealed to the different agricultural unions to cooperate in order to serve the agricultural sector better.
Dairy producers held management meeting
During a management meeting of the Dairy Producers Association (DPA) on Wednesday, April 23, delegates from Namibia Dairy and the management discussed the court case between the Ministry of Trade & Industry and Parmelat, Clover and Matador.

According to Judge Dave Smuts, he will give his verdict before the end of April. The verdict of this court case, in which the DPA was called second respondent, will influence the security and stability of the dairy industry in Namibia.

The member meeting and the theme thereof were also discussed and dairy producers must take note that the member meeting will be held on July 20 at Xain Quas.

FA and other news
Keinab FA is hosting a shooting day on April 26 at 07:00 at the FA hall. There are 5 categories which can be entered at Competition 1, namely hunting rifle, hand weapon, .22 rifle, airgun and kettie and Competition 2 is clay pigeon shooting. Registration fees for Competition 1 are N$200 and enquiries can be addressed to F Jordaan, Tel 063 683487, frikjordaan@yahoo.com, J van Niekerk, Tel 063 683485, jacovn@afol.com.na of K Visser, Tel 063 683491, sdoorn@afol.com.na.

The Outjo Game Festival and game auction will be held on May 2 & 3 at the Sophienhof Lodge. On May 2 the program starts at 08:00 and at 19:00 Ray Dylan performs and at 21:00 die Broers. On May 3 the program starts at 07:00 with a target shooting competition and prizes worth N$7 000 can be won. At 10:00 a rodeo will be held and at 19:00 Theuns Jordaan will perform and at 21:00 again die Broers. Registration for each day will be N$100 per adults and N$50 for children. A weekend ticket, thus for both days, will be N$180 for adults and N$80 for children. For further details contact Fanie Heimstädt, Tel 081 2053909 or Albie van Niekerk, Tel 081 2413710. The game auction is held on May 3 at 14:00 and further details can be obtained from Heidi, Tel 081 1281606 or Beate, Tel 081 1248230.
Hoërand FA is holding its annual 4x4 fun day on May 3 at Farm Graal of Mr Willie Truter in the Maltahöhe district. Guest can look for and pitch their camping site on May 2 already. Entries start at 06:30 on May 3 and children can also take part on quad bikes. Bike riders have to wear helmets. Entry fees are N$100 per vehicle and N$50 per quad bike. The day is concluded with a steak braai in the dunes. Dinner cost N$100 for adults and N$50 for children under 12 years. For further details contact Bartie Burger, Tel 063 293330, 081 3792626, antoiburger@gmail.com.
Dorsland FA is holding a general member meeting on May 7 at 15:00 at Saambou. For further details contact Ellie Lottering, Tel 081 2116611, franseli@iway.na.
Mariental RAU is hosting a motivation day on May 8 at 09:00 at the Stampriet FA hall. Guest speakers are inter alia Ernst Janovski and Charl Senekal of South Africa. For further details contact Hannes Visagie, Tel 081 1249902, jwv@afol.com.na or Marina le Roux, Tel 063 252015, marpas@iway.na.
Aroab FA is holding a “vasbyt” fun day on May 9 at the FA hall. Farm bakkies, motor bikes and quad bikes can participate. The day is concluded with a dance and “roerbraai”. For further details contact Georgia Viljoen, Tel 081 7639948, bvaroab@gmail.com or Pieter van Schalkwyk, Tel 081 1248448.
Kalkplato FA is hosting a Braai Day at Witbooisvlei on May 24, 2014. This is a rib and sausage braai competition and the theme is “Braai on Safari”. For further details contact Grete Wiesner, Tel 081 1276103, glh@mweb.com.na.
The Simmentaler/Simbra breeders are holding a farmers day on June 3 at 09:00 at Farm Ouparakane of Mr Martin Harms in the Hochfeld vicinity. Communal, emerging and commercial farmers are welcome. Lectures will be given about animal feed, cattle sicknesses, fertility of cows and selection of young bulls. For further details contact M Harms, Tel 081 2928753, outeesim@iway.na or H Kruger, Tel 081 2964280, simnamibia@gmail.com.
The Limousin Breeders Association of Namibia is hosting a judging course at Hochfeld on June 11 & 12, 2014. The course is offered by Messrs Willie Grobler and Barend Dorfling and the costs are N$750 per person. For further details contact Ellie Lottering, Tel 081 2116611, franseli@iway.na.
Exchange Rate NAD (19-25 April 2014)


April
EURO
USD
POUND
PULA

Saturday
19
14.509
10.503
17.635
1.200

Sunday
20
14.509
10.503
17.635
1.200

Monday
21
14.471
10.494
17.622
1.199

Tuesday
22
14.552
10.543
17.745
1.206

Wednesday
23
14.657
10.611
17.790
1.212

Thursday
24
14.691
10.625
17.846
1.210

Friday
25
14.738
10.656
17.905
1.214


Saturday to Thursday:  17:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
Friday:  07:15 UTC