Friday, January 31, 2014

Namibia Agriculture Union; Weekly News 24 January 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: Success is not permanent – the same is also true of failure

In today’s newsletter:
·         NAU and Napha meet
·         NAU President and Executive Manager visit members
·         Agricultural Outlook Conference 2014 takes shape
·         SACAU tour to RSA – 2 young farmers wanted
·         FA and other news

NAU and NAPHA meet
The President of the Namibian Professional Hunter’s Association (Napha), Mr Kai-Uwe Denker, and their Executive Manager, Ms Dietlinde Mueller, brought a courtesy visit to the President and Executive Manager of the NAU this week.  Napha is a strategic partner of the NAU and is represented on the NAU Executive Council through Mr Frank Heger. 

Three important aspects, among others, were discussed, namely:
-          the financial implication of member fees for land owners who are members of both the NAU and Napha;
-          poaching; and
-          the implication of the possible illegal import of game into Namibia. 
The theft of game and livestock has become a headache for many livestock and game farmers over the past few years.  One of the reasons is that the fines within the current legislation do not discourage game and livestock poachers.  This matter was also discussed during the past NAU Congress in 2013 where a decision was taken to submit a combined proposal to the Office of the Prosecutor-General in an attempt to increase these fines.    Napha has already done some research in this regard.  In an attempt to address the problem, Napha will work more closely with the National Crime Prevention Forum on which the Police also serve.

The NAU and Napha are concerned about the animal health status of Namibia that might be under threat should game and livestock be imported into Namibia illegally.  Both organisations will request the authorities to do everything in their power to prevent such incidents. 

The NAU and Napha have shown an understanding for the financial implication for land owners that belong to both organisations.  Both organisations however provide an essential service for which they need finances.  The organisations will nevertheless investigate avenues in which these relevant land owners could be accommodated. 

The President of the NAU, Mr Derek Wright, reiterated the importance of cooperation between the two organisations.  The purpose of both organisations is to create a positive environment in which their members can operate to the fullest extent. 

NAU President and Executive Manager visits members
As an extension to the NAU Road Show to 2013 in Otjiwarongo, Outjo and Gobabis, the President, Mr Derek Wright and the Executive Manager of the NAU will visit Grootfontein on 13 February for a similar meeting.  This meeting will take place at 14:00 at the Pondoki Lodge, 5km from Grootfontein on the Rundu road.  Interested land owners are welcome to attend the meeting. 

The purpose of the meeting is to convey the position of the NAU with regards to land lax and to discuss the proposed amendments to the Land Reform Act.  Members will also have the opportunity to discuss other matters of importance with the NAU Management. 

 Also as an extension of the Road Show, the Executive Manager, Mr Sakkie Coetzee, have visited the Osire/Waterberg Farmers’ Association on Tuesday 21 January.  Meetings will also take place on invitation from the Dordabis, Wilhelmstal and Otavi Farmers’ Associations on 6, 11 en 12 February respectively.

Agricultural Outlook Conference 2014 takes shape
The success of the 2013 Agricultural Outlook Conference, which took place in conjunction with the 50 year anniversary of the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO), lead to the decision of the NAU Executive Council to host a similar conference in 2014.   The 2014 Agricultural Outlook Conference will again run concurrently with the NAU and LPO Congress.  The planned date is Wednesday 08 October 2014.  The NAU secretariat is in the process of drafting a programme and will contact other organisations shortly for financial and in-kind assistance. 

The provisional items on the programme include policy aspects, macro-economic outlook, trade aspects, weather outlook, agricultural technology and commodity matters.  A few surprises are also in store to provide more colour to the event.  Conference delegates of 2013 can confirm the high standard with which this day is hosted. 

Minimum wage for domestic workers
According to an article in the Informantѐ newspaper of 5 December 2013, at the last meeting of the 2013 year the Cabinet gave principal approval for a minimum wage for domestic workers.

The recommended minimum monthly cash wage is N$ 1 218, with an hourly tariff of N$7,02 based on an eight hour working day, exclusive of lunch.  In determining the cash wage the provision of food, clothing, or any other items does not serve as a substitute for salaries, according to the article.  It would be expected from employers to supply the workers with sufficient food to meet their reasonable needs, and to provide a transport allowance.  It is estimated that there are around 35 000 domestic workers in Namibia, excluding domestic workers on farms.  Domestic workers on farms are excluded from this minimum wage because they are already included within the current minimum wage legislation for farm workers.   Although the recommended minimum wage for domestic workers is higher in urban areas than on farms, it must be taken into account that farm workers usually receive free housing, water and electricity.

The proposed minimum wage agreement is expected to make its last round in Cabinet early in 2014 before being published in the Government Gazette. 

Wanted – two young farmers for a tour to RSA
The Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), of whom the NAU is a member, invites two young farmers under the age of 40 (one male and one female) on a tour for young farmers from 12-17 May 2014 to join the tour to the RSA. 

The tour is aimed at facilitating the sharing of experiences among young farmers in the region, motivating young farmers with regards to the potential of the sector and exposing them to high level technology in agriculture.  The candidates must be able to express themselves with the potential to mobilize and lead others.  The tour also includes a visit to NAMPO on 14 May in Bothaville, Free State, and all costs are borne by SACAU (excluding pocket money). 

Interested young farmers who fit the above criteria must send a short CV of no longer than one page to Mr Sakkie Coetzee at  sakkie@agrinamibia.com.na ASAP.

FA and other news
An information meeting and brain storming session with regard to SWAKARA shearing will take place on Friday 31 January at 14:30 at the Helmeringhausen FA Centrum. For further information Louisa Campbell can be contacted, Tel 081 2819074, info@lovedale-namibia.com.

Dordabis FA holds a meeting on 6 February at 14:00 in the FA hall. Guest speaker is Mr Sakkie Coetzee of the NAU. RSVP before 9 January wih Mrs Christine Romeis, Tel 061 231230, cwromeis@iway.na.

Wilhelmstal-Okasise FA holds a member meeting on 11 February at 15:00 in the Wilhelmstal FA hall. Guest speaker is Mr Sakkie Coetzee of the NAU. For further information Urte Gebauer can be contacted, Tel 062 500124, ugebauer@iway.na.

The GTO (Grootfontein, Tsumeb, Otavi) RAU holds a strategig planning session on 13 February at 08:00 at the Pondoki Lodge, 5km outside Grootfontein on the Rundu road. At 14:00  a road show with the NAU Management will be held at the same venue. For further information Sylvia Düvel can be contacted, Tel 067 240332, omambond@iway.na.

Blumfelde FA holds a member meeting on 12 February at 16:00 in FA hall. For further information Magret Binneman can be contacted, Tel 062 581099, binneman@iway.na.

The Farmer’s Day of the 2013 Young Farmer of the Year takes place on 12 March on the Farm Silversand, 90km east of Windhoek of Mr en Mrs Marco and Regine Seefeldt. The programme starts at 08:00 and a sightseeing tour on the farm will be held at 09:00.  A programme for the women as well as a mini Show will also take place.  Registration is N$170 for adults and N$70 for children 6 – 16 years which includes all meals.  Interested persons must RSVP before 28 February 2014 at Sylvia Henke, Tel 081 2317823, sylviaheld@hotmail.com,  Carola Raad, Tel 081 3680962 or Marco & Regine Seefeldt, Tel 081 2965802, seefeldt@iway.na. More information can be obtained from the following website: www.silversandhunting.com.

The bi-annual NSV Meat Production School takes place on 19 & 20 March at Heja Game Lodge outside Windhoek. The programme begins on 19 March at 08:00 with registration.  Speakers are inter alia Prof Johann Willemse, Dr Jasper Coetzee, Dr Dietmar Holm, Adri Nell & Gerrie Scholz, Norbert Dörgeloh, Sakkie Coetzee, Dr Munro Marx, Prof Frikkie Neser, Prof Louw Hoffmann, Dr Niel van Zyl, Dr Michael Bradfield, Leon Lubbe and Pieter Hugo. A programme for the women will be held on 20 March from 14:00 – 17:00.  Entries close on 15 February and the cost for the full programme is N$1 100.  This includes the course material, lunches, coffee and dinner.  Registration for one day is N$550. Registration fee for the Programme for women is N$250,00 and includes tea and cake. For further information Jacques Els can be contacted, Tel 081 1281032, jacque@iway.na or Dawid Krause, Tel 081 1249415.

The annual Meatco Braai Inter Farmers’ Association competition is hosted this year by the Uhlenhorst Farmers’ Association on 28 & 29 March at the Bitterwasser Lodge, 20km south of Uhlenhorst. The programme starts on 28 March at 16:45 with a wine tasting and at 20:00 dinner is served. On 29 March the gates open at 06:00 and at 17:30 a prize giving will take place. A steak braai and dance begins at 19:00.  Entrance fee is N$50 per person (both adults and children). The cost for the sunset cocktail on Friday evening is N$100 for adults and N$50 for primary school learners.  There is no cost for the braai team and they will receive free tickets.  The cost for the steak braai and the dance on Saturday is N$ 150 for adults and N$70 for primary school children. For further information Willie Krugel can be contacted, Tel 063 265311 or Hoekus van Niekerk, 063 265336, hoecon@mweb.com.na. 

WEEKLY






Exchange Rate NAD (18-24 January 2014)











January
EURO
USD
POUND
PULA

Saturday
18
14.721
10.872
17.847
1.216

Sunday
19
14.728
10.877
17.847
1.216

Monday
20
14.714
10.849
17.811
1.213

Tuesday
21
14.730
10.862
17.888
1.214

Wednesday
22
14.744
10.882
18.033
1.218

Thursday
23
14.765
10.900
18.054
1.220

Friday
24
15.088
11.022
18.324
1.229








Saturday to Thursday:  16:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
Friday:  06:34 UTC








Monday, January 20, 2014

Namibia Agriculture Union: Weekly News 17 January 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: EXPERIENCE TELLS YOU WHAT TO DO; CONFIDENCE ALLOWS YOU TO DO IT – Stan Smith

In today’s newsletter:

 ·         Proposed veterinary requirement for export to SA still on ice

·         FA and other news





Proposed veterinary requirement for export to SA still on ice

The South African Veterinary department surprised the Namibian cattle- and sheep export market with a series of requirements for the export to South Africa. These requirements inter alia include individual identification also of sheep, proof of vaccinations against anthrax at least 14 days, but not longer than 12 month ahead, proof of treatment of internal and external parasites, proof of origin of herds free of any sicknesses, etc.



The chairperson of the LPO, Mr Mecki Schneider immediately raised objections at the Directorate of Veterinary Services. These objections were communicated to the RSA Veterinary and the implementation thereof has been put on ice for the time being. The acting Director of the Directorate Veterinary Services, Dr Shoopala in cooperation with the Meat Board and the Animal Health Consultative Forum will meet on January 22, 2014 again in order to discuss the matter further.



In the meantime exports are done as usual.



Voters’ registration

The registration process for the general elections later this year has started and will last until March 2, 2014.



All Namibians entitled to vote must again register as the term of the previous registration has expired.



Registration points are erected on various points in each Constituency and will also be done on many farms in the rural Constituencies. For registration as voter the following documents are needed:



1.    Proof of identification, age and Namibian citizenship by –

·         new Namibian ID

·         old Namibian ID

·         valid Namibian passport

or

a combination of -   

·         citizenship certificate and old Namibian ID (for persons which are born outside Namibia)

·         Namibian birth certificate and new Namibian drivers license

·         Namibian birth certificate and support of two Namibian citizens



Persons, who would like to register for the election of Local Authorities, must bring proof of residence for the past 12 months (telephone accounts, NamPower/Red accounts or proof of payment of land tax).



Members are encouraged to assist the Election Commission with the registration process as far as possible (especially owners of farms where there are registration points) and also assist their employees with the registration process.



Practical training and internship needed

Various students have approached the NAU and requested us to publish their need for practical training and/or internship in the newsletter. Here are the requests:



Mr Vernon Christians, a Veterinary student at the University of Pretoria is looking for practical training opportunities on cattle-, sheep-, goat- and pig farms for a week each. Members who could accommodate Mr Christians can contact him at Tel 081 1278090, 081 8502408, vermillion844@gmail.com.



Mr Remegius Shiwayu, a bachelor’s degree in Economics student at the Polytechnic of Namibia is looking for a 3 months internship on a commercial farm in the Khomas region. Farmers who would be willing to accommodate Mr Shiwayu, can contact him at Tel 081 4686323 or remegius12@gmail.com.



Mr Tirronen Shinyemba a fourth year student at University of Namibia
majoring in food science is looking for an internship at a dairy
farm in the Khomas region. Mr Shinyemba can be contacted at Tel 081 3292928 or
tirronenshinyemba@gmail.com.



2013 Young Farmer farmers’ day

The farmers’ day of the 2013 Young Farmer of the Year will be held on March 12 at Farm Silversand, 90km east of Windhoek of Mr & Mrs Marco and Regine Seefeldt. The program starts at 08:00 and at 09:00 a farm sightseeing will be held. A woman program and mini show will also be held and registration is N$170 for adults and N$70 for children from 6 – 16 years whereby the meals are all included. Interested parties should register before February 28 with Sylvia Henke, Tel 081 2317823, sylviaheld@hotmail.com, Carola Raad, Tel 081 3680962 or Marco or Regine Seefeldt, Tel 081 2965802, seefeld@iway.na. Information can also be obtained from the following website: www.silversandhunting.com.



FA and other news

Osire-Waterberg FA is holding a meeting on January 21 at 14:30 at the Osire FA hall. The day will be concluded with a bring and braai and further information can be obtained from Anka Visher, Tel 067 306208, hpvisher@iway.na.



Dordabis FA is holding a meeting on February 6 at 14:00 at the FA hall. Guest speaker is Mr Sakkie Coetzee from the NAU. Please register before January 29 with Mrs Christine Romeis, Tel 061 231230, cwromeis@iway.na.



Blumfelde FA is holding a member meeting on February 12 at 16:00 at the FA hall. Further details from Magret Binneman, Tel 062 581099, binneman@iway.na.



The bi-annual NSBA meat production school will be held on March 19 & 20 at the Heja Game Lodge outside Windhoek. The program starts on March 19 at 08:00 with registration and speakers are inter alia Prof Johann Willemse, Dr Jasper Coetzee, Dr Dietmar Holm, Adri Nell & Gerrie Scholz, Norbert Dörgeloh, Sakkie Coetzee, Dr Munro Marx, Prof Frikkie Neser, Prof Louw Hoffmann, Dr Niel van Zyl, Dr Michael Bradfield, Leon Lubbe and Pieter Hugo. On March 20 from 14:00 – 17:00 a program for the women will be offered. Registration closes on February 15 and the costs are for the full program N$1 100, whereby all materials, lunches, coffees and dinners are included. Registration for 1 day only is N$550 and for the woman’s program N$250 which includes cake and tea. For further details contact Jacques Els, 081 1281032, jacque@iway.na or Dawid Krause, Tel 081 1249415.

WEEKLY






Exchange Rate NAD (11-17 January 2014)












January
EURO
USD
POUND
PULA

Saturday
11
14.550
10.645
17.534
1.195

Sunday
12
14.550
10.645
17.534
1.195

Monday
13
14.729
10.794
17.680
1.223

Tuesday
14
14.801
10.820
17.798
1.214

Wednesday
15
14.776
10.863
17.784
1.216

Thursday
16
14.869
10.934
17.862
1.220

Friday
17
14.780
10.868
17.735
1.213








Saturday to Thursday:  16:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
Friday:  08:53 UTC