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

Namibia Agriculture Union News:4 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: LAUGHTER IS THE SUN THAT DRIVES WINTER FROM THE HUMAN FACE – Victor Hugo

In today’s newsletter:

·         NAU & NAPHA investigate tax implications

·         Congratulations to Hochfeld FA

·         FA and other days

 

NAU & NAPHA investigate tax implications

The proposed Tax amendments can have far-reaching consequences on the farming and game sectors in Namibia. The Executive Managers of the NAU (Namibia Agricultural Union) and NAPHA (Namibia Professional Hunting Association) together with Mr Frank Heger held a meeting with Mr Cameron Kotze of Ernst & Young to discuss the finer details of the proposed Tax amendments.

The proposed Tax amendments inter alia include capital gain tax, tax on primary products, environmental tax and training tax (VET – Vocational Education and Training). Even though it is the general feeling of tax consultants that the costs with regard to capital gain tax is much more than the advantages they get from it, the Government is busy to investigate it according to the Minister of Finance. If it will be implemented, all capital items will have to be valuated to serve as basis for the future determination of capital gain if the assets should be sold.

At this stage it seems as if the tax on primary products is only applicable on minerals, fish, game and oil and gas. In the case of game it is not clear whether the definition will include live game and game products. If this is the case, it can have a negative effect on all farmers in the country. This aspect will be followed up.

In the case of training tax it is important that members of a Close Corporation or a Company must take note that if proprietor compensation is not administered properly, it could have an effect on the salary account of the relevant Close Corporation or Company and if it is more than N$1 million per annum, such an entity will be responsible for the payment of training tax.

In the proposed Tax amendment it is also mentioned that the VAT registration threshold be increased from N$200 000 to N$500 000.Unfortunately the amendment does not make any provision for voluntary VAT registration and any de-registration of VAT could have big cash flow consequences for the members of the NAU and NAPHA.

Mr Cameron Kotze undertook to give an explanation of the specific implications which the legislation might have on the agricultural and game sectors which will be circulated to members of the NAU and NAPHA.

Congratulations to Hochfeld FA

Congratulations to Hochfeld FA with winning the Inter Farmers Association braai competition at Bitterwasser the past weekend. Besides the spirit of Stokkies and his fellow-braaiers, it is evident that they know how to braai. An even worthy 2nd and 3rd place went to the Stampriet Farmers Association who were also the winners in 2012 and Kaiserstreet Farmers Association who also have won this title twice already.

Altogether 13 Farmers Associations and 13 social teams attended the braai competition which was hosted by Uhlenhorst FA at Farm Bitterwasser.

Congratulations also to Hoekus van Niekerk and his team who hosted a very successful day with a lot of sponsors and exhibitors. The day was also attended by the president of the NAU, Mr Derek Wright.

NAU acknowledges sponsors

As part of the acknowledgement the NAU gives to its sponsors, the sponsors get the opportunity to introduce their products in the newsletter from time to time. The following article was received by Sanlam’s General Manager Distribution, Mr. Mathys Du Preez as sponsor of the Agri Outlook Conference.

Are you thinking ahead?

Your farming operation is going well, despite the constant threats of livestock illnesses, crop diseases and fluctuations in the market. You have successfully dealt with rising prices, changing customer demands, labour matters and the unpredictable nature of the weather.

You are central to your farming operation. You are the board of directors responsible for strategic decisions, yet you are also the operations manager, the financial director, the marketing executive and the administrative support staff. You have thought of everything and implemented all you needed to run your farm as a successful business.

But have you also thought about what will happen when you were to suddenly die in an accident, or become permanently disabled, or lose the function of your legs for example? Have you made plans to support your family under these circumstances? What about the funding of your children’s school and/or tertiary education expenses? What will you live on after retirement if your children were to take over the farm and you were not able to sell it for income?

Tough questions and tough decisions need to be made. But no tougher than the decisions you have already taken and that have made your farming operation the success it is. Decisions you can make and turn into reality with the assistance of a trusted partner to guide you along the way.

Sanlam Namibia wants to be your partner in making and executing these decisions. We offer tailor made packages that fit your specific requirements. Whether for you personally, or for those either directly or indirectly dependent on you, Sanlam can offer you a unique solution via our SanFuture range of products, selection of unit trusts and our Sanlam Personal Portfolio offering. Contact us today at marketing@sanlam.com.na or tel 061 294 7607.

 

FA and other days

Osire-Waterberg FA is holding a meeting on April 8 at 14:00 at the Osire FA hall. Guest speakers are Adv Rukoro of Meatco and Johann Groenewald of Dorsland Boom Lusern Namibia. The day is concluded with a Bring and Braai. For further details contact Anka Visher, Tel 067 306208, hpvisher@iway.na.

Nina FA is holding a members meeting and farmers day on April 8 in the FA hall. The member meeting starts at 09:00 and thereafter will be the farmers day. The theme is “With what am I farming?”. Various speakers will attend and Sanet Prinsloo will give a food demonstration. The day will be concluded with a Steak Braai. For further details contact Irene Human, Tel 081 2459054 or Kobus Human, Tel 081 1248173, gumgamshunting@iway.na.

Blumfelde FA is holding a member meeting on April 9 at 09:00 at the FA hall. Guest speaker is Esta Posma who will talk about farming tax and VAT. For further details contact Magret Binneman, Tel 062 581099, binneman@iway.na.

Leonardville FA is holding a member meeting on April 9 at 16:00 at the FA hall. Guest speakers are Johny of Johny’s Auto Electric and representatives from Standard Bank Gobabis, Sanlam, the Social Security Commission and the Roads Authority. For further details contact Ellen Burger, Tel 062 581010, lbv@iway.na.

The member meeting of the Agronomic Producers Association and the Master Agronomist Day will be held on April 10 at Farm Ghaub of Mr Andre Compion in the Grootfontein vicinity. The member meeting will start at 08:30 and the Master Agronomist Day at 12:00. For further details contact Marianne Pretorius, Tel 061 237838, joc@agrinamibia.com.na.

Dordabis FA is holding a member meeting on April 10 at 13:00 at the FA hall. Guest speaker is Mr Greg Christelis who will talk about border crossing underground water. For further details contact Christine Romeis, Tel 061 231230, cwromeis@iway.na.

A Pioneer Maize Farmers Day is held on April 10 at 08:30 at Farm Baltimore of Mr Raymond van Eeden and is hosted by Aqualand. Speakers are Mr Dirk Prinsloo of Aqualand and Messrs Johan Kock and Philip Fourie of Pioneer and at 08:45 a farm sightseeing will be held. Please register before April 7 with Dirk, Tel 081 2434077, dirk@aqualand.com.na.

The member meeting of the Poultry Producers Association is held on April 16 at 08:30 at the NAU board room, 114 Robert Mugabe Ave, Windhoek. Please register before April 2 with Marianne Pretorius, Tel 061 237838, joc@agrinamibia.com.na.

Witvlei FA is holding a general and re-organisation meeting on April 16 at 14:00 at the farmer house at Witvlei. Guest speaker is Mr Johan Engelbrecht from the Meat Board who will talk about Namlits. For further details contact Monica Bouwer, Tel 062 570317, gmbouwer@iway.na.

A Sakata Vegetable Farmers Day is held on April 24 at 08:30 at Farm Windpoort of Mr Hannes Grobbelaar and hosted by Aqualand. Speakers are Mr Erwin Schimper of Aqualand and Christa Maritz and Jan van der Merwe of Sakata. At 08:45 a farm sightseeing will be held. Please register before April 18 with Dirk, Tel 081 2434077, dirk@aqualand.com.na.

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.

WEEKLY
Exchange Rate NAD (29 March to 04 April 2014)
	March/April	EURO	USD	POUND	PULA
Saturday	29	14.535	10.569	17.584	1.202
Sunday	30	14.545	10.576	17.602	1.202
Monday	31	14.505	10.531	17.557	1.198
Tuesday	01	14.584	10.565	17.578	1.205
Wednesday	02	14.607	10.619	17.655	1.208
Thursday	03	14.596	10.650	17.660	1.207
Friday	04	14.581	10.637	17.643	1.205

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

Friday:  09:17 UTC