Monday, March 5, 2018

Namibia Agriculture Union News: 2 March 2018


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: NO MATTER THE SITUATION, NEVER LET YOUR EMOTIONS OVERPOWER YOUR INTELLIGENCE
In today’s newsletter –
·         Dairy in deep water
·         Small stock producers brain storm
·         NAU Open Day at Gobabis
·         FA and other days

Dairy in deep water
The situation of dairy producers in Namibia and the dairy industry in total is worsening.  On 23 February 2018 a special meeting was held between the Management of the Dairy Producers Association and representatives of the processor regarding a raw milk price reduction for Namibian producers of 10 cents per litre and a further possible 10 cents reduction by the end of April 2018.  This will be the second price reduction in the last 7 months for producers. These price reductions could potentially mean the end of business for some of the dairy producers.  In addition to a price reduction, payments of producers are being deferred on a monthly basis.  Producers are also warned not increase any milk production, as excess milk will most probably not be taken up in the market. 
This critical situation in the dairy industry can be ascribed to mostly the influx of cheap UHT milk and closely related other dairy products into Namibia. The past two weeks, imported UHT milk, mostly from RSA, was selling on shelves of Namibian retailers as low as N$10.99 per litre. In reality this milk is cheaper than 1liter of water bottled in Namibia selling in the same shop!  In addition, the low imported UHT milk found on Namibian shelves is lower than the same packs selling on the same day in RSA.  That leaves a serious question mark. 
The situation in the Namibian dairy industry needs immediate and serious attention. The long awaited Bill (to control import and export of dairy and dairy products) is essential and it is due to be tabled in Parliament this year.
Small stock producers brain storm
The Livestock Producers Association (LPO) in Namibia rallied small stock producers this week in Keetmanshoop for a brain storming session to formulate a vision for the small stock industry.  
As starting point, representatives agreed that there is a lack of correct and reliable marketing figures for small stock.  Various actions were identified to address this issue.   
The concern regarding a reduction in small stock production was high on the agenda.  Although it seems that the small stock industry has been in a more favourable position than the beef industry in terms of profitability the past five years, small stock production has decreased drastically.  Reasons that were speculated on varied from an increase in venereal diseases of the rams, an increase in predator numbers, an increase in theft, and the long term drought situation.  There is also a tendency to change from small stock production to cattle and game production.    Producers in general have lost their trust in the industry and this negatively impacts on investments.  Management practises were also looked at as well as the age group of the majority producers which results in less further investments, especially in infrastructure
The marketing environment has an impact on the production environment and interference in this sector together with issues such as land reform creates frustration and uncertainty.  Small stock representatives at the meeting was however of the opinion that production could pick up again and there must be an investigation how to change the methods in order to realise an open border, whilst still operating within government policies.
The day resulted in positive suggestions that will receive serious attention in the following weeks. 
NAU Open Day at Gobabis
The president of the NAU, Mr Ryno van der Merwe, the chairman of the LPO, Mr Piet Gouws together with the Executive Manager, Mr Roelie Venter attended an open day which was hosted by the Gobabis Regional Agricultural Union. The president gave feedback about the current progress with the drafting of a rural safety strategy, land tax,  the financing of the NAU as well as the quantification of the NAU advantages. Mr Piet Gouws gave a presentation about the future of the meat industry and emphasized that the viewpoint of the NAU is that all three markets of producers (export of weaners to the RSA, slaughtering of cattle for the Namibian consumers as well as export of beef to the EU and Norway) are of great importance for a sustainable meat industry. The EM gave feedback about the strategic priorities of the NAU for 2018. In spite of the drought conditions the meeting took place in a positive spirit and open talk. The Meat Board also attended the meeting and gave information and answered questions.
Agronomy day Grootfontein
Die Grootfontein Farmers’ Association will host an agronomy day on 10 March 2018 at 08:30 at farm Venus of Mr Klaas Malan.  The day is dedicated to mechanisation and technology and is loaded with practical demonstrations.  RSV to Mr Klaas Malan 067-242094/ 081 124 0463 or malanjn@iway.na
NAU AgriBraai
The NAU AgriBraai is hosted by the Kalahari Oos FA on May 25 & 26, 2018 at the Gobabis Show grounds. The theme is “Cattle Country Cowboy” and on Saturday night the Campbells will perform. FA’s are now already encouraged to participate this year and the entries close on April 30. More details will be given in due course and can be obtained from Kalahari Oos FA, Tel 081 2612838, kario@iway.na. For more details click here Information and to enter click here Entry form.
Poultry/Eggs – Member meeting and Information day
The Poultry Producers Association (PPA) hosts its annual member meeting as well as an information session for current and upcoming poultry/egg producers on 15 March 2018 at the Boardroom of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) in Windhoek.   The information session will, among others, look at the steps taken by the industry to become independent.  Speakers include Dr Sean Wisdom from C4 Africa on Avian Influenza, Mr Hannes Koekemoer from Feedmaster on SME Development and Mr James Roux, a local egg producer on reaching independency. This day would not be possible without our partner Feedmaster.
RSVP for this event is compulsory.  There are limited seats and a strict NO BOOKING - NO SEAT policy will be applicable.  RSVP at rina@agrinamibia.com.na before 13 March 2018
FA and other days
The Namibia Stud Breeders Association hosts a livestock producers symposium op 5 March at 08:00 at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Rind, Windhoek show grounds. Speakers are Mr Graham Truscott, Dr Alfredo Lepori, Dr Michael Bradfield and Ms Jeanine Labuschagne and the costs are N$250 per person. For further information and to register contact Larrochelle Bryden, Tel 0027 12 6675258, admin@agribsa.co.za or Jeanine Labuschagne, Tel 0027 12 6675258, herdmaster@agribsa.co.za.
The Wagyu Association of South Africa is introducing the Wagyu to Namibia and is offering a livestock producers symposium on March 6. This symposium will be held at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring, Windhoek show grounds from 09:00 – 13:30 and entrance is free. Speakers are Dr Fanie Steyn, Mr Brian Angus, Dr Michael Bradfield and Mr Graham Truscott. Questions can be asked and lunch is from 12:30 – 13:30. Please register with Ivonne van Tonder, Tel 00 27 61 4084123, office@wagyu.org.za.
Summerdown FA is holding a member meeting on March 6 at 15:00 at the FA hall. Speakers are a person from Tandelta, Mr Corne Mostert of Virbac and Louisa Richmond-Coggan who will talk about leopards on farms. For further details contact Rienie du Plessis, Tel 081 2852169, summerdownbv@gmail.com.
Karibib FA is holding a meeting on March 10 at 17:00 at Farm Ukuib. Guest speaker is Dr Louisa Richmond-Coggan who will talk about NAPHA’s national leopard census. For further details contact Doris Gladis, Tel 061 237400, doris@hemconamibia.com.
Windhoek RAU is holding a meeting on March 12 at 08:30 at the NAU Board room, Windhoek. For further details contact Marianne Seifert, Tel 062 581650, info@farm-heimat.com.
Otjiwarongo FA is holding its annual general meeting on March 13 at 09:00 at the NG Church hall. For further details contact Maureen Laubscher, Tel 067 306250, management@otjiwa.com.na.
Kalkfeld FA is holding a member meeting on March 13 at 08:00 for 08:30 at Farm Eremutua of Ortwin and Silke von Gossler. For further details contact Silke von Gossler, Tel 067 290119, orua@iway.na.
Maltahöhe FA is holding a member meeting on March 14 at 10:00 at Farm Hoogtevrede of Mr & Mrs Oubaas Klein. Speakers are the Executive Manager of the NAU, Mr Roelie Venter and Suncycles Namibia will talk about e-mobility. Further details from Mr Ernst Sauber, Tel 081 1494963, ernst@buellsport.com.
Keetmanshoop RAU is holding a meeting on Thursday, March 15 at 08:00 at the Central Lodge Keetmansoop. Dr Louisa Richmond-Coggan will be guest speaker. For further details contact Ernst Blaauw, menasse413@gmail.com or Amelia van Rooyen, jomarbon100@gmail.com.
Hochfeld FA is holding a member meeting on March 20 at 15:00 at the FA hall. The theme is “Security” and guest speakers are Mr Steven Lochner of TSU Africa and Mr Bernhard Ackermann of Ondjou Fencing. Further details from Bianca Marggraff, Tel 081 3007584, hochfeldbv@gmail.com.
Epukiro FA is holding a general meeting on March 20 at 15:00 at Farm Strumfeld of Mr & Mrs Jurie and Monika Wiesner. Speakers are Mr Delport from Feedmaster, Mr Swart of Nampower and a person from Bank Windhoek. For further details contact Mr Jacobs, Tel 062 567471, cj.jacobs@live.com or Mr Beukes, Tel 062 568054, faan@iway.na
Mariental RAU is hosting a motivation day under the theme “Future of Meat Production” on March 28 at 07:30. Further details will be given in due course and can be obtained from Antoinette Burger, Tel 063 293330, antoiburger@gmail.com.
The Namibian Stud Breeders Association are hosting the Meat Production School on April 10 at 08:30 at the Otjiwa Game Lodge. The theme is “Paradigm shift needed in the farming sector” and speakers are inter alia Emile Jung, Dr Rudy Koekemoer, Christo Viljoen, Gernot Eggert, Dawie Kok, Japie Engelbrecht, Johannes Dausab and others. Registration is N$150 per person and further details can be obtained from Jacque Els, Tel 081 1281032, jacque@iway.na.
Kalkfeld FA is hosting its Agri Mega Day on June 21 at Farm Klein Otjikango-Ost of Ekundi Farming. This year they will add another category, namely “Farmers Patents” of any sort. They invite farmers and other persons to exhibit their farmers patents at the Agri Mega Day. For further information phone Tel 081 3288235, kalkfeld@hotmail.com. 
Exchange Rate NAD (23 February - 2 March 2018)
Feb/Mrch
EURO
USD
POUND
PULA
Saturday
24
14.198
11.548
16.130
1.215
Sunday
25
14.195
11.546
16.127
1.215
Monday
26
14.285
11.618
16.209
1.230
Tuesday
27
14.335
11.713
16.285
1.238
Wednesday
28
14.388
11.783
16.248
1.235
Thursday
1
14.519
11.882
16.346
1.239
Friday
2
14.549
11.856
16.325
1.237
Saturday to Thursday:  17:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
Friday: 08:38 UTC