Namibia Agriculture Union Weekly News: 14 February 2014

NAU: Namibia Agriculture Union

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: IN CARING LIES LIFE’S DEEPEST MEANING – Pablo Casals

In today’s newsletter:

·         Strategic Planning Workshop of the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF)

·         2013 Young Farmer of the Year farmers’ day

·         Meatco Inter Farmers Association Braai Competition

·         FA and other news

Strategic Planning Workshop of the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF)

The NTF held its first Strategic Planning Workshop at Sun Karros Daan Viljoen on 12 and 13 February 2014. The aim of the workshop was to assist the NTF to develop a strategic plan and to formulate action plans for the year ahead.  Wallie Roux of the NAU attended the workshop.

The NTF was established as a public private platform of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to facilitate dialogue between the public and private sectors.  During its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the end of 2013 it was decided to develop a strategic plan for the NTF based on its mandate.

During the workshop a vision and mission was developed, as well as key values to drive the NTF.  In addition, seven action plans were identified to streamline the activities of the NTF to render a more efficient service to its stakeholders.

The NAU is presented on the NTF through the Agricultural Trade Forum (ATF).  More details of the outcome of the workshop will be communicated by the NTF in due course.

2013 Young Farmer of the Year farmers’ day

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 begins at 08:00 and a sightseeing tour on the farm begins 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.  All meals included.  Interest 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. Click here for more information

Meatco Inter Farmers Association Braai Competition

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. 

Click here for more information.

FA and other news

Witvlei FA is holding a general meeting on February 19 at 15:00 in the farmer house at Witvlei. For further details contact Mrs Monica Bouwer, Tel 062 570317, gmbouwer@iway.na.

Epukiro FA is holding a management meeting on February 19 at 17:00 at Farm Anderson of Jakkies and Cora Jacobs. For further details contact Cora, Tel 062 568756.

Veldduin FA is hosting a hunt- and game day on February 22 at 08:00 at the Veldduin FA hall (on the B8 from Grootfontein to Rundu for 89km, then turn left on the D2848 for 15km). From 08:00 – 12:00 a game potjiekos competition will be held and from 15:40 – 18:00 a hunt and game race. There will also be entertainment for the women. The day will be concluded with a dance. For further details contact Schalk Kuhn, Tel 081 2332123, Chris Potgieter, Tel 081 1289773 or Josef Lewis, Tel 081 3202362.

Agra ProVision will host an interactive breakfast meeting to discuss and explain the "farmers catalogue" (“Boere Katalogus”) with the expertise of Dr Joggie Briedenhann. With the cattle auctioning season having started, and the stud auctions about to start, this would be a great platform for farmers and livestock producers to interact with the expert and learn more about the details on the catalogue. The breakfast session takes place on the 28th of February 2014, at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring (at the Windhoek Show grounds) from 7:30 until 9:00.At the same event, participants will be introduced to the low pressure Drip Irrigation Kits, known as latest technology that improves on vegetable production. Danie Marais, ProVision’s Technical Advisor: Agronomy & Horticulture will demonstrate how this “DIY technology” works and answer your questions on small holder farming and urban vegetable production. Further queries can be directed to Mr Twaku Kayofa @ twakuk@agra.com.na or 061 – 290 9364.

Karibib FA will hold a meeting on March 8 at 17:00 at Farm Kaltenhausen. For further details contact Mrs Gladis, Tel 064 550939, 081 1284851, Doris.Gladis@elvey.co.za.

Steinhausen FA is holding a member meeting on March 19 at 15:00 at the FA hall at Farm Steinhausen. For further details contact Mayke Rumpf, Tel 062 561422, combumbi@iway.na.

The bi-annual NSV 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, Derrick Wright, Dr Munro Marx, Prof Frikkie Neser, Prof Louw Hoffmann, Dr Niel van Zyl, Dr Michael Bradfield, Leon Lubbe,  Pieter Hugo, Judith Isele en Mecki Schneider and the program is opened by Mr Ryno van der Merwe. On March 20 from 14:00 – 16:00 a program for the women is offered. The costs for the full program are N$1 100, which includes course material, lunches, coffee and dinner. Registration for one day only is N$550 and for the women’s program N$150 whereby tea and cake is included. For further details contact Jacques Els, Tel 081 1281032, jacque@iway.na.

Exchange Rate NAD (8-14 February 2014)
	February	EURO	USD	POUND	PULA
Saturday	8	15.086	11.064	18.155	1.227
Sunday	9	15.086	11.064	18.155	1.227
Monday	10	15.165	11.115	18.250	1.233
Tuesday	11	14.986	10.977	18.076	1.214
Wednesday	12	14.961	11.007	18.245	1.227
Thursday	13	15.069	11.024	18.342	1.225
Friday	14	15.005	10.958	18.307	1.192
Saturday to Thursday:  17:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
Friday:  09:14 UTC

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. 

Click here for more information.

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