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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

Download programme

Download map

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

Download program

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

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Namibia Agriculture Union News: 23 September 2016

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: CHILDREN MUST BE TAUGHT HOW TO THINK NOT WHAT TO THINK – Margaret Mead

In this newsletter –

·         British parlementarians visit Namibia

·         LPO and NAU Congress and Agri Outlook Conference

·         FA and other news

Weapons can be submitted

We refer to reports in previous newsletters and would like to remind our members that all unlicensed and illegal weapons and ammunition can be submitted to the Police without being prosecuted until November 18, 2016. During a media briefing on September 2, 2016 the head of the Police, Lt Gen Sebastian Ndeitunga again appealed that all unlicensed and illegal weapons and ammunition should be submitted to the Police. He also informed that so far 443 weapons, 1070 ammunition and 118 explosive ordinances were submitted to the Police and they mainly came from the Khomas, Karas and Omusati regions. For any enquiries please contact Chief Inspector Kauna Shikwambi at Tel 061 2093470.

Meat Board news: Livestock exports to South Africa

Livestock exports to South Africa especially with regard to export of weaner calves, have taken off with the registration of certain feedlots at the Directorate of Animals Health in South Africa. Feedlots registered are Morgan Beef, Maye West, Mushlendow and Braams, however no import permits have yet been issued by South Africa’s Directorate Animal Health for these feedlots. It is important that dates of vaccinations against diseases such as anthrax and dates and results of tests for diseases such as tuberculosis are available to facilitate the export process.

British parlementarians visit Namibia

After the Brexit (UK exit from the EU) a delegation of British parlementarians are visiting Namibia in order to inter alia get information about trade between the two countries.

Currently Namibia can still export agricultural products to the UK under the EPA. According to the British parlementarians negotiations will have to take place about the future of trade between the two countries when the UK break their ties according to Brexit with the European Union.

A meeting under the chairmanship of Mr Jürgen Hoffmann, the trade advisor of the ATF took place this week in Windhoek during which the British parlementarians were informed about various sectors which trade with the UK. Thess include the livestock sector, fish sector, table grapes and mining. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the NCCI and other organisations.

The NAU seriously appealed that the export of bone-in mutton to the UK will be put onto the Agenda of future negotiations.

LPO and NAU Congress and Agri Outlook Conference

The Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) Congress is held on October 4 and the NAU Congress on October 5 at the Safari Hotel and Conference Centre, Windhoek. The theme of both congresses is “Unlock the potential of agriculture”.

The Agri Outlook Conference is held on October 6 under the same theme at the Safari Hotel and Conference Centre and will be opened by the Vice President, Honourable Dr Nickey Iyambo. Speakers are Mr Johann Kotze of FNB, Mr Ernst Janovsky, Dr Cornelis van der Waal, Ms Judith Isele, Mr Jurie de Kock, Prof Willem Landman of the University of Pretoria and Dr Gustav Gous. Registration is N$750 per person and further details can be obtained from and to register contact Rina Hough, Tel 061 237838, rina@agrinamibia.com.na.

Anti-poaching course

An anti-poaching course is offered and persons are trained how to suspect and deal with danger and most important how to protect game. Participants will receive certificates after the course. Persons who are interested to take part have to be older than 18 years, must be reasonable fit and have a driver’s license. For further details contact Pieter Genis, Tel 081 7479186, genispieter@hotmail.com.

FA and other news

Persons who are interested to help with vulture ringing, can take part on September 25 at Farm Smalhoek (from Windhoek on the B6 to the Hosea Kutako airport, turn to Dordabis and then on the C23 up to the farm notice board. The entrance of the farm is on top of a hill/dune and could easily be missed). Persons have to bring their own food and cool drinks/water for the day and they do not have to stay the whole day. Please register with the Stehn family at Tel 062 581854, smalhoek@iway.na.

An Nguni farmer’s day in cooperation with the Osire-Waterberg FA is held on September 28 at 07:30 at Farm Penwood of Willie Lepen. Guest speakers are Prof Michiel Scholtz, Bertus Kruger, Kiep Lepen and Ingo Jacobi. Registration is N$100 per person which includes coffee, tea and lunch. Please register before September 14 with Janus Lepen, Tel 081 1247942. For a map to the farm click here Map

Blumfelde FA is holding a Women’s Day on September 28 at 09:00 at the FA hall. The theme is “Recycle your waste into Xmas gifts”. Registration is N$30 per person and participants are requested to bring along empty cans, small bottles, old baby shoes, etc. For further details contact Margret Binneman, Tel 062 581099, binneman@iway.na.

Witvlei FA is holding a general meeting on October 12 at 15:00 at the farmer house, Witvlei. For further details contact Johannie Brenkman, Tel 062 561440, brenkmanjohannie@gmail.com.

Summerdown FA is holding a farmers’ day under the theme “Bush and rangeland management day” on October 22 at the FA hall. For further details contact Rienie du Plessis, Tel 062 56121, rente@iway.na.  

Blumfelde FA is hosting farmers day/sports day on October 22 at the FA hall. The activities for the day are bakkie tricks, treasure hunting, jukskei, farmers sport, wine tasting and a potjiekos competition. The day is concluded with a dinner and dance. Registration for the dinner and dance is N$80 for adults and N$40 for children. For further details contact Margret Binneman, binneman@iway.na.

The NAU Agri Braai competition for 2017 will be held on March 24 & 25, 2017 at Farm Bitterwasser at the Bitterwasser Lodge and will be hosted by Uhlenhorst FA. More details will be given in due course and can be obtained from Hoekus van Niekerk, Tel  063-265336, 081 128 3511 or Corrine Tel 081 358 2299.

Exchange Rate NAD (17-23 September 2016)
	Sept	EURO	USD	POUND	PULA
Saturday	17	15.812	14.172	18.430	1.295
Sunday	18	15.818	14.178	18.438	1.296
Monday	19	15.661	14.010	18.282	1.319
Tuesday	20	15.479	13.855	17.977	1.312
Wednesday	21	15.285	13.691	17.768	1.294
Thursday	22	15.286	13.615	17.820	1.286
Friday	23	15.217	13.583	17.663	1.283
Saturday to Thursday:  16:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
Friday:  09:00 UTC