Laeveld Vol. 3 Issue 8

Vol 3. No. 8 - AUTUMN/HERFS 2013 Saam boer ons vooruit!

WEN!ISSN 2222-9663

AGROCHEM

5 000 AgriBonuspunte. Sien bladsy 17

Verdien 200 GRATISAgriBonus-punteBladsy 3

Kan ons eenvoudig hul waarde ontken?

Insekdoders

012 940 4398

2. REDAKTEURSBRIEF

4. HOOP EN GELOOF:

Waarom dien jy God die Vader?

So God made a farmer

7. LAEVELD NUUS:

Laeveld se nuwe tuiste

8. GEWASBESKERMING:

Erkenning waar dit toekom

11. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

2 Million Steps

14. PRODUKPROFIEL:

Verpilde, koolstof verrykte Rescue

16. FUN & GAMES:

Games & activities for the family

17. KOMPETISIE: Wen 5000 AgriBonuspunte

18. PESTS AND PARASITES:

Cutworms, and other potato pests

22. PRODUK PROFIEL:

Larvin 375 SC

24. CLIMATE:

K2C Project

26. PRODUKPROFIEL:

Decis Forte: 'n snelwerkende-,

veilige- en buigsame insekdoder

30. CONSERVATION:

Conservation farming on communal

land

34. RECIPES:

SA's Best: cultural cuisine

INHOUDSOPGAWE CONTENTS

LAEVELD Winter/Winter 2012 - 1

EDITORIAL:Editor-in-Chief – Corné LiebenbergManaging Editor – Fiona MoscaCreative Director – Gwynedd Peters

PUBLISHERS:Main Angel Publishing462 Grysbok Street, Waterkloof RidgeTel: 012 347 3630Fax: 086 242 0031e-mail: [email protected]

DESIGN & LAYOUT:DesignlogikArt Director – Nick Hlozeke-mail: [email protected]

IMAGES:MediaClubSouthAfrica.com; Stock Xchange, Laeveld Agrochem, 2 Million Steps, iStock.

PRINTED BY:Four ImagesTel: 012 349 1113Fax: 012 349 1090www.4images.co.za

CONTRIBUTORS:Gerhard Verdoorn, Garry Merkel, Henk Coetzee, Bill Kerr, South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas, Lloyd Phillips: All editorial, business and production correspon-

dence should be addressed to Main Angel Publishing: PO Box 4708, Rietvalleirand, 0174.

Unless otherwise agreed to, all contributions are the property of Laeveld Magazine, and its publishers.

The editor and publisher reserve the right to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary.

The opinions expressed in Laeveld Magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers or Laeveld Agrochem, its suppliers, subsidiaries or affiliates.

© Copyright by Main Angel Publishing. All rights reserved.

LAEVELD Autumn/Herfs 2013 - 1

|LAEVELD

Beste Laeveld-kliënte en Agribonus- lede, dit is regverdig om te sê dat almal van ons hier by die Laeveld-kantore nog steeds ly aan 'n mate van skok as gevolg van die ongelukkige en ontydige dood van die pragtige Reeva Steenkamp, wat net 'n paar maande gelede so warm en vriendelik in ons televisie-advertensie verskyn het.

Deur al die pyn en hartseer glo ons die gebeure het almal net weer bewus gemaak van die feit dat niks vir ewig is nie en dat 'n mens moet waardeer wat jy het, terwyl jy dit het en dat 'n mens dit nooit genoeg vir die mense rondom jou kan vertel nie. Ons harte gaan uit na die familie van die sprankelende Reeva, wat ons webblad en TV-skerms so opgehelder het met haar vriendelike borrelende geaardheid en glo dat hulle binnekort vertroosting sal ontvang.

Aan die besigheidskant klink dit of die meeste boere ‘n suksesvolle seisoen agter die rug het, met laat reën wat

darem betyds in die meeste areas geval het waar dinge op ‘n stadium baie sleg gelyk het.

Met die konstante onsekerheid in die landbou rondom kwessies soos arbeidsonrus, hoër lone en die verwagte styging van 68 sent per liter vir diesel, raak die druk net al hoe groter op elke produsent om beter te presteer. Produsente moet elke inset onder die vergrootglas plaas, en seker maak dat dit optimaal aangewend word sodat hulle volhoubaar kan boer. Dit plaas egter ook weer die bydrae wat iemand soos Laeveld lewer, t.o.v. die verskaffing van korrekte insette en advies, in perspektief. Ons is baie dankbaar om die dienste van Phillip Venter, voorheen werksaam by Omnia en later by Zinchem, te bekom. As plantvoedingskundige, is sy bydrae t.o.v. die volhoubare aanwending van plantvoedingstowwe van onskatbare waarde vir elkeen van ons kliënte. Laeveld sal voortaan poog om die kliënt se een-stop dienspunt te wees vir

2 - Autumn/Herfs 2013 LAEVELD

REDAKTEURSBRIEF

AGROCHEM

And on the 8th day God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker!". So, God made a farmer

Inspiration for the day

- Paul Harvey

Laeveld Agrochem het al vir die laaste 21 jaar die grootste reeks blaarvoedings, insek-, swam- en onkruiddoders beskikbaar. Laeveld Agrochem versprei die bekendste, navorsings-gedrewe maatskappye se produkte vir u absolute gemoedsrus.

Vir ‘n

suksesvolle,

optimale oes

en ‘n groter

opbrengs

Saam boer ons vooruit - www.laeveld.co.za

Laeveld Agrochem21 jaar en steeds volstoom vorentoe

die verskaffing van die totale mandjie plantvoedingstof benodigdhede.

Soos julle sal lees op bl. 4 het Laeveld na 22 jaar uit sy nate gebars en het ons die huis waaruit ons sedert ons stigting in 1991 gewerk het moes groet om na mooi groot kantore te trek. Ons is nou gerieflik geleë direk langs die N1 in Pretoria, aan die anderkant van die snelweg oorkant Hoërskool Waterkloof en Krygkor. Daar staan altyd lekker koffie en koekies gereed vir enigeen van ons kliënte wat dalk in die omgewing is.

Julle sal ook in die uitgawe, wat weereens propvol waardevolle inligting is, onder andere lees oor die belangrikheid van insekdoders en die waarde wat dit toevoeg tot die landbou-bedryf, ongeag die negatiewe publisiteit wat hulle so dikwels ontvang.

Soos belowe in die vorige uitgawe, bring ons jou ware getuienis vanaf 'n volbloed-boer oor God se grootheid en verbintenis tot jou grond en gewasse.

Ons hoop julle vind hierdie inligting wat ons gratis met julle deel handig en ons wil steeds graag van julle hoor en sal enige interessante- of suksesverhale plaas wat julle instuur. In ‘n poging om te bepaal hoeveel kliënte hierdie boekie lees het ons ook besluit om 200 AgriBonuspunte gratis te skenk aan elke Laeveld-kliënt wat sy Laeveld rekeningnommer aan [email protected] stuur. Dieselfde e-posadres kan gebruik word vir enige nuuswaardige artikels.

Ons waardeer beslis elkeen van ons lesers en wil graag aanhou om ons passie vir die landboubedryf met elkeen van ons kliënte en belanghebbendes te deel.


HOOP EN GELOOF

Waarom dien jy God die Vader?Waarom dien jy God die Vader? Wat is die rede waarom jy Hom dien? Is dit omdat Hy jou finansieël versorg, daar is wanneer jy Hom nodig het, of beskikbaar is wanneer jy op Sy knop-pie wil druk, of dien jy Hom omdat jy besef het, God is jou Vader?

Prys jy Sy naam wanneer dit goed reën op jou lande en jou oes is oor-vol, of vergeet jy dan gou van Hom omdat die “I”, “Myself”, die ekke ook oorvol is?

Ken jy Hom net wanneer dit droog is en alles besig is om te vrek, is jy dan op jou knieë met ‘n benoude hart?

Vader smag daarna om 'n verhouding met jou te hê, in alle situasies en ten alle tye. Vertrou jy Hom genoeg om ook met Hom 'n verhouding te hê? Wel, Hy vertrou jou genoeg!

Hy het met Sy Seun betaal om jou te kan hê, met al jou "tantrums”, jou giere en jou geite en dinge.

Jy sien, Vader het jou ongelooflik lief. Hy het jou eerste lief gehad. 'n Ver-houding word gebou uit liefde en ver-troue. Spandeer tyd saam met Hom in die oggend alleen waar julle lekker kan gesels, of in jou bakkie, ook op jou trekker, in die natuur, waar jy wil, gesels met Hom.

Hy smag na die geselsies, Hy wil jou vertel wie jy is en hoe gelooflik Hy jou geskape het. Hy wil hê jy moet weet hoe “awesome”, “amazing” en sonder gebrek jy is. Hy wil jou vertel dat Sy drome vir jou, nie groter is as jou eie drome oor jou nie. Jy is Sy alles.

Hy soek jou! Hy wil jou vertel dat jy die allerheiligste is omdat Hy in jou woon. Hy kan slegs in jou woon, as jy Hom sal toelaat. Hy wil jou vertel van Gees en Waarheid en dat dit vir jou beskore is. Joh 4:23 sê dat God, Gees is, en die wat Hom soek en aanbid, moet dit in Gees en Waarheid doen.

Om Vader te ken vir wie Hy is sal ons

denke moet vernuwe volgens Romeine 12:1 en 2. Gaan lees dit asseblief.

Hy het jou ongelooflik lief en wil daar-die verhouding met jou hê, sodat Hy meer in jou lewe kan word, en jy minder. Vader sê wiskunde is nie ons wiskunde nie; 1+1 is nie meer 2 nie. Dit is wel 5, of 10 of meer. Jy is Sy lig in die wêreld, en Hy is jou bron.

Wanneer jy die Vlam, wat in jou brand, gebruik om ook die vlam in ‘n volgende persoon aan te steek, gaan jou Vlam nie swakker brand nie, in-teendeel, daar sal net meer Lig wees wat skyn.

Die vorige seisoen het ek NET 320mm reën op my plaas gehad. Ek boer in die Hoëveld. Dit is min reën, julle sal weet. Maar die Here! Daar was oorvloed.

Die resultaat was die beste grootste Gees jaar in my lewe. Ek het die Here bly soek en nooit getwyfel in wie Hy is nie, en Hom nie gesoek vir wat Hy kan doen nie.

Hebreers 11:6 sê ons kan na Hom nader, en ons moet glo wanneer ons dit doen, dat Hy ‘n beloner is, wan-neer ons Hom soek. Nie wat Hy kan

doen nie, maar net Hom... Ek het dit gedoen.

Daar was ‘n rekord oes op my plaas, en dit was duidelik in my finansies sigbaar. Ek boer saam met Hom as Vennoot. Daar is niks wat ek doen, voor ons nie saam ‘n besluit geneem het nie. Hy, as Persoon, as Pa, ek ken Hom, want ek weet wie Hy is. Hy is my lewe, my plaas, my lande en my oeste. Ek het Hom lief vir wie Hy is!

Vir die jaar 2013: Die volgende kan vir jou baie beteken: “Be still, and obtain.” Wees stil, en neem in besit. Hierdie is die jaar waar jy op ‘n plek moet kom waar jy stil raak voor Hom.

Waar jy weet wie Hy is, en omdat jy Hom soek en dien vir wie Hy is, sal die gevolg wees wat Hy ook vir jou kan doen!

Vader sê self,”: Ek is…..jou liefdeEk is….jou voorsiening Ek is….vreugdeEk is….jou alles!Waarom dien ek my Vader?

Want Hy is my groot, “EK IS”.

Carel Kriek. 0836271354



SO GOD MADE A FARMER

HOOP EN GELOOF

And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker." So God made a farm-er.

God said, "I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board." So God made a farmer.

"I need somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to call hogs, tame cantanker-ous machinery, come home hungry, have to wait for lunch until his wife's done feeding visiting ladies and tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon - and mean it." So God made a farmer.

God said, "I need somebody willing to sit up all night with a newborn colt. And watch it die. Then dry his eyes and say, 'Maybe next year.' I need somebody who can shape an axe handle from a persim-mon sprout, shoe a horse with a hunk of car tyre, who can make harnesses out of haywire, feed sacks and shoe scraps. And who, planting time and harvest sea-son, will finish his forty-hour week by Tuesday noon, then, pain'n from 'tractor back,' put in another seventy-two hours." So God made a farmer.

God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop in mid-field and race to help when he sees the first smoke from a neigh-bour’s place. So God made a farmer.

God said, "I need somebody strong enough to clear trees and heave bails, yet gentle enough to tame lambs and wean pigs and tend the pink-combed pullets, who will stop his mower for an hour to splint the broken leg of a meadow lark. It had to be somebody who'd plow deep and straight and not cut corners.

Somebody to seed, weed, feed, breed and rake and disc and plow and plant and tie the fleece and strain the milk and replenish the self-feeder and finish a hard week's work with a five-mile drive to church.

"Somebody who'd bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life 'do-ing what dad does.'" So God made a farmer.

Harvey, P. (1978, October). So God Made a Farmer.

Speech presented at the Future Farmers of America

Convention, Louisville, Kentucky..


LAEVELDNUUS

Sedert stigting in 1991, het Laeveld Agrochem sy oorspronklike perseel bewoon - 'n beskeie private eiendom in Waterkloof-Glen, Pretoria. Dit was hier dat Laeveld Agrochem van krag tot krag gegaan het, en tot een van die voorste spelers in die landbousektor gegroei het.

Na 20 jaar het dit duidelik geword dat ons ons plek van geboorte ontgroei het en dat ons dit sou moes oorweeg om na 'n groter perseel te trek. Dit was na ondersoek van ‘n aantal eiendomme dat ons uiteindelik ‘n gebou gevind het wat ons bly sou wees om ons nuwe tuiste te noem.

Ons is nou gerieflik geleë, direk langs die N1 in Pretoria (aan die anderkant van die snelweg oorkant Hoërskool Waterkloof en Krygkor). Daar staan altyd lekker koffie en koekies gereed vir enigeen van ons kliënte wat dalk in die omgewing is.

410 Rigellaan, Erasmusrand (+/- 600m van Rigellaan afrit); Tel: 012 940 4398

By Laeveld Agrochem streef ons voortdurend daarna om ons kliënte in 'n manier wat hulle gewoond geraak het te diens. Om die te bereik, kry die depot op Lichtenburg 'n nuwe wêreldklas gebou.

Laeveld se nuwe tuiste

'n Nuwe depot vir Laeveld Lichtenburg


Gewasbeskermings-tegnologie (wat alle plaagdoders, onkruiddoders, insekdoders, swamdoders en biotegnologiese-produkte insluit) help om die duisende onkruidspesies, skadelike insekte en talle plantsiektes wat gewasse verdruk te beheer.

Sonder hierdie belangrike gewas-beskerming- en plaagbeheer-tegnologie, sou voedselproduksie sekerlik daal, baie vrugte en groente tekorte voorkom en voedselpryse sou styg. Boonop sou die produksie van belangrike vesels vir klere - soos katoen - afneem wanneer boere hulle oeste en dus lewensbestaan sou verloor as gevolg van plae en siektes wat hulle oeste aanval.

Verhoogde voedselproduksie Gewasbeskermings-tegnologie laat toe dat produsente oesopbrengste en die doeltreffendheid van voedselproduksie kan verhoog. Die wêreld verloor juis byna 40% van jaarlikse potensiële

gewasproduksie as gevolg van onkruide, plae en siektes. Hierdie oesverliese sal sekerlik verdubbel indien bestaande plaagdoder gebruike gestaak word.

Verminder die koste van voedselOmdat die gebruik van plaagdoders die gewasopbrengste verbeter het, het gewasbeskermings-tegnologie ook ‘n in-vloed op die koste van voedsel.

VerbruikersvoordeleGewasbeskermingsmiddels wat insek-skade verminder en, in sommige gevalle, uitskakel, laat toe dat verbruikers hoë gehalte produkte bekom wat vry is van insekletsels en insekkontaminasie.

Daar is ander positiewe aspekte van gewasbeskermingsmiddels, wat ons dikwels as vanselfsprekend aanvaar;-

Produksie en InfrastruktuurOnkruiddoders word gebruik om plantegroei te beheer wat bevaarbare

Erkenningtoekom:

waar ditDie voordele van plaagdoders en

gewasbeskermingsmiddels

GEWAS-BESKERMING

Voordele van grondbeskerming

- en ander waterweë verstop of die benutting van snelweë en/of spoorweë bedreig of belemmer.

OntspanningsgebiedePlaagdoders word gebruik om grasperke, tuine, openbare parke, sportvelde, mere en damme vir openbare genot te beskerm en te verbeter.

Menslike gesondheidBaie landboukommoditeite is kwesbaar vir aanvalle deur aflatoksiene en insekbeheer is nodig om dit te verhoed. Aflatoksien, 'n karsinogeen wat lewer en ander tipe kankers in die mens kan veroorsaak, verlaag die liggaam se normale immuunrespons en kan die groei van kinders belemmer.

Gewasbeskermingsmiddels word ge-bruik om insekbeskadiging wat lei tot aflatoksienkontaminasie te beheer.

Will the real “organic” pesticide please stand up?

"Since when are organic pesticides not chemicals?" asks Prof Gerhard Verdoorn, Director of BirdLife SA. The word 'organic' is probably one of the most abused in the English language as far as a chemist is concerned.

"Organic" pesticides“Organic” in scientific terms means a molecule that consists mainly of a carbon skeleton with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus and a few others as contributing building blocks.

The majority of modern pesticide molecules are organic and fit in 100% with the scientific classification. The ‘organic’ pesticides should thus definitely be called natural as they are also

LAEVELD Autumn/Herfsr 2013 - 9

10 - Autumn/Herfsr 2013 LAEVELD

GEWAS-BESKERMING

mostly organic (in scientific terms) but are strictly of natural origin. The classic pesticides that are often referred to as chemical pesticides are in fact all chemicals but they are synthetic (such as organophosphates) or semi-synthetic (such as pyrethroids) whereas the natural pesticides are chemicals of a natural origin such as salts of fatty acids and plant oils.

Some of these ‘organic’ pesticides contain active ingredients such as copper octanoate. Any environmentalist that is worth his or her salt will know that copper is extremely damaging to the environment, yet they are often branded as being environmentally friendly.

“There is no such thing as an environmentally friendly pesticide; they are designed to kill and that is what they will do in varying degrees of efficacy,” says Verdoorn.

Synthetic pesticidesSynthetic pesticides are in most cases highly effective against the pests that they are registered for, have a good residual activity (which means they are active for a certain length of time) and are fairly affordable. The dangers of synthetic pesticides lie in their toxicity to life forms and their persistence in the environment. Note that different classes of synthetic pesticides have different toxicities towards different organisms and have a highly variable range of

persistence in the environment. As conservationists we should be concerned with biodiversity and that means all life forms and not just the birds and mammals.

Pyrethroids for example may be quite gentle on mammals and birds but this particular group of semi-synthetic pesticides is extremely toxic to insects, fish and amphibians. Some products within the organophosphate and carbamate groups of synthetic pesticides are extremely toxic to basically all forms of life, including human beings. Such products should never be used by the general consumer.

Comparing the application rates of natural insecticides with that of synthetic insecticides paints a somewhat ridiculous picture in certain cases. As much as ten times more natural insecticide is required per litre of spray mixture compared to the dosage required for a synthetic pesticide.

In most cases the application of natural pesticides is required more frequently than with synthetic pesticides. In many cases the lifespan of natural insecticides has not been assessed properly, so we don't know how long they remain active in the environment and what their effects may be, yet producers claim rapid breakdown of the products.

Written by Gerhard Verdoorn

Laeveld Agrochem neem die welvaart van die gemeenskappe in die areas waar hul besigheid doen baie ernstig op, en daarom was ons verheug toe ons van die 2 Million Steps geleentheid hoor, want buiten al die ‘BEE’ voordele wat ons ontvang as ons so 'n maatskappy ondersteun, kan ons vir die eerste keer ‘n werklike en volhoubare verskil in ander se lewens maak. Ons glo in die projek, en ons is baie tevrede met die suksesse wat hulle reeds bereik het.

Ons het ook op 15 Februarie ‘n baie suksesvolle golfdag saam met 2 Million Steps in Nelspruit aangebied, en almal betrokke kon nie uigepraat raak oor die goeie werk wat hierdie ongelooflike

organisasie in die gemeenskap doen nie.Buiten die feit dat alle boere en plase ook aan hierdie projek kan deelneem, dat bydraes aftrekbaar is omdat hulle ‘n Art 18 maatskappy is en dat dit hulle B-BBEE status onder die Vaardigheids- en Sosio- ekonomiese ontwikkeling afdelings kan verhoog, is die grootste voordeel waarskynlik die feit dat mens hiermee werklik ‘n verskil kan maak. As elkeen van julle betrokke raak met hierdie briljante inisiatief, wat baie sterk in alle areas deur Laeveld ondersteun gaan word, gaan ons ‘n dramatiese groot positiewe invloed op werkloosheid en die gepaardgaande probleme daarvan hê.

Laeveld & Swart Ekonomiese BemagtigingLaeveld Agrochem neem B-BBEE baie ernstig op en is in proses om sy status te hersien en te verhoog, wat al sy kliënte dan ook sal bevoordeel.

Laeveld gee terug aan die gemeenskap

2 Million Steps

GEMEENSKAPCOMMUNITY


TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFER-ANCE.

In 2006 I had a vision and that vision was to feed Africa! I know, it is a noble one, and I believe that I am not the only one with it or at least a similar one. For me I believe the difference will come about by taking the ability to manufacture to the communities.

The founder and CEO of The Hunger and Thirst Foundation, Neil Pretorius, once reminded me that feeding hungry children and people alone is not enough, we need to “feed and equip” them! That made me realise that to feed, equip, mentor, teach, coach and build relationships with a young, hungry and unequipped child successfully, and in the process create jobs and create hope, we need to combine the socio and economic worlds.

The solution lies inside the problem, that being hunger, unemployment, crime etc and the solution will come by firstly utilising CSI and SED funds - for a start, to enrol children into the Hunger and Thirst Founda-tion’s Leadership and Sports Academies, (see detail at: www.hungerandthirst.net) the start

is by creating hope and realising dreams. Where a child will be fed three meals a day, helped with homework, study for tests and exams and play sports while in a relationship with a mentor. Through this we will create critical mass that will justify a factory in the community that will, for one, manufacture the food parcels utilised by The Hunger and Thirst Foundation.

This will lead to a demand for raw-materials that will be supplied by the local farming community.

Currently we have created more than 130 jobs per 1000 children enrolled into the H&T program.

2MS is the official sales and marketing ve-hicle for the Hunger and Thirst Foundation. We need you to help us to network so that we can direct funds that is already earmarked into a vehicle that can “Feed and Equip”, cre-ate jobs, create hope and combine socio and economic worlds with each other.

I challenge you, to stand up and make a difference.

I love South Africa

I am proud to be from SA and I am proud to be African. I took a decision to stand up and make a difference and I am challenging each one of you to stand up and do the same.

Henk Coetzee - 2 Millionsteps

hunger and thirst foundation

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFER-ANCE.

In 2006 I had a vision and that vision was to feed Africa! I know, it is a noble one, and I believe that I am not the only one with it or at least a similar one. For me I believe the difference will come about by taking the ability to manufacture to the communities.

The founder and CEO of The Hunger and Thirst Foundation, Neil Pretorius, once reminded me that feeding hungry children and people alone is not enough, we need to “feed and equip” them! That made me realise that to feed, equip, mentor, teach, coach and build relationships with a young, hungry and unequipped child successfully, and in the process create jobs and create hope, we need to combine the socio and economic worlds.

The solution lies inside the problem, that being hunger, unemployment, crime etc and the solution will come by firstly utilising CSI and SED funds - for a start, to enrol children into the Hunger and Thirst Founda-tion’s Leadership and Sports Academies, (see detail at: www.hungerandthirst.net) the start

is by creating hope and realising dreams. Where a child will be fed three meals a day, helped with homework, study for tests and exams and play sports while in a relationship with a mentor. Through this we will create critical mass that will justify a factory in the community that will, for one, manufacture the food parcels utilised by The Hunger and Thirst Foundation.

This will lead to a demand for raw-materials that will be supplied by the local farming community.

Currently we have created more than 130 jobs per 1000 children enrolled into the H&T program.

2MS is the official sales and marketing ve-hicle for the Hunger and Thirst Foundation. We need you to help us to network so that we can direct funds that is already earmarked into a vehicle that can “Feed and Equip”, cre-ate jobs, create hope and combine socio and economic worlds with each other.

I challenge you, to stand up and make a difference.

I love South Africa

I am proud to be from SA and I am proud to be African. I took a decision to stand up and make a difference and I am challenging each one of you to stand up and do the same.

Henk Coetzee - 2 Millionsteps

hunger and thirst foundation

10 000 food packs for the children in the LSA’s

Over-flow of food packs can be sold to the community, also eliminating large premiums charged at Spaza shops.

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

FARMING COMMUNITY

FOOD PACKS FACTORY SHOPDETERGENTSTEXTILESFARMING PRODUCE

H&T LEADERSHIP AND SPORTS ACADEMY

Potential subdivision of factory

Over-flow produce can be warehoused and sold to the community thereby eliminating the middleman - more af-fordable product to the community

2 Million Steps (2MS) has developed the 2MS Satellite Factory Model – a unique and revolutionary busi-ness model with limitless potential.

The model is based on an operational plan that takes a holistic approach in meet-ing both the socio-economic needs of communities and investing in the private sector to empower individuals to become entrepreneurs.

The model works as follows:

Satellite factories will be con-structed in areas determined by the local community’s needs, in conjunction with a leading industrial design agency. 2MS developed spe-cial “lean” factories, rolled out over 7 different modules that can be constructed and fully functional in a matter of weeks.How will 2MS satellite fac-tory models be financed?

• Realising the dream of 10 000 children.• Investors or entrepreneurs with commercial interests.• Receiving orders large

enough to justify a new satellite factory.• Charity donations large enough to justify the costs.• Grants.

Each satellite factory will be managed with all-time access to 2MS and Making of Champions’ (MOC) wealth of skills, experience, re-sources and expertise. MOC specializes in developing and manufacturing high quality, nutritionally balanced and affordable food products, as well as developing and manu-facturing flavours. MOC will supply each satellite factory with pre-mixed ingredients and materials, enabling it to process and produce products to market and sell to its cus-tomer base. In return, 2MS will supply the partners/new

factories with all the relevant raw materials and equipment on the condition that it is a “win-win” situation for both parties.

In accordance with its desire to feed and equip the needy, 2MS will donate 10% of all the proceeds from satellite factories to The Hunger and Thirst Foundation.

One hundred percent of all donations will be used for realising the dreams of the children. The satellite factory model will then succeed in re-investment, guarantee-ing returns for investors and affordable products for the needy, completing the cycle (“Supply and demand”), its goal and purpose.

2 Million Steps Satellite factory model

www.2millionsteps.net

Combining Socio & Economic worlds

Gemeenskapsopheffing


RESCUE:

16 - Spring/Summer 2012 LAEVELD

PROFILE PRODUCT

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Laeveld Agrochem - Saam boer ons vooruit Vind jou naaste agent by www.laeveld.co.za of 012 940 4398

Bewerkbare landbougrond is wêreldwyd’n skaars kommoditeit. Van ons vrug-baarste landbougrond word toenemendonbeskikbaar om aan die wêreld se groeiende voedselsekuriteitskrisis te voldoen.

Die belangrikste aspek wat aangespreekmoet word is rooflandbou wat ’n diepge-wortelde kultuur wêreldwyd is. Roofland-bou is die situasie waar boere elke jaar deeglike en goeie bewerkkingspraktyketoepas, altyd volgens aanbeveling be-mes, goeie onkruidbeheer toepas, en waar die gewasse netjies in rye of boorde, hektare vol staan. Tog word daar telkens op grondontledings uitge-wys dat grondstruktuur swak is en die

katioon uitruilvermoë van die grond laag is. Grondsterilisa-siemetodes wat gebruik word om skadelike grond-

siektes uit te skakel, elimineer egter ook voordelige organismes.

Die somtotaal van die jarelange prak-tyke is grond wat as dooie, koolstofvryemedium met min mikrobe-aksie sonder struktuur of waterretensievermoë beskryf kan word. Vinnige oplossings is nie meer volhoubaar vir die toestand waarin ons grond huidiglik verkeer nie. Van-dag se boerderypraktyke moet daar-op gefokus wees om dit waaroor ons beskik, in stand te hou. Grond moet optimaal bestuur word en lewe, koolstof en humus moet teruggeplaas word om aspekte rondom grondvrugbaarheid aan te spreek.

Die antwoord is om ’n strategie van 'natuurlike grondoplossings' in plek te stel. In boeretaal beteken dit: Voed die grond sodat die grond die plant kan voed. Galltec se reeks van ver-pilde hoendermisprodukte met lewen-

Perfek vir tuinbou, wingerdbou, gras- en setperke, vrugte- en neutboorde, graan- en rygewasse, inheemse plante en die blombedryf.

Verpilde, Koolstof verrykte

LAEVELD Lente/Somer 2012 - 17

Produk Profiel

Vind jou naaste agent by www.laeveld.co.za of 012 940 4398

dige mikrobes is ideaal hiervoor. Met Galltec se tegnologie, tegniese onder-steuning en produkte word gepoog om grondpotensiaal weer te ontsluit. Galltec se tegnologie is daarop gefokus om te verseker dat produkte aan die hoog-ste kwaliteitsvereistes voldoen en oor eienskappe beskik wat grondpotensiaal in die breë aanspreek. Galltec se tegniese ondersteuning verseker dat pro-bleemoplossings korrek en aanbevelings akkuraat gedoen word.

Die voordele vir die boer en vir sy bewerkbare grond is merkwaardig en daar kan gerus van Galltec se dienste en produkte gebruik gemaak word om ’n meer winsgewende en volhoubare vennootskap te vestig.

7 : 5 : 7 (9)Produkontleding (benaderd)Droëgewigbasis % Gew./Gew.

Vog1 20 g/kgStikstof N3 5g /kg

FosfaatP 22 g/kg

KaliumK 35 g/kg

SwaelS 8g /kg

KalsiumC a2 6g /kg

MagnesiumM g9 g/kg

Sink Zn 800m g/kg

Koper Cu 130m g/kg

Molibdeen Mo 10 mg/kg

YsterF e 2300m g/kg

BoronB 80 mg/kg

MangaanM n 1100m g/kg

Humien-Fulviensuur< 10 %

Gekomposteerde pluimveemis (verpil)Misstof Groep 2 Reg. Nr. B3891 Wet Nr. 36 van 1947

Eienskappe:• Grondopknapper

• Organiese basis

• Ten volle gekomposteer

• Verpilde vorm

• Geen patogene

Voordele:• Versterk wortelontwikkeling by plante

• Verhoog die katioonuitruilvermoë van grond

• Wakker natuurlike mikrobe-aksie in grond aan

• Verminder uitloging van voedingstowwe

• Verbeter die grondstruktuur

• Verhoog die waterretensievermoë van grond

Gewas /Toepassing

AanbevoleToedieningsdosis

Grasperke en setperke

100 – 500 g/m²

Graan- en rygewasse

200 – 500 kg/ha

Wingerdbou5 00 – 1000 kg/ha

Vrugte- en neutboorde

500 – 1000 kg/ha

Tuinbou5 00 – 1000 kg/ha

Blombedryf 500 – 1000 kg/ha

Inheemse plante/fynbos

100 – 500 kg/ha

Raadpleeg die verskaffer of die vervaar-

diger indien spesifieke programme of

enige ander inligting benodig word

rondom die gebruik van die Galltec

produkreeks.

'


PUZZLE tim

e

SUDOKU ADVANCE D

SUDOKU EASY

ACTIVITIESGAMES &

9 7 6

6 2 7

7 4 5 6 2

3 1 4 7 5

7 8 1

3 9 4 2

2 3 9 8 1 7

7 8 6 1 2 9

9 1 6

3 6

4 3 5 1

5 7 4

8 6 4

8 9 1 2 7

6 7

2 4

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Identifiseer dié bekende TV-stêr korrek en staan die kans om 5000 AgriBonuspunte te wen!*

WEN 5000

Agribonus Punte

Hoe om te wen?

Dit is eenvoudig: e-pos die antwoord, jou selnommer, Laeveld rekening nommer, en plaasnaam, na [email protected]

Games & Activities for the Family

Hierdie bekende aktrise vertolk die hoofrol teenoor nu-weling Eugene Jensen en Marno van der Merwe (Longshot), in die kleur-volle nuwe rolprent, Pret-ville. Sy is ook bekend vir haar rol as Melanie von Staden in die 2010 treffer, Liefling die Movie.

* Terme en voorwaardes van toepassing. Kompetisie sluit einde April 2013.


Raai Wie?


When crops are planted in spring, after the land has been left unplanted

throughout winter, farmers generally believe that

their land should be free of cutworm. But these

hardy creatures – which aren’t worms, but in fact, caterpillars – can survive on rotting vegetation while waiting for those potatoes to

be planted.

and other pests that plague potatoes

Cutworms

PARASITESPESTS &

Pests that plague potatoes



While inspecting a fallow land for

weeds, one should also look out for

signs of cutworm activity. Although they

can survive on debris, they prefer any-

thing green. If there are no signs of ac-

tivity among the weeds, cutworm won’t

be a problem at this stage. If there’s

any doubt (if, for example, there aren’t

enough weeds to determine cutworm

presence) apply a pyrethroid spray

over the land after planting. This can

be done at the same time as spraying

herbicide, if one is to be used.

The hazard isn’t over, however. When

the crop is growing and weeds ger-

minate, cutworm moths often lay their

eggs on these weeds. The weeds are

then destroyed by ridging or by her-

bicides, but the tough little critters will

survive on the debris and then start

tackling the lower leaves of the crop

which touch the soil. Unless you specifi-

cally look for this, it will carry on unno-

ticed. The caterpillars then start chew-

ing through the stems. This activity is

also not readily seen, unless you walk

through the land, checking the stems.

Cutworms may also develop later and

attack the tubers, and this is only no-

ticed at lifting. The rule then is regular

inspections for cutworms.

OTHER POTATO PESTSPotato Ladybird - Rapid damageThe potato ladybird can do a lot of

damage very quickly, and is always a

threat in some areas. This species has

turned vegetarian and lives off a num-

ber of crops and weeds. In winter, the

mature ladybirds migrate to sheltered

spots, such as the crevices in rough

bark trees. After the first summer rains

they take to the air and look for host

crops.

They invade in large numbers and,

as noted, do substantial damage in a

PARASITESPESTS &

Above: Potato Ladybird eggs

very short time. They lay clusters of

yellow eggs on the underside of leaves

and their scary-looking spiny larvae

continue where their parents left off.

Many products easily control this pest,

but many also kill off the beneficial

insects which keep other potato pests

under control. The insecticide Larvin is

very effective without doing too much

damage to beneficial species.

Leaf MinerAnother major pest is the leaf miner.

This small fly lays its eggs into leaves.

The larvae then make serpentine tun-

nels through the leaves. The flies also

puncture the leaves with their oviposi-

tors to make wounds and feed on the

sap. These feeding lesions are more

widespread than the punctures made

for egg laying.

Apart from the physical damage, all this

activity makes it easier for leaf diseas-

es to take hold. Many minute parasitic

wasps control the leaf miner. If you’re

mindful of this and take care to use

the appropriate ‘soft’ insecticides on this

crop, you will protect these wasps. This

means you need to be able to identify

these parasitic wasps when you find

leaf miner tunnels. If there are none to

be seen and plenty of leaf miner flies,

which are recognised by a yellow dot

on the thorax, then you may have to use

an insecticide.

Be careful when selecting such a prod-

uct as you need to suppress the flies

and preserve the wasps. In fact, it’s

very difficult to effectively control the

flies chemically without help from the

wasps.

Contact your nearest Laeveld Agrochem

agent to discuss the correct strategy.

Written by Bill Kerr: Originally printed in Farmer’s

Weekly, Aug 2012

Above: Potato Ladybird Above: Evidence of a Leaf Miner


Pests that plague potatoes

Die stryd teen plae op mielies en katoen

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Larvin® 375 SC

Larvin 375 SC is 'n insekdodende suspensie-konsentraat met ‘n nablywende kontak- en maaggif-werking vir die beheer van Mieliestronkboorder in mielies en Amerikaanse-, Rooi- en Stekelrige- bolwurm op katoen.

Mieliestronkrusper Die stronkrusper, Busseola Fusca, is die ernstigste insekplaag by mielies in Suid-Afrika, en veroorsaak enorme oesverliese (geskat op meer as 10% van die nasionale oes).

Toediening op mielies Plaag: MieliestronkboorderVanaf twee weke na opkom tot en met pluimvorming moet mielies elke week ondersoek word om vroeë eier- en larwe besmettings betyds op te merk. Behandel vyf tot sewe dae nadat 5% of meer plante besmet is met eiers of sodra 5% of meer plante ‘haelskade’ toon, d.i. klein deursigtige kolle ‘vensters’ op die jongste blare. Vir die beste resultate is dit wenslik om vroeg in die oggend te spuit terwyl die plante nog nat van die dou is.

Winderige toestande het ’n nadelige uitwerking op bedekking en plaagbeheer. Moenie verwelkte plante bespuit nie. Herhaal bespuiting wanneer ondersoek later in die groeiseisoen daarop dui, veral by vroeë aanplantings. Larwes langer as 10 mm of larwes wat alreeds die stam of pluim binnegedring het, sal nie gedood word nie.

Verseker deeglike bedekking deur gebruik te maak van vertikale valarms. Dit is belangrik dat die spuitstof ook direk in die kelke van die plante gespuit word.

Bolwurm Bolwurm is 'n plaag wat op sitrus, tamaties, sorghum, koring, mielies, katoen, rissies en verskeie ander gewasse voorkom. Dit word gereken as een van die belangrikste plae van sy soort in Afrika. Die larwes voed op bloeisels en klein vruggies van sitrus en kan meer as 80% van 'n vrug vernietig.

Toediening op katoenPlaag: Amerikaanse-, Rooi- en Stekelrige-bolwurmLarvin 375 SC moet weekliks as ’n voorkomende beheermaatreël teen bolwurmlarwes aangewend word, vanaf spits-blomtyd tot bolbars of anders moet bespuiting gebaseer word op gereelde weeklikse ondersoek. Eierondersoek word uitgevoer op 24 plante wat na willekeur gekies is op lande tot 15ha groot. Bespuit wanneer die volgende tellings van die afsonderlike bolwurmspesies per 24 plante verkry word.

Larvin 375 SC behoort slegs gebruik te word gedurende die tydperk van vrugvorming vanaf spits-blomtyd tot bolbars, d.w.s. gedurende die periode 10 - 22 weke na plantopkom.


Beskerming van jou gewasse

Larvin 375 SC: Reg Nr. L2997 (Wet Nr. 36 van 1947). Aktiewe bestanddeel: Tiodikarb (karbamaat) 375 g/l. Bayer Cropscience, Wrench weg 27, Isando. Tel 011 921 5911.


KLIMAATCLIMATE

Understanding Climate Change

The Kruger to Canyons (K2C) Biosphere

is a biosphere reserve. There are

currently six Biosphere Regions

established within South Africa, of which

K2C is the largest (and currently the

3rd largest in the world), encompassing

savannahs, grasslands and forests that

roughly cover over 4.8 million hectares

of land bordering South Africa and

Mozambique. After a lengthy five-year

period in which the application form was

completed, the K2C Biosphere received

UNESCO registration in October 2001.

Biosphere Reserves are designated

regions throughout the world where

internationally important ecosystems and

protected areas lie adjacent to human

settlements; established to promote

solutions to reconcile the conservation of

biodiversity and its sustainable use.

It is situated in the North Eastern section

of South Africa and includes two of

South Africa’s key tourism sites – the

Kruger National Park and the Blyde

River Canyon, as well as one of the

leading international floral hot spots,

the Wolkberg Region. The current

boundaries of the registered Biosphere

extend from the Letaba River in the

North to the Sabie River in the South

and the Blyde Escarpment in the West

to the Mozambique border in the East.

One of the biosphere's objectives is to

engage communities in the concept of

sustainable utilisation of resources, and

to guide development along sustainable

lines. This is in line with the UNESCO

The K2C Project

K2C Project

'Man and the Biosphere' programme

launched in 1968.

The K2C ProjectThe Kruger to Canyons (K2C) project

aims to improve the accessibility of

the latest scientific information to key

stakeholders in the area in order to help

improve the chances of adaptation to

future changes in climate. It is hoped

that the outputs of this project will

include diverse stakeholder planning and

decision-making for the K2C area, which

is more directly informed by climate

change predictions, and improved

resilience of such sectors under climate

change.

K2C and Agriculture Agriculture in South Africa plays a critical

role in the formal economy, in sustaining

rural livelihoods and in food security.

Climate change has clear implications

for both the large and small-scale

agricultural sector, and is the subject

of sectoral strategies currently in draft.

As the science evolves, the science-

policy community is actively working

to translate the science of agriculture

and climate into response and action, in

partnership with farmers.

The agricultural sector is likely to feel the

direct and indirect impacts of projected

climatic changes in a number of ways.

Firstly, predicted higher temperatures

are likely to negatively impact organic

matter; in an environment where

retention of organic matter in soils is

already affected by other stressors, such



as grazing, addition of fertiliser and

manure, burning, and soil cultivation.

Secondly, the predicted increase in

evaporation has critical implications

for irrigated and dry-land agriculture,

as well as the full range of livestock

farming systems. For example, increased

temperatures and resulting evaporation

are likely to increase irrigation demands,

in a country where existing water supply

and quality difficulties provide stress

already to the irrigated agriculture

sector (again, affecting both large-scale

and emerging agriculture).

Livestock farming systems are affected

by higher temperatures and evaporation

rates by, for example increasingly

exceeding the temperature thresholds

above the thermal comfort zone

which could induce behavioural and

metabolic changes including altering

growth rate, reproduction and ultimately

mortality. Lawless (2007) shows for

South Africa's summer rainfall semi-

arid savannah rangelands that increases

in the Temperature-Humidity Index

(THI) under climate change (using

version 1 down scaled climate change

projections) will more frequently exceed

the thresholds of comfort for commercial

stock identified in the literature. Such a

finding is particularly concerning since

even no change, or an increase in rainfall

and accordant possible improvement

in forage availability may be offset by

THI increases and consequent negative

effects on stock condition and morbidity/

mortality rates.

Conversely, increases in temperature

during the winter months can reduce

the cold stress experienced by livestock

and warmer weather could reduce

the energy requirements of feeding

and the housing of animals in heated

facilities. In addition, certain breeding

trends in livestock production may

have increased vulnerability to heat

stress (and pests and pathogens), as

certain breeds have been produced

for high production, often compromising

hardiness and thermoregulation. Higher

temperatures and evaporation rates also

affect stock water requirements. As in

the irrigated sector, this is particularly

concerning in an environment where

water requirements for agriculture are

already under threat.

The projected increase in rainfall

intensity, as mentioned earlier, indicates

a likely increase in drought potential.

All agricultural systems in South Africa

are likely to be affected by such an

increase. In staple crop farming, for

example, drought at particular points

in the growth cycle affects yield and

quality. In high value vegetable farming,

increased drought potential affects

quality, yield and sustainability of

supply. In fruit farming, quality, supply

and sustainability of supply would also

KLIMAATCLIMATE

be affected; potentially compounded by

projected challenges in water availability

and supply mentioned elsewhere.

Lastly, higher temperatures may favour

the spread of pests and pathogens of

significance to a range of agricultural

systems. For example, a number of

pathogens of concern to the high

value vegetable and fruit industries

prefer higher temperatures. A number

of research institutions are currently

partnering to understand precisely

how this may cause a challenge to the

affected industries.

Given the projected areas of concern

described here, the response of

the agricultural sector is vital. It is

possible that the sector may have to

think very differently about production,

incorporating soil, water and nutrient

conservation practices that produce a

range of benefits simultaneously, as well

as improving response to climate change.

It is likely that such an approach may

include a move to more sustainable and

resilient livestock and crop and high

value product systems. What constitutes

a resilient system must be the focus

of on-going and urgent investigation,

to better inform recommendations and

support provided by the Department of

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in

this regard.

Such an approach might also include the

inclusion of carbon sequestration and

diminished greenhouse gas emissions as

one of the multiple benefits management

objectives of the agricultural sector.

Incentives available to the sector will

be of particular interest in this regard.

The K2C project is funded by a parliamentary

grant as a component of the South African

Risk and Vulnerability Atlas (SARVA). For

more information: http://www.sarva.org.za/k2c/

K2C Project


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DECIS FORTE IS 'N SNELWERKENDE-, VEILIGE- EN BUIGSAME INSEKDODER EN

BLY 'N STANDAARDVERWYSING IN DIE PIRETROÏED MARK.


DECIS FORTE


Decis Forte: Reg. Nr. L6563 (Wet Nr. 36 van 1947). Aktiewe bestanddeel: Deltametrien (piretroïed) 100 g/l. Bayer Cropscience, Wrench weg 27, Isando. Tel 011 921 5911.

Decis geniet wêreldwye erkenning as gevolg van :• Beheer 'n breë spektrum van insekte op verskeie

gewasse• Snelwerkende aksie• Langdurende beheer• Lae gebruikersrisiko• Lae omgewingsrisiko• Kort voor-oes intervalle• Ekonomies en bekostigbaar

Tipiese neerslag op graanplantluisRol van plaaglewering vir plantbeskerming• Stewige-, wye- en nabye aktiewe vasklewing

aan die insekoppervlak is krities vir vinnige insekpenetrasie en weerstand teen afspoeling en reiniging deur die insekte self.

• Vinnige plaagpenetrasie verseker dat insek-voeding en -reproduksie onmiddellik gestaak word.

• Vektoroordrag aan die plant word voorkom.

Resultate van aflewering na plaag Studie• Die superieure plaagleweringskenmerke van

Decis Forte word duidelik in 'n verwysyngsstudie getoon.

• Die Decis Forte formulering kleef styf en eweredig aan insekte vas, en word in 'n hoogs beskikbare amourphous neerslaf behou.

• Sekere ander produkte kleef swak aan die insekoppervlak vas en word in soliede vorm gehou, wat die vermindering van insek-beskikbaarheid tot gevolg het.

• Die uitstaande leweringsfunksies en 'n hoë beskikbaarheid van die Decis Forte formulasie verseker superieure uitklopaksie en doeltreffendheid.

Voordele van Decis ForteSuiwerheid• die enigste enkel-isomeer piretroïed• 'n hoë-gehalte uniforme en stabiele produk

Doeltreffendheid• kragtige piretroïed teen baie lae tariewe

aangewend• breë spektrum doeltreffendheid• vinnige waarnemende uitklopaksie• langdurende werking• insekte gedood deur direkte kontak, maag- en

oorgeblewe werking• reënvas te danke aan stewige plantopper-

vlakbinding

Betroubaarheid• suksesvolle wêreldwye ondervinding• geregistreer in meer as 140 lande ten opsigte

van meer as 50 gewasse• lae sensitiwiteit teen klimaatsomstandighede

(bv temperatuur en reën)

Veiligheid en Omgewing• beskerm baie gewasse, en word goed verdra

deur selfs die mees sensitiewe onder hulle• lae risiko vir die natuur, toedieners en ver-

bruikers solank as wat Goeie Landboukundige Praktyke (GAP) toegepas word

• baie lae soogdier-toksisiteit• hoë veiligheid van koeffisient• 'n baie lae vlak van residu in gewasse met kort

weerhoudingsperiodes• Decis word geklassifiseer as 'n World Health

Organisation [WHO II]-kategorie produk• lae giftigheid vir bestuiwers• lae risiko vir voëls• lae vis-toksisiteit onder normale omstandighede• geen akkumulasie in die grond en dus geen

effek op dierelewe nie• versoenbaar met Geïntegreerde Plaagbestuur

(IPM) en Geïntegreerde Gewasbestuur (ICM).

Crop farming on communal land is

suffering from the effects of soil

erosion and climate change. But KZN

communal crop farmer Nicholas Madondo

is using conservation farming methods to

fight back.

Nicholas Madondo is passionate about

three things: his family, his work as

evangelist, and following conservation

agriculture methods on his homestead

at Potshini, on amaNgwane Traditional

Authority land near Bergville. For him,

the rewards come not only from his

personal progress as a farmer, but his

efforts to promote conservation agriculture

by training other farmers in KZN for

the Msizi Consulting non-government

organisation.

Born and raised in Potshini, as a youngster

Nicholas helped his parents tend their

crops and livestock on a small piece of

tribal land. From 1990 he had a full-time

job in Durban, but in 1997 he finally came

home as a full-time father and farmer.

“Since then I’ve run cattle and goats on

communal grazing land, grown white and

yellow maize, and more recently tried

sugar beans,” he says. “Until 2002, I only

used conventional tillage methods, as

my parents and their parents and other

communal crop farmers have done for

many years.”

Though commercial farmers in the area

have long used conservation tillage

methods, Nicholas saw first-hand how he

could farm more sustainably, when in

2002 Agricultural Research Council (ARC)

representatives visited the Potshini area

looking for communal farmers to train

in conservation agriculture principles.

Intrigued by what he heard, he

immediately volunteered. Over five years,

the ARC presented monthly leadership

and conservation agriculture courses to

the Emmaus Land care Farmers’ Forum,

of which Nicholas and other interested

communal farmers are members.

It also had a local training site where


BEWARINGCONSERVATION

ConservationFARMINGon communal land

Conservation farming

it hosted practical learning days for

Nicholas and his colleagues, and visited

the forum’s members individually

to give them personalised advice

on implementing and maintaining

conservation agriculture practices.

“What first appealed to me about

minimum tillage and no-till is that they

save time, conserve soil and water, and

can increase yield,” Nicholas explains.

Better results when ploughing with oxen

To prepare their 1,8 ha land for maize,

he and his family have always used ox-

drawn implements. Conventional tillage

needed three passes for ploughing,

disking and planting, and ploughing

alone could take a week because of the

heavy work for the oxen, which needed

regular rest breaks. Then Nicholas

started using minimum tillage methods

– shallow ripping to 15cm depth. Now

he needed only one pass followed by

a hand-hoe to dig and cover holes for

planting the seed.

When he started using no-till methods,

he only needed the oxen to make one

pass for planting. This only took a day,

saving time and reducing strain on the

animals. “With an ox-drawn no-till planter,

the time saved allows me to focus on

other work,” Nicholas explains. “Planting

all the seed in one day also makes the

maize germinate evenly.”

Minimum tillage and no-till also improve

soil condition. With traditional tillage,

Nicholas found that crops planted into

land where heavy rain had washed away

the topsoil remained stunted and yielded

poorly. Now he prevents the problem

by conserving topsoil and incorporating

as much organic matter into the soil as

possible.

Nicholas shares the R 17 100 planter

with around 29 other local no-till maize

farmers. Crop residue on the soil

surface reduces weed growth. Organic

material in the soil improves the soil

structure and encourages soil microbes

and earthworms. Earthworms are

especially good because they eat the

decomposing crop residue and carry the

nutrients down to the crop root zone.

With traditional tillage Nicholas never

saw earthworms in the soil, but now he

sees them regularly on the soil surface,

especially when it rains. Their tunnels

help rainwater penetrate deeper into the

soil.

Soon after he started leaving crop

residue on the soil surface in winter,

Nicholas noticed an improvement in the

performance of summer crops. Livestock

graze only a portion of the maize and

sugar bean residue before they’re

removed from the land. To reduce soil

compaction, he never lets them onto the


residue if the soil is wet. In winter he

lets weeds grow in the land as soil cover,

only spraying herbicide before planting

the next crop.

The pay-offSince adopting conservation tillage,

Nicholas has seen a gradual yearly

improvement in yield, and maize diseases

are virtually nonexistent. He also plants

only non-GM maize and sugar bean seed

and uses seed developed over many

years by farmers in the area, which he

believes has helped boost his yields.

This seed might have evolved good

tolerance to local diseases, he says. In

a good year, Nicholas harvests 4t/ha to

5t/ha of maize grain. He keeps some of

the white maize grain for his family’s use

and sells the rest, along with all yellow

maize grain, in 50kg bags to community

members. He sells sugar beans via an

agent in Ladysmith. He doesn’t keep

records of his bean yields, but recalls

harvesting 750kg on 0,4ha leased from a

neighbour in 2009.

Pest controlCrop pests, mainly maize stalk borer

and cutworm, are seldom a problem. “I

haven’t seen any change in pest levels

between conventional and conservation

tillage. But the pesticides I use are very

effective,” he says.

Beyond the farm gateNicholas knows there’s little unused

arable land at Potshini, but still prays

for access to 50ha or more to manage

under no-till to produce food and income

for his church and congregation. “I’d also

use it as a no-till training facility for my

congregation and other interested people

from around the country,” he says. “But

until then I’ll keep training small groups

of people on my land.” He’d also like

to see communal farmers everywhere

converting to no-till and sustainable

farming to improve yields. “Too many

communal farmers have given up after

watching their yields drop year by year

under conventional tillage.”


BEWARINGCONSERVATION

Written by Lloyd Phillips: Originally published in Farmer’s Weekly, Aug 2012

Wenner-onkruiddoder

LAEVELD Winter/Winter 2012 - 11

Koop die

produk by

Laeveld: Verdien

300 Agribonus

punte (per

drom).


RESEPTERECIPES

Cultural Cuisine

Fish bobotieIngredients• 3 thin slices white bread (crusts re-

moved)

• 325 ml milk

• 30 ml margarine

• 1 onion finely chopped

• 600 g hake fillets steamed and flaked

• 65 ml raisins

• 10 ml curry powder

• 2.5 ml turmeric

• 2.5 ml cumin

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 45 ml chutney

• 2 eggs beaten

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 3-4 Whole bay leaves

Method: 1. Soak the bread in milk. Fry the

onions in margarine.

2. Mix the onion, fish, raisins, curry

powder, spices, lemon juice and

chutney.

3. Squeeze the bread and reserve the

milk. Add the bread to the fish mix-

ture.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Place the mixture into a greased ov-

enproof dish.

6. Mix the egg and reserved milk to-

gether, and pour over the fish.

7. Decorate with the bay leaves.

8. Bake at 190ºC for 45-50 minutes or

until the milk custard has set.

SA's Best

Brilliant Bunny ChowIngredients:• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

• 3 cm knob fresh ginger, chopped

• 1 medium chilli, chopped

• 1 star anise

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4 cardamom pods

• 500g lamb cubed

• 3 tbsp curry paste

• 1 tbsp garam masala

• 8 curry leaves

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tsp sugar

• 2 cups water

• 2 medium carrots, peeled & sliced

• 1 pinch salt and milled pepper

• 1 can butter beans, drained

• 1 loaf bread, quartered

Method:

1. Heat a glug of oil in a large pan

and fry onions until soft. Add garlic,

ginger, chilli, star anise, cinnamon,

cardamom and fry for 1 minute.

2. Add lamb and fry until well

browned. Add remaining ingredi-

ents, except butter beans. Simmer

for 1.5 hours, adding more water if

needed.

3. Add butter beans and cook for a

further 20-30 minutes. Make a hol-

low in each quarter chunk of bread

by removing some of the soft

dough. Fill each hollow with plenty

of curry and top with, yoghurt and

fresh coriander.



RESEPTERECIPES

KoeksistersIngredients:

• 500 ml (2 cups) cake flour

• 20 ml (4 tsp) baking powder

• 3 ml ( ½ tsp) salt

• 25 ml (5 tsp) butter

• 125 ml (½ cup) sour milk or

buttermilk or water and lemon

juice

• Oil, for frying

Syrup

1 kg White Sugar

500 ml (2 cups) Water

2 pieces of Ginger, bruised

2 ml Cream of Tartar

Pinch of Salt

Grated rind and juice of ½ a Lemon

Method:

1. Sift together the dry ingredients

and rub in the butter using your

fingertips, or cut it in with a pastry

blender.

2. Mix with the liquid to a soft dough,

which can easily be kneaded. Use

more liquid if necessary.

3. Knead thoroughly until small

bubbles form under the surface of

the dough, cover with a damp cloth

and allow to stand for 15 minutes.

4. Roll to a thickness of 5mm and cut

into 5mm strips 7cm long. Place

the ends of three strips on top

of the other, press together and

plait. When plaited, press the ends

together again.

5. Fry in hot, deep fat (170ºC) until

golden brown. Drain on absorbent

paper for a moment and then

immerse in ice cold syrup.

6. Remove, allow excess syrup to

drip off, and leave to dry on a

wire rack.

Syrup

1. Put all the ingredients into a

saucepan. Heat, while stirring, until

the sugar has completely dissolved.

Cover and boil for one minute.

2. Remove the lid and boil for a

further 5 minutes. Do not stir.

3. Remove from the heat and allow

to cool thoroughly in a refrigerator

if possible.

012 940 4398

Documents

Laeveld Vol. 3 Issue 8