If you are a vegetable farmer this discussion with Enza Zaden’s Matome Ramokgopa is for you! He joins Bathabile Modutoane in the studio to tell us more about cultivars, onion seeds and explains the importance of crop rotation and diversification.
Vegetable Farmer – Tebogo Nyathela, Kgomo-kgomo, North West
We planted baby marrows and are currently preparing the soil for our pepper seedlings. We grow yellow and red peppers under shade nets and in tunnels as our main crops. We plant Rubistar and Diva varieties.
The Diva from Stark Ayres is a hybrid sweet pepper with about 75 to 80 days to first pick in summer plantings. It has thick walls and excellent shelf life, even when picked at a bright yellow colour. Our area can be very hot in summer, but it still performs well.
It is disease resistant, especially against the tomato spotted wilt virus. Hygrotech’s Rubistar variety offers almost the same traits. We use seedlings because it saves time and money compared with direct sowing. We get our seedlings at between six and eight weeks and transplant them at a height of 150mm to 200mm. Our plant population is about 20 000 to 30 000 plants/ha at a plant density of two plants per square metre.
After loosening the soil we apply kraal manure as part of our campaign to reduce chemical fertiliser usage. We work with a company that produces organic fertiliser and is helping us with the fertilisation programme. We market our products through the Tshwane and Joburg fresh-produce markets.
Praveen Dwarika from AFGRI Lemang Agricultural Services is back in studio with Bathabile Modutoane to discuss international collaboration and import and export trade.
Livestock farmer – Kea Mnguni, Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng
It’s weaning season for us and we are busy separating the weaners from the mothers. We move the mothers out of the camp and we take the calves to a distant camp. It takes between seven and 14 days for the calves to
adjust to the fact they are no longer suckling.
We wean our calves at eight months and at weights of between 180kg and 200kg. Male weaners are sold to the feedlot and females are kept as replacement heifers. It is important for us to wean calves no later than eight months, before the body condition score (BCS) of their mothers drops below 2.5. It is better to wean before the mother’s BCS drops below 3 but this is not always possible.
This may be due to dry conditions when there is not enough grazing. We have just come through a very dry season and there is not enough grass in our camps while we wait for the rainy season.
We usually get our first rains in mid-September, but we’re hoping for early rains, as we’re having to feed out extra rations. Fortunately, we cut our own bales, which reduces our expenses. We also feed out winter licks, salt and production licks to the cows running with the bulls. Because the rainy season is about to start, we’ve just vaccinated for lumpy skin and Rift Valley fever.
When you meet Pannar Seed advisor and product representative Mr Tlharesakgotla Hendrik Mokoto for the first time, you will be impressed by his knowledge of farming and crop production. This friendly advisor has been part of the Pannar family since 2004.
Although Tlharesakgotla Hendrik Mokoto is stationed in the Delareyville area, his work sometimes takes him to nearby Mahikeng and Sannieshof as well as far-flung areas in rural South Africa.
Pannar Seed is a dynamic South African seed group with research and development at its core. It is one of the largest field crop seed producers and suppliers in Africa, and a significant and respected member of the international seed industry.
Pannar has been in the African seed business since its inception in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1958. Bringing its products and knowledge to farmers across the spectrum is important to Pannar, and consultants like Mokoto are positioned strategically to provide clients with the necessary information and assistance.
“My focus remains on assisting farmers in North West and the Free State, but I do work across almost all of the provinces when needed,” he says.
“I worked as an extension officer for the Department of Agriculture for 15 years, but I’ve been representing Pannar for over a decade to perform similar extension services to both new and established farmers.” Mokoto sees the value in his job and enjoys walking a path with numerous farmers who have since graduated from beginner status to commercial producers.
“I not only look at the crop production or cultivar selection on farms, but also at the vision and planning of the farmer and the farming operation as a whole,” he explains.
“Sometimes farmers start very small and they buy only a few bags of seed at a time. When they grow their business, it gives me great pleasure to know that I had some role to play in getting them to a place where they can buy in bulk and produce at a commercial level.
“One of ‘my’ farmers near Sannieshof is one such example. He is now a fully fledged commercial producer and I feel very proud to see his growth and success.”
CHANCES AND CHALLENGES
“The 2020/21 production season promises to be one of our best and I am really excited for our farmers. The rain fell very well this season and farmers are eager to see what the harvest will deliver. Some record-breaking production on certain farms are definitely possible.”
Among the biggest farming challenges Mokoto identifies, especially in the western production area, are spells of drought and theft of crops.
“One of my clients planted 50ha of maize, which looked set to become a wonderful harvest. But thieves cleared almost everything and he didn’t even break even.
“But all is not lost, and adaptability is an attribute you should cultivate as a farmer. The climate will always pose challenges and we’ve learnt how best to cope with what we have. Where maize theft is a big problem, sunflower and beans are options to use in rotational cropping. Sunflower is especially well adapted for this area and we currently enjoy good income from sunflower production.”
WORKING ON A DREAM
Mokoto is married to Frida, who is a teacher and the principal of a school near Delareyville. They have three children – two sons, Omphile and Kutlo, and a daughter, Tshiamo – and two grandchildren.
While still working full steam as advisor and representative for the seed company, Mokoto uses his free time to raise a few head of cattle, goats and sheep. Like most people in the agricultural industry, he dreams of farming full time one day.
“I would like to farm all the time, but for now my work keeps me busy and it is important to do my job at Pannar well. I love what I do, and I enjoy my work and the gratification it brings,” he says.
“Who knows, maybe I will really have my own farm one day!”
ENQUIRIES: Call Hendrik Mokoto on 082 767 7333; e-mail hendrik.mokoto@pannar.co.za or visit www.pannar.com
From highways to dirt roads, this season on African Farming, Ford South Africa made sure our team travelled in style to 13 destinations over 13 weeks.
With thanks to our sponsor Ford!
by Tatenda Rungisa
I have watched so many movies especially on high school and sports and there is always a cheerleading group for the team playing and in competition. The cheerleading team is easily noticed by its regalia and they sing and dance and praise their respective team. In whatever situation, the cheerleaders do not tire or show despair they keep on with high levels of enthusiasm from the beginning of the game till the end.
Cheerleading is required and can be done by family, friends and different players in the business world, cheerleaders play a crucial role in making or building a business. Cheerleading is therefore essential in ensuring that business people receive support throughout their business cycle.
So, how does one become a cheerleader in business?
Understand the Vision
For one to be a good cheerleader, he or she should be able to understand the vision and mission of the one in business; this makes it easy to offer support and advice as a cheerleader. Without knowing the vision and mission one may misfire with regards to the advice and support one requires.
Celebrate and Compliment Others
Learn to celebrate others and be happy for them. Being a cheerleader also means being able to compliment another business leader and at the same time giving positive criticism. This act helps in growing the other business and also motivating whoever is in business. Most business owners, however, may feel there is no need for celebrating or complimenting the other leader. They may instead of complimenting be in a habit of thinking that Business A has achieved 10 million profits, when will it be my turn and what strategies can I copy to realie such profits or be better? Being a cheerleader means breaking free from that mentality and being in a habit of celebrating and complimenting other business leaders.
Referrals & Partnership Opportunities
A cheerleader is not only limited to support, but is also able to send referrals to the other business he or she is cheerleading. Sending referrals is one major way that increases sales and revenue in the businesses. It is prudent to refer clients and partnership opportunities to a fellow business leader, this opens up doors and opportunities for them. One should also be able to support the other business through online engagements and presence, for example, one may like and share posts to boost engagements – that is support.
Cheerleading makes the business cycle much easier, and on bad business days one is able to find strength to keep going and rising. Business should not only be about making profits, it should be also about cheerleading and pushing another fellow business person to be a better, profitable business.
by Nontobeko Mbuyane
This she said, according to her, is a result of the recent events worldwide, they are terrifying and sad. She alluded to the political unrest in the country, stated issues about what is going on in Afghanistan, Covid-19 as a global health challenge, and a whole lot of things going on across the globe. Indeed, this cold and dark time is a challenge for many, she said. I realized that there is so much truth in what she was saying, some of us feel every little thing. We feel everyone’s pain. We are empaths who care for every person and the whole world.
As I later took time to ponder on our conversation, I couldn’t help but notice how many people on my Facebook timeline had lost their loved ones, lost jobs, had their businesses shut down. I also for a moment felt how hopeless it feels. And I know for sure that most people relate to my daughter’s state, where you feel like you can’t solve everyone’s problems. But you want and wish to. And if you don’t, you feel the pain of being a failure. So, I had to nurse her and her big heart into understanding that at this point being kind to herself and showing love to the next person surely matters and means a lot during such a time. It is not about what she can physically do or resources that matter all the time but rather acts of kindness go a long way too.
Broken Parts
I know so many people are also battling with trying to figure out how they can nurture hopefulness in these uncertain days? I would say to you try kindness and empathy. If someone does something that hurts us, we can tend to believe that they are all bad and we distance ourselves from them. But do try and understand that they might be going through a tough time too and hence their behavior. I know it’s tough to recognize someone’s humanity in these situations, but we need to if we are going to keep our hope alive. People often spread hate or act selfishly when they are hurt. They are feeling a deep, broken part of themselves and trying to compensate by making others feel bad too. I am not saying that their behavior should be tolerated. They should absolutely be held accountable for their behavior. At the same time, they are human and are still valuable. Remind yourself that they are people, too, and probably feeling deep pain. I feel hope when I remember this. The world is not full of evil people but hurt people who need love.
Recognizing the humanity of others is a beautiful challenge for us to work on. This is an ongoing, lifelong practice. Respond with love when you can. Everyone seems exhausted these days. The weight of the world is on all of our shoulders. Whether it’s due to collective or personal struggles, people may be a little more irritable or impatient with you. Try your best to respond with kindness. It’s not about you. Someone may be acting immaturely or being a little rude, but if you can, try to let it go. Visualize their insults rolling off you, like water off a duck’s back. Or use a technique I learned from a book, Radical Acceptance – just recognize that they are trying to pass their bad mood to you, and kindly say “no, thank you.” Do not accept their gift. I usually feel better if I have responded to something in a caring way. Of course, we don’t always react as our best selves. You might be the one who is acting a bit rude sometimes, so try to respond to yourself with love about that too.
Someone
My late grandmother used to say, “Don’t say someone should do that. Be a someone.” Action can help fight our lack of motivation and hope. If you find yourself thinking that someone should do something, try asking yourself: What can I do? You can start small and very simply. I love how reading books has equipped me with so many ways of handling life and its challenges, and this has made me one of the bubbliest, most grateful, and happy people you can ever meet. That does not mean I don’t have serious life challenges, but I am fully aware of how my reaction to these challenges will either make me or break me. So I always choose anything that makes me a better person in life, thus my calm reactions to storms. I have my all time power verse, Joshua 1:9 as my first line of armor in everything I come across, and of course a quote by Picasso that says, “Everything you can imagine is real.” When I am losing my hope, this reminds me that the world I want to live in, the one I can imagine is real. It can be real because we create our world.
It’s empowering to recognize the magic we have within us that no one can take away. There is something inside you that no one can take away and you will always have. Remind yourself of your inherent value and hold on to your magic. Everything you can imagine is real and possible. There are so many people working to build a kinder and more loving world. I recognize their magic and I affirm that magic in myself. As I finished my heart to heart with my daughter, I said, Baby girl, indeed the world is dark and scary but only you have the power within you to make it a little bit brighter….And so can you!
by Claire Keet & Sinal Govender
1. Your pet information
Have you thought about what would happen to your fur babies if things went belly up for you? Is there someone specific you’d like to look after your pets one day? You might want to include this wish in your will. Your life.file is the place to store your pet’s most important information and documentation. Some of the documents to include are their breeding documents, rabies certificates, veterinarian records, any specific medical or dietary details and their vet’s contact information. Pet paperwork is a thing!
2. Cryptocurrency investment information
Many crypto investments are done through “do it yourself” digital investment platforms. This shift has put the power of investment into the hands of everyday people. Gone are the days when someone’s financial advisor would know about all of their investments and be able to advise bereaved loved ones about where their recently departed had money tied up. Consider kicking the bucket with a few hefty crypto investments existing somewhere on the interweb that no one knows about nor can access. Your life.file should include details about these investments – both for a tax and estate planning point of view but also so that your loved ones can benefit from your savvy one day, if you want them to. While it’s obviously your prerogative if and to whom your investments go one day, it is not going to fly with the Master of the High Court one day when your estate tax isn’t squared off.
3. Domestic worker information
If your boss kicked the bucket, you’d expect, in the first instance, to be contacted with the news. If their passing had implications for your employment, you’d quickly need answers to questions like: do I show up for work next week? Has my employer been contributing to an unemployment insurance fund? What’s my UIF number? Can I still get paid any money owed to me? If that’s what you’d expect, then you should be extending the same courtesy to the people you employ, including your domestic worker. (A domestic worker is someone who works in your home, like a child minder, cleaner, gardener or cook). If you employ someone for more than 24 hours per month, then you’re an employer and have a legal responsibility to employ that person properly. Amongst other things, that means having a fair contract in place. At a minimum, your life.file should have your employee’s work contract, their UIF number and contact information. If something happens to you, their details should be at the fingertips of the people you’ve left behind who need to “close off” your life and carry out your final employer responsibilities for you.
4. Your end of life wishes
A well organised life.file should really have a section that answers the questions your loved ones will need to answer one day when you’re popping daisies. Your end of life wishes should include things like how you’d like to be celebrated, what type of “goodbye” ceremony you’d like, whether you’d like your farewell to be rooted in a particular religion, what you’d like to happen to your body. It might sound morbid, but really, it’s an amazingly helpful gift to leave behind for your loved ones. If anything, it’ll reduce decision fatigue around how to bid you farewell. You would also include things like a funeral policy and organ donor card in this section of your life.file.
5. Your children’s information
Like adults, children also have paper trails full of all sorts of important life documents. Especially if you have minor kiddies, it’s really important to think about having their documents easily accessible for “just in case”. In a worst case scenario, your spouse or kids’ guardian should have a neat life.file of things like birthday certificates, school reports, immunization cards, ID documents and medical records. You might want to also include things in this section of your life.file that would just make life easier for your spouse or a guardian. For example: who your kid’s teacher is, information about their extra curricular activities, what food allergies they have.
Kicking the bucket without your legal life affairs in order causes immense stress for your loved ones. Let’s be honest, it won’t be your problem, but the more thorough your life.file is, the better for everyone you leave behind.
by Nicola Mullineux
Three elements are required for a valid lease agreement in respect of immovable property to be concluded, namely the parties (identity of the landlord and tenant), the price (rental payable), and the object being leased (the leased premises). These three elements are referred to as the essentialia or the essential elements of the agreement. Should you not have agreement on one or more of these elements, the agreement cannot be validly concluded.
It is important to note that the rental payable must either be ascertained or ascertainable. For example, should the agreement specify that the rental shall escalate by a certain percentage during the renewal period or should the clause appoint a third party to determine the rental amount, the rental amount is ascertainable and as such, this element is satisfied.
Each type of agreement has its own essential elements and it is crucial that agreement in respect of these elements is reached. Should the parties have simply agreed to agree to one of the essential elements, the contract is not binding.