09 OCTOBER 2009

 

EXECUTIVE NEWS

 

FROM THE PRESIDENTS DESK

 

We all thought that apartheid was dead and buried.

 

Unfortunately it is alive and well in Zimbabwe, where some citizens of the country are prohibited from owning land in particular areas, and/or restricted from living in these areas because of the colour of their skin.  Where South Africa had the ‘whites only’ restricted areas, Zimbabwe now has ‘no whites allowed’ restricted areas.  The continued prosecutions of our members for living in the rural areas clearly underline the fact that as a white you are being victimised for no other reason than the colour of your skin.  The SADC Tribunal ruling reaffirmed this blatant discrimination.

 

 As a Union we continue to seek a way forward.  Our thoughts on compensation / restitution are currently being revealed to all our members (that includes ALL farmers, those still farming and those already evicted).  Thus far the reaction to our proposals have been favourable.

 

Although we are all tired, I assure you that as a team we have a renewed energy and determination to succeed.  Between the farmers, donors and government we WILL find a way forward and we will not give up or rest until we have achieved this. 

 

If we are not allowed to farm, then we want our money.

Deon Theron

 

We are currently holding as many meetings as possible to introduce farmers to our new proposal on compensation. Our strategy is to consult with as many farmers as possible on the proposal, which would then be passed on to the professionals (lawyers and accountants) to have a close look at the modalities, following which presentations would be made to the other two partners in the scheme.

 

The meetings have been extremely well attended and the average of the farmers attending once again illustrates the urgency of bringing the compensation issues to finality as soon as possible.

 

To this end we have taken more interest in the welfare of the elderly in Zimbabwe and so far have developed a comprehensive database of some 4 200 people who are in desperate need of assistance following the collapse of the health, insurance and pension schemes due to the super-hyperinflation this country experienced.

 

There are some wonderful people out there who have been assisting our senior citizens but their total commitment only equates to about US$38 per person per month. This is against an estimated requirement of at least 10 x that – especially when it comes to medical expenses.

 

The team is in Gweru today together with Trustee Richard Winfield, who will be officially dedicating our CFU Hall as the Bob Vaughn Evans Memorial Hall in memory of this great man who did so much for our farming community in Zimbabwe.

 

The unity which has now developed between all the once splintered groups of farmers is vital.  It is imperative that in order for us to move forward with our compensation/restitution proposal that we maintain this united front.

 

We would encourage all our members who have let their subscriptions lapse to come back on board to ensure they keep the union afloat and keep the momentum going.   It is essential that we have everyone’s current contact details and especially email addresses in order for us to keep everyone informed of any eventualities.

 

The other point that should be made from the meetings was a reminder that it is necessary for farmers, whose land is owned by a company, that the company’s books and registration are kept up to date, regardless of whether the company is still operating or not.

 

The below email was previously sent out, on several occasions, with regard to this:

 

“The land that many farmers own is often registered in the name of a company.  Some farm-owning companies never get involved in the farming business on the land and become neglected.  Even the farm-owning companies which do business may not have their Companies Office records up to date.

 

Beware of Section 187 of the Companies Act – make sure that your bookkeeper is up to speed with an amendment to this section promulgated in August 2006.

 

If the company records are not in order by 1st September 2007, the company can be struck off the Register.  Nobody will be there to own the land and it may revert to State Land.”

 

At the meetings farmers were reminded that all valuations of properties are being consolidated through the Valuation Consortium and we are happy to say that many new applications are being registered.

 

Currently registration is free and when you go it is preferable to take with you a previous valuation of your property so the data can be captured for a new valuation in US$.

 

The telephone numbers for the Valuation Consortium at Redfern Mullett are:

 

04-746654; 04-746648; 04-746952

 

They are situated along the Mutare road next to Haddon Motors, opposite the Chapman Golf Club. Turn towards Haddon Motors and the immediately left. They are on the second floor of the double story building, above the shops.

 

Further meetings to explain the compensation proposal will be held around the country as well as another one in Harare.  Mutare and Marondera are scheduled for Monday 12 October 2009.

 

An important reminder, below, from Vice President Charles Taffs on the proposal:

 

“The Commercial Farmers’ Union would like to make clear that the compensation proposal, is just that – a proposal – and that no funds have been secured. Once the proposal is fully accepted by our farming community it will then be presented to the donor community to seek the necessary finance.

 

The success of this proposal is also totally dependent on a political dispensation being achieved, which is acceptable to the International Community.”

 

This week also saw the holding of our first CFU Council meeting since Congress and under the new leadership of President Deon Theron.

 

The first matter which came up for discussion was confirmation and the formal appointment of Mr Louis Fick as the second Vice President of the Commercial Farmers’ Union, which was a unanimous decision by Council. He was not present at Council as he had been asked to attend the Namibian Farmers’ Union Congress in Windhoek on behalf of President Theron.

 

Our affiliation and close association with other agricultural unions in the region also necessitated President Theron and CEO Hendrik Olivier to attend the AgriSA Congress later in the week.

 

Past President of ZTA Andy Ferreira also attended the Council meeting on behalf of ZTA President Kevin Cooke and was fully involved in the briefings and debates which took place.

 

The President pointed out that members/farmers need to be assured that although possibly 95% of our members are no longer productive that your union will continue to represent members who are still farming as well as those who are currently unable to farm.

 

A meeting has been held with both the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe with regard to the US$24 million which was removed from FCA accounts, as well as the use of fertiliser to pay debts, priced at US$800 – whereas the market price is far lower than that. Furthermore a large number of the farmers who are owed the money no longer have a use for the fertiliser as they are no longer permitted to farm. Mention has been made of rather paying the debt through farm equipment or tractors which are more saleable. The discussion will continue.

 

Of course the greatest problem for those still farming, besides the security of their investment, is the accessibility of finance. Although some finance is available the prevailing rate is 18% interest plus another 4.5% establishment fee. Some farmers have looked at the viability of this and have been forced to reject the offer.

 

However, we have heard of one farmer who has been offered finance at 9% but this is only for the purchase of fertiliser through GMB and no seed is available at the moment. The other problem of course is the use of a town house as collateral, which is something we would discourage in fear of a farmer losing his second home as well should something untoward occur.

 

On the CFU fertiliser deal farmers need to make arrangements for collection and for payment by those few still outstanding. A few people who applied for the fertiliser are still battling to obtain finance through their banks.

 

Council gave approval for the CEO to investigate the possibilities of reopening the Farmer magazine.

 

The world weather pattern is still very uncertain and unpredictable at the moment and last week we spoke of the drought in India, which over the last week has changed into raging floods. The synopsis of the current Climate Prediction Centre report on the 8 October 2009 states that: “El Nino is expected to strengthen and last through the Northern Hemisphere winter 2009-2010.”

 

With regards to wages, our Labour Consultant Tongai Marodza said that there had still been no resolution of the arbitration on wages set for April to August 2009 and there have been a few strikes which he has had to deal with. The main complaint has been the increase in the food portion of the wage with many workers preferring hard cash instead.

 

He also said that the domestic worker’s wage which was circulated on the email has never been gazetted. However, many producers could be in danger of facing a serious challenge to their viability should the proposals of around US$3 per day, back paid several months ever be approved. The entire industry could be brought to its knees because the profit margins are too thin.

 

In some areas NEC has been engaging professional debt collectors to collect moneys allegedly owed to them. We are seeking advice on this which we will circulate.

 

The prosecution of farmers still continues in the courts and we encourage you all to keep us fully updated. Some farmers have experienced huge legal costs and we do now have a system in place whereby affected members may apply for some legal assistance through a small fund which may soon be in place. The application forms are available at the union.

 

We attended a further Business Forum against Crime meeting this week where Marc Carrie-Wilson has been tasked with writing a constitution. We do believe that our contacts made at this forum will be invaluable.

 

Members need to be assured that your leadership continues to vigorously pursue and explore more options to seek a way forward. We do believe that an amicable resolution is not too far away and we urge farmers to keep their faith in this. 

 

COMMODITY UPDATE

 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DAIRY FARMERS (from the desk of Rob Van Vuuren)

 

NADF is greatly concerned at the disruptions being experienced by farmers especially in the Midlands area.  We are trying to engage the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture to obtain relief for farmers.  Everyone experiencing trouble is in our thoughts and prayers.

 

We are continuing to receive feedback regarding the success of the dairy forums and how beneficial the talks and demonstrations were to farmers and their staff.   All Dairy Forums were well attended and it is encouraging to hear how much our efforts are appreciated.

 

From the desk of Dr Rachel Stewart

 

RECOMMENDED VACCINATION AND PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR MANICA DAIRY COWS DRY COWS 

(At drying off (which should be done when 7 months pregnant)

 

1. Rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli, Clostridium perfringens type C (scour guard)
2. Clostridium chauveoi (Blackleg), Clostridium septicum (malignant oedema), Clostridium novyi (Black disease), Clostridium sordelli, Clostridium perfringens type C and D (pulpy kidney), Pasteurella (Mannheim) haemolytica (Haemorrhagic septicaemia). All of these come as one vaccine from Pfizer called Ultra shot 7.
3. If this is the first time cows are vaccinated against Clostridium it should be followed by a booster vaccination of just the clostridial diseases four weeks later. This vaccine is also available from Pfizer and is called Ultra Choice.
4. Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella Dublin, Salmonella Newport (Cattle (calf) paratyphoid). This is what the South Africans called bovillus s
5. Use an appropriate dry cow therapy that contains either penicillin, streptomycin, ampicillin or cloxacillin or all the above. If not sure of appropriateness of antibiotic in the therapy please consult with me.
6. Teat dip all dry cows daily for a week after dry off.
7. Treat all dry cows with an injection of Vitamin A, D and E and selenium 3 weeks before calving.
8. Teat dip all cows again daily for 2 weeks before calving

 

PREGNANT HEIFERS (when they are 7 months pregnant)

 

1. Scourguard
2. Ultra shot 7
3. Bovillus s
4. All of the above 3 should be repeated at 3 weeks before calving (only in pregnant heifers)
5. If there is a problem with mastitis in the heifers then you can inject them with pen strep or infuse with an appropriate lactating cow therapy 3 weeks before calving. ( I prefer the injection as infusing can open the teat canal and cause problems)
6. Inject heifers with Vitamin A, D, E and selenium 3 weeks before calving.
7. Teat dip all heifers daily for two weeks before calving

 

FRESH COWS  (30 days after calving but before re breeding)

 

1. Campylobacter fetus (vibrio), Leptospira spp, Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, Infectious pustular vulvovaginitis, Parainfluenza 3, Bovine virus diarrhea. Used to be called preg guard 9 also called vibrio lepto or bovishield.
2. RB51 vaccine strain for Brucella abortus (contagious abortion) Make sure you get the RB51 strain! This is done every second year.

 

 

ADULT HERD   (yearly vaccinations)

 

1. Clostridium tetani (tetanus), Clostridium botulinum (Botulism), Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax). This is called supavax. Do this a month before you expect the rains (October)
2. Lumpy skin disease also one month before rains
3. Ephemeral fever (3 day stiff sickness) at the onset of the rains (November)
4. Foot and Mouth disease vaccine (may need to be done every 6 months depending on manufacturers’ recommendations).

 

CALVES       

                                   

1. 5 Days of age    bovillus s (Salmonella vaccine)
2. 4 Weeks of age  ultra shot 7, bovishield and bovillus
3. 5 Months old      ultra shot 7, bovishield, bovillus, RB51 contagious abortion, foot and mouth vaccine
4. 12 Months old    RB51, supavax and foot and mouth

 

DEWORMING 

 

1. Weaning to 6 months of age dose against tapeworm and roundworm once a month (need a remedy with Albendazole and praziquantel in it)
2. 6 Months to one month before first calf dose once a month against roundworm and liver fluke (Albendazole and tramizol)
3. At dry off in adult cows dose against round worm and liver fluke)

 

BULLS

 

1. Supavax, lumpy skin disease, ephemeral fever, foot and mouth, bovishield once a year before the rains as with the cows
2. RB51 at 6 months of age, a year of age and then every second year.
3. Vitamin A, D, E and selenium once a year.
4. Dose for liver fluke before and after the rains.
5. Dose for round worms at least twice a year but more if required.

 

ACARACIDE/ DIPPING PROGRAM

 

1. The current program implemented by Evretz is sufficient for their farm.
2. Farmers receiving cattle in the small holder dairy project will need to be educated on the extreme importance of tick and fly control for prevention of tick borne and fly borne diseases. Their own local cattle will have developed immunity to these diseases over their lifetime. Cattle from South Africa and Evertz farm will not have developed immunity to these diseases and will therefore be highly susceptible to and probably die from these diseases, therefore tick and fly control as implemented at Evretz farm is vitally important.

 

CATTLE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

 

CATTLE PRICES

 

(Please email [email protected] for the full CFU Calling with the graphs as our website does not support graphs)

 

 

ZIMBABWE CROP PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION (from the desk of Richard Taylor)

 

I would like to begin by thanking everyone at CFU for the very warm welcome they have extended to me during my first week here.

 

To Dr Clive Levy a big thank you for all his hard work as Acting Crops Manager prior to my appointment.

 

I will be moving around the country in an attempt to meet with all our members who are still out there trying to make a living and feeding the Zimbabwe nation.   Not an easy task given the financial constraints along with all the troubles you face on a daily basis.   One can only express our admiration to you farmers who bear it out against all the uncertainties thrown your way given today’s uncertain climate.   I do look forward to meeting and working with each and every one of you in the coming years.

 

Trading Prices

 

Local as at 9 October 2009 (US$)

 

(Please email [email protected] for the full CFU Calling with the graphs as our website does not support graphs)

 

South African Foreign Exchange (SAFEX) as at 9 October 2009

 

(Please email [email protected] for the full CFU Calling with the graphs as our website does not support graphs)

 

International Gulf

 

(Please email [email protected] for the full CFU Calling with the graphs as our website does not support graphs)

 

Source: South African Grain Information Service (SAGIS)

 

ACE Trade Report for 09 October 2009

 

Wholesale prices in selected countries in East Africa are supplied by (RATIN) the Regional Agricultural Trade Intelligence Network. Current prices are indicated below and are valid as at 09 October 2009.

(N.B. Changes shown are calculated on the basis of today’s prices against those previously recorded, which may not necessarily be the previous days).

 

(Please email [email protected] for the full CFU Calling with the graphs as our website does not support graphs)

 

Excerpts from the ZAMACE price report for 09 October 2009.

 

(Please email [email protected] for the full CFU Calling with the graphs as our website does not support graphs)

 

 

The following prices are also made available to us courtesy of SAFEX.

 

(Please email [email protected] for the full CFU Calling with the graphs as our website does not support graphs)

 

Exchange Rates

MWK 19.48 = 1 ZAR               Up

MWK 143.24 = 1 US$            Down

ZAR 7.37 = I US$                    Down

 

COMMENTS AND VIEWS

 

Please let us know your comments and views on items contained within this issue or any other issues of CFU Calling by sending an email to us on [email protected]

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