NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DAIRY FARMERS
Dear Member, Stakeholder and Supplier
Compliments of the Season to everyone. I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and that you are ready to face 2010 with all the challenges it may hold.
In meetings held towards the end of last year I received assurance from the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture that no dairy farms should be disrupted. I also received a visit from the Governor of Mashonaland East who confirmed this for his province. Please can anyone experiencing disruptions or problem forward the details of these to the NADF office [email protected]
Milk quality has become of paramount importance. The problems at Nestle and power problems country wide have put serious pressure on the processors. Milk that is not up to standard has been turned away by most factories. Farmers must insure that their milk meets the minimum standards required.
NADF is currently negotiating with Land O Lakes reference funding for small scale projects for additional livestock.
I have been able to arrange a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and the Executive Committee Members of the Zimbabwe Dairy Industry Trust next week to address urgent dairy industry issues and will let you have a report of what transpires.
NADF is negotiating the sale of a motorbike for the Estate of the Late Ezra Ndlovu, our late Matabeleland Chairman to assist with the winding up of his Estate. The motorbike is a Honda CG 125 petrol model. It is registered as being a 2006 model and has never been used. Please contact Rob Van Vuuren at [email protected] if you are interested in purchasing this bike. The current price is US$1 200,00 or nearest cash offer.
LIVESTOCK COURSES IN HARARE
Dr Michael Bradfield will be holding the following courses :
Tuesday 26th January – Modern Breeding methods
Wednesday 27th January – HerdMaster Beginners Course
There are limited places so if you are interested in attending these courses, please contact Florence at Livestock Identification Trust on [email protected] or (04) 756600 or 772915
STABEX ’95 MARKETING SUPPORT PROGRAMME
Sue Bell, Linda Nielsen and Farai Tinarwo are visiting Sangano, Tsonzo and Rusitu Dairy Centres this week and we will have a report on these centres shortly.
STABEX ’95 ESSENTIAL VACCINE PROGRAMME
A new delivery of vaccines was delivered to Fivet on the 14th of January and backorders will be fulfilled first before any fresh applications are approved.
Please note that any Vaccine Drawdown Authorization that was issued in 2009 which has not been collected by the 22nd January 2010 will be cancelled and the vaccines reallocated.
Fivet has VERY limited cooler room space and we urge Farmers to collect their vaccines promptly to make space for new orders that are being received.
In 2010 any Vaccine Drawdown Authorization not collected within 10 days of issue will be cancelled and vaccines will immediately be reallocated.
Please note that only members of any of the Farmers Unions will be considered when applications for vaccines are made.
NADF is negotiating for vaccines to be held by and released to Bulawayo farmers through Frontline Farming.
NADF is currently negotiating with Dairibord to hire a refrigeration vehicle for transportation of vaccines to other outlets.
Fivet is also currently investigating outlets for vaccines in Mutare, Masvingo and Mvurwi.
LIVESTOCK INFORMATION
We have in stock and available at our offices at present :
Animal Foods of Central Africa Technical Handbook @ US$5,00 each
Stock Registers @ US$1,00 each
Dairy Handbooks @ US$40,00 each
Cattle Producers’ Association Beef Production Manual @ US$40,00 each
Should you be interested in purchasing any of the above manuals, please call at Commercial Farmers Union, Agriculture House and see Debbie Mylroie.
LIVESTOCK THEFT
Should you have experienced stock theft, please contact [email protected] to obtain a report form as we will be working closely with the Business Against Stock Theft Forum.
I hope that everyone is rearing and
ready to go to meet dairy farming challenges in 2010
udderwise
you may just be left behind. ..
AJS KIRK
CHAIRMAN
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DAIRY FARMERS