28 JULY 2009

EXECUTIVE NEWS

 

CG Tracey 31 December 1923 – 22 July 2009

 

It is with great sadness that the Commercial Farmers’ Union has learned of the passing of Mr Christopher Geoffrey Tracey, who was affectionately known as “CG”, on Wednesday 22 July 2009.

 

“CG” was a life serving member of the Commercial Farmers’ Union and was made an Honorary Life Vice President in recognition of his incredible service to agriculture.

 

“CG” was a legend in many fields of expertise, particularly those related to farming and banking institutions and he was a great inspiration to all those with whom he came in contact with.

 

He was an incredibly principled and passionate man especially on all issues pertaining to his native Zimbabwe. It is a cruel twist of fate, which this man, who had devoted his entire life to his country being treated in a manner and circumstance he was when forced to leave his Mount Lothian Farm and home.

 

There could be no better tribute which can be written in honour to “CG” than which has been recently published in the form of his own autobiography, All for Nothing?

 

In response to the title of the book, with the greatest respect we disagree that all his life’s works and achievements have most certainly not been “all for nothing” because he has left an indelible footprint in the history of agriculture in Zimbabwe and his great work and inspiration will survive for many generations to come.

 

The Funeral Service for CG Tracey will be held at the Highlands Presbyterian Church at 2.30pm on Tuesday 28 July 2009.

 

In Gweru there has been an alleged slow response by the Police over the investigation of the two recent murders in their community. Although unable to definitely confirm it is strongly suspected that the two murders were carried out by the same gang. It has been reported that another armed robbery took place in which shots were fired from a 9mm parabelum pistol, which was apparently stolen from the late Bob Vaughan-Evans at the time of his murder.

 

Alarmed by this the Midlands farming community have put together a reward for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murders.

 

On Thursday the final Council meeting of the current Council was held. The AGMs of the Regions are currently being held at which the new Councillors, who will take over after Congress, will be elected. We urge all farmers to attend these important meetings as it is essential that all posts are filled. The only stipulation is that all elected members are paid up members of the union.

 

The outgoing and incoming Councillors should also seek a mandate from their members as to whom they recommend to fill the posts of President and Vice Presidents of the Union. The final voting for this will take place at the Electoral College held after Congress, but it is vital that the incoming Councillors have your mandate on who you and your community wish to vote for.

 

Currently we have nominations for the President and one Vice President and the current mandates on hand show absolute support for the two candidates. However, we do await nomination for the second Vice President and it is essential that this post is filled – preferably at Congress, failing which a candidate could be appointed at a later stage. It is not essential that the post be filled with a person who is currently on Council. The only criteria is that is essential is that he/she is a paid up member of the Union.

 

Although this week the spate of farm disruptions appears to have slowed down a bit production has been seriously disrupted by the current prosecutions of farmers, which is increasing all the time. We have been holding ongoing meetings with the powers that be to discuss these problems and through these we have definitely created awareness about the resultant lack of productivity in our sector.

 

Our constant reports have definitely not fallen on deaf ears and we are cautiously optimistic on a breakthrough with the new Government in resolving the crisis. In the words of one of the ministers at a recent breakfast meeting, “It is us politicians that are 90% of the problem!”

 

Whilst we do believe that they are definitely working on the problem we have told them that unless the crisis is speedily and satisfactorily resolved there will be no summer production this year and will result in the loss of many more dedicated and experienced farmers in this country.

 

One matter, which has created a lot of debate in the Council was that of corporates, who are allegedly encouraging deals to be struck, for growing tobacco on conflict land, without the genuine owner’s permission. The Council of the Commercial Farmers’ Union was united to strongly oppose such illegal deals being made with recipients of property illegally acquired from our farmers.

 

We do acknowledge, however, that many of the banks and corporates which are supporting farmers insist on seeing leases signed by the genuine owners of the land before even considering the loans.

 

Council was further informed of action by a neighbouring government to open up 10 000ha of land in one district for use by one of their corporate farming groups. The land being offered is allegedly private property which has been illegally acquired without compensation and under the deal it is guaranteed by the two governments in a mutual cooperation agreement.

 

The irony of this alleged deal is that the same governments do not and have not protected current investments in agriculture in Zimbabwe by their other citizens.

 

We have received information that a general strike could be organised from the end of July to protest against the current wages being paid in the industry. This is apparently part of a membership recruiting exercise and is being done without consultation with other industry players. Early indications are that the workers’ union could be pushing for an increase in the minimum wage to between US$85 and US$100 per month.

 

This information is merely a heads up to the industry and any reports of unrest should be reported to our Labour Consultant Tongai Marodza who is keeping his eye on the situation and he would advise accordingly.

 

Congress preparations are fully underway and all those who are attending are requested to contact the Director’s secretary, Mrs June Nicholls or email [email protected] to assist us in the catering arrangements etc.

 

Ladies day is on the 4^th August and all interested ladies should please contact Miss Natanya Scott on [email protected]

 

We wish to encourage all our members, both past and present to come to Congress at Meikles on 4^th and 5^th August 2009 to hear and decide your future. President Trevor Gifford’s term of office will come to an end at Congress and nothing would be more fitting than to have a good attendance at Congress to prove that his incredible efforts he has put in to attain unity in our sector has paid off.

 

The proposed new licence fees will be presented at Congress and this has been also tailored to encourage more affordable membership to bring back the entire farming community back under our wing again. We need delegates’ support to pass this resolution through at Congress.

 

The new CFU interactive website is currently being worked on and could be opened fairly soon. At the moment the website www.cfuzim.org is up but will merely show ‘Work in progress”. The site will be opened very soon and will be constantly upgraded with all information which is available. The CFU Calling will also be posted on there, although access may be restricted to members.

 

This week, whilst trying to locate our website we were very surprised to find on the Internet that our CFU Calling from last week was posted on a newspaper sight – albeit allegedly written by “Martin”, whoever he may be. Our press embargo, which was still attached to the published document, was completely ignored. Our legal advisors are being consulted on this matter as this is an in-house newsletter which is not for general publication.

 

Prospective members often ask, “What does the CFU do for me?”

 

Well this week our recent negotiations with Mark Bailey of the Hunt Adams & Associates has yielded one such advantage of paid up membership. It must be noted that the below concessions are not available without the production of a current membership card – or similar proof of payment. We will also supply the insurance brokers with a list of paid up members.

 

Below is an extract from Mark Bailey’s proposal:

 

1. MOTOR

 

We begin by advising that should the public seek motor insurance cover, for the average “Private Car”, the normal rate is 4.5%.  Depending on the vehicle and value, we can apply to the insurers for a specific rate for that client and the rate can then be offered at 4%.  A “Private Car” is any pickup, sedan, station wagon, hatchback.  A “Commercial Vehicle” is a Mazda T3500, Nissan UD etc.  A “Commercial Vehicle” would attract a rate of 8% EXCLUDING International and Freightliners.

 

However, the insurers are prepared to offer a rate of 3% for “Private Cars” for your members and 6% for “Commercial vehicles” EXCLUSIVE of International and Freightliners.  This based on a minimum total vehicle number of 100.

 

The rate of 3% is for Comprehensive and on this basis, we would NOT offer Full Third Party ONLY.  A vehicle valued at US$ 10 000.00 would have an annual premium of US$ 300.00 plus Government ZTSC Levy.  For the average client the same vehicle would have a premium of US$ 450.00 per annum.  Comprehensive cover ALSO includes a “Third Party Property Damage” (“TPPD”) limit and “Third Party Bodily Injury” (“TPBI”) limit of US$ 20 000.00 each.  Basic Full Third Party ONLY of US$ 162.00 per annum (for both business and personal use) plus Government ZTSC Levy ONLY offers a “TPPD” limit of US$ 5 000.00 and “TPBI” limit of US$ 10 000.00.

 

Based on the four (4) vehicles we discussed today the total value is US$ 78 000.00.  Even if we use the lower rate of 4% the annual premium would be US$ 3 120.00 plus Government ZTSC Levy.  Using the special rate of 3% the premium is US$ 2 340.00 plus levy.  A saving of US$ 780.00 per annum.  This equates to an annual saving of around US$ 19 500.00 per 100 vehicles with a similar total value.

 

Under ALL policies there is an excess (or deductable amount) should a claim occur.  The amount varies with the nature of the claim and the value of the claim.  A vehicle “write off” has a claims excess/deduction of 5% of vehicle value, with a standard accident claim having an excess of 10% of repairers invoice.  Theft of parts and/or accessories has an excess of 25% of claim amount, with windscreen/glass claims having a contribution of 33.3% (one-third) of claim amount. 

 

We can now offer an “Excess Buy-back” cover, whereby the “Private Car” rate would increase to 3.75% and then there is no excess for you to pay towards your claim.  If your vehicle is a “write-off” and the value is correct, the insurers pay 100% instead of 95%.  If your vehicle repair costs US$ 2 000.00, the insurers pay the full US$ 2 000.00 and not US$ 1 800.00, again taking all is correct with vehicle value etc.  Betterment in respect of tyres, battery, starter etc. will still apply.  Please also note that each member MUST HAVE some form of forex account as ALL “cash-in-Lieu” claims will be settled by bank transfer and NOT in cash.

 

Finally, we would suggest that until there is some stability within the “second hand vehicle market” and to help with premium payment, cover could be arranged on a four (4) months cover basis (i.e. a licence term period).  We can try to help confirm vehicle values; however we cannot guarantee the accuracy of these values unless the insurer’s assessor can inspect each and every vehicle.

 

1. DOMESTIC (HOUSE OWNERS AND HOUSEHOLDERS)

 

Again, the normal rate on offer is 0.16% for building of standard construction and 1.65% for contents within standard construction.  Thatch roofs attracted a rate increase of 200%. 

 

For your paid-up members, we can offer a buildings rate of 0.125% for standard construction and 1.125% for contents within standard construction.  Thatch roofs will attracted a rate increase of 200%.

 

Finally, you may find some members questioning our above rates and who will tell you that they can obtain motor rates for less.  Agreed, this is possible.  However, the rate of 3% is the minimum rate which the re-insurers accept and any rate lower can cause a problem if/when you ever claim.  We recommend against the cheapest premium, as this has resulted in un-paid claims and an insurer who lasted only one (1) year before closing down.

 

MARK W BAILEY   

 

 HUNT ADAMS & Associates (Private) Limited

1st Floor “Westgate House East”

Westgate    HARARE

PO Box 1322 HARARE

Tel:    335895    335903     335937    335938

          091 2 279100     091 2 101646 – 7 

Fax:   307777 

Cell phone:    091 2 237 059 

 

Please keep the information flowing in and remember our doors are always open.

 

See you at Congress!

 

 

COMMODITY UPDATE

 

 

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

 

After the AGM Conference in Troutbeck the NADF would like to sincerely thank the sponsors who helped to make the meeting such a success:

 

• Jupiter Insurance National Foods (Owen Nyoni) ZFC

• Fivet William Bain Vet Pharm

• Arundel Spar Nestle Cheeseman (Gary Davidson)

• Gouda Gold (Jenny Evans) Coopers Croplink (Roy Ormerod)

• DeLavel – Tim Hawgood Nestle Dendairy

• Kefalos Kershelmar Kingdom Bank

• Derek and Sandy Shaw Duly’s Barco Chemicals

• Icefeeds Viking Genetics Millborrow

• Mark Hook Vet Centre Colin Cloete

• Deon Erasmus

 

NADF THANKS YOU FOR YOUR LOYAL SUPPORT!

 

 

 

 

 

The Association wishes to announce the Office Bearers elected for the period 2009 to 2010 are as follows :

 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DAIRY FARMERS ANNOUNCEMENT OF OFFICE BEARERS 2009/2010
AREA	CHAIRPERSON	VICE CHAIRPERSON
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN	MR AJS KIRK	MR LOVEMORE MUGABE
CHIPINGE	MR JAAPIE KOTZE	MRS ELAINE LEACH
MUTARE	MR GARETH BARRY	MR JOHN STANGER
MASHONALAND A	MR ANT RETZLAFF	MR CHARLEY NYATANGA
MASHONALAND B	MR TOMMY MILLAR	TO BE ADVISED
MIDLANDS	MISS VENEKA BWERINOFA	MR EMANUEL ZIMBANDU
MATABELELAND	TO BE ADVISED	MR CRAIG FOLLWELL
NATIONAL MEMBER	MR LOVEMORE MUGABE	2ND YEAR OF 1ST TERM

 

NADF is planning to order Sugar Graze Seed and other forage varieties from South Africa. Should you wish to be included in this order, please e-mail Debbie Mylroie [email protected] at the NADF Offices, Commercial Farmers Union, Agriculture House. As soon as your order is placed, funds will need to be lodged with NADF to cover your order. Please note that all orders MUST be received by the end of July to ensure that seed is landed in Harare in good time for planting to coincide with the rainy season. PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED IN SOUTH AFRICAN RAND. The updated prices of the costs of seed are:

 

Last week the NADF Stabex team visited Gokwe, Umzingwane, Marirangwe and Guruve and introduced the Administrators to the Executive Committees of the centres. These meeting went well. In general the beneficiaries of the marketing and support programme have voiced that they are frustrated with the delay in the implementation of the projects. Mr Lighton Dube of the EU met representatives of the small scale farmers at the AGM Meeting and explained that patience is required as certain formalities need to be worked through and finalised before any action is seen. Please bear with us. Everything is on track and running as it should be.

 

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.

 

Black White, Red Dane and/or Brown Swiss dairy bulls are wanted for a project in the Mtoko area. If you are able to assist, please contact Jerome on 0913 244 946 or 0912 526 418

 

We have in stock and available at our offices at present :

Cattle Producers’ Association Beef Production Manual @ US$30,00 each

Animal Foods of Central Africa Technical Handbook @ US$5,00 each

Stock Registers @ US$1,00 each

Dairy Handbooks @ 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.

 

CATTLE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

 

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.

 

Cattle Prices

• Economy : US$1.05 per kg live

• Commercial : US$1.25 per kg live

• Feeder Steers : US$1.40 per kg live

• Weaner Steers : US$1,25 per kg live

 

 

 

CROPS (from the desk of Dr Clive Levy)

 

ZCPA Comprehensive Barley Insurance 2009

The Association has finalised an agreement with Heritage Insurance Company (Pvt.) Ltd. and National Breweries Ltd. (Natbrew), whereby barley growers contracted to Natbrew, will be able to insure their barley crops under a comprehensive policy. The policy will cover loss or damage to a growing crop and/or during defined storage, or transport to Natbrew caused by hail, fire, lightning, earthquake, explosion, riot and strike, subject to the specific exclusions. It will also provide cover for downgrading as a result of pre-germination caused by excessive moisture uptake. The cover shall apply to growing barley or harvested grain from the 1^st July 2009 until 30^th April 2010 for all loss or damage, except by hail damage, which expires on 30^th November 2009. A 1.5% premium on the commercial value of the crop will be charged for this insurance.

 

Full documentation, and further details, on this policy can be sought from Natbrew (Grace Sithole), who are kindly assisting with the administration of this scheme.

Trading Prices

 

Local 22 July 2009 (US$)

Commodity	GMB	Afrigrain	National Foods	Agrifoods	Staywell	Crop Link
White Maize	265	250-260	250	279	255	268
Yellow Maize	265	230-340	265	279	250	260
Soyabeans	280	350	280	300	300	320
Sorghum	150		260		275	220
Sunflower	250
Sunflower Cake						100
Groundnuts	300		850		800-1000	650
Wheat	320				420	430 (imported)
Wheat Bran	150					125

 

South African Foreign Exchange (SAFEX) 24 July 2009

Commodity	Rand/Tonne	US$/Tonne	Import Parity Rand/Tonne	Import Parity USD/Tonne
White Maize	1299	169	1949	253
Yellow Maize	1254	163	1904	247
Soyabeans	3214	417	3864	502
Sunflowers	2624	340	3292	427
Wheat	–	–	–	–
International Gulf
Commodity	USD/Tonne			Import Parity USD/Tonne
Wheat	238			388
Maize	158			308
Soyabeans	413			563

Source: South African Grain Information Service (SAGIS).

 

 

 

COMMENTS AND VIEWS

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