A little more than a decade ago, most broiler producers were dependent on modified mainstream machines to collect mature broilers out of poultry houses. Not being specifically designed for the job, these machines were not very efficient. “They always left me with this feeling that there had to be a better way of doing things,” says Bruce Kleynhans, who has been involved in the poultry industry for over 30 years and is the managing director of Cedarvest.
Kleynhans’s search for a solution ended when he met Sam Moffett at the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, US. Moffett turned out to be the son of Robert Moffett, who developed the first truck-mounted forklift, and later co-founded Combilift with Martin McVicar.
Combilift exhibited the Combi Rough Terrain (RT) forklift at the Expo, which Moffett informed Kleynhans was designed in 2011 to meet the demands of poultry producers in the UK. Kleynhans immediately recognised the potential of the forklift, resulting in Cedarvest becoming the sole distributor of the Combi-RT in Southern Africa and importing their first Combi-RTs in 2013.
THE BROILER EXPERIENCE
Kleynhans says today almost every broiler producer who uses a modular system to collect birds – which is almost all the commercial producers in the country – has a Combi-RT in their catching operations.
He points out that Astral was one of the first clients and now has around 17 Combi-RTs. Before the Combi-RT, producers either used a Moffett forklift, designed to be a light truck-mounted forklift for deliveries, or a Bell forklift, designed for use in the forestry industry to haul the live birds.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.