Creative slogans such as ‘Save a liter for later’, ‘Make every drop count’ and ‘Water is life’ were commonplace. This campaign, however, was short-lived.
The current drought in South Africa necessitates a renewed effort that will once again teach South Africans to better manage their water affairs. Many people have yet to realize that a water crisis is looming.
The media often cites that 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water. This is comprised of 97% salt water and 3% fresh water. Of the 3%, less than 1% is suitable for life on earth. The rest is captured in icebergs in the poles, and cannot be used for human consumption or agriculture.
Severe water crisis
According to a study conducted by the former Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, South Africa could be plunged into a serious water crisis by 2030. This date is not that far off, and drought-stricken farmers are already getting a taste of what it means when water is not properly managed.
Fanie de Lange, a lecturer in geohydrology at the University of the Free State’s Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS), is involved in research on the detection, determination of sustainability and management of groundwater systems. According to him, the agricultural community recognizes the value of good groundwater resource management, but too many old-fashioned methods are still employed to manage these resources properly and to maximize their lifespan.
Managing water resources
He feels producers should consider the bigger picture when sinking new boreholes or managing their existing resources.
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Esta historia es de la edición January 2020 de Stockfarm.
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Shongololo Boer Goat Stud: Only The Best Will Do
South African Boer goats have proven popular worldwide for their ability to improve indigenous goat breeds. In addition, Covid-19 restrictions necessitated the establishment of electronic auctions, making it easier for foreigners to acquire outstanding genetic material exported by agents via established channels.
Feed Additives: A Veterinary Perspective
In an already volatile environment, dairy profit margins vary as milk prices and feed costs shift annually. Feed costs represent the largest input cost (an estimated 35 to 70% of the variable cost) in the production of milk. As a group of feed ingredients, feed additives can cause a desired physiological response in a non-nutrient way, such as pH shift, growth or metabolic modifier, and will usually be cost-beneficial.
Guard Against Lumpy Skin Disease
Most parts of the country received good rains during the rain season and producers are generally very optimistic. Wet seasons unfortunately come with their own set of challenges and veterinarians have cautioned livestock producers to keep an eye out for elevated biting insect loads, which may lead to conditions such as lumpy skin disease (LSD).
Climate-Related Hazards: How Smallholders Can Mitigate Its Consequences
Rainfed crop production remains the main source of food security and livelihoods for rural communities in South Africa but presents the challenge of climate variability due to its high dependence on weather variables such as rainfall and temperature.
Tips for a successful AI programme
The success of an artificial insemination (AI) programme depends on several factors that are largely within the control of the producer. It is interesting that those producers who take a hands-on approach to their cattle and inspect them regularly are also the ones who achieve the greatest success. Before his passing, Stockfarm spoke to Koot Louw, a well-known reproduction technologist from Brandfort in the Free State, about his insights into and advice regarding the AI process.
Pay Attention To Orf In Your Flocks
Some of our readers may have treated or heard of sheep or goats that have been infected with orf (vuilbek).
Sanele Mbele: Where Passion And Skill Meet
Passion for farming runs strong in the Mbele family’s veins. Sanele Mbele, from the farm Rietspruit in the De Jagersdrift area near Dundee, has inherited this passion in huge dollops.
Land Reform: Case Studies In Kwazulu-Natal
Land reform in South Africa is complex. Land reform solutions are equally complex and within partnership and development models, this is no different – but there is hope. KwaZulu-Natal has several types of partnership models and the wide variation in farming systems, as well as their different needs, set each model up for different strengths and weaknesses.
Brahman Breeders In Limpopo Have A Winning Plan
Several breeders from the Bosveld Brahman Club in Limpopo are applying genetic excellence and genotypic correctness to stimulate the demand for their bulls. At several of the last auctions, the minimum standard of bulls was raised to achieve this goal.
A Brahman Dream Comes True
For as long as he can remember, JP Mlangeni wanted to be a farmer. It might have taken a few years, from being a teacher and later a businessman, but his dream finally took shape and today he runs a fully-fledged breeding and commercial Brahman farming enterprise in Mpumalanga.
