Company Announcement - Irrigation producers from the Koedoeskop area in Limpopo have made some 1 500 ha of maize crop residue available to the drought-ravaged North West through their farmers’ association. A project to gather the material from the fields and bale it is progressing well, but the transport and delivery are still a challenge. NWK, in collaboration with Agri NW, took the lead with the Koedoeskop drought aid project as part of their contribution to try and reduce the impact of the drought and to help ensure the sustainability of producers. Although 5 000 round bales will be available initially, there is great potential for obtaining more bales of mainly maize crop residue on these hectares.

Support was received from various agricultural input providers with the provision of tractors, raking and baling equipment, technical support, baling wire, safety clothing, insurance and the drafting of contracts for operators and assistants. Although two transport companies have each provided a truck, considerably more transport capacity is required. ‘We appeal to logistics companies, transport contractors and even the public to support this great effort by NWK, Agri NW and other role-players. Every contribution can help to mitigate the effect of the drought on the farming community and on food security,’ said Danie Marais, managing director of NWK. The feed deliveries and distribution will be coordinated by Agri NW’s structures. Chairpersons of local farmer associations are responsible for distribution to any producer in their area. Individual producers who require feed are therefore requested to liaise with their local farmers’ association, who will pass on the request to Agri NW.

According to Naude Pienaar, assistant general manager at Agri NW, the material in the fields must be cut, raked and baled. Cash donations are required to cover, for example, the fuel and operating costs. Cash contributions can be made to: Agri NW Rampfonds, ABSA cheque account no. 990 142 955; branch code: 334 239.

Enquiries on the Koedoeskop drought aid project can be addressed to Naude Pienaar at 082 776 8283, or you can leave a message at Agri NW’s head office at 018 632 3612, or send an email to marlize@agrinw.co.za