Tema:
Oestyd
AGRICULTURAL
Tips for Autumn and
Early Winter 2019
Late rain this season and late planting, will result in a late harvesting. The first frost,
which usually occurs from around 5 April, could already have occurred in certain places.
By Petrus van Staden
Senwes Senior Agronomist and
Boet van Zyl
Senwes Senior Agricultural
Economist
T
WHEAT
he rain needed for summer
planting came relatively late
and certain districts could
not plant summer crops. The
good rain which occurred from mid-Jan-
uary, improved soil water content to the
extent that the soil profile is water-filled.
All these factors result in producers look-
ing differently at wheat for the winter.
Should own seed be retained for wheat
planting, it is important to afford special
attention to the factors which ensure
good plant density. Seed must be sifted,
followed by a seed treatment. Take the
preliminary tillage and management pro-
gramme with safety periods into account.
Planter technology must be at an optimum
level.
COVER CROPS
Should it have been possible to plant
maize or sunflower at a late stage, the
normal quantity of plant residue should
be available as protection against wind
erosion. If not, the planting of wheat as a
10
SENWES SCENARIO | AUTUMN 2019
cash crop and/or cover crops for feed or
prevention of wind erosion, are strongly
recommended. Available technology
offers a range of crops, cultivars and
mixes, which can be used for specific
purposes, for example:
• To prevent wind erosion - choose a
cultivar which is a fast and tall grower.
It should be sprayed at the height of 50
cm.
• As source of winter feed for cattle or
sheep. Enough material can be left to
prevent wind erosion should effective
management practices be applied.
• In a rotation system it is part of con-
servation agriculture. The long-term
advantages for soil health should be
utilised. It has a regenerative effect in
the soil which could buffer physiolog-
ical stress resulting from fluctuating
climate conditions.
CATTLE
The relatively late rain could result in a
difficult winter, even for extensive cattle
farmers, and the following should be
attended to.
• Provide a good protein lick as soon as
the first frost occurs.
• Water troughs should always be clean,
particularly when crop residue is uti-
lised. The grain in the water creates a
fermentation process, which results in
an unpleasant taste.
• Should winter grazing be problematic
as far as volume is concerned, get
rid of old and surplus cattle timeous-
ly. A few rand less at this stage is
worth more than a hide in September/
October. Manage your cash flow and
take care of your core herd.
• Sell all young and growing animals if
you are already experiencing a feed
problem and should there be no feed
reserves for the winter.
• Should crop residue be used as graz-
ing, use the time to do maintenance to
fences and water supply points.
FOR THE MAIZE FARMER WITH A
CATTLE COMPONENT:
The season is characterised by late
planting and the occurrence of hail.
Maize which was damaged by hail or the
occurrence of frost before having reached
physiological maturity, can be utilised by
cutting it for silage purposes or by being
used as grazing. Take the directions for
the handling and utilisation of such plant
material into account to ensure success.
Should it not be possible to use it in an
own cattle component, it could be sold.