WINDHOEK – Winter is here and all NAU members are requested to take the necessary precautions against veld fires. Here are some tips to prevent fire, which equipment is needed and also actions during veld fires:
- stacks must be packed away from footpath’s, roads and railway lines
- the safest way to keep petrol and diesel is in underground tanks
- never keep fertilizer near or in fuel storing places
- make sufficient fire breaks
- discuss plans for fire breaks with the neighbours
- arrange for a joint firefighting system with the neighbours
- ensure that all firefighting equipment is in working condition
- keep simple maps of the farm which indicate the camps, water points and gates for distribution to all fire fighters
Equipment which is needed: two way radios, shovels, centrifugal pump with petrol, 200 liter drums, buckets for pumps which do not suck, wire pliers, wire, tube strips, suction pump to suck water from dam, knives and matches and drinking water, spotlight and torch, first aid kit and blankets.
Actions during fire:
- determine the location of the fire
- dial radio contact persons
- get the equipment ready to depart
- fire extinguishers move at the side together with the fire
- persons at the sides working with shovels must ensure that everything has been extinguished before proceeding
- don’t cut steel wire. Loosen and put wire down flat to drive over it or just pull out 2 iron poles
- spotlights for signs: Put on and off if you need help. Use also headlights of vehicles
If fire breaks are made, they must be made controlled and against the wind. After a strip of 30 – 40m fire break is made, it has to be extinguished again.
FA and other news
The Grootfontein kuierfees is held on June 27 & 28. Well known artists such as Kurt Darren, Pieter Koen, Ricus Nel and the group Adam will perform. N$300 000 can be won with the lottery. Further details will be available on the website www.kuierfees.com or from Yvonne de Jager, Tel 081 1270830, santatol@iway.na.
Ariamsvlei FA is hosting its winter festival on June 28. The day starts with a braai competition for adults, a sausage braai for pre-school children and a patty braai for primary school children. There will be chicken catching, kettieskiet, bokdrolspoeg, etc. During the day music will be supplied by Landi Blaauw of Keetmanshoop and in the evening she will perform with Die Broers. For further enquiries contact Tel 081 1474373 of 081 6242619.
The well-known Dr Martin Ferreira from South Africa is hosting the following farmers days under the theme “A healthy herd is a profitable herd”:
On July 1 at 14:00 at the Westelike Khomas FA. Further details from Wickus Esterhuizen, Tel 062 572315, 081 2417581.
On July 2 at 14:00 at the Hochfeld FA. For further details contact Hella Coetzee, Tel 062 518079, 081 1298387.
On July 3 at 14:00 at the Nina FA. For further details contact Kobus Human, Tel 081 1248173, human@afol.com.na.
Dordabis FA is holding a meeting on July 3 at 13:00 at the FA hall. Guest speakers are Ester Postma of Calculus Financial Services, Dr Rainer Hassel who will talk about rabies amongst Kudu’s and Dawid Krause of Feedmaster. For further details contact Christine Romeis, Tel 061 231230, cwromeis@iway.na.
The Keetmanshoop Private School is hosting a braai festival on July 4 at the school. Lamb/sheep chops, sausage, fish, etc will be barbequed and articles such as prize wines and game packets are auctioned. Christo and Cobus will play the music under the theme “Country”. Further details can be obtained from Tel 063 224206,dynsteel@iway.na.
The Koës Pan Rally will be held on July 4 & 5 at Koës. On July 4 a 150km off road race is held and on July 5 a mini rally, 1, 4 mile jump, dune climbing, etc. The prize giving will be held each evening at the Koës Hotel. For further details contact Rickus, Tel 081 1280126, rickus@iway.na or Hester, Tel 063 252642, plaashansa@iway.na.
Steinhausen FA is hosting a Meatco farmer’s day on July 12 at 08:00 at Farm Steinhausen. For further details contact Mayke Rumpf, Tel 062 561422, combumbi@iway.na or Morné du Plessis, Tel 081 2854065, ModuPlessis@meatco.com.na. For further details click here- http://www.agrinamibia.com.na/index.php?module=TimeIt&func=event&id=787
The Bonsmara breeders are hosting a farmer’s day on June 17 at 14:00 at the Agra auction pens at Otjiwarongo. A three-course dinner with a free of charge wine tasting with Schalk Burger Snr of Wellington is offered. Meal tickets are N$180 per person and are available from Hella Coetzee, Tel 062 518079.
Karibib FA is holding a meeting on July 26 at 16:00 at Farm Abbabis of H Gladis. For further details contact Mrs Gladis, Tel 061 248480, Doris.Gladis@elvey.co.za.
The Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association of Namibia is offering a two day beginner and junior judging course on July 29 & 30 at Farm Ongangasemba of Immo, Almut and Henner Wilkens and on Farm Bergweiher of Andre & Maxie Boehmcker. The course is offered by Martin Seyffardt and costs N$500 per person. Please register before July 15 with Maxi Boehmcker, Tel 081 2688939, 081 8947424, namibiasantagertrudis@gmail.com of moringa@iway.na.
Karasberge FA is hosting its annual Winter School on August 6 at 07:00 at the FA hall. Guest speakers are inter alia Pieter Hugo, Dawie Roodt, Gerrit van Zyl, Piet du Toit and Susan Coetzer. A Women’s program is also offered. For further details contact Amelia van Rooyen, Tel 063 280677, javan rooyen@iway.na or Retief von Wielligh, Tel 063 280801,retiefenrika@mtcmobile.com.
A breed promotion day is held on August 14 at 15:00 at the Agra/Bank Windhoek Ring, Windhoek Show Grounds by the Bonsmara Breeders Association. Speakers are Dr Joggie Briedenhann, Mr Johan Mouton of Molatek and Mr Martiens Aveling. The day is concluded with a Steak braai which cost N$50 per person. Please register at nambons@iway.na and further information can be obtained at the Breeders office, Tel 061 222753.
The Grootfontein Harvest Festival is held on August 16 at 10:00 at Farm Ghaub of Mr André Compion. Opening speaker is Mr Theo de Jager, vice president of AgriSA. Tiaan, the well-known cook of Kokkedore and Sarah Theron are also performing and music is made by Just Jack. For further details contact Willem Enslin, Tel 067 240084, 081 2305078 or Ms Phellazie Simon, Tel 067 242968, 081 12223308, willemiens@iway.na.
Leonardville FA is hosting a farmer’s day on August 23. André Havenga will make the music during the day and evening. Target shooting, various demonstrations, etc will be offered during the day. For any further enquiries contact 063 273336 / 062 581010 /0813132305.
The Outjo Kunene Regional Show will be held at Sophienhof from September 12 -13, 2014. For further details contact Danie, Tel 081 2557554 or Carina, Tel 081 1249011.
The slaughtering oxen competition is again held at the 2014 Windhoek Show and halter domesticated oxen can be entered at livestock@wssnam.org. Any commercial farmer can enter and the prize money is sponsored by Feedmaster. For further information contact Hennie Kruger, Tel 061 224748, simnamibia@gmail.com.