Van Stadensrus Farmers Union Chairperson, Boet Wilken, says the area has been getting drier and drier over the last few years.

“From 2012 to 2015 the rainfall has dropped from 487mm to 276mm this past year. So this drought has been coming for the last four years.”

* Boet Wilken - rainfall

He says this has had an impact on the average weaning weight and has also resulted in lower conception rates among cattle. Wilken says the huge veld fires in the area have also contributed towards leaving farmers destitute.

Wilken says they have received a donation of 488 rye grass bales from Tsitsikamma, but says farmers’ funds have been so depleted they can’t afford to transport the bales.

“Because it has been going so badly the last four years, farmers do not have any reserves left to pay for transport. We will appreciate any, any help to get the bales here to the where the farmers need them. They can contact me on my cell phone number, 083-444-1447, then we can speak about it.”

* Boet Wilken - transport

Meanwhile, the Red Meat Producers Organisation is also appealing for donations and assistance to get feed to where it is needed.

Provincial RPO Chairperson, Neels de Villiers, says it appears as if the funds allocated for drought aid by Government will only be sued to assist emerging farmers.

“From the RPO’s side, we would like to be able to contribute towards subsidising transport to get the feed here, but unfortunately our funding is of such a nature that it just isn’t possible.

“I am therefore appealing to the public - if there is anyone who can give any donations to help get the feed to where it is needed, please contact our secretary, Carine Annandale, on 079-529-5000.”

* Neels de Villiers - appeal

He says their database comprises of more than 3 200 red meat farmers across the province.


Sabrina Dean/OFM News