OPDT   OIL & PROTEIN SEEDS DEVELOPMENT TRUST
OAC   OILSEEDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

OPDT
OIL & PROTEIN SEEDS DEVELOPMENT TRUST

OAC
OILSEEDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE


Work Group Minutes

Soybean work group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum (SSF)
joint meeting held on 5 March 2013 at 10:00, at the offices of the Protein Research Foundation, 49 River Road, Woodmead

  1. Opening

    The meeting was opened by a prayer, offered by Mr Gerhard Keun.

  2. Welcome

    The Chairperson, Mr GJH Scholtemeijer, welcomed all to the meeting, with a special word of welcome to Mr Jan du Preez.

  3. Attendance

    Present

    Mr GJH Scholtemeijer Chairperson
    Mr D Boshoff AFMA
    Mr J Botma Producer: Free State
    Dr E Briedenhann PRF
    Mr W Cronjé OAC
    Ms AS de Beer ARC-GCI
    Dr J de Kock PRF
    Mr CJ du Plessis Producer: KwaZulu-Natal
    Dr L du Plessis PRF Consultant
    Mr J du Preez PRF Consultant
    Mr W Engelbrecht K2Agri
    Mr C Havenga PRF Contractor
    Mr NJ Hawkins SAGIS
    Mr G Keun Chief Executive Officer
    Mr ID Lamprecht Dept Agric Mpumalanga
    Ms W Louw SAGL
    Ms DB Marabe DAFF
    Dr A Nel ARC-GCI
    Mr FAS Potgieter PRF
    Mr T Prinsloo ARC-GCI
    Ms M Scheepers DAFF
    Dr G Thompson ARC-GCI
    Ms J Tshupe OAC
    Dr W van der Walt OAC
    Mr W van Wyk PRF Contractor
    Mr APG van Zyl Producer: Orange River Scheme
    Dr Z Ybema NWK
    Ms E Harmse OPDT / PRF Contractor

    Apologies

    Mr G de Beer PRF
    Dr J Dreyer PRF
    Mr M Janse van Rensburg Dept Agric Mpumalanga
    Mr R Kuschke Kleinkaroosaad
    Dr S Lamprecht ARC-IPP
    Mr C Louw GrainSA
    Ms L Mellet NAMC
    Mr G Roos Producer: Mpumalanga
    Ms T Rudman SANCU
    Ms JM Truter ARC-GCI
    Dr P van Twisk PVT Consultants
    Mr L Verhoef Agratech Trade
  4. Personalia

    A message of condolence was conveyed to Mr de Beer, on the death of his father. Messrs Engelbrecht and Scholtemeijer were congratulated on their being elected to serve on the Continuing Committee of the World Soybean Research Conference X.

  5. Confirmation of agenda

    The agenda was accepted as it stood, with the addition of:

    • Agenda item 10.1.7 – Grading of soybeans; and
    • Agenda item 10.2.3 – Grading of sunflower
  6. Approval of minutes

    1. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 31 January 2013 and referral to webpage

      Resolved:

      1. That the minutes of the joint meeting of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum, that was held on 31 January 2013, be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting.
      2. That the minutes of the joint meeting of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum, that was held on 31 January 2013, be referred to the website of the Protein Research Foundation, for publication.
  7. General overview

    1. Crop estimates

      The Chairperson tabled the documents reflecting the preliminary area planted estimate for summer crops for 2013 and the first production forecast of summer crops for 2013, as well as the summary document that had been prepared for the meeting, and called on Ms Scheepers to comment.

      Ms Scheepers said according to the first production estimate, an area of 515 000 hectares had been planted to soybeans, with a production forecast of 914 350 tons, which would be the highest soybean production figure that had been recorded locally, and represented a 41% increase on the previous season's production figure of 650 000 tons. She noted that soybean production had, for the second consecutive season, eclipsed that of sunflower.

      Ms Scheepers reported that soybean hectares had increased by 23% in the Free State, while production was expected to increase by 68% against the previous season. She said soybean hectares in Mpumalanga had in-creased by 2,5%, and that production was expected to show a 40% increase above that of the previous season. She added that soybean production in the North West Province was also expected to increase by 40%.

      Ms Scheepers mentioned that the production forecast of 914 350 tons was 272 350 tons, or 42%, more than the previous three-year average crop of 642 000 tons, 369 550 tons, or 68%, more than the previous five-year average crop of 544 800 tons, and 516 148 tons, or 130%, more than the previous ten-year average crop of 398 202 tons.

      Ms Scheepers reported that the largest soybean crop, viz. 369 000 tons, was expected in Mpumalanga, followed by the Free State with 322 500 tons, KwaZulu-Natal with 81 600 tons, Limpopo with 55 000 tons, and North West, with 44 000 tons. The remainder of the crop, viz. 42 250 tons, would be produced in the other provinces. She said an average crop of 1,78 ton/ha was forecast, which was 29% higher than the previous season's average crop of 1,38 ton/ha. She also presented a graphic overview of the historic soybean area and production scenarios in Mpuma-langa, the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, for the period 1988 to 2013.

      The Chairperson raised the matter of soybean production in the Orange River Scheme area, and asked whether that area was considered to be part of the Free State, or whether it was considered to be part of the Northern Cape, for production estimate purposes. Mr Hawkins noted that the silo where the soybeans were delivered would ultimately be the deciding factor. He said the Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) could consider differentiating between irrigation and dryland soybean production, as was the case with maize and wheat.

      Ms Scheepers said according to the latest production estimate for 2013, the area planted to sunflower seed was estimated at 504 500 hectares, while production was estimated at 624 210 tons. She noted that sunflower hectares had increased by 16% in the Free State, while production was expected to increase by 25% against the previous season. She said sunflower hectares in North West had increased by 17%, and that production was also expected to show a 17% increase above that of the previous season. She added that soybean production in Limpopo Province was expected to increase by 16%.

      Ms Scheepers reported that the sunflower production forecast of 624 210 tons represented a 20% increase on the previous season's production figure of 522 000 tons. She mentioned that this production forecast was 210 tons, or 0,3%, more than the previous three-year average crop of 624 000 tons, 84 790 tons, or 12%, less than the previous five-year average crop of 709 000 tons, and 3 351 tons, or 0,5%, less than the previous ten-year average crop of 627 561 tons. She said an average crop of 1,24 ton/ha was forecast, which was 8% higher than the previous season's average crop of 1,15 ton/ha.

      Ms Scheepers presented a graphic overview of the historic sunflower area and production scenarios in the Free State, North West and Limpopo for the period 1988 to 2013.

      Dr Nel said the fact that sunflower yields had increased over time could be ascribed to improved production practices rather than improved cultivars. Dr Briedenhann noted that there was still a significant appetite for sunflower, and that more sunflowers would hopefully be produced locally in future. Mr Botma noted that sunflower production was more suited to semi-arid conditions rather than semi-wet conditions.

      Mr Keun reported that Sclerotinia and emergence issues had been identified as the most significant problems in local sunflower production, during a recent meeting of the important role players in the sunflower industry. Dr Nel said problems with emergence could be ascribed to an inherent feature of sunflowers, in that the physiology of the sunflower plant resulted in it more readily adapting to cool rather than high temperature soils. Dr van der Walt raised the possibility that producers were planting sunflowers at a less than ideal time, with more attention probably given to maize and soybeans.

      The Chairperson reported that the oilseeds industry had provided funding for a sunflower value chain study, as there was some concern about the current situation in the local sunflower industry. Dr Briedenhann confirmed that the amount of sunflower oilcake that the local animal feed industry could absorb would give an indication of the demand for domestic sunflower production.

      The Chairperson thanked Ms Scheepers for the input she had provided.

    2. SAGIS

      Mr Hawkins presented an overview of the local and international supply and demand situation of soybeans and sunflowers, and of the situation with regard to the CEC estimates and SAGIS deliveries. He also provided information on sunflower and soybean imports and exports, consumption, stocks and local and international prices. Cognisance was taken that the data could also be accessed at the website address www.sagis.org.za.

      Dr Briedenhann asked whether the import parity price of South American soybeans could be indicated in the SAGIS data, rather than that of United States (US) soybeans, as US soybeans were probably the most expensive soybeans in the world.

      Cognisance was taken of the SAGIS Monthly Bulletin dated 24 January 2013, and the SAGIS Weekly Bulletin dated 14 February 2013.

      Noted:

      1. That cognisance be taken of the oilseeds industry's request that the import parity price of South American soybeans be indicated in the SAGIS data, rather than that of US soybeans.

        Mr Hawkins
        Members

    3. Targets – 2020

      The Chairperson suggested that the target of an average yield of 2,5 ton soybeans per hectare on one million hectares by 2020 remain unchanged. He said it would be quite difficult to set a target for local sunflower production by 2020.

    4. Weather forecast

      Mr Botma reported on the expected weather situation during the coming months. Cognisance was taken that very little rain was expected in the summer rainfall production area during March.

      The Chairperson suggested that an expert on climate change be invited to a future meeting of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum. Mr Hawkins mentioned the name of Dr Blignaut, of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), as a possible speaker on the topic (see Resolution 13.3.1).

    5. Sunflower information

      (Resolution 7.7.1 of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 31 January 2013)

      The Chairperson said the Oilseeds Advisory Committee had approached the ARC-GCI with the view to publishing information on the local sunflower industry on a regular basis. Dr Thompson reported that the ARC-GCI had discussed the matter, and had come to the conclusion that GrainSA would be the better body to coordinate such an initiative.

      Mr Keun reported that GrainSA had indicated that they would publish articles on sunflower production in their monthly publication SAGrain. He said the Research Priority Committee of the oilseeds industry had, however, decided to regularly publish production information on sunflower, soybeans and groundnuts, and had contracted Mr Jan du Preez to compile the necessary information. He noted that GrainSA would be approached with the view to disseminating the information to as wide an audience as possible.

      Dr Briedenhann said it was important that the information be compiled by an independent body. The Chairperson agreed that this was an important aspect. He said the publication would convey the same type of information as the American National Sunflower Association's Sunflower Week in Review.

      Mr Keun said the information would be published during the production season, and added that publication periodicity had yet to be determined. He noted that other matters could also be covered, such as regulatory issues and interesting snippets from the world of research. Mr Botma mentioned that information on international trends, such as a demand for a certain type of oil, would also be useful.

      Mr Potgieter mentioned that GrainSA published information on the current production status of certain crops. The Chairperson said as far as he was concerned, that information was mainly focussed on maize production.

      Noted:

      1. That cognisance be taken of the oilseeds industry's initiative to regularly publish information related to sunflower, soybean and groundnut production.

        Mr Keun
        Members

  8. Market information

    1. Local and international soybean prices

      Dr Briedenhann reported that high protein soybean meal out of Argentina landed Durban was currently trading at approximately ZAR5 380 per ton, at an exchange rate of ZAR9,08 to the US$. He said the price delivered to the Reef amounted to ZAR5 688, and to ZAR6 256, after conversion to 110% full fat soybeans. He noted that the derived producer price would therefore be ZAR5 098. He said the March price on SAFEX was currently trading at ZAR4 720, while the May SAFEX price was trading at ZAR4 790.

      Dr Briedenhann said the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had revised the Brazilian crop upwards by one million ton to 83,5 million tons, and the Argentinian crop downwards, also by a million ton, to 53 million tons. He mentioned that weather conditions in South America were looking fairly positive, particularly in Argentina. He noted that there was a very strong demand for export sales, with the US stock situation looking extremely tight. He reported that Brazilian logistics were still considered to be very problematic, which kept prices quite firm.

      Dr Briedenhann said data on the American producers' intentions to plant, that will be released on 28 March, would have a major effect on soybean prices, and would be a valuable indicator of market direction. He added that the buoyant financial markets have also lent some support to grain and oilseed prices.

      Dr Briedenhann noted that there was some uncertainty as to exactly when the additional domestic crushing capacity would be coming on stream. He said the domestic market would, in his opinion, stay under pressure during the transition period, with the RussellStone plant in Bronkhorstspruit coming on line in July, instead of April, as planned, and the Noble plant in Standerton also coming on line later than planned. He added that this would take a big bite out of the demand for the current season. He said an important factor would also be the animal feed industry's willingness to change over from imported Argentinian soybean meal to the local product. He added that it was for this reason that he thought that domestic beans would trade close to export parity during the entire season, until those challenges had been overcome, and that there would be a robust demand during the following season, where an import parity price scenario could be possible.

    2. Local and international sunflower prices

      Dr Briedenhann reported that the credit crunch had resulted in a decrease in the demand for sunflower oil. Dr du Plessis said according to Dr van Twisk, a number of producers of savoury snacks had recently closed down, due to the high prices of oil and maize.

  9. Producer matters

    1. Soybeans

      1. KwaZulu-Natal

        1. General

          Mr du Plessis reported that certain areas in Kwazulu-Natal had suffered from extensive hail damage, but added that the crops overall were looking good. He confirmed that the area planted to soybeans had not shown an increase on that of the previous season. He said as far as he was concerned, soybean hectarage had reached saturation point in that province, and that the focus would now have to be moved to increase a tonnage per hectare.

          Cognisance was taken that 32 000 hectares had been planted to soybeans in KwaZulu-Natal, with a production figure of 81 600 tons, as per the CEC's first production forecast.

          Mr du Plessis noted that Sclerotinia infection had been reported for the first time in certain production areas, and that there have been reports of extensive damage in some instances.

        2. Soybean Yield Competition

          Mr Du Plessis reported that the Soybean Yield Competition was progressing according to plan.

      2. Mpumalanga and Gauteng

        1. General

          (Resolution 9.1.2.1.1 of the minutes of the meeting of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum of 31 January 2013)

          Mr Lamprecht reported that drought had caused some damage to the crops during the last two weeks or so. He said he was satisfied with the CEC's first production estimate of 205 000 hectares and their production estimate of 369 000 tons.

          Mr Keun said according to Mr Roos, the drought would impact negatively on yields, with Sclerotinia occurring in places.

          Mr van Wyk reported that some producers had already started harvesting, and that average yields of approximately 3 tons per hectare were being recorded. He confirmed that Sclerotinia infection had occurred widely on the Highveld, with the heat and drought causing damage to the longer season growers in particular. He said most of the producers had, however, planted shorter season growers, and that the soybean crops were looking very good.

          Cognisance was taken that feedback would be provided at the next meeting on the fertiliser trials at Mr Roos's farm.

          Noted:

          1. That feedback would be provided at the next meeting on the fertiliser trials at Mr Roos's farm.

            Mr Roos
            Dr de Kock
            Joint Meeting

      3. North West and Limpopo Province

        1. General

          Cognisance was taken that 22 000 hectares had been planted to soybeans in North West, with an expected production of 44 000 tons; and that 20 000 hectares had been planted to soybeans in Limpopo, with an expected production of 55 000 tons, according to the first production forecast.

          Mr Potgieter reported that the late first rains in North West had curtailed soybean plantings during the current season, and that the soybeans that had been planted were not doing particularly well. He mentioned that the soybeans in the irrigation areas were, however, looking very good.

          Mr Potgieter confirmed that charcoal rot had occurred on soybeans in Brits. He said very little insect damage had been noted. Mr van Wyk reported that grey black blister beetles had caused some damage to soybean plantings, and added that the insects seemed to show a preference for certain cultivars.

      4. Free State

        1. General

          Mr Botma noted that the CEC seemed to be on target with the estimated 215 000 hectares planted to soybeans in the Free State. He said the drought in the Northern Free State could very well impact negatively on the average yield per hectare, particularly where soybeans had been planted at a later stage.

      5. Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and South Western Districts

        1. General

          Mr van Zyl said he agreed with the CEC's estimated area planted to soybeans in the Northern Cape. He said he doubted whether all of the producers in that area would realise maximum yields, as there had been some hail damage.

      6. General

        No general matters reported on.

    2. Sunflowers

      1. KwaZulu-Natal, Western and Eastern Cape

        Cognisance was taken that no sunflowers had been planted in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western and Eastern Cape during the 2013 production season.

      2. Mpumalanga and Gauteng

        Cognisance was taken that 6 600 hectares had been planted to sunflower in Mpumalanga in the 2013 production season, with an expected crop of 10 890 tons, as opposed to the 10 000 hectares that had been planted during the 2012 production season, and the final crop of 13 500 tons.

        Cognisance was also taken that 3 900 hectares had been planted to sunflower in Gauteng in the 2013 production season, with an expected crop of 5 070 tons, as opposed to the 3 000 hectares that had been planted during the 2012 production season, and the final crop of 3 900 tons.

      3. North West and Limpopo

        Cognisance was taken that 175 000 hectares sunflower had been planted in North West, and 99 000 hectares in Limpopo.

        Mr Hawkins noted that slightly better than average sunflower crops could possibly be produced in the Springbok Flats during 2013, due to the good rains that had fallen in that area. Mr Potgieter said it seemed as if sorghum production was on the increase in the Springbok Flats area.

        Mr Potgieter reported that emergence problems had been experienced in the North West, that had resulted in some producers having to replant. He said the drought in that area had also impacted on the sunflower crops. He noted that sunflower had been planted late in the season in the Dwaalboom area, and added that the crops were not performing well at all.

      4. Free State

        Cognisance was taken that 220 000 hectares had been planted to sunflower in the Free State, and that the CEC's first production estimate for that area was 308 000 tons.

      5. General

        The Chairperson suggested that a representative of GrainSA and some sunflower producers be invited to future meetings, to provide input on sunflower production conditions and challenges.

        Resolved:

        1. That a representative of GrainSA and some sunflower producers be invited to future meetings, so as to provide input on sunflower production conditions and challenges.

          Mr Keun,
          Joint Meeting

  10. Research

    1. Soybeans

      1. National cultivar trials 2012-2013

        Ms de Beer reported on progress achieved thus far with the national soybean cultivar trials during the current season. She said only the trial at Kinross had to be written off, due to damage caused by Roundup.

        Ms de Beer reported that the trials were progressing satisfactorily, although the drought had caused some damage, especially in the Marquard area. She said harvesting would commence earlier than expected, due to the heat and drought.

        Ms de Beer said information days would be presented at Groblersdal, Koedoeskop, Potchefstroom and Stoffberg.

        Mr Keun reported that the ARC-GCI had indicated that they would submit a revised project application and budget, that would include soybean cultivar evaluation trials in the western production areas.

      2. Rust

        1. Rust trap crops

          Cognisance was taken that rust infection had been detected on 16 January at the Pannar research farm in Greytown, on the vegetable soybeans at Cedara on 8 February, and at Vryheid, on 9 February.

      3. Sclerotinia

        1. Sclerotinia 2012-2013 production season

          Dr de Kock called on all producers to participate in the CEC's annual Sclerotinia survey.

          Mr van Wyk reported that Sclerotinia infection had been detected in the Highveld production area on 4 January. He said Sclerotinia had not yet been detected on the trials at Kinross, and added that he did not expect infection to occur during the current period of high temperatures. He noted that producers had taken cognisance that short season growers were more likely to evade Sclerotinia infection.

          Mr Engelbrecht noted that soybeans were only susceptible to Sclerotinia infection in the event of moist or damp conditions during the reproductive stage. He confirmed that certain cultivars were more susceptible to Sclerotinia infection than others.

          Dr de Kock mentioned that the July meeting of the Soybean Work Group would include a scientific and technical discussion on Sclerotinia.

          Mr Keun confirmed that the proceedings of the National Sclerotinia Initiative meeting, that was held in Minneapolis during January 2013, would be made available to the members in due course.

          Noted:

          1. That the proceedings of the National Sclerotinia Initiative meeting, that was held in Minneapolis during January 2013, would be made available to the members in due course.

            Mr Keun
            Joint Meeting

      4. Rhizobium – Feedback


        (Resolutions 10.1.5.1 and 10.1.5.2 of the minutes of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 31 January 2013)

        Cognisance was taken that Dr Hassen had not yet submitted a report on the project "Why does inoculation of soybeans sometimes fail? A survey of the quality of locally produced inoculants, their use and possible remediation".

        Mr Keun reported that field trials with certain inoculants were being planned by GrainSA.

        Noted:

        1. That Dr Hassen's report on the project "Why does inoculation of soybeans sometimes fail? A survey of the quality of locally produced inoculants, their use and possible remediation" was being awaited.

          Mr Keun
          Joint Meeting

        2. That feedback was being awaited on GrainSA's planned field trials with certain inoculants.

          Mr Louw
          Joint Meeting

      5. Biofuels

        Dr Briedenhann reported that the biofuels plants in Bothaville and Cradock were currently in a developmental phase. He confirmed that sorghum grain would be used as the feedstock.

      6. Topics for web searches

        The Chairperson invited the members to submit topics for web searches.

      7. Grading regulations for soybeans

        Dr Ybema reported that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) had proposed that soybeans be graded on a clean basis, with foreign objects and Sclerotinia-infected beans being subtracted from the mass weight. He said this could be a good time to scrutinise the current grading regulations, with the view to identifying other matters that needed to be addressed.

        The Chairperson suggested that Dr Ybema submit his proposed amendments to the regulations to Mr Keun, for circulation amongst and comments by the members.

        Noted:

        1. That cognisance be taken that proposals with regard to possible amendments to the current soybean grading regulations would be circulated to the members, for comment.

          Dr Ybema
          Mr Keun
          Joint Meeting

    2. Sunflower

      1. Sclerotinia survey

        Dr de Kock called on all producers to participate in the CEC's annual Sclerotinia survey.

      2. Sunflower value chain study

        The Chairperson confirmed that the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) had been requested to do a study on the sunflower value chain.

      3. Sunflower grading regulations

        Dr Ybema confirmed that the sunflower grading regulations would also be scrutinised.

        Noted:

        1. That cognisance be taken that proposals with regard to possible amendments to the current sunflower grading regulations would be circulated to the members, for comment.

          Dr Ybema
          Mr Keun
          Joint Meeting

  11. Saad

    1. Soybeans


      (Resolution 13.3.1 of the minutes of the meeting of the Soybean Work group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 31 January 2013)

      Dr de Kock said the issue with regard to seed multiplication will be discussed at the next meeting of the Technology Committee. He noted that the matter of seed adaptability had been raised, after reports that soybean plantings with seed retained from newly-bought seed, that had been planted during the previous year, outperformed soybean plantings with new seed.

      Dr de Kock said in his view a survey should be done of all the relevant trials that had already been done in the past. He added that it may be considered necessary to do an objective trial.

      Mr Engelbrecht reported that a paper on relevant research findings had been delivered at the World Soybean Research Congress IX, held in Durban at the end of February. The Chairperson said the abstract would be included with the documentation of the next meeting.

      Resolved:

      1. That cognisance be taken that the issue of seed multiplication will be discussed at the next meeting of the Technology Committee. This resolution had been passed after the matter of seed adaptability had been raised, following on reports that soybean plantings with seed retained from newly-bought seed, that had been planted during the previous year, outperformed that of soybean plantings with new seed.

        Dr de Kock
        Joint Meeting
        Technology Committee

      2. That cognisance be taken that an abstract of the paper on the performance of retained seeds versus new seeds, that had been delivered at the World Soybean Research Congress IX, would be included with the documentation of the next meeting.

        Mr Keun
        Joint Meeting
        Technology Committee

    2. Sunflower

      The Chairperson proposed that representatives from sunflower seed companies be invited to the meetings in future.

      Resolved:

      1. That representatives from sunflower seed companies would be invited to future meetings of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum.

        Mr Keun
        Joint Meeting

  12. Technology transfer

    1. Information Days 2013: Dates, feedback and promotion

      Cognisance was taken of the following dates:

      12 March 2013 Information day, Koedoeskop (Obaro)
      14 March 2013 Information day, Stoffberg
      14 March 2013 ARC-GCI Information day, Potchefstroom
      14-17 May 2013 Nampo Harvest Day
      2 August 2013 BFAP baseline report, Cape Town
      6 August 2013 BFAP baseline report, Pretoria
      3-5 September 2013 "No-Till" Conference, KwaZulu-Natal
  13. Additional matters

    1. Items for publication on the PRF and oilseeds industries' websites – news snippets and colour photographs

      The Chairperson urged the members to submit news items and colour photographs for publication on the websites of the PRF and the oilseeds industry.

    2. Articles

      (Resolutions 19.2, 19.3 and 24.1 of the minutes of the PRF Board meeting held on 24 and 25 January 2013)

      The Chairperson ruled that the Board resolutions referred to above be held in abeyance. Cognisance was taken of the articles included as part of Annexure H.

      Noted:

      1. That Prof Laing and Dr Caldwell's article on the application of strobilurins and triazoles be distributed to the relevant work groups.

        Mr Keun
        Joint Meeting

      2. That the articles "Syngenta secures EU approval for next generation fungicide" and "Farmers report high yields with Pioneer® brand soybeans from DuPont" be circulated amongst the members of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum.

        Mr Keun
        Joint Meeting

      3. That the article "Advance planning required with soybeans in crop rotation" be referred to the relevant work groups.

        Mr Keun
        Joint Meeting

    3. Speakers at forthcoming meetings

      (Resolution 13.3.2 of the minutes of the meeting of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 31 January 2013)

      Cognisance was taken of the list of possible speakers at forthcoming meetings.

      Resolution:

      1. That cognisance be taken of the list of possible speakers at future meetings:
        • Ms Truter, entomologist at the ARC-GCI and Dr Annemie Erasmus;
        • Prof Johnnie van den Berg;
        • Prof KJ Kunert;
        • Mr Antonie Delport, Syngenta;
        • Dr Johan van Biljon, Farmsecure; and
        • Dr Blignaut, CSIR.

        Dr de Kock
        Joint Meeting

    4. Sunflower Week in Review

      Cognisance was taken of the various editions of the Sunflower Week in Review, included as Annexure I.

      The Chairperson called on the members to nominate deserving individuals for awards for meritorious contributions to the oilseeds and protein seeds industries.

      Noted:

      1. That cognisance be taken that nominations were being awaited for awards to deserving individuals for meritorious contributions to the oilseeds and protein seeds industries.

        Mr Keun
        Joint Meeting

    5. Sunflower disease manual

      (Resolution 13.6.1 of the minutes of the meeting of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 31 January 2013)

      Dr Nel said the ARC-GCI had proposed that the revision of the sunflower disease manual be held in abeyance, until such time that Dr Flett's survey of sunflower diseases had been finalised.

      Resolution:

      1. That cognisance be taken that the revision of the sunflower disease manual would be held in abeyance, until such time that Dr Flett's survey of sunflower diseases had been finalised.

        Dr Nel
        Joint Meeting

    6. Legislation: Farming implements on public roads – feedback

      (Resolution 13.10.1 of the minutes of the meeting of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 31 January 2013)

      Mr Keun reported that he was awaiting feedback from GrainSA on the matter.

      Noted:

      1. That feedback was being awaited on the matter with regard to new legislation on farming implements on public roads.

        Mr Keun
        Joint Meeting

  14. Date of next meeting

    The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 2 May 2013. Cognisance was taken that the number and timing of meetings would be discussed at the next meeting. The dates of following meetings were provisionally set as:

    • 24 July (Special SciTech meeting of the Soybean Work Group);
    • 23 October.

    Noted:

    1. That the number and timing of meetings of the Soybean Work Group and Sunflower and Soybean Forum would be discussed at the next meeting.

      Mr Keun
      Joint Meeting

  15. Closure

    The Chairperson thanked the members for their attendance and active participation. There being no further matters for discussion, the meeting was closed at 13:15.