Hybrid meeting of the Canola work group: 9 June 2022

Minutes

Hybrid meeting of the Canola work group
held on 9 June 2022 at Beyerskloof, Koelenhof Road, R304, Stellenbosch

  1. Opening

    Mr Cumming opened the meeting with prayer.

  2. Welcome

    The Chairperson welcomed all present at the hybrid meeting. He thanked everybody for attending, sharing their expertise and knowledge with the meeting, as well as everybody that joined virtually. A special word of welcome to Messrs Lood Visser, Dian Moore and Fanie Meiring for attending their first meeting.

  3. Attendance

    Present

    Mr AP Theron Chairperson
    Ms R Beukes * DALRRD
    Mr K Blanckenberg * Grain SA
    Mr P Blom SSK
    Mr J Botes Agricol
    Dr E Briedenhann OAC
    Mr A Britz * Kimleigh
    Mr C Cumming PRF
    Ms M Du Preez PRF
    Mr A Erasmus * Inteligro
    Prof R Gous PRF
    Mr J Kellerman Barenbrug SA
    Dr S Lamprecht ARC-PPRI
    Mr P Lombard DAWC
    Mr F Meiring Limagrain
    Prof F Meyer * BFAP
    Mr D Moore SPOILL
    Mr B Muirhead * Limagrain
    Mr C Müller Agricol
    Ms L Nowers DAWC
    Mr J Pyper SOILL
    Ms HM Schreuder * US
    Mr B Schultz SAGIS
    Mr Z Spammer SOILL
    Dr J Strauss DAWC
    Mr R Schoeman * Pioneer
    Mr N van der Merwe Agricol
    Ms R van der Merwe BASF
    Mr G van Schalkwyk Limagrain
    Mr L Visser S.A.S.
    Ms Y Papadimitropoulos PRF
    * Via video conference

    Apologies

    Mr R Badenhorst Overberg Agri
    Mr G Els Limagrain
    Dr W Hoffman US
    Mr G Keun PRF
    Dr J Labuschagne DAWC
    Mr F Le Roux Grain SA
    Mr CJ Louw Grain SA
    Dr D Mostert US
    Mr N Raath TWK Agri
    Dr PA Swanepoel US
    Dr G van Coller DAWC
  4. Personal matters

    The Chairperson informed the meeting that Mr Gerhard Keun had suffered a heart attack and he was wished a speedy recovery.

  5. Confirmation of the agenda

    The agenda was accepted, without any additions or amendments.

  6. Approval of minutes

    1. Minutes of a Canola Working Group meeting held on 11 February 2022

      Resolution:

      1. That the minutes of the meeting of the Canola Working Group, held on 11 February 2022, be approved.
  7. General overview and crop estimates

    1. SAGIS information

      The contents of the latest SAGIS Weekly Bulletin and the latest Monthly Bulletin, Annexure B, were noted. Cognisance was taken that this and other data were published on the SAGIS website.

      Mr Bernard Schultz, the new SAGIS general manager, was welcomed at the meeting.

    2. Crop estimates

      Cognisance was taken of the Crop Estimate Committee's information included in the Agenda as Annexure C.

      Cognisance was taken of the Crop Estimate Committee's information presented by Ms R Beukes, in respect of the canola area planted, canola production and the most important areas planted per district.

      The Chairperson thanked Ms Beukes for her input.

    3. Winter rainfall region

      1. Swartland

        Feedback was given about the challenges experienced during the season:

        • Availability of seed;
        • Retained seed;
        • Seed treatment;
        • Poor rainfall;
        • Drought conditions;
        • Higher temperatures experience;
        • Uneven emergence of canola;
        • Poor germination; and
        • Late canola season.
      2. Southern Cape

        The matter was discussed during the previous discussion point, 7.3.1, similar challenges were experienced.

    4. Summer rainfall region

      1. Eastern Cape

        Mr Lombard gave feedback and mentioned two canola trials will be planted in the Eastern Cape, one by the Department of Agriculture and the other by the University of Stellenbosch.

        Mr Lombard reported that Dr Swanepoel and his colleagues visited the Eastern Cape to assist them with the planting. On arrival they were informed of 200mm rainfall and they returned with the planter.

        No new information was available.

      2. Other

        The Chairperson gave feedback and mentioned that at Settlers, canola hectares were planted under irrigation and dry land conditions and that there were good prospects.

        The Chairperson also mentioned that at Marble Hall, canola was planted under irrigation. In the Kroondal/Rustenburg areas, canola was also planted and feedback will be given at a later stage.

    5. Price information

      Dr Briedenhann reported that from a global perspective, the top ten oilseeds in the world were estimated to increase by 39 million tonnes for the 2022/23 season. This was very positive growth in terms of oilseeds production. Consumption was also increasing by 6 million tonnes, with Argentina and China as the main contributors to processing. According to projections for 2022/23, there was an extra stock figure of 17,2 million tonnes globally.

      Dr Briedenhann further mentioned that canola production in the world will produce almost 78 million tonnes for next year. It will be a new record. The main contributors will be Canada and Europe. Regarding palm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia, possible yield increases were noted, mainly as a result of higher rainfall in general. He said the overall supply and demand looked less bullish than previously. Dr Briedenhann also referred to the prices of oil seed commodities, with emphasis on canola prices.

      Mr Spammer mentioned it was very difficult to calculate prices in the volatile market. SOILL was working on price indications, but prices will only be available on 1 July 2022.

      Prof Meyer mentioned that BFAP was in the process of considering input prices and NPC sources to determine where these were from. BFAP was also assessing the possibility and possible extent of lower prices.

      High input costs seem to follow a combination of:

      • High transport costs;
      • Products limited by Russia's challenges;
      • Supply and demand dynamics on grain and fertiliser levels;
      • Linked oil price;
      • Pressure on oil producing countries.

      Prof Meyer said that planting in South America was also considered. Argentina and Brazil phased out some maize hectares and introduced soya hectares. At the time of the meeting it was very difficult for marketers to set prices and it was as difficult for producers to set prices. The problem is the summer season requiring expensive plantings that have to be sold a lot cheaper when stock levels increase again.

    6. Weather forecast

      The meeting noted that the matter would stand over until a suitable person could be identified to assist and provide future reports at the Canola Working Group meetings.

      1. That Mr Keun shall launch an investigation to find a person, with a weather science background, to assist and provide future reports at the Canola Working Group meeting.

        Mr Keun
        Canola Working Group

  8. Research

    1. National cultivar trials 2022

      Mr Lombard reported trials were planted, except for two sites at Langgewens. Eighteen cultivars were planted. One cultivar, a long grower, from Pioneer was not available as a result of import logistics, but it was available at the time of the meeting. It will be planted to obtain data. He reported that everything looked good at Riversdale, after experiencing good rainfall before and after plantings.

      The trials in the Southern Cape have been harvested. A seed density test was included and investigated by planting two cultivars. The information about seed density was out of date and the planting of a new cultivar would determine how the cultivars reacted. The trial looked good and only plant counting needed to be done.

      Mr Lombard reported about the Swartland and mentioned that the canola was growing, but without many leaves due to the high temperatures of 30̊ºC each day, as well as a strong mountain wind.

      Langgewens recorded only 12mm rain on 29 May, not enough for germination. At Langgewens canola seed that budded were destroyed due to the hot weather shortly after rainfall.

      At Philadelphia the canola was growing beautifully, but was still young. He mentioned that it was a very difficult year.

      Mr Lombard reported about a retained seed test, mentioning the use of six well-known cultivars that would be available next year and the year after, all showing good yields. He compared the six cultivars to the retained seed. The retained seed performed much better than the company seed in terms of germination percentage and vigorous viability. A lot of retained seeds were planted during the year due to seed shortages. He feared that this may become normal practice with inherent dangers. A 15% reduction was the norm for retained seeds, excluding Blackleg and Sclerotinia as additional risks. The most limiting factor was considered climate and as such the retained seeds were worth the effort. In a difficult year the two types of seeds could perform quite evenly in terms of yield. As such, the trial had to be repeated to determine the performance of the new cultivars, see how much better they perform compared to retained seed and to issue a responsible, clear message. He mentioned the availability of good data from Australia, but that he wished to collect his own data. There were two trials on land and the seed density trial was also repeated at Langgewens.

      Mr Lombard provided feedback about Elite trials and mentioned that all were planted. Nothing new was added. At Eendekuil the trial grew. At Langgewens they were waiting for germination and the trials at Tygerhoek and Riversdale were under way.

    2. Research projects: 2021/2022 and 2022/2023

      The matter was held in abeyance until feedback became available after the next Technology Committee meeting.

    3. Sclerotinia

      Ms Lizette Nowers gave feedback and mentioned Mr Lombard's trials were duplicated at Riverdale, Tygerhoek and Napier, to test for Sclerotinia. In the previous year there were questions regarding the difference between the different cultivars as far as Sclerotinia was concerned. The cultivars in these trials will not be sprayed before evaluation. She mentioned there was a need for research to predict micro climate data and rainfall data, to co-ordinate the data with the emergence of Sclerotinia. Discussions will be held with the University of Stellenbosch to assist with a tracking model in the Western Cape. This year they will continue to monitor the emergence of the disease at seven different commercial farms in the Southern Cape and at two localities in the Swartland.

    4. Damage: Clethodim

      No new information was reported.

    5. Blackleg

      Ms H Schreuder gave feedback and mentioned more cultivar trials were planted at Langgewens, Riversonderend, at Tygerhoek and Riversdale. At Hopefield cultivar trials were planted for the first time. A total of seventeen cultivars will be evaluated this year. Four new fungicide trials were planted at Langgewens, Tygerhoek, Hopefield and Riversdale. Six different substances will be tested with an evaluation of yields to obtain own data. All data from other countries relating to yields/losses related to the extent of Blackleg levels treated with different substances. Yield is important to determine the situation in South Africa in terms of yield/loss related to Blackleg levels.

      She also mentioned that she was still conducting laboratory population studies. Tests were being done to determine the possibility of Blackleg transfer in retained seed.

  9. Technology transfer

    1. Canolafokus

      The meeting noted the articles published in the CanolaFokus, included in the agenda as Annexure E.

    2. Information days 2022

      The meeting noted that the following information days were scheduled for 2022:

      Conservation Agriculture Congress 2-3 August 2022
      Riversdale Information Day 17 August 2022
      Roodebloem 17 August 2022
      SKOG 25 August 2022
      Southern Cape Cultivar trial visit 31 August 2022
      Swartland Cultivar trial visit 1 September 2022
      Hopefield Information Day 2 September 2022
    3. Videos

      None.

    4. Oilseeds Focus

      The Chairperson reported that the Oilseeds Focus was available on the PRF website. He referred to the canola article published in the latest edition.

  10. Other

    1. The canola market

      The matter was discussed under a previous discussion point.

    2. Canola producers

      1. Price and back payments

        Mr Spammer reported a back payment of R1 750 p/tonne on 8 April 2022 and mentioned the possibility of another payment in September.

      2. PRF Canola Producer of the Year

        The Chairperson mentioned that a new model will be developed.

      3. Income and Cost Budgets

        Cognisance was taken that it was an on-going matter with annual updates. Information could be obtained from the PRF office.

        The Chairperson suggested that the circulation of the income and costs budget information must be addressed.

    3. SKOG: Future Planning

      The Chairperson mentioned the SKOG farmers' day will be held on 25 August 2022.

    4. TIA: Canola report

      The matter was discussed under a previous discussion point.

    5. Alternative Crops

      1. Lupins

        The Chairperson referred to Dr Briedenhann's Lupin study and mentioned it was an on-going matter.

        Ms Beukes reported that the Crop Estimate Committee issued an estimate for planting sweet lupins on a bigger area of 25 000 hectares (previous area 22 000 hectares) in the Swartland.

    6. Chemicals and Resistance

      Ms Nowers reported that Aviator was registered.

      Mr Lombard mentioned that the snails did not take to the bait and that they may have developed a resistance against the pellets.

  11. Seed

    1. Seed availability

      The Chairperson mentioned the detailed discussion on the availability of seed under a previous discussion point. He mentioned the following challenges that need to be addressed in discussions with role players in the industry:

      • Availability;
      • Germination;
      • Prioritising certain matters/issues;
      • Guidelines;
      • Sustainability;
      • Seed treatment; and
      • Communication from seed companies.
    2. Seed germination

      The matter was discussed under a previous discussion point.

    3. SACTA

      The Chairperson mentioned that SACTA did not apply to canola at the time of the meeting.

  12. Additional matters

    1. Speakers Considered for Future Canola Meetings

      Prof Gous was requested to do a presentation on "The Vision on climate change" at the next meeting.

      1. That Prof Gous do a presentation on "The Vision on climate change" at the next meeting.

        Prof Gous
        Canola Working Group

    2. Magazine articles: Canola

      The meeting noted the contents of the canola related articles included as Annexure F, in the agenda.

  13. Dates for future meetings

    The meeting noted that the next Canola Working Group meeting was scheduled for 23 August 2022.

  14. Adjournment

    There having been no further matters for discussion, the meeting was adjourned.