While some farmers have appreciated the moisture that comes with snow, which has hit some parts of the country, the adverse weather conditions continue to cause havoc. Others have raised concerns about not being able to reach their livestock, crops dying, and infrastructure damage.
Eastern Cape Agriculture spokesperson and sheep farmer Eben du Plessis said they have not received any stock losses, however, there have been heavy rainfall up to 80mm in different parts of the province.
“We have received deep snowfalls, but the problem is that farmers need to get to the kraal and care for their livestock, and in these weather conditions, it is extremely difficult. There are also places where bridges are overrun with water.
“Where I farm, we had good coverage of snow, and rain after each other. Although rain is good for this time of the year, however, hauling winds are always a danger for people who have sheared their sheep in the last week or two without cover,” he said.
Impact on crops, livestock
The director of communications at the agriculture department, Moses Rannditsheni, said that while the winter season has now started and temperatures are gradually declining, it is comforting that the summer rainfall has led to veld and livestock being in better positions now.
“With the seasonal forecast in mind, winter crop farmers are advised to wait for sufficient moisture before planting and stay within the normal planting window. In areas where above normal is anticipated, farmers should take into consideration that not all areas might receive the anticipated above-normal rain that is well distributed.
“Farmers are called upon to look at weather and climate forecasts should be followed regularly to make informed decisions. Farmers must continually conserve resources in accordance with the conservation of agricultural resources,” Rannditsheni advised.
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Rannditsheni said the average level of dams in the country remains high in most provinces, which is satisfactory, especially for those farmers who will be planting winter crops.
Meanwhile, the Free State department of agriculture and rural development has called on all farmers and farming communities to be vigilant and take precautionary measures against the cold weather conditions expected to last for the whole week.
“This follows a warning from the South African Weather Services (SAWS), that indicates due to the cut-off low, we are expecting snowfall, mostly moderate, over the south-eastern parts of Northern Cape, [and] western and southern parts of the Free State today.
“According to the SAWS, this intense cold front might impact on isolated loss of vulnerable livestock and crops. Passes and cross-border roads, including mountain peaks, may be affected by snow,” the department said.
The SAWS said an intense cut-off low system, associated with severe and extreme winter weather, is expected to affect South Africa, persisting over the country until at least the middle of this week over the eastern provinces.
“A significant and dramatic drop in daytime temperatures can be expected over all provinces, with the possible exception of Limpopo. Consequently, farmers of small stock are strongly advised to implement appropriate measures to prevent stock losses due to exposure to bitter cold and wind,” the weather service advised.
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