Sunflower and Soybean Forum (SSF)
held on 7 November 2011 at 10:00, at the offices of the Oilseeds Industry, 49 River Road, Woodmead
Opening
The meeting was opened with a prayer, offered by Dr Wynand van der Walt.
Welcome
The Chairperson, Mr GJH Scholtemeijer, welcomed all to the last meeting of the Forum for the year, with a special word of welcome to Ms Swart and Messrs Joubert, Muya and Verhoef, who were all attending a meeting of the Forum for the first time.
Attendance
Present
Mr GJH Scholtemeijer Chairperson Mr P Botha GrainSA Mr J Botma OAC Dr E Briedenhann AFMA Mr W Cronjé SSA Dr J de Kock PRF Ms M du Preez OPDT/PRF Mr C Herbst SAGIS Mr C Joubert NAMC Mr K-J Leeuw ARC-Irene Mr C Muya ARC-Irene Dr AA Nel ARC-GCI Mr FAS Potgieter GrainSA Mr G Pretorius GrainSA Mr MT Prinsloo ARC-GCI Ms M Scheepers DAFF Ms L Swart NAMC Dr W van der Walt OAC Dr P van Twisk PVT Consultants Mr L Verhoef Agratech Trade Mr G Keun CEO: OPDT/OAC/PRF Ms E Harmse Secretariat Apologies
Ms A Enslin SAGIS Mr D Boshoff AFMA Mr H Davies SSA Mr D Kok GSI Ms V Louw SAGL Mr G Reitsma SANSOR Dr G Thompson ARC-GCI Dr SG Ybema NWK Personalia
Messrs Botha and Pretorius, who were both attending a Forum meeting for the last time, were thanked for their valuable contributions and service to the industry, and wished well for the future ahead of them.
Confirmation of agenda
The agenda was accepted as it stood.
Approval of minutes
Approval of the minutes of the meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum held on 8 February 2011
Resolved:
- That the minutes of the meeting of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum, that was held on 8 February 2011, be accepted as a true and fair reflection of that meeting.
Matters arising
Marketing aspects
Crop Estimates
The Chairperson tabled the document reflecting the final local production estimates of sunflowers and soybeans for 2011, and called on Ms Scheepers to comment.
Ms Scheepers said according to the final production estimate for 2011, the area planted to sunflower seed was estimated at 642 700 ha, while the production was estimated at 861 770 tons. She noted that the final production estimate for 2011 was 75,9%, or 371 770 tons, more than the 2010 crop of 490 000 tons. She said the past season's crop of 861 770 tons was 140 770 tons, or 19,5%, more than the previous three-year average crop of 721 000 tons and 265 170 tons, or 44%, more than the previous five-year average crop of 596 600 tons.
Ms Scheepers reported that producers intended to plant 555 000 ha to sunflower seed, which is 87 700 ha, or 13,6%, less than the 642 700 ha planted the previous season. She added that these figures were based on inputs received from a sample of producers, and gave an indication of the intentions of producers to plant sunflower seed, as at the middle of October 2011.
Mr Pretorius noted that current sunflower prices favoured producers. Mr Botma said he expected that fewer hectares would go to sunflower in the Northern Free State, as a result of high maize prices and increased soybean plantings. Dr Briedenhann noted that climatic conditions could result in late switchbacks to sunflower, although he considered the intentions to plant sunflower to be realistic. He said 82 000 tons of sunflower seeds had been crushed per month during the past year, and added that this was expected to decrease significantly. He added that the profitability of crushing sunflowers currently was not exceptionally good, and that the price of sunflower oilcake had decreased dramatically.
Dr van der Walt pointed out that sunflower oil was still very popular in the average household. Dr van Twisk mentioned that American food consumption data indicated that sunflower oil consumption had dropped by approximately five percent, due to price considerations.
Ms Scheepers said according to the final production estimate for 2011, the area planted to soybeans was estimated at 418 000 ha, while production was estimated at 708 750 tons. She mentioned that the final production estimate for 2011 was 25,2%, or 142 750 tons, more than the 2010 soybean crop of 566 000 tons. She said the past season's crop of 708 750 tons was 254 084 tons, or 55,9%, more than the previous three-year average crop of 454 667 tonss and 310 150 tons, or 77,8%, more than the previous five-year average of 398 600 tons.
Ms Scheepers reported that producers intended to plant 460 000 ha to soybeans, which is 42 000 ha, or 10%, more than the 418 000 ha planted the previous season. She added that these figures were based on inputs received from a sample of producers, and gave an indication of the intentions of producers to plant soybeans, as at the middle of October 2011.
Mr Potgieter said he expected the total plantings of soybeans in the 2011-2012 production season to increase by more than 10%. He mentioned that a number of producers in the North West Province intended to plant soybeans for the first time.
Dr Briedenhann said taking the expected crop in the coming production season as well as the current soybean stock into account, an extensive export program would be required, in order to avoid a considerable carry-over in the following year. He noted that the extra capacity, that was expected to come on stream in 2013, would resolve this issue. He said he expected maize ex-ports to slow down, and added that approximately 100 000 tons of soybeans could be exported during the current season.
Ms Scheepers confirmed that the first official production estimate statistics for summer crops in the 2011-2012 production season would be published in February 2012.
The Chairperson thanked Ms Scheepers for her contribution.
SAGIS
The members took cognisance of the market information prepared for the Sunflower and Soybean Forum by SAGIS, as well as the SAGIS weekly bulletin dated 25 October and the monthly bulletin dated 7 November.
Mr Herbst conveyed SAGIS's gratitude to the co-workers in the industry for submitting their returns timeously and to the Forum and Advisory Committee for their support and cooperation. The members of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum confirmed that they were satisfied with the information compiled by SAGIS.
Dr van der Walt asked whether SAGIS compiled information on the number of depots that offered separate storage facilities for conventional versus genetically modified (GM) grains. The Chairperson confirmed that SAGIS was not required to differentiate between conventional and GM crops. Dr Briedenhann mentioned that all the major storage facilities made arrangements to store conventional and GM varieties separate. Mr Joubert asked whether the industry considered such information to be of importance. He added that the issue of GM or non-GM was important from a human consumption point of view. The Chairperson confirmed that SAGIS had never been approached about the possibility of such differentiation. Dr van der Walt mentioned that it was probably a buyer: seller issue.
The Chairperson mentioned that the Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC) and the Protein Research Foundation (PRF) had requested SAGIS to compile information on oil and oilcake, or proteinaceous material. He said Ms Enslin had, however, pointed out that the industry should request the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) to compile such information. Following on a short discussion of the matter, it was resolved that the various roleplayers in the industry would be approached, with the view to obtaining an opinion on the necessity of having access to information on oil and oilcake.
Mr Potgieter mentioned that sunflower oil- and oilcake crushings had decreased since 2010 while soybean oil- and oilcake crushings had increased. Dr Briedenhann explained that this was a result of market conditions.
Resolved:
- That the various roleplayers in the industry would be approached, with the view to obtaining an opinion on the necessity of having access to information on oil and oilcake.
Mr Keun
SSForum
OAC
- That the various roleplayers in the industry would be approached, with the view to obtaining an opinion on the necessity of having access to information on oil and oilcake.
Utilisation of sunflower oilcake
(Resolution 7.2.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 8 February 2011)
The Chairperson said the Oilseeds Advisory Committee as well as the Research Priority Committee (RPC) had recommended that the Animal Feed Manufacturers' Association (AFMA) be approached, with the view to publishing an article on the issue of improved utilisation of sunflower oilcake by producers. Dr Briedenhann suggested that an independent body rather be approached.
Mr Botha reported that Grain SA and the ARC were currently planning an article on the subject. Mr Leeuw indicated that he would gladly assist in the writing of such an article.
Plant breeders' rights and policy
(Resolution 9.8.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 8 February 2011)
Dr van der Walt mentioned that the draft amended Act on Plant Breeders' Rights had been published for comment. He confirmed that he would submit his comments to the OAC, for consideration, before forwarding such to the relevant authorities.
Noted:
- That cognisance be taken that the draft amended Act on Plant Breeders' Rights had been published for comment.
Dr Van der Walt
OAC
RPC
SSForum
- That cognisance be taken that the draft amended Act on Plant Breeders' Rights had been published for comment.
-
Nestlé and Specialised Protein Products (SPP)
(Resolution 9.9.1 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 8 February 2011)
Mr Cronjé provided an overview of the utilisation of soy protein in human consumption. He concluded his presentation by saying that soy was expected to be the preferred source of protein within the next ten years, due to its health benefits, and the price of other protein products, such as meat and cheese. He said an annual growth of 13% was expected in the soy for human consumption market locally, while an international growth of 33% was forecast.
Mr Cronjé mentioned that Nestlé had obtained ownership of SPP that had once been a government owned institution. He said the plant had facilities for the production of spray-dried milk powder.
Research
Sclerotinia – presentation
Dr de Kock presented a brief overview of Sclerotinia, a devastating fungus in soybean and sunflower. He provided information on the various practices that could be applied in order to control infection by the fungus.
Dr De Kock mentioned that a booklet on Sclerotinia, as well as a number of articles on the disease, could be obtained from the offices of the oilseeds industry.
The Chairperson thanked Dr De Kock for his presentation.
Sclerotinia survey
(Resolutions 8.1.1 and 8.1.2 of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum minutes of 8 February 2011)
Dr De Kock mentioned that the Crops Estimate Committee (CEC) had been requested to do an annual survey amongst producers on the occurence of the disease on soybeans and sunflower. He said although a large number of questionnaires had been sent out, the response had been disappointing. He appealed to producers to participate in the survey, and thanked the CEC for their valued assistance.
Mr Pretorius expressed his concern on the impact Sclerotinia may have on future crops. He mentioned that the massive Sclerotinia infestation that he had noted on his sunflower crops during the past season, had forced him to cease sunflower production. He added, however, that there was a big local demand for sunflower oil, and suggested that a generic marketing campaign be launched, for the production of sunflower in areas where Sclerotinia did not occur.
Final reports
Assessing the delta yield procedure for nitrogen fertilisation of sunflower, Dr A Nel, ARC-GCI
The Chairperson called on Dr Nel to inform the Forum on the research done on, and the findings of the project "Assessing the delta yield procedure for nitrogen fertilisation of sunflower".
Dr Nel mentioned that approximately R225 million had been spent on nitrogen (N) fertilisation during the 2008-2009 production season on sunflower planted in the Free State and North West Province. He said fifty one N-fertilisation trials had been done since 1974, of which only half indicated that there had been a response to N-fertilisation.
Dr Nel said he had considered the fertilisation recommendations that were followed before the delta yield assessment research, to be vague. He mentioned that research done on the delta yield procedure with maize, indicated more accuracy and wide applicability of fertiliser recommendations.
Dr Nel proceeded to explain what the delta yield procedure entailed. He said the aim of the project had been to further develop and refine current N-fertilisation guidelines for sunflower, and explained what materials and methods had been used.
Dr Nel reported on the results obtained with the research. He confirmed that a popular article on the research will be published by the Fertiliser Society of South Africa (FSSA).
The Chairperson thanked Dr Nel for his presentation.
HOSO Project: Senwes
Cognisance was taken of the 2010-2011 progress report on the project "Promote the planting of high oleic acid sunflower in South Africa".
Additional matters
Information days
Cognisance was taken that an information day would be presented at the Hatfield Experimental Farm on 21 February 2012, and that Dr Barbagelata, an expert on no-till practices, had been invited to deliver a presentation.
Articles
Cognisance was taken of the articles "The South African soybean industry in 2011", "Internasionale grondboonpryse hoogste in 30 jaar", "The use of soyabean meal in the South African poultry industry", "Die voorkoms van Sclerotinia peul- en stamvrot in sojabone", "Betroubare aalwurmdoders tot niet", "Die einde van 'n era: 'n staatmaker aalwurmdoder uitgefaseer", "Is weerstand teen Sclerotinia stamvrot by sojabone moontlik?", "Oliesade-oorsig: Internasionale risiko's neem toe", "Sinksulfaat gee sojabone hupstoot", "Boere optimisties oor sojabone" and "Super Soya awards".
Mr Joubert elucidated on the article that had been published on the National Agricultural Marketing Council's study on the South African soybean industry. He said the study had been initiated by a request from the International Trade Commision of South Africa (ITAC) on soybean tariffs. He said the NAMC had arrived at the conclusion that soybeans will play an even more important role in South African agriculture, also because of its value in human consumption. Mr Verhoef remarked that a soybean cultivar, that was highly suitable for human consumption, would be released commercially within the next two years. The Chairperson confirmed that the oilseeds industry had sourced such cultivars internationally, and that these were already being evaluated locally.
Sunflower Week in Review
Cognisance was taken of the Sunflower highlights dated 19 and 26 September and 17 October, respectively, and of the Sunflower Week in Review, dated 11 and 24 October 2011, respectively.
Sunflower cultivar recommendations
Cognisance was taken of the sunflower cultivar recommendations for 2011-2012.
Marketing year of oilseeds on SAFEX
Mr Botha reported that SAFEX had decided to change the marketing year for soybeans and sunflower. He said this implied that the marketing year would in future not be January to end December, but March to end February. He mentioned that GrainSA had requested all roleplayers in the industry to support this decision.
The members of the Forum agreed that GrainSA's request would be supported.
Resolved:
- That GrainSA's request to all roleplayers in the industry to accept SAFEX's decision to change the marketing year for soybeans and sunflower, be supported.
Mr Keun
- That GrainSA's request to all roleplayers in the industry to accept SAFEX's decision to change the marketing year for soybeans and sunflower, be supported.
Oil World
Cognisance was taken of the contents of the Oil World, dated 14 October 2011.
Website presentation – Ms du Preez
The Chairperson called on Ms du Preez to inform the Forum on progress achieved with the website of the Protein Research Foundation (PRF).
Ms du Preez provided a comprehensive overview of the structure of the website, and the information that it provided.
Mr Keun added that the website of the oilseeds industry was structured on the same basis as that of the PRF. He confirmed that the webpage could be accessed at www.opot.co.za, and that much progress had already been achieved on updating the website. He said the oilseeds industry had provided funding for a concatenated database, by means of which links would be established between information stored in various smaller databases. He mentioned that this would facilitate accurate searching within a variety of sources and speed up the publishing of information on the database.
World Soybean Research Conference (WSRC) IX 2013
The Chairperson said the WSRC IX will be presented in February 2013, in Durban. He provided some detail of the planned programme.
Soybean Oilcake quality
The Chairperson mentioned that the oilseeds industry and the PRF had launched an investigation into the issue regarding the alleged inferior quality of local soybean oilcake. He said the issue at stake was probably not the quality of the local bean, but could possibly be a processing problem.
Mr Keun and Dr Briedenhann provided a brief overview of progress achieved thus far. Cognisance was taken that the details and results of the survey would be presented at the next meeting of the Forum.
Resolution:
- That cognisance be taken that the details and results of the survey regarding the alleged inferior quality of local soybean oilcake would be presented at the next meeting of the Forum.
Mr Keun
Dr Briedenhann
SSForum
- That cognisance be taken that the details and results of the survey regarding the alleged inferior quality of local soybean oilcake would be presented at the next meeting of the Forum.
Election of office bearers
Election of Vice Chairperson
The Chairperson said a representative of the soybean industry and a representative of the sunflower industry on the Oilseeds Advisory Committee had to be elected to the positions of either Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of the Forum, and that the terms of office of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson did not run concurrently. He mentioned that Mr GJ Pretorius was currently serving as Vice Chairperson, and that his term of office came to an end in February 2012, and that Mr Pretorius had indicated that he would not be available for re-election to the position.
The Chairperson called for nominations for a representative of the soybean industry for the position of Vice Chairperson of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum for the period February 2012 to February 2014. Mr J Botma was unanimously elected as Vice Chairperson of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum.
Resolution:
- That Mr J Botma be elected as Vice Chairperson of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum for the period February 2012 to February 2014.
Mr Keun
- That Mr J Botma be elected as Vice Chairperson of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum for the period February 2012 to February 2014.
Dates of meetings
The dates of meetings of the Sunflower and Soybean Forum for 2012 was confirmed as:
- 17 January;
- 14 April;
- 2 August 2012; and
- 6 November.
Adjournment
The Chairperson thanked the members of the Forum for their attendance at, and contributions to, the meeting. He wished all a blessed festive period and prosperous new year. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 13:30.