in this issue n views... · back: s mbuyazi, d fakude, n dube, n gumede, l gumede; front: m...

N E W S & V I E W S • A U G U S T 2 0 1 2 1

Inthis

issue

NCT achieves 1,78 million tonnes in

timber sales

•

Tree Farmers recognised

•

Pulping alternatives to

E.smithii

•

Biological control for gall wasps

L i n k i n g i n d e p e n d e n t t i m b e r g r o w e r s t o m a r k e t s

N ˚ 7 9 • A U G U S T 2 0 1 2

2

Super Blower

As STIHL’s most powerful blower ever, the BR 600 takes performance in tough professional applications to new levels. From heavy-duty leaf blowing to debris cleanup, few if any backpack blowers can match the STIHL BR 600. It also offers unsurpassed fuel efficiency and ease of use.

The STIHL BR 600 is in a league of its own with 324km/h and more than 20m3 per second of blowing power, plus a potent 3kW engine. Weighing in at less than 10kg, it has one of the best blowing power-to-weight ratios in the industry, enhancing operator comfort and productivity.

Its very high air throughput makes the BR 600 suited to the most arduous tasks – from professional landscaping to forestry, where it is also being used as a fire management tool.

STIHL 4-MIX engine technology provides fast acceleration, more power, added torque, lower noise, low exhaust emissions, lower vibration and proven fuel efficiency to complete jobs quickly, quietly, more easily and more cost effectively.

In head-to-head comparisons in a fuel consumption test conducted by the Porsche Engineering Group, the BR 600 blew three of its leading competitors out of the water, proving up to 28% more fuel efficient. For details of the test, go to www.stihlusa.com/BR600).

As one of the cleanest-running back-pack blowers in its class – with emissions 69% cleaner than current EPA requirements and 75dB(A) noise levels – the STIHL BR 600 is an environmentally responsible tool for heavy duty operations.

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2 0 1 2 A N N U A L G E N E R A L M E E T I N G 2 0 1 2 A N N U A L G E N E R A L M E E T I N G 2 0 1 2 A N N U A L G E N E R A L M E E T I N G 2 0 1 2 A N N U A L


more than 1.78 million tonnes of timber were marketed on behalf of members. although this volume was down by 6% overall, mainly owing to a decline in local pulpwood and special market sales, there was growth in export sales of 5%.

in his address to members, nCt Chairman, Harald niebuhr, reflected on the Co-operative’s past year’s achievements, challenges and opportunities. “the year was characterised by the need to shield nCt’s members against reduced profit margins, thereby keeping the prices for timber supplied as high as possible”, said the chairman.

He announced that the directors of nCt had resolved not to continue with the bleached Chemical thermo mechanical pulp (bCtmp) project that has been under investigation for several years, owing to the recent withdrawal of a substantial portion of the expected equity and loan funding for the project. nCt will, however, persist in investigating wood beneficiation options and exploring new markets with strategic partners.

the Chairman also elaborated on the challenges of reduced order allocations for members, a declining demand for wood in developed countries on the one hand but a growing production capacity in emerging countries on the other. Land restitution & transformation, transport infrastructure and labour legislation are other issues that nCt and its members are dealing with.

Following the Chairman’s address general manager, patrick kime, reported on the supply and demand for hardwood fibre in both international and local markets.

insight into the dynamic pattern of supply for wood chips into the Japanese market was presented; in 2004 australia and south africa were the largest exporters of wood chips to Japan, while today they are a lot smaller but Chile, Vietnam and thailand have shown impressive growth. although China has emerged as the major importer of wood chips, Japanese companies remain nCt’s prime trading partners.

He also announced that nCt was in the process of concluding the sale of 200 000 tonnes per annum for three years with a local pulp company.

“although it is difficult to forecast the market in the medium term, the common view is that the demand for hardwood fibre is increasing at a faster rate than supply which would mean a swing from a lacklustre market to one in nCt’s favour”, concluded the general manager.

nCt’s Commercial manager, James van Zyl, briefly spoke on the topic of biomass having recently returned from a fact-finding trip to sweden. sweden is regarded as the most advanced european country in renewable energy (see page 12 ).

guest speaker, dr andrew Venter of the kZn Conservation wildlands trust closed the meeting with a presentation on the effects of climate change and its impact on the planet.

At this year’s AGM in July NCT reported impressive financial results for the group, reflecting R1.221 billion in turnover and an increase of R17 million over the previous year. Profit before taxation of R58.9 million

also showed an increase of R29.3 million from the previous year, mainly as a result of improved export prices, a weaker Rand/US Dollar exchange rate and increased export volumes during the year under review.

2012 AGM reView


6

nCt announced the 2012 tree Farmers at its agm. winners are rF gevers (pty) Limited in the category of farms managed on privately-owned land and nJ madonsela in the category of farms managed on communal land.

both recipients were recognised for their excellence in sustainable plantation management and have earned their place on the exclusive list of achievers in tree farming.

the rF gevers company is a family operation that was established by robert gevers. robert purchased his first farm in 1949 at the tender age of 21. the 250ha farm named Lekker Water was predominantly grassland which was ploughed up and planted to black wattle. the main market for wattle timber at that time was the Hlobane Coal mine. From this humble beginning, the operation has grown to include 19 farms and a modern saw mill.

robert and three of his four sons, Hogart, erlo

and Jurgen, are directors of the company while Hagen, his grandson, is responsible for managing the farms, including implementing the FsC management system.

the company owns approximately 2 760ha of pine plantations, 1 840ha of black wattle and 100ha eucalypts. other productive areas include pastures and camps for grazing a beef herd with 800ha of open areas managed primarily for conservation and fire protection. these areas include grasslands, riparian areas, rocky outcrops, firebreaks and patches of indigenous bush.

a notable feature of the farms is the exceptional standard of silviculture that Hagen implements. brush is managed by implementing a cool burn to reduce the fire risk. this is followed by land preparation which involves a shallow rip line on flat sites and pit preparation in steeper areas.

Fire protection on the farms is also worthy of special mention. external firebreaks are well prepared and a network of internal breaks means that any fire in a compartment can be contained to a limited area. wattle is planted strategically to form a network of green fire protection belts. open areas are managed to fit into their fire protection plan.

Fuel loads on the farm are managed through implementing cool burns to reduce brush loads; mulching residues produced in thinning and pruning operations and grazing grassland with the beef herd.

the company has developed good fire-fighting capacity to deal with any wildfires. this includes a fleet of bakkie sakkies and fire tenders that are supported by vehicles that can replenish water supplies.

Hagen’s general plantation management is extremely compliant with all aspects of sustainable plantation management including health and safety, decent work and living conditions, minimising impacts on the environment and optimising productivity. these aspects, combined with the exceptional standard of silviculture and fire risk management makes the operation a worthy recipient of the 2012 award.

the same can be said of nJ madonsela, winner in the category of farms managed on communal land.

He manages a stand of five hectares of wattle in the matimatolo traditional authority outside

Robert and Hagen Gevers are presented with the Tree-Farmer-of-the-Year floating trophy by NCT

Chairman, Harald Niebuhr


T R E E F A R M E R S o f t h e Y E A R


greytown. the land allocated to him by the traditional authority was infested with jungle wattle which he has converted into a sustainable wattle plantation.

nJ carries out outstanding wattle silviculture practices that are evident on his farm. He uses natural regeneration methods to develop his wattle, but lines his rows neatly, thinned to the recommended spacement for wattle.

He runs a neat harvesting operation where the stumps are cut at ground level to make it easy to extract timber and to work the next crop. the farm is well-protected by boundary firebreaks that protect against runaway veld fires. to be on the safe side, he ploughs his inter-rows in case of any fire that may jump a firebreak. the farm is also fenced to safeguard his trees from stray animals that damage juvenile trees. although his farm is small in area, he has subdivided it into different age classes to provide sustainable income for his needs.

His philosophy is to focus on forestry and never compromise on fire-breaks. “plough inter-rows if you are a small grower with no fire-fighting equipment – you will sleep well at night,” he advises.

nJ was brought up on a dairy farm in greytown in the 1920s starting out as a herd-boy and later promoted to kitchen duties. when he left the farm for greener pastures as a young adult, he was determined be the last madonsela to be a farm worker.

Having only achieved std 2 schooling, nJ always wanted to give his children a better education and it was this true grit that turned him into an entrepreneur with diverse business interests. He started his own taxi business, opened the first black-owned bottle store in the Umvoti area and then in 1989 began his relationship with timber farming and nCt.

nJ joined nCt as a shareholding member in 1999 and has never looked back. despite his low level of education, he managed a series of successful businesses. today, he has sold off his taxi business and bottle store to concentrate on tree farming. He has sub-divided part of the farm to produce vegetables on a small-scale for his own consumption and depending on the crop, sells to the community and supermarkets in greytown.

He manages the farm on his own as it keeps

him in shape. “Forestry will keep me going when i’m old”, he concludes.

the tree Farmer of the year awards were initiated in 2000 and are awarded annually to tree farming operations that display excellence in sustainable plantation management.

each winner received a chain-saw sponsored by pietermaritzburg power products and stihl pietermaritzburg.

NJ Madonsela receives his award from Harald Niebuhr


T R E E F A R M E R S o f t h e Y E A R

Trevor Schfermann of Vryheid received a certificate of recognition for his treefarming efforts

8

Wolfgang and Elizabeth Rommelspacher

Back: G Mthembu, M Mdamba, M Mbuyazi, P Mthaba;Front: M Ntuli, M Mthiyane, M Mathaba, Z Mthethwa

Paul Pannifer, Richard Liversage, Cliff WaltonSean Moran, Saxon Solomon, Jeremy Dixon

Back: S Mbuyazi, D Fakude, N Dube, N Gumede, L Gumede; Front: M Mvelani, V Dube, B Ndlovu, A Mabile

Bruce Le Seur, Hayden Hutton


S E E N a t t h e A G M


F Mkhize, A Matsinke, J Ndawonde, S Mnguni

Heinz-Heinrich Niebuhr and Hugo Niebuhr

Ian Hill and Grant Meyer

T Mkhize, E Msomi, T Mkhize

K Nzimande, L Tshangisa

Malcolm Stainbank and Billy Davidson


S E E N a t t h e A G M

10

At this year’s AGM, members were recognised for their long-standing and loyal support to NCT

25 YEARS: the rw groom will trust; gm Hlela; bk knoopaan; patrick robinson trust; mJ Hulley; gJ glegg; bt stone; C byford - Jones; pV Hayter; ab albers; pr meyer; nd taylor; pb geldart;

bH bowman; almina (pty) Ltd; po norton; awp Coleby; b magor; JH Conyngham

30 YEARS: Ushukela milling (pty) Ltd; rd Hamilton; VH bohmer; HHg niebuhr; gCH niebuhr;rm bohmer; Volker Forestry (pty) Ltd; bH gevers Farming CC; Hk rohrs; dw thiele; Jasuri Farming CC;

L van rooyen; Ja scheepers; Valley View agri - businesses (pty) Ltd; er mattison; Hgw engelbrecht;HJ myburgh; wg rohrs; CH niehaus; Ferndale dairy Farm; C Liebenberg; CJ Labuschagne; Le Hinze;

Ca seele; shoba boerdery; pidelta (pty) Ltd; eJ rabe; Jr Lambert; gC meyer; twoline trading; wd rabe;sFg timbers CC; Ja buchan


M E M B E R L O Y A L T Y A W A R D S

25 YEARS

30 YEARS

Jacob Kotze (for PO Norton), Grant Meyer (PR Meyer), Pat Coleby, Barry Bowman, Quinn Klusener (GR Groom Will Trust)

Selwyn Schefermann (Valley View), Bodo Gevers, Heinz-Heinrich Niebuhr (Niebuhr Farming), Carl Seele, Clive Mattison (ER Mattison), Gert Meyer, Rob Lee (Pidelta), Jannie Scheepers,

Sigi Gevers (SFG Timbers)



M E M B E R L O Y A L T Y A W A R D S

J R Mckenzie

Herman Konigkramer (Herokon Forestry)and Rolf Konigkramer

James Earl (DF Earl) & Ivan Voigts

Andrew Campbell (Summerford Trading Trust) and Friedel Eggers (UCL Company)

Alan Soloman (Mortons Hill Farming)

Malcolm Stainbank (Priscilla Vale), Pete Stainbank, Walter Koch, Guy Payn (Payn Bros Partnership),

Andrew Braithwaite,Bruce Le Seur (Branxholme Farming)

35 YEARS: City treasurer; s Howden;Lasquiti estates CC; Jr mckenzie

35 YEARS

60 YEARS

55 YEARS

50 YEARS

45 YEARS

40 YEARS

60 YEARS: mortons Hill Farming CC; thies trading trust

55 YEARS: ir Voigts (pty) Ltd; dF earl

50 YEARS: Herokon Forestry; eH konigkramer; dp kimber

45 YEARS: ba bernstein; UCL Company Limited; summerford trading trust

40 YEARS: LHw koch; pd stainbank; priscilla Vale estates CC;

Craigieburn estates (pty) Ltd; payn brothers partnership; roseleigh estates trust; as early;

pw Van rooyen; branxholme Farming; bk Hinze; adw braithwaite; ew eggers

12

nCt has investigated various bio-fuel and bio-mass to heat/power initiatives over the past two years. Unfortunately, none have proved to be sustainable as the price for the feedstock from grower’s farms has not been competitive in comparison to other alternatives.

However, with all the hype around bio-mass and bio-fuel initiatives in sa, nCt found it prudent to gain first-hand information on issues related to the various biofuel energy systems, the market outlook and the associated logistics.

i visited a variety of bio-ethanol, bio-gas, pelletising, energy exchange and in-field operations en route to the 2012 world bio-energy conference in Jönköping, sweden earlier this year.

sweden is regarded as the most advanced european country when it comes to the contribution of renewable energy to the total national energy consumption. Furthermore, sweden is perceived to be at the forefront of the latest research and commercialisation of biofuel energy technology systems.

Biomass & energybio-energy is energy from biomass. biomass

is defined, from a scientific point of view, as material of biological origin, excluding material embedded in geological formations and/or transformed to fossil. Furthermore, bio-energy is actually solar energy: plants use photosynthesis to produce energy-rich organic compounds such as carbohydrates, which consist only of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually with a hydrogen:oxygen atom ratio of 2:1 (as in water) with the empirical formula Cm(H2o)n. these carbohydrates are stored in plants as biomass, and can be used as food for humans or feed for animals, or used as fibres for pulp or for bio-energy. the driving force for photosynthesis is the sun. therefore, biomass can be seen as stored solar energy.

BIO-ENERGY STUDY TOUR & CONFERENCEJ Ö n k Ö p i n g – s w e d e n

James van Zyl, NCT’s Commercial Manager

in the international energy trade, the heat value or calorific value (CV) is the indicator of value and the international standard unit to measure energy is the Joule (J). one Joule is a very small amount of energy and commonly the metric units of kJ (103), mJ (106) and gJ (109) are used. to put the Joule in perspective, we can look at the following household example where we measure electrical energy in kilowatt-hours: 1kwh is the energy used by a 1kw appliance when switched on for 1 hour ie. energy = power x time. thus; a 60w lamp switched on for 8 hours uses 60w x (8hrs x 3600s) = 1728kJ or 0.48kwh; alternatively 1kwh = 3600kJ or 1mwh = 3.6gJ.

to broaden the context of energy value further, the following table is a comparison of the most commonly used and internationally traded energy sources:

Fuel Quantity GJwood chips 1 tonne 14wood pellets 1 tonne 18

ethanol 1 m3 21Coal 1 tonne 27petrol 1 m3 33biogas 1000 m3 35

Crude oil 1 m3 36natural gas 1000 m3 40

BIOMASS BIOENERGY


Market outlookthe most commonly traded bio-fuel in europe

is bio-fuel pellets. this is partly due to its relative ease to manufacture, transport, ship and handle. most trade takes place through the port of rotterdam and transactions are carried out on the same basis as a commodity or futures exchange or bourse, the same way most fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) and agricultural products (maize) are traded. this has led to a world benchmark price for wood energy pellets quoted in euros (€) as a CiF rotterdam price (CiF=Cost, insurance Freight for seller’s account). Current prices varies from €141/tonne to €145/tonne CiF rotterdam for pellets with CV values varying from 17.5 gJ/tonne to 18.5 gJ/tonne and a moisture content of approximately 10%.

an estimated 16 million tonnes of pellets per annum are traded, of which 11 million tonnes are used in the domestic market and five million tonnes in industrial applications.

the winters in europe are more severe than in sa and, therefore, domestic heating is an integral part of european life. torrefaction* technology in pelletising is, at best, still at an experimental stage and not commercialised. bio-ethanol and bio-gas are also traded, but in lesser volumes.

*Torrefaction is a heat treatment process that reduces biomass volume but improves energy content.

although a multitude of smaller bio-ethanol and bio-gas producing plants exist, large-scale commercial production of bio-ethanol and bio-gas derived from woody biomass is limited and can be labeled as demonstration or early commercial at this stage. to this end, it can be confirmed that one of the larger bio-ethanol plants in sweden has been operating at a loss over the past two years, while the first semi-commercial bio-gas plant will only be commissioned late in 2013 in göteburg, with the swedish government being the main investor.

Logisticsalthough the above seems promising, it is not

easy for sa to participate in the european bio-fuel trade purely from a logistical and cost perspective due to geographical distances. a reminder that energy is not traded on mass, but on the product’s inherent calorific value (CV). most bio-mass energy conversion processes applied to bio-mass is to increase the energy content per mass, which improves the product’s ability to be transported over longer distances or allows it to carry higher

overall logistical and distribution costs. For this reason, nCt is of the opinion that the

production of energy pellets, from plantation grown timber in sa and the export of these pellets to europe, is not sustainable considering the pulpwood price for feedstock ex our plantations.

what might affect future participation in the international trade is that in 2009 the european Union adopted a combined energy and climate policy with specific targets for 2020. these are:• 20%renewableenergyin2020,asashareof

total energy use• 20%increasedenergyefficiency,comparedto

2005• 20%lowerclimategasemissions,comparedto

1990• 10%renewableenergyinthetransportsector

if a similar legislative framework would be adopted in sa, it would drive the usage of bio-fuels and create a local market demand in the future.

NCT’s positionnCt is currently involved in two separate

investigations; a combined pelletising/heat plant and a co-generation facility with a large multinational industrial company.

the co-operative’s approach is not to be pioneers. Ultimately all these processes and technologies will need biomass feedstock and once they are proved to be commercially viable, sustainable and competitive, we can then sell our growers produce to these facilities.

nCt has a good understanding of the bio-fuel value chain and has identified the main triggers and key performance areas. it is in a position to make the right decision of how and when to get involved.

nCt’s pragmatic approach to the topic of bio-fuels has paid off and we will continue to proceed diligently and cautiously.

14

zaK oumar

Fresh from university Zak Oumar joined NCT and became the co-operative’s first in-house GIS specialist.

Zak developed an interest in geography and environmental studies while at school. He enjoyed this field of work and went on to specialise in gis and remote sensing applications in forestry and environmental management.

Zak is not only an outdoors person but an academic too. on his office wall are meticulously framed certificates: bachelor of science (geographical science), bachelor of science Honours (geography & environmental management) and master of science in geography.

Zak is currently completing a phd on the remote sensing of forest health, predicting the bronze bug in forest plantations. a few months from now, we will refer to Zak as dr oumar. this will be a proud moment for him and his family who have guided him while pursuing his dream.

Zak has been the gis specialist in the technical department at nCt for the past four years.

“a typical day at the office is setting up and maintaining the nCt geo-database web mapping application,” says Zak. “training, support and updating gis data for members who have purchased the Forester gis mapping package, gps mapping; mapping projects, queries and gis training for staff are also part of my portfolio,” he continues.

Zak acquired his training skills after completing his bachelor of science degree. He tutored at the University of kwaZulu-natal from 2006-2008 as well as government departments, private

companies and to nCt’s gis staff Little did he know at the time that they would one day be his working colleagues.

Had Zak not pursued a career as a gis specialist, he would have explored marine biology purely because of his love for nature.

outside the working environment and when not studying, Zak is a family man who enjoys reading, fish keeping and spending time at the mosque. He is married to naadhirah and they have a bouncing baby girl, Yusayrah.

His advice for potential gis specialists: “Have a passion for geography and maps with a keen interest in the latest technologies and of course nature,” concludes Zak.

Zak’s objective is to complete his phd and hopefully also lecture which he so enjoys.

Interviewed by Mfundo Ngcobo, NCT’s PR Assistant


POSSIBLE HIGH PULPING ALTERNATIVES TO E.SMITHII

Iain Thompson, Tree Breeder

In international wood chip markets, Eucalyptus smithii competes well with Eucalyptus globulus from South America and Australia.

owing to E. smithii’s high density and good pulping characteristics, wood chips supplied by nCt receive a premium price from its customer in Japan. of the Eucalyptus species grown commercially in south africa, E. smithii has the best pulping characteristics. excellent wood properties coupled with E.smithii’s good growth rates (on the right site) make this species important to nCt and its members.

However, E.smithii is relatively limited in terms of suitable sites and only makes up about 6% of total nCt members landholdings planted to Eucalyptus.

the sites suitable for growing E.smithii species are limited by the species sensitivity to Phytophthora root rot (on lower, warmer sites) and by its moderate frost resistance and sensitivity to anything more than a

C. hernyii: wood, flowers and capsules from Bushlands in Zululand

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light snowfall (on higher, colder sites). Customers would prefer to purchase large quantities of E. smithii as it would allow them to customise

their mill processes. as a result of the limited available volumes for marketing, nCt has been unable to negotiate higher price premiums. one of the ways nCt is looking to solve this problem is through the identification of other high pulping species that can be marketed in conjunction with E.smithii.

Customers in Japan would need to perform large scale pulp tests before any new species would be purchased with a price premium. However, early pulping information from iCFr site-species interaction trials has identified two possibilities – Eucalyptus badjensis and Corymbria henryii. tammy swain (E.badjensis) and robin gardner (C.henryii), both of the iCFr, are probably the top south african authorities on these two species and have kindly made available information, graphs and photographs for this article.

E.badjensis is taxonomically closely related to E.smithii, but is able to tolerate harsher frosts, more severe snowfalls and shallower soils. Unfortunately E.badgensis is also prone to Phytophthora, so planting into areas where this root-rot fungus is common should be avoided.

initial pulping tests show that this species has only slightly poor wood pulping properties than E.smithii (table 1). if E.badjensis continues to show similar pulping results in larger scale testing then it would be a preferable pulping species in areas currently unsuitable for E.smithii due to frosts, snows or shallow soils.

Collecting wood samples of C. henryii from Bushlands in Zululand

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Table 1Dissolving pulp properties of Cte species, as sampled from iCFr site-species interaction trial at

draycott (gardner, 2001).

Species Basic density(kg/m3)

Basic density range (kg/m3)

Screened pulp yield (SPY) (%)

SPY range(%)

E. smithii 586.3 527.0 - 617.6 47.37 45.5 - 48.6E. nitens (Ebor) 553.9 487.5 - 677.2 43.46 41.7 - 44.3E. macarthurii 569.0 466.8 - 678.4 43.23 41.3 - 47.5E. badjensis 539.7 436.3 - 645.8 45.30 43.1 - 46.9E. benthamii 515.9 428.1 - 598.6 42.80 40.2 - 45.4

C.henryii is taxonomically in a separate genus to E.smithii and is unable to hybridise with eucalyptus species. the growth niche of this species has been identified as the sub-tropical regions of south africa.

in Zululand, it has performed well on marginal, drought prone sites. its pulping characteristics are of a similarly high quality to those of E.smithii (table 2). if C.henryii continues to show excellent pulping characteristics in larger scale testing, it could become a preferred pulping species to be grown on low-altitude, sub-tropical sites. it has the added advantage of being able to perform on drought-prone sites and of being an unsuitable host for the Eucalyptus gall wasp (Leptocybe invasa).

e. smithii accumulated and stored separately for pulping at NCT Durban Wood Chips

e. smithii chips on board ship ready for export to Japan

18

Table 2summary of the kraft pulping results for C.henryii and eucalyptus hybrid clones at 7 years of age at

terraners and False bay in Zululand, south africa (gardner et al, 2007).

Species Basic density(kg/m3)

Screened pulp yield (SPY) (%)

Kappa Nº

terranera (wet/High potential)C.henryii 581 55.9 19.5

E.grandis x E.camaldulensis

500 51.4 22.5

E.grandis x E.urophylla 411 53.0 21.3False bay (dry/

marginal)C.henryii 658 53.5 22.4

E.grandis x E.camaldulensis

596 49.7 28.7

E.grandis x E.urophylla 502 45.2 38.3

Eucalyptus badjensis and Corymbria henryii both show good early potential for preferred species status.

However, much work needs to be done before this can happen. this would include more local pulp tests using larger sample sizes and bigger areas would need to be planted so that pure batches of each species can be sent to Japan for further testing.

nCt tree Farming has begun to plant out compartments of these species on suitable sites. if results are positive, it will serve to expand growing areas for high pulp yielding eucalyptus species, thus providing larger batches of quality wood chips and possibly a higher premium for the nCt grower – an outcome which would certainly be worth all the hard work.

A compartment of e. smithii on the NCT Enon farm e. smithii leaf structure


the Eucalyptus gall wasp (Leptocybe invasa) has continued to spread and cause damage in the main Eucalyptus growing areas. there are two strategies to manage the impact of this pest: 1) relates to planting material that is tolerant of the pest; and 2) is to release a biological contol that will reduce the gall wasp population.

the nCt tree improvement programme has screened hybrid material for tolerance and is in a position to advise members about which species/hybrids they should be planting.

the programme to initiate biological control has been a great success, starting with the discovery of a parasitoid wasp (Selitrichoides neseri). the biology of this parasitoid was thoroughly studied by the tree protection Co-operative programme (tpCp) and specificity tests carried out. an application for the release of this insect was submitted to government (daFF) in late 2011 and in June 2012 permission was granted to release the wasp. the first Selitrichoides were released at four sites in Zululand at the end of July.

scientists from tpCp are working hard to build up populations of the parasitic wasp so that further releases can be done as soon as possible, and as widely as possible. the population in quarantine is growing well. more releases are likely to be in the Zululand area where Leptocybe populations are high and where temperatures are likely to be

consistently higher for the next while compared to most other regions. breeding of the parasitoid will continue with urgency, with the aim of releasing the wasp in other parts of the country during the course of the spring and summer seasons.

Biological controlfor gall wasps

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38862 Forestry Publication Ad_DSK.pdf 1 2012/08/13 12:01 PM


Jolanda roux from the Forestry and agricultural biotechnology institute (Fabi) won the award for Capacity building in science engineering and technology innovation during the last 5-10 years at the recent nstF-bHp billiton science & technology awards – a well-deserved accomplishment.

Jolanda’s other claim to fame is that in 2011 she became the first woman to receive the Commonwealth Forestry association’s Queen’s award for forestry from england’s Queen elizabeth ii.

Well done!Jolanda Roux of FABI

38862 Forestry Publication Ad_DSK.pdf 1 2012/08/13 12:01 PM

22

N C T T R E E F A R M I N G

Tree Farming ProfileDerrick Mtolo is forestry foreman stationed at NCT Ingwe Forest. This

management area also includes the farms Endebeni, Drummond Tor, Honeywood, Spitzkop, Riversfield, uMngenipoort and Terlings.

Derrick started his forestry career in 1988 as a general labourer at Mondi Gilboa. After holding several positions including security guard and forest field enumerator, he was promoted to senior supervisor at Mondi Tetworth Estate in 1992. After serving five years at Tetworth, he was transferred to Mondi Albany at Newcastle as junior assistant forester.

Derrick joined NCT Tree Farming in 1999 at Ingwe as assistant forester. His love of forestry is found mainly in silviculture and fire-fighting as these tasks bring about interaction with a range of people with different ideas and attitudes. Derek also has a soft spot for natural resources and

thrives on developing his staff and surrounding community.Derrick grew up in a forestry environment at Sappi Liff where his parents worked. This is where

he and his brother, Edmon, a forester at Masonite Greytown, developed a passion for forestry. They assisted their mother with her tasks during school holidays.

Derrick believes that he would have made a perfect teacher had it not been for forestry. He has a tendency (and patience) of explaining everything clearly and gives straight-forward instructions to his staff and his children.

Outside the workplace, Derrick is a dedicated member of the Twelve Apostles church, a father, a family man, and loving and caring husband of Makhosi who lives at Dalton with their children. Derrick enjoys reading and learning; he is now in the final stages of his national diploma in forestry (distance learning) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Want to enjoy the financial benefits and returns of tree farming but don’t have the resources to manage one? NCT Tree Farming may be the answer.

NCT Members, who prefer not to manage their own plantations, are able to purchase the management services and expertise which are tailor-made to suit each individual client’s

needs.NCT Tree Farming supplies a total management package which includes the handling of all forestry operations, financial services, administration, marketing and the employment of

suitable staff.

Services offered include: • Effective on-the-ground management • Advanced financial and administration services

• Planning services.

Prior to the management of a farm, a management committee is set where both parties control the contract. This committee meets as often as is necessary to facilitate and ensure

the sustainable management of the estate.

NCT Tree Farming (Pty) Limited, PO Box 1445, Pietermaritzburg 3200Telephone (033) 8978500 * Fax (033) 8978501 * www.nctforest.com


N C T T R E E F A R M I N G

“When weather and fuel conditions are at their worst, fires will burn when and where they want to. Once a fire starts to spread, no force of fire-fighters, regardless of the size of that force, will control it.”

This sketches the 2007 fire season environment. Five years later, we approach the 2012 fire season with changing weather patterns and high fuel concentrations.

Did landowners fully implement the proposed recommendations and suggestions for improvements after the disaster fires during 2007?

In preparing for the worst-case scenario, it would be beneficial to refresh memories.Some fire prevention and fire readiness critical success factors are:

• Understand local fire risks and hazards• Mitigate high-risk scenarios in conjunction with neighbours and local fire protection associations• Strictly follow the standard operating procedures of local FPAs• Train staff and communities in fire risk management• Ensure that resources match the risk scenario• Closely monitor local weather conditions and fire danger index• Act according to the local standard operating procedures as set out by the local FPA• Working together with the FPAs in developing a radio communication plan• Develop co-operation procedures with neighbours• Respond to smoke reports during high FDI periods

The current international emphasis on climate change suggests that extreme events will become more frequent. Weather is out of our control but is the drum beater for the fire season.

Fires must be contained while they are still small; this is only possible through early detection and quick response.

Follow the drum beater, ensure readiness of all resources, and take no shortcuts during high fire danger periods.

2012 fire season

Ben Potgieter, Fire & Rescue International

– are we ready?

24

Ian Henderson, Forestry Executive, Masonite (Africa) Limited

Co s t a R i ca , t he R i ch Coa s t

Bill Gardner from Masonite’s USA parent company and Ian Henderson next to one of the Carapa trees.

will you go to Costa rica? that was the question posed to me over coffee in december last year.

“where’s that”, was my initial response but without much thought, i responded by saying, “sure, what for?” thoughts of bikini-clad girls on sunny beaches and tropical rain forests crossed my mind ever so briefly.

masonite (africa) has a major shareholder, based in tampa, Florida, Usa, known as masonite international Corporation. (miC). miC owns many companies throughout the world, one of which is a door producing company in Costa rica. this company owned the door manufacturing plant, sawmill and forests to produce the wood for the doors. However, with the economic downturn in 2008, the high quality solid door market fell away and the decision was taken to close the business. all harvesting stopped.

maintaining non-producing forests comes at a cost and no company can afford spending money without a return in investment.

my brief: investigate and advise on what to do with the forests.

easy? no. as it turned out, very difficult, particularly as i have a passion for indigenous

forests and tropical rain forests. my natural instinct was to leave them and carry on protecting the trees.

miC owns 6 500ha of prime rain forest in Costa rica with the dominant species being Carapa guianensis, a timber which is very close to mahogany. it is locally known as royal mahogany. there are also many laws in Costa rica protecting these forests which makes it difficult to do anything without government approval.

technoforest, as these forests belonging to miC are known, is made up of 300ha blocks spread over the centre of the country close to the city of san Jose. it is also one of the largest land owners in the country. However, these forests are surrounded by agriculture – mainly bananas - and there are obvious signs of illegal firewood collection and poaching. technoforest is FsC-certified and to maintain this, there is permanent staff patrolling and auditing the areas.

after investigation, miC opted to:• find amarket for the timber and cover costs

(they have a permit to fell on a sustainable basis);

• findabuyerfortheforests;or• donatesomeoftheforeststoEarthUniversity,

Co s t a R i ca Co s t a R i ca Co s t a R i ca Co s t a R i ca Co s t a R i ca C



Co s t a R i ca , t he R i ch Coa s t

ian Henderson writes: “Costa rica, known as the rich Coast, is a country located on the Central american isthmus, bordered by nicaragua to the north, panama to the south, the pacific ocean to the west and south and the Caribbean sea to the east.

it is known for its diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna. From rain forests, to dry tropical and temperate forests, to volcanoes, Caribbean and pacific beaches, to high mountains and marshy lowlands.

there are over half a dozen active volcanoes in the country that covers 51 100km² of land (i was fortunate to witness the eruption of an active volcano during my stay).

it takes 26 hours flying time from south africa, excluding airport time.

the people are very friendly and it is the only country in the world without an army – so i’m told). road structures are very similar to sa – lots of potholes – with the main routes congested with trucks.

the tropical forests in general are stunning – to say the least.”

COSTA RICA

Royal Mahogany

(earth University teaches students from around the world to use sustainable farming methods in an environmentally-friendly way. they also offer a b. degree in forestry, progressing to a masters level).as previously mentioned, there are government

controls in place to protect all natural forests. there are also some serious land claim issues.

i was given the task of finding an international market for the timber, while my colleague had to research the value of claiming carbon credits to cover the costs of maintaining these forests and to look for potential buyers.

i received initial interest in the timber from australia, germany, and Japan. Local timber merchants were interested but the current economic climate resulted in a decline to purchase for now. mahogany from Central africa is also very price-competitive, though not FsC-certified. not many timber buyers are interested in FsC, which surprised me.

there is potential for carbon credits once the minefield of paper work and politics is overcome.

in conclusion, the sale of FsC tropical rain forest timber is not easy as there is too much illegal harvesting, making the pricing uncompetitive. masonite is currently pursuing the sale and donation option.



26

CARING FOR C OMMUNITIESNCT has undertaken social-investment initiatives aimed at bringing new hope and

opportunity to previously disadvantaged communities.

programmes are driven by nCt’s desire to improve the quality of life in these communities and to empower individuals and communities to build self-sufficiency and sustainability in the long term.

its selection of projects reflect the organisation’s understanding of current good practice and hopefully make a difference to the most vulnerable in our communities.

• TheHardingSpecialSchoolforthephysically-challenged,formedin1990,isaboardingestablishmentfor 155 physically-disabled children aged 6-18 (grade 1-7).

• TheZenzaneEnviroClubinBalgowanformspartoftheMidlandsMeanderEducationProgramme.Theproject will boost local knowledge and interest in sustainable food gardening and revitalize the existing community gardens.

• TheNdlolothicrecheinKranskopoutsideGreytown(KZNmidlands)catersforchildrenaged1-6yearsof age.

• GroveIntermediateSchoolisaruralschoolinMooiRiverthatprovideseducationto100learnerswithvery limited resources.

• AssistOrphansinPietermaritzburgcatersforhomelesstoddlers,abandoned&HIV/AIDSbabies.• LETCEEbasedinGreytownsetsuptoylibrariesinruralcommunities&worktowardsimprovingyoung

children’s access to early learning and cognitive stimulation.• IzuluOrphanProjectsinEmpangenisetuphome-runcreches,trainingeducatorsinearlychildhood

development & provide the tools to carry out their tasks.• Through the Pietermaritzburg Community Chest, five rural projects benefit from NCT’s social

programme. these include aid in early childhood development and food gardens.

LETCEE – Greytown Zenzane Gardens – Balgowan

Izulu Orphan Project – Empangeni


CARING FOR C OMMUNITIESHarding Special School Assist Orphans – Pietermaritzburg

Grove Intermediate School – Mooi River

PMB Community Chest

Ndlolothi Creche – Kranskop

28

The oribi Ourebia ourebi is a highly specialised antelope inhabiting Africa’s temperate grasslands. South Africa’s latest Red Data book for mammals classified the oribi as endangered in South Africa because of its rapid decline in recent years, caused primarily by habitat destruction and continued persecution by man.

oribi depend on natural grasslands for their survival, and grasslands are currently one of south africa’s most threatened ecosystems, with only about 3% formally conserved and more than 60% already having been irreversibly transformed.

oribi are territorial and their home range size varies considerably. the effects of habitat destruction and fragmentation, veld mismanagement, and poaching with dogs are therefore devastating.

Landowners applying suitable grassland management and rigorous monitoring and control of dog hunting and human persecution can play an important role in improving the situation for oribi on their properties.

to address the main threat to oribi, the oribi working group (owg) arranged and hosted a dog hunting stakeholder meeting in February 2011 and has held several since. there has been a concerted effort to highlight this issue in the media and hopefully, with the added awareness

and education for landowners, hunters, police, communities and legislative officials, hunting will slow down and hopefully cease. the multi-stakeholder dog hunting forum established in 2011 will play a leading role in the formulation of intervention measures in this regard. the owg calls on the public to report illegal hunting with dogs.

Oribi survey the 2011 survey marked the beginning of a

new approach towards monitoring oribi in south africa. in the 1980s, monitoring oribi populations began with random questionnaire surveys sent out and equally random returns providing the nation’s first assessment of oribi population status.

the next concerted survey efforts took place in the mid-1990s and by 2001 these were established as regular biennial surveys. However, biennial surveys leave too long a time gap for consistent effort from landowners and from hereon, annual surveys will be conducted.

the aim is to achieve consistent inputs from a large proportion of south africa’s oribi landowners. surveys are requested to be submitted by october of each year which allows for easier counting after landowners have completed their block burns, reducing cover and coaxing the oribi out into open areas to graze on the new green flush of grass, in august/september.

Oribi – still endangeredDr Ian Little, Manager – Threatened Grassland Species Programme, Endangered Wildlife Trust


Fig 1. The Eastern Cape showed the highest overall population out of the three provinces

that submitted survey forms.

the 2011 results show that kwaZulu-natal emerged as the stronghold for the species in south africa. this is not entirely surprising as kZn has the largest area of intact grassland under formal conservation. the high population numbers seen in the eastern Cape are largely a result of very high numbers of animals on a few farms with kasoega farm having over 140 oribi, the highest number of animals for any property in the country. on the contrary, mpumalanga population numbers are concerning as their number of surveys are approaching that of kwaZulu-natal but their oribi numbers are significantly lower.

Unfortunately not all land-owners felt confident enough to give any indication of their population trends and many gave no response at all. the data presented is therefore an indication of the trends but is limited to being a rough indication rather than a confident sample. Hopefully these results will prove less subjective and will be supported by more confident data with concerted annual

Fig 2. Perceived populations trends in each of the relevant provinces.

efforts. this does however suggest that there is a decreasing trend in kZn on private land. while eastern Cape landowners did not provide this data, it is thought that the province’s numbers are relatively stable.

the total number of oribi recorded in 2011 in south africa was just over 2 500 animals. while it is difficult at this stage to compare this to previous year’s surveys due to inconstant survey efforts, it can be said that 2011 numbers appear to be higher than counts over the last ten years. this should not be interpreted as an increase in the species numbers in south africa but rather as a starting point to work with in order to assess the population trend on an annual basis going forward.

Electronic survey forms will be accessible by August every year at www.ewt.org.za/tgsp.

The EWT OWG is supported by NCT Forestry Co-operative Limited, Rand Merchant Bank, Mondi Shanduka Newsprint and the Mazda Wildlife Fund.

30

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

APPOINTMENTSFormer chairman of the UK Sustainability Development Commission, Jonathan Porritt,

said, “There aren’t many industries around that can aspire to becoming genuinely sustainable. The pulp and paper industry, however, is one of them. It is inherently sustainable.”

all paper in south africa is produced from plantation-grown trees, recycled paper or bagasse (sugar-

cane fibre). plantation-grown trees are planted for paper manufacture just as maize is planted for your cereal and wheat for your bread.

Contrary to popular and often misinformed belief, the fibre used to make paper products is not sourced from the wood of rain forests, indigenous or common garden trees.

the myth that printing a document will kill a tree is also perpetuated by email footnotes such as “please consider the environment before printing this” or “go green, read it on screen”.

in fact, reading a document on screen produces more carbon dioxide than printing out the same document. a printed document can be read over again without further emissions and can also be recycled.

in south africa, 500 million trees across 762 000ha are specifically grown for use in pulp and paper manufacturing. as massive sinks for atmospheric carbon, forests mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide which is a massive environmental service and a key means of mitigating climate change.

if it were not for the pulp and paper industry operating world-wide for the last 150 years, the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere would be 5% higher than they are at present.

the south african forestry sector only harvests 9% of the total plantation area annually for paper manufacture. only mature trees are harvested and each of these is replaced by saplings in the same year. Carbon absorption continues as the new trees grow and young trees are able to absorb carbon more rapidly than the older trees.

paper is one of the most recycled materials that we use, making it a renewable and sustainable resource.

Source: KZN Industrial Business

An environmental case for paper


ADVERTISING RATES FOR 2012

Full page Half page

Inside front page: R5 120Inside back page: R4 665

Other pages: R3 500

Inside front page: R2 560Inside back page: R2 332

Other pages: R1 750

Rates exclude VATBookings: Anita Nicholson, Tel: 033 897 8507 or eMail: [email protected]

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

APPOINTMENTS

Siga Moodleyhas been appointed NCT’s Group Internal Auditor on a fixed-term contract. The appointment of an internal auditor is the prerogative of the Chairman and entails

the monitoring of compliance with policies, the efficient use

of resources and generally safeguarding the Group’s

assets.

Siga retired from NCT in December 2010 after 38 years’

service.

Gawie van Dyk ex-Vryheid office

has been promoted to Operations

Manager and takes over from

Dan Pienaar.

Gawie reports to the Logistics Manager and

manages timber movement, loading operations and rail

loading points.

Dan Pienaar,now retired, moves to a three-day week

as Group Fleet Manager on a fixed-

term contract. He continues to manage

NCT’s vehicle procurement and fleet portfolio and

assists with the new traffic legislation

programme. He reports to

the Commercial Manager.

32

CUSTOMER SERVICE (OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU)

Not only is the staff friendly and knowledgeable, administrative procedures efficient and constantly aiming to exceed customer expectations, but Sunshine Seedlings’ transportation ensures deliveries are timely and reliable. With a large fleet of vehicles deliveries are made countrywide, and plants arrive ready-to-plant.

Sunshine Seedlings promises to go beyond the call of duty to meet order requirements, and seek not only to satisfy customers, but also to build loyalty and long-term customer commitment.

QUALITY

Sunshine Seedlings will plant according to customer’s specific requirements, and great pride is taken on its reputation for maintaining only the highest quality seedlings.

All plants are checked regularly for disease or genetic defects, and seedlings delivered have met the most stringent quality standards. To ensure that quality is always maintained, Sunshine Seedlings is ISO 9000 certified, and to ensure that quality is constantly improving, regular trials and research are conducted to produce superior seedlings. Sunshine Seedlings is a SGASA registered company.

If you need advice on what to plant to capture a sites maximum potential, please contact us at Sunshine Seedling Services, we would be happy to assist you.

S

When it comes to knowledge and

practical experience, more than 130 years

of combined expertise, and over

28 years in operation, Sunshine Seedlings Services

provides unequalled quality at

competitive prices. Sunshine Seedlings

Services is well placed to meet your highest expectations

supplying forestry seedlings and clones.

From humble beginnings in 1982, Sunshine Seedlings

has expanded steadily and now

produces 50 million seedlings annually.

Tel: 033 390 3047 • www.sunshineseedlings.co.za

in this issue n views... · back: s mbuyazi, d fakude, n dube, n gumede, l gumede; front: m...

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