Africa- An International Agriculture Experience
Join us for a look at TALL VIII Class’s International session to Africa, as we hear it through Don Clift, in his own words...
South Africa, one of the most talked about countries in that huge continent, was the goal of Class VIII in their out-of-country experience, August 16-30. First, a brief stop in London and an overview of UK agriculture. The Brits have intertwined agriculture with the urban population and economy and is 60% sufficient in food, but spending 19% for it vs. 10% in the U.S. Of real interest was a discussion with leaders on Foot and Mouth disease. Over 2,300 farms had confirmed cases, plus an additional 8,000 close to infected herds and have had livestock destroyed. It's a national tragedy that has impacted the GDP of the country. A lesson on the need for advanced planning and timing is critical. They have a 6-day "movement rule", and cattle have a passport from "birth to slaughter. Beef from cattle over 30 months is not utilized for human consumption. A grim example for other countries.
Then the long 12-hour flight to Capetown where the 3,000-foot, world famous Table Mountain looms over the city. Stepping off the plane, we learned that it really was winter there. We were given a history lesson by a professor in the School of Government on the current "transition" of South Africa which has a land mass twice the size of Texas and a widely diverse population....75% African, 10% white and 10% mixed. Add to that, eleven official languages. Much of the country (75%) is very dry, but with tropical lands near the coast.
Also, income and wealth are unequally distributed, with 75% owned by 16% of the population. An estimated 20% or 9 million illegal immigrants, contribute to the 40% unemployment. Land tenure is quite complex, with overlapping land rights being sorted out since Apartheid ended. Two issues frequently mentioned in conversations on the future of the country were the impact of AIDS and the scarcity of water. Lots to see around Capetown, the 2nd largest city. The downtown region along the waterfront was quite modern with good streets and 4-lane roads, but near the outskirts of town and, at random, were "informal settlements." There were large areas of makeshift homes from any material available. Dirt lanes separated the rows of huts. A national law mandates that electricity to a home cannot be cut off, even if they don't pay the bill.
But it was beautiful country as we traveled East along the coast. An interesting stop was the Cape of Good Hope, the most southern part of the African continent. This was our first look at wild animals, groups of baboons playing along roadside, ostriches in the distance, some Springbok, and just outside the park, a nesting place for over 10,000 "Jackass" Penguins.
We drove by some productive farms with fields of wheat, barley, oats and canola. Herds of sheep and cattle grazing and occasionally some dairy herds. Some pastures had "herds" of ostriches. They are very rich in coal, but with virtually no oil or natural gas. Refineries make the conversion. Another unique feature was an oyster farm with harvests in a bay off the Indian Ocean. Then on to Port Elizabeth, noted for the automotive factories that ship cars worldwide. Under construction was an $18 billion, deep-water port to handle the largest ships. Along the median of the highway was a colorful bush, "oleander," toxic to cattle, a clever method to keep cattle off the road.
One of the things we looked forward to were the "farm stays" that gave us a chance to get to know the owners, firsthand. We visited a 30,000-acre, 6th.generation cattle ranch with a relentless approach for brush control including limited use of fire, planned rotation of cattle including groups of bullocks, up to 6 years of age which would be sold as grass fed beef.
Dr. Van Niekerk, a prominent veterinarian, has developed superior sheep and Boer goats that are shipped worldwide. We saw the International Champion Boer goat, "Dr. Pepper," and groups of Dorper sheep, part of his embryo transfer laboratory. His operation also turns out outstanding Bonsmara, African, Brahman and Hereford bulls. Of interest to some of our group was a 4,000- head piggery, much like we see in the U.S. They are produced behind security fences to prevent theft, not disease. Pigs are marketed at 220 lbs. The effluent is used for hay production for a 500-head dairy herd nearby.
On a flight back to Johannesburg, I visited with a 70-year-old Zimbabwe farmer who told me how the government confiscated his farm only months before. Of the 6,000 original white farms that once operated in that country, fewer than 500 remain. Once, he had 40 employees and produced tobacco and corn, but the government made only "token" payments for his land and was given less than two months to move and his equipment was worthless. Neighboring Zimbabwe, with once a bustling economy, has 12 million people, and now 70% unemployed.
At a briefing in the South African Embassy in Pretoria, we learned that it is the only African country with bio-tech crops, with rice as a #1 export product. White farmers own 87% of the farmland. They are concerned about the EU and U.S. farm programs, yet only 7% of their exports are affected by our Farm Bill. Last year, a 150% duty was placed on U.S. poultry. South of the Capital was Karan Feedlot with 90,000-head capacity that recently integrated forward by purchasing a packing plant 45 miles away that processes all the cattle (1,000 per day). The plant is "Hallah" certified for Muslims, with exports to the Middle East and far away Switzerland. A favorite food item is "beefers," a hamburger-type patty with a blend of soy protein and onions.
A one-day safari at the Kruger National Park gave us an rare chance to see, among other species in the wild, lions, elephants, cape buffaloes, rhinos and leopards. Because of low rainfall, many were gathered at the waterholes and we saw them best as dawn was breaking. One special view was a lioness stalking and capturing an impala deer. However, her conquest was soon interrupted by the roar of a male lion, that rushed through the brush to take away her "lunch."
There was so much to see, such as a 20,000-acre corn farm, with a 300-student agriculture High School of children from farm employees. These kids are fortunate to have "better than average" school facilities. Being an "agricultural school," with each classroom of 70 students and no running water available, the boys have 3 hours daily of agricultural instruction, often using the farm as a classroom.
The farm was impressive with over 100 tractors and good maintenance. Union wages for farm workers was about $130 (US) per month, plus some housing and food. A common theme in South African farming: "Plant extra so when some is stolen, you won't miss it!"
In summary, the trip was a unique opportunity to see differences in agriculture, people and their social life, politics and environment so different from our own. Thanks to TALL, it was the trip of a lifetime.
The TALL Family lost three great leaders and supporters this fall. This issue we spotlight and honor those who have past and to their families we will never forget them.
Bo Spoonts
1959-2003
Temple, Texas
To the TALL Family and TALL Alumni and Staff:
My Dear Friends-
Bo was so thrilled to have been chosen to be a part of TALL. He dearly loved the association of like-minded people, and he valued the friends he made in the organization.
He was a remarkable man who infused life and fun into every nook and cranny of his existence, and in so doing, brought them along to those whose paths he crossed. He loved Texas agriculture, he believed in the leadership of agriculture, he saw so much potential to do good things, to use his influence, and to make a difference.
He did make a difference in every life he touched. The beautiful flowers you sent to his service were a lovely tribute to him, and a reminder to his family that he was loved and inspired by more folks than us.
Thank you for remembering us, and for giving him the opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to the job he loved.
Warmest regards,
Barbara and Alyssa Spoonts
Jerry Lucy
1924-2003
Longview, Texas
TALL lost a loyal supporter with the passing of Jerry L. Lucy of Longview, September 25, 2003. From the very beginning, he gave TALL the guidance and strong backing that made the program possible. .
A graduate of Texas A&M, he became a driving force in the development of agriculture in East Texas. A prominent businessman, he gave full support to a wide array of worthwhile projects, gaining statewide attention. His ranching enterprise became a model for others in the area. Among the many awards received were: Man of the Year by the Texas County Agents Association, the Bill Clements Memorial Award for Outstanding Leadership and the Halsay Julich Volunteer Service Award. He was a long time board director of the Build East Texas program, Upshur-Gregg Soil Conservation and Upshur REA..
"Jerry was one of the founding fathers of the TALL program, serving on the Advisory Board to the program for over a decade," says Bill Pope, Alumni Counselor. "Time after time, he went out of his way to give loyal support as the program gained recognition. Many talented young leaders in East Texas owe him grateful recognition for the opportunity to learn and to serve."
The obituary states: "There are two kinds of people in our world; those who give and those who take. Jerry was a man who gave." His wide array of services to his community and state will be long remembered.
Sterling Cornelius
1922-2003
Houston, Texas
C. Sterling Cornelius, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2003. Mr. Cornelius served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1941 to 1945, as a 1st class torpedo man. He was campaign manager for Louie Welch, who served five terms as Houston's Mayor; he was a past member of the President's Council Houston Baptist University; President of Houston Landscape Nurserymen's Association; President of Texas Association of Nurserymen; Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the Texas Certified Nursery Professionals Manual and examination; member of the Texas Certified Nurserymen's Professional Board; member of the Board of Trustees for the Texas Association of Nurserymen Scholarship and research Foundation; member of the Board of Trustees for the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Board (TALL), which voted to honor him with the "Honorary Vice President and Director Emeritus" award in July 2002.
Brian Gilbert, TALL Alumni wrote the following tribute:
“Sterling was the most upbeat man I think that I have ever known. In attending church with him and serving on committees with him through the years, he was always positive. When I approached him about serving on the Advisory Council for the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program, he agreed to contribute his time even though I am sure that the demand for his time was in very high demand. He and “Mrs. C” were always willing to help and donate to Terrace United Methodist Church, Christmas trees, Poinsettias and Easter Lilies as well as their time. Indeed, he was a man that loved life and enjoyed people. I will miss him, but am thankful that I had the good fortunate of knowing him.”
TALL Seeking Applications for Ninth Class
Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, the adult leadership development program of Texas Cooperative Extension, is currently accepting applications for the TALL IX class.
The goal of the program is to increase the capacity of volunteer leaders in agriculture to deal creatively with change so they can improve the quality of life in their communities and work places.
"Given the critical issues facing agriculture today, there is a need to provide intensive leadership development experiences for a promising new generation of leaders," said Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz, TALL director.
Classes have included farmers, ranchers, horticulturists, foresters, ag attorneys, communicators, financial officers, agriculture agency personnel and agribusiness professionals.
It is a two-year program with eight sessions, and only 24 applicants for the TALL IX class will be chosen. Tuition is $2,000. Seminars, tours and homework are required in the course load. Participants will travel to different cities in Texas, Mexico, Washington D.C., New York and Brazil.
Applicants must be actively involved in
farming, ranching or agribusiness. Men and women are equally encouraged to participate.
For more information on the TALL program, its history and calendar of events, visit the Web site at http://tall.tamu.edu
Applications are available online and are due March 15, 2004. Applications are also available from the TALL office, 7607 Eastmark Dr., Suite 101A, College Station, Texas 77840, (979) 845-1554. Applicants will be notified in late March if they are selected for interviews, which will be held in April and May.
International Alumni Conference Set
Join the international Alumni in Indiana! Each year, alumni of Leadership Development Programs across the nation and Canada meet to share information and keep on learning. The 2004 meeting will be held in Indiana in midsummer. Alumni are urged to make it a family affair. An outstanding program in store and TALL-A needs to be represented. Stay posted for more information to come.
The “Texas Water Summit: Focusing on Water for Agriculture and Natural Resources” was a huge success. The Summit was held in Austin in early November and brought together almost 300 water leaders throughout Texas and the Nation, including ag producers, industrial and municipal water users, water experts, policy makers and water district managers.
Among the issues discussed and proposed solutions were: (1) Conservation provides the cheapest water available. More education, incentives and penalties must be utilized to increase conservation. (2) Water marketing and transfers from one region to another must consider the economic impact of the loss of water.
Many ideas and action plans were outlined to help address the key water issues facing Texas agriculture in the years to come. Some quotes of interest:
“Our challenge as policy makers is to balance the interests of all parties. We must look at groundwater differently today than we have in the past. It doesn’t make sense to pump groundwater to produce cheap commodities.” State Sen. Robert Duncan
“Texas can’t meet the state’s water needs for the next 50 years without moving water from one area to another.” State Rep. Robert Puente
“Water planning of today will require all of us to look beyond our lifetime and personal positions.” Kathleen White, chairman, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
TALL Alumni sponsored a reception during the Summit where awards and recognition was giving for student poster competitions, Summit planners and the sponsors of the Caroline and William N. Lehrer Distinguished Chair in Water Engineering at Texas A&M University.