Keeping a record of data such as Temperature, Rainfall, and Wind can help indicate what to expect during every season of the year
Rainfall
Rainfall has the most important influence of all the climatic factors on the vegetation. It is thus a requirement that rainfall data must be recorded. Rainfall records must be such that the average annual and monthly precipitation as well as the rainfall intensity (the amount of precipitation during a particular rainy period) and the distribution of the rainfall are recorded. As more and more data is collected every year, general predictions can be made of the expected rainfall for your specific farm as well as early tendencies of drought or exceptional rainfall can be noticed. Although there is nothing we can do to increase or decrease rainfall in specific areas or seasons, having an idea of what to expect might increase the accuracy of our planning. Ultimately, rainfall and all other climatic conditions lie in the Hands of our Maker.
Temperature
Temperature affects the productivity of the veld in different ways. For example, the occurrence of frost, such as occurs in high-lying rainfall areas, has a marked effect on growth activity and nutritive value. It is also of great value to record amongst the climatic data the occurrence of frost throughout the year. Heat waves or extreme cold fronts also have a very detrimental effect on the veld and livestock. Livestock may suffer from extreme heat and extra provision of shade and water may be required. Extreme cold may also cause severe stress on the livestock resulting in death or illness, especially the young and vulnerable individuals.
Winds
The FDI – Fire Danger Index Values give predictions of the wind and temperature status which increases the possibility of fires. Keeping in mind these indexes will enable the farmer not to attempt firebreaks for example during the high-risk days. (Source: The South African Weather Service)
Desiccating winds can be extremely destructive and damaging to the veld and livestock. In the case that a veld fire breaks out, severe winds will make it near impossible to put out the fire unless it turns against itself. Being aware of the windy season and which days are high wind predictions is important to manage certain aspects accordingly. Firebreaks may not be done on days with strong winds and other implements such as windmills should be tied down especially when strong gusts of wind are present.
Other Records
On any farm, there are numerous types of records which can and should be kept. The previously mentioned records are all focused on veld management and keeping a record of the different camps, vegetation and climatic factors affecting these records.
Whether farming with livestock, crops or wildlife keeping records may ensure the sustainability and productivity of the enterprise.
Livestock and Wildlife Records
An example of a livestock record sheet. (Source: African Farm Resource Centre)
On a livestock farm, besides the veld management records, there are several other records which should be kept to monitor the livestock and their well-being. These include, but are not limited to the following:
- Animal numbers and sex ratios.
- Birth weight, weaning weight and carcass weight.
- Date of birth; mating; calving; death; purchase.
- Growth record.
- Treatment records: vaccinations, doses, test results and treatments.
- Procedure records: castration, dehorning, branding, insemination.
- Farm and animal yields – animal production per hectare.
- Supplementary feeding, grazing and eating habits.
- Costs and profit.
- Auction sales and catalogues.
These are some of the most basic and commonly recorded details.
Crop Records
Crop records can include planting dates, pesticides and fertiliser dates as well as harvest dates and amount harvested
Keeping records should be part of every farm system. In crop production, as a minimum, record keeping is necessary for legal purposes in terms of taxes and to track the use and application of restricted chemicals. More extensive record keeping may include tracking all income and expenses, the runtime of equipment, labour costs, and costs of chemicals and fertilisers.
Some records which should be kept with crop production:
- Harvest yields – will enable comparison from year to year and provide valuable information for decision-making in future.
- Pesticide and spray records – dates, chemicals applied, safety intervals.
- Labour tracking – records of full-time and day labourers to determine worker productivity and payroll.
- Food safety and traceability.
Besides the records required by law, all record keeping is up to every individual farmer and manager. The more extensive the records are the more effective management can occur. This will ensure small details and trends can be tracked and possibly managed preventatively. The more accurately it is done the better the management can be.