A conventional coal-burning unit for heating tunnels costs about RS.120 000, which is a large capital outlay in anybody's book, specially in a vegetable-production, under-plastic system where profit margins are relatively low.
Deon Rossouw, of Kilprug near Paarl, found a cheaper alternative when he decided to modify a locomotive for heating his tunnels. That was four years ago. Now he has four such units, heating tunnels with a total floor area of 4ha. He says his "locomotives" run more efficiently than the coal-burning heaters available on the market and cost less than a third of their price.
Rossouw bought his first Class 14 Garrett locomotive in Mossel Bay for R3 000 in 1984 and has subsequently installed another three smaller Class 24s at his English cucumber and cherry tomato production tunnels. These were bought at De Aar, also for Rs.3000 each.
All the excess steel was cut off the locos, so only the boilers and fireboxes remained before they were transported to Paarl by lowbed trucks. Transport costs to Paarl were R3 000 each for the 28-t Class 14 and the 22-t Class 24 machines and the cost of the crane for unloading and positioning them was R1 500 for each unit.
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The big appeal of a small Karoo dorp
Van Wyksdorp in the Karoo may not be near to anything, yet exploring its surrounding mountain passes and staying there is a journey very much worth taking.
THE HITCHING POST
I am a retired man and have been a widower for two years. I would like to hear from fun-loving women between 50 and 60 years of age with a good sense of humour.
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Review: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III
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Medical cannabis production is easier said than done
The production of medical cannabis calls for extreme attention to detail and precision, as well as compliance with intricate legislative requirements and official demands. It also calls for perseverance, as Annelie Coleman found out on a visit to medical cannabis producers Coenie and Ilse Venter near Viljoenskroon in the Free State.
The biggest threats to horse health in South Africa
Janine Ryan looks at the most threatening diseases and conditions in South Africa that impact horses and other equines, including colic, laminitis and Cushing's disease.
Paper: part and parcel of the agriculture industry
Despite the everyday use of electronic communication and other technologies, society is far from becoming paperless. Wood-based paper products are woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Paper is used in printing, writing and stationery, food packaging, packaging of other goods and medicine, for hygiene and insulation purposes, money, and even in jewellery and construction.
Challenges facing vet services in South Africa
Dr Paul van der Merwe, CEO of the South African Veterinary Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the issues discussed at the World Veterinary Association Congress and how these related to the local industry.
Building a farming legacy from scratch
Mac Mabidilala is proof that you don't need to own land to get started in agriculture. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he is realising his farming dream.