Gauteng Smallholder April 2016 | Página 13

NEWS Pony Club to run W’ville Show horse events T his year's equestrian events at the 54th Walkerville Agricultural Show this month will again be run by the Walkerville branch of the SA Pony Club, which took over the running of the horse events at the show in 2013, hosting best of the breed parades, mounted games demonstrations, dressage, showing and show jumping competition classes in subsequent years. The large grass arena at the Walkerville show grounds has RAINFALL From page 9 Rainfall in Bredell, East Gauteng 2001-2016. March only, and annual totals from Sep-August. Figures for 2016 are to March 18 only. March Total 2016 255.5* 785* 2015 80.5 605.5 2014 194.5 928.5 2013 44 874 2012 87 757 2011 218 907.5 2010 88.5 977 2009 114 662 2008 129 926 2007 35 456 2006 76.5 768 2005 83.5 603.5 2004 113 751 2003 85 556 2002 48 720.5 2001 46 762.5 been a popular venue for horsey events since regular gymkhana competitions were run there in the 1970s and 1980s. Des and Jean Linden of Thornhill Stables were instrumental in building and (Hartbeespoort Dam saw all ten of its sluice gates opened for the first time in years), flooded rivers and caused loss of both life and property, the rainfall has been too localised to affect the fortunes of many farmers further afield. In the wheat-producing areas of the Western Cape, for example, not enough has fallen to make planting successful, while in the inland dryland maize areas two types of situation are apparent. On the one hand some farmers decided to save money on inputs and effort by not ploughing or planting at all. So, while they may have saved money on inputs they will generate no income whatsoever. On the other hand, some farmers took the plunge and planted (incurring the input costs thereof). The rains, such as they were, came too late, and were too meagre, for a good crop