Online Reporter
Engineer Tapuwa Justice Mashangwa,
On the 21st of June we experienced our winter solstice which marks the astronomical turning point of the year for the Southern Hemisphere. With winter still present farmers have the months of July and August to still endure, thus farmers should continue to make adjustments for their agricultural projects.
When it comes to livestock production this cold season directly affects availability of feed as natural grazing quality declines significantly. Farmers should secure hay, silage, crop residues and protein supplements. Ideally feed planning should ideally begin before winter arrives.
It is also a paramount to monitor body conditioning of livestock through regular assessment of weight, body condition scores and feed intake which allow for timely intervention in the event of any anomalies.
Water availability should be maintained as livestock require access to clean water even during cold weather. It is advisable to monitor water supply systems, boreholes, troughs and storage facilities so that livestock are in optimum condition with ready access to water.
Winter stress can increase susceptibility to diseases therefore livestock breeders need to watch for pneumonia, pasteurellosis, internal parasites, tick-borne diseases in some regions and keep active vaccination and preventative health programmes.
Calving and lambing management should be in place as young animals are particularly vulnerable to cold conditions. It is highly recommendable that they are provided adequate shelter, dry bedding and close supervision during birthing periods.
Another production affected by winter is the production of fruits. It is susceptible to the negative effects of winter. Pruning operations for many deciduous fruit trees are best undertaken in winter and it is prudent to appreciate that proper pruning improves airflow, enhances light penetration and stimulates productive growth. Poor pruning can reduce future yields and increase disease pressure.
Fruit trees entering flowering stages are vulnerable to the low temperatures thus frost protection is necessary. Farmers should monitor weather forecasts carefully and implement frost protection measures where necessary.
For fruit orchard sanitation it is recommendable to remove fallen fruit, diseased branches, dead wood to reduce pest and disease carry-over into the next season. Pest monitoring is a must as many pests overwinter in orchards. Fruit producers should be vigilant of aphids, fruit fly populations, scale insects and codling moths. Dormant sprays may be beneficial where appropriate.
Nut production systems are also affected by the low temperatures. Macadamia and other nut producers must focus on orchard health during winter. Young macadamia trees are particularly prone to frost damage. Vulnerable trees are best protected by using mulching, windbreaks and frost protection methods.
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Winter is an important period for soil analysis and nutrient planning in nut production. Farmers should conduct soil tests, review fertiliser programmes and correct nutrient deficiencies.
Pest and disease surveillance is necessary through inspecting orchards for stem cankers, dieback and insect infestations. Early intervention reduces long-term losses.
Regarding water management, although irrigation requirements may be lower, prolonged dry periods can still stress trees thus adequate soil moisture should be maintained throughout winter.
Winter presents major management challenges in poultry enterprises largely due to temperature stress. Cold stress can reduce growth rates, feed conversion efficiency and egg production. To mitigate this poultry housing should prevent drafts, maintain adequate warmth and allow sufficient ventilation. Feed consumption should be increased as birds require more energy during cold weather. Farmers should adjust feeding programmes, ensure constant feed availability and monitor body weights regularly.
Ventilation management is an important parameter as poor ventilation increases ammonia build-up, respiratory disease risks and moisture accumulation. Upkeep of fresh air circulation without exposing birds to cold drafts is necessary.
When it comes to disease prevention farmers should watch out for chronic respiratory disease, infectious bronchitis, newcastle disease and coccidiosis. Biosecurity measures should remain strict throughout winter.
As chicks are particularly exposed during cold weather farmers should ensure proper brooder temperatures, reliable heating systems and continuous monitoring.
Winter farming in Zimbabwe requires proactive planning, close monitoring and timely intervention. Whether managing vegetables, wheat, mushrooms, fish, bees, cattle, fruit orchards, nut plantations, or poultry flocks, success depends on understanding the unique seasonal challenges associated with low temperatures, reduced growth rates, feed shortages, water management issues, and disease risks.
Farmers who prioritise preparation, infrastructure maintenance, animal welfare, crop protection, and market planning during winter position themselves for higher productivity and profitability not only during the cold season but throughout the entire agricultural year. By staying vigilant and responding promptly to emerging risks, Zimbabwean farmers can transform winter from a period of vulnerability into a season of opportunity and growth.
The writer is Eng. Tapuwa Justice Mashangwa, GCEO Emerald Investments, CEO DataFarm, CEO Emerald Agribusiness and CEO TranslateZW. He can be contacted on +263771641714 and email: [email protected] or [email protected].
