Factors influencing the long-term competitiveness of commercial milk producers: evidence from panel data in East Griqualand, South Africa

This study investigates factors influencing the long-term competitiveness of 11 commercial milk producers from East Griqualand (EG), South Africa using unbalanced panel data for the period 1990 to 2006. Results of a ridge regression analysis show that dairy herd size, the level of farm debt, annual production per cow, technology and policy changes over time, and the ratio of trading income to total milk income influence the long-term competitiveness of these milk producers. To enhance their competitiveness in a deregulated dairy market, relatively small and profitable EG milk producers should consider increasing their herd sizes, as the importance of herd size in explaining competitiveness suggests that size economies exist. All EG milk producers should consider utilising more pasture- and forage-based production systems to lower feed costs and select dairy cattle of superior genetic merit to improve milk yields on pasture.Commercial milk production, competitiveness, panel data, Production Economics,

Impact of market deregulation on the competitiveness of commercial milk producers in East Griqualand: a unit cost ratio (UCR) analysis: 1983-2006

This study investigates the impact of dairy market deregulation on the competitiveness of milk producers who comprise the East Griqualand (EG) study group in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study uses a microeconomic approach, the unit cost ratio (UCR) method of competitiveness analysis, to assess changes in the relative competitiveness of EG milk producers from 1983 – 2006. Findings of previous research indicate that dairy market deregulation in the 1980s and 1990s caused lower real milk producer prices, increased uncertainty and higher exit rates in the South African dairy industry. Results of the UCR analysis suggest that EG milk producers were not competitive based on the net local price received for milk but were competitive when dairy cattle trading income was included. This suggests that dairy cattle trading income played an important role in enhancing the profitability of EG dairy enterprises in the study period. Further UCR analysis revealed that the top one-third of EG milk producers were relatively competitive from 1983 – 2006 due to higher real milk prices and lower unit costs. A panel data study of individual EG milk producers could be used to identify other important factors affecting milk producer competitiveness over time.dairy market deregulation, East Griqualand milk producers, competitiveness, unit cost ratio analysis, Livestock Production/Industries,

Traumatic superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula

CITATION: Du Toit, D.F & Rademan, F. 1987. Traumatic superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula - a case report. S Afr Med J, 71(9):587-588.The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaENGLISH ABSTRACT: In a case of traumatic superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula resulting from a stab wound in the abdomen clinical signs of high-output cardiac failure or portal hypertension were absent. Selective angiography was useful in confirming and locating the fistula. The patient made a good recovery after resection of the aneurysm and fistula and insertion of a prosthetic graft.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaarPublisher’s versio

Reflections on Bills of Lading and Silo Receipts Used in the South African Futures Market

South African law, as a mixed jurisdiction, is based on both common law and civil law principles. Thelegal rules pertaining to the bill of lading illustrate how divergent legal systems are harmonised in South Africanlaw. Although neither the bill of lading nor the Safex silo receipt can be regarded as negotiable instruments, bothexhibit the characteristics of a document of title. Bulk cargo and grain stored in a silo, however, provide particulardifficulties with regard to effecting symbolical delivery of the goods and thus transferring ownership. It issubmitted that, despite reservations about construing an attornment in the case of bills of lading in English law,attornment could be employed as a form of delivery, both in the case of grain in mass storage, and where bills oflading and silo receipts are dematerialised

Kinetic simulations of X-B and O-X-B mode conversion

We have performed fully-kinetic simulations of X-B and O-X-B mode conversion in one and two dimensional setups using the PIC code EPOCH. We have recovered the linear dispersion relation for electron Bernstein waves by employing relatively low amplitude incoming waves. The setups presented here can be used to study non-linear regimes of X-B and O-X-B mode conversion.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Recurrent pancreatitis after partial ileal bypass for hyperlipidaemia : a case report

CITATION: Du Toit, D. F., Knott-Craig, C. & Laker, L. 1985. Recurrent pancreatitis after partial ileal bypass for hyperlipidaemia : a case report. South African Medical Journal, 68:483-484.The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaThe case of a 28-year-old man with alcohol-induced bouts of recurrent acute pancreatitis after a partial ileal bypass performed for hyperlipidaemia is presented. Serial computed tomography proved valuable for assessing the resolution of the pancreatic mass. Peripheral parenteral hyperalimentation for 6 weeks had a beneficial effect on the course of the pancreatitis and proved to be useful for nutritional support.Publisher’s versio

Cost of breast preservation surgery for cancer

CITATION: Smit, B. J., Liebenberg, T. J. & Du Toit, D. F. 1992. Cost of breast preservation surgery for cancer. South African Medical Journal, 82:481.The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za[No abstract available]Publisher’s versio

Spaceborne P-Band MIMO SAR for Planetary Applications

The Space Exploration Synthetic Aperture Radar (SESAR) is an advanced P-band beamforming radar instrument concept to enable a new class of observations suitable to meet Decadal Survey science goals for planetary exploration. The radar operates at full polarimetry and fine (meter scale) resolution, and achieves beam agility through programmable waveform generation and digital beamforming. The radar architecture employs a novel low power, lightweight design approach to meet stringent planetary instrument requirements. This instrument concept has the potential to provide unprecedented surface and near-subsurface measurements applicable to multiple Decadal Survey Science Goals

Beamforming P-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar for Planetary Applications

The Space Exploration Synthetic Aperture Radar (SESAR) is an advanced P-band beamforming radar instrument concept to enable a new class of observations suitable to meet multiple Decadal Survey science goals for planetary exploration. The radar is capable of providing unprecedented surface and near subsurface measurements at full polarimetry and fine (meter scale) resolution, and achieves beam agility through programmable waveform generation and digital beamforming. The radars highly flexible modular architecture employs a novel low power, lightweight design approach to meet stringent planetary instrument requirements, all while minimizing cost and development time