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Reflecting On the Past and Looking Ahead. |
As we reflect on the past planting season, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for our clients continued support of Sunshine Seedlings. Their trust and partnership have not only fuelled our passion for forestry but have also enabled us to provide the highest quality seedlings to their operations. Together, we have made significant strides in fostering sustainable forestry practices and we look forward to an even more promising new season.
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| The forestry production team at Sunshine Seedlings wanted to take a moment to share important updates regarding our production processes as well as to reassure the forestry industry about our commitment to providing the highest quality seedlings to meet the grower’s needs.
Positive Changes in Production
In our continuous effort to enhance efficiency and quality, we have made strategic adjustments to our production methods. These changes will not only streamline operations but also allow us to increase our output. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our production efficiency, we have changed certain wattle clone orders from paper pot plugs to Unigro plugs. While the change was necessary due to the consistent challenges we faced with rooting rates, we are pleased to inform you that the switch to Unigro has resulted in improved rooting success. This increased rooting ensures we have an increase in the supply of wattle clones to fulfill your orders, reducing any concerns about potential shortages. We understand that change can bring uncertainty, and we appreciate your openness to this transition.
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Our resolute team has and is still working relentlessly to optimize the rooting structure, and we are proud to share that the attached images highlight the impressive results of these improvements.
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We appreciate your patience during this transition, and we are confident you will see the positive outcome in the quality of our seedlings.
Commitment to Quality and Timelines
At our core, we remain committed to supplying quality seedlings in the correct quantities and ensuring that deliveries are on time—every time. To further support this commitment, we are expanding our production capabilities and continuously investing in infrastructure and technology. These new developments not only increase our production capacity but also to elevate the quality of our offerings. Our commitment to excellence stems from our desire to support the forestry industry.
Expansion
One of the standout additions is our brand-new tunnel, housing an impressive 88,000 wattle Ramets. (A ramet is a clonal cutting we plant and when mature we do cuttings from those. These cuttings are then rooted and grown out to eventually be the wattle seedling we sell) |
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This more extensive facility will provide us with opportunities to do research on the improving plant health, cultivation techniques, pest management strategies and improving the number of cuttings we do per ramet.
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| We have also undertaken additional expansion at our sister nursery Top Crop Nursery. Here we have already planted an additional 280 000 ramets.
Combined, these expansions allow us a significant increase in the availability of clones although there will remain restrictions on the quantity we can supply per customer. So, it remains extremely important to place your orders as soon as possible to take advantage of supply.
These expansions underscore our commitment to supporting sustainable forestry and agriculture by providing strong, disease free and site-specific seedlings to help our customers achieve their planting goals. Our nursery is ready to meet your needs with improved availability and even greater efficiency.
Your Needs Matter To Us
As we experience unprecedented demand for seedlings, we want to ensure you we are meeting your requirements. |
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If you anticipate any changes in your order or need additional seedlings, please let us know as soon as possible. Our team is here to accommodate your needs and adjust our production accordingly. Thank you for your continued support.
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Together, we can navigate these changes positively and ensure a successful growing season ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.
Planting Techniques
During the past season we have noticed a dramatic increase in poor planting techniques. It is advisable that all growers refocus on their planting teams. We noticed an increase in “J rooting”, seedlings being planted far too deep, seedlings being planted with dry root plugs, planting pits too shallow, and reduced watering after planting. These might seem insignificant on their own but combined can have an effect of up to 40% mortality in field.
Holding Nurseries
Growers who have holding nurseries should also just check on their facilities, as we have noticed several problems in these facilities. Over watering is a major factor and leads to an increase of fungal diseases on the plants, which leads to mortality infield. |
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Over watering causes an algae build up on the ground which leads to fungus gnats. Trays are not spaced on the tables thus reducing air movement and a microclimate develops which increases disease pressure. You are welcome to contact us for an onsite visit to assist in improving the management of the facility.
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Communication
Communication between you the grower and us the nursery is vital for a successful planting season. Here are reasons highlighting its importance, particularly regarding placing orders by Wednesday for delivery the following week:
1. Timely Availability of Seedlings: By establishing a clear order schedule, you can ensure that the necessary seedlings are available when they are needed for planting. This prevents delays that might arise from last-minute orders or miscommunications.
2. Planning and Coordination: Effective communication allows us to synchronize our schedules. This ensures that the production timeline aligns with the grower's planting schedule, allowing for better resource management.
3. Quality Control: Regular communication enables you to specify the quality and type of seedlings required. This helps the nursery manager to prepare and grow seedlings that meet specific requirements, ensuring that you receive healthy plants ready for planting.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability: If there are changes in your planting plans due to weather, market demand, or other factors, effective communication allows for adjustments to orders. This flexibility can help mitigate potential losses and ensure that both parties are on the same page.
5. Building Relationships: Consistent communication fosters a strong working relationship between you the grower and our nursery manager. Good relationships can lead to better service, trust, and a shared commitment to successful outcomes.
6. Feedback Loop: Regular discussions provide an opportunity for growers to give feedback on seedling performance and quality, while nursery managers can share insights on the best practices for care and handling.
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In summary, placing orders by Wednesday for delivery the following week is a strategic practice that benefits both the grower and nursery manager. It enhances planning, communication, and coordination, leading to a more successful planting season.
Those farmers who have yet to join our community of resolute customers, we invite you to take this opportunity to make the switch to Sunshine Seedlings. Our commitment to your forestry operations is steadfast; we are here to support you with the quality products and personalized service that you deserve. By choosing us, you are not just placing an order; you're partnering with a nursery that understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the forestry sector.
Now is the perfect time to reach out and place your orders. Let us work together to lay the groundwork for a successful season ahead, filled with growth and prosperity. Orders placed and one-third of the value of your seedling order is paid to us by the 30/6/2026. A 10% discount is applicable on your seedlings.
Contact the Forestry team:
Lothar Meyer (Marketer) - 082 552 7463 for Technical Advice and Sales KZN North + Mpumalanga
Erich Jacobs (Sales Manager) - 076 260 1306 for Technical Advice and Sales KZN South + Africa
Our team is excited to collaborate with you and support your farming journey, we understand the dedication and hard work that goes into farming, and we are committed to supporting you in every way possible. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
March is the perfect time to reclaim control of an overgrown garden. From shaping hedges to cutting back climbers, smart seasonal pruning now encourages healthier growth, improves airflow and reduces maintenance. Husqvarna South Africa shares expert tips on what to prune, common mistakes and advice.
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| South Africa’s Paper Recycling Rate Climbs To 63.3% |
| South Africa’s paper recycling rate rose to 63.3% in 2025, diverting 1.2 million tonnes from landfill annually. PAMSA urges households schools and businesses to recycle more paper products by keeping materials clean dry and separate helping preserve landfill space and strengthen the country’s circular economy. read more |
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| Waratah Forestry Equipment introduces the new FL90 Directional Felling Head |
| Waratah Forestry Equipment’s new FL90 directional felling head delivers power, agility and intelligent performance for 20+ metric ton carriers. Designed for demanding forestry applications, it combines durability, high-capacity handling and advanced TimberRiteTM X-26 controls to boost productivity and efficiency. read more |
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| Stand-Level Probability Of Spruce Bark Beetle Damage Mapped Across Finland |
| Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland developed a stand-level map predicting spruce bark beetle damage across Finland. The study identifies forest, landscape and climate factors linked to infestations, helping managers improve monitoring, prevention and long-term forest health protection. read more |
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| Arxada Awarded Nearly $70M as Court Enters Final Judgment in Trade Secret and M&A Noncompetition Case |
Arxada has been awarded nearly $70 million after the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled in its favour in a trade secret and noncompetition case. The judgment includes damages, legal expenses and injunctive relief related to breaches of restrictive covenants and confidential information misuse.
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| Tucabaca: The Pioneering Forest And Guardian Of The Region |
| Tucabaca has become Latin America’s first FSC-certified protected area, marking a major milestone for sustainable forest management. Covering more than 260,000 hectares, the forest protects biodiversity, water resources and carbon storage while supporting Indigenous communities and regional climate resilience. read more |
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| The FABI INSPIRE Open Air Laboratory Officially Opened |
Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute has officially opened the INSPIRE Open Air Laboratory at the University of Pretoria’s Innovation Africa campus. The 10ha Eucalyptus research site will study drought stress, pests and pathogens, strengthening collaborative forestry research between universities and industry partners.
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| FSC Announces Conservation Facility To Certify National Parks And Conservation Areas |
| Forest Stewardship Council has launched the Conservation Facility to certify national parks and conservation areas, aiming for 25 million hectares across Africa, Latin America and Central Asia, while advancing biodiversity protection, climate resilience and sustainable forest management. read more |
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| Mondi reveals how purpose-built corrugated packaging can drastically reduce food waste |
| Mondi has released a white paper showing how purpose-built corrugated packaging can reduce food waste across supply chains. It highlights design innovations that improve product protection, reduce damage and transport costs, and strengthen resilience, positioning packaging as a strategic tool for efficiency and sustainability. read more |
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| ATSE presents the MK MARTIN BT810 trailer-mounted backhoe, a 14 HP, electric-start machine with 360-degree rotation, 1.5 m working depth and 800 kg digging force. Designed for landscaping and property maintenance, it offers strong manoeuvrability, easy towing, and efficient excavation performance for versatile job-site productivity. read more |
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| Small Deviations, Big Impact – Komatsu In The 2025 Timber Value Test |
| Komatsu took part in Skogforsk’s 2025 Timber Value Test with its 951 harvester and C144 head, demonstrating strong positioning and measurement accuracy. Results highlighted high precision in stem handling and log sizing, reinforcing Komatsu’s Smart Forestry approach and focus on long-term timber value optimisation. read more |
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| Powerful And Fuel-Efficient – Meet Volvo’s Future Hydrogen Truck |
| Volvo Trucks has begun on-road testing hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks using HPDI technology, aiming for commercial launch before 2030. The system delivers diesel-like performance with improved efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, supporting long-range transport alongside Volvo’s broader zero-emission strategy including electric and fuel cell vehicles. read more |
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| What Does A Battery Outdoor Power Tool Really Cost To Own? |
| Husqvarna Group explains battery outdoor power tool ownership costs extend beyond purchase price, highlighting lower maintenance, predictable running costs, reduced downtime, and shared battery systems that improve long-term value and efficiency for users over time overall. read more |
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| Webinar Series "Sustainable Forestry Operations for the Bioeconomy": Sustainable Timber Harvesting Systems and Operations |
| A webinar by International Union of Forest Research Organizations examined sustainable timber harvesting for the bioeconomy, highlighting Finland’s forestry model and the role of Forestry 5.0 technologies in balancing productivity, sustainability, and future global wood supply challenges. read more |
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| From Risk to Resilience: Strengthening the Timber Industry Together |
Sawmilling South Africa newsletter highlights resilience in the timber sector amid scams, raids and global uncertainty, while industry forums and webinars promote collaboration, sustainability understanding and value-chain coordination across forestry stakeholders in 2026 sector outlook.
read more |
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| Young Forest Owners In Finland Find Themselves Having To Compromise Their Values |
A study by the University of Eastern Finland and Natural Resources Institute Finland finds young Finnish forest owners often compromise personal values to align with industry norms, with sentimental ties to forests playing a major role in shaping ownership decisions and management choices.
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| Now on YouTube | Talking Timber: Is Timber Truly Sustainable? |
A Talking Timber webinar hosted by Sawmilling South Africa is now available on YouTube featuring experts Dr David Everard and Prof Ben du Toit discussing forestry in South Africa and timber’s as renewable building material.
read more |
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| 2026 Forestry Science Symposium |
This year’s Forestry Science Symposium is hosted by Stellenbosch University, in the Paul Sauer Building, from the 24th to the 26th of November, 2026.
Calls for Abstract Submissions will be sent out shortly. All enquiries: fssymposium@sun.ac.za
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| Treated Wooden Poles: A Pillar of South African Marine Construction |
R&B Timber Treated wooden poles are highlighted as a durable, sustainable solution for South African marine construction, supporting docks, piers and jetties with strength, versatility and low environmental impact when properly treated and maintained over time overall.
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Arxada Launches Geogard® NEU Multifunctional For Modern Personal Care At In-Cosmetics 2026
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| Arxada will present Geogard® NEU at in-cosmetics 2026, a multifunctional preservation system for neutral-pH personal care products, offering low-dose, cost-effective protection for shampoos and cleansers while meeting regulatory expectations and modern formulation requirements. read more |
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| Pile Driver vs Post Driver |
Vermeer South Africa explains that pile drivers are heavy-duty machines for large foundations like bridges and buildings, while post drivers are lighter tools for fencing and signage. The guide helps users choose between high-impact construction equipment and portable, single-operator agricultural and landscaping solutions.
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| From Conservation To Value: FSC Chile Drives A New Ecosystem Services Economy In Patagonia |
| FSC Chile presented ecosystem services initiatives at an IUFRO conference in Patagonia, promoting market-based conservation models that value forests for carbon, biodiversity and water benefits while advancing sustainable development and watershed-scale territorial management approaches. read more |
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| SAWMILLS FOR SALE / LEASE: |
| ENTRY LEVEL to EXECUTIVE... |
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Invitation to Webinar | Launch of Biodiversity Reporting Tool |
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Date: 9 – 11 June 2026
Location: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
read more |
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The 9th International Scientific Conference on Hardwood Products |
Date: 8-11 September 2026
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
read more |
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2026 Forestry Science Symposium |
Date: 24 – 26 November 2026
Location: Stellenbosch University
read more |
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| Thank you to the following companies who renewed their advertising across our platforms in April: |
- Khulani Timber
Khulani Timber Industries (Pty) Ltd is a Family business that has been operating and specialized in the impregnation and sales of Transmission poles, Telephone poles, Fibre line Poles, Guardrail post poles and spacer blocks, Cross-arm poles, Building and fencing poles, droppers and laths as well as Ranch fencing poles since 1991.
- Forestry & General
Forestry and General Insurance Brokers CC is a South African insurance brokerage specialising in forestry contracting risks. Established in 1993 and based in Nelspruit, the company provides tailored insurance solutions for forestry operators, covering assets and liabilities while supporting contractors across the national forestry sector.
- Autotech Weigh
Autotech Weighing Systems is a South African engineering company specialising in industrial weighing, materials handling and process control systems. Established in 1982, it provides advanced solutions for rail, vehicle, hopper and conveyor weighing, serving industries across Africa with accredited verification, repair services and technical support.
- Low's Creek Treated Timber
Low’s Creek Treated Timber (Pty) Ltd is a South African timber treatment company based in Mpumalanga. Established in the country’s key forestry region, it specialises in pressure-treated poles and timber products for utility, construction and agricultural use, supplying durable, standards-compliant solutions across South Africa and broader African markets.
- Brits Poles
Brits Poles (Pty) Ltd is a South African manufacturer and supplier of treated timber poles and related products, based in the North West province. Established over 20 years ago, the company produces SANS-compliant poles for utilities, agriculture, construction and fencing, serving both local and export markets with a focus on quality and service.
- Rainbow Mining Support
Rainbow Mining Support is a South African manufacturer and supplier of underground mining ground support solutions. Established in 2020, the company provides engineered timber, cementitious and rock-support products designed to improve mine safety, stability and operational efficiency across underground mining operations.
- Prime Poles
Prime Poles (Pty) Ltd is a South African timber treatment company based in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal. It specialises in supplying CCA-treated gum poles, droppers and laths for fencing, building and agricultural use, offering countrywide delivery, competitive pricing and bulk supply to commercial and rural markets.
- Azkoyen (Pty) Ltd
Azkoyen (Pty) Ltdis a South African forestry and timber optimisation company established in 2012. Based in Newcastle, it acquires and manages forestry assets, processing timber into poles, mining timber, pulpwood and export products while operating a broader group of related industrial and forestry businesses.
- Ithaba
Ithaba Holdings is a South African timber and industrial supply company founded in 2018 and based in Mpumalanga. It manufactures and supplies timber products such as dunnage, pallets, poles and mining supports, serving sectors including construction, mining, steel and export logistics across Southern Africa.
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