The straw mulch is the vineyard was blown all over the place, but the little vines were too small to be affected. We are glad we have planted so many windbreaks throughout the vineyard. The little saplings have just got a taste of what is to come. The other nightmare that any farmer in the Cape worries about is brush fire. We were sent a warning letter from the authorities stating that all farms should be prepared.
Firebreaks are compulsory.
Last year many vineyards were devastated in the Stellenbosch area by the rampaging fires. One fire, started by an overhead electricity cable that was felled in a gale, swept through the Tulbagh valley from end to end burning a strip 3km wide. Manie, the ever resourceful chap, has devised a fire plan. We were having a lot of trouble with buck amongst the vines eating the choice leaves, especially at night . Why they come onto our farm when we border 1000 sq km of natural reserve is beyond me.