CATEGORIES

Strategic marketing needed to survive tough potato market, says industry body

Farmers producing spuds need to balance quality and price to survive the cost-price squeeze, according to speakers at Potatoes South Africa’s recent annual general meeting. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Tea made with indigenous fruit a 'game changer'

The production of tea from indigenous fruit is a 'game changer' for the tea industry, according to Stellenbosch University (SU).

RPO welcomes new vaccine against bluetongue

The recent announcement by Design Biologix, a vaccine researcher, developer and manufacturer, that it has registered a bluetongue vaccine for South Africa has been welcomed by the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO).

Bombed sunflower seed

This article described a South African breakthrough in breeding a superior sunflower hybrid cultivar through irradiation.

Amid power cuts, there are factors working in SA farmers' favour

As farmers plant winter crops, including wheat, canola, barley and oats, Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, outlines reasons to feel more optimistic in a challenging operating environment.

An idyllic blend of beauty, comfort and privacy on the banks of the Breede

River Edge Accommodation offers a superb self-catering stay in cottages on the Breede River near Wolseley in the Western Cape. Camping on the riverbank is also possible, says Brian Berkman.

Protecting and preserving nature

Husqvarna, Cape Nature, Helihack and local landowners came together on Earth Day to safeguard a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Fund aims to boost regenerative agriculture

Switching from conventional to regenerative agriculture may be necessary, but it’s costly. Nic van Schalkwyk, executive director of Restore Africa Funds, spoke to Glenneis Kriel, about his organisation’s solution to this.

South African apple variety in high demand in India

Flash Gala, a full-red apple from the Bigbucks trees discovered in Elgin in the Western Cape in 2011, is receiving much attention, and there have been many requests for trees and additional information from India over the past season.

Favourable outlook for summer and winter field crops such as wheat, oats and canola

According to the latest report by the Crop Estimates Committee, farmers’ intention to plant suggests a bumper harvest for winter field crops. Glenneis Kriel reports.

New strategy required to fight crime in Kruger National Park

To slow down losses of rhinos due to poaching, experts have called for the adoption of a comprehensive long-term strategy rather than the current reactive responses. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Coping with coffee on the coast

This farmer had 5 500 coffee trees on 2,5ha, twice the usual planting density, and believed that South Africa could ultimately produce enough coffee to meet local demand.

Engaging the founder and family in the succession process

Are you a consultant or other outsider trying to help a farmer hand over to the next generation? If so, you’re probably meeting with resistance! Trevor Dickinson suggests ways in which to bring about change.

Transplanting and early care of cabbage seedlings

To get the plants off to a speedy start, ensure that the seedling plugs and soil are thoroughly wetted before transplanting, says Bill Kerr.

The basics of growing teff

Teff is a leafy plant with a high yield of grain when in seed. Because it is highly nutritious, it is commonly produced as a hay crop in South Africa. It can cope with high temperatures and, to a limited extrent, drought.

Coffee proves its worth as a valuable intercrop for macadamia farmers

Lowveld farmers have limited options to get around the cost-price squeeze in order to remain profitable amid rising input costs and decreasing crop prices. Father-and-son team Charles and Carel Burger have an innovative approach: they are intercropping coffee and macadamias to maximise returns. Lindi Botha reports.

Angora: good money from a great breed

Mohair production is a valuable farming option even outside the Karoo. This is being demonstrated at two studs in North West’s Wolmaransstad district, as Annelie Coleman found out on her visit to three brothers-inlaw: Petrus Marx, Reco Pieterse and Stephan Erasmus.

How microbes boost and conserve soil health

Dr WJ Botha, of the Agricultural Research Council: Plant Health and Protection, explains how soil micro-organisms can help to increase crop productivity and reduce the effects of climate change.

Why horses and donkeys still have a place in agriculture

No fuel or batteries required! With the world seeking to go green in the face of climate change, equids such as horses, donkeys and mules might just be the next big thing in farming. Janine Ryan reports.

Child labour: what is harmful, and what isn't?

Child labour on farms can be categorised as hazardous, but not all such activities are harmful. James Sumberg and Rachel Sabates-Wheeler, research fellows at the Institute of Development Studies in the UK, explain.

New Holland Agriculture gears up for Nampo 2023

This must-visit agri show enables New Holland to showcase its advanced machines and demonstrate how these can boost profitability. It also gives prospective clients the opportunity to outline their specific requirements

Tough equipment for bush clearing

Wuhlf is a supplier of heavy-duty equipment for the agriculture, building, mining and forestry industries

Healthy soil starts with a penetrometer

What more can we do to conserve and nourish the soil, a precious resource? Carel van Niekerk Jr of Piket Implements shares his advice

Next-Gen Wildtrak: power and pleasure

The Wildtrak will appeal as much to first-generation buyers as to the Ranger faithful, says Ellis Mnyandu, who took it on a 1 200km test drive

Blood tests: a quick, accurate guide to your horse's health

Why do veterinarians take blood tests from a horse and what are they looking for? Dr Mac explains the basics of this crucial diagnostic tool

How to prepare cabbage for transplanting

Nitrogen and irrigation play a crucial role in successful transplanting and help to ensure healthy plants in the longer term

Three Australian invaders threatening SA environment

These alien invader plant species, all of which are acacias, grow rapidly in South Africa. By law, they must be removed and destroyed

Maize: a priceless crop

In this article, Janine Ryan looks at the importance of maize production in the world today, and its value for food security. She also explores the history of maize and how it evolved into a crop that is widely cultivated

The importance of shows for farmers

Agricultural shows are a great way for farmers to earn recognition for their animals, while also acting as a marketing platform for them

Global economy at a 'highly uncertain moment'

South Africa faces the same uncertainties as the global economy, as well as the effects of load-shedding, high unemployment and huge government and private sector debt