CATEGORIES

Onion sowing choices

Your particular growing conditions will dictate whether you should use seedbeds, direct seeding, or plugs for sowing onions

Golden cattle for the bushveld

This article showed that a carefully selected new crossbreed offered sound advantages for extensive ranching in harsh areas.

The ins and outs of alpaca farming

The South African alpaca industry is on the rise, says Alison Notley, president of the South African Alpaca Breeders’ Society and owner of Helderstroom Alpacas near Villiersdorp. She spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the origin of this gentle camelid and how its fleece is being processed into quality products.

Cheese and Rosemary Scones

Easy-to-make savoury treats that are great for lunch boxes.

Cape Town on a budget: a smart stay at the Holiday Inn Express

What's the best way to enjoy Cape Town's top food and nightlife without having to splurge on a five-star hotel? Brian Berkman has some good suggestions.

Managing grazing and hay production in Eragrostis fields

Summer is almost gone, so it’s time to start thinking about your pastures and hay for winter

Protecting the king of the hornbills

It is estimated that the southern ground hornbill’s original range in South Africa has decreased by two-thirds over the past century. Mike Burgess looks at the threats facing this iconic hornbill species and what is being done to halt its decline, including custodianship programmes that motivate landowners to protect it.

Jam-packed year for Volkswagen

It is going to be a busy year for Volkswagen as the German carmaker introduces a host of new passenger and commercial vehicles to the South African market. Charl Bosch attended the annual VW Indaba in Kariega, Eastern Cape, to get a glimpse of its 2025 product roll-out.

How to achieve ostrich product perfection

Ostrich farming is a well-established industry in South Africa which, aside from meat, produces feathers and leather that are in demand around the world. Dr Anel Engelbrecht, ostrich researcher at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Oudtshoorn Research Farm, shared tips with Glenneis Kriel on how farmers can improve the quality of their ostrich feathers and leather.

Building the macadamia puzzle one insight at a time

Trees that produce good yields of quality nuts form the foundation of a successful macadamia farm. Leaving no stone unturned in his approach, farmer Hentie van der Merwe has proven that paying attention to every factor that influences his crop yields the best results.

Industrial-scale farming is flawed: what ecologically friendly farming practices could look like in Africa

African Perspectives on Agroecology is a new book with 33 contributions from academics, non-governmental organisations, farmer organisations and policymakers.

Language in agriculture

In South Africa, there are 12 official languages. And while these languages should be celebrated for representing diverse cultures, it does make it difficult to include everyone equally at all times.

When short-term rentals make sense

Bianca Smit, national operations manager at CFAO Equipment SA, outlines factors to consider when choosing a rental equipment partner.

The timing of onion sowing is critical

Each onion variety has a different resistance to bolting, thus growers need experience and knowledge to guide them,

Understanding cannabis and hemp regulations in South Africa

South Africa's cannabis and hemp regulations remain a topic of debate and uncertainty, particularly when it comes to commercial use and small-scale production. Cannabis experts Shaad Vayej and Trenton Birch spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the challenges that small-scale cannabis and hemp farmers face.

European seed's influence on the US cannabis market

The expansion of European cannabis seed onto the US market is not just about economic growth; it’s also about enriching the landscape of US cannabis with diversity, innovation and education,

'It's important to get the right tool for the job'

The adoption of technology is crucial to sustaining efficiency gains and beating the cost-price squeeze in the agriculture sector.

A brilliant bushveld break between Bela-Bela and Modimolle

The distinctive touch, diligence, and 24/7 customer care are just a few of the reasons you should visit four-star Tourism Council-graded Pumula Game Farm,

John Deere: elevating performance and efficiency in modern farming

In the fast-paced world of farming, the right tools make all the difference.

The naval disaster Winston Churchill tried to hide

Three British warships were sunk by German naval gunfire on a dark day early in World War II, but the heroes who fought back received only muted recognition, possibly to avoid bad publicity,

Breaking down the principles of regenerative farming

Jean Hugo, a post-graduate student at the Tshwane University of Technology, and Leon Hugo, author on environmental matters and former professor of geography at the University of Pretoria, write about the importance of regenerative agriculture for small-scale farmers, and the challenges related to making the shift.

Ectoparasite control: more tips for livestock farmers

To reduce the mayhem that uncontrolled ectoparasites can create for communal farmers, it’s best to adopt a holistic approach in conjunction with veterinary remedies,

Fly outbreak a concern for livestock producers in Gauteng

Jaco Taute, chairperson of the Red Meat Producers‘ Organisation in Gauteng, said that urgent action needed to be taken for farmers to protect the red meat industry in the province.

Maltabella discontinuation highlights impact of VAT on SA's sorghum industry

With the discontinuation of Maltabella, Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on how value-added tax has hindered sorghum’'s affordability and competitiveness.

The Toyota Corolla Cross raises the bar

The Corolla Cross is the best-selling SUV in South Africa, but it faces growing competition from the influx of SUVs from China. To make sure it stays ahead of the pack, Toyota has introduced a range of updates to the facelifted model,

'Dexters carry us through the drought'

The Helmeringhausen Farmers’ Association’s Dexter cattle project was honoured by the Namibia Agricultural Union as the 2024 NAU-Feedmaster Community Project of the Year. Association chairperson Jörg Gaugler spoke to Annelie Coleman about this unique project and the difference it makes in the farming community.

The future of farming: innovative agritech

As agriculture continues to evolve in the face of climate change, economic pressures, and global food security challenges, South African farmers are turning to innovative technology to enhance productivity and sustainability. Cobus du Plessis reports on the latest technological advancements.

Czech Republic leads charge to ban EU poultry cage farming

In a meeting in December 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, the Czech Republic urged other EU nations to ban chicken cage farming, saying all member states should follow the same rules.

Good pickings with pigs

In this article, a farmer had doubts about pig farming, until he reaped the dividends.

Artificial intelligence isn't a gimmick; it's a potent productivity booster

Those who master artificial intelligence will have a huge advantage in the years to come. Start experimenting with it and experience the potential it has to bring knowledge to your fingertips,