CATEGORIES

Lack of policy could cost South Africa in carbon taxes

The fast-changing landscape of carbon neutrality requires quick decision-making by government and farmers, they will fail to capitalise on available opportunities. Lindi Botha reports.

Middle beckon for SA agro companies East exports

South African businesses who had stalls at the Gulfood Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates are pleased with the interest shown in their products.

Department steps in to alleviate damaging impact of load-shedding on agri sector

The severe effects of load-shedding on the agriculture sector has prompted government to look at ways to minimise the effects of the power crisis on the country’s food supply. Glenneis Kriel reports.

SA needs swift decision-making to deal with crises as 2024 general elections approach

POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE by Theo Venter

South Africa's agri exports achieved new heights in 2022

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE by Wandile Sihlobo

'Evil' black thorn meets its match: Part 1

This article looked at the scourge of bush encroachment by black thorn trees in Molopo, North West. The black thorn (Senegalia mellifera) has spearheaded bush encroachment in the Molopo area of North West for 30 years, hitting the area's beef farmers hard.

Eskom needs to tackle things differently

Giving Eskom more money won't solve the energy crisis, says Dr Roy Havemann, a research associate at Stellenbosch University, but splitting it into separate units definitely has the potential to do so.

Parks vs people: barriers to greening efforts in Tshwane

Urban green spaces have recently been getting more research attention because of the various benefits they offer, say researchers Titilope Funmbi Onaolapo and Christina Breed from the University of Pretoria, and Kristine Engemann Jensen and Maya Pasgaard from Aarhus University in Denmark.

A farm stay in the beautiful Bossieveld that offers unbeatable value

Pendennis, a working fruit farm near Villiersdorp, provides rustic yet comfortable self-catering accommodation at remarkably low prices. It’s also the ideal base for exploring the area. Brian Berkman paid it a visit.

Croque-madame

The French really know how to take sandwiches to the next level, and this luxuriously saucy one calls for sturdy bread to keep everything together. Recipe and photo: South African Poultry Association.

New SUVs hitting the global market

Nelson Kalula and Alex Shahini of CAR Magazine look at the Hyundai Mufasa and the Volkswagen Atlas. Will they be available in South Africa?

Why some family members.avoid succession planning

To understand why the members of a family business might be reluctant to initiate succession planning, it’s important to consider the family’s life stage at the time of succession, writes Trevor Dickinson.

Length of hind hooves can influence soundness in horses

The contribution of the hind hooves to overall soundness, neglected until now, has been highlighted in a new study. Dr Mac reports.

The ever-evolving Swiss chard

Swiss chard is a highly variable, nutrient-rich vegetable whose leaves can be eaten either fresh or after storage, says Bill Kerr.

Sunflower and soya bean cultivars you can count on

Pannar’s formidable sunflower and soya bean packages have been enhanced with several new cultivars that deliver superior genetics, resilience and yield.

An overview of global cherry production

While South Africa isn’t a significant producer of cherries, farmers here can learn many important lessons from their international counterparts, which include Turkey and Chile. Janine Ryan reports.

Mashona: small in stature, big in value

Zimbabwe's indigenous Mashona cattle are renowned for their outstanding productivity and ability to survive under even the most extreme conditions. Maree Osborne, chairperson of the Mashona Cattle Society of Zimbabwe, spoke to Annelie Coleman about this remarkable breed of beef cattle.

Why sexed semen is ideal for emerging cattle farmers

In a recent study, Luther Magopa of the Agricultural Research Council, along with other researchers, looked at the possibility and benefits of using sexed semen in emerging or small-scale cattle production.

Is fire really the answer to bush encroachment?

A 10-year study conducted in Kruger National Park by scientists from South African National Parks, Stellenbosch University and Harvard University has shown that high-density fires do not have a long-term effect on the scourge of bush encroachment.

The mollusc menace

Arnold du Preez, owner of Snail and Slug Solutions, warns that the surge in slug and snail populations will prove a major threat to agriculture unless farmers tackle the problem proactively. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

Conventional or 'regenerative' farming?

Regenerative agriculture might be a hot topic, but there is no clear definition of what the practice entails, says soil scientist Dr Neil Miles. Also, one has to wonder just how bad’ conventional farming practices really are.

'SA fruit walks a tightrope with BRICS alignment'

South Africa‘s citrus industry , in particular, could come under pressure if the country does not take heed of its international political alignments, according to industry stakeholders.

Fresh produce prices look set to continue rising during 2023

The prices of most fresh produce categories, tomatoes being the exception, increased dramatically over the past year. Absa AgriBusiness discusses this and other trends in the marketplace.

Five devices set to revolutionise agriculture

Justin Platt, founder and CEO of regenerative farming companies Zylem SA and RegenZ, looks at the key technologies affecting agriculture.

The importance of timing in your farming operation

You may know all that’s necessary about growing a crop, but if your timing is off, your profits will suffer severely, says Bill Kerr.

Bridging the Great Fish River

An almost 150-year-old iron bridge over the Eastern Cape’s Great Fish River is a fine example of British civil engineer Joseph Newey’s contributions to bridge building in South Africa during the 19th century, writes Mike Burgess.

Explaining the January 2023 drought 'anomaly'

Dr Johan Malherbe, a researcher in soil, climate and water at the Agricultural Research Council, explores the effect of a very dry January on the rest of the planting season.

Perseverance: to stud-farming the key success

Bonsmara stud manager Sizo Tshabalala believes there is a lesson to be learnt from every challenge. He spoke to Lindi Botha about how his passion for farming and determination to succeed have helped him overcome every obstacle he has faced on his journey to achieving his agricultural dreams.

Living off the land, thanks to diversification

Producing a variety of crops and livestock has enabled Tabby Robertshaw and her partner to realise their dream of homesteading. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the hard work they have put into the venture.

Prevention can outsmart pests and diseases

Successful pest and disease management depends on scouting and monitoring crops. Magda du Toit spoke to a major citrus producer, as well as pest-control experts from various organisations.