CATEGORIES

FMD is not going away

Foot-and-mouth disease is costing the South African livestock industry billions of rands. Unfortunately, the disease will endure, and a national traceability system is the only solution to the problem.

Danie Theron: fearless fighter, bold leader

An impressive 25m-high monument near Fochville in Gauteng commemorates the bravery and death of one of the most respected Boer fighters of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), writes Mike Burgess.

Legal and regulatory policies impeding agri financing in Africa

AGRI-FINANCE

How new farmers can get the funds they need

Stellenbosch University academics Nick Vink and Johann Kirsten emphasise the importance of subsidies for developing farmers, and suggest a workable subsidy programme to allow for this.

First-aid basics for small-scale poultry farmers

Commercial poultry producers have their own vets on call, but it's not always easy for small-scale farmers to reach a vet in an emergency. In the final segment in our series on livestock first aid, Prof Cheryl McCrindle looks at fundamental healthcare for chickens.

Farming tips for winter

Many communal farmer households run cattle and have fruit trees to provide fresh produce for the family or as a business initiative. In winter, you need to pay special attention to both animals and plants

Dealing with strikes and violence: the toughest job of all

When facing labour unrest, you have to manage the situation carefully. This can be extremely difficult, which is why it's so important to get professional help to manage the situation

A Look at Alternative Food Sources

In a new report, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations looks at alternative food options that could be used to feed the world’s growing population. However, as the report shows, not all of these options are feasible yet, and steps for safety assessment regarding human consumption might be required.

'Agriculture Is a Journey, Not a Race'

Achmad Brinkhuis was named the Agricultural Writers SA's New Entrant for Farming in 2021. He spoke to Lindi Botha about his egg and vegetable operation, and the challenges and opportunities facing his business.

Read this before growing tomatoes

Tomato production can be highly profitable, but you need to choose your tomato type and cultivar with care, says Bill Kerr.

Moving South Africa's apple industry forward

Cape Sweet Nursery is revolutionising the production of apple plant material on dwarfing rootstocks. Farmer Retief du Toit and ZZ2 production manager Hendrik Pohl spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their work.

Tips for small-scale poultry producers

Gladys 'Nana' Towbola of Peezel Farms not only farms broilers and layers, but is passionate about uplifting other small-scale growers through regular workshops. She spoke to Susan Marais about what it takes to start and run a small poultry farm.

Hertzogville Show 2022

The Hertzogville Show was held on 11 and 12 March. There were six cattle breeds and 145 cattle on show, and champions were crowned in each category.

Give buchu a go!

Approximately 80% of buchu essential oils are used in the food and flavour industry to enhance fruit flavours.

Fighter ace, aviation pioneer, bold leader: the remarkable career of Quintin Brand

Quintin Brand had extraordinary flying skills, and put them to full use as a fighter ace and a record-breaking London-to-Cape Town pilot. He was also a superb strategist during the Battle of Britain.

Energy storage can enhance SA agriculture

Energy-related challenges pose a significant obstacle to the agriculture sector's continued growth in South Africa, says Abe Cambridge, founder, and CEO of The Sun Exchange, which specializes in solar-energy projects.

Rabies cases still on the rise in South Africa

Due to people in farming communities keeping higher numbers of dogs, rabies is more prevalent in rural areas.

KZN flood damage adds to pressure on milk volumes

South Africa‘s milk producers remain under pressure due to challenges such as animal disease outbreaks.

Straight hocks and lameness

According to a new study by British veterinarians, horses with very straight hocks are highly likely to experience lameness due to inflammation of the superficial digital ligament.

R17 billion needed for reconstruction after devastating flooding in KwaZulu-Natal

According to the latest calculations by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, R17 billion is needed to repair the damage caused by the recent floods in the province.

Optimal irrigation for perfect blueberries

Since blueberry cultivation requires a lot of water, making every drop count is key to the sector’s survival in a water-stressed country like South Africa. Farmer Wikus Strauss spoke to Lindi Botha about his methods.

Nampo Harvest Day: The rise of a global agricultural megastar

After a two-year absence from the agricultural calendar, Grain SA’s Nampo Harvest Day, the biggest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere, is ready to make a spectacular comeback, says Toit Wessels, Grain SA’s assistant manager for marketing and Nampo.

Insect decline driven by climate change and farming – report

A new study has found that in areas with high-intensity agriculture and substantial warming of the climate, insect numbers have plunged by 49% and the number of different species by 27%.

How to optimise beef cattle production

Optimisation of the environment is the single most important requirement for sustainable beef production, according to animal scientist Hennie Snyman. For that to happen, the implementation of precision farming principles is of the essence, he says.

Fruit Logistica attendance positive for fruit industry

The recent Fruit Logistica Berlin 2022 exhibition in Germany hosted 40 000 buyers and trade visitors from about 130 countries, as well as 2 000 exhibitors from 87 countries.

Angus: renowned for its marbling and maternal abilities

Basie Bezuidenhout is the president of the Angus Society of South Africa and owner of the Vredenheim Angus stud. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the advantages of this extraordinary cattle breed and its progress in South Africa.

A virus that can be deadly for potatoes

Potato virus Y can infect a healthy plant within a very short period of time, and is easily transmitted by aphids, says Bill Kerr.

Pretty Views, Pears, and a Painting Pig

A picturesque pear farm in the Franschhoek Valley offers a number of accommodation options, including a barn where an artistic pig and other rescue animals spend the night! Brian Berkman reports.

Tech and Expert Advice Help This Dairyman Weather Price Storms

JK Basson is a three-time winner of the ARC's National Master Dairyman of the Year Award. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he manages to survive in an industry plagued by rising production costs.

How Iron Levels in Maize Have Changed Over 2000 Years

According to a study by Ale Vidal Elgueta et al, researchers from Chile and France, the intensification of agricultural production over the past two millennia has led to a reduction in the level of iron in maize.