CATEGORIES

APPLES: How to deal with bitter pit in apples

This condition results from low levels of calcium in the fruit, which can be exacerbated when the apples are large or picked too early.

The show that uncovers talent on SA's farms

Eight years ago, Hortgro launched Agri’s Got Talent to give the world a glimpse of the ‘real’ people who work in the South African fruit industry and create a means of recognising talents other than those associated with farm work. Wouter Kriel reports on the unfolding of the competition over the years.

Road-tripping and birdwatching in SA

Long drives across South Africa offer perfect opportunities for birdwatching, says Muller Janse van Rensburg, who lives in Bethlehem in the Free State. Since he and his family discovered the pastime, their annual holiday has become even more exciting and enjoyable. reports.

Commodity boom: have we reached the peak?

They have been a boon for some and a burden for others, but no one has been left untouched by the soaring commodity prices of the past year. What does 2022 hold, and who will be the winners and the losers? Lindi Botha spoke to two agricultural market experts to gauge future trends.

Becoming a jockey

If you have a small body frame, are athletic and enjoy riding, this may the career for you, says Dr Mac.

Alternative crops: subtropical fruit

Looking for a different crop to grow in the Western Cape? At the Subtropical and Minor Crop Workshop held earlier this year, Glenneis Kriel spoke to a number of experts about the fruits highlighted at the event.

Preventing theft on your farm during the holidays

Are you going away over the festive season? Three leaders in agriculture and security explain how common sense, technology, and good relationships with neighbours can help protect your possessions. Glenneis Kriel reports.

What China really thinks of South African beef

The global beef market is highly competitive and difficult to break into. With South Africa’s beef export industry still in its infancy, Susan Marais explores the reasons why Chinese consumers might not be the most willing buyers of our product, and looks at what the local beef industry could learn from its top competitors’ strategies.

Why some horses are ‘bleeders'

Some racehorses bleed copiously from their nostrils after racing. Recent research has shown that a promising drug may prevent this condition, says Dr Mac.

Luxurious safaris in the Cape Floral Kingdom

The Gondwana Game Reserve between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges offers luxurious accommodation for visitors, and an opportunity for guests to become residents. Brian Berkman reports.

The value of informal record-keeping

If you record your production and general farming notes in a diary, you’ll have ready access to a wealth of information in a few years, says Bill Kerr.

Specialist equipment for small farms

To better meet the needs of small-scale farmers, Husqvarna, a Swedish manufacturer of outdoor power products, has engineered a range of equipment specifically for this market, which the company believes can be a game changer for Africa’s small-scale farmers.

Ginger scene hots up

At the time of this article’s writing, ginger production was starting to become popular in the Mpumalanga Lowveld, thanks to the rhizomes made available to farmers there.

Managing early growth stages in maize

This second article in a two-part series on production management of maize during the early growth phases focuses on water and disease management. Three top South African maize producers also provide advice on what farmers should look out for during this period. Magda du Toit reports.

Conservation alliances protect natural heritage

In 1984, when Charl van der Merwe purchased Brakfontein in the Northern Cape for sheep production, he could never have guessed that his farm would one day become a key element in the creation of a 240 000ha interprovincial protected area. Wouter Kriel spoke to two people involved in this far-reaching development.

Avocados continue to gain market share

The avocado industry has continued its upward trajectory of increasing its market share.

The value of pollinators for seed production

In a study to provide a global estimate of the importance of pollinators for plants in natural ecosystems, researchers from Stellenbosch University, led by Dr James Rodger, a postdoctoral fellow in mathematical sciences, found that, without pollinators, one-third of flowering plant species wouldn’t produce seeds at all.

The cost of labour

Bill Kerr suggests some labour-saving methods and a way of ensuring that your workers are more productive.

Simplifying work

How much money you make from your farm depends on how profitable it is, and this is often the result of efficiency and productivity. In short, you need to get more out of every hour, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Preventing a sugar crash

The future of the country’s sugar cane sector has never been more uncertain and, as a result, the livelihoods of many thousands of people hang in the balance. Could the South African Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan be the lifeline that the industry has been waiting for? Susan Marais reports.

Nissan Navara single cab: a capable, well-priced workhorse

Nissan has introduced a new range of South African-built Navara single cabs that are sure to prove popular. These robust bakkies are a fine match of functionality, handling and comfort. Pieter Dempsey reports.

Maize production: the first 40 days

In this article, the first in a two-part series, Magda du Toit speaks to experts about the different growth stages of a maize plant in the vegetative phase, as well as the crucial management practices to follow during this time to achieve optimal yield. Advice on weed control is also included.

Getting the work done with TGB's quad bikes

TGB recently launched its Blade 600 range of all-terrain vehicles in South Africa. The range includes models for recreational and commercial use, and could be a wonderful on-farm helper. Janine Ryan reports.

Cows and cars should not be conflated in climate change debate

Discussions about, and analyses of, the impact of livestock as emission polluters often fail to distinguish between different farming systems. According to Ian Scoones, professorial fellow at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex in the UK, intensive and extensive production systems have different effects on the environment.

Fruit burn

This week’s article in the series looks at factors that cause sunburn and ways to reduce the problem, such as the use of irrigation and shade nets.

Attention to detail: the key to broiler production

Poultry production has significant challenges, with high input costs and narrow margins being near the top of the list. However, Dale Shepherd, owner of Plaston Chicken Farms in Mpumalanga, has found that meticulous management and keeping a close eye on finances can bring business success. Lindi Botha reports.

Working together to tackle agro-crime

Agricultural crime is a global problem, and collaboration across the sector is crucial in the battle against this issue.

A popular breed for all the right reasons

Don McHardy says his interest in Droughtmasters was a natural progression in his quest to breed more efficient beef cattle that are able to realise optimal financial returns. Denene Erasmus reports.

Simplifying work

Better planning can save you a great deal of money in the long run. And it need not cost your business a cent, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Grading lucerne: good for animals, good for your pocket

The uniform quality and grading of lucerne hay is important to ensure that animals are as productive as possible, according to Dr Gerrie Scholtz, consultant to the National Lucerne Trust and a lucerne specialist.