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SA's land price trends in the spotlight
Farm prices in South Africa are currently in the process of recovery, broadly reflecting good rainfall and subsequent high crop yields, as well as general regional economic realities. Wouter Kriel reports.
Feed for better profits
Feed accounts for 65% to 75% of a poultry or pig farmer’s total input costs. Feed expert Dr Leon Ekermans spoke to Glenneis Kriel about strategies to reduce these costs and prevent wastage.
Combating Lantana
Through the introduction of the Lantana herringbone leaf miner, the biocontrol of this weed has significantly improved.
Whether it's summer or winter, he's never out of clover
While clover has a bad reputation for causing bloat, one Eastern Cape farmer achieved good results with this silage, as the following article revealed.
The future of Tuta absoluta control
As the tomato leaf miner feeds on a wide range of species, its natural enemies are likely to continue increasing, says Bill Kerr.
Studies show citrus virus A link to fruit-drop disease
New research suggests that citrus virus A (CiVA) is associated with citrus impietratura disease (CID), which is characterised by abnormal fruit drop in citrus crops.
Fundamentals of Brix
This unit of measurement is valuable to crop and livestock producers.
Is It Time To Relook Water Governance In South Africa?
The number of rivers in South Africa deemed to be in a poor ecological state has increased alarmingly in recent times. James Brand, a senior associate at ENSafrica’s Natural Resources and Environment department, argues that the many frustrated citizens affected by contaminated water supplies might be better served by new, independent water governance structures and amendments to the country’s water laws.
Avoiding Slippery Mistakes With Bananas
The humble banana is usually taken for granted by consumers, but growing this popular fruit can be tricky, expensive and involve considerable risk. Having top-performing banana plantations starts with the proper establishment of the crop. Brothers Riaan and WJ Heystek shared their experiences of setting up their banana enterprise with Lloyd Phillips.
Sustaining a community-owned game reserve in tough times
COVID-19’s disastrous impact has necessitated change and adaptability in even the most rural parts of South Africa. The management of Somkhanda Community Game Reserve spoke to Lloyd Phillips about their efforts to keep this jewel of conservation and ecotourism alive and moving forward in the face of adversity.
Controlling the cat's claw creeper
The leaf-tying moth has been released as a biological control agent against this invasive alien plant.
Why an integrated approach is best
Farmers are finding more and more natural enemies to keep tomato leaf miners in check instead of resorting solely to chemicals, says Bill Kerr.
Empowerment through education
Young Bonsmara farmer Keneilwe Raphesu knew the path to achieving her dreams lay in further training, so she joined a development programme for emerging farmers. She spoke to Siyanda Sishuba about the lessons she has learnt so far.
Land rights of SA's forgotten people
In this article, Prof Philippe Burger, pro-vice-chancellor of Poverty, Inequality and Economic Development at the University of the Free State, writes that South Africa is failing the poorest of the poor by not developing legislation that would strengthen the land rights of people who are living in communal areas.
The Boer goat mentor who's changing lives
Stud Boer goat breeder Desré Ferreira from Vryburg in North West provides a valuable support network to developing and commercial Boer goat farmers. She started mentoring a group of about 30 farmers a decade ago, and now supports 150. Annelie Coleman reports.
Dealing with external parasites on chickens
These pests can cause severe problems for small-flock poultry producers (and occasionally large-flock producers) by disturbing the birds and affecting their growth and egg production. They can also spread disease.
Sugar cane and cash crop rotation helps improve soil health
Decades of monocropping has compromised soil health on many South African sugar cane farms, negatively affecting their productivity. Dreyer Senekal, co-director of Senekal Familie Boerdery, explains to Lloyd Phillips how he is experimenting with strategic crop rotation to improve the soil of his sugar cane enterprise.
Tuberculosis in cattle
Tuberculosis is an important zoonotic disease that spreads slowly in animal populations.
The influence of weather on lucerne hay quality
There is still limited research available on the effects of weather on lucerne production in South Africa, This article, written by lucerne specialist Dr Gerrie Scholtz, agricultural economist Walter van Niekerk, and others, was published by the National Lucerne Trust and offers some insight on the matter, based on recent observations.
Superior goats and award-winning cheeses
Rina Belcher runs Belnori Boutique Cheesery, a Saanen goat-breeding and cheesemaking operation near Bapsfontein in Gauteng. Pieter Dempsey spoke to her about raising her animals and creating a diverse range of products, including soft and hard cheeses, a number of which have garnered prestigious awards.
Strategic planning for families in business
When carrying out estate planning, a family business owner may be concerned only with who will inherit the business and how it will be transferred. More is required, says Trevor Dickinson; planning has to consider the family’s desires and intentions for the business, as well as strategies for the future of the operation.
Painted Persians carry sheep farmer through drought
The demand for multicoloured Persian sheep in the Middle East has helped Northern Cape breeder Koenie Kotzé endure the drought. Annelie Coleman reports on how he discovered this market.
Case IH introduces tougher, rust-resistant paint with a deeper shine
Additions to the paint shop facilities at the Case IH St Valentin tractor plant in Austria have resulted in longer-lasting paintwork on the company’s tractors. Advanced techniques now ensure that the paint adheres more tightly to metal surfaces, making the paintwork more resistant to scratching, cracking and rusting.
Illegal Sand Mining Threatens Sugar Farmers
The sugar cane farms of 175 small-scale growers are hanging in the balance as illegal sand mining in the Middle-Komati River reaches catastrophic levels.
Unsustainable Farming A Threat To Water Supply
South Africa’s estuarine and wetland ecosystems provide important ecological functions such as the purification of water. Yet 99% and 88% of these ecosystems respectively are threatened. Prof Francois Durand of the Department of Zoology at the University of Johannesburg writes that farmers, who are the main water users in the country, have a crucial role to play when it comes to reversing this degradation.
Feed Right For Your Type
For sustainable grassland management, farmers need to know whether they are farming on sweet- or sourveld, and should adapt their livestock management practices accordingly. Glenneis Kriel reports.
Starting An Essential Oils Enterprise From Scratch
After attending a farmers’ day in 2018, Oniccah and Naledi Nkoe decided to start farming herbal plants to produce essential oils. They have since expanded plantings and launched their own essential oils business. They spoke to Salome Modiselle and Sandile Mahlangu, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council.
Agriculture Alone Cannot Address The Youth Unemployment Crisis
Africa remains the youngest continent in the world, with almost 60% of its population under the age of 25.
Bidders Beware: Uptick In ‘Illegal' Auctions
With the introduction of the COVID-19-related lockdown came the unprecedented migration of auctions to online platforms as a means of selling everything from cars to office furniture.
The dog for the stockman and how to choose him
Sheep dogs have been invaluable to stock farmers for many decades and even centuries. However, the dog must be able to work. This article explored the characteristics that a farmer should consider when choosing a sheep dog.