CATEGORIES

What you need to know about horse insurance

There are several types of horse insurance. It's important to decide which best suits your horse and your situation, says Dr Mac.

A shorter growth cycle for higher lettuce profits

Lettuce is beholden to an inconsistent market, with demand often dependent on the weather. Sustainable production therefore requires careful management of supply and demand. Equally important, as farmer Jakkie Mellet explained to Lindi Botha, is a shorter, more productive, growth cycle.

Growing sweet potato commercially

A versatile, nutritious and tasty vegetable, sweet potato is the third most important crop in seven sub-Saharan African countries. The young shoots and leaves are sometimes eaten as greens.

More aspects to consider when spacing pumpkin rows

Old pumpkin varieties tended to be indeterminate. With many modern pumpkin varieties, growers can tweak row spacing to accommodate the growth and bearing pattern, and thus achieve a good yield, says Bill Kerr.

How to keep livestock calm and stress-free

Over and above their physical needs, animals have emotional needs, and these are often overlooked. Stress in livestock should be avoided at all costs, Leon Kruger, a lecturer at the University of the Free State's Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, told Annelie Coleman.

The ins and outs of water-use regulations and legislation: Part 3

In continuation of our series on water use in South Africa, Integrated Water Use License Application Management goes into more detail about what farmers must do to apply for a water-use licence.

Cannabis legislation has created the 'Amsterdam of Asia'

Thailand has recently made news with its decriminalisation of cannabis. With matters becoming ever more politicised, Thomas Walker provides an overview of Thailand's controversial cannabis legislation roll-out.

Generic advertising for agriculture: how it works and why it pays

Periodically, farmers question whether generic advertising, which is paid for with statutory levies, is worth the expense. But international evidence shows that its benefits exceed its cost, says Dr Koos Coetzee.

Global trade turmoil weighs on grain and oilseed prices

Absa AgriBusiness examines global and local dynamics on the grain and oilseed markets during late October and early November, and provides price trend forecasts for the coming months.

Top Western Cape agri-worker crowned

Nigel Klaasen, a junior production manager at Fruitways Glen Elgin, recently received prizes to the value of R100 000, including an overseas study trip, when he won the 2022 Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker of the Year Award.

Macadamia industry calls for greater efficiency

The macadamia industry is expecting to undergo a period of consolidation as low prices and high input costs push many farmers beyond the point of profitability, according to speakers at the Australian Macadamia Industry Conference AusMac) held recently on Queensland's Gold Coast in Australia.

‘Lifting import tariffs on French fries not an option’

Small-scale potato farmers, in particular, are under pressure from imports of frozen French fries, according to Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes South Africa.

Brazil hopes to unite rainforest nations to halt deforestation

Brazil is calling on other nations with large tropical rainforests to join forces to increase their bargaining power and thereby unlock funding for the conservation of these forests.

Mynah population surges in Kruger National Park

The Indian mynah is an omnivorous bird with a strong territorial instinct. The species can have a negative impact on indigenous bird populations, according to experts.

Delayed payments made in Tongaat Hulett saga

The future of Tongaat Hulett still hangs in the balance despite some payments having been made.

Finding solutions for South Africa's tax conundrum

POLICY PERSPECTIVE

Government failures constrain farmers and agribusinesses

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Crossbred fowls are more profitable: Part 2

Hybrids of the North Holland Blue and New Hampshire breeds. FW ARCHIVE

Paying a bitter price for that sweet tooth

The sugar industry says the Health Promotion Levy, introduced to reduce the consumption of sugar products, is wiping out jobs. Dr Sifiso Ntombela argues for a thorough assessment of the effects of this tax on the industry.

Eschew obsfucation and 'keep it simple, stupid!'

‘Complexity’ results from success and growth. Complication’ is the way we choose to deal with it. Peter Hughes explains how managers and staff can streamline and work smarter.

Call to declare 'disaster' after North West wildfires

Extensive damage caused by wildfires in North West has taken a toll on farmers in the province.

Strict requirements for veterinary practitioners

Prospective veterinary students are being advised to check the South African Veterinary Council's requirements for practising in South Africa.

'Adverse consequences of lion cub petting'

The petting of captive bred lion cubs has become an enormous problem in South Africa.

Mexico to proceed with ban on genetically modified maize

Mexico is expected to phase out the use of genetically modified maize entirely by 2024.

Botswana promises support to SADC in FMD fight

Botswanan President Eric Masisi has made a commitment to support other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the fight against foot and-mouth disease (FMD).

Lack of work permits could halt litchi harvest

With the litchi-harvesting season due to start in December, farmers are concerned about the lack of work permits being issued to foreign workers by the Department of Labour, as this could see the crop remain on the trees.

An idyllic stay at the foot of the Skurweberg

With their beautiful views, scenic hiking and mountain biking routes, and comfortable amenities, Fairfield Cottages and their surrounds in the Western Cape are perfect for relaxation or adventure, says Brian Berkman.

Bobcat rolls further afield

Bobcats line-up of innovative ground maintenance equipment is now available to customers across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Some diseases shared by livestock and wildlife

Wildlife are a source of several diseases that can seriously affect the productivity of livestock and even lead to the death of your animals.

Natural fertilisers for vegetables

Use these fertilisers as a source of plant nutrition or to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and avoid over-fertilisation.