CATEGORIES

Diversification pulls farmer through drought

Derec Giles admits that he wouldn’t have been able to financially survive the ongoing drought on his farm in the Klein Karoo without his highly diversified approach to production. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about each of his enterprises.

How stress influences the health and behaviour of horses

Recent research has highlighted the causes, diagnosis and management of stress to improve health and performance in horses, says Dr Mac.

South Africa's efforts to tackle its energy crisis lack urgency and coherence

Hartmut Winkler, professor of physics at the University of Johannesburg, unpacks South Africa’s current energy challenges, and provides some insights into what is needed for the way forward.

Unspoilt bush, hikes amongst game, hidden rock pools – and pure serenity

The Bateleur Nature Reserve, in the heart of the Waterberg, offers nature lovers the ideal getaway. You can stay over in old, self-catering farmhouses or hikers’ base camps, or simply pitch your tent, says Riaan Hattingh.

Floating Wetlands: A Cleaning Solution for Polluted Farm Dams

Floating wetlands are successful at improving the quality of nutrient-polluted water, and can be made from a few basic materials, says Dr Alanna Rebelo, a senior researcher in the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology at Stellenbosch University.

Seawater-Farmed Tilapia

In this article, the second in a two-part series, Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha show how seawater-farmed Mozambique tilapia can provide cheaper protein than broilers or other livestock.

The saga of Gideon Scheepers

Boer Commandant Gideon Scheepers was executed by British forces near Graaff-Reinet during the Anglo-Boer War. His trial and the secret reburial of his body caused long-lasting resentment, writes Mike Burgess.

Survival strategies of farmers in the Langkloof

Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, South Africa's largest exporter of apples and pears, hosted a media visit to the Langkloof to meet with its producers. Two of these farmers spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the techniques they use to overcome production challenges.

The benefits of polled Merinos for SA's sheep industry

Earlier this year, a number of Merino stud breeders from Middelburg in the Eastern Cape formed the Nu Poll Merino Group, whose aim it is to breed polled sheep exclusively. Group member Tinus du Plessis explained to Annelie Coleman why breeding and farming these animals made business sense.

Potato pests versus parasitoids

Liriomyza huidobrensis and the potato ladybird are destructive pests of potatoes, but can be controlled through parasitoids, says Bill Kerr.

Luxurious container love nest in the Boland

Palmietvlei Farm, a working blueberry farm, is situated near Wolseley in the Western Cape, and offers a wonderful view of the Mostertshoek mountains from its innovative 'CouplesPod'

Advice on Navigating the World of Carbon Credits

With a growing focus on conservation agriculture, carbon credit companies are now promising to pay farmers for the carbon they sequester on their farms. Andrew Ardington, founder of the Regenerative Agriculture Association of Southern Africa, and Dr Tony Knowles, director of The Cirrus Group, spoke to Marinda Louw about the benefits and pitfalls of carbon credits.

Know Your Potato Crop's Water Status

Good rainfall does not automatically mean your crop has been wetted sufficiently, and the plants may still require irrigation, says Bill Kerr.

‘Land Court Bill needs some refinement'

The Land Court Bill received widespread support for its aims and objectives during public hearings at the beginning of March, but some areas that required ‘tightening up’ were highlighted. 

Why the world is losing against climate change

This assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the current status of climate change indicates that poor and vulnerable people are most at risk of suffering from the impact of global warming in the near and medium terms, as weather extremes have reduced food and water security.

Managing mud fever

Equine pododermatitis requires careful and thorough treatment, and is exacerbated by damp or wet conditions, says Dr Mac.

How clever kraaling can restore bare patches

A veld management strategy, based on an old animal husbandry practice, can benefit both communal farmers and holistic resource managers. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.

Key to smallholder farming success

In this article, a farmer used his experience to explain how a small-scale producer could achieve positive results on his or her land in the most efficient manner. 

Group auctions: a great team brings great results

Group auctions are becoming increasingly common in South Africa's beef cattle industry, where they are a benefit to both stud and commercial breeders. Members of the Valsrivier Bonsmara Breeders Group spoke to Annelie Coleman about the advantages of these events, and the need for smooth teamwork and shared values.

Looking to the future of food production

Aquaponics and hydroponics systems have numerous advantages over traditional soil-based production techniques. Magda du Toit spoke to two farmers who practise these intensive agriculture methods.

Controlling weeds in a potato land

Herbicides and ridging both have parts to play in controlling weeds. But care should be taken with each of these methods, says Bill Kerr.

Garlic woes return after COVID-19 demand spike

The garlic industry’s troubles have returned after a brief glimmer of hope during the COVID-19 lockdown period. And, despite a renewal of the import duties against garlic ‘dumping’ from China, the industry continues to see an exodus of producers.

Alternative food production methods

There are a number of farming systems available to producers that involve the growing of plants in water. Magda du Toit looks at the fundamentals of these methods, as well as their advantages and drawbacks.

A first-aid kit for horses

A veterinarian can take a long time to arrive at your stables, especially after hours and on weekends. Basic first aid treatment is crucial while you wait, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.

The Rise of Macadamia Production in KZN

The macadamia industry is making inroads into what have traditionally been sugar cane areas. From Malelane in Mpumalanga to Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal, cane is being replaced by nuts as farmers hope to capitalise on better returns from the market. Is this the boon they have been waiting for? Lindi Botha reports.

The Seed Potato Planting Process

It is important to apply fertiliser within reach of each plant’s root system when planting seed potatoes, says Bill Kerr.

Guiding a Wine Farm Through the Tough Times

Daneel Rossouw, functional head of agriculture relationship channels at Nedbank, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the ways in which wine producers cushioned the impact of the COVID-19-related trade restrictions.

Trends Shaping the Wine Industry

COVID-19-related trade restrictions have sparked a number of new wine industry trends and accelerated others. Glenneis Kriel reports on the preferences of consumers.

World-class Angora Goats From the Southern Cape

While most Angora producers in the Southern Cape have given up farming these animals, brothers Jasper and Leon van der Westhuizen have achieved exceptional results. They spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the local environmental conditions and their management techniques.

The impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on African agriculture

Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, looks at how Russia’s conflict with Ukraine will affect the supply and prices of maize, wheat and oilseeds, particularly from an African perspective.