CATEGORIES

Digital tool helps solve problems in advance

The FruitLook system helps Western Cape farmers monitor key production parameters in orchards and vineyards, and identify potential problems. Dianca Yssel and Annaline Smith, application coaches at agricultural consultancy Blue North, describe case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology.

Droughts: a global crisis that hits the poorest

According to a new report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, drought constitutes a global crisis that risks becoming a ‘pandemic’, causing widespread starvation if countries do not take urgent action on water and land management.

Driving transformation in the citrus industry

Shaun Brown, owner of Eden Agri packhouse, has brought together a group of citrus producers from the Kat River Valley to collaborate on creating a better future for the area and its people. Wouter Kriel reports.

Growing onions: Part 2

It is important to understand the size and shape demanded by your market before choosing an onion variety to grow, says Bill Kerr.

Hugenoot breeder's scientific success

Yusuf Ravat, who runs the Yari Hugenoot Stud on his farm in Limpopo, has a passion for acquiring knowledge and working with accurate data. He farms according to scientific methods to achieve the best possible outcome for his stud, and in just three years has achieved remarkable results. Pieter Dempsey reports.

Macadamias: Switching To Machine Harvesting

Harvesting macadamia nuts is highly labour-intensive, and Braam de Kock’s Lowveld farm is no exception. Tired of the stress of managing a large workforce, De Kock finally opted for mechanisation, and found the investment well worth it. Nonetheless, the process has had its challenges, he told Lindi Botha.

Stud Farming: Reputation Is Everything

Kalahari Red goat farmer Eddie Goosen is building his stud by buying animals from breeders who can prove full traceability of their lineage. He spoke to Lindi Botha about his meticulous selection process and how this has already paid dividends in two years.

SA Agricultural Exports Set To Reap The Benefits Of The Global Economic Recovery

Agri-business perspective

Going from R10 million to R100 million in 10 years

Riaan Strydom and his brother have managed to grow a small family farm into a huge, diversified farming business. He spoke to Wouter Kriel about their constant search for new opportunities to add value.

The future of SA's egg producers

The egg industry is one of the largest employers in South Africa’s agriculture sector and a key provider of affordable protein to millions of consumers. Pieter Dempsey spoke to Dr Abongile Balarane, general manager of the Egg Organisation at the South African Poultry Association, about the strategies that are being adopted to support egg producers and secure the future of the industry.

Making the most of wild-grown honeybush

While many farmers have had their fingers burnt in the production of honeybush, the crop can be highly lucrative, and Quinton Nortjé of Melmont Honeybush Tea can attest to this. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he unlocks this indigenous fynbos plant’s value.

A perfect base for walking and wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Deep within the mountains, high above Hermanus, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is home to many famous wineries, fine restaurants and accommodation options, including High Season Farm.

Fungi breathe new life into barren avo orchards

Faced with wilting, unproductive avocado trees, Limpopo farmer Christa Rebel decided to replace them with another crop. In the meantime, however, she planted strawberries on the orchard floor. Then, serendipitously, she discovered nature’s remarkable ability to repair itself. Lindi Botha reports.

A better way forward for irrigation in Africa

Researchers from the University of Manchester in the UK evaluated the performance of 79 irrigation schemes constructed across sub-Saharan Africa between the 1940s and 2010 to find out why many of these irrigation projects have failed to deliver.

Twin Studs For Double Success

According to this father-and-son team, who did well at both shows and sales, listening to judges was as good as attending a cattle-breeding course.

Why Estate Planning Is Essential To Minimising Family Strife

When business-owning parents leave their children equal shares in the operation, a battle can erupt between those who work for the company and those who don’t. There are better ways to fairly distribute wealth to heirs, writes Trevor Dickinson.

How climate change is fuelling the spread of invasive pests

Due to the impact of climate change, plant pests that ravage economically important crops are becoming more destructive and posing an increasing threat to food security and the environment. International co-operation in fighting this problem is required, according to a scientific review by the International Plant Protection Convention.

Nguni stud farming in the Suuranys Mountains

Andre Hamman and his wife Maritha moved from Pretoria to retire to the coast. But instead of gardening and golfing, they took on a mammoth restoration project and built a mixed farming and tourism business anchored by a Nguni stud. Wouter Kriel reports.

An overview of South Africa's barley industry

Unfavourable weather conditions, improved canola cultivars and alcohol bans have all added to the woes of South Africa’s barley producers. Absa AgriBusiness looks at the industry’s future prospects.

Finding a solution to agriculture's skills gaps

Skills development is vital to the growth and productivity of any business. Jeandré van der Walt reports on how various commodity organisations are providing the agricultural workforce with more skilled workers.

SA anticipating highest maize exports since 1994

The highest maize exports since 1994 are on the cards for South Africa, according to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz.

The master behind the masterpieces

Jacob Pierneef was amongst South Africa’s iconic painters. His dramatic landscapes, with their geometric lines and vibrant yet controlled colours, brought him international fame in his lifetime.

The Basics Of Bull Management

The money-maker in the herd is the bull, says eastern Free State Simbra breeder Rick Dell. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about the management and selection of breeding bulls for commercial cattle herds.

Sclerotinia's Danger To Oilseed Production

In South Africa, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a particular threat to oilseed crops such as sunflower and soya bean. Annelie Coleman spoke to Dr Miekie Human, research and policy officer at Grain SA, and Dr Lisa Rothmann of the University of the Free State’s Department of Plant Sciences: Plant Pathology Division, about this fungal disease.

Organic Farming: Serving People And The Environment

The Thompson family has mastered the art of living and working in harmony with nature at their diverse farming operation in Limpopo. Nipper Thompson spoke to Lindi Botha about how they have continually adapted to strike a balance between profit, lifestyle and the environment.

Symptoms And Treatment Of EEV

Easily confused with African horse sickness and transmitted by the same biting midges, equine encephalosis virus can prove fatal, says Dr Mac. As there is no vaccine against it, insect control is crucial.

Taking the sting out of the drought

Living through long periods of minimal rainfall has become a way of life for many farmers in various parts of South Africa. Brett Walker, who farms mixed livestock in the Eastern Cape, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the various ways in which he alleviates the impact of the ongoing seven-year drought in the region.

Living the organic farming fantasy in the Western Cape Winelands

Following the rebuilding of Tulbagh after the 1969 earthquake, Brian Berkman has discovered that this historic town is experiencing yet another revival with trendy art galleries and farm-to-table dining.

Benefits of irrigating with wastewater

A recent study by Dr James Meyer, a private consultant, and Dr Rian Pierneef, a researcher in bioinformatics at the Agricultural Research Council’s Biotechnology Platform, found that wastewater from piggeries significantly increased the microbial diversity of soil. Pieter Dempsey spoke to the researchers.

The pros and cons of drip irrigation

Drip irrigation saves water and electricity, but is not suitable for all crop types. So make sure you end up with the right system, says Bill Kerr.