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Beekeepers urged to address forage shortage issue
The growing number of beekeepers in South Africa is compounding existing challenges rather than alleviating them. With soaring honey surpluses and a diminishing availability of forage, experts say the industry is at a crossroads.
Cut VAT on sorghum to secure South Africa's food future, says agri economist
While staple foods like maize meal are zero-rated, sorghum products are subject to 15% VAT, making them less competitive to produce and more expensive for consumers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.
New Zealand scientists' tech targets weeds with laser precision
A group of scientists and engineers based in New Zealand has developed a highly accurate artificial intelligence technology called Map and Zap that uses laser to eradicate weeds.
The best of the best in extra-virgin olive oil
Just over 30 gold medal winners from the SA Olive Awards, held earlier this year, competed for a spot in the 2024 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards, which honours South Africa's 10 highest-ranking extra-virgin olive oils. The winners were announced at an event hosted in Paarl, Western Cape, in mid-October.
Promising prospects for South African canned fruit
The outlook for canning fruit production is better than it was last year, but prices might move sideways.
Collaborative partnerships are the key to unlocking new opportunities for all farmers
The Agricultural Development Agency, in partnership with Absa, hosted an influential Agribusiness Ministerial Stakeholder Dialogue in September at the Maslow Hotel in Pretoria.
Get a good bleeding cow
Serum from the blood of a highly immune cow is the best thing for healthy calves, said a large-scale dairy farmer.
South African Bakkie of the Year winners
The winners of this popular competition were announced at Nampo Cape, held in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, in mid-September.
Think of your farm as a trial plot in part
Always keep an eye out for different situations on your farm and analyse them so that you can fine-tune your methods and raise your yields. Learn from experience and don't repeat your mistakes
Biological crop protection: it's tricky but possible
Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm's uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.
The critical role of proper nutrition in pig and poultry production
Proper nutrition is vital for the health and productivity of pigs and poultry. Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and JD Mostert spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about exploring essential nutrients, common feeding mistakes, and best practices for feed safety to optimise livestock growth and reproductive health.
How and when to dip, deworm and vaccinate your cattle
Livestock health management has evolved over the decades to include disease prevention and growing farm revenue. The most effective health management strategies are those that include dipping, deworming, and vaccinating animals. Prof Cheryl McCrindle takes a closer look at these practices.
Aquaculture on the rise
This report focuses on the production and trade of aquaculture and farmed fish over the next decade, and projects where the industry is likely to end up in 2032.
Food trends increase scope for valueadding opportunities
From veganism to upcycling, new food trends present avenues for value-adding and exploring new markets. After a recent visit to Switzerland, Lindi Botha reports on two companies making headway in that country.
Injecting livestock: best practices and vital considerations
Improper injection techniques can lead to animals suffering and the reduced efficacy of medications. Dangerous organisms and parasites can also develop resistance
Plant breeders' rights herald a new world of improved varieties
New technology to create improved varieties is being developed at warp speed. Keep up with it, but take care not to run foul of the laws that protect it
One person, hundreds of animals die in Memel fires
An elderly woman of 80 was killed in the veld fires that destroyed about 50,000 ha in the Memel and Vrede districts of the Free State in the last week of September.
Poultry capital of the US dealt a major blow by Hurricane Helene
The Category 4 storm Hurricane Helene, which hit the southeast coast of the US in late September, claimed the lives of 110 people and likely those of millions of chickens.
White maize: plant now to cash in on higher prices
Irrigation farmers in the eastern parts of South Africa's summer rainfall region have a small window of opportunity to capitalise on higher white maize prices.
New pear variety promises to improve packouts
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently launched a new blush pear variety called Roselyn.
Efficient management key to successful pig farming
The importance of efficient management and proper recordkeeping in pig production can never be stressed enough.
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture