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Top new apple variety available to SA growers
Magic Star, a new bicoloured red apple that has taken the European market by storm, is now available for production in South Africa. Glenneis Kriel reports on its introduction to Western Cape farmers
Risk mitigation in farming: Part 2
In this second part of our series on risk mitigation for sheep producers in South Africa, freelance strategist and writer PJ Mommsen looks at the riskiest periods that both mutton and wool farmers have to contend with
A step-by-step guide to the process of artificial insemination
There are many benefits to using artificial insemination of a commercial or stud herd or flock, but the process is complicated and requires knowledge and practice
Leadership and vision ensure success for community company
Since 2000, the government has invested more than R74 million in the Blocuso community in the Northern Cape. Dirk Claassen, financial manager of the Blocuso company, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how the community has managed these funds to establish and run a thriving wine grape and raisin farm
Nampo 2023 wrap-up
From exciting new launches to plenty of boerekos, Nampo 2023 ended with a bang on 19 May. We take a look at some of the highlights of the 55th presentation of this much-loved agricultural show. Nampo is not only about business, with its huge number of exhibitors, but provides a great outing for the family
Cotton SA's new leadership to focus on expansion
The cotton industry in South Africa has gone through monumental changes over the past few decades. Witnessing these changes front and centre has been Cotton SA CEO Hennie Bruwer. Now retired, he spoke to Lindi Botha about the lessons learnt, while acting CEO Dr Annette Bennett shared the way forward
Why cholera continues to threaten many African countries
Samuel Kariuki, chief research scientist and director of the Centre for Microbiology Research at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, explains why the scourge of cholera is still prevalent across much of Africa
The Mitsubishi Triton prototype breaks cover
The Mitsubishi Triton Halo AT35 prototype has been extensively modified with an Arctic Trucks AT35 kit
How spacing affects cabbage head size and yield
Intra-row spacing in conjunction with variety will influence the health of the cabbage, its head size, and the overall yield
Growing lablab
This legume cover crop can handle high temperatures, and can be used to improve soil conditions and provide good grazing for ruminants
Raising gilts and sows: Part 1
The sow should farrow large, healthy litters, and have the genetic potential to improve the production characteristics of her progeny
Advice from a successful organic raisin producer
Gawie Steyn, an organic raisin producer of the Orange River Valley, has proved that organic production can be commercially viable. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his production practices
Succeeding with a big Simbra herd in the unforgiving Klipveld
Rocco Botha runs a commercial herd of Simbra cattle on North West's Klipveld, an aptly named area noted for its rocks and sourveld. Annelie Coleman spoke to him about his veld and animal management
An introduction to risk mitigation in farming: Part 1
Farmers face the most serious risks experienced in the total value chain of food production. In this first part of a new series, PJ Mommsen, a freelance strategist, looks at the less common of these risks
A huge agribusiness with solid family values
Despite having diversified into mining, construction, civil contracting, and heavy equipment hire, the ALS Group remains at heart a family farming business characterised by attention to detail, professionalism and integrity. Magda du Toit recently visited some of the agricultural and other business ventures in which the award-winning ALS Group is involved, and filed this report
Baboon bonds: how friendships make up for a bad start in life
Dr Elizabeth Lange, an assistant professor in biological science at the State University of New York Oswego, says that strong adult bonds may be a way to overcome childhood adversity, as seen in a recent study on wild baboons done in Kenya
How to boost food security in your community
Food prices in South Africa have soared in recent months, making it harder than ever to buy nutritious food for a family. Now is the time for communities to grow as much food as they can for themselves
How to manage a company and how not to
The governance and management crisis in our state-owned enterprises will eventually lead to their collapse, says Peter Hughes. But people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. How is your organisation doing?
Oilseed output set to grow 7% due to boost in soya bean production in South America
The US Department of Agriculture recently released its latest Global Oilseed Report, which predicts an increase in the production of soya bean, sunflower seed and canola
Demand for dairy set to decline as consumers remain under pressure
A recent report by the South African Milk Producers' Organisation paints a bleak picture for future demand for dairy and dairy products in South Africa over the short term
Moving to net zero: easier said than done
According to delegates at the International Juice Conference held in the Western Cape, there is growing concern over the sustainability of food production
European Commission under fire for 'restricting' Ukrainian grain
According to Politico, agriculture ministers from 12 EU countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Greece, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Luxembourg, Estonia, Denmark and Slovenia, have raised concern over a recent compromise reached by Brussels and five Eastern members of the bloc to restrict imports of Ukrainian agricultural products
Ghana cocoa farmers 16% worse off than before COVID-19 pandemic
A new report by Oxfam shows that cocoa farmers in Ghana are 16% worse off than at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, according to Confectionery Production
SA citrus industry needs a collaborative approach for long-term sustainability
Paul Makube, economist at FNB, looks at the challenges facing the citrus industry in the near future
'State should step in as Brazil bird flu outbreak jeopardises chicken imports'
Government urgently needs to implement proactive measures to avoid a looming crisis in the chicken industry, following the announcement from Brazil, South Africa’s top source of imported chicken, that it has detected two cases of avian influenza in wild birds
Lucerne plus veld for quality sheep
Lucerne pastures boost fertility and production, said this leading commercial Merino farmer, who also took great care of his veld camps
South Africa walks a tightrope of international alliances
Thapelo Tselapedi, a lecturer in politics at Rhodes University, writes about the Catch-22 situation that South Africa finds itself in as it juggles its allegiances to Russia, China and the West
Pilot, strategist and leader par excellence
Lieutenant-General Robert Rogers, DSO, DFC Bar, Royal Air Force; SSA, SM, MMM, South African Air Force, is the most highly decorated military man in South Africa. Graham Jooste tells his remarkable story.
Sport, politics, business and death
This week's selection by Patricia McCracken includes the story of Dan Qege and other rugby players during apartheid, advice from top business leaders, skulduggery in athletics, and catering for funerals
Cheesy pap and sweetcorn squares with avocado guacamole
This blend of traditional local flavour and Mexican zing is hearty enough for a cold winter's evening, yet fresh and crisp enough for an elegant lunch.