US producer confidence down on back of dropping commodity prices

Sentiment among US agricultural producers declined sharply in May as crop prices continued to weaken, World Grain recently reported.

Community initiative set to boost medicinal agriculture on the KZN North Coast

South Africa’s Organic Medical Herbs Strategic Project Plan was recently launched in the iLembe District. Jyothi Laldas reports.

Draft water licence legislation under fire

The Department of Water and Sanitation has proposed draft water-use legislation stipulating that certain enterprises would need up to 75% black shareholding to apply for a water licence. This appears to fly in the face of public interest and previous investments made by water users. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Agri North West welcomes load-shedding initiative

Agri North West welcomed the recent announcement by the province’s MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Desbo Mohono that the department planned to engage with Eskom on the possible exemption of load-shedding for agriculture sectors such as agro-processing.

BRICS: is South Africa backing the right horse?

Hosting the 2023 BRICS summit has become fraught with dangers for South Africa, writes Danny Bradlow, a professor at the Centre for Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria. In this article, he explains why the organisation was established, and outlines its successes and failures.

Risk mitigation in farming

PJ Mommsen, a freelance risk mitigation strategist, writes about how the inclusion of risk mitigation strategies and innovative solutions, in combination with the traditional value analysis of a defined element of production, can add new perspectives to farming operations, and specifically sheep production.

Coaxing the clouds

The history of weather modification has been stormy. From exploding balloons to strewing smelly chemical concoctions around dams, Roelof Bezuidenhout looks at how we came to the exact science of rainmaking.

A top-rate hotel in a pleasant Cape Town suburb steeped in history and tradition

Southern Sun Newlands is a good place to stay, and not just because of the mountain views, says Brian Berkman.

Man on a mission: spreading the Word, fighting slavery and exploring a continent

An intrepid missionary, explorer, physician and legend in his own lifetime, David Livingstone started his career in a mission station at Kuruman, says Graham Jooste.

Chicken curry rotis

This load-shedding-friendly chicken curry recipe will be sure to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night!

Where have all the horse vets gone?

Faced with an emergency with one of her own horses, Dr Mac experienced South Africa’s shortage of equine veterinarians for herself.

New JAC Motors double-cab series on its way!

From electric to diesel, these big, beefy vehicles will come in several versions, each showing that, when it comes to bakkies at least, size really does matter to customers.

Biological control of diamondback moth

Biocontrol of this ubiquitous brassica pest is highly effective, and can save you a considerable sum as well as much effort, says Bill Kerr.

Agrochemicals are not the villains of agriculture or the environment

Agrochemicals are often used as a scapegoat for agriculture’s impact on the environment, yet these chemicals do not by definition harm the environment, and they play an important part in food production, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn of CropLife South Africa. Magda du Toit reports.

Succulent poaching 'out of control'

The illegal trade of wild succulents, particularly Conophytum species, has left some on the brink of extinction. Glenneis Kriel reports on the situation and what farmers can do to help.

This is how carbon policies can prevent food insecurity

The race to net-zero carbon emissions has implications for agriculture and food security. Whether the outcome will be positive or negative for society, the environment and farmers, depends largely on how government formulates emissions policies. Lindi Botha reports on why agriculture’s role should not be confused.

African horse sickness vaccines replenished in time for vaccination season

Some good news for horse owners as African horse sickness vaccine stock is replenished, according to Onderstepoort Biological Products.

Black harrier in great danger

With only 1 300 black harriers left in the world, this raptor is Southern Africa’s scarcest endemic bird of prey, moving from Vulnerable to the Endangered list almost a decade ago. It is predicted to go extinct within the next 75 years if drastic action is not taken.

A short history of the cultivation of bonsai

The art of growing miniature trees is mostly associated with Japan, but bonsai actually dates back to China. Janine Ryan takes a look at its fascinating history.

Dealing with the diamondback moth

Not for nothing is this species also called the cabbage moth. Just about every cabbage grower has encountered it at some point

Raising gilts and sows: Part 3

The first month after mating is a critical time during production. Stress or incorrect nutrition at this stage may lead to the deaths of embryos.

Secret world of moss, ancestor of plants and vital for planet health

Katie Field, professor in Plant-Soil Processes at the University of Sheffield in the UK, and Silvia Pressel, senior researcher lead in Life Sciences at the Natural History Museum in the UK, write about the resilience of mosses, and their importance for the sustainability of habitats around the world.

A small farm that's big on service, cuisine and sheer luxury

La Petite Ferme is a boutique hotel in Franschhoek in the Western Cape Winelands. Brian Berkman sings its praises, highlighting its stunning views, deluxe accommodation, and delicious dining.

Unlocking value for smallholder raisin producers

Eksteenskuil Agricultural Co-operative has helped to empower a community and improve lives, demonstrating the true value of the co-operative concept. Filomaine Schwartz, office manager of the co-operative, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the entity’s role in raisin production in this part of the Northern Cape.

Identifying lameness in livestock and treating

Lameness can lead to a loss of productivity, and has a negative impact on animal welfare

Empowerment farm drowns in debt

What started as a dream come true has turned into a massive disappointment for a farmer and his workers on a vineyard in the Orange River Region.

Know your soil

To make the best of their land and remain financially viable, farmers need to know the potential of their soil. Karabo Puswe, agricultural specialist at FarmSol, explains how this knowledge is gained.

The Household Cavalry and the Coronation

These soldiers who participate in parades on horseback are on active duty, and also drive tanks in war zones

How to control weeds effectively in cabbage

These days, using herbicide makes far more sense than hand-hoeing or mechanical cultivation. But application rate is crucial

Raising gilts and sows: Part 2

This week, we look at mating your pigs. Oestrus normally lasts 21 days and occurs regularly until the sow or gilt becomes pregnant. Gilts tend to have a shorter cycle of 18 to 20 days