CATEGORIES

Pooling resources leads to progress

Inga Qeja is the owner of Bhayi Holdings, a business that grows vegetables near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, and hopes to expand to include other crops and livestock. He spoke to Siyanda Sishuba about how a lack of access to finance is a major factor thwarting the growth of emerging farmers.

The Afrikaner: equipped to beat climate change

The Afrikaner beef cattle breed's outstanding plasticity enables it to perform optimally despite the negative consequences of climate change. Georgette Pyoos, a junior researcher in the Animal Breeding and Genetics Department at the Agricultural Research Council, spoke to Annelie Coleman about plasticity and its value.

Highveld farming: the more sheep, the merrier

The Mpumalanga Highveld was once the wool capital of South Africa, but rampant stock theft over the years has largely decimated the industry here. However, while some farmers are moving away from sheep farming, Johan Steyn has plans to expand his flock. He spoke to Lindi Botha about his success with Merinos.

Practical ways to fight the scourge of livestock theft

Livestock theft syndicates have become a growing problem and are a major threat to the livelihoods of farmers. Prevention starts with registered brands and tattoos, says Shane Brody.

Go with the flow and don't lose your balance

Money records are either balances’ or flows’. Get to understand the difference between these two concepts and you'll be well on your way to becoming financially literate, says Peter Hughes.

VEGETABLES Cultivating cowpeas: Part 2

This annual herbaceous legume thrives in dry conditions and is an important crop in arid, semi-desert regions where few other crops will grow. Cowpeas are used for human and livestock consumption.

Ban boosts business for big potato producer

South African-born farmer Johan van Vuuren, together with his brother Fred Sr and nephew, Fred Jr, run one of Botswana’s largest potato production enterprises on their farm in Pandamatenga in the north of the country. Van Vuuren spoke to Tshiamo Tabane about their journey to success, and how the government's recently announced ban on vegetable imports has benefitted them.

How machinery is driving agriculture forwards in Africa

Jaco Beyers, managing director of Africa Middle East at John Deere, speaks to Janine Ryan about the trends in machinery and agriculture in Africa.

From accountant to grain farmer in Botswana

Basadi Molelekeng is among the youngest black women farmers in Botswana to have succeeded as a dryland commercial producer. She explains how she ditched her office job for agriculture in northern Botswana, and how she juggled these demands with those of a young mother. Tshiamo Tabane reports.

The Afrikaner: 'new' hero breed in Namibia

The demand for Afrikaner cattle in Namibia has recently increased to such an extent that demand for this hardy, adaptable local breed far exceeds supply. Annelie Coleman spoke to Afrikaner breeders in that country to discover the reasons behind this spike in popularity.

Botswana's leading commercial fish producer forges ahead

Mari van Graan and her husband, Pieter, operate a commercial fish farming project in Kasane in northern Botswana, one of very few commercial aquaculture projects in the country. Tshiamo Tabane reports on how the Van Graans built up their company, Golden Wrap, which also produces fruit, maize and vegetables.

The farmers helping Botswana boost its food production

Willy Kathurima and his wife Doreen are among a handful of farmers taking advantage of Botswana’s push to expand food production by increasing local expertise in horticulture. Tshiamo Tabane reports on how the couple launched their business, Ramaphatle Greens, which produces strawberries, garlic and ginger.

Celebrating Fendt's 20 000th tractor

Germany's biggest producer of agricultural machinery manufactured 20 000 tractors in 2022. We look at the 20 000th built, the 724 Vario.

Swiss chard: seeds or seedlings?

Farmers can plant Swiss chard in one of two ways: direct seeding or seedling transplants. Bill Kerr explains the pros and cons of each approach, and advises how to get the plants off to a good start.

ANIMAL HEALTH: Dealing with bluetongue

Endemic to South Africa, the bluetongue virus now occurs worldwide and is on the increase. The disease, which is spread by midges, affects ruminants, mainly sheep, explains Roelof Bezuidenhout.

SA olive farming: an industry ripe for the taking

The production and consumption of olives and olive oil are on the rise in South Africa. Magda du Toit spoke to farmers and other experts about the country’s burgeoning olive industry, and what is required to produce this Mediterranean fruit.

Boran: converting low-quality feed into high-quality protein

As a diversified farmer whose primary focus is grain, Leon van Tonder doesn't have much time to worry about his cattle. He spoke to Lindi Botha about why introducing Boran cattle into his herd was the best decision he has ever made, and how this beef breed complements his crop-production division.

Better, faster hay balers and forage equipment

Rovic Leers recently showcased some of Krone’s latest baling and forage harvesting equipment at Boland Agricultural High School. Glenneis Kriel reports on its improved features and performance.

SA's cannabis industry: a potential powerhouse

Cannabis production could spur employment in South Africa, but the regulatory framework of the industry is not being formulated at the desired pace, says independent writer Shamin Chibba.

Toyota/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year 2022

With the slew of challenges currently facing the agriculture sector, taking on farming as a career is a daunting prospect. Hannes Wolvaardt, Toyota/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year 2022, a first-generation farmer, shows what can be achieved by courage, discipline, hard work and attention to detail. He spoke to Magda du Toit.

Rand's volatility set to have major impact on local agri sector

For South Africa, a turbulent local currency is likely to be a key feature this year, and one that agricultural stakeholders should prepare for. Absa Agribusiness looks at this and other factors affecting the sector.

New sorghum variety hailed as ideal for Zimbabwe

A newly developed variety of sorghum promises yields of up to 8t/ha, and could turn around the recent swing towards maize plantings in Zimbabwe.

Communities take part in huge clean-up of the Kuils River

The clean-up of one of the Western Cape’s critical catchment areas signifies the kind of success that can be achieved when communities are given the resources to help improve the country’s natural water systems and other vulnerable ecosystems. Annelie Coleman reports.

Lack of policy could cost South Africa in carbon taxes

The fast-changing landscape of carbon neutrality requires quick decision-making by government and farmers, they will fail to capitalise on available opportunities. Lindi Botha reports.

Middle beckon for SA agro companies East exports

South African businesses who had stalls at the Gulfood Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates are pleased with the interest shown in their products.

Department steps in to alleviate damaging impact of load-shedding on agri sector

The severe effects of load-shedding on the agriculture sector has prompted government to look at ways to minimise the effects of the power crisis on the country’s food supply. Glenneis Kriel reports.

SA needs swift decision-making to deal with crises as 2024 general elections approach

POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE by Theo Venter

South Africa's agri exports achieved new heights in 2022

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE by Wandile Sihlobo

'Evil' black thorn meets its match: Part 1

This article looked at the scourge of bush encroachment by black thorn trees in Molopo, North West. The black thorn (Senegalia mellifera) has spearheaded bush encroachment in the Molopo area of North West for 30 years, hitting the area's beef farmers hard.

Eskom needs to tackle things differently

Giving Eskom more money won't solve the energy crisis, says Dr Roy Havemann, a research associate at Stellenbosch University, but splitting it into separate units definitely has the potential to do so.