Tech is taking over. Are you embracing the changes?

Incredible new technologies emerge almost daily, providing great opportunities for those who have the courage to exploit them. In contrast, those who ignore these advances face great risk, says Peter Hughes.

Fertiliser alternatives can improve crop yields

Chemical fertilisers are a major contributor to poor soil and loss of biodiversity. In this article, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations looks at environmentally friendly alternatives.

A triumph for South African conservation

This article covered the birth of two cheetah cubs in captivity, the first time it had ever taken place in South Africa.

Government should take up the private sector's offers to assist with FMD control

In my previous column (see FW, 26 August 2022) I discussed how the agriculture sector has already seen a number of positive gains this year, despite numerous challenges.

Trends to watch in agriculture

An emphasis on food safety and soil health, ongoing expansion of automation, and improved water use are just some of the developments that will change the way we farm in years to come, says Mbali Nwoko.

Treating bloat in cattle

After a bull or a cow consumes feed, gases start forming in the rumen. Sometimes, excessive gases are produced, a condition called bloat. This can cause pain, distress and lead to an emergency, says Shane Brody.

Limpopo hatchery goes to the next level

Although Clive Tigere obtained a university degree in statistics, he turned his back on an office job and returned to Louis Trichardt in Limpopo to start a hatchery. He explained to Susan Marais how his success is helping his clients' businesses thrive.

From a small kitchen to an on-farm food factory

Starting in her farm kitchen 16 years ago, processed-food producer Elana Bruwer has built a brand that is retailed in 75 outlets, mainly in the Western Cape. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

Pushing the boundaries of avo farming pays off

The Ernst family, owners of Allesbeste Boerdery in Tzaneen, are renowned for their pioneering research and development work in the avocado industry. Zander Ernst, director of marketing and production at Allesbeste, spoke to Magda du Toit about their latest project, which involves the trellising of avocado trees.

Do horses prefer male or female riders?

There have always been theories that horses prefer male riders over female riders. However, research shows that men and women evoke no significant difference in a horse’s responses

How to prevent early blight in tomatoes

Humidity and excess moisture create the ideal conditions for the development of this fungal disease. It usually starts in patches on the land and thereafter spreads throughout the crop

Wet weather delays North West fire season

Scientific data indicates that due to climate change, the local fire season has been pushed out by almost 90 days.

Global, local avocado prices gain some momentum

‘WHILE MARKETS REMAIN SATURATED IN THE EUROPEAN UNION, THINGS ARE LOOKING BETTER’

Exploring alternatives to the Port of Durban

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa and multinational logistics company DP World, which holds the concession to operate the export terminal at the Port of Maputo, recently hosted stakeholders on a tour of the facilities in Mozambique.

Focus on renewable energy at KragDag Expo 2022

Historical-engine enthusiasts Willem Cronjé and Peter Ponsteen represented the Highveld Veteran Tractor and Engine Club at KragDag 2022.

Water airlifted to thirsty animals in Swiss Alpine meadows

Cattle grazing at high altitude in the Swiss Alps have suffered a severe shortage of water this summer due to the extreme heat.

Good case for increasing sorghum production

A study has found that sorghum has become a viable option for high-value food niche markets in the developed and developing world.

Promising future for Shaka’s cattle

This article focused on Nguni cattle, and why the breed should not have been ignored for as long as it was.

Hardy, dual-purpose Dexters make sound business sense

Twenty years ago, Gauteng livestock producer Kobus van der Linde bought a handful of Dexter cattle as a hobby for his children. Today, Van der Linde’s 100-head Lundi Dexter stud is a profitable operation, and his sole business. Annelie Coleman visited him to find out why he concentrated on this remarkable breed.

Mastitis: prevention is better than cure

Mastitis can be devastating to a dairy’s profitability. Dr Chantelle Erwee, technical manager of ruminants at Zoetis, describes strategies that a farmer can implement to prevent cows from developing the condition.

Citrus: a longterm vision for traditional communities

Thanks to a financial boost from various public and private entities, the Majeje Citrus company will be able to fully participate in one of South Africa’s most important agricultural industries within the next five years.

Lessons from Danish researchers and farmers

Research and development in agriculture is accelerating to keep up with the numerous challenges in the sector. On a recent agricultural tour of Denmark, Lindi Botha discovered the many different ways in which the Danish are tackling the age-old dilemma of optimising inputs while achieving maximum output.

Food production: the intuitive farmer is the farmer of the future

Justin Platt, founder and managing director of agricultural technical services companies Zylem and RegenZ, says that farmers don’t need more knowledge, but rather better ‘knowing’.

Merinos at their best

After just four years of breeding Merino sheep on his stud farm, JH Hattingh of Lady Grey in the Eastern Cape showed some startling results, as this article revealed.

The marathon where heroes are forged

The Comrades Marathon has been the making of many a South African athlete, including the legendary Wally Hayward, says Graham Jooste.

Optimising fuel usage on your farm: Part 1

With fuel contributing heavily to farmers’ input costs, every fuel price hike has a negative impact on their bottom lines. Godfried Heydenrych, managing director of Argo South Africa, spoke to Magda du Toit about what producers can do to mitigate the effects of rising fuel costs.

Maize and wheat weeds (Part 2): Tribulus terrestris

Devil’s thorn, which thrives under hot, dry conditions, causes tribulosis in sheep in the absence of good grazing. Its small woody fruit has long, sharp spines that easily cling to clothes and the coats of animals.

Dealing with whitefly in tomatoes

Whitefly is a serious threat to tomatoes. In addition to causing damage, it’s a vector for the devastating tomato curly stunt virus, says Bill Kerr.

Partnerships pay off for Western Cape nursery

Kobus se Kwekery in Oudtshoorn won Klein Karoo Seed Production’s award for the best emerging agricultural business in both 2017 and 2020. Yolandi Leen, who co-owns the nursery with her husband Kobus, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their journey to success and the market they serve.

Focus shifts from zinc to gut health for robust pigs

Increasing pressure against the use of zinc oxide in pig herds has left farmers concerned about whether an alternative will be as effective at controlling disease and maintaining animal health. New research suggests that an alternative is not only already available, but offers more benefits.