CATEGORIES

Fungi breathe new life into barren avo orchards

Faced with wilting, unproductive avocado trees, Limpopo farmer Christa Rebel decided to replace them with another crop. In the meantime, however, she planted strawberries on the orchard floor. Then, serendipitously, she discovered nature’s remarkable ability to repair itself. Lindi Botha reports.

A better way forward for irrigation in Africa

Researchers from the University of Manchester in the UK evaluated the performance of 79 irrigation schemes constructed across sub-Saharan Africa between the 1940s and 2010 to find out why many of these irrigation projects have failed to deliver.

Twin Studs For Double Success

According to this father-and-son team, who did well at both shows and sales, listening to judges was as good as attending a cattle-breeding course.

Why Estate Planning Is Essential To Minimising Family Strife

When business-owning parents leave their children equal shares in the operation, a battle can erupt between those who work for the company and those who don’t. There are better ways to fairly distribute wealth to heirs, writes Trevor Dickinson.

How climate change is fuelling the spread of invasive pests

Due to the impact of climate change, plant pests that ravage economically important crops are becoming more destructive and posing an increasing threat to food security and the environment. International co-operation in fighting this problem is required, according to a scientific review by the International Plant Protection Convention.

Nguni stud farming in the Suuranys Mountains

Andre Hamman and his wife Maritha moved from Pretoria to retire to the coast. But instead of gardening and golfing, they took on a mammoth restoration project and built a mixed farming and tourism business anchored by a Nguni stud. Wouter Kriel reports.

An overview of South Africa's barley industry

Unfavourable weather conditions, improved canola cultivars and alcohol bans have all added to the woes of South Africa’s barley producers. Absa AgriBusiness looks at the industry’s future prospects.

Finding a solution to agriculture's skills gaps

Skills development is vital to the growth and productivity of any business. Jeandré van der Walt reports on how various commodity organisations are providing the agricultural workforce with more skilled workers.

SA anticipating highest maize exports since 1994

The highest maize exports since 1994 are on the cards for South Africa, according to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz.

The master behind the masterpieces

Jacob Pierneef was amongst South Africa’s iconic painters. His dramatic landscapes, with their geometric lines and vibrant yet controlled colours, brought him international fame in his lifetime.

The Basics Of Bull Management

The money-maker in the herd is the bull, says eastern Free State Simbra breeder Rick Dell. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about the management and selection of breeding bulls for commercial cattle herds.

Sclerotinia's Danger To Oilseed Production

In South Africa, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a particular threat to oilseed crops such as sunflower and soya bean. Annelie Coleman spoke to Dr Miekie Human, research and policy officer at Grain SA, and Dr Lisa Rothmann of the University of the Free State’s Department of Plant Sciences: Plant Pathology Division, about this fungal disease.

Organic Farming: Serving People And The Environment

The Thompson family has mastered the art of living and working in harmony with nature at their diverse farming operation in Limpopo. Nipper Thompson spoke to Lindi Botha about how they have continually adapted to strike a balance between profit, lifestyle and the environment.

Symptoms And Treatment Of EEV

Easily confused with African horse sickness and transmitted by the same biting midges, equine encephalosis virus can prove fatal, says Dr Mac. As there is no vaccine against it, insect control is crucial.

Taking the sting out of the drought

Living through long periods of minimal rainfall has become a way of life for many farmers in various parts of South Africa. Brett Walker, who farms mixed livestock in the Eastern Cape, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the various ways in which he alleviates the impact of the ongoing seven-year drought in the region.

Living the organic farming fantasy in the Western Cape Winelands

Following the rebuilding of Tulbagh after the 1969 earthquake, Brian Berkman has discovered that this historic town is experiencing yet another revival with trendy art galleries and farm-to-table dining.

Benefits of irrigating with wastewater

A recent study by Dr James Meyer, a private consultant, and Dr Rian Pierneef, a researcher in bioinformatics at the Agricultural Research Council’s Biotechnology Platform, found that wastewater from piggeries significantly increased the microbial diversity of soil. Pieter Dempsey spoke to the researchers.

The pros and cons of drip irrigation

Drip irrigation saves water and electricity, but is not suitable for all crop types. So make sure you end up with the right system, says Bill Kerr.

Groote Post: channelling a crisis into an opportunity

In 2020, South Africa’s wine industry encountered an unusual challenge: a ban on the sale of alcohol as part of the fight against COVID-19. This crisis spurred Groote Post, a family-run wine farm outside Darling, to blend its Internet savvy and tourism offerings with its tradition of winemaking and selling. The farm’s Nick and Peter Pentz spoke to Jeandre van der Walt.

How composting works

Composting speeds up the natural decay of organic material by providing the ideal conditions for detritus-eating organisms to thrive. The result is nutrient-rich soil that helps plants grow.

A formula for successful fynbos production

Nico Thuynsma’s love for all things floral and horticultural, and fynbos in particular, led him to establish a nursery and cut flower operation in the Cullinan area of Gauteng, where he produces proteas and other types of fynbos. Pieter Dempsey spoke to him about his passion for growing these plants.

A High-Performance Disc For Faster Field-Finish

John Deere recently introduced the new 2680H High-Performance Disc, a tillage instrument designed to cover more ground in less time. It is also easy to hitch and unhitch, and requires less maintenance.

Understanding The Effects Of Stress

Animals can suffer stress even during ‘normal’ handling, making them more susceptible to disease.

When Parents And Children Clash

Parent and child can work together on the farm, love each other, state their needs, be heard and learn to negotiate their differences. It starts with respect and compromise, says Trevor Dickinson.

Livestock - How To Auction Your Livestock

Livestock auctions are an important marketing channel for livestock. Here is an overview of how to prepare for an auction and what to expect on the day.

Partnerships put mohair farmer on winning track

Going from a part-time communal farmer to a full-time commercial producer is easier said than done. Eastern Cape farmer Sindile Lloyd James spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he overcame the barriers to entry through his eagerness to learn, and by using strategic partnerships with government and other farmers.

From subsistence to commercial farming

Ga-Mothapo farmer Thabana Mokgohloa grew up looking after his family’s livestock, and in 2009 took over the running of his parents’ farm. With his focus on maize and sheep, he has turned their subsistence farm into a commercial operation. Siyanda Sishuba reports

Case IH hits 1 000-tractor milestone with Maxxum

Agricultural machinery manufacturer Case IH, owned by CNH Industrial, announced recently that sales of its Maxxum tractors in Africa had crossed the 1 000-unit-sold threshold.

Cost-effective irrigation

Over-irrigating costs you money in terms of water and electricity, and may lower your crops’ potential. Under-irrigating is also detrimental. Learn to irrigate properly and at the optimal time, says Bill Kerr.

A charming countryside guest house

Ellas in Greyton offers exceptional food, lovely views and wonderful hospitality, says Brian Berkman.