CATEGORIES

Managing Rotation In Dryland Crop Production

If carried out correctly, rotating crops can increase grain yield while reducing weed, insect and disease problems. In a word, this means higher profits.

Potato Prices Down Despite Increased Demand

As the South African potato industry recovers from the drought, there has been an increase in supply. This has resulted in a decline in prices, fuelling sales.

Cart-horses Cut Costs

Input costs have always been difficult to manage. This farmer looked to carthorses to save on machinery costs.

Expropriation Without Compensation A Loss For All

As the ruling party’s elective conference in December approaches, South Africa’s focus is on who will emerge as the ANC’s new leader.

Global Hunger: The Price We Pay For Food

In poorer nations, buying the ingredients for a single meal can use up a significant portion of a person’s earnings. Where there is conflict or economic collapse, it can exceed these earnings outright. Researchers involved with the World Food Programme propose what should be done to ensure true food security

Driving Transformation With 'Old' Legislation

Reviving the Extension and Advisory Programme of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, may kick-start agricultural production on fallow land in communal areas. This could then drive equitable and inclusive transformation and development in the agriculture sector, writes Zamikhaya Maseti, senior specialist for public and sector policy at the Land Bank.

Saving Peas From Global Warming

Global warming is becoming a major limiting factor for pea production, according to plant scientist, Rosalind Bueckert, of the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, who began studying heat stress in peas after seeing older pea varieties struggle to maintain adequate levels of production during very warm periods.

Wildlife Ranching An Industry Under Pressure

Deon Furstenburg, director of wildlife science at Geo Wild Consult, an ecological services consultancy, spoke to Roelof Bezuidenhout about the state of game ranching in South Africa.

Using Bats And Birds To Control Macadamia Crop Pests

Biological pest control could speed up the farm-to-fork process and save the macadamia industry millions of rands, according to the initial results of an ongoing research project. The researchers have found that bats and birds can keep the crop’s most significant pests, stinkbugs, under control.

Dealing With Soya Rust

This devastating disease, also called Asian soya bean rust, occurs across much of the world. Chemical control is the only realistic option.

Calving problems licked

30 YEARS AGO John Webb, owner of the Kirsty South Devon Stud, which was run on the farm Bronkhorstfontein in the Free State, found that calving problems disappeared when he switched from a high-protein lick to a salt-phosphate lick.

Investing In The Future Of Farmworkers' Children

Gelukwaarts School near Van Stadensrus in the Free State was launched by commercial farmers in the late 1990s to serve their workers’ children. Sunet Wessels spoke to Mike Burgess about the vibrant school that today educates 292 pupils on the farm Longlead.

Dealing With Anthracnose

This fungal disease can wipe out a dry bean crop. Here’s how to prevent, and treat, this problem.

A World Of Machinery On Display At Agrishow Brazil

Agrishow, a giant showcase of Brazilian agriculture that takes place in Ribeirão Preto, a city in south-east Brazil, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. The event is one of the largest of its kind in the world, drawing almost 160 000 visitors from 70 countries. Denene Erasmus, who attended the show in May, reports on some of the highlights of the show’s machinery exhibition, which attracts manufacturers from around the globe.

Mpumalanga Hailstorm Will Have Long-Term Fallout

The devastating hailstorm that hit Mpumalanga on 27 May will have a long-term effect on, among others, the citrus production industry in the Lowveld.

Department Of Health Halts Listeria Testing Of Meat Imports

With the number of listeriosis cases reportedly having declined markedly in recent months, the Department of Health (DoH) no longer conducts testing for this pathogen in imported meat products.

Double Whammy For Guava Producers

The ongoing drought in large parts of South Africa as well as falling market prices are expected to have a severely negative impact on guava production this season.

The Best Fish Species For Aquaponics

While the Nile tilapia is the fastest grower, it is easier to obtain a permit for the slower-growing Mozambique tilapia.

A Healthy Profit From Pasture-raised Eggs

As a technician specialising in the installation and repair of gates, Rico Vergotine had little reason to be interested in agriculture. His life changed, however, after a chance meeting, and today he manages 2 500 pasture-raised chickens that produce 1 900 eggs a day. Jeandré van der Walt visited him on Boschendal wine estate to find out about his farming techniques and future plans.

Growing Out And Fattening Cattle In A Feedlot

Most cattle sold through abattoirs are feedlotted. This new series looks at the basics of feedlotting and how an operator can increase profit margins.

How The State Is ‘Capturing' Aquaculture

Legislative control of the aquaculture industry in South Africa is so restrictive that it impedes any development.

Business And Legal Implications Of An Agritourism Venture

Once you have conducted the necessary feasibility studies and determined the exact format of your agritourism business, the next step would be to decide on an appropriate business structure for the venture.

‘Chicken Dumping Will Cripple The Economy And Kill Off Jobs'

Francois Baird, founder of the FairPlay advocacy movement, tells Annelie Coleman why chicken dumping is an illegal practice, and describes how it threatens South Africa’s chicken and grain industries, the country’s economy, and the jobs and food security of poorer consumers.

Meet The Mighty JD 8400R!

This new record-breaking John Deere tractor made its first appearance in the UK at the recent Cereals Event at Boothby Graffoe in Lincolnshire. Joe Spencer reports.

The Man Who Made Matjiesfontein

One of South Africa’s great entrepreneurs, James Logan, was also instrumental in making the game of cricket popular throughout the country, writes Graham Jooste.

From Our Archives

Miniature horses – not just for aesthetics and pleasure

SA Macadamia Production Set To Triple By 2025

Production volumes of South African macadamias are expected to increase from 46 000t in 2015 to 70 718t by 2021. Based on current plantings, this figure could further rise to 125 980t by 2025. Such an increase, however, would require significant investment in processing capacity.

The Premium Beef Business

Gary Jackson of Jackson’s Real Food Market, Chris Paulsen of the Bull and Bush butchery, restaurateurs Steve Maresch and Llewy Mateza of The Local Grill, and Roelie van Reenen of Beefmaster, are determined to offer the finest traceable, aged and ethically produced beef to discerning clients. But doing so is not without challenges, writes Gerhard Uys.

Olive Oil Success Through Innovation

The Greenleaf Olive Company near Cape Agulhas in the Overberg planted its first trees in 2006. Just 10 years later, the olive oil produced here is one of South Africa’s premium local brands. 

Dealing With Fluorine Poisoning

This condition is difficult to diagnose due to the natural levels of fluoride that occur in all animal tissue. The highest levels are found in teeth and bones.