CATEGORIES

The essentials of orchard planning

Planting a new orchard requires significant upfront capital. It is also a long-term commitment that may only give you a return on investment after at least three years. Magda du Toit spoke to farmers to learn more.

Tilapia: the African fish that's popular the world over

No fish has made as big of an impact on the global aquaculture industry as the tilapia has. Aquaculture specialist Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, writes about this highly sought-after fish, which he has come to describe as the aquatic chicken’.

Important factors to understand before marketing livestock

Many communal farmers are not aware of prevailing market dynamics and livestock pricing structures, and this can cost them dearly when selling their animals

Whatever it is, make your product stand out from the others

Whether you are a small, medium, or large farmer, you can differentiate your products and your business. Obliterate from your mind the myth that differentiation is only possible for some farmers

Namibia's Agribank announces drought relief

The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) recently announced R104,6 million in instalment relief and R83 million in waived penalty interest as part of interventions to provide relief to 1 134 of its clients who had been affected by the devastating drought in the country.

Russia's 'breadbasket' battling to save harvest from extreme weather

Farmers in the Rostov region of Russia, the country's breadbasket, are struggling to salvage a harvest battered by a heatwave, frost and floods.

Agri investment group sells two pome fruit farms

Agriculture-focused investment group Zeder recently announced the finalisation of the sale of Theewaterskoof Farm to the Japie Groenewald Trust for a disposal consideration of R283 million, and Applethwaite Farm to Vredenhof Beleggings Pty Ltd for R190 million.

Everything you need to know about fungicides

Fungicides are indispensable tools in disease management, offering protection against fungal pathogens and ensuring the health and productivity of crops and plants. In this guide, Zunel van Eeden aims to improve producers’ understanding of the different types of fungicides, their various modes of action, and more.

Slick, responsive Porsche Macan T

The Porsche Macan T embodies Porsche’s ethos with a potent blend of practicality and dynamic prowess, adding some sportiness to the make-up of the entry-level Macan, writes Car Magazine's Gareth Dean.

Precision irrigation: empowering agriculture amid water scarcity

Precision irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, maximising efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. Zunel van Eeden spoke to Netafim South Africa's Charl van Reenen about this irrigation technique, which can help South African farmers address the challenges brought about by a water shortage.

How irrigation can help small-scale farmers

Irrigation has resulted in significant crop yield improvement across the globe. In some regions, irrigation is essential for successful crop production; however, it remains out of reach for many small-scale farmers. Janine Ryan reports.

Avocado production: Western Cape vs the northern provinces

Avocado production in South Africa has traditionally been linked to the hot and humid northern provinces. Recently, though, Western Cape plantings have grown. Louis Vorster, who has extensive experience in avocado production, spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee about the differences in production between these regions.

Sharp increase in kudu rabies in Namibia

Following a marked spike in the occurrence of kudu rabies in Namibia this year, the Namibian Professional Hunting Association recently issued a serious call to the country's hunting fraternity to limit kudu hunts, in particular the hunting of young and breeding bulls.

Uganda sees dramatic boom in coffee exports to Türkive

Uganda's coffee industry has realised a major breakthrough in the Turkish market, with exports surging by an astonishing 2 200% in the five years to 2024.

Woolworths invests R2m in young entrepreneurs

The Woolworths Youth Makers Competition, launched in 2023, attracted hundreds of entries this year.

Climate-proofing agricultural production

As climate change leads to decreased rainfall and more extreme weather events across South Africa, producers must rethink their farming practices to enhance climate resilience

Farmers and landowners on brown locust alert

Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager at CropLife South Africa, recently called on farmers and landowners to be on the lookout for brown locust (Locustana pardalina) egg-laying sites, especially in those areas in the Karoo that had received good rains so far this year.

The riding horse

David Stubbs and Elizabeth Howard wrote this column entitled 'Talking Horses'.

The ins and outs of irrigation: a basic guide for crop farmers

As climate change intensifies and water resources dwindle, innovative irrigation techniques and sustainable water management become increasingly vital. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to industry experts about the importance of irrigation for crop farmers.

Facial recognition tech: a breakthrough in the fight against stock theft

Facial recognition technology is poised to revolutionise livestock management. Annelie Coleman spoke to experts about this Australian-developed technology and its potential to reshape livestock production in South Africa.

Tasty, nutritious beans come in many forms

Beans originated in Central and South America and have been domesticated for thousands of years

Can privately owned One Loft Races revive pigeon racing in SA?

In this article, part one of a three-part series on pigeon racing, Thomas Smit looks at the sport's decline in South Africa, and whether One Loft Races, with their attractive cash prizes, can revive it.

Managing macadamia production when margins are low

Macadamia nut farms have been in dire straits over the past two seasons as prices have dropped and input costs have risen. With little relief on the horizon, orchard management needs to be revised to maintain sustainability. Lindi Botha looks at the options available to farmers to reduce their costs.

Lessons on the importance of general herd management

Louis Steyl, CEO of the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the true value of effectively managing a Bonsmara herd in order to maximise profit.

Combating GBV scourge in rural communities

A ground-breaking programme is addressing gender-based violence in South Africa's rural communities and empowering young men to fight harmful stereotypes

The role of One Health in sustainable farming and well-being

A movement strengthening relationships between communities and the land and promoting a mutually beneficial relationship between agriculture, health and the environment is emerging in sustainable farming. Ntokozo Zitha, a PhD student in the Economics Analysis Unit at the Agricultural Research Council, writes.

Sustainable palm oil production in SA

Palm oil has been heavily criticised due to the unsustainable practices used in its cultivation. But this is beginning to change, says Jannie Myburgh, senior manager of trading oils procurement at SD Guthrie International SA. He spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee.

Western Cape avocado production on the rise

Avocado production is booming in the Western Cape, and new insights into the industry were shared at a recent grower day

Top Western Cape young farmer enjoys a challenge

Dean Barnard, a farmer from George in the Western Cape, was recently named the Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year and will go on to represent the province at the Toyota SA/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year competition later this year.

Guava association expects smaller 2024 harvest

The Guava Producers' Association (GPA) has adjusted its guava production estimate down from 25 200t to 22 500t, making the harvest 16% smaller than the 26 641t harvested last season and the smallest harvest in the past three years.