CATEGORIES

Lion Bone Industry Grows In SA's Legislative Vacuum

The commodification of captive-bred lions in South Africa for their bones has been ongoing since 2008, with the skeletons exported predominantly to South East Asia, says Fiona Miles, director of Four Paws in South Africa. More comprehensive legislation and protocols are urgently needed to protect the animals and regulate further growth in the industry. Annelie Coleman reports.

Green Bean Weed Control

In trials that I conducted when farming years ago on quite a large scale, I found a number of herbicides to be effective as a pre-emergence application. However, many were either not registered for beans in South Africa or were registered only for dry beans.

Geldings Are Cheaper And Easier

Gelding stallions can help cut the running costs for breeders, who are currently being faced with a difficult economic climate, says Dr Mac.

Consistent Quality Ensures Success For Popcorn Exporter

A popcorn factory in a small Northern Cape town has doubled production since expanding into the export market. Sabrina Dean asked director Koos de Wet and chief financial officer Jacques Louw how Biggi Brands continues to grow its niche agro-processing business.

Boosting SA's Wine Industry

The Winetech Pitching Den attracted over 1000 entries this year. Dr Albert Strever and Gerard Martin spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the winning pitches.

Farmer Programme Results In Higher Yields And Better Lives

Increasing yields tenfold is a feat that every farmer dreams of, but few realise. Yet, for the past 20 years, Grain SA, through its Farmer Development Programme, has quietly assisted numerous farmers in achieving exactly that. Lindi Botha visited three beneficiaries to find out more.

Cape Gooseberries: The Next Big Superfood Trend?

The rising demand for healthy food has sparked a growing demand for cape gooseberries. William Pulles of Keisie Valley Gooseberries spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his farming enterprise.

How Nerpo Is Adapting To A Changing Livestock Sector

Changes in the livestock business environment have motivated the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (NERPO) to review its strategy and improve services to its members. NERPO managing director Aggrey Mahanjana spoke to Siyanda Sishuba about future plans.

The Founder Of The Currie Cup

Sir Donald Currie established the Union-Castle line, whose ships sailed between England and South Africa until 1977. A follower of rugby, he also sponsored a British tour to South Africa in 1891 and donated the Currie Cup, thereby helping to launch the famous domestic competition.

Breeding For Optimal Efficiency Yields Greener Dairy Herds

A recent report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations shows that the global dairy industry is already part of the solution to address climate change. However, dairy farmers need to accelerate their current efforts by continuing to improve production efficiency. Denene Erasmus reports.

Wool As A Stabiliser In A Summer Cropping Region

While wool accounts for only about 30% of his income, Free State farmer Le Roux Fourie views it as a crucial element in his cropping and livestock operation. He spoke to Sabrina Dean about the value of this commodity, especially in light of its consistently high price.

Using The Beefmaster To Improve Your Herd

After owning a Simbra-type cattle herd for many years, the Rattray family of KwaZulu-Natal decided to convert to Beefmaster. According to Hayden Rattray, who runs the Pleasant View Beefmaster stud, introducing the breed has resulted in many improvements in the herd, including decreased birthweight, improved weaning weight and excellent mothering ability.

Lucerne Production Gains Momentum In The Western Free State

Lucerne under irrigation provides Free State farmer Boeboe Louw with an ideal alternative to grain. Annelie Coleman visited him on his farm in the Wesselsbron district to find out how he manages production to gain the most from this valuable export crop.

Get Ready To Profit From Plant-And Insect-Based Proteins

Across the world, food consumption patterns are undergoing vast changes, necessitating changes in the agricultural landscape. Lindi Botha spoke to Mark Hassenkamp, agri-tech adviser to Blue Horizon Corporation, which holds a portfolio of companies including Red Sun Hortitech, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, about the movement towards plant- and insect-based proteins, and the impact this will have on agriculture.

Blackberries And Much More

The owner of a small farm has to find innovative ways to remain financially viable. Natalie Turck of Wildebraam Berry Estate spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how she and her husband accomplish this.

‘There are opportunities for ostrich farmers in North West'

New ostrich farmer Kabelo Lekalakala says the industry in North West can be returned to its former glory through the participation of young aspiring farmers. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Vegetable farmer's battle against the forces of nature

Eric Mauwane of Oneo Farms in Gauteng says that a crucial lesson he has learnt about sweet pepper production is the need to understand market demand and manage production practices accordingly. Siyanda Sishuba visited him to find out more about his operation.

Karoo lamb finally gets its own legislation

The South African government recently published new legislation regulating the use of geographic indication for agricultural products. This will enable farmers of Karoo lamb, amongst other products, to earn a premium for their meat. Gordon Wright and Prof Johann Kirsten examine this legislation and how it will be applied.

Identifying and controlling sweet potato viruses

Sweet potatoes are an important commercial crop and contribute significantly to food security in many poorer South African households. Dr Julia Mulabisana and Dr Sunette Laurie of the Agricultural Research Council’s Vegetable and Ornamental Plants division explain how farmers can recognise and control the most serious viruses that affect this crop.

Empowerment trust banks on barley

Since its inception, the Overberg Boerdery Trust has not only increased its output of barley, but raised dividend payments to its farmworkers. Jeandré van der Walt visited the farm near Caledon.

Think Twice Before Buying That Machine!

Unfavourable climatic conditions, poor commodity prices and rising production costs are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to stay productive and run profitable enterprises on their farms. Glenneis Kriel asked three experts for tips that could help farmers weather the financial storms.

Viticulture Equipment From Italy

A recent farmers’ day in Paarl afforded wine farmers the chance to look at some of the best viticulture equipment from Italy. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Strict Selection: The Key To Award-Winning Brahmans

Producing world-class stud cattle is a challenging endeavour, but judging by the stacked-up ribbons at the RiHugo farming enterprise, Rian Maree has found the winning recipe. He spoke to Lindi Botha about practising rigorous selection on his Brahman herd.

Step By Step, A Father-And-Daughter Team Turns A Neglected Farm Around

Marilyn Siegels was recently named the Western Cape’s best female commercial farmer after just two years in the industry. Along with her father, Edward van Niekerk, and sister, Yolande van Niekerk, she is rejuvenating a land restitution fruit farm. Jeandré van der Walt reports.

Getting Young People Interested In Agriculture

Breyton Milford, operations manager at Agri-Expo, was recently elected as a trustee of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth. Jeandré van der Walt spoke to him about this achievement, and his involvement with young people in agriculture.

Could Wheat Make A Comeback In The Western Free State?

When the rains came too late to plant maize at the end of 2018, Bultfontein farmers Anton and Heinrich Botha joined other producers in the region in planting dryland winter wheat instead. Sabrina Dean visited this father-and-son team to find out why they are so enthusiastic about the renewed interest in wheat.

Be On The Lookout For Piroplasmosis!

Transmitted mainly by red-legged ticks, this disease is endemic in horses, donkeys, moles and zebra, says Dr Mac.

New Agri Development Agency Aims To Speed Up Land Reform

Former minister Roelf Meyer, director of In Transformation Initiative, is in the process of launching SAADA, a new agricultural development agency that seeks to accelerate land reform and boost commercial agricultural production. Glenneis Kriel spoke to him about the project.

Using On-Farm Data To Unlock The Full Potential Of Machinery

One of the most keenly discussed topics in agriculture is the recent, rapid advances in farming technology, and the part played by data and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. John Deere now makes acquiring and using data for precision farming that much easier, says Stehan Cloete.

Dealing With Halo Blight In Beans

As discussed in the previous article (see FW of 18 October), many bean diseases are seed-borne, which makes it crucial to buy disease-free seed.