CATEGORIES

Keep fighting, and never give up hope

Michael Esmeraldo, newly appointed managing director of Netafim South Africa, argues that there is hope for South Africa's agriculture sector and the country as a whole, despite the challenges of 2022.

South Africa in 2023: planning for a general election

POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE

Trends to watch on the South African agri scene in 2023

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

The Damara is at home from Underberg to Upington: Part 2

This article, the second in a two-part series, looked at the many positive attributes of the once underrated Damara sheep. We continue with its incredible mothering ability.

Animal health high on Namibia's agenda

The improvement of animal health in the Southern African Development Community region is one of the main objectives of the Livestock Producers’ Organisation (LPO) of Namibia for 2023, according to Thinus Pretorius, LPO chairperson.

Bird flu outbreaks worsening in France - authorities

French agriculture minister Marc Fesneau announced in early January that the spread of avian influenza in that country had accelerated.

NUTS Average year 'at best' seen for SA's nut industry

High stock levels of most nut varieties around the world led to subdued prices in 2022, and with high carry-over stock, prices are not expected to recover in 2023.

COTTON Challenging season ahead for cotton producers

Early indications are that South Africa’s cotton crop for the 2022/23 season could amount to between 75 000 and 80 000 bales, which will be slightly higher than in the previous season.

SUBTROPICAL FRUIT Exports to cushion SA's subtropical fruit fortunes

The mango and litchi industries plan to focus on new varieties and market expansion in an effort to boost sales this year.

A memorable stay in heavenly Hermanus

With its magnificent cliff path, whale watching, and a wide range of accommodation, the coastal town of Hermanus on the Garden Route offers something special for everyone, says Brian Berkman.

Pick a peck of pickled avos!

Pickled avocados are a favourite among chefs, who love the combination of creaminess and spiciness.

The Great Hunger

In 1845, potato blight caused the catastrophic destruction of Ireland's potato crop, which ultimately caused the deaths of about one million Irish people.

Why many first-generation family agribusinesses don't survive their founders: Part 1

Lack of succession planning is one of the key reasons why so many family agribusinesses fail to last, writes Trevor Dickinson. Very few businesses that are simply ‘handed over’ in an informal manner will survive.

An adventure in the Kia Sorento: Part 1

Graham Eagle tests this all-wheel-drive SUV with moderate ground clearance, coping with two of South Africa’s High 5 gravel passes.

Powdery mildew: a threat to most cucurbit species

This widespread disease, which grows well in environments with high humidity, can reduce yield significantly, warns Bill Kerr.

CROPS Going the no-till way: Part 2

Humus, mulch and legume cover crops can save you money and greatly improve the quality of your yields, says Bill Kerr.

Using top genetics and good management to boost dairy profitability

Looking for ways to enhance your dairy's profits? Better cow health and improved liveability might be the solution, according to Rebekah Mast, a US-based dairy genetics expert.

Termites: a proven way to reduce food insecurity and poverty

Edible insects can help feed the populations of developing countries, says Ntokozo Blessing Zitha, an agricultural economist involved with the Agricultural Research's Council Professional Development Programme.

Reaping the benefits transformation of in the grain sector

In order to continue improving its food security, South Africa must rely on the contribution of all farmers, both commercial and emerging. A project that's making great strides in both food production and transformation in the local grain sector is Grain SA's Farmer Development Programme. Magda du Toit reports.

SA-designed tower system offers growanywhere flexibility

Fresh Life Produce has developed a vertical growing system designed to meet the specific needs of African producers. Louis- Gillis Janse van Rensburg and Akhona Gxuluwe spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this system, which has garned international recognition and awards.

More than food needed to counter inequality

Chris Desmond and Agnes Erzse, researchers at the South African Medical Research Council/University of the Witwatersrand Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science, write that scaling up nutrition interventions will yield productivity returns if children's schooling, health and employment prospects are also addressed.

Plant citrus to supplement your income

Citrus fruits, which are rich in vitamin C, fetch a good price. Consider starting a co-operative system in your community, planting trees in a number of yards and buying inputs in bulk to save money, says Shane Brody.

Make 2023 your own 'good to great' year

There’s no management problem that hasn’t been faced before. Lessons from these issues are at your fingertips on the Internet and in many publications; use them and have your best year yet, says Peter Hughes.

Realising the agricultural potential of rural areas

A new approach and collaboration are needed from government and commodity associations to raise the agricultural output of the former homelands, says Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

The employment contract, and why it's so crucial

If used effectively, an employment contract is an extremely helpful asset to guide the relationship between employer and employee. Abrie Bronkhorst provides valuable advice on this crucial management tool.

A garden paradise of the grandest design

A stay at Bosjes working farm in the Western Cape brings one closer to heaven, says Brian Berkman.

Blockhouses: symbols of a fearsome war

The dogged determination of the British to win the Anglo-Boer War of 1899–1902 resulted in the construction of thousands of blockhouses across the South African veld, writes Mike Burgess.

Savoury Dutch baby

A Dutch baby is a puffed pancake. It’s delicious with a variety of savoury toppings such as crispy bacon, shaved ham and grated cheese.

What to expect from the S-Presso 2023

South Africa’s most affordable car has just been given a nip and tuck, says Alex Shahini of CAR magazine about the new Suzuki S-Presso.

Identifying lower-back and treating chronic pain in horses

It is important to be able to recognise the source of back pain in a horse in order to treat and manage it successfully, says Dr Mac.