Grape farming: stick to the basics to succeed!
Farmer's Weekly|March 31, 2023
While production on most grape farms in the Orange River region has taken a knock this season due to adverse weather conditions, GPA Boerdery has managed to achieve a decent harvest. Lourens Maass and his son Kobus, who run GPA, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their recipe for success.
Glenneis Kriel
Grape farming: stick to the basics to succeed!

Unfavourable climatic conditions in the Orange River region this season have caused a significant drop in production on most wine, table grape and raisin farms.

According to Jacques Ferreira, manager of commercial industrial affairs at the South African Table Grape Industry, the region delivered 16,4 million 4,5kg-equivalent cartons of table grapes for export inspection this season. This was about 27% less than the previous season and about 17% less than the region’s five-year average.

The Orange River region produces 85% to 87% of South Africa’s raisin supply. Raisins South Africa reported that the country produced 78 757t of raisins last season, with production expected to decline to between 63 000t and 68 000t this season.

Charl du Plessis, CEO of Orange River Cellars in Upington, says that wine-grape production in the region averages around 35t/ha, but was closer to 20t/ha this season.

Despite the decline in all three grape types, some farmers, such as father-and-son-team Lourens and Kobus Maass of GPA Boerdery near the town of Grootdrink, are still producing decent volumes.

Lourens says that during the 2021/22 season, they achieved 2,5t more raisins per hectare than the industry average, although the 2022/23 harvest was 19% lower than last season’s.

Nonetheless, the quality of their raisins was much better than the previous season, when many grapes were downgraded as a result of a downy mildew outbreak. Lourens adds that the improved quality more than made up for the reduced volume.

Their 2022/23 wine-grape production was 5% higher than last season’s, but about 10% lower than their long-term average.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 31, 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 31, 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS FARMER'S WEEKLYAlle anzeigen
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
Farmer's Weekly

ARC names best dairy producers of the year

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
Farmer's Weekly

Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?

The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Farmer's Weekly

Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax

Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
Farmer's Weekly

Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives

This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.

time-read
1 min  |
December 06, 2024
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Farmer's Weekly

Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative

Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 06, 2024
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
Farmer's Weekly

How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer

While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 06, 2024
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Farmer's Weekly

Living the 'culture' in agriculture

Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
December 06, 2024
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Farmer's Weekly

Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg

Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
December 06, 2024
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Farmer's Weekly

African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them

Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 06, 2024
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
Farmer's Weekly

An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA

South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 06, 2024