CATEGORIES

Pork Goes High-tech

Pork producers lost millions of rand and hundreds of people lost their jobs due to the listeria hysteria last year. Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the crisis and how it has reshaped the industry.

Developing Land: Getting The Infrastructure Right

When developing a natural area, it is crucial to integrate all facilities with the surrounding environment, thus minimising their impact.

New-look LAMMA Displays Latest Agri Innovations

The first all-indoor LAMMA show represented a new era for the UK’s largest farming equipment event. Attracting 40 000 visitors, it was a showcase for international exhibitors.

The Future Of Weed Management

According to agronomy expert Leonard Oberholzer, weeds’ resistance to herbicides is expected to be one of the greatest threats to food production in years to come.

Common Watermelon Diseases

Watermelons are usually grown in warm, dry areas and marketed as early as possible when prices tend to be higher. Diseases are also less likely in a drier climate.

Cultivar Branding: A Game Changer For Growers

Fresh produce branding is gaining momentum as farmers seek to ensure a market for their fruit in an industry where supply is dramatically increasing. The success of the ClemenGold mandarin brand has spearheaded the marketing of specific premium citrus varieties. Lindi Botha reports.

Afrino Excels In Producing Mutton And Wool On The Veld

Hendré Calitz, the chairperson of the Afrino Sheep Breeders’ Association of South Africa, manages the Koppiesfontein Afrino Stud near Smithfield for Piet and Theo Delport of Wesselsbron. Mike Burgess visited him to better understand the value of the Afrino under extensive conditions.

New Net Solution For Sunburn

Some growers in the Southern Cape are using nets that can easily be draped over tree rows to protect pome fruit against sunburn. Apart from their convenience and flexibility, the new nets cost a fraction of fixed net structures. Daan Brink of Two-a-Day and Ebbie Raubenheimer of Nulandis spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the technology, which was developed in Australia.

Irrigate Sensibly And Economically

Most home vegetable gardens are irrigated incorrectly. Here’s how to get it right, says Bill Kerr.

Never Stop Learning!

When you think about it, every farm is in some respects a trial farm.

North African Chicken Worth Waiting For

Attempting unfamiliar cuisines often means encountering unknown or unavailable ingredients. In the case of food from North Africa and the Levant, preserved lemons are an absolute must. One downside: they take three weeks to mature!

A Used Car: Let The Buyer Beware!

Dirt, rust and oil leaks are just some of the signs of neglect on a used car. Jake Venter explains what faults to look out for, and when to walk away from that ‘never-to-be-repeated’ bargain.

The Difference Half A Degree Of Global Warming Can Make

The recent ‘Global Warming of 1.5 C’ report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlights several climate change impacts that could be avoided by limiting global warming to 1,5 C, compared with 2 C or more. For example, at 1,5 C warming, the Arctic Ocean is likely to be free of sea ice in summer just once a century on average, whereas at 2°C global warming, the likelihood rises to once a decade.

Pig Farming From Scratch: A Growing Success Story

At the time she was awarded a piggery by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Betty Nyambi knew little or nothing about pig farming. But she refused to let that stop her, and through hard work and training she has become a competent pig farmer. Today, she is aiming at her next goal: gaining quality assurance certification. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Soya Bean Hulls In Feed Boost Milk Profits

Partially substituting maize with soya bean hulls may lower dairy cattle feeding costs while increasing income generated from milk solids. Anesmé van der Vyver, a master’s student at Stellenbosch University, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about her research findings.

Managing High Nitrate Levels In Paddocks

High nitrate levels acidify the soil, leading to an abundance of weeds. Dr Mac explains how to manage this, and prevent it from occurring.

‘Farming For Profits Without Social Responsibility Is Foolish'

Being named the 2018 Agri SA/Toyota Young Farmer of the Year is wonderful recognition, says North West potato producer JP van den Berg, However, simply being able to farm and contribute to food security is a daily highlight. He adds that his hardworking staff are pivotal to his farming success, and he devotes much energy to caring for their welfare. Annelie Coleman reports.

To Get The Most, Waste Nothing

Herby oversees the conservation aspect of the operation and cultivates tomatoes as a paying hobby, while his sons run the farm.

Financial Planning: Crucial To Sustainable Production

To weather the impact of market fluctuations and extreme climatic conditions, producers have to think strategically about farming. Pieter de Jager spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his strategy.

Strict Selection The Key To Boer Goat Meat Production

Award-winning stud breeder Gerald Calitz runs a 200-strong Boer goat stud on his 70ha farm near Ventersdorp in North West. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about his breeding techniques.

Charity Begins At Home

Growing up on a farm gave Lion du Plessis insight into the problems faced by farmworkers. But after studying human rights he gained an even deeper understanding of these issues, which spurred him on to create a charity that uplifts rural communities. Lindi Botha reports.

Tapping Country Talents

28 Years ago Recruiting latent local talent to serve campers was a profitable sideline project, according to Major James Sclanders, who retired from the South African Air Force in 1974.

Tips For Taking Cover Crops To The Next Level

Improving and maintaining soil health is not an overnight fix, but a lifelong endeavour that requires patience and experimentation. In this second part of a three-part series on cover crops and soil health, US farmer and cover crops coach Steve Groff shares a number of valuable tips on using cover crops as a tool for achieving sustainable soil health. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Food Security: Africa Should Be The Answer

With the relentless increase in world population, particularly in Africa, food production has become the subject of much attention. This provides a golden opportunity for science and skills transfer to position Africa as the solution to the food security conundrum, says Dr Peter Oberem, founder and CEO of Afrivet.

Medicinal Cannabis: This Is No Weed!

Since the legalisation of cannabis for private use in South Africa, various industries have been gearing up to produce medicinal cannabis on a large scale. However, misinformation abounds about the level of intricacy in growing the plant and extracting the oil. Lindi Botha spoke to a medicinal cannabis farmer to learn more.

Baba Ghanoush: A Middle Eastern Delight

Whatever you choose to call it – brinjal, aubergine or eggplant – there is nothing as magical as converting three of these wondrous things into a sesame influenced, za’atar-enhanced, smoky spread.

ABS: Racing Driver Braking For Us All

ABS brakes save lives every day. Jake Venter explores how these technological marvels work, and why they sometimes don’t.

Irish Agrifood Sector To Bear The Brunt Of Proposed Brexit Import Taxes

Proposed tariffs on Irish imports to the UK was one of the main topics of discussion at the Navigating Global Trade Conference hosted by the Irish Farmers Journal in Dublin, Ireland, in the second week of March.

Designing An Irrigation System According To Soil Type

Dr Willem de Clercq, a researcher at the Water Institute at Stellenbosch University, says that all farmers, and especially those who practise conservation agriculture, need to approach irrigation in a holistic manner that will ensure sustainable production.

Be Ready For The Political Noise Before The Election

Expropriation of land without compensation in South Africa will remain one of the few political weapons in the arsenal of some factions within the ANC in the build-up to the national election on 8 May.