CATEGORIES

'Dexters carry us through the drought'

The Helmeringhausen Farmers’ Association’s Dexter cattle project was honoured by the Namibia Agricultural Union as the 2024 NAU-Feedmaster Community Project of the Year. Association chairperson Jörg Gaugler spoke to Annelie Coleman about this unique project and the difference it makes in the farming community.

The future of farming: innovative agritech

As agriculture continues to evolve in the face of climate change, economic pressures, and global food security challenges, South African farmers are turning to innovative technology to enhance productivity and sustainability. Cobus du Plessis reports on the latest technological advancements.

Czech Republic leads charge to ban EU poultry cage farming

In a meeting in December 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, the Czech Republic urged other EU nations to ban chicken cage farming, saying all member states should follow the same rules.

Good pickings with pigs

In this article, a farmer had doubts about pig farming, until he reaped the dividends.

Artificial intelligence isn't a gimmick; it's a potent productivity booster

Those who master artificial intelligence will have a huge advantage in the years to come. Start experimenting with it and experience the potential it has to bring knowledge to your fingertips,

R7 million boost for hemp farmers in Coega

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) took a step forward in supporting the Eastern Cape’s burgeoning cannabis industry with the distribution of R7 million worth of hemp seeds to 26 local farmers at the Coega Medigrow facility in the Coega Special Economic Zone in Gqeberha.

Equipping young South Africans to transform food waste into resources

At the start of each new year, attention naturally shifts to education.

Cape mountain zebra conservation efforts praised

While the overall zebra population in Africa is decreasing, recent conservation efforts have sparked hope for the future of the Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) in South Africa.

'Always look for new opportunities to learn and grow'

When Dr Miekie Human began her undergraduate studies in 2011, she couldn't have known that she'd one day become the science and policy manager at the South African National Seed Organisation, where she now advocates for a sustainable seed industry. She spoke to Magda du Toit about her career path and passion for research.

Passionate about nurturing personal and professional growth in the agriculture sector

Dr Nicole Hart, CEO of Afrikelp, a leading manufacturer of liquid seaweed biostimulants, stands as an inspiring figure in the agricultural landscape. She spoke to Magda du Toit about her thoughts on success and leadership, as well as the role of women in agriculture and science.

Essential accounting concepts every farmer should know

Cobus du Plessis explores fundamental financial principles that every farmer should understand, including the differences between assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and fixed and variable costs. He also looks at cash flow management, tax basics, risk management, budgeting, and managing unforeseen costs.

Managing farm debt: strategies for financial stability

While adverse conditions like droughts and market volatility cannot be controlled, debt can be managed. Cobus du Plessis advises farmers on how to approach debt during difficult financial times.

The benefits of getting your show horse used to the water

It's a good idea to get show horses used to water in the summer rainfall areas. Dr Mac explains why you should do this, and how.

The intricacies of growing onions

Bill Kerr writes about the complexities of growing onions and the many factors one needs to consider in order to achieve success with this crop.

Essential accounting concepts every farmer should know

Cobus du Plessis explores fundamental financial principles that every farmer should understand, including the differences between assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and fixed and variable costs. He also looks at cash flow management, tax basics, risk management, budgeting, and managing unforeseen costs.

Women are 'saviours' or 'victims' in the climate change debate: why this is a problem

By avoiding the portrayal of women as either 'victims' or 'saviours' in climate and development literature, we can ensure that building sustainable economies does not reproduce gender injustices, write Prof Naila Kabeer, researcher Chung-Ah Baek, and Prof Deepta Chopra.

Smart strategies for conserving water on Cape fruit farms

South Africa is facing increasing levels of water stress, marked by erratic rainfall patterns and longer periods of drought. Lindi Botha looks at five case studies of fruit farms in the Western Cape, where the producers are implementing smarter water-management strategies to make every drop count.

How to manage heat stress in cattle

With rising global temperatures due to climate change, heat stress in livestock is a growing concern. Ranier van Heerden, Evonik’s business manager for ruminant solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, shared insights with Octavia Avesca Spandiel on early signs of heat stress in cattle, its physiological effects, and practical management strategies, offering valuable advice to help farmers mitigate this issue.

Winemaking on an old Cape Town farm

FEATURE De Grendel Wine Estate RO/1 2013 DEGRENDEL WINES Winemaking on an old Cape Town farm From politics to premium wines, the Graaff family continues to make its mark. Sir De Villiers Graaff, Fourth Baronet of the family and De Grendel Wine Estate, spoke to Brian Berkman about continuing the tradition.

Learners prompted to consider agri careers

In late January, Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Nonceba Kontsiwe launched a back-to-school campaign in the town of eMaxesibeni, part of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality.

Conservation collaboration transforms lives and catalyses meaningful change

The collaboration between the African Conservation Trust (ACT) and the Social Employment Fund (SEF) is not only transforming lives and landscapes, but is a catalyst for meaningful change.

Revised Network Statement shows clear intent to move agricultural products back to rail

POLICY PERSPECTIVE by Theo Boshoff

Protecting the world's forests

This excerpt of a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides projections on fuelwood and roundwood production, and offers some pragmatic solutions that are needed to protect the world’s forests, which are essential for the livelihoods of many people.

Cederberg frog discovery of 'extreme importance'

The identification of a new frog species, the Cederberg dainty frog (Cacosternum cederbergense), in South Africa in late 2024 is of the utmost importance for the preservation of biodiversity. This was according to herpetologist Tyrone Ping.

Farmers warned to look out for fraudsters and deals that seem too good to be true

Fraud happens everywhere, even in the agriculture sector, where many negotiations rely on relationships and goodwill. Glenneis Kriel reports on the situation and how to safeguard yourself against such crimes.

Addressing water scarcity and other agri issues through innovative irrigation

Smart irrigation helps address the challenges of water scarcity and unpredictable weather, and promotes operational efficiency, writes Eran Ossmy, president of Rivulis’ Micro Irrigation Division.

Canadian farmers expected to face trade challenges in 2025

Possible tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports have been a source of anxiety for the country since the new US government under President Donald Trump came into power in late January.

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to combat diseases in animals

When it comes to protecting your animals’ health, vaccination stands out as one of the most crucial and effective preventive measures available, writes Boehringer Ingelheim’s Dr Michelle Enslin.

New year starts with a volatile veg market

This analysis by Absa AgriBusiness outlines market trends, highlighting the factors shaping each vegetable category's performance.

Ayrshire cattle perfect for mixed farming

This article showed how Ayrshire cows are ideal for dairy production in a mixed farming enterprise.