CATEGORIES

Bridging the Great Fish River

An almost 150-year-old iron bridge over the Eastern Cape’s Great Fish River is a fine example of British civil engineer Joseph Newey’s contributions to bridge building in South Africa during the 19th century, writes Mike Burgess.

Explaining the January 2023 drought 'anomaly'

Dr Johan Malherbe, a researcher in soil, climate and water at the Agricultural Research Council, explores the effect of a very dry January on the rest of the planting season.

Perseverance: to stud-farming the key success

Bonsmara stud manager Sizo Tshabalala believes there is a lesson to be learnt from every challenge. He spoke to Lindi Botha about how his passion for farming and determination to succeed have helped him overcome every obstacle he has faced on his journey to achieving his agricultural dreams.

Living off the land, thanks to diversification

Producing a variety of crops and livestock has enabled Tabby Robertshaw and her partner to realise their dream of homesteading. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the hard work they have put into the venture.

Prevention can outsmart pests and diseases

Successful pest and disease management depends on scouting and monitoring crops. Magda du Toit spoke to a major citrus producer, as well as pest-control experts from various organisations.

Beef and wine in South Korea: big for SA exporters opportunities

South Korea has been touted by many agricultural economists and other industry role players as a burgeoning market for South African agricultural trade.

Pulses: an important part of the food system

Dr Nadia Radzman, a research associate in plant biology at the University of Cambridge in the UK, speaks about nutrient-packed pulses and the vital role they play in food security.

The multi-talented magnate who helped to lay the foundation of SA's sugar industry

Sir James Liege Hulett was a pioneer, philanthropist and politician who left his legacy spread across the sprawling sugar cane fields of KwaZulu-Natal, and achieved much else besides. Graham Jooste tells his story.

A relaxed, pet-friendly yet luxurious hotel in the heart of Cape Town

More and more hotels are allowing guests to bring their pet dogs along for the stay. The SunSquare Cape Town Gardens is among these, and offers a delightful stay for humans, too!

A safe family home on a farm in KZN

Dear Jonno, I’ve bought a derelict farm in KwaZulu-Natal and need your help to make it liveable for a city slicker.

Mango upside-down cake

Fans of pineapple upside-down cake will love the bursts of fresh mango flavour in this twist on the original recipe.

Mahindra launches the all-new Scorpio-N

The Scorpio-N nomenclature was carefully chosen to represent the claim that this vehicle raises the game to 'the power of N'.

Removal of waste in stables

With its implications for health, waste removal is a key aspect of management. It requires proper planning and a well-designed system that allow the task to be done quickly and efficiently, says Dr Mac.

VEGETABLES Potato growing for new farmers: Part 1

The potato is 99,9% fat-free, and yet it's a nutrient-dense food and an important dietary staple in more than 130 countries. Growing it isn't as labour-intensive as you might think, says our veggie expert, Bill Kerr.

Production tips from a top pome fruit farm

Attention to detail has helped Welgemeen Boerdery achieve top honours for its Golden Delicious and Kanzi apples, and Abate Fetel pears. Hannes and Sakkie Hanekom explained their approach to Glenneis Kriel.

How soil can benefit from livestock farming

Despite the common narrative regarding the negative effects that animal agriculture has on the planet and its climate, livestock are, in fact, important components in the maintenance of soil health.

A silver bullet to protect your herds and flocks

Silver hydrogen peroxide is a stable disinfectant with numerous purposes, says Douglas Spinas of Peroxsil Ag+ at Phend Pharmaceuticals.

Unlocking the soil's potential with biochar

Biochar, the residue created by burning biomass, has been increasingly recognised for its remarkable ability to improve soil fertility and store carbon. Kobus Stoop, director of Cape Town-based Senfore Soil Conditioning, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the substance and its potential for agriculture.

Controlling pests and diseases in cannabis cultivation

New technologies can help growers overcome the difficulties involved in producing a healthy and profitable crop as the cannabis business continues to expand and change, says Thomas Walker.

Better times ahead for dairy farmers

For several years, milk producers have been squeezed by stagnant and lower producer prices and higher input prices.

'EU's false codling moth phytosanitary rules threaten citrus sector'

The South African citrus export industry is under immense financial pressure following the EU’s implementation of stringent new phytosanitary regulations.

Guidelines on how to reduce wind damage in citrus orchards

New research has revealed the benefits of planting windbreaks in citrus orchards to prevent wind damage to the fruit.

Renewed calls to exempt chicken from VAT

FairPlay has renewed calls for government to remove South Africa’s 15% value-added tax (VAT) from chicken portions because of “rising agricultural costs, including unreliable and increasingly expensive electricity”.

Legislation to keep 'foreign adversaries' out of US farming

New legislation tabled in the US House of Representatives and the Senate seeks to prevent China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from buying farmland or agricultural companies in the country, according to the National Agricultural Law Center in the US.

Regional winners of 2022 AYuTe Africa Challenge

ThriveAgric, a Nigerian agri-tech company, has emerged as the West African winner of the annual Agriculture Youth Technology (AYuTe) Africa Challenge, receiving a US$1million (about R17,5 million) grant as reward.

Global uncertainty spells trouble for cost of living

The current unprecented level of global uncertainty is not expected to abate in 2023.

Afrikaner breed's surprising water-intake efficiency

The latest research results released by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) have shown that South Africa’s Afrikaner beef cattle breed is ideally suited to counteract the expected impact of climate change on cattle production.

Tough road ahead for South African farmers and consumers

South Africa’s consumer price index inflation remains far above the South African Reserve Bank’s target, despite the most recent interest rate increase since the current cycle of hikes began in November 2021.

The state of food security and nutrition in the world

In 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its global partners released a report titled ‘The state of food security and nutrition in the world’.

Don't forget your snakebite kit: Part 1

This article explained why every farmer should have a snakebite kit on hand, and how to use it correctly.