CATEGORIES

Paying a bitter price for that sweet tooth

The sugar industry says the Health Promotion Levy, introduced to reduce the consumption of sugar products, is wiping out jobs. Dr Sifiso Ntombela argues for a thorough assessment of the effects of this tax on the industry.

Eschew obsfucation and 'keep it simple, stupid!'

‘Complexity’ results from success and growth. Complication’ is the way we choose to deal with it. Peter Hughes explains how managers and staff can streamline and work smarter.

Call to declare 'disaster' after North West wildfires

Extensive damage caused by wildfires in North West has taken a toll on farmers in the province.

Strict requirements for veterinary practitioners

Prospective veterinary students are being advised to check the South African Veterinary Council's requirements for practising in South Africa.

'Adverse consequences of lion cub petting'

The petting of captive bred lion cubs has become an enormous problem in South Africa.

Mexico to proceed with ban on genetically modified maize

Mexico is expected to phase out the use of genetically modified maize entirely by 2024.

Botswana promises support to SADC in FMD fight

Botswanan President Eric Masisi has made a commitment to support other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the fight against foot and-mouth disease (FMD).

Lack of work permits could halt litchi harvest

With the litchi-harvesting season due to start in December, farmers are concerned about the lack of work permits being issued to foreign workers by the Department of Labour, as this could see the crop remain on the trees.

An idyllic stay at the foot of the Skurweberg

With their beautiful views, scenic hiking and mountain biking routes, and comfortable amenities, Fairfield Cottages and their surrounds in the Western Cape are perfect for relaxation or adventure, says Brian Berkman.

Bobcat rolls further afield

Bobcats line-up of innovative ground maintenance equipment is now available to customers across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Some diseases shared by livestock and wildlife

Wildlife are a source of several diseases that can seriously affect the productivity of livestock and even lead to the death of your animals.

Natural fertilisers for vegetables

Use these fertilisers as a source of plant nutrition or to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and avoid over-fertilisation.

Wider spacing, more pumpkins!

Avoid overcrowding your pumpkins on the land, says Bill Kerr. The further apart the plants are, the more space the runners will have, and the more fruit the plants are likely to produce.

Cassava: a largely ignored crop with huge potential in South Africa

Light Ngobeni and Zinhle Nkosi, agricultural economists and master's students at the University of Pretoria and the University of Limpopo respectively, write about the importance of cassava production for farmers and consumers in South Africa, and how to develop the value chain.

Identifying ticks in livestock: Part 1

Prof Maxime Madder, Prof Ivan Horak and Dr Hein Stoltsz look at three important tick species in South Africa and their effects on livestock, and offer tips for farmers on how they can identify these pests.

From civil engineers to chilli entrepreneurs

Mmule Matlala and her husband, Blessing, two 37-year-old civil engineers, left steady and well-paid Transnet jobs to start a food-production and agro-processing company. Susan Marais reports on their growth.

Smallholders to regenerate can help farming

Small-scale farmers can play an important role in developing sustainable food systems that ensure both food security and the health of the planet. Marinda Louw Coetzee reports on how these producers can and should implement regenerative agricultural practices on their farms.

The ins and outs of water-use regulations and legislation: Part 2

In this article, the second in a four-part series, Integrated Water Use License Application Management explores the type of water use in South Africa that requires a licence or government authorisation.

Green spaces in African cities can reduce heat, produce healthy food

Olumuyiwa Adegun, a senior lecturer in the Department of Architecture at the Federal University of Technology Akure in Nigeria, writes about how vertical farming can help vulnerable urban settlements.

Yes, SA has challenges, but we can fix them!

Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, does not believe that South Africa is collapsing, despite its current political, economic and infrastructural problems. One reason for hope, he argues, lies in the compassion and patience of South Africans. He has seen it first-hand for 30 years.

Animal Health - Diarrhoea in sheep and goats

Many diseases cause diarrhoea, leading to dehydration and death. These include colibacillosis, paratyphoid, Johne’s disease, Rift Valley fever, and coccidiosis, all of which can lead to mortalities.

‘Policymakers must act to save SA’s rivers’

South African rivers will become “fairly useless” over the next decade due to pollution if the scientific community cannot convince policymakers and water users to handle waste water responsibly.

Smuggler caught with rhino horn worth R14 million

A passenger en route from South Africa to Laos in Southeast Asia, who has yet to be identified, has been arrested after 34kg of rhino horn worth more than R14 million was seized by the Singapore National Parks Board at that country’s Changi Airport.

Stellenbosch wineries shine on international stage

Stellenbosch wineries Kanonkop Wine Estate and Jordan Wines have been crowned the Red and White Wine Producers of the Year respectively at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) awards ceremony held recently in London in the UK.

EU maize harvest expected to reach record low level this season

Widespread drought damage is being reported in the maize currently being harvested in the EU, with analysts fearing this will result in the feed grain crop reaching a 15-year low.

‘Namibia’s agri sector can help fight poverty’

The full potential of Namibia’s agriculture sector needs to be unlocked in order to address poverty and unemployment.

Putting the new Ford Everest to the test

Kyle Kock gets to grips with Ford’s turbocharged 154kW Everest Sport in the hills of Mpumalanga, and likes what he finds.

Using horses to manage large herds of cattle

With fuel costs being so high, using horses to manage extensive beef cattle herds makes increasing financial sense, says Dr Mac.

The pros and cons of tunnel tomatoes

Growing tomatoes in tunnels is not as easy or affordable as some people think. Do your research before committing yourself, cautions Bill Kerr.

Avocado farmers prove the value of ridging

Limpopo farmers Kosie and Manie Eloff, faced with the need to re-establish their avocado orchards, decided to conduct a multiyear experiment comparing the yields of trees planted on ridged and level soil surfaces. They discussed their methods and results with Lindi Botha.