CATEGORIES

The importance of sorghum for South Africa

Sorghum is indigenous to Africa's savannahs and there is archaeological evidence in the Sahara of its use 8 000 years ago. Dr Laura Pereira, associate professor at the Global Change Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, argues that sorghum should be reinvigorated as a crop and a key foodstuff.

Western Cape farmers cautioned to be on high alert for livestock diseases

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has issued warnings about foot-and-mouth disease, as well as vaccination and movement requirements for African horse sickness in control areas.

‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030: a goal becomes a mirage

The number of people affected by hunger and undernourishment around the world is expected to remain high even up to 2030, largely due to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Innovations in soya bean crop production

New varieties and technology are ensuring that local soya bean producers are now better equipped to compete with farmers in other production areas around the world

Ostriches prove their worth in harsh drought

While earnings from ostrich production have declined following the fresh meat export ban caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, the birds remain a valuable income contributor. Glenneis Kriel spoke to farmer Jolian du Preez, who survived the tough times and is now expanding his operation.

An enchanting hideaway in the folds of a mountain and river

With its serenity and beautiful scenery, Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway in the Western Cape offers a soul-restoring breakaway. You can relax and unwind, or explore the mountains on foot or by bike

How to grow okra in South Africa

Originating in Africa, okra is a popular vegetable cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm, temperate regions.

Small-scale farmers and post-harvest losses

With the relentless growth in population, countries can no longer afford to waste food. Manoshi Mothapo, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Natural Resources and Engineering division, examines how post-harvest losses affect smallholder farmers, and how they can be reduced with correct handling and storage.

Ostriches prove their worth in harsh drought

While earnings from ostrich production have declined following the fresh meat export ban caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, the birds remain a valuable income contributor. Glenneis Kriel spoke to farmer Jolian du Preez, who survived the tough times and is now expanding his operation.

Going organic - with care

Wine producers that switch to organic production risk suffering a severe financial knock. Glenneis Kriel reports on how Western Cape-based producer Bosman Adama has managed this risk successfully.

A step towards better aeroponics

A robot designed to operate in CleanGreens Solutions SA's mobile aeroponics systems lowers phytosanitary risks.

John Deere launches combine with ‘mammoth’ capacity

John Deere has just launched its X9 Series Combine, which it says is currently the largest grain-handling harvester in Africa.

Regenerative medicine for horses

Stem cells, platelets and serum can be reinjected into an injured joint or ligament to improve healing in horses, says Dr Mac.

Preventing tomato spotted wilt

Once this disease arrives on a tomato land, it is very difficult to get rid of. The problem is made worse if weeds are nearby, as many weed species are susceptible to attack by the virus, says Bill Kerr.

Growing kikuyu

This grass type is resilient, rewarding and ideal for many applications. It is also widely adaptable, performing well in most parts of Southern Africa.

At the cutting edge of avocado cultivar and rootstock research

Allesbeste Boerdery in Limpopo is well known for its research and development in the avocado industry. Zander Ernst, director of marketing and production, spoke to Magda du Toit about its breeding programme.

Drakensbergers: shiny black mothers of Africa

Drakensberger cattle pulled the Voortrekkers’ wagons on their epic journeys to South Africa’s inland regions in the 19th century. Susan Marais visited Petrus Taljaard of Talman Drakensbergers in Mpumalanga to find out more about his love for this breed, and how he deals with cattle diseases and the area’s harsh winters.

Important diseases in sheep in South Africa

In this first part of a series, we look at the some viral, bacterial and fungal diseases that can cause significant economic losses for sheep and wool farmers in South Africa.

Aquaponics comes to the classroom in Gauteng

Lesedi la Kreste Anglican Primary School in Gauteng has incorporated aquaponics into its curriculum and feeding scheme for over a decade. Susan Marais visited the school to find out more about the project.

SA hemp research given the green light

Natie Ferreira, director of a new cannabis research centre at the Agricultural Research Council’s Bien Donné site near Paarl, was recently issued with a permit to cultivate 8ha of hemp for the purposes of study and development. He and researcher Moses Mlangeni spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee about the planned research at the centre, and how it will help to boost the commercial cultivation of hemp in South Africa.

How agri intensification can save our forests

By boosting productivity on existing land dedicated to agriculture, the world could see an end to global deforestation, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Biltong that tastes of the real Karoo

Toverveld Biltong was started by Madie van Zyl some 14 years ago as a way of earning additional income. Annelie Coleman visited her on her family farm, De Dam, near Colesberg to learn more about her enterprise, and discovered why demand for Toverveld's biltong and other meat products has grown ... and grown.

A luxurious stay in Johannesburg

You don't have to venture to faraway rural places to experience a luxurious breakaway, says Brian Berkman.

Firms from rich countries are taking factories home: what this means for Africa

Adegboyega Oyedijo, a lecturer in operations and supply chain management at the University of Leicester in the UK, says that globalisation has benefitted Africa. But with value chains shifting, Africa's benefits from this may be compromised.

Your tractor, your office

FendtONE combines the operation of the tractor with a terminal for planning or controlling tasks that traditionally take place in the office.

How to spray tomato plants effectively

Spraying your crop is expensive, so you have to get it right and ensure that both sides of the leaves are properly wetted, says Bill Kerr.

Increasing demand for mushrooms spawns success

Interest in mushroom is on the rise, particularly among consumers wanting to cultivate their own supply. Capitalising on this market, MushRush in KwaZulu-Natal supplies mushroom spawn to clients across South Africa. Owner Sandra van Rij explained the multi-stage process of producing spawn to Lindi Botha.

SA’s oldest family owned Angora stud seeks a perfect balance

The Martyrsford Angora Stud in the Eastern Cape was founded in 1871. Current owner Sean Hobson explained the standards and commitment that have long inspired the farm’s owners to Annelie Coleman.

SA's vineyards need climate-proofing

To combat the effects of climate change, South African wine farmers will have to plan the establishment of new vineyards more carefully, especially if they want them to achieve heritage status. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Teamwork shifts dairy from subsistence to commercial operation

Community-owned Springfontein Dairy has grown from a small concern with 150 cows to a commercial enterprise with more than four times as many animals and a higher milk yield than the regional average. On a media trip hosted by Nestlé, Glenneis Kriel spoke to the people who have played a role in the farm’s success.