CATEGORIES

Group auctions: a great team brings great results

Group auctions are becoming increasingly common in South Africa's beef cattle industry, where they are a benefit to both stud and commercial breeders. Members of the Valsrivier Bonsmara Breeders Group spoke to Annelie Coleman about the advantages of these events, and the need for smooth teamwork and shared values.

Looking to the future of food production

Aquaponics and hydroponics systems have numerous advantages over traditional soil-based production techniques. Magda du Toit spoke to two farmers who practise these intensive agriculture methods.

Controlling weeds in a potato land

Herbicides and ridging both have parts to play in controlling weeds. But care should be taken with each of these methods, says Bill Kerr.

Garlic woes return after COVID-19 demand spike

The garlic industry’s troubles have returned after a brief glimmer of hope during the COVID-19 lockdown period. And, despite a renewal of the import duties against garlic ‘dumping’ from China, the industry continues to see an exodus of producers.

Alternative food production methods

There are a number of farming systems available to producers that involve the growing of plants in water. Magda du Toit looks at the fundamentals of these methods, as well as their advantages and drawbacks.

A first-aid kit for horses

A veterinarian can take a long time to arrive at your stables, especially after hours and on weekends. Basic first aid treatment is crucial while you wait, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.

The Rise of Macadamia Production in KZN

The macadamia industry is making inroads into what have traditionally been sugar cane areas. From Malelane in Mpumalanga to Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal, cane is being replaced by nuts as farmers hope to capitalise on better returns from the market. Is this the boon they have been waiting for? Lindi Botha reports.

The Seed Potato Planting Process

It is important to apply fertiliser within reach of each plant’s root system when planting seed potatoes, says Bill Kerr.

Guiding a Wine Farm Through the Tough Times

Daneel Rossouw, functional head of agriculture relationship channels at Nedbank, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the ways in which wine producers cushioned the impact of the COVID-19-related trade restrictions.

Trends Shaping the Wine Industry

COVID-19-related trade restrictions have sparked a number of new wine industry trends and accelerated others. Glenneis Kriel reports on the preferences of consumers.

World-class Angora Goats From the Southern Cape

While most Angora producers in the Southern Cape have given up farming these animals, brothers Jasper and Leon van der Westhuizen have achieved exceptional results. They spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the local environmental conditions and their management techniques.

The impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on African agriculture

Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, looks at how Russia’s conflict with Ukraine will affect the supply and prices of maize, wheat and oilseeds, particularly from an African perspective.

Managing the risk of wildfires

A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme says wildfires will become an increasing reality for the world due to climate change and other factors. Thus, fire management and risk reduction are essential.

Genetics based guidelines to buying a bull at an auction

Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council, write about the importance of choosing bulls based on breeding and performance indices, rather than their visual appearance.

Double rotor rake, trailed disc mower from Kubota

Smith Power Equipment has announced the introduction of the Kubota RA2072, a new double-rotor rake, as well as a range of trailed disc mowers, ideal for cutting any kind of crop.

Bringing pigeon fancying to the people

Lodumo Nkala is a young man with a plan: he wants to bring the sport of pigeon racing to South Africa’s rural townships. He shared his vision and strategy with Susan Marais.

Clearing those dam weeds

A freshly cut pond that was once heavily weeded. It was only cut once to get it this clear, showing the effectiveness of the cutter when used properly.

Truffles: Black Gold for South African Farmers

Growing black winter truffles can be a highly lucrative undertaking for farmers looking to diversify their enterprises. Volker and Paul Miros, who run Woodford Truffles SA, spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee about the expert knowledge and capital required to do so.

Using Telemedicine to Treat Horses

Since the COVID-19-related global lockdowns began in 2020, telemedicine has become increasingly important for monitoring the health of competition horses, says Dr Mac.

Leaving a family legacy

A legacy is much bigger than an estate plan that passes down tangible assets, says Trevor Dickinson. It is the connections, the traditions and the opportunities transmitted to those who follow the current generation. It is what we have learnt from the past and what we hope for the future.

The harmful effects of mining on agriculture

Mining is often cited as environmentally destructive. Janse Rabie, head of natural resources at Agri SA, examines the impact of mining on agriculture in South Africa, the government’s problematic legislation and its potential for corruption, and the steps required to remedy this situation.

The feeding queue of African wild dogs

Food sharing is a characteristic seen in many animals, as well as humans. In this article, Neil Jordan, a senior researcher at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, describes what this behaviour reveals about the African wild dog.

River rehab: prevention is better than cure

Climate change and growing competition for water are making the protection of South Africa’s valuable water resources more important than ever. Soil conservation engineer Hans King spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how this should be approached.

Prepare for citrus export headaches!

The citrus industry, one of the largest and most successful in South Africa’s agriculture sector, was beset by a host of problems in 2021. Mitchell Brooke, logistics development manager at the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, spoke to Lindi Botha about these challenges and how farmers could work together to overcome them.

Is artificial insemination right for your farm?

Artificial insemination is a good way to improve your herd, as you can purchase top-quality genetics without having to buy in a bull, says Dr Ben Greyling, programme manager at the Agricultural Research Council.

Egg production basics

How does one start and run a successful egg production enterprise? Magda du Toit spoke to two egg producers, who shared valuable insights on how a beginner can maximise efficiency and profits.

CROPS: Compost problems, and how to fix them

A poorly managed compost pile will take a long time to decompose. Here are the signs of trouble to look out for.

Veld Management: Reading the Veld

The types of grasses or shrubs that grow on any particular piece of veld will give you an idea of what phase of plant succession that veld is in. This will guide you on how to manage it, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.

A Plough to Improve Carbon Storage

With farmers under increasing pressure to improve practices to offset global warming, LEMKEN has developed a plough that aims for better soil health and fertility.

Young Stud Manager Strives to Be an Icon

Jessica Phathela is the stud manager for Ntaba Nyoni Cattle, and is responsible for the care, breeding and administration of five herds. She aspires to be a role model for other women in the sector. Janine Ryan reports.