CATEGORIES

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.

How red tape is tying up SA's cannabis growers

Legal expert Shaad Vayej, an associate in dispute resolution practice at law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, says that South Africa’s legal cannabis industry has the potential to thrive. However, high capital costs and legislative hurdles make it almost impossible for smaller-scale growers to take part in this industry to any meaningful extent.

Rum brings rewards for KZN cane producer

Heart, soul and spirit: all of these can be found in spades on Seafield Farm, a family-run sugar cane concern in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Owner Brad O’Neill spoke to Susan Marais about how innovation in the form of rum distillation is helping his business rise above the sugar cane crisis, while regenerative farming methods are keeping the farm’s already fertile, high-quality soil in peak condition.

Rediscovering tranquillity and open vistas at a mountain lodge in the Langkloof

Driving through the mists of the Outeniqua Pass to explore where to stay and what to do in the Langkloof, Brian Berkman returns to an old favourite.

Beware of Oak Poisoning!

"It can be very difficult to diagnose chronic poisoning in horses caused by the consumption of acorns, says Dr Mac."

The rise and rise of smart-irrigation companies

Investment in smart-irrigation companies has been on the increase over the past few years, and this trend shows no signs of abating. Janine Ryan and Glenneis Kriel look at some of the companies in the industry, both local and international, that are likely to make headlines in the near future.

Seawater-farmed tilapia

Fish is a healthy source of protein, but is becoming increasingly unaffordable for South Africans. Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha look at why marine tilapia may be the perfect alternative to other white fish.

PIGS Producing piglets

Feed is the biggest contributor to input costs in pig production, accounting for 60% to 80% of total expenses.

Second-hand machinery to the rescue amid global tractor shortage

A range of problems, including weak commodity prices many years before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to the worldwide dearth of new tractors on the market. As a result, some farmers have had little choice but to turn to second-hand machines for their operations. Susan Marais reports.

Soil conditions that favour potatoes

Despite some common misconceptions, potatoes can be grown successfully in a number of soil types, says Bill Kerr.

Flood-damaged roads must be rehabilitated – FSA

The near-destruction of the road network in the flood-damaged areas of the Free State has made it virtually impossible for affected farmers to continue their activities.

How to treat emergencies in livestock

Any animal can suffer a sudden traumatic injury or other medical emergency. In this first part of a four-part series, Prof Cheryl McCrindle, a practising veterinarian and professor at the University of Pretoria, details how to treat cattle, sheep and goats in emergencies.

Drones: boosting yield and beating erosion

Farmers are continually required to do more with less: in other words, improve yield without boosting inputs. Optimising orchard health is therefore crucial, and it starts with the correct diagnosis. This is where drone technology is showing increasing promise, as it reveals what is invisible to the naked (and earthbound) eye. Lindi Botha reports.

Design your own Massey Ferguson tractor at the push of a button!

The AGCO ASK feature enables farmers to ‘design’ their tractors according to their own needs and requirements.

Are You a ‘People-Pleaser' or an ‘Injustice Collector'?

"‘People-pleasers’ and ‘injustice collectors’ tend to suffer from the same basic problem: a lack of self-esteem. Trevor Dickinson explains these different personality types and how they fit into the larger family business."

Ensuring Sustainable Food Systems in Africa

"It is imperative that Africa’s policies, regulations and infrastructure support the global solutions proposed to improve food security on the continent, the authors of this article argue."

How technology can improve sustainability

A soil analysis app developed in Chile enables the user to measure a wide range of soil health indicators conveniently and rapidly.

Working towards a sustainable future for agriculture

Theo Boshoff, the new CEO of Agbiz, says that despite the many challenges facing South Africa’s agriculture sector in 2022, opportunities for growth abound. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.