CATEGORIES

Adapting technology to tackle stock theft and other farm crimes

Property theft on South Africa's farms ranges from the petty and opportunistic all the way to well-planned, syndicate-led invasions, and profoundly affects incomes, production and the well-being of rural communities. but farmers and security experts are not taking this scourge lying down. Lloyd Phillips reports on how remote digital technology is being adapted to create practical, and highly effective, solutions.

Drought Feed Provides Handy Income

Jan Blignaut of Hertzogville began planting prickly pears to act as a supplement for his cattle during drought. However, he found that the crop provided a steady income stream for fresh and processed fruit.

Africa's women farmers need better access to information

Women play a vital role in Africa’s agriculture sector, growing about 70% of the continent’s food. Yet Africa’s smallholder women farmers come up against various barriers that limit their potential as growers. A climate-smart agriculture project aims to provide these farmers with the skills and resources needed to boost their businesses and succeed over the long term. Jeandré van der Walt reports.

Turning disaster into opportunity

After a fire destroyed the Tomis Group’s meat-processing facility, the owners decided to reinvent the business as a market leader in meat quality and safety. Managing director Laurie Terblanche spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the recovery and transition.

Silicon Valley start-up debuts electric tractor

In December last year, agriculture technology start-up company Monarch Tractor, which has been referred to as the ‘Tesla of the agriculture world’, introduced the world’s first single unit, fully electric, driver-optional smart tractor.

Producing cashmere

Cashmere is one of the finest fibres in the world and is considerably warmer than wool. Products made from this fibre are in great demand, especially in Western countries.

Growing a better future through farming

Vegetable farmer Mabel Dikobe’s story is a fine example of how equipping small businesses with the resources they require can empower them to support entire communities. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Element deficiencies

Detecting an element deficiency in a crop can be quite difficult, but it is essential to know whether there are any shortages and treat the plants in good time. A deficiency can lead to a poor or failed crop, says Bill Kerr.

Beware of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Spread by bont-legged ticks, this zoonotic disease can prove fatal to humans if left untreated.

Warthogs: Unlikely Allies Of Livestock Farmers

New research has revealed a surprising benefit that warthogs may hold for livestock producers. according to two scientists involved in the study, these animals may act as sentinels for disease transmission in livestock. Byron Latham reports.

How To Fight Water Scarcity And Pollution Through Irrigation

A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on overcoming water challenges in agriculture makes it clear that urgent action is needed to make water use in agriculture more sustainable and equitable. Since irrigated agriculture remains by far the largest user of fresh water, the use of more efficient irrigation systems can go a long way towards mitigating problems such as water scarcity.

Award-Winning Dairy, Pork And Poultry Technology

In 2020, experts evaluated 80 entries into the Innovation awards of euroTier, the biennial dairy, pork and poultry technologies exhibition hosted by the German agricultural Society. The society’s Innovations Committee awarded only one gold and seven silver medals, and the winners were announced at an online press conference late last year. The corresponding euroTier and energyDecentral exhibition will take place digitally from 9 to 12 February 2021. To attend, register at eurotier.com/en. Lloyd Phillips reports.

INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES-Eradicating fountain grass

A popular garden plant, Pennisetum setaceum has escaped cultivation and is today a declared invader throughout South Africa. Mechanical control is currently the only way of removing it.

Reversing the impact of soil degradation on livestock production

Livestock producers, particularly in arid climates, are struggling to remain profitable. Soil degradation and declining stocking rates have been identified as some of the main reasons for this decline. Colin Nott, a regenerative agricultural consultant from Namibia, spoke to Annelie Coleman.

Genetics forged in the Alps help Braunvieh excel in SA

Since its introduction to South Africa 114 years ago, the Braunvieh, with its good walking ability and non-selective grazing habits, has adapted well and can thrive under some of the harshest conditions in the country. Hans Bester and his three daughters run the Witbek Braunvieh stud on Sussiesdeel farm in Vrede, Free State, and spoke to Annelie Coleman about the advantages of this hardy breed.

Solve those crop problems yourself, and save thousands!

Find something wrong with your crop? Go through the planting and fertilising processes step by step on your own to see whether you can determine the cause. There’s a good chance you can, says Bill Kerr.

Stable mango yields: timing is everything

Achieving yield stability over many years is the golden standard in mango farming. But this is easier said than done: success requires a keen understanding of the demands of mango trees and excellent management. Award-winning mango producer Johann du Preez spoke to Lindi Botha about the science of tree manipulation

Dealing with heat stress in cattle

Hot, humid conditions can have a drastic effect on cattle, reducing their feed intake, milk production, and weight gain. They may also be more prone to disease. Some breeds, however, cope better than others.

AGCO launches global study on cover crops

Agronomists employed by agricultural machinery manufacturer AGCO are set to conduct field research trials on regenerative agriculture in four countries, including Zambia. Their goal is to determine the best practices, and thereby optimise soil health and carbon capture.

Aligning Banana Production With Nature

High labour costs have put banana production in South Africa under increasing pressure. but a more immediate and serious threat comes in the form of the deadly Panama disease. Arno Cilliers of Mpumalanga is tackling the problem by focusing on soil health, thereby improving yield and sustainability. Lindi Botha reports.

Is Horse Dewormer A Cure For Covid-19?

Ivermectin that is registered for animal use should not be consumed by humans, warns Dr Mac, as other active ingredients in the product could lead to insecticide poisoning.

Consumer Trends In 2021 And Beyond

Every year, Euromonitor International identifies the emerging and fast-moving consumer trends that are expected to gain traction in the year ahead. These trends provide valuable insight into changing consumer values, and indicate how consumer behaviour is shifting and disrupting businesses in many sectors across the world.

Health And Safety Do's And Don'ts For Farmers

Navigating your way through the numerous rules and regulations of workplace health and safety can seem a daunting prospect, but labour consultants are there to guide you. Jeandré van der Walt spoke to a number of experts in the occupational health and safety industry about the key aspects of farmworker safety.

Agritech For Better Farm Surveillance

The use of surveillance technologies can enhance a farm’s safety and buy time to prevent, or take defensive measures against, an imminent theft or home invasion. Glenneis Kriel highlights some available systems.

Pet-Friendly Glamping And Hiking Near Broederstroom

B’sorah Luxury Tented Camp, located between the Hartbeespoort Dam and the Magaliesberg, offers a scenic and relaxing weekend break less than an hour from Gauteng for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts, nature lovers and birders. Riaan Hattingh reports.

INVASIVE ALIEN PLANTS: Queen of the night cactus: Part 3

Last week’s article dealt with the cactus mealybug, one of two biocontrol agents used against queen of the night cactus. This week, the focus shifts to the second agent: the Harrisia cactus stem-boring beetle.

Bovelder: the all-terrain beef cattle breed

The Bovelder is a South African beef cattle breed developed by local commercial producers for optimal fertility and meat production. A hardy, ‘no-nonsense’ breed, it was created specifically for the region’s demanding conditions, say Carel and Willem Cilliers, who run one of the oldest Bovelder herds in South Africa. Annelie Coleman visited the father-and-son team in the Free State to find out more about their breeding goals.

Meet the James Bond of the Beaufort West Stock Theft Unit

In 2020, Sergeant Thabo Moletsane won the Western Cape Stock Theft Committee’s award for Best Member of a Stock Theft Unit for the fourth year in a row. Glenneis Kriel found out more about this remarkable man.

NUTS: Growing cashews: Part 2

For the best results, cashew trees should be propagated using grafting or air layering, and the seedlings grown under 45% shade. It is important, later on, to ensure enough space between the trees.

The Day That De Aar Turned Into A Circus

The annual arrival of the circus in De Aar was greeted with great excitement. Graham Jooste shares one such visit recorded by the late Hennie Liebenberg, who lived in the small Northern Cape town.