CATEGORIES

The slow, sure road to sustainable wheat production

Since he started with conservation farming more than 12 years ago, MG Lotter has learnt that there are no quick fixes in grain production. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about managing his farm in the Overberg.

The basics of dairy farming: Part 1

Modern dairies tend to be large-scale and highly automated. Yet the essence of managing cows and maximising production has not changed.

Preparing a lettuce land

Lettuce grows rapidly and has a relatively shallow root system. This means you have to ensure the crop gets off to a running start. Your initial task is, therefore, to address soil fertility at the soil preparation stage.

More intensive banana production

50YEARS AGO With the emphasis on improved production, these Mpumalanga banana growers had to adapt and innovate.

HOW TO INCREASE SA'S WINE SALES RIGHT HERE AT HOME

South Africa’s wine industry has the potential to boost sales to the local market, especially those consumers who are in the emerging middle class. At the recent Vinpro Information Day, Brandon de Kock, director of storytelling at consumer insights agency Whyfive, outlined the changing consumer landscape in the country and its opportunities. Jeandré van der Walt reports.

Heat stress in competing horses

Heat stress can lead to organ failure and death, and should not be underestimated by horse riders or owners, warns Dr Mac.

Automation for dairy cowsheds

A large selection of new technology for dairy farming was on display at this year’s Fieragricola, which took place in Verona, Italy, earlier this year.

Empowering Smallholders To Access The Supply Chain

Black smallholder farmers are often excluded from the supply chain due to high barriers of entry. A fund established by Tiger Brands is now trying to address this problem. Mary-Jane Morifi, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at Tiger Brands, spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about the company’s plans to empower these farmers, as well as black suppliers and distributors.

Higher Temperatures Increase Risk Of Apple Scab Infection

The dramatic increase in South Africa’s average winter temperature over the past 40 years has altered the susceptibility of apples to fungal disease, with fungi showing a much faster adaptation rate to changing temperatures than apples, writes Dr Julia Meitz-Hopkins, a researcher in the Department of Plant Pathology at Stellenbosch University.

The importance of building trust throughout the red meat value chain

One of South Africa’s many socio-economic problems is the general lack of trust between stakeholders in the country’s agricultural value chain and consumers. Dr Pieter Vervoort, managing director of the National Animal Health Forum, says that a national traceability system is one method through which trust can be rebuilt.

Steering a combine with a joystick

The recently launched Fendt IDEALDrive joystick steering system for combine harvesters eliminates the steering wheel in the brand’s IDEAL Combine series. The joystick steering solution promises to deliver greater visibility for less operator fatigue.

Small steps to progress

Kleiheuwel Trust, based in Bredasdorp, recently achieved one of the top 10 best prices in the history of South African wool sales, and the highest price so far during this season’s BKB wool auctions. Pam and André Christie-Smith spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production approach.

Diligent crop protection is crucial

Several methods are available to help farmers protect their crops from weeds, diseases and pests, says Dr Benard Ngwene, the agricultural advisory manager for AGCO Africa.

Choosing The Best Time To Breed Your Mare

There are pros and cons to breeding your mare at different times of the year, says Dr Mac.

Feeding pigs: Part 1

Pigs cannot thrive on leftover scraps from the kitchen. To ensure healthy, productive and profitable pigs, feed them nutritious, balanced rations.

THE FERTILITY FACTOR IN MOHAIR SUCCESS

Eastern Cape mohair producer Paul Webber has twice won the prestigious Daidoh Trophy Competition for the highest average price for a summer kid clip. Mike Burgess visited him recently on his farm to better understand his mohair production system.

Private Jackie Baboon's war

During the First World War, the pet baboon of Private Albert Marr followed the soldiers of the 3rd South African Infantry Regiment into the heat and horror of battle

Know your armyworm species

Effective control of armyworm begins with being able to differentiate between the various species. South African crop farmers need to learn and apply this skill, Dr Annemie Erasmus of the Agricultural Research Council’s Grain Crops Institute told Annelie Coleman.

From seasonal worker to award-winning farmer

The Agricultural Writers SA New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture winner in 2019, Dirk Louw, is showing that it still is possible to start farming from scratch. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about what contributed to his success, his perseverance against all odds and his plans for the future

Controlling Gibberella on maize, sorghum and wheat: Part 1

Fungal pathogens belonging to the genus Fusarium can cause severe damage, leading to yield losses and a drop in profits.

Choosing the right lettuce variety

Bill Kerr is a vegetable specialist and a breeder of a range of vegetables

Advanced new tractor tyres

New technology and design elements featured on some of the tractor tyres launched recently offer many benefits for farmers, including low soil compaction and financial savings through increased productivity and lower fuel consumption.

Breeding Exceptional Dual-Purpose Merinos

Mega Merinos in the Colesberg district of the Northern Cape markets thousands of stud and commercial sheep annually, either from the farm or via selected breed sales. Jacques Pienaar told Sabrina Dean about his operation’s history, breeding philosophy and plans for the year ahead.

US-South Africa Trade: What Does The Future Hold?

The recent decision of the US to remove certain countries from its developing country exemption list, coupled with other developments that may have an impact on the trade relationship between the US and South Africa, could have serious ramifications for South Africa’s competitiveness as an exporter to the US. Dr. Moses H Lubinga, a senior economist for trade research at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, looks at how this scenario may play out for South Africa.

Irrigation systems for undercover cropping

Maximising water-use efficiency in South African undercover crop farming operations has become both a financial and moral imperative. But selecting the most appropriate undercover irrigation technologies can be a challenge in itself. Three local experts shared their advice on this increasingly complex topic with Lloyd Phillips.

Improved control and flexibilty over grain revenue

The combine is the single most capital-intensive piece of equipment on a grain farm. Utilising as much of its capacity as possible is important to overall farm efficiency, writes Stehan Cloete.

Growth mediums for greenhouse production

Greenhouse farming is an intensive, high-yielding operation. Using the correct growth medium forms the basis of the operation, and mistakes in this area can cost a farmer dearly, according to producers and experts. Lindi Botha looks at which mediums work best for different crops.

Undercover farming: big investment, greater returns

With its reduced land and water requirements, tunnel farming is a viable option for farmers with little access to natural resources, says Suzanne Oosthuizen, managing director of the Undercover Farming Expo. She spoke to Lindi Botha about the unique benefits of undercover farming.

Don't allow change to catch you napping

At times, new developments might seem to come like a bolt out of the blue. But if you keep up with trends, you’ll be forewarned of change and have time to adapt, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Lettuce: more varied than ever

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) goes back a long way; it has been cultivated for more than 4 500 years. As with most vegetables, it looked very different when first discovered in the Middle East to the roundish, leafy vegetable we enjoy today.