CATEGORIES

Ultra-high-density grazing for sustainable beef production

There are a number of tools that can contribute to successful sustainable agriculture, provided farmers use them strategically. Danie Slabbert, one such South African farmer, explains how he is using ultra-high-density grazing to help ensure that he and future users of the land all benefit. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Quality counts in the business of big beef

The Beefmaster Group’s abattoir in Kimberley can process up to 800 cattle a day. Roelie van Reenen, the group’s supply-chain executive, spoke to Sabrina Dean about how the group operates and maintains its high standards.

Tomato pests to look out for

This crop is targeted by a wide range of pests. Infestation will vary from place to place, and from season to season, but some form of pest control will invariably be necessary.

Industrialise first. Free trade will follow.

Michael E Odijie, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Cambridge’s Centre o African Studies, argues that implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement will not catalyse industrialisation on the continent. Rather, governments should start with regional industrialisation.

Shifting paradigms to make SA sugar cane farming more sustainable

The negative effects of more than 170 years of monocropping with sugar cane in South Africa are starting to appear. KwaZuluNatal sugar cane farmer Deon Schröder explains what these are, why they should be changed, and how he is going about this on his farm.

Carbon tax may cost farmers dearly

In a world increasingly focused on climate change, farmers have little choice but to reduce their carbon footprint. If they fail to do so, they stand to lose both market access and money. David Farrell, founder of agricultural consultants Blue North, spoke to Lindi Botha about the urgent need for farmers, particularly exporters, to carry out their calculations and take action.

Bean pests & soil diseases

One pest that every bean farmer knows is the African bollworm. This tends to appear sporadically, rather than building up its population gradually.

The case for a national agri insurance plan

South African farmers are finding their businesses increasingly at risk due to the effects of climate change. Broad-based access to a state-supported agricultural insurance scheme would enhance food security in the country, writes Dr Sifiso Ntombela, a senior agricultural economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council.

Herb farmer spices up his business with value-adding

Basil Williams, the managing director of Herbal View Hydroponics, cultivates 3t of various herbs per month on just 1ha of land. Recently, he also tapped into the enormous potential of value-adding. Jeandré van der Walt visited him on his farm in Simondium, near Paarl.

Wagyu sets the example for traceability in South Africa

The Certified Wagyu Beef system is a leading example of livestock traceability, which would allow South African producers access to lucrative export markets.

Feeding your crop properly

You can own all the machinery in the world, but if each planted seed does not receive adequate nutrition to ensure the highest possible yield, you’re on a hiding to nothing. Dr Benard Ngwene, agricultural advisory manager for AGCO Africa, explains how to achieve optimal nutrient levels.

KALAHARI RED GOATS: HARDY AND PROFITABLE

The proven economics of the Kalahari Red breed motivated Cobus Meyer to branch out into goat production on the family farm near Leeudoringstad. He told Annelie Coleman that establishing his Greenstone Kalahari Red Goat stud had been the best business decision he had ever made.

How aquaponics benefits children and the community

Two years ago, Laerskool Kempton Park embarked on an innovative project to introduce aquaponics in its school curriculum. The produce from this system not only provides nutritious food, but teaches the learners essential life skills, says Janet Lee Ogilvie. Janine Ryan reports.

AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS: the great vaccine debate

African horse sickness is endemic to Southern Africa, and the disease is often fatal. As it is caused by a virus, there is no treatment, and horse owners have to rely on vaccination to prevent the disease. However, many horse owners are vaccinating with an unregistered vaccine, which is presenting major problems. Dr Camilla Weyer spoke to Janine Ryan.

Understanding South Africa's Real Water Crisis

According to Mike Muller, a visiting adjunct professor at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Graduate School of Governance, low and unpredictable rainfall is not the only cause for South Africa’s water crisis. As a result, no single solution can address water challenges across the country.

Private And Government Support Helps New Farmer Flourish

Zachariah Matli’s journey to running a viable beef cattle operation has had its frustrations, but he is on his way to becoming a commercial producer. Sustaining him has been his own tenacity, and steady support from commercial farmers and government.

Manure Fertiliser: Proceed With Caution

Livestock manure is a popular form of fertiliser, particularly when budgets do not allow for commercial fertiliser. But Dr Gerhardus Nortjé, a senior lecturer at Unisa, says that because manure varies in its composition and nutrient density, farmers should take care not to over-apply it and risk damaging their crops. Lindi Botha reports.

Lion Bone Industry Grows In SA's Legislative Vacuum

The commodification of captive-bred lions in South Africa for their bones has been ongoing since 2008, with the skeletons exported predominantly to South East Asia, says Fiona Miles, director of Four Paws in South Africa. More comprehensive legislation and protocols are urgently needed to protect the animals and regulate further growth in the industry. Annelie Coleman reports.

Green Bean Weed Control

In trials that I conducted when farming years ago on quite a large scale, I found a number of herbicides to be effective as a pre-emergence application. However, many were either not registered for beans in South Africa or were registered only for dry beans.

Geldings Are Cheaper And Easier

Gelding stallions can help cut the running costs for breeders, who are currently being faced with a difficult economic climate, says Dr Mac.

Consistent Quality Ensures Success For Popcorn Exporter

A popcorn factory in a small Northern Cape town has doubled production since expanding into the export market. Sabrina Dean asked director Koos de Wet and chief financial officer Jacques Louw how Biggi Brands continues to grow its niche agro-processing business.

Boosting SA's Wine Industry

The Winetech Pitching Den attracted over 1000 entries this year. Dr Albert Strever and Gerard Martin spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the winning pitches.

Farmer Programme Results In Higher Yields And Better Lives

Increasing yields tenfold is a feat that every farmer dreams of, but few realise. Yet, for the past 20 years, Grain SA, through its Farmer Development Programme, has quietly assisted numerous farmers in achieving exactly that. Lindi Botha visited three beneficiaries to find out more.

Cape Gooseberries: The Next Big Superfood Trend?

The rising demand for healthy food has sparked a growing demand for cape gooseberries. William Pulles of Keisie Valley Gooseberries spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his farming enterprise.

How Nerpo Is Adapting To A Changing Livestock Sector

Changes in the livestock business environment have motivated the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (NERPO) to review its strategy and improve services to its members. NERPO managing director Aggrey Mahanjana spoke to Siyanda Sishuba about future plans.

The Founder Of The Currie Cup

Sir Donald Currie established the Union-Castle line, whose ships sailed between England and South Africa until 1977. A follower of rugby, he also sponsored a British tour to South Africa in 1891 and donated the Currie Cup, thereby helping to launch the famous domestic competition.

Breeding For Optimal Efficiency Yields Greener Dairy Herds

A recent report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations shows that the global dairy industry is already part of the solution to address climate change. However, dairy farmers need to accelerate their current efforts by continuing to improve production efficiency. Denene Erasmus reports.

Wool As A Stabiliser In A Summer Cropping Region

While wool accounts for only about 30% of his income, Free State farmer Le Roux Fourie views it as a crucial element in his cropping and livestock operation. He spoke to Sabrina Dean about the value of this commodity, especially in light of its consistently high price.

Using The Beefmaster To Improve Your Herd

After owning a Simbra-type cattle herd for many years, the Rattray family of KwaZulu-Natal decided to convert to Beefmaster. According to Hayden Rattray, who runs the Pleasant View Beefmaster stud, introducing the breed has resulted in many improvements in the herd, including decreased birthweight, improved weaning weight and excellent mothering ability.

Lucerne Production Gains Momentum In The Western Free State

Lucerne under irrigation provides Free State farmer Boeboe Louw with an ideal alternative to grain. Annelie Coleman visited him on his farm in the Wesselsbron district to find out how he manages production to gain the most from this valuable export crop.