CATEGORIES

Imports Threaten SA's Banana Farmers

South Africa’s banana industry has expressed concern that if significant imports are allowed to continue, a large number of jobs could be lost and banana enterprises closed down. Lloyd Phillips reports.

SA Forestry Sector On Alert For New Eucalyptus Pests

A call has been issued for foresters and concerned citizens to keep an eye out for specimens of the shell lerp psyllid (Spondyliaspis spp.) and the eucalyptus gall wasp (Ophelimus maskelli), and to urgently notify forestry scientists if any are spotted.

Communal Farming: Let's Start With The Basics

In his new column, Shane Brody provides an introduction to communal farming in SA and what must be done to make the sector more profitable.

KHOI Meets French: Award-Winning Winemaker's Rise To The Top

Berene Damons, the department of agriculture’s 2017 Female Entrepreneur of the Year in the agro-processing category, started work at the Hamilton Russell Vineyards 17 years ago. Promoted almost immediately to a marketing assistant, she soon developed an interest in winemaking, and went on to produce an award-winning, export-quality Pinot Noir wine, Tesselaarsdal. Jeandré du Preez reports.

Are Tomato Tunnels Practical In SA?

In Europe, tomatoes are grown in tunnels during winter. Why, then, is the same practice not followed here in South Africa, particularly in frosty areas?

From Our Archives

Calf surgery

How to Detect and Manage Groundwater Resources

Most of South Africa’s water comes from groundwater reserves, according to Frans Putter, a geologist from Potchefstroom. Annelie Coleman spoke to him about groundwater exploration.

We All Want Land Reform. Let's Make It Work!

Meaningful land reform is crucial, not only to allay the farming community’s fears, but to help restore the economy and benefit South Africa’s poor.

Tsatse Fly Repallant From Waterbuck

Prof Christian Borgemeister, a leading entomologist at the University of Bonn in Germany, researchers from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology and the Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources in Kenya, as well as Rothamsted Research in the UK, have developed a tsetse fly repellent for cows from waterbuck odour.

Top Young Breeder Takes Angus To New Heights

Despite being a stud breeder for only five years, the ARC’s 2017 National Young Beef Cattle Breeder of the Year, MJ Ernst, has already made his mark. Annelie Coleman visited him on the family farm between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad to find out more about his Red Angus stud.

Precision Farming: Changing Litchi And Avo Prodution For The Better

Demand for litchis and avocados has soared and encouraged producers to embrace precision farming methods. Stephan Schoeman, owner of Soetkalmoes Consultation in Nelspruit, an advisory service for the tree crops industry, tells Gerhard Uys how these practices are improving yield and crop quality.

Cutting Propogation Made Easy

Many people think that growing new plants or trees from cuttings should be left to qualified horticulturists. In fact, this technique is relatively simple, says Shane Brody.

Measures To Prevent Curly Stunt Virus

The tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) occurs worldwide, and was first identified in South Africa in 1997. There are several strains of the virus; South African authorities named the local strain ‘curly stunt virus’ (ToCSV).

Precision Farming Clinic

KZN John Deere dealer, Mascor, held a clinic at Eston recently to demonstrate the finer points of John Deere’s Precision Agriculture systems. Joe Spencer attended the event.

Ultra-Spicy! Home-Made Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is one of the Asian subcontinent’s many contributions to fine dining. A ‘tandoor’ is the Hindi word for the special clay oven used in this style of cooking. If you have no tandoor to hand, fear not. Here’s a way to produce a pretty fine imitation in your own kitchen.

Know the Facts Before Switching Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation systems have a well-deserved reputation for water-efficiency. Although this gives them an obvious advantage in water-scarce South Africa, irrigation specialist, Mark Zartmann, explains that there are several factors that a farmer should consider before converting to such a system. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Different Types of Hydroponic Systems

Prof Gert Venter explains the benefits of a static hydroponic system, which can be grouped into ‘open’ or ‘closed’ categories, and broadly subdivided into three main groups: static, dynamic and aero systems.

Land Reform Can Be Positive

Roelf Meyer, former minister of defence, constitutional affairs and communication, and now head of the In Transformation initiative, told Gerhard Uys that land reform could be a positive process if all stakeholders worked together.

Lack Of Land Hampers Top Developing Farmers

Zolani Tyali and his son Mandange recently won the 2017 Unistel SA Stud Book Elite Developing Farmer award. Mike Burgess visited them on their farm in the Eastern Cape to gain a better understanding of the ups and downs experienced in their stud and commercial Nguni operations.

Nampo: The Big Stuff!

The size of agricultural machines continues to increase, and there were plenty of impressive machines at this year’s show.

Getting Back In The Saddle

You rode as a youngster, then concentrated on raising a family. Now you’d like to ride again. Dr Mac offers some sound advice on how to revive an old passion.

New Market Opportunities for South Africa's Macadamias

Alex Whyte, marketing manager of Green and Gold Nuts is convinced that the industry has potential for significant growth. He spoke to Siyanda Sishuba.

Positive Sentiment In The Local Cotton Industry

High maize stocks, which have put pressure on the maize price, combined with higher demand for cotton, particularly from China, have contributed to a favourable outlook for cotton production in South Africa.

Bright Future For Fast-growing Modern Damara Sheep

Since importing his first Damaras from Namibia in the late 1980s, stud breeder Frank Blumenthal has firmly believed in the integrity of the breed. The Free State farmer says that the modern indigenous Damara has over the years evolved into a well-muscled animal with outstanding disease resistance and fertility under the hottest, driest conditions. Annelie Coleman reports.

Lucerne Plays Central Role In Niche Cropping Business

Johan Jacobs plants lucerne to ensure mega yields from other crops in his niche farming business, as well as a good cash flow for at least nine months of the year. Sabrina Dean visited him on his farm on the banks of the Orange River in the Northern Cape.

Feedlot Management Basics

To ensure a profitable operation, a feedlot manager must keep a close eye on price and feed margins, as well as the health of the animals. This involves constant, hands-on management.

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 6

Nitrogen plays a key role in the formation of organic matter. When I changed to no-till production, I was amazed at how rapidly the soil gained organic matter, and how quickly plant health and crop performance improved.

Ripping And Cultivating

Nampo showed that rippers are ripping deeper than ever and cultivators have become even wider, says Joe Spencer.

Concern About Declining Cape Buffalo Trophy Quality

The Cape buffalo occupies a top spot on hunters’ wish lists, but studies show a decrease in the quality of buffalo trophies, according to Dr Johan Rabie, buffalo breeder and owner of Chimoyo Wildlife. Annelie Coleman asked him about the reasons behind this worrying trend.

Making Every Drop Pay

The improvements that Israeli companies have made to drip irrigation have seen them emerge as world leaders in irrigation efficiency. Inventors from all parts of the world take inspiration from them to offer an entire spectrum of innovations that help farmers farm better. Denene Erasmus reports.