CATEGORIES

Food Label Claims: True, Misleading, Or Outright Lies?

Consumers face a barrage of confusing, sometimes dubious, claims on food labels. This could end up harming consumer trust in the food value chain, and substantially damaging the industry and the environment.

Planting hope one tree at a time

The journey of Themba Trees Tree Farm near Grabouw started in her backyard, says Caroline de Villiers, the Western Cape department of agriculture’s Top Commercial Female Entrepreneur for 2016. Today, the 12ha wholesale tree farm boasts more than 50 000 indigenous and ornamental trees. Jeandré du Preez reports.

Continual Improvement: The Key To Successful Beef Production

KwaZulu-Natal beef farmer Rustin Shawe was recently crowned the province’s 2018 Young Farmer of the Year. He told Lloyd Phillips that planning strategically and then putting those plans into action had helped him take his already thriving farming business to even greater heights.

Positioning SA For The Future Of Beef Production

In this second of a two-part series, well-known cattle breeder and judge Llewellyn Angus provides more feedback on this year’s Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention, held in Loveland, Colorado, in the US, as well as the post-congress tour.

The Impact Of Migration On Farming And Rural Areas

A new report on migration and its impact on rural development and food security by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization suggests that policies on migration, agriculture and rural development should be coherent to ensure the safe and orderly passage of people and reduce the potential negative impact of migration on agriculture and food security.

The Potato Menace

38 YEARS AGO If poorly packaged or exposed to excess sun, the humble potato can become highly toxic, causing chronic enteritis or even death.

New Thinking In Beef Cattle Breeding

Winners of the Agricultural Research Council’s Beef Performers Awards, Llewellyn Angus (2017 National Beef Cattle Improvement Herd) and Sanele Mbhele (2017 Emerging Beef Farmer), attended this year’s Beef Improvement Federation Symposium in the US. In part one of a two-part series, Llewellyn Angus shares his notes.

Harnessing Science To Open More International Markets For SA Citrus

The economic viability of Southern Africa’s citrus industry relies mostly on exports. Dr Vaughan Hattingh, CEO of Citrus Research International, says scientific research and development are essential to ensure that international markets remain open to Southern African citrus, conditions of access are optimised, and new markets become available. Lloyd Philips reports.

Staying Ahead In The Wine Game

Agri Western Cape’s Young Farmer of the year, Johann de Wet of De Wetshof Wine Estate, tells Glenneis Kriel how he and his brother, Peter, are keeping their family’s wine-making legacy alive.

The Right Advice Saves The Day

Shadrack Mbele has been getting good returns from sugar bean since first planting it in 2014. Sabrina Dean visited him in the eastern Free State to find out more about his production techniques, and how he brought this season’s crop back from the brink of disaster.

Quarantining A New Horse To Prevent The Spread Of Disease

A new horse on the farm can introduce both disease and parasites, warns Dr Mac.

Beware Of That Foliar Feed Mixture!

Company representatives often bombard farmers with products claimed to increase yield at little cost. One of their favourites is foliar feed spray mixtures, which, they say, supply virtually every mineral that a crop needs to flourish.

Putting Surplus Production On Farms To Good Use

Non-profit organisation FoodForward SA is making it easier for South African farmers to donate surplus produce to less fortunate communities, thanks to its recently launched Second Harvest programme.

Savanna Goats: Tougher Than Tough

World champion Savanna goat breeder Koenie Kotzé believes in strict selection, the best possible genetics, and top conformation and type. Annelie Coleman visited him on his farm Niekerkshoop in the Northern Cape to learn more about his exceptional stud.

Be Flexible, And Profit!

The marketplace for fresh fruit and vegetables is becoming increasingly globalised and interconnected. This affects the way that fresh produce is transported from its origin to its destination. The Fruit Logistica Trend Report 2018 looks at ways in which the supply chain must evolve to meet these challenges. 

Saving Our Land: The Importance Of Wetlands

A wetland, whether smaller than a hectare or covering a vast area, is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. We urgently need to conserve them.

Better Spraying: Water Quality And Nozzle Care

Proper application of chemicals ensures crop safety, optimal efficiency and cost savings. Calibration and maintenance of spray equipment are therefore essential.

Water Rights: What To Do When Expanding An Operation

Adding to a farming operation or agribusiness is not simply a matter of obtaining more land. James Brand, senior associate in environmental affairs at law firm ENSafrica, discusses the legalities involved in securing water rights on additional land, and environmental authorisation for clearing indigenous vegetation.

Getting More Value From Our Basic Wood Fibre Resource

According to Sappi CEO Steve Binnie, the group’s latest financial results show that it is ready to capitalise on market moves away from plastic to natural fibre and paper-based packaging. Sappi Biotech executive vice-president Louis Kruyshaar outlines the company’s plans to Lloyd Phillips.

Farm On The Stock Market, And Increase Your Profits

While food and agricultural stocks are often overlooked as investments, many companies offering these products represent excellent value for money. Glenneis Kriel asked a number of investment officers about the opportunities available, and what advice they had for would-be investors.

A Bullish Outlook For Wagyu In SA

During its recent roadshow events in Gauteng, the Free State and the Western Cape, the Wagyu Society of South Africa introduced new and prospective breeders to the opportunities that exist to grow the high-value beef segment in South Africa. The society also launched its certification programme for locally produced Wagyu beef. Denene Erasmus reports.

Couscous Salad Inspired By North Africa

Couscous may have originated on this continent, but the addition of avocado gives this dish a distinctly Mexican look and taste.

Growing A Variety Of Soil Microbes

Most farmers are aware that a healthy population of soil organisms is a good thing. What many don’t understand is that the number of soil organisms is directly related to their food source.

Growing Good-Quality Beetroot

Beetroot is one of several cultivated varieties of Beta vulgaris grown for their taproots and leaves (beet greens).

Fake Meat: Coming To A Supermarket Near You

Driven by shrinking arable land, a shift to the consumption of non-meat proteins, and several other factors, ersatz meat products are set to disrupt the lucrative global meat industry. According to management consultants AT Kearney, it is not a matter of if, but when, these products will appear on shelves.

Conditions Imposed On Approval Of Simplified Mondi Corporate Structure

While the Competition Tribunal of South Africa has given its approval for the Mondi Group to proceed with the simplification of its corporate structure, it is conditional on a number of commitments to be undertaken by the group.

Industry And Government Help Emerging Tobacco Farmers

The tobacco farming industry is faced with challenges such as the regulation of the use of tobacco by the Department of Health, as well the ongoing threat of an illicit market. Despite this, Limpopo tobacco farmer Erasmus Sefoloshe says there is opportunity for growth as the sector offers sustainable solutions and support. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Going The Extra Mile For A New Generation Of Farmers

Springfield Farm has invested in learnerships for its workers, has an open-door policy for agriculture students, and offers mentorships to emerging farmers. Lindi Botha reports.

Growing Chillies: Part 2

There’s a wonderful and stimulating interest in chillies worldwide. Home growers are now tempted to try variations that differ from the commercial norm.

How To Treat Epiphysitis

This joint disease is common in rapidly growing, large-breed foals, and is linked to diet, says Dr Mac. Treatment includes exercise restriction and stable rest.