CATEGORIES

How Changing Rainfall Patterns Are Reshaping Farming In The Karoo

Justin du Toit, a scientist in pasture research at Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute in Middelburg, spoke to Roelof Bezuidenhout about his analysis of rainfall records in the Central Karoo and how farmers can adapt to climate change.

A Promising Future For Pork Producers

Pork prices in South Africa plummeted after last year’s listeriosis outbreak. While this had a serious effect on producers’ bottom lines, the drop in prices has seen pork become more popular among consumers. Should demand continue to increase, pork production is likely to become lucrative.

Getting Ready To Plant Cucurbits

Before planting a land to any of the cucurbits, you should kill off all broad-leaved weeds nearby, preferably well beforehand.

Western Cape Gears Up For Fourth Industrial Revolution

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has commissioned the University of Stellenbosch Business School to research ways to unlock the advantages of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the province. Research associate Angus Bowmaker-Falconer spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

Chinese Digital Trading Takes Off

The Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Trade Show 2018 will include a special focus on identifying growth opportunities in China.

A Focus On Quality Produces Success

Nelius Ferreira, the Free State’s Top Young Farmer for 2018, focuses on quality production in a global marketplace. Sabrina Dean visited him on his farm near Harrismith to learn more.

The Pros And Cons Of Subsurface Irrigation

The drought in the Western Cape has sparked renewed interest in research done almost two decades ago on partial root and subsurface irrigation. Pieter Fouché, the viticulturist at the Graham Beck Wine Estate, who participated in these studies, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the farm’s experience with these irrigation methods and whether they’re worthwhile pursuing.

Managing Gerbils On Your Land: Part 1

A gerbil invasion, especially in a grassland or savannah, can lead to serious crop damage. Control begins with understanding the behaviour of this pest, and should always be environmentally sensitive.

New Combines Even Kinder To Operator And Crop

The three new 250-series Axial-Flow combines launched recently by Case IH offer a number of new automated features designed to allow operators to maximise crop throughput and quality. Denene Erasmus attended a media event in Dresden, Germany, where the machines were put on display.

Kimberley War Hero

This year celebrates the centenary of the Royal Air Force. It is therefore fitting to recall a famous South African fighter pilot whose skill and bravery became renowned during the Battle of Britain. By Graham Jooste.

Dealing With Cucurbit Viruses

Viruses are the greatest threat facing the cucurbit grower. It’s rare that a crop will be grown without some symptoms appearing.

100 Years Of John Deere Tractors

One of the greatest success stories in the agricultural machinery industry started a century ago with the launch of the Waterloo Boy tractor in the US Midwest. Joe Spencer reports.

Blockchain: The Future Of Agricultural Trade

Many farmers are investing in new technologies that can help increase production and efficiency at farm level, but the uptake of digital trading technology has been slower. As a result, farmers are losing out on the opportunity to increase their share of profit earned along the agricultural value chain.

From Our Archives - Good Future For Crocodiles

From Our Archives - Good Future For Crocodiles

Fallout Of US-China Trade War On Soya Bean Sector

Fallout Of US-China Trade War On Soya Bean Sector

Why Farmers Need To Be Marketeers

It’s your job to find unique ways of adding value to your products to drive up profits.

How To Use Equipment And Position Effectively

Successfully hunting jackal requires the right strategy, and the right equipment. Here are a few tips on how to make your hunt count.

What's New Around The World

The drive to increase agricultural productivity and reduce costs continues unabated. This, in turn, spurs the continual development of new implements and systems, as well as ongoing improvements to existing equipment. Joe Spencer reports.

Black Youths Must Be Made Aware Of Agri Sector Careers

In his BCom Hons research paper, Mlungisi Mama examines why so few black youths are interested in agriculture as a career. His conclusion is that they believe the sector comprises little more than farmers and farmworkers, and are unaware of the job opportunities available in various agricultural disciplines. Rectifying this will demand an education campaign run jointly by several government departments.

Aquaponics: A Teenager's Passion Grows Into A Business

A Pretoria-based teenager is running a successful aquaponics farm, and doing so with expertise and foresight.

Farmer's Most Common Financial Planning Mistakes

There are many aspects to successful planning in a farming business, but there’s little doubt that financial considerations are the most crucial.

Drakenstein Rewinds Keeps Motors Running In The Boland

Replacing a burnt-out electric motor can cost a great deal, whereas rewinding it can return it to tip-top condition at much lower cost. Rashad Williams and Fa-eez Appollis spoke to Jeandré du Preez about how their rewinding business saves farmers money and production downtime. 

Livestock And Climate Change

Across the world, climate change is likely to adversely affect animal production. South Africa will be no exception, warn Mokgadi Seshoka, Anette Theunissen and Prof Michiel Scholtz.

Dramatic Savings With Low-Flow Drip Irrigation

By switching from micro-irrigation to low-flow drip irrigation, macadamia farmer Dawid de Kock has reduced his irrigation water usage by 50%. With the subsequent savings on electricity, fertiliser and labour, the system has significantly improved his bottom line.

Farming Without Title In Tylden

In 2010, Tembi Xamesi was awarded the 1 165ha Riversdale farm near Tylden in the Eastern Cape via the state land reform programme. He has made steady progress with livestock and a cash-crop lucerne initiative, but a lack of title has been a serious hindrance to further development. Mike Burgess visited him.

SA's First Cricketing Giant

All-rounder Jimmy Sinclair played in 25 Tests from 1890 to 1911. He scored South Africas first three Test centuries and was the first player from any country to score a century and take five wickets in an innings in the same Test. He was also a rugby Springbok! By Graham Jooste.

Angola Or Bust!

A desire to escape from British rule, drought and hostile tribes led to the trekboers’ epic journeys. The Dorsland Trek was one of the toughest, says Graham Jooste.

Rural Crime: Both Police And Farmers Need To Up Their Game

Despite being continually under the spotlight, rural crime in South Africa continues to plague farmers. Some respond by leaving the sector; others struggle on after having lost property or even loved ones. However, studies show that while the justice system receives much of the blame, farmers should be doing more to secure themselves. Lindi Botha reports.

Cost Squeeze In Poultry Production Set To Hit Profits

High feed prices and lacklustre economic conditions that are depressing consumer spending will conspire to yield a tough year for poultry producers.

Humane Fish Slaughter

Compared with most other agricultural industries in South Africa, the farmed fish industry is in its infancy. With no legal framework yet in place, fish farmers and animal welfare organisations are at loggerheads about how to kill fish with the least suffering. Gerhard Uys reports.