CATEGORIES

The sunflower industry: a paradigm shift is needed

Sunflower production has rapidly expanded in SA but there is a need to focus on optimising oil content, says Zunel van Eeden, a Master's of Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University.

An all-terrain forklift that handles any load, anywhere

The Combi Rough Terrain forklift has greatly improved efficiencies, animal welfare and safety in the broiler industry and is now proving its worth on fruit farms. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Secret to Van Loveren's success: look for solutions, not trouble

year, South Africa's wine industry is dwindling. Yet, Van Loveren Vineyards go from strength to strength each excelling both in their business offering and their ability to keep generations of family involved, conflict-free. Lindi Botha speaks to the Retief family about their achievements over the years.

The hardy Nkone

Zimbabwe's quintessential Nkone cattle breed is back from the brink of extinction, says Annelie Coleman. She spoke to George Hulme, a Nkone farmer and breeding society vice-chairperson, who jointly runs the Pungeni stud near Harare.

The ins and outs of having your own storage facilities

In this article, Cobus du Plessis discusses what you need to know before investing in on-farm silos.

Australia takes cautionary measures against lumpy skin disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a cause for concern for Australian livestock farmers, says the University of Queensland. Australian officials have been put on high alert following the spread of the disease across Southeast Asia even though there have been no reported cases in Australia.

Weather conditions hit grain production

Weather conditions have taken their toll on both the winter and summer grain regions, as well as other crops

New policy aims to accelerate service provision

Hundreds of farm dwellers in uMgungundlovu District in KwaZuluNatal benefitted as Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu launched a landmark policy aimed at accelerating access to water and sanitation services on privately owned land.

Starting a no-frills vegetable project on a small farm: Part 1

The concept of no-till is growing in leaps and bounds and is a major way of farming in countries like Brazil. South Africans should also adopt this successful method

Are nosebands really necessary?

Recent research has found evidence of bone and tissue damage in parade horses wearing nosebands, says Dr Mac.

Nurturing growth: exploring the sorghum industry in South Africa

Marguerite Pienaar, a junior economist at Grain SA, and Petru Fourie, convenor of the Sorghum Cluster, provide an overview of sorghum production in the country.

Big economic potential in cannabis and hemp

Cobus du Plessis looks at two similar industries and products with very different legislative landscapes.

Maize remains South Africa's greatest grain

Zunel van Eeden looks at maize production, and the pests and diseases that farmers should be on the lookout for to maintain their good yields and profitability.

Livestock theft in South Africa: Do the structures fail the producer?

Willie Clack, senior lecturer in criminal justice at Unisa, and a farmer in North West, analyses statistics from the South African Police Service over the past 30 years to determine the trend in stock theft.

The Gagelas' unique livestock operation

In 2009, the Gagela family expanded their livestock initiative from the communal areas of the Eastern Cape to include a commercial farm near Dordrecht. Mike Burgess reports on the family's unique agricultural journey, driven by the late George Gagela.

Johannesburg's big water problem

The water crisis is getting worse in South Africa's biggest city, says Craig Sheridan, chair professor at the University of the Witwatersrand. This is why the taps keep running dry in the country's industrial hub.

Production strategies for formal versus informal markets

Feedlots do not purposefully discriminate against certain breeders, but the animals may not always produce the carcasses that their market segment want.

Beware the negativity bias and land ownership myth

Many of us believe that government is tardy on delivering title deeds to applicants, but a quick Internet search will dispell this idea.

Spring water project opens taps for farmers in Eastern Cape

Initiative brings relief to rural communities battling to access fresh, clean water.

Cattle and goats handed to farmers to promote superior genetics in Eastern Cape

Driving the charge to enhance red meat and animal fibre development in the province, the Eastern Cape government handed over cattle and goats to farmers at the Dohne Agricultural Development Institute in Stutterheim recently.

Legal wine flounders as illicit alcohol triumphs

Sin taxes have again increased this year, serving a blow to the wine industry. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced in his 2024 budget that tax revenue for 2023/24 was R56,1 billion lower than estimated in the 2023 budget. This was due to lower-than-expected economic performance.

Top trends at this year's Fruit Logistica

South Africa's logistical challenges came under scrutiny at the highly regarded international fruit and vegetable producers' gathering.

Farmers benefit from course on hemp production

One hundred local farmers in the Eastern Cape have received training in the cultivation and value chain of industrial hemp production.

Anti-cruelty organisation moves to change UK law on carrying chickens

The UK’s Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) has made recommendations with regards to the proposal to legalise carrying chickens by their legs.

Eco-summit to show 'what we want is possible'

The 2024 EnergyWater- FoodClimate Nexus International Summit hosted by the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) School of the Environment, will take place at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in Durban in July.

Harvester helps to unlock Taung farmers' potential

Huge benefits for North West farmers as they receive much-needed equipment, writes Glenneis Kriel.

Farm equipment: change and upgrade frequently

In the agriculture industry, mechanisation and technology are constantly changing to make machines and processes more effective. New Holland uses their 40 research and development centres to achieve this, writes Jaco du Preez, product and marketing specialist for tractors at CNH.

Precision brings clarity in murky waters

Delivering the right amount of water and nutrients can slash water usage by up to 50%, fertiliser needs by up to 30% and elevates crop procuctivity by 30% to 50%.

What generator should I buy?

Husqvarna provides a simple guide to choosing the generator that is right for you.

Get your combine harvester ready with a pre-season check-up

Your combine harvester is one of the workhorses on the farm that must be in top form, so the Case IH Pre-Season Check is not just a pit-stop but an investment in boosting your bottom line.