CATEGORIES

SA study offers new insight into grapevine mites

Grape farmers have long assumed that one species of grapevine mite causes bud strain and leaf galls, while others produce blisters and leaf curl.

UK farmers must adapt food production to climate change

Farmers in the UK are having to change where and what crops they grow due to rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and prolonged periods of dry weather that are the result of climate change.

Taking communal farming to the next level

The members of a development project undertaken by AfriForum, the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI) and the Boiphitlhelelo Co-operative of Noga's Post in the Barolong Boo-Seleka Kingdom in the Free State recently harvested their second grain crop.

Can the agriculture sector overcome some of the hurdles in its way in 2023?

POLICY PERSPECTIVE

Rolling blackouts disrupting farming and agribusinesses

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Raising pigs in the open: Part 2

In this second instalment of a two-part article that focused on raising pigs in outdoor enclosures, and how such a system could be profitable for farmers, we continue with housing for gestating sows.

Donate veggie seed packets to help others feed their families in a sustainable way

Give a person vegetables, and you feed them for a day; empower a person to grow their own vegetables, and they will feed themselves and their loved ones for a lifetime.

Elephant poaching: solutions to the scourge

Elephant poaching rates vary greatly across Africa, say Timothy Kuiper, postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Cape Town, and Eleanor Jane Milner-Gulland, Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Oxford. In this article, they suggest reasons for these differences, and how to fight the problem.

Stutterheim: brave soldier, troubled man

Baron Richard von Stutterheim was a courageous officer on the battlefield, but his love of luxuries and gambling brought him to bankruptcy. Graham Jooste tells us about the man after whom the Eastern Cape town is named.

Unspoilt nature and excellent amenities beckon along lush river banks

The Touws River, which runs through the Wilderness area of the Garden Route, offers visitors the opportunity to paddle, birdwatch, relax and hike to their hearts’ content, says Brian Berkman.

An adventure in the Kia Sorento: Part 2

Alex Shahini of CAR magazine takes on the tough conditions of Lundin’s Nek and Naude’s Nek in the all-wheel-drive Sorento.

The pre-purchase veterinary examination

Before you buy a horse, ask your veterinarian to give it a thorough examination, advises Dr Mac.

Creating a fruit tree orchard on a plot

Ensure that your property can accommodate an orchard before getting to work on the actual layout and planting phase.

When to wean beef calves

There are ways to prevent or cure most cucurbit diseases, but there's no known way to cure a virus once it has infected the plant, warns Bill Kerr.

Why viruses are the biggest threat to your cucurbits

There are ways to prevent or cure most cucurbit diseases, but there's no known way to cure a virus once it has infected the plant, warns Bill Kerr.

No more time to waste

Through responsible waste management, farmers can avoid polluting the surrounding agroecosystem, says environmental specialist Alistair Galloway.

How plants' roots can protect them from climate change

Malcolm Bennett, professor of plant sciences, and Poonam Mehra, a postdoctoral fellow in biosciences, both at the University of Nottingham in the UK, write about the amazing system that plants use to shape their roots, and why it could help protect crops from the effects of climate change, such as floods and droughts.

A quick guide to South Africa's deadliest snakes

The majority of snake species are, for the most part, completely harmless; however, there are a few whose venomous bites can cause the deaths of humans and animals alike. Janine Ryan looks at some of South Africa's most dangerous snakes, and offers tips for treating snakebites prior to obtaining medical attention.

Surviving in a volatile flower market: Part 1

Carol Sutherland, a florist for almost 30 years, has seen many changes in South Africa's flower industry. For this first article of a three-part series, she spoke to Leon Pretorius, manager of Pretorius Blomme near Delmas in Mpumalanga, about how he has adapted his business to an increasingly demanding market.

A unique soil extract for healthier crops, animals

Andrew Geddes, director of AlgJem Global Trading, explained to Glenneis Kriel how L'équilibre de la Nature's unique range of products, made from soil extracts, can restore the natural balance in soil and livestock.

Cut emissions to sustain red meat industry

Mitigating the effects of climate change is part of the Red Meat Producers' Organisation's efforts to ensure a sustainable future for the industry.

Harnessing innovative technology to maximise efficiency

Artificial intelligence, robotics and big data analytics are helping to revolutionise the cannabis industry by boosting efficiency and increasing profitability, says Thomas Walker.

Is time for soft pedalling by the aqri sector over?

South Africa's agriculture sector performed well in 2020 and 2021, but continued food security and employment in the sector depend on government support for agriculture, says  Dr Koos Coetzee.

Rabbit industry pins hopes on exports for survival

Despite very low local demand and prices, industry stakeholders still believe there is potential for a viable rabbit meat industry in South Africa aimed at the export market.

South African table grapes take a hammering on the market

The many challenges facing the agriculture sector, including high costs, low demand, volatile weather and global logistical challenges, have hit South Africa's table grape industry particularly hard.

Food prices reached new highs in 2022 - FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) saw its overall Food Price Index last year reach the highest level on record when the cost of most food commodities surged.

Founder of crowdfunding initiative earns doctorate

Rural communities who make a living from the wild harvesting of indigenous rooibos and honeybush in the fynbos region of the Western Cape were the focus of Dr Rhoda Malgas's doctoral study.

Ramaphosa should say more about the progress made in agri financing

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Exploring the prospects of building a fertiliser industry in Africa

GLOBAL INSIGHT

Raising pigs in the open: Part 1

In this article, it was revealed that an outdoor set-up for raising pigs could be profitable. However, the management of the animals needed to be vigorous and dedicated.