CATEGORIES

From mining to breeding awardwinning sheep

Faced with the grim reality of retrenchment, Larry Snyders refused to give in to despair. Instead, he poured all his energy into his sideline business, a small White Dorper stud. A few years later, he reached the pinnacle of his new career, becoming a champion breeder. He shared his story with Susan Marais.

Soil health: crucial for future food production

Healthy soil is a key driver of farm productivity, profits, and sustainable food production. Dr Hendrik Smith explained to Magda du Toit how farmers can improve the health and fertility of their soils.

Management: the key to improving soil health

Healthy soil is a crop farmer’s most important asset. Farmers Danie Bester and Tyson Zunckel, both of whom produce maize, soya bean and wheat, spoke to Magda du Toit about their soil-management practices.

Opportunities in Sudan, despite the conflict

While farmers in Sudan are facing economic hardships, the country’s groundnut production remains a significant foreign-exchange earner.

Beefmaster stands out!

The Beefmaster, which was developed in the US, is a popular beef breed in South Africa due to its adaptability, short intercalving period, and other key traits. Gerrie Jansen van Rensburg, president of the Beefmaster Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa (Beefmaster SA), told Susan Marais more about this hardy all-rounder.

Grain-storage pests nailed

This article looked at a new insecticide that, at the time, was expected to revolutionise the protection of grain in stacks and silos.

The lack of storage for cattle feed in Africa

Mulubrhan Gebremikael, a researcher at the University of Florida in the US, looks at why Africa’s farmers struggle to store feed, and the techniques that could help them overcome this obstacle.

'Climate targets could force Irish farmers into bankruptcy'

Ireland has the highest per capita methane emissions of all EU countries, with much of this ascribed to the country's beef production.

Breeding cattle for a tough life

As this article revealed, a stud farm near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal Laimed to produce disease-resistant cattle able to thrive in harsh conditions.

Breakthrough for industrial hemp production in SA

The first-ever licence for the wholesale importation, distribution and marketing of hemp seed for the production of hemp fibre in South Africa was recently awarded to local company Hemp Seed Solutions.

Mac and cheese - with avo!

Just when you thought you couldn't improve on the classic that is mac and cheese, avocado sweeps in and makes everything better.

The safest ways to control bollworm in tomatoes

Unless you grow your tomato crop under a moth-proof net, you'll have to contend with bollworm at some stage. Fortunately, there are effective methods of control, provided you act quickly, says Bill Kerr.

Getting started with kooigoed

Kooigoed is an ndigenous plant is grown for its foliage and as groundcover in mild or coastal areas where temperatures don't fall below freezing for extended periods. It can be used for medicinal purposes.

Maximise dairy profits with beef semen

Improved breeding technologies and practices have resulted in many dairies ending up with more replacement heifers than they need. To add value to surplus animals, farmers can use beef semen on some of their cows. Glenneis Kriel explains what this process entails, and how it should be approached and implemented.

Pioneering study of tuberculosis in rhino

Ilse Bigalke of Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences describes a recent detailed study of the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in rhinoceros populations in the Kruger National Park.

Agtech Innovation Awards 2022: Part 1

In the farm-management solutions category this year, the focus was on recording, analysing and integrating information into a single dataset that can be used by farmers in decision-making. Janine Ryan reports.

Grain price hikes squeeze red meat producers' margins

Absa AgriBusiness explores the current price dynamics in the red meat industry, why both producers and consumers are under pressure, and the part that historical third-quarter price trends play.

Smallholders' role in protecting our forests

According to a new report, smallholders and indigenous peoples can be effective forest managers, as they occupy nearly half of the world's forest and farm landscapes and are often invested in these areas.

Making magic with button mushrooms

Marietjie Kruger of Heidelberg grows and sells fresh mushrooms and processed food in Gauteng. She spoke to Annelie Coleman about the complex growing process that is required before harvesting.

What does the future hold for agricolleges?

Education is vital to the transformation of South Africa's agriculture industry, as well as the country's economic growth. However, many agricultural colleges are in disarray. Magda du Toit reports on this crucial issue.

A look at the Africa Agriculture Status Report for 2022

At the time of writing, Rwanda was due to host the African Green Revolution Forum from 5 to 9 September, an annual event bringing together the continent’s political and opinion leaders to reflect on the state of Africa’s food security and its agricultural transformation.

Tech is taking over. Are you embracing the changes?

Incredible new technologies emerge almost daily, providing great opportunities for those who have the courage to exploit them. In contrast, those who ignore these advances face great risk, says Peter Hughes.

Fertiliser alternatives can improve crop yields

Chemical fertilisers are a major contributor to poor soil and loss of biodiversity. In this article, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations looks at environmentally friendly alternatives.

A triumph for South African conservation

This article covered the birth of two cheetah cubs in captivity, the first time it had ever taken place in South Africa.

Government should take up the private sector's offers to assist with FMD control

In my previous column (see FW, 26 August 2022) I discussed how the agriculture sector has already seen a number of positive gains this year, despite numerous challenges.

Trends to watch in agriculture

An emphasis on food safety and soil health, ongoing expansion of automation, and improved water use are just some of the developments that will change the way we farm in years to come, says Mbali Nwoko.

Treating bloat in cattle

After a bull or a cow consumes feed, gases start forming in the rumen. Sometimes, excessive gases are produced, a condition called bloat. This can cause pain, distress and lead to an emergency, says Shane Brody.

Limpopo hatchery goes to the next level

Although Clive Tigere obtained a university degree in statistics, he turned his back on an office job and returned to Louis Trichardt in Limpopo to start a hatchery. He explained to Susan Marais how his success is helping his clients' businesses thrive.

From a small kitchen to an on-farm food factory

Starting in her farm kitchen 16 years ago, processed-food producer Elana Bruwer has built a brand that is retailed in 75 outlets, mainly in the Western Cape. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

Pushing the boundaries of avo farming pays off

The Ernst family, owners of Allesbeste Boerdery in Tzaneen, are renowned for their pioneering research and development work in the avocado industry. Zander Ernst, director of marketing and production at Allesbeste, spoke to Magda du Toit about their latest project, which involves the trellising of avocado trees.