CATEGORIES

The rise and rise of smart-irrigation companies

Investment in smart-irrigation companies has been on the increase over the past few years, and this trend shows no signs of abating. Janine Ryan and Glenneis Kriel look at some of the companies in the industry, both local and international, that are likely to make headlines in the near future.

Seawater-farmed tilapia

Fish is a healthy source of protein, but is becoming increasingly unaffordable for South Africans. Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha look at why marine tilapia may be the perfect alternative to other white fish.

PIGS Producing piglets

Feed is the biggest contributor to input costs in pig production, accounting for 60% to 80% of total expenses.

Second-hand machinery to the rescue amid global tractor shortage

A range of problems, including weak commodity prices many years before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to the worldwide dearth of new tractors on the market. As a result, some farmers have had little choice but to turn to second-hand machines for their operations. Susan Marais reports.

Soil conditions that favour potatoes

Despite some common misconceptions, potatoes can be grown successfully in a number of soil types, says Bill Kerr.

Flood-damaged roads must be rehabilitated – FSA

The near-destruction of the road network in the flood-damaged areas of the Free State has made it virtually impossible for affected farmers to continue their activities.

How to treat emergencies in livestock

Any animal can suffer a sudden traumatic injury or other medical emergency. In this first part of a four-part series, Prof Cheryl McCrindle, a practising veterinarian and professor at the University of Pretoria, details how to treat cattle, sheep and goats in emergencies.

Drones: boosting yield and beating erosion

Farmers are continually required to do more with less: in other words, improve yield without boosting inputs. Optimising orchard health is therefore crucial, and it starts with the correct diagnosis. This is where drone technology is showing increasing promise, as it reveals what is invisible to the naked (and earthbound) eye. Lindi Botha reports.

Design your own Massey Ferguson tractor at the push of a button!

The AGCO ASK feature enables farmers to ‘design’ their tractors according to their own needs and requirements.

Are You a ‘People-Pleaser' or an ‘Injustice Collector'?

"‘People-pleasers’ and ‘injustice collectors’ tend to suffer from the same basic problem: a lack of self-esteem. Trevor Dickinson explains these different personality types and how they fit into the larger family business."

Ensuring Sustainable Food Systems in Africa

"It is imperative that Africa’s policies, regulations and infrastructure support the global solutions proposed to improve food security on the continent, the authors of this article argue."

How technology can improve sustainability

A soil analysis app developed in Chile enables the user to measure a wide range of soil health indicators conveniently and rapidly.

Working towards a sustainable future for agriculture

Theo Boshoff, the new CEO of Agbiz, says that despite the many challenges facing South Africa’s agriculture sector in 2022, opportunities for growth abound. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.

How to manage a lambing pen system effectively

Lambing pens offer a multitude of benefits for farmers. Regina Harmse, who breeds Ile de France sheep in Mpumalanga, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the ways in which these pens can add value to any type of sheep production concern.

Planting and harvesting potatoes

Potatoes are grown from disease-free seed potatoes, require a lot of fertiliser, and are labour-intensive. All of this costs plenty, warns Bill Kerr.

PIGS Producing piglets

To ensure a decent turnover and good profits, a farmer needs to maximise the number of healthy piglets produced per sow. This requires careful management.

Mesquite: a silent but deadly invasion

Ken Coetzee, founder of Conservation Management Services, says that the spread of the invasive alien Prosopis in South Africa is a serious threat to livestock and indigenous plants, and needs urgent attention from farmers and landowners.

Kiwifruit: South Africa's golden opportunity

After the failure of local green kiwifruit production in the 1980s, a new group of farmers is hopeful that golden kiwis will become a South African success story. One such producer, Peter Nicholson, spoke to Susan Marais about the sector and its ambitions.

Dairy cows flourish on natural pasture

A total mixed ration has become the predominant feeding system of dairy cows in South Africa. But Rob Visser, owner of Dalewood Fromage, has bucked this trend, focusing instead on pastures planted to many species of grass. His approach has contributed in no small way to his internationally acclaimed cheeses, says Lindi Botha.

Why humidity is crucial in climate control

By manipulating environmental conditions, and paying equal attention to temperature and humidity, greenhouse growers can improve the quality of their crops and maximise yields. Glenneis Kriel reports

What you need to know before getting started with cattle production

The aim of any well-managed commercial cattle farm is to produce high-quality beef for the market at a profitable level. Magda du Toit provides emerging and aspiring beef cattle farmers with a guideline of the elements they need to consider when embarking on such a venture.

The reality of twins in beef cattle

While the incidence of twins in beef cattle is very low, there is the possibility that it could improve the rate of their reproduction, says the Agricultural Research Council.

Teaching your horse to rein back

The rein-back is a handy skill to have in many situations on the farm, for example opening a gate. It is also used in equestrian disciplines such as dressage, showing, reining and working equitation, says Dr Mac.

Producing piglets: Part 2

High-quality animals and patient, meticulous management are at the heart of successful breeding and farrowing. One boar should be mated with one sow per week, and the sow and piglets looked after with care.

Taking charge of the plastic problem

While the use of plastics has helped farmers to produce more with less, the material presents an enormous environmental issue. This report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations looks at alternatives that can be introduced by farmers and governments to reduce reliance on plastics in agricultural

Mountain views, strolls through orchards, and tranquil nights in a stone cottage

Surrounded by orchards and soaring mountains, White Bridge Farm in the Witzenberg Valley offers an idyllic getaway. Its owners also contribute ingeniously to community upliftment. Brian Berkman reports.

Let's hear it for the humble potato

Potatoes are nutritious, affordable and readily available, says Bill Kerr.

Give your orchards the health coverage they deserve

Cover crops are the gifts that keep on giving. Not only do they maintain soil moisture and improve soil health, but they are a valuable tool for reducing pest loads in subtropical orchards. By planting specific species, farmers can reduce their pesticide bill and meet the crop safety requirements of their markets. Lindi Botha reports.

Cotton: the ideal crop for reducing carbon emissions and poverty

The Better Cotton Initiative is driving sustainability among cotton farmers worldwide to ensure they can continue operating while simultaneously meeting environmental objectives. Lena Staafgard, COO of Better Cotton, and Hennie Bruwer, CEO of Cotton South Africa, spoke to Lindi Botha about the effectiveness of this international initiative at farm-level in this country.

Solutions for uneven load distribution and flat tyres

Two of the 16 silver medals awarded at Agritechnica 2022 went to Continental’s Agro ContiSeal and Krone’s ExactUnload, which make transport in the field safer and easier to manage.