CATEGORIES

DA calls for fewer power cuts to Free State farmers

Rolling blackouts have had a severe impact on the Free State's agriculture sector and it was crucial for Eskom to manage the sector as an essential service in terms of power distribution in order to not harm food production. This was according to the DA's Dr Roy Jankielsohn, leader of the opposition in the Free State Legislature.

Balfour Hay Day proves the value of farmers' days

Balfour Hay Day recently celebrated its 10th year, attracting a record number of visitors to the small Mpumalanga town. Just over 1 200 people attended the event, which showcased the latest silage and haymaking equipment.

Tractor sales set to moderate after highs in 2022

Sales of agricultural machinery are not expected to reach the record highs of 2022 this year, as inflation rates and high input costs weigh on farmers.

Strategies to eliminate rabies globally by 2030

A strong international drive is under way to put an end to all indigenously acquired dog-mediated rabies cases among humans by the end of this decade. In this article, researchers in the field set out the challenge.

The state of SA's flower industry: Part 3

Carol Sutherland asked flower growers Dirk van der Merwe and Micky de la Porte how the industry has changed.

The slow transformation of SA's dairy industry

Effecting change in the dairy industry is not for the short-sighted or faint of heart. Simpiwe Somdyala, CEO of Amadlelo Agri, spoke to Susan Marais about the agricultural investment company’s quest to uplift rural farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and the challenges it faces in the process.

Macadamia nuts: has the bubble burst?

Driven by high prices and attractive profit margins, macadamia plantings have exploded over the past seven years. Unfortunately, these large volumes have now combined with a downturn in the market to force farm-gate prices down, and many macadamia farmers are concerned about their future. Charles Cormack, CEO of Marquis Marketing, spoke to Lindi Botha about the road ahead for the industry.

Committing to Bonsmara

Mthobeli Dintsi was a 2022 provincial winner in the National Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo Farmer of the Year competition, a category of the Agricultural Research Council's National Beef Performers Awards. Mike Burgess visited him recently on his farm in the Eastern Cape to better understand his journey to commercial beef production with Bonsmaras.

Can South Africa become independent of Eskom?

The trend of getting off the grid is gathering pace, but total independence is still some way off, says Hartmut Winkler, professor of physics at the University of Johannesburg.

Have a ball in colourful Sea Point

Exciting cuisine, stunning ocean views and invigorating surroundings are all available in spades on Cape Town's Atlantic seaboard, says Brian Berkman, who particularly recommends The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel as a place to stay.

The Christmas Day massacre of 1850

On 25 December 1850, four British military villages recently established along the Cape's Eastern Frontier were attacked by the Xhosa. Mike Burgess explains the background, and results, of this bloody day.

THE HITCHING POST

I’m a 58-year-old lady who lives in East London and runs a small farm. I am stylish and take very good care of myself, yet I get stuck into farmwork and do a lot of it myself.

A 'farmhouse' in the Klein Karoo

Dear Jonno, My wife and I have bought a site in the Klein Karoo, inland from Mossel Bay. The site has a slight slope (about 10°) from back to front.

Fresh and fruity mango guacamole

This updated version of the classic guacamole will keep you coming back for more. It also works well as a taco topping. Recipe and photo: South African Mango Growers' Association.

Wonders of nature (with truffles at the top)

Patricia McCracken interviews a couple who grow truffles in Underberg, reviews a new edition of a stunning David Attenborough book, and suggests a read that savours life's joys. Plus, something special for the kids.

Kia Sorento adventure: Part 3

Alex Shahini of CAR magazine concludes his nearly 1 000km all-wheel-drive Kia Sorento odyssey over some of South Africa's most scenic passes.

Lowering the risk of viruses in your cucurbit crop

Viruses can be devastating to cucurbits, and you should take every precaution to prevent or reduce the damage they cause, says Bill Kerr.

How to wean piglets

The process of weaning is very tough for piglets and the farmer needs to take great care at this time. Bad weaning practices can lead to poor performance and financial losses.

Economically important diseases of maize

Maize is considered the most important grain crop in South Africa, thus there are various maize diseases that farmers need to be on the lookout for. Janine Ryan reports on some of the most dominant of these diseases.

Outstanding breeding cows lead to sustainable beef cattle production

The success of a beef cattle operation rests largely on the performance of its cows, says Dr Hentie van Rensburg, who bred the 2022 Agricultural Research Council National Best Elite Cow in the Afrisim category. He and his farming partner, Lourie van Pletzen, spoke to Annelie Coleman about their approach.

Challenges and opportunities for farming in Senegal

Despite adverse production conditions, Senegal's agriculture sector is an essential employer. Janine Ryan looks at some of the major commodities produced in this West African country.

Growing gerberas in a volatile market

In this second article of a three-part series, florist Carol Sutherland spoke to Tania Henkel, who runs Imbali Cut Flowers in Gauteng, about the challenges of producing gerberas, also known as Barberton daisies.

Astute marketing drives avocado consumption

South Africa's avocado industry has attained the holy grail in marketing for a non-essential product: getting consumers to feel they need it rather just want it. The resulting sales growth has boosted the industry despite recent economic and supply constraints. Glynnis Branthwaite, owner of Protactic Strategic Communications, and Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop, spoke to Lindi Botha about this intensive and ongoing marketing effort.

South Africa's black farmers and the 'Karan merger'

If all parties, including government, do what they're supposed to, Karan Beef's merger with SK Caine should open up lucrative opportunities for black farmers in the beef value chain, says Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

Misconduct vs incapacity

Madeleine Els describes the difference between misconduct and incapacity, and the effect each has on the business. She stresses why it is important for employers to understand the difference between the two.

Want higher prices for your calves? Dehorn them!

In crushes and while being transported on trucks, cattle with sharp horns can inflict severe injuries to one another, reducing the price of such animals. Dehorning is the only effective solution, says Shane Brody.

Why no manager is an island

When English metaphysical poet John Donne wrote 'No man is an island', he meant that people need each other and are better together than they are in isolation. Management is just like that, says Peter Hughes.

Persistent inflationary pressures reflected in most produce items

Numerous challenges, ranging from rolling blackouts to adverse weather conditions, have beset South Africa's fresh produce sector since late last year. Absa AgriBusiness examines these market dynamics in detail.

South Africa's sheep farmers under pressure

South Africa's sheep industry has continued to decline due to the effects of devastating drought in some parts of the country, as well as lower prices in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rice-breeding breakthrough offers hope of feeding billions

An international team, led by scientists from the University of California, Davis in the US, has succeeded in propagating a commercial hybrid rice strain as a clone through seeds with 95% efficiency.