The past year has been a challenging one, but one thing that has stood out over these 12 months as I look through all of the Farmer’s Weekly issues published this year, is a sense of community. Of course, as always, we’ve published many articles about production and business processes, and these are as important now as they’ve ever been. But for the editor’s overview, I’ve decided that this year we should focus on the many positives.
One thing we can take away from 2022 is that communities seem stronger, and despite difficult times, many people are still concerned with helping each other navigate the pitfalls of farming.
Finding inspiration on a cattle farm in Badplaas
One of the most inspiring articles this year for me was one I had the opportunity to write myself. The article focuses on Jessica Phathela, stud manager for the Ntaba Nyoni Cattle farm in Badplaas, Mpumalanga (see FW, 4 March). And while not strictly about community, her story is nevertheless fascinating. Phathela is an exceptional young woman who, despite her youth, is highly knowledgeable about cattle production. One of the most unique aspects of her story is that she oversees five breeds on the farm, namely Bonsmara, Nguni, Ankole, Boran and Wagyu, each with its own individual management challenges. Despite her education and willingness, she has also had to prove herself in a mostly male-dominated industry.
“To make it as a female farmer, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty and do much more than is expected of men. Once you are able to jump in and you aren’t standing on the sidelines, you’ll be taken seriously,” she said.
Esta historia es de la edición December 23 & 30, 2022 de Farmer's Weekly.
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Esta historia es de la edición December 23 & 30, 2022 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
