Farmer's Weekly - June 14, 2024

In this issue

Part-time farmer achieves success with wine and olive oil. The biggest health risks to horses in SA. SA’s paper and pulp industry is
a main player on the global stage. Mastering the complexities of medical cannabis production. A hard look at the state
of veterinary services in South Africa.

Gold mine pollution hampering smallscale growers

Lesego Khomo, senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of South Africa, explains how gold mine pollution is poisoning Soweto’s water and soil.

3 mins

Breeder’s critical view of Simmentalers

In the Free State there is a Fleckvieh stud breeder who claims there is a marked difference between his breed and German Fleckvieh. According to him, no distinction is made in South Africa between the two breeds, and both are classed as Simmentalers. His animals are out of Swiss Simmentalers.

3 mins

A cautiously optimistic outlook for consumers, despite some risks uncertainties and

According to Agbiz, South Africa’s consumer food inflation rate has slowed further in recent months. As of the writing of this article, the consumer food inflation rate in April 2024 was 4,4%, down from 4,9% in the previous month.

3 mins

Mac farmer takes Mpumalanga young farmer title

Kobus Pieters, a macadamia farmer from Hazyview, has been crowned Agri Mpumalanga's Young Farmer of the Year 2024. He now proceeds to the national Agri SA Toyota Young Farmer of the Year competition, where he will compete against winners from the other eight provinces for a chance to take home the title and a brand-new Toyota bakkie in October this year.

1 min

Strategic marketing pays off for pork industry with increased consumption

Organisation says busting myths around pork consumption is an important factor for sales to increase. Lindi Botha talks to industry role players to find out more.

2 mins

Australian farmers battle fruit flies

Southern Australia fresh produce growers have been fighting off fruit flies with large-scale fumigations which have led to increased cost and time lost.

1 min

Namibia minister issues groundwater warning

Namibia is experiencing a serious drought, with the lowest run-off recorded in the past 100 years. This is an indication that groundwater resources would become less reliable in future.

1 min

KZN Young Farmer of the Year search kicks off

The search is on for the next KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year.

1 min

Wine industry embarking on essential repositioning for value growth

Despite being the seventh-largest in the world and celebrating small triumphs in the wine world, the South African industry is under extreme pressure,

3 mins

Zambia looks into nuclear energy to save agriculture sector and economy

Zambia is in talks with Chinese nuclear power companies after entering load-shedding stages as the country grapples with devastating drought,

3 mins

Building a farming legacy from scratch

Mac Mabidilala is proof that you don't need to own land to get started in agriculture. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he is realising his farming dream.

5 mins

Challenges facing vet services in South Africa

Dr Paul van der Merwe, CEO of the South African Veterinary Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the issues discussed at the World Veterinary Association Congress and how these related to the local industry.

8 mins

Paper: part and parcel of the agriculture industry

Despite the everyday use of electronic communication and other technologies, society is far from becoming paperless. Wood-based paper products are woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Paper is used in printing, writing and stationery, food packaging, packaging of other goods and medicine, for hygiene and insulation purposes, money, and even in jewellery and construction.

10+ mins

The biggest threats to horse health in South Africa

Janine Ryan looks at the most threatening diseases and conditions in South Africa that impact horses and other equines, including colic, laminitis and Cushing's disease.

10+ mins

Medical cannabis production is easier said than done

The production of medical cannabis calls for extreme attention to detail and precision, as well as compliance with intricate legislative requirements and official demands. It also calls for perseverance, as Annelie Coleman found out on a visit to medical cannabis producers Coenie and Ilse Venter near Viljoenskroon in the Free State.

5 mins

Review: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III

Siyavuya Mbaduli takes a look at Toyota's highly anticipated GR-Sport Ill, which is making a strong entry into the local market as a rugged and ready off-road adventurer.

3 mins

How much nitrogen is enough?

Nitrogen is key to profitable vegetable farming. However, the application of this element can be overdone, causing crop loss, or underdone, with the same result, writes Bill Kerr.

2 mins

Theft of horsebox wheels: an ongoing problem

When thieves broke in at her farm recently, they came well prepared with the right tools to forcibly remove locknuts on wheels, says Dr Mac.

2 mins

THE HITCHING POST

I am a retired man and have been a widower for two years. I would like to hear from fun-loving women between 50 and 60 years of age with a good sense of humour.

1 min

The big appeal of a small Karoo dorp

Van Wyksdorp in the Karoo may not be near to anything, yet exploring its surrounding mountain passes and staying there is a journey very much worth taking.

4 mins

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Farmer's Weekly Magazine Description:

Farmer’s Weekly is an agricultural magazine based in South Africa, targeting the whole of Southern Africa. The magazine is committed to advancing the interests of the region’s farmers and its agricultural industry by serving as a mouthpiece for the industry and by keeping its readers informed of the latest developments in the agricultural sector.