Farmer's Weekly - June 28, 2024

In this issue

Versatile sorghum master plan aims to increase use in SA. Fruit water is the New zero calorie juice. Trials show how precision farming boosts site specific management. Regenerative farming from lifeless dust’ to productive farm. SA agriculture praised as incredible success story.

Have you eaten today? Thank a farmer for that

David Burton, sector director for African agriculture in the UK Department of Business and Trade, says the UK offers sovereign debt finance options to South African farming projects that invest in British technology.

3 mins

Merino breeding for shows, stud and flock improvement

One farmer winning the Merino awards for both the Grand Champion Ewe Fleece and the Reserve Grand Champion Ewe Fleece at the South African National Fleece Championships is a praiseworthy achievement.

3 mins

Rankings place SA ports among world's worst

In the recently released World Bank and S&P Container Port Performance Index 2023, the Port of Cape Town fell from 347th place in the 2022 rankings, when only 348 ports were ranked, to the bottom of the list at number 405.

2 mins

Top performers at this year's Muskadel SA Awards

Five wine producers received six platinum awards at the 2024 Muskadel SA Awards, held recently in Paarl in the Western Cape.

1 min

Global outlook, local strategies for blueberries unveiled

The blueberry industry can look forward to better returns in the coming years. However, farmers are still urged to maximise efficiencies and ensure they select the right cultivars

2 mins

Government of National Unity should recognise agriculture as a 'force for good'

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa has warned that the country’s agriculture sector must not become a casualty of politics.

2 mins

Livestock and olive oil production in Sicily rocked by drought

Following Italy’s declaration in March of a state of emergency in Sicily, farmers there continue to grapple with the devastating effects of the worst drought the region has seen in two decades.

1 min

Klein Karoo pomegranate production gets big boost with new processing plant

Karoo Pak’s processing plant in Oudtshoorn is set to enhance the financial viability of local pomegranate producers, create jobs and boost the region's economic growth

2 mins

Agbiz Congress facilitates important discussions on a range of topics

At this year’s congress, talking points ranged from the agriculture sector's significant contribution to South Africa’s economy, to the rise of protectionism.

5 mins

Optimising fish farming through size sorting

Aquaculture specialist Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, designs and builds fish farms and aquaponics systems across sub-Saharan Africa and trains farmers to manage them optimally. He shares his expertise on the practice of size sorting in fish farming.

3 mins

Sugar-free fruit drink for the health-conscious

Jan Strydom, operations manager at ONE54 South Africa, spoke to Marinda Louw-Coetzee about the launch of Al Fruit Water, a natural sparkling fruit water.

4 mins

It makes sense to include more sorghum in diets

Gluten-free sorghum contains protein, dietary fibre, and B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It's also a good alternative to planting maize

4 mins

Using regenerative farming to fight climate change

The use of regenerative farming practices has enabled Barry Meijer to restore the lifeless dust’ on his farm and turn it into productive pastures for his cattle. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the transformation.

6 mins

Precision experiments open the door to increased profitability

This article examines the value of on-farm precision trials and experiments and how they can facilitate the bridge between science and practice within a South African agricultural context.

10 mins

Nitrogen is the key to achieving maximum yields

Apply too much nitrogen, and you could end up reducing the yield and at the same time wasting money. How much you apply depends on the crop you're growing and the timing of the applications

2 mins

Riding in Alaska: bracing tours on the gold-rush trail

There are some great horseback trips to do in Skagway, located at the northern end of the Lynn Canal in south-east Alaska

2 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.