Farmer's Weekly - July 05, 2024

In this issue

Top tips for effectively managing a Bonsmara herd. SA company champions sustainable palm oil production. One Health
strengthening bonds between communities and the land. Innovative programme addresses gender-based violence in rural areas. Macadamias How to boost production when margins are low. New Drakensberg reserve aims to protect unique cultural ecological resources.

New reserve to protect more than just wildlife

A recently established nature reserve in the Northern Drakensberg is set to protect vital grasslands, ancient rock art, and water sources, benefitting wildlife and local communities, writes Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa, an associate professor at the Wits School of Governance.

3 mins

Broad-leafed field tomato

The Piersol variety, developed in France, is resistant to many ailments afflicting tomatoes, especially Verticillium, Fusarium and nematodes.

3 mins

'FMD will likely spread throughout South Africa'

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) hit the Eastern Cape for the first time this year in May and is probably going to spread throughout most of the country.

2 mins

Spread of avian influenza in US cows 'not being tracked'

Dependence on individual dairy farmers to help track the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza ((H5N1) is leaving the US federal government without the data necessary to understand and slow the spread of the virus in that country.

1 min

Competition Commission blames the failure of some on the success of others

The Competition Commission's investigation into the fresh produce sector has yielded few results, despite allegations of unfair practices that ostensibly kept prices high and transformation low. Lindi Botha reports.

5 mins

Guava association expects smaller 2024 harvest

The Guava Producers' Association (GPA) has adjusted its guava production estimate down from 25 200t to 22 500t, making the harvest 16% smaller than the 26 641t harvested last season and the smallest harvest in the past three years.

1 min

Top Western Cape young farmer enjoys a challenge

Dean Barnard, a farmer from George in the Western Cape, was recently named the Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year and will go on to represent the province at the Toyota SA/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year competition later this year.

1 min

Western Cape avocado production on the rise

Avocado production is booming in the Western Cape, and new insights into the industry were shared at a recent grower day

2 mins

Sustainable palm oil production in SA

Palm oil has been heavily criticised due to the unsustainable practices used in its cultivation. But this is beginning to change, says Jannie Myburgh, senior manager of trading oils procurement at SD Guthrie International SA. He spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee.

3 mins

The role of One Health in sustainable farming and well-being

A movement strengthening relationships between communities and the land and promoting a mutually beneficial relationship between agriculture, health and the environment is emerging in sustainable farming. Ntokozo Zitha, a PhD student in the Economics Analysis Unit at the Agricultural Research Council, writes.

4 mins

Combating GBV scourge in rural communities

A ground-breaking programme is addressing gender-based violence in South Africa's rural communities and empowering young men to fight harmful stereotypes

4 mins

Lessons on the importance of general herd management

Louis Steyl, CEO of the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the true value of effectively managing a Bonsmara herd in order to maximise profit.

4 mins

Managing macadamia production when margins are low

Macadamia nut farms have been in dire straits over the past two seasons as prices have dropped and input costs have risen. With little relief on the horizon, orchard management needs to be revised to maintain sustainability. Lindi Botha looks at the options available to farmers to reduce their costs.

5 mins

Can privately owned One Loft Races revive pigeon racing in SA?

In this article, part one of a three-part series on pigeon racing, Thomas Smit looks at the sport's decline in South Africa, and whether One Loft Races, with their attractive cash prizes, can revive it.

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.