Farmer's Weekly - August 02, 2024

In this issue

Focus on orchards Irrigation, netting, and pest control. Monitoring cattle’s body temperatures for optimal health. Could burning rhino horn stockpiles stop the illegal trade? Aquaculture Tilapia: the African fish sought after around the world.

Agri investment group sells two pome fruit farms

Agriculture-focused investment group Zeder recently announced the finalisation of the sale of Theewaterskoof Farm to the Japie Groenewald Trust for a disposal consideration of R283 million, and Applethwaite Farm to Vredenhof Beleggings Pty Ltd for R190 million.

1 min

Russia's 'breadbasket' battling to save harvest from extreme weather

Farmers in the Rostov region of Russia, the country's breadbasket, are struggling to salvage a harvest battered by a heatwave, frost and floods.

1 min

Namibia's Agribank announces drought relief

The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) recently announced R104,6 million in instalment relief and R83 million in waived penalty interest as part of interventions to provide relief to 1 134 of its clients who had been affected by the devastating drought in the country.

1 min

Whatever it is, make your product stand out from the others

Whether you are a small, medium, or large farmer, you can differentiate your products and your business. Obliterate from your mind the myth that differentiation is only possible for some farmers

2 mins

Important factors to understand before marketing livestock

Many communal farmers are not aware of prevailing market dynamics and livestock pricing structures, and this can cost them dearly when selling their animals

3 mins

Tilapia: the African fish that's popular the world over

No fish has made as big of an impact on the global aquaculture industry as the tilapia has. Aquaculture specialist Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, writes about this highly sought-after fish, which he has come to describe as the aquatic chicken’.

3 mins

The essentials of orchard planning

Planting a new orchard requires significant upfront capital. It is also a long-term commitment that may only give you a return on investment after at least three years. Magda du Toit spoke to farmers to learn more.

9 mins

Key factors for achieving successful production under nets

Agriculture has seen countless innovations over the centuries, one of which is the use of shade netting to protect crops. In South Africa, the area under netting is expanding rapidly as farmers try to reduce the risks associated with production in harsh environments. Magda du Toit explores the science of orchard netting.

10 mins

Pest and disease control under shade netting

As fruit-importing countries become increasingly intolerant of pest infestations and diseases posing phytosanitary risks and equally intolerant of the use of pesticides, South African fruit producers have had to revisit their pest and disease management strategies

7 mins

The effective monitoring of body temperature in cattle

Accurate monitoring of cattle's body temperatures is crucial for ensuring optimal herd health and productivity. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to animal health experts for tips on precise temperature readings, early disease detection, and maintaining biosecurity in a herd.

5 mins

How to get fertilisation of your bean crop right

Providing the correct nitrogen stimulus when growing beans is vitally important for achieving top yields

2 mins

Review: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R

Car Magazine's Kyle Kock recently attended the South African introduction of the fifth-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in Mozambique. He writes that this latest model has been worth the wait.

2 mins

Cats' catastrophic impact on biodiversity

Various international studies have found that domestic cat predation has a negative impact on mammals, reptiles, birds and other animals. Mike Burgess looks at the findings of a South African study done in 2020.

2 mins

Discover the art of running a good hotel business

While past owners of the Karoo Art Hotel failed to find and keep their market, the current proprietors have survival lessons to share with everyone in the hospitality industry

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.