Farmer's Weekly - August 23, 2024

In this issue

Inside the Cornish Beefmasters stud. How a mixed- communal farm crossed the commercial threshold. Pomegranates
easy to grow in the right climate.

South Africa makes strides in protecting rhino populations against poaching

A significant drop in the number of rhinos poached was recorded during May and June as a result of dehorning and policing efforts. Lindi Botha reports on the efforts behind this significant development.

3 mins

New Zealand abandons green policies to bolster economy

New Zealand’s green credentials are in jeopardy following the government’s decision to backtrack on key environmental reforms in a bid to bolster the economy and live up to the promises it has made to voters, according to Reuters.

1 min

The profound importance of the feed conversion ratio

To grow an aquaculture concern efficiently and profitably, the quality of feed and the price point need to be correct, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.

4 mins

Financial management of a farm: the basics of budgeting

Cobus du Plessis explores the fundamentals of budgeting for farm management, explaining its importance, the different types of budgets, and key concepts like fixed and variable costs.

4 mins

Opening the doors to finance for SA farmers

Agriculture is a crucial pillar of South Africa's economy, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to the nation's GDP. However, farmers face numerous challenges, including securing adequate financing to sustain and grow their operations. Cobus du Plessis looks at some of the key features and pros and cons of the financial opportunities available to producers.

7 mins

'My mentor played a huge role in my success'

According to Vincent Mhlonitshwa, making the transition from a communal to successful commercial farmer requires mentorship. Mike Burgess visited him near Elliot in the Eastern Cape to better understand how a mentor helped establish the foundations on which he built a mixed farming operation on less than 1 500ha.

4 mins

Banking on Beefmasters

The Stapelberg family will be hosting their first Beefmaster production sale in Indwe, Eastern Cape, on 3 September. Marcel Stapelberg, co-owner of the Cornish Beefmasters stud, spoke to Mike Burgess to give him a better understanding of why and how the family established their stud in less than a decade.

4 mins

Pomegranate's ruby-red allure is hard to beat

As unfussy as they come, pomegranates are a relatively easy crop to cultivate. With market conditions picking up, the fruit offers first-time, part-time and long-time farmers an attractive option should they find themselves in the right climate.Lindi Botha reports on the success of a farm in Gauteng.

7 mins

Bacterial diseases in beans are your crop's biggest threat

Bill Kerr says he can't overemphasise the importance of making sure that the bean seed you purchase is disease free.

2 mins

Happy, healthy flyers win the big prizes

In this article, the final in a three-part series on pigeon racing, Thomas Smit looks at ways to help your birds settle in a loft, as well as the best nutrition to enhance their health and stamina during long races.

5 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.