Farmer's Weekly - September 13, 2024

In this issue

Optimising stone fruit production with biological control. The new rural living in a smart agri village. Expert
tips for managing calving issues in cattle. Resilient baobabs stand tall against climate change.

The Government of National Unity should bridge the gap when disaster strikes farms

South Africa is hindered by insufficient and incoherent policies regarding disaster relief for farmers, say Dr Theo de Jager and Francois Rossouw of Saai. A solid policy on disaster relief is needed to support farmers, including those recently been affected by the devastating fires that swept across several provinces.

3 mins

More funding needed to flood-proof Olifants River

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer recently handed over R14,98 million to the Citrusdal Water Users’ Association.

2 mins

Plan needed to enhance competitiveness of SA's deciduous fruit canning industry

Dr Heinrich Jantjies, group risk, safety and security director at Tiger Brands, says the deciduous fruit canning industry has been on a decline in South Africa since 2016. He suggests implementing a Deciduous Fruit Canning Industry Recovery and Competitive Plan to turn the industry around.

3 mins

Expanded market brings avocado season success

The South African avocado industry is making headway in India after gaining market access earlier this year. Supported by the World Avocado Organization (WAO), consumers and food businesses in India are being educated about the health benefits of regular avocado consumption and how best to use this fruit in Indian cuisine.

1 min

Zambia, Burundi agree to maximise agri potential

In a bid to capitalise on the livestock and arable land in Zambia and Burundi, the two countries have agreed in principle to review the existing bilateral trade agreement in agricultural products under memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and to bolster foreign exchange earnings.

1 min

Pioneering sustainable farming in Eastern Cape

In the heart of Thornhill in the Eastern Cape, you'll find Crossways Farm Village, South Africa's first contemporary new rural town and smart village. Octavia Avesca Spandiel visited this innovative community, where conservation, agriculture and sustainable living are seamlessly integrated.

5 mins

Planting the seeds of change: the rise of Limpopo's young agripreneurs

Fidelis Zvomuya spoke to two of Limpopo's young agripreneurs about their hopes and ambitions for the future, and how, with the right support, the impossible becomes possible.

5 mins

Africa's unique trees defy climate challenges and continue to flourish

Dr Sarah Venter, a baobab ecologist at the University of the Witwatersrand and the founder and director of the Baobab Foundation, looked at the health of adult baobabs in Southern Africa and then in Africa as a whole to establish if more recent human-induced climate change has started having an effect on these magnificent trees.

4 mins

Preventing and treating reproductive problems in cattle

At a regenerative farming day held earlier this year in Paarl, Western Cape, Willie du Plessis, chairperson of the Southern Dexter Club, shed some light on ways to treat calving and reproductive emergencies. Glenneis Kriel reports.

8 mins

Keeping invasive insects at bay

Featuring an array of delicious fruit from peaches to cherries, stone fruit is attractive to a variety of bugs that can be effectively controlled with integrated pest management, writes Zunel van Eeden.

4 mins

More fungal diseases that can infect beans

Bill Kerr explains the symptoms of angular leaf spot and anthracnose and how to avoid infection in your fields.

2 mins

Double cab's leisure features find favour

The GWM P500 2.0T HEV 4x4 Super Luxury AT has launched in South Africa, and the bakkie takes aim at the more premium, leisure-focused offerings from rival brands. Car Magazine's Marius Boonzaier writes.

2 mins

Managing broodmares and foals profitably and safely

Broodmares and their foals are at high risk of stress, diseases and injuries if their management is suboptimal, says Dr Mac.

2 mins

From street art to feats of engineering, Bristol has it all

Brian Berkman visits the vibrant UK port city of Bristol and says two days are not enough to explore renowned graffiti artist Banksy's hometown and pop in at all the historical taverns.

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.