Farmer's Weekly - October 18, 2024

In this issue

FW goes to Switzerland: Part 3 Adding value by tracking food trends. Agri education schools and courses in SA. Focus on animal health & nutrition, Dipping, deworming and vaccinating cattle, Providing quality feed for pigs and poultry. Biological crop protection making steady progress. What the future holds for aquaculture.

Efficient management key to successful pig farming

The importance of efficient management and proper recordkeeping in pig production can never be stressed enough.

3 mins

New pear variety promises to improve packouts

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently launched a new blush pear variety called Roselyn.

1 min

White maize: plant now to cash in on higher prices

Irrigation farmers in the eastern parts of South Africa's summer rainfall region have a small window of opportunity to capitalise on higher white maize prices.

1 min

Poultry capital of the US dealt a major blow by Hurricane Helene

The Category 4 storm Hurricane Helene, which hit the southeast coast of the US in late September, claimed the lives of 110 people and likely those of millions of chickens.

1 min

One person, hundreds of animals die in Memel fires

An elderly woman of 80 was killed in the veld fires that destroyed about 50,000 ha in the Memel and Vrede districts of the Free State in the last week of September.

1 min

Plant breeders' rights herald a new world of improved varieties

New technology to create improved varieties is being developed at warp speed. Keep up with it, but take care not to run foul of the laws that protect it

3 mins

Injecting livestock: best practices and vital considerations

Improper injection techniques can lead to animals suffering and the reduced efficacy of medications. Dangerous organisms and parasites can also develop resistance

2 mins

Food trends increase scope for valueadding opportunities

From veganism to upcycling, new food trends present avenues for value-adding and exploring new markets. After a recent visit to Switzerland, Lindi Botha reports on two companies making headway in that country.

7 mins

Aquaculture on the rise

This report focuses on the production and trade of aquaculture and farmed fish over the next decade, and projects where the industry is likely to end up in 2032.

9 mins

How and when to dip, deworm and vaccinate your cattle

Livestock health management has evolved over the decades to include disease prevention and growing farm revenue. The most effective health management strategies are those that include dipping, deworming, and vaccinating animals. Prof Cheryl McCrindle takes a closer look at these practices.

6 mins

The critical role of proper nutrition in pig and poultry production

Proper nutrition is vital for the health and productivity of pigs and poultry. Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and JD Mostert spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about exploring essential nutrients, common feeding mistakes, and best practices for feed safety to optimise livestock growth and reproductive health.

6 mins

Biological crop protection: it's tricky but possible

Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm's uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.

8 mins

Think of your farm as a trial plot in part

Always keep an eye out for different situations on your farm and analyse them so that you can fine-tune your methods and raise your yields. Learn from experience and don't repeat your mistakes

2 mins

South African Bakkie of the Year winners

The winners of this popular competition were announced at Nampo Cape, held in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, in mid-September.

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.