Farmer's Weekly - November 08, 2024

In this issue

Pause in load-shedding do not become complacent. Nurturing disease-free garlic plants. The importance of sustainability for a prosperous agri sector. why The sneezewood’s versatility may lead to its demise.

Get a good bleeding cow

Serum from the blood of a highly immune cow is the best thing for healthy calves, said a large-scale dairy farmer.

3 mins

Collaborative partnerships are the key to unlocking new opportunities for all farmers

The Agricultural Development Agency, in partnership with Absa, hosted an influential Agribusiness Ministerial Stakeholder Dialogue in September at the Maslow Hotel in Pretoria.

2 mins

Promising prospects for South African canned fruit

The outlook for canning fruit production is better than it was last year, but prices might move sideways.

1 min

The best of the best in extra-virgin olive oil

Just over 30 gold medal winners from the SA Olive Awards, held earlier this year, competed for a spot in the 2024 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards, which honours South Africa's 10 highest-ranking extra-virgin olive oils. The winners were announced at an event hosted in Paarl, Western Cape, in mid-October.

1 min

New Zealand scientists' tech targets weeds with laser precision

A group of scientists and engineers based in New Zealand has developed a highly accurate artificial intelligence technology called Map and Zap that uses laser to eradicate weeds.

1 min

Cut VAT on sorghum to secure South Africa's food future, says agri economist

While staple foods like maize meal are zero-rated, sorghum products are subject to 15% VAT, making them less competitive to produce and more expensive for consumers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

2 mins

Beekeepers urged to address forage shortage issue

The growing number of beekeepers in South Africa is compounding existing challenges rather than alleviating them. With soaring honey surpluses and a diminishing availability of forage, experts say the industry is at a crossroads.

1 min

SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'

The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.

2 mins

Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month

Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.

1 min

Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze

John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.

8 mins

The impact of theft on farms in South Africa

A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.

5 mins

Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms

Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.

6 mins

Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming

The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.

5 mins

Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic

Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.

6 mins

Does parrot farming protect wild species?

Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.

3 mins

IPM requires a completely different mindset

You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them

2 mins

Read all stories from {{magazineName}}

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.