Farmer's Weekly - November 29, 2024

In this issue

Organisation aims to end hunger with sweet potatoes. The rise of the Boran Cherry production in Gauteng challenging, but possible. Focus on pig farming. The business of starting a piggery. Nutrition and biosecurity.

Get calves' feed exactly right

Give calves dry feed from two to three weeks. Milk alone isn’t enough, said this dairyman.

3 mins

Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions

In a paper published in early November, scientists reveal that pasturelands, in particular those that were once forests, hold great potential for mitigating the effects of climate change.

1 min

Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness

A new study undertaken near George, Western Cape, explored pollination in plum varieties, showing key differences in pollen quality. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the research findings.

2 mins

Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA

It is of vital importance that that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) be upheld following the recent US presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner.

1 min

Harnessing wind for cleaner energy

At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.

5 mins

A bright future awaits SA's Boran

Hurwitz Farming has become synonymous with Boran cattle in South Africa. But it hasn't always been plain sailing. Simeon Hurwitz spoke to Janine Ryan about the increasing popularity of this breed.

10 mins

The business of pig farming: practical steps for success

Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.

5 mins

Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success

JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.

4 mins

Optimising cherry production and quality

Growing cherries in a suboptimal climate requires manipulating trees and temperatures. But with a considerable market advantage, it is worth the effort. Lindi Botha visited ZZ2's Toscana farm, which for four weeks of the year takes prime position in the cherry market.

8 mins

Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production

Instead of buying expensive growing mediums for seedlings, farmers can make their own mixtures from local resources, such as manure, which are economical and produce excellent results

2 mins

The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine

Brian Berkman has had the exceedingly good fortune of spending many nights at the Cape Grace Hotel over the years. He revisits it to find it as impressive as ever.

4 mins

Cutting-edge tech aiding the agri sector

Toyota Material Handling's innovations conserve resources and reduce the environmental footprint of farming operations.

2 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.