FarmBiz - May 2020

In this issue

Livestock theft and those affected by it.
Rooibos post Brexit
The budget speech: Sign of relief or future burden.
Potato farming, The Sernick story, Equipment maintenance, Free-range poultry production.

Livestock Theft: The Short End Of The Stick

Three elements are necessary for a crime to be committed: a willing criminal, a suitable target (property) and the absence of a competent guardian (owner). The current depopulation of rural areas in South Africa is also increasing the opportunity for crime.

4 mins

Rooibos Continues To Enjoy GI Protection Post Brexit

Press release by the South African Rooibos Council

5 mins

The Sernick story: A truly South African one

What are the traits of a great farmer? What makes an award-winning farmer? According to Santam Agriculture, one of the main sponsors of the Agricultural Writers SA Farmer of the Year competition, it is the ability to envision the business as a crucial link in the food value chain – and then to put your money where your mouth is. This is exactly what Nick Serfontein and his team did.

9 mins

A Solid Strategy Against Rising Input Costs

Had it not been for out-of-the-ordinary conditions that made his onions very sought after and expensive in 2000, he probably would not have owned his Soutpansberg farm today.

7 mins

The Pros And Cons Of Free-Range Poultry Production

Free-range poultry production has been enjoying the benefits of a niche market until now.

4 mins

A toast to Hopewell's first harvest

A pilot vineyard project at Hopewell Conservation Estate on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, has achieved its goal of bottling its first harvest.

3 mins

Controlling grain insects in bulk soya bean storage

Insect pests do not only wreak havoc on crops in the field, they can also cause major damage to grain stored in silos.

4 mins

Smart Farming Set To Revolutionise Agriculture

A team of researchers are set to uncover the secrets in the microbiomes that inhabit the rhizosphere – the area around a plant root inhabited by a unique population of micro-organisms – of soil. This research will enable farmers to reduce input costs and maintain or even increase yields.

2 mins

Obligations regarding activities involving an alien or invasive species

The Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (the Regulations) were published on 1 August 2014 (GN R598 in GG 37885 of 1 August 2014, with effect from 1 October 2014) and are aimed at controlling alien and invasive species in South Africa.

4 mins

Two Ways To Grow Potatoes At Home

With the recent disruption of our day-to-day lives, which affected global buying patterns and created fears of limited access to food, there could be no better time to start growing vegetables at home. Potatoes are nutritious and easy to grow, even if you do not have much of a garden. In addition to two easy ways to grow your own potatoes at home, we share a recipe for a hearty meal you can prepare with your harvest.

3 mins

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FarmBiz Magazine Description:

FarmBiz is a unique monthly publication serving the agribusiness industry. This one-of-a-kind publication addresses issues that are pertinent to better production, higher profitability, policy issues, trade and much more. Its readership spans the entire agribusiness sector – from top commercial farmers and the agribusinesses who serve them, to government institutions, opinion leaders and agribusiness consultants.