CATEGORIES

Bonsmara Breeders Team Up To Achieve 100% Sales Success

Due to its insistence on uncompromising quality, Frontier Bonsmaras in the Eastern Cape has sold every one of the bulls on offer at its annual sales over the past 12 years. Sabrina Dean joined the group on this year’s pre-sale tour to find out how the event fits into Frontier’s formula for success.

Growing Tomatoes: Part 1

Tomatoes are an important part of our diet, as well as being highly nutritious. Bill Kerr tells us more about this versatile fruit, and the varieties that are most suitable for growing at home.

When Six Is Better Than Four

Improvements have resulted in far more powerful four-cylinder tractor engines. But Case IH has bucked the trend, adding a six-cylinder engine to its Maxxum range.

Chicken Thighs With An Ancient Seasoning

The superb flavour of this quick and easy dish comes from an extremely old Middle Eastern seasoning, za’atar, that is still a mainstay in the region. For the chicken, use thighs rather than breasts; they are more succulent and offer superior flavour.

Kalahari Farmer

46 YEARS AGO A farmer in the normally dry Kalahari stunned his neighbours when he produced a bumper crop of watermelons, beans, maize, pumpkins and sunflower.

Wind Farms: Huge Potential In South Africa, Big Opportunity For Farmers

Fickle power supply and ever-increasing tariffs are spurring South Africa’s agriculture sector to look at alternative sources of electricity. Jacobus Treurnich, the land rights manager of G7 Renewable Energies, spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about wind farms and the opportunities that farmers will have to rent out their land for wind-generated power.

Digital Revolution Links Fresh Produce Farmers And Buyers

For those already using it, a newly launched and innovative online trading platform is reportedly revolutionising the way that South Africa’s fresh produce sellers and buyers conduct their typically time-sensitive and demanding trading with each other. HelloChoice’s co-founders explain how the platform works and its benefits to both sellers and buyers.

The Future Of Boer Goats In South Africa

Boer goat stud breeders from across the country were in Bloemfontein at the start of May to participate in the annual Boerbok, Kalahari Red and Savanna World Show. Sabrina Dean spoke to Boer goat breeders Kobus Lötter, Andries Vollgraaff, Casper Byleveld and Lukas Burger about the current state of the Boer goat industry, and what the future holds for it.

Glanders: What You Should Know

While glanders is no longer present in South Africa, it is still found in other regions and can be brought back into the country through the importation of equines, says Dr Mac.

Save Money When Harvesting Coffee

The Coffee Express 200 Multi self-propelled coffee harvester is coming soon, says Joe Spencer.

If They're Wild, They're Out

Johan Blomerus, a Free State Brahman breeder, selected his animals based on their temperament.

The Cost Of Human Error On The Environment

Speaking at a technical information day hosted by the Dried Fruit Technical Services and Canning Fruit Producers’ Association, environmentalist Dave Pepler focused on individual responsibility in terms of climate change and damage to the environment.

Some Reasons To Celebrate

Crime has hit our community!

The ‘Stolen' Pulpit And Pews: The Story Of An Eastern Cape Church

During the Anglo-Boer War, the NG Church in Adelaide, Eastern Cape, became the headquarters of the British garrison and suffered damage to its woodwork. Soon after the war, the church was adorned with a brand-new pulpit and pewss – by mistake!

Dealing With Navicular Disease

This condition causes chronic lameness in both front legs of a horse. Although there is no cure, it can be managed with special shoeing and anti-inflammatory drugs, says Dr Mac.

The Rear-Wheel-Drive Beam Axle

This type of axle is fitted to most trucks and SUVs. Jake Venter explores the advantages and disadvantages of various designs.

Ensuring Optimal Yields In Sunflower Production

There are many factors that play a role in seed set and eventual yield in sunflower production of which farmers may not even be aware.

SA Cherry Exports Quadruple

Cherries may have excellent potential as an alternative crop, and despite production being small in the Western Cape, export volumes have more than quadrupled over the past four years, according to provincial economic opportunities minister Alan Winde.

Unique Fund Aims To Generate 1 700 Jobs Over Three Years

Hortfin was launched in October last year to create jobs and accelerate transformation in South Africa’s deciduous fruit, table grape and wine industries. Michael Brinkhuis, CEO of Hortfin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the fund and the progress it has made so far.

A Tilapia Model That SA Should Be Emulating

Large-scale cage culture and ownership of the supply chain has enabled a number of countries to produce thousands of tons of tilapia annually. There is little reason why this cannot take place in South Africa.

The Sweet Potato Weevil Hazard

The most destructive pest faced by sweet potato growers in the warmer areas of South Africa is the sweet potato weevil (Cylas spp), of which there are two species in the country.

Cowboy Dressage In South Africa

This riding discipline emphasises the partnership between horse and rider

Oil Change Intervals

When should engine oil be changed? It depends on how and where you drive, and whom you talk to in the motor industry,

Gene Editing: This Is How You'll Benefit

Recent breakthroughs in gene editing technology mean that advancements in the industry can be brought to the farm faster, cheaper and more accurately than before. The result is plants and livestock that are naturally more resistant to disease, crops that are higher yielding, and ultimately, more sustainable, profitable farms.

New Production Trend Hits South Africa

The implementation of regenerative agriculture principles is allowing a growing number of farmers to reduce their inputs while producing similar or even better yields than they would have produced if they used conventional farming practices. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Financing Farming During A Drought

Finding money for agriculture during a drought is difficult. The South African agriculture sector, farmers and financiers alike, is facing a perfect storm, according to Prof Sanlie Middelberg of the School of Accounting Sciences at North-West University. She spoke to Annelie Coleman.

Managing Capsicum Seedlings

Capsicums will grow in a wide range of soil types. The crop should be fertilised according to a soil analysis; this will ensure that the level of each essential element is sufficient and all the elements are in balance with one another.

New Technology, New Techniques

Three manufacturers of agricultural equipment recently introduced enhancements to improve the efficiency of their machines and implements. Joe Spencer takes a closer look at these.

The Nitrate Form Of Nitrogen

The nitrate form of nitrogen is highly mobile in the soil. The way in which you apply it will determine how long the plants will have access to it.

How Award-Winning Broiler Producer Stayed The Course

Bhefika Matshenja of Inhlakanipho Projects and Farms, winner of the Star of Buhle Award for 2019, says that by implementing sound management principles, such as reinvesting profits, he has been able to see his business grow.