CATEGORIES

Keep fertilising when starting your regen agriculture journey

Regenerative farming relies on restoring soil to its optimum health so it can sustain food crops without the use of synthetic inputs. But does that mean fertilisers have no place in a regenerative system? Lindi Botha reports.

How to become a fresh produce powerhouse - lessons from Spain

The Almería region in Spain is proof of what can be achieved when the whole agriculture sector stands united to work towards a mutually beneficial goal. Returning from a recent visit to the region, Lindi Botha reports on how farmers, researchers and banks have joined forces to become a major player in fresh produce production.

Direct transfers of property to third parties under the Expropriation Bill

Dr Anthea Jeffery, head of Special Research at the South African Institute of Race Relations, says that President Cyril Ramaphosa must refer the Expropriation Bill of 2020 back to the National Assembly, due to the lack of public involvement in the writing of the Bill.

Spain's idyllic pig farming has a product that doesn't come cheap

Amidst the range of delicacies to be enjoyed in Spain, Iberian ham is both a culinary delight and a farming marvel. Lindi Botha visited Spain to find out what it takes to produce the most expensive ham in the world.

R17m donation of tractors, bulls and infrastructure

Small-scale farmers in KwaZulu-Natal have been given an opportunity to grow into sustainable commercial businesses through a holistic integrated programme that will provide mechanisation, infrastructure and sector expertise.

Top dairy products revealed

Lactalis South Africa has won the South African Dairy Product of the Year Award for six of the past eight years. This year it won with a 10-month-old Gouda made especially for Woolworths.

Poor waste management highlighted on Earth Day

Most of South Africa’s waste ends up in dumps, if not strewn across open spaces or littering streams and oceans.

Kenya hosts soil health summit

The health of African soil was discussed at length by gathering of experts, writes Jeff Kapembwa.

Report shows the impact that heat has on agricultural workers

The UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO) recently released a report showing the impact of climate change on the health of workers.

Factors to bear in mind when dipping livestock

It is important to consider the intervals at which you dip livestock in relation to the specific season in which ticks become more or less, writes Shane Brody.

Good outlook for pome fruit

Varieties of fruit could be the key in growing the pome fruit sector, writes Glenneis Kriel.

Building a sustainable agriculture sector in the Western Cape

Technology, research, financial mentorship and more will be required, writes Marinda Louw Coetzee.

PwC research shows food crisis impact

A new report details how the looming food crisis will affect Africa, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Braaied meat and soft-boiled egg Thai salad

This salad with maize, peanuts and eggs will turn leftover braai meat into a completely different meal. Recipe and photo: South African Poultry Association.

The importance of planning

Planning goes hand in glove with good recordkeeping.

Dealing with spear thistle

Tokozwayo Sive, a production scientist who specialises in pasture science at Animal Production Improvement Research and Development at the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, suggests ways to control an invasion of spear thistle.

Provençal bliss in the Western Cape's French corner

Brian Berkman wonders if a trip to France is really necessary when Franschhoek offers so many delights Francophiles will enjoy.

Seek and destroy: bio-soldiers for healthy crops

Bio-controls are an increasingly favoured method of dealing with crop pests as they provide a long-term solution to farmers that does not negatively impact market access. Lindi Botha reports on how bio-controls should be approached for maximum success.

Dexter cattle find their niche in regenerative farming systems

The Dexter cattle breed is proving its mettle as a regenerative farming tool in the Western Cape's intensive farming systems. Glenneis Kriel reports on advice given at a recent farmers' day.

Twenty years and still going strong

Elliot Tractor Works, a repair and maintenance centre for all makes of tractors, was launched in 2004 on the outskirts of Elliot in the Eastern Cape by Craig Davidson and his father, Francis. Two decades later it has diversified to include a sales and manufacturing division despite numerous challenges.

The Constitution: bedrock of democracy

Richard Calland, an associate professor in Public Law at the University of Cape Town, explains how, despite South Africa's Constitution having been challenged for the past 30 years, it has held firm.

Nampo Harvest Day is here!

Since its founding more than 50 years ago, Nampo Harvest Day has led the way in showcasing agricultural innovation in South Africa on a single, comprehensive platform.

Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?

Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.

In it for the win and so much more

The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7

It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.

A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests

Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.

Changing the potential of your soil

By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.

A smart farm springs up and empowers locals

An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.

Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows

Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.

Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation

Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.