CATEGORIES

Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle

Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.

Wheat production in South Africa

Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.

Sorghum essential for South Africa

Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.

Why is there a shortage of cocoa beans?

Dr Michael Odijie, a research associate at University College London, explains the reasons for the drop in cocoa-bean production, and what this means for farmers, businesses and chocolate lovers.

Green financing: rewarding those who measure

The race to Net Zero has increased the burden of compliance for farmers, as in addition to administrative tasks, carbon footprints need to be tracked and reported.

Pigs on pasture

Farming pigs on pasture is not commonly practised in South Africa, yet provides multiple benefits to farmers and the environment.

Irish Tech Challenge 2024 launch ignites innovation in South Africa

The Irish Tech Challenge 2024 was officially launched by Irish Government Minister Darragh O’Brien in March as part of a visit to South Africa to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Stay in romantic cabins and commune with nature at the foot of the Outeniqua

Brian Berkman says this forested hideaway feels very remote but ArendsRus is close enough to George to also enjoy the many other nearby attractions.

Brood parasites of the bird world

About 1% of bird species on earth are brood parasites that lay eggs in the nests of other species and outsource their parenting duties. Mike Burgess unpacks the dynamics of this exploitative breeding technique.

Egg-in-a-hole bagel stuffed with avo and bolognaise

Continue celebrating the beginning of the avocado season with this avocado and bolognaise bagel!

Are you deworming your horse too often?

Recent research reveals emerging anthelminthic resistance in equines and intenstinal parasite mutation

The battle of the blades

In this article, Husqvarna explains the difference between automowers, ride-on mowers and traditional mowers to determine which is best for you.

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 3

Bill Kerr addresses nutrient deficiency and some common vegetable pests.

Fodder flow planning for success

In order for beef farmers to remain profitable in terms of cow calf operations, it is critical to manage costs on farm level, says Henco Leicester of Cargill Animal Nutrition.

Measures to protect trade and food security

Although there has been extensive planting of staple crops, dry conditions have been increasing in many parts of SA, necessitating some precautionary steps to ensure the food supply chain.

Frequently asked questions about warnings to staff

It is vital for employers to grasp the nature of warnings and the impact they can have on employees' behaviour, as well as the consequences of issued warnings in the workplace.

SA economy not (yet?) in a recession

While the country narrowly missed a recession in the fourth quarter of 2023, the agriculture sector, although hampered by load-shedding, among other factors, has shown limited growth.

Partnership to boost emerging farmers

A new initiative aims to empower developing farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal and help them transition into small-scale commercial farms.

SAVC president to serve on global veterinary body

The president of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), Dr Nandipha Ndudane, has been elected to represent Africa on the World Veterinary Association (WVA) council from 2024 to 2026.

Citrus growers now responsible for own packaging

Citrus Research International (CRI) has taken a step back from accrediting packaging for citrus growers, allowing each to make their own decisions around quality and pricing.

Spotlight on new pome fruit cultivars

New varieties of apples were presented to various stakeholders at an exhibition, writes Glenneis Kriel.

Concern as invasive fish species takes over Illinois waters

The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently released a report that showed that invasive species of fish had cost the country trillions of dollars over the past 60 years.

Unique branding to curb livestock theft

A new KZN agriculture department project aims to help put an end to stock theft, writes Jyothi Laldas.

South Africa's localisation policy needs a nuanced approach

With the elections now fixed for 29 May, we have come to the end of another five-year cycle in both politics and policymaking. Global disruptors such as the COVID-19 lockdown, geopolitical instability and soaring international freight rates make the past five years a bit difficult to assess.

What 2024 has in store for soya bean

In this article, Zunel van Eeden delves into the socioeconomic and agronomic benefits associated with soya bean production, while also addressing the persistent challenges posed by insect pests and diseases that have threatened harvests over the season and which have impacted many producers.

Bridging the gap between on-farm school leavers and the job market

Brian Berkman reports that a chain of upmarket hotels is talent-scouting in the agriculture sector, looking for school leavers with the potential to train for exciting positions in the hospitality industry and tourism.

Renewable energy: the future of agriculture?

With load-shedding set to stay in the near term, farmers are being forced to invest in renewably energy options. Cobus du Plessis takes a look at some of these.

Red gold: palm oil in West Africa

Pauline von Hellermann, a senior lecturer of Anthropology at the University of London, describes how palm oil came to be a highly prized energy source in West Africa and how the region's 'red gold' empire ended.

An award-winning miniature horse stud in the Eastern Cape

Don't be mistaken: the South African Miniature Horse is not a toy breed but a well-balanced, hardy animal, and if all reference to size were eliminated, would have the same conformational proportions than other full-sized light breeds. Annelie Coleman spoke to the Naudés, who run the Eduan Miniature Horse Stud.

Protests in Poland turn violent

The farmers’ protest in Poland is fast becoming known as the most violent agricultural protest in Europe, according to national media.