CATEGORIES

Climate change and organic farming

Consumers and legislators in the EU are pushing for food production methods that neutralise carbon emissions. What impact will this have on food availability, costs, exports and imports? Lindi Botha asked Michaël Wilde, director of Bionext in the Netherlands, a body that represents the organic food industry.

Speakers discuss unlocking Africa's agriculture potential at conference

The continent’s contribution to improving food security across the world was discussed at length at the recent Agri Investment Conference,

Plan for these livestock diseases

After a challenging few months, the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa urges farmers to take note of its latest disease report,

Escaping the commodity trap

Statistics show that, due to inflation, people are spending less on buying fruit,

No cause to panic-buy eggs, but a poultry meat price hike is on the horizon

Consumers need to brace for a possible price hike going into the new year, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Cows on cane make for a winning combination

Thirty-six varied milking cows on 1,2ha with cane tops as the major source of dry matter hardly sounds like a success formula - but the Shaws are making it work.

Up to 95% of farm murder cases unsolved

AfriForum’s report shows that unsolved farm-related crime rate is increasing,

Isuzu hands over three new bakkies to Gift of the Givers

Isuzu Motors South Africa is proud to announce the handover of three new Isuzu D-Max bakkies to humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers, renewing its commitment to amplify efforts to bring critical disaster relief to affected areas, often in hard-to-reach and remote locations across South Africa.

Peace and tranquillity off the grid on a spectacular farm in the Swartland

Dassenheuwel Farm Stay has the orginal farm homestead for families with all the creature comforts, or the cottages for couples. The choice is yours

Racing and racehorses

There are 300 Thoroughbred studs in South Africa and races are held every week

Safeguarding livestock from potentially toxic plant

Dr Asive Luningo from the Department of Paraclinical Science at the University of Pretoria discusses the wild sunflower's impact on livestock.

Getting ready for El Niño: Part 2

It should pay farmers to explore ways to improve their groundwater supplies before El Niño strikes again

Understanding the importance of carrot spacing: Part 2

Spacing for optimum yields of carrots should be adjusted in different regions to achieve the best results

Zimbabwe's Tuli cattle make financial sense and are easy to farm

The Tuli is an iconic beef breed of Zimbabwe that will make any breeder proud, according to Kerry Stewart, Tuli stud breeder and chairperson of the Zimbabwe Tuli Breeders' Society. Annelie Coleman spoke to her and other breeders about the advantages of farming Tuli cattle.

Sunflower production: threatened by stink bugs and fungi

With continuous management of the insects that predate on sunflowers, significant success can be attained with this crop, which is suited to growing in the drier parts of South Africa

Taking care of your farm dog: Part 2

There are many different opinions when it comes to training puppies. Some people say only start at six months, while others say eight months. Well, they are wrong

Power is in our hands to navigate and better manage energy crisis

Erence Manyako, researcher at the Agricultural Research Council's Natural Resources and Engineering division, looks at available technologies to offset continuous load-shedding in South Africa.

Bad news budget policy speech by minister

Minister Enoch Godongwana said economic activity remained severely limited by continued shortages of electricity, deteriorating freight rail performance and slow port operations

Top journalists and farmers announced

Excellence in agricultural journalism was celebrated at the Agricultural Writers Association's Farmer, Agriculturist and New Entrant of the Year Awards held recently in the Western Cape

Programme drives advancement for small-scale farmers in KZN

Livestock and crop farmers in KZN received an agricultural development plan to help grow their income

KZN coffee collective drives growth, investment opportunities in agriculture

A KwaZulu-Natal-based coffee farmer is building a support base to increase coffee farming in rural areas

Paper over plastic for South Africans

The farming industry is encouraged to choose paper packaging for its environment-friendly benefits

Accolades for best dairy farmers of 2023

The country's top achievers in breeding superior animals were recently awarded

Stock and game theft has far-reaching effects for many farmers in South Africa

Farmers have lost faith in law enforcement and are not reporting all crimes

Port chaos poses a threat not just to agriculture but to the entire business sector and economy

In the intricate web of global trade, the efficient movement of goods is paramount. Nowhere is this more evident than in the agriculture sector, where timely transportation of produce is critical to ensuring food security and economic stability.

West Africa can cash in on its plastic waste

Recyling of West Africa's plastic waste, which has also become an urgent environmental issue globally, could be fuelling the region's economy instead of polluting the ocean, say experts.

A historic building with spectacular views and the latest tech enhancements

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town offers a wide range of attractions and accommodations in the heart of the working harbour, says Brian Berkman, who went to see the latest improvements at the centre

Fighting succulent poachers with sniffer dogs

A boost in the global demand for collectable ornamental’ plants has seen the illegal trade in South African succulents rocket in recent years. Mike Burgess explores a new Endangered Wildlife Trust tactic.

Getting the best out of pear orchards

GA Erasmus en Seuns Boerdery in the Western Cape Overberg won the award for the best income per hectare for pears in this year's Two-a-Day Awards Ceremony. George Erasmus and Nico Ferreira spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the farm's pear production strategy.

From a DJ to a farmer

Lubabalo Ngcwembe, Eastern Cape finalist for the 2023 Agricultural Research Council's National Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo Award that aims to honour the county's best emerging beef farmers, is from the Qonce area. Mike Burgess recently visited him to better understand his unique experiences.