CATEGORIES

Where history and modernity meet in a luxurious setting

Brian Berkman kept his eyes peeled for ghosts in the oldest continuously run hotel in South Africa, but all he found was a fabulous two-night stay.

THE HITCHING POST

I'm a stylish elderly lady with a radiant glow and a good sense of humour that keeps me young at heart.

Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!

Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop damage.

Does high-density grazing mimic grazing patterns of game?

In their paper on high-density grazing in Southern Africa, professors Angelinus Franke and Elmarie Kotzé from the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State say high-density grazing systems may not accurately reflect natural ecosystems. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.

Global grain outlook: 2024/25 marketing season

In its latest summer crops report, the Crop Estimates Committee says South African farmers intend to plant 4,47 million hectares of summer grains and oilseeds in the 2024/25 season, up 1% from the previous season. As South Africa exports maize and soya bean, Annelie Coleman reports on the latest trends in the international grain and oilseed markets, amid fluctuations in weather conditions and ongoing armed conflicts.

Drought, through the eyes of farmers

Namibia is experiencing its worst drought in 100 years. Annelie Coleman spoke to several farmers in the Mariental district, who shared their experience of the impact of several rainless years.

Polluters must pay: how COP29 can help

With legislation to tax polluters and make them pay for past pollution, the climate change conference can advance measures that hold polluters responsible, writes environmental sociologist Llewellyn Leonard.

Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid

A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom

IPM requires a completely different mindset

You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them

Does parrot farming protect wild species?

Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.

Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic

Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.

Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming

The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.

Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms

Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.

The impact of theft on farms in South Africa

A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.

Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze

John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.

Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month

Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.

SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'

The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.

Beekeepers urged to address forage shortage issue

The growing number of beekeepers in South Africa is compounding existing challenges rather than alleviating them. With soaring honey surpluses and a diminishing availability of forage, experts say the industry is at a crossroads.

Cut VAT on sorghum to secure South Africa's food future, says agri economist

While staple foods like maize meal are zero-rated, sorghum products are subject to 15% VAT, making them less competitive to produce and more expensive for consumers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

New Zealand scientists' tech targets weeds with laser precision

A group of scientists and engineers based in New Zealand has developed a highly accurate artificial intelligence technology called Map and Zap that uses laser to eradicate weeds.

The best of the best in extra-virgin olive oil

Just over 30 gold medal winners from the SA Olive Awards, held earlier this year, competed for a spot in the 2024 Absa Top 10 Olive Oil Awards, which honours South Africa's 10 highest-ranking extra-virgin olive oils. The winners were announced at an event hosted in Paarl, Western Cape, in mid-October.

Promising prospects for South African canned fruit

The outlook for canning fruit production is better than it was last year, but prices might move sideways.

Collaborative partnerships are the key to unlocking new opportunities for all farmers

The Agricultural Development Agency, in partnership with Absa, hosted an influential Agribusiness Ministerial Stakeholder Dialogue in September at the Maslow Hotel in Pretoria.

Get a good bleeding cow

Serum from the blood of a highly immune cow is the best thing for healthy calves, said a large-scale dairy farmer.

South African Bakkie of the Year winners

The winners of this popular competition were announced at Nampo Cape, held in Bredasdorp, Western Cape, in mid-September.

Think of your farm as a trial plot in part

Always keep an eye out for different situations on your farm and analyse them so that you can fine-tune your methods and raise your yields. Learn from experience and don't repeat your mistakes

Biological crop protection: it's tricky but possible

Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm's uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.

The critical role of proper nutrition in pig and poultry production

Proper nutrition is vital for the health and productivity of pigs and poultry. Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and JD Mostert spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about exploring essential nutrients, common feeding mistakes, and best practices for feed safety to optimise livestock growth and reproductive health.

How and when to dip, deworm and vaccinate your cattle

Livestock health management has evolved over the decades to include disease prevention and growing farm revenue. The most effective health management strategies are those that include dipping, deworming, and vaccinating animals. Prof Cheryl McCrindle takes a closer look at these practices.

Aquaculture on the rise

This report focuses on the production and trade of aquaculture and farmed fish over the next decade, and projects where the industry is likely to end up in 2032.