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The Government of National Unity should bridge the gap when disaster strikes farms
South Africa is hindered by insufficient and incoherent policies regarding disaster relief for farmers, say Dr Theo de Jager and Francois Rossouw of Saai. A solid policy on disaster relief is needed to support farmers, including those recently been affected by the devastating fires that swept across several provinces.
Africa's unique trees defy climate challenges and continue to flourish
Dr Sarah Venter, a baobab ecologist at the University of the Witwatersrand and the founder and director of the Baobab Foundation, looked at the health of adult baobabs in Southern Africa and then in Africa as a whole to establish if more recent human-induced climate change has started having an effect on these magnificent trees.
Planting the seeds of change: the rise of Limpopo's young agripreneurs
Fidelis Zvomuya spoke to two of Limpopo's young agripreneurs about their hopes and ambitions for the future, and how, with the right support, the impossible becomes possible.
Pioneering sustainable farming in Eastern Cape
In the heart of Thornhill in the Eastern Cape, you'll find Crossways Farm Village, South Africa's first contemporary new rural town and smart village. Octavia Avesca Spandiel visited this innovative community, where conservation, agriculture and sustainable living are seamlessly integrated.
Preventing and treating reproductive problems in cattle
At a regenerative farming day held earlier this year in Paarl, Western Cape, Willie du Plessis, chairperson of the Southern Dexter Club, shed some light on ways to treat calving and reproductive emergencies. Glenneis Kriel reports.
New Holland to make waves at Nampo Cape
Some exciting new products will be available for public viewing at agricultural manufacturer New Holland's stands at this year's Nampo Cape, says Jaco du Preez, New Holland's marketing manager for Southern Africa.
Students test the new Case IH sprayer series
When Case IH embarked on a roadshow to introduce its new range of Patriot sprayers, the first stop was Thabazimbi, Limpopo, where students from the University of Pretoria's Department of Natural and Agricultural Sciences had the chance to put the new Case IH Patriot 350 through its paces.
Enhancing your soil solution
For plants to thrive, the soil solution must be balanced in terms of nutrient concentration as well as pH and moisture levels
Helping small-scale farmers produce quality maize during a drought
Abeeb Babatunde Omotoso, senior lecturer at Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology at NorthWest University, and Abiodun Olusola Omotayo, senior lecturer and researcher at North-West University, discuss how a mix of old and new techniques produced a superior maize harvest in the dry North West.
Managing large-scale retrenchments
Dismissals due to operational requirements are usually considered the last resort for employers after alternative measures have been considered first
The importance of knowing how to grade slaughter livestock
Whether you're a big or small producer, knowing how to grade your lifestock is essential for the profitability of your business
The three common bacterial leaf diseases of beans.
Bill Kerr gives advice on how to recognise and treat halo blight, common blight and bacterial brown spot in a bean crop.
Using animal impact for better grazing
Simbra farmer Kobus Bester spoke to Zunel van Eeden about the advantages of high-density grazing, which entails the grouping of high numbers of livestock to graze small areas of land over short periods.
Why are Japan's melons so expensive?
Japan is renowned for its culinary delights, including Wagyu beef and expensive melons. In this article, we take a look at why Crown melons fetch such exorbitant prices.
Upsurge in maize exports is expected in 2024/25 marketing season - Agbiz
Local supplies of grains and oilseeds are deemed adequate, as the Crop Estimates Committee places South Africa's 2023/24 harvest of these crops at 15,9 million tons
A simple calf feeding system
An Eastern Free State Farmer used this cheap, effective, labour-saving method to raise his calves.
South Africa makes strides in protecting rhino populations against poaching
A significant drop in the number of rhinos poached was recorded during May and June as a result of dehorning and policing efforts. Lindi Botha reports on the efforts behind this significant development.
Financial management of a farm: the basics of budgeting
Cobus du Plessis explores the fundamentals of budgeting for farm management, explaining its importance, the different types of budgets, and key concepts like fixed and variable costs.
The profound importance of the feed conversion ratio
To grow an aquaculture concern efficiently and profitably, the quality of feed and the price point need to be correct, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
New Zealand abandons green policies to bolster economy
New Zealand’s green credentials are in jeopardy following the government’s decision to backtrack on key environmental reforms in a bid to bolster the economy and live up to the promises it has made to voters, according to Reuters.
Opening the doors to finance for SA farmers
Agriculture is a crucial pillar of South Africa's economy, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to the nation's GDP. However, farmers face numerous challenges, including securing adequate financing to sustain and grow their operations. Cobus du Plessis looks at some of the key features and pros and cons of the financial opportunities available to producers.
'My mentor played a huge role in my success'
According to Vincent Mhlonitshwa, making the transition from a communal to successful commercial farmer requires mentorship. Mike Burgess visited him near Elliot in the Eastern Cape to better understand how a mentor helped establish the foundations on which he built a mixed farming operation on less than 1 500ha.
Choosing the right show for your horses
Should you take your stud horses to an agricultural show or a riding show? It depends on what you want to achieve
Happy, healthy flyers win the big prizes
In this article, the final in a three-part series on pigeon racing, Thomas Smit looks at ways to help your birds settle in a loft, as well as the best nutrition to enhance their health and stamina during long races.
Banking on Beefmasters
The Stapelberg family will be hosting their first Beefmaster production sale in Indwe, Eastern Cape, on 3 September. Marcel Stapelberg, co-owner of the Cornish Beefmasters stud, spoke to Mike Burgess to give him a better understanding of why and how the family established their stud in less than a decade.
Bacterial diseases in beans are your crop's biggest threat
Bill Kerr says he can't overemphasise the importance of making sure that the bean seed you purchase is disease free.
Pomegranate's ruby-red allure is hard to beat
As unfussy as they come, pomegranates are a relatively easy crop to cultivate. With market conditions picking up, the fruit offers first-time, part-time and long-time farmers an attractive option should they find themselves in the right climate.Lindi Botha reports on the success of a farm in Gauteng.
New Spier wine collection highlights the strength of diversity
The recent launch of the Spier Wine Farm Farmer Angus collection also featured insightful talks on the benefits of regenerative farming and community resilience, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Agriculture's massive rail burden
New ways of reducing tariffs on farm livestock and products were under consideration.
French elegance and Hollywood glamour in the heart of Cape Town
Brian Berkman stayed at The Marly Boutique Hotel and Spa, where you can forget about seasonal ups and downs, because the Camps Bay strip cooks all year round.