CATEGORIES

Groote Post: channelling a crisis into an opportunity

In 2020, South Africa’s wine industry encountered an unusual challenge: a ban on the sale of alcohol as part of the fight against COVID-19. This crisis spurred Groote Post, a family-run wine farm outside Darling, to blend its Internet savvy and tourism offerings with its tradition of winemaking and selling. The farm’s Nick and Peter Pentz spoke to Jeandre van der Walt.

How composting works

Composting speeds up the natural decay of organic material by providing the ideal conditions for detritus-eating organisms to thrive. The result is nutrient-rich soil that helps plants grow.

A formula for successful fynbos production

Nico Thuynsma’s love for all things floral and horticultural, and fynbos in particular, led him to establish a nursery and cut flower operation in the Cullinan area of Gauteng, where he produces proteas and other types of fynbos. Pieter Dempsey spoke to him about his passion for growing these plants.

A High-Performance Disc For Faster Field-Finish

John Deere recently introduced the new 2680H High-Performance Disc, a tillage instrument designed to cover more ground in less time. It is also easy to hitch and unhitch, and requires less maintenance.

Understanding The Effects Of Stress

Animals can suffer stress even during ‘normal’ handling, making them more susceptible to disease.

When Parents And Children Clash

Parent and child can work together on the farm, love each other, state their needs, be heard and learn to negotiate their differences. It starts with respect and compromise, says Trevor Dickinson.

Livestock - How To Auction Your Livestock

Livestock auctions are an important marketing channel for livestock. Here is an overview of how to prepare for an auction and what to expect on the day.

Partnerships put mohair farmer on winning track

Going from a part-time communal farmer to a full-time commercial producer is easier said than done. Eastern Cape farmer Sindile Lloyd James spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he overcame the barriers to entry through his eagerness to learn, and by using strategic partnerships with government and other farmers.

From subsistence to commercial farming

Ga-Mothapo farmer Thabana Mokgohloa grew up looking after his family’s livestock, and in 2009 took over the running of his parents’ farm. With his focus on maize and sheep, he has turned their subsistence farm into a commercial operation. Siyanda Sishuba reports

Case IH hits 1 000-tractor milestone with Maxxum

Agricultural machinery manufacturer Case IH, owned by CNH Industrial, announced recently that sales of its Maxxum tractors in Africa had crossed the 1 000-unit-sold threshold.

Cost-effective irrigation

Over-irrigating costs you money in terms of water and electricity, and may lower your crops’ potential. Under-irrigating is also detrimental. Learn to irrigate properly and at the optimal time, says Bill Kerr.

A charming countryside guest house

Ellas in Greyton offers exceptional food, lovely views and wonderful hospitality, says Brian Berkman.

Why Soils Are Dying, And How We Can Save Them

As much as 60% of South Africa’s soils are degraded, largely because of poor farming practices. This poses a direct threat to food security, says Jaco Koch, a researcher at North-West University’s School of Geo and Spatial Sciences.

Small-Scale Pig Farmers' Biosecurity Challenges

The recent outbreak of African swine fever in South African pig herds has raised concerns over the ability of small-scale pig farmers to implement biosecurity measures. Research conducted by Melissa Cupido at Stellenbosch University details farming practices in these communities and highlights shortfalls in biosecurity and nutrition.

Crispy, beer-battered fish with chips and minted mushy peas

This classic British dish is bound to delight one and all. Make sure that the chips and battered fish remain crispy, and serve them hot! Photo and chips recipe: Potato nation. Batter recipe: taste.com.au.

A sustainable lifestyle on a small, off-the-grid farm

After spending seven years in Zithulele and three in Cebe in rural Eastern Cape, Karen and Roger Galloway bought Heartwood Homestead, a small farm close to East London. Here, they practise regenerative agriculture and use their resources to benefit others through an internship programme.

A rush to victory – and the Victoria Cross

Born to an Irish father and an Afrikaans mother on the Cape Colony’s Eastern Frontier, Joseph Crowe became one of the first South African-born recipients of the Victoria Cross, earning it in India.

Improving nitrogen-use efficiency in wheat

With global fertiliser prices at a two-year high, nitrogen use came under the spotlight at the 2021 SKOG Pre-Plant Information Day. Speaking at the event, agronomist Jacques Smith highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to nitrogen fertiliser management in grain crops.

CROPS - Growing sunflowers: Part 2

Planting dates, plant density and weed control all affect yield. Follow these guidelines to ensure that you produce the best crop possible.

A reader's retreat in the semi-desert

In search of the kind of quiet that only the Klein Karoo can provide, Brian Berkman sojourned at the secluded Kleindoorn Guest House, located on a working farm near the village of Barrydale in the Western Cape.

Unlocking The Potential Of Solar Energy

With solar energy becoming increasingly affordable and reliable, more and more farmers are using it to reduce their electricity costs and dependence on Eskom power. Claude Peters of RenEnergy spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this trend.

Why Plants Need Nitrogen

This element, which is found in the chlorophyll of plants, is responsible for vegetative growth and is therefore crucial to the success of the crop.

Add Veggie Oil To Your Horse Feed

By giving your horse vegetable oil, you will improve its coat and condition, without the side effects of high sugar rations, says Dr Mac.

A New Device For Instant Leaf Analysis

A handheld, hyperspectral leaf imager will enable farmers to measure leaf moisture, chlorophyll content, nutrient level and diseases instantly.

Riding without reins

Teaching yourself to ride without reins will not only improve your balance, but will also improve the balance of your horse, says Dr Mac.

SA's silo certificate system: safe and reliable

Silo certificates form an integral part of trading for those involved in South Africa’s grain industry, according to Johan Strauss, agricultural economy lecturer at the University of the Free State. In an interview with Annelie Coleman, he said the country’s silo certificate system was dependable and highly regarded.

More awards for Valtra G Series

The Valtra G Series tractor has amassed an impressive number of accolades since it was unveiled in August 2020.

Hydrochloric acid dearth could affect citrus industry

The shortage of hydrochloric acid in South Africa could affect the citrus industry, as it is used in packhouses for cleaning.

How to make small-scale farmers more bankable

About 87% of South Africa‘s small-scale farmers have not recovered from the effects of the hard lockdown restrictions imposed last year to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Free State farm attacks up almost 23% year-on-year

Just under 300 attacks, including 37 murders, took place on farms in the Free State between 1 April 2016 and 31 March this year.