CATEGORIES

Klein Karoo pomegranate production gets big boost with new processing plant
Farmer's Weekly

Klein Karoo pomegranate production gets big boost with new processing plant

Karoo Pak’s processing plant in Oudtshoorn is set to enhance the financial viability of local pomegranate producers, create jobs and boost the region's economic growth

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2 mins  |
June 28, 2024
Livestock and olive oil production in Sicily rocked by drought
Farmer's Weekly

Livestock and olive oil production in Sicily rocked by drought

Following Italy’s declaration in March of a state of emergency in Sicily, farmers there continue to grapple with the devastating effects of the worst drought the region has seen in two decades.

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1 min  |
June 28, 2024
Government of National Unity should recognise agriculture as a 'force for good'
Farmer's Weekly

Government of National Unity should recognise agriculture as a 'force for good'

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa has warned that the country’s agriculture sector must not become a casualty of politics.

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2 mins  |
June 28, 2024
Global outlook, local strategies for blueberries unveiled
Farmer's Weekly

Global outlook, local strategies for blueberries unveiled

The blueberry industry can look forward to better returns in the coming years. However, farmers are still urged to maximise efficiencies and ensure they select the right cultivars

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2 mins  |
June 28, 2024
Top performers at this year's Muskadel SA Awards
Farmer's Weekly

Top performers at this year's Muskadel SA Awards

Five wine producers received six platinum awards at the 2024 Muskadel SA Awards, held recently in Paarl in the Western Cape.

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1 min  |
June 28, 2024
Rankings place SA ports among world's worst
Farmer's Weekly

Rankings place SA ports among world's worst

In the recently released World Bank and S&P Container Port Performance Index 2023, the Port of Cape Town fell from 347th place in the 2022 rankings, when only 348 ports were ranked, to the bottom of the list at number 405.

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2 mins  |
June 28, 2024
Merino breeding for shows, stud and flock improvement
Farmer's Weekly

Merino breeding for shows, stud and flock improvement

One farmer winning the Merino awards for both the Grand Champion Ewe Fleece and the Reserve Grand Champion Ewe Fleece at the South African National Fleece Championships is a praiseworthy achievement.

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3 mins  |
June 28, 2024
Have you eaten today? Thank a farmer for that
Farmer's Weekly

Have you eaten today? Thank a farmer for that

David Burton, sector director for African agriculture in the UK Department of Business and Trade, says the UK offers sovereign debt finance options to South African farming projects that invest in British technology.

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3 mins  |
June 28, 2024
The private sector still needs to step up
Farmer's Weekly

The private sector still needs to step up

A coalition government won't fix past failures in South Africa, says Lawrence Hamilton, South Africa-UK Bilateral Research Professor in Political Theory for Wits University and the University of Cambridge. Thus, we can expect the private sector to play a bigger role in delivering power, transport and security, he adds.

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5 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Hydrogen: a vehicle emissions reduction alternative?
Farmer's Weekly

Hydrogen: a vehicle emissions reduction alternative?

The current narrative around vehicle electrification typically covers battery cost, raw materials, weight, driving range, or charging infrastructure – all battery electric vehicle issues. There is rarely any discussion around the use of hydrogen as an alternative means of achieving vehicle emission targets. Why this apparent lack of interest?

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5 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Cotton industry comes together to forge a new future
Farmer's Weekly

Cotton industry comes together to forge a new future

A strategic cotton summit held recently in Limpopo was an important step towards creating unity in the industry and a common goal throughout the entire cotton value chain.

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5 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Understanding the basics of chicken abattoirs and related legislation
Farmer's Weekly

Understanding the basics of chicken abattoirs and related legislation

South Africa has strict laws that regulate the slaughtering of animals in commercial abattoirs. In this article, Farmer's Weekly looks at how a chicken abattoir works, what facilities are needed and what the laws are that govern the establishment and operation of such abattoirs.

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6 mins  |
June 21, 2024
New fruit fly species detected in South Africa
Farmer's Weekly

New fruit fly species detected in South Africa

Spotted wing drosophila has been confirmed in South Africa, posing a threat to most fruit production areas. However, efforts are underway to contain and manage the spread, writes Glenneis Kriel.

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3 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Western Cape pet owners urged to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies
Farmer's Weekly

Western Cape pet owners urged to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is urging people to vaccinate their animals against rabies after a confirmed case in Cape Town.

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2 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Concerns arise over potential Irish potato shortage
Farmer's Weekly

Concerns arise over potential Irish potato shortage

Consumers may soon experience a shortage of Irish potatoes, leading to potentially higher prices.

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1 min  |
June 21, 2024
Industry players debate call to extend tariff rebates for imported chicken
Farmer's Weekly

Industry players debate call to extend tariff rebates for imported chicken

The debate over extending tariff rebates on chicken imported into South Africa continues as industry players argue over market dynamics and food affordability.

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3 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Wildlife income dives as minister stays mum on hunting quotas
Farmer's Weekly

Wildlife income dives as minister stays mum on hunting quotas

The South African wildlife industry faces an uncertain future in light of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's delay in publishing this year's annual hunting quota.

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2 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Four apps to improve productivity and more
Farmer's Weekly

Four apps to improve productivity and more

There are a range of apps available on the South African market to help farmers improve efficiency and production. We explore four of them here.

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3 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Fun, games and ancient rites on board the greatest ocean liner still in service
Farmer's Weekly

Fun, games and ancient rites on board the greatest ocean liner still in service

With King Neptune’s permission, pollywog Brian Berkman crossed the equator on board the Queen Mary 2 and is now a proud shellback. He gives the lowdown on the variety of pursuits avaliable on this luxurious ship.

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8 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Choosing the right nitrogen type
Farmer's Weekly

Choosing the right nitrogen type

Various nitrogenous fertilisers are available. Your choice will depend on environmental considerations, cost, availability, and so on, writes Bill Kerr.

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2 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Focus on drones and apps
Farmer's Weekly

Focus on drones and apps

Using drones to ensure the health of your crop

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4 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Female-owned KZN agri-business receives aid
Farmer's Weekly

Female-owned KZN agri-business receives aid

Azowel Projects, a female-owned farming enterprise in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), is nothing if not resilient.

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2 mins  |
June 21, 2024
Deciduous fruit industry celebrates leadership
Farmer's Weekly

Deciduous fruit industry celebrates leadership

Pieter du Toit, director of Dutoit Agri, recently became the third member of the Du Toit family to receive Hortgro’s prestigious OSH Reinecke Frontrunner Award.

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1 min  |
June 21, 2024
Is the polled Merino economically sound?
Farmer's Weekly

Is the polled Merino economically sound?

Polled Merinos are cheaper to produce and have a higher lambing percentage, among other advantages. However, they do come with their own set of issues. John Kingwill of Grootplaats in the Murraysburg district of the Western Cape wanted to breed a more economical sheep under natural conditions. He settled for a polled ram, the founder sire of his 20-year-old stud.

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3 mins  |
June 21, 2024
The big appeal of a small Karoo dorp
Farmer's Weekly

The big appeal of a small Karoo dorp

Van Wyksdorp in the Karoo may not be near to anything, yet exploring its surrounding mountain passes and staying there is a journey very much worth taking.

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4 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
THE HITCHING POST
Farmer's Weekly

THE HITCHING POST

I am a retired man and have been a widower for two years. I would like to hear from fun-loving women between 50 and 60 years of age with a good sense of humour.

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1 min  |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Theft of horsebox wheels: an ongoing problem
Farmer's Weekly

Theft of horsebox wheels: an ongoing problem

When thieves broke in at her farm recently, they came well prepared with the right tools to forcibly remove locknuts on wheels, says Dr Mac.

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2 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
How much nitrogen is enough?
Farmer's Weekly

How much nitrogen is enough?

Nitrogen is key to profitable vegetable farming. However, the application of this element can be overdone, causing crop loss, or underdone, with the same result, writes Bill Kerr.

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2 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Review: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III
Farmer's Weekly

Review: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III

Siyavuya Mbaduli takes a look at Toyota's highly anticipated GR-Sport Ill, which is making a strong entry into the local market as a rugged and ready off-road adventurer.

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3 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Medical cannabis production is easier said than done
Farmer's Weekly

Medical cannabis production is easier said than done

The production of medical cannabis calls for extreme attention to detail and precision, as well as compliance with intricate legislative requirements and official demands. It also calls for perseverance, as Annelie Coleman found out on a visit to medical cannabis producers Coenie and Ilse Venter near Viljoenskroon in the Free State.

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5 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024