CATEGORIES

When short-term rentals make sense

Bianca Smit, national operations manager at CFAO Equipment SA, outlines factors to consider when choosing a rental equipment partner.

The timing of onion sowing is critical

Each onion variety has a different resistance to bolting, thus growers need experience and knowledge to guide them,

Understanding cannabis and hemp regulations in South Africa

South Africa's cannabis and hemp regulations remain a topic of debate and uncertainty, particularly when it comes to commercial use and small-scale production. Cannabis experts Shaad Vayej and Trenton Birch spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the challenges that small-scale cannabis and hemp farmers face.

European seed's influence on the US cannabis market

The expansion of European cannabis seed onto the US market is not just about economic growth; it’s also about enriching the landscape of US cannabis with diversity, innovation and education,

'It's important to get the right tool for the job'

The adoption of technology is crucial to sustaining efficiency gains and beating the cost-price squeeze in the agriculture sector.

A brilliant bushveld break between Bela-Bela and Modimolle

The distinctive touch, diligence, and 24/7 customer care are just a few of the reasons you should visit four-star Tourism Council-graded Pumula Game Farm,

John Deere: elevating performance and efficiency in modern farming

In the fast-paced world of farming, the right tools make all the difference.

The naval disaster Winston Churchill tried to hide

Three British warships were sunk by German naval gunfire on a dark day early in World War II, but the heroes who fought back received only muted recognition, possibly to avoid bad publicity,

Breaking down the principles of regenerative farming

Jean Hugo, a post-graduate student at the Tshwane University of Technology, and Leon Hugo, author on environmental matters and former professor of geography at the University of Pretoria, write about the importance of regenerative agriculture for small-scale farmers, and the challenges related to making the shift.

Ectoparasite control: more tips for livestock farmers

To reduce the mayhem that uncontrolled ectoparasites can create for communal farmers, it’s best to adopt a holistic approach in conjunction with veterinary remedies,

Fly outbreak a concern for livestock producers in Gauteng

Jaco Taute, chairperson of the Red Meat Producers‘ Organisation in Gauteng, said that urgent action needed to be taken for farmers to protect the red meat industry in the province.

Maltabella discontinuation highlights impact of VAT on SA's sorghum industry

With the discontinuation of Maltabella, Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on how value-added tax has hindered sorghum’'s affordability and competitiveness.

The Toyota Corolla Cross raises the bar

The Corolla Cross is the best-selling SUV in South Africa, but it faces growing competition from the influx of SUVs from China. To make sure it stays ahead of the pack, Toyota has introduced a range of updates to the facelifted model,

'Dexters carry us through the drought'

The Helmeringhausen Farmers’ Association’s Dexter cattle project was honoured by the Namibia Agricultural Union as the 2024 NAU-Feedmaster Community Project of the Year. Association chairperson Jörg Gaugler spoke to Annelie Coleman about this unique project and the difference it makes in the farming community.

The future of farming: innovative agritech

As agriculture continues to evolve in the face of climate change, economic pressures, and global food security challenges, South African farmers are turning to innovative technology to enhance productivity and sustainability. Cobus du Plessis reports on the latest technological advancements.

Czech Republic leads charge to ban EU poultry cage farming

In a meeting in December 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, the Czech Republic urged other EU nations to ban chicken cage farming, saying all member states should follow the same rules.

Good pickings with pigs

In this article, a farmer had doubts about pig farming, until he reaped the dividends.

Artificial intelligence isn't a gimmick; it's a potent productivity booster

Those who master artificial intelligence will have a huge advantage in the years to come. Start experimenting with it and experience the potential it has to bring knowledge to your fingertips,

R7 million boost for hemp farmers in Coega

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) took a step forward in supporting the Eastern Cape’s burgeoning cannabis industry with the distribution of R7 million worth of hemp seeds to 26 local farmers at the Coega Medigrow facility in the Coega Special Economic Zone in Gqeberha.

Equipping young South Africans to transform food waste into resources

At the start of each new year, attention naturally shifts to education.

Cape mountain zebra conservation efforts praised

While the overall zebra population in Africa is decreasing, recent conservation efforts have sparked hope for the future of the Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) in South Africa.

'Always look for new opportunities to learn and grow'

When Dr Miekie Human began her undergraduate studies in 2011, she couldn't have known that she'd one day become the science and policy manager at the South African National Seed Organisation, where she now advocates for a sustainable seed industry. She spoke to Magda du Toit about her career path and passion for research.

Passionate about nurturing personal and professional growth in the agriculture sector

Dr Nicole Hart, CEO of Afrikelp, a leading manufacturer of liquid seaweed biostimulants, stands as an inspiring figure in the agricultural landscape. She spoke to Magda du Toit about her thoughts on success and leadership, as well as the role of women in agriculture and science.

Essential accounting concepts every farmer should know

Cobus du Plessis explores fundamental financial principles that every farmer should understand, including the differences between assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and fixed and variable costs. He also looks at cash flow management, tax basics, risk management, budgeting, and managing unforeseen costs.

Managing farm debt: strategies for financial stability

While adverse conditions like droughts and market volatility cannot be controlled, debt can be managed. Cobus du Plessis advises farmers on how to approach debt during difficult financial times.

The benefits of getting your show horse used to the water

It's a good idea to get show horses used to water in the summer rainfall areas. Dr Mac explains why you should do this, and how.

The intricacies of growing onions

Bill Kerr writes about the complexities of growing onions and the many factors one needs to consider in order to achieve success with this crop.

Essential accounting concepts every farmer should know

Cobus du Plessis explores fundamental financial principles that every farmer should understand, including the differences between assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and fixed and variable costs. He also looks at cash flow management, tax basics, risk management, budgeting, and managing unforeseen costs.

Women are 'saviours' or 'victims' in the climate change debate: why this is a problem

By avoiding the portrayal of women as either 'victims' or 'saviours' in climate and development literature, we can ensure that building sustainable economies does not reproduce gender injustices, write Prof Naila Kabeer, researcher Chung-Ah Baek, and Prof Deepta Chopra.

Smart strategies for conserving water on Cape fruit farms

South Africa is facing increasing levels of water stress, marked by erratic rainfall patterns and longer periods of drought. Lindi Botha looks at five case studies of fruit farms in the Western Cape, where the producers are implementing smarter water-management strategies to make every drop count.