CATEGORIES
Russia-Ukraine war continues to wreak havoc on global markets
AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Smith Power's new four-meter disc mower
In early 2022, Smith Power Equipment introduced the Kubota DMC8540R, the widest disc mower with conditioner in its portfolio.
Seizing the opportunity in SA's seed market
Despite South Africa's economy and infrastructure being under severe stress, global agtech company Syngenta is investing in the country's seed market. Gaël Hili, Syngenta's regional director for Europe, Africa and Middle East Seeds, spoke to Susan Marais about the potential that South African agriculture holds.
SA citrus exported through Maputo port again
The Port of Maputo has the capacity to load 300 containers a week.
Micro-cloning powers SA avocado production
Allesbeste Nursery, established in the 1980s, has been expanded many times. Yet the end is still not in sight, according to Zander Ernst, the company's director of marketing and production. Magda du Toit asked him about the history of Allesbeste and its pioneering efforts to improve South Africa's avocado production.
FMD is not going away
Foot-and-mouth disease is costing the South African livestock industry billions of rands. Unfortunately, the disease will endure, and a national traceability system is the only solution to the problem.
Danie Theron: fearless fighter, bold leader
An impressive 25m-high monument near Fochville in Gauteng commemorates the bravery and death of one of the most respected Boer fighters of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), writes Mike Burgess.
Legal and regulatory policies impeding agri financing in Africa
AGRI-FINANCE
How new farmers can get the funds they need
Stellenbosch University academics Nick Vink and Johann Kirsten emphasise the importance of subsidies for developing farmers, and suggest a workable subsidy programme to allow for this.
First-aid basics for small-scale poultry farmers
Commercial poultry producers have their own vets on call, but it's not always easy for small-scale farmers to reach a vet in an emergency. In the final segment in our series on livestock first aid, Prof Cheryl McCrindle looks at fundamental healthcare for chickens.
Farming tips for winter
Many communal farmer households run cattle and have fruit trees to provide fresh produce for the family or as a business initiative. In winter, you need to pay special attention to both animals and plants
Dealing with strikes and violence: the toughest job of all
When facing labour unrest, you have to manage the situation carefully. This can be extremely difficult, which is why it's so important to get professional help to manage the situation
A Look at Alternative Food Sources
In a new report, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations looks at alternative food options that could be used to feed the world’s growing population. However, as the report shows, not all of these options are feasible yet, and steps for safety assessment regarding human consumption might be required.
'Agriculture Is a Journey, Not a Race'
Achmad Brinkhuis was named the Agricultural Writers SA's New Entrant for Farming in 2021. He spoke to Lindi Botha about his egg and vegetable operation, and the challenges and opportunities facing his business.
Read this before growing tomatoes
Tomato production can be highly profitable, but you need to choose your tomato type and cultivar with care, says Bill Kerr.
Moving South Africa's apple industry forward
Cape Sweet Nursery is revolutionising the production of apple plant material on dwarfing rootstocks. Farmer Retief du Toit and ZZ2 production manager Hendrik Pohl spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their work.
Tips for small-scale poultry producers
Gladys 'Nana' Towbola of Peezel Farms not only farms broilers and layers, but is passionate about uplifting other small-scale growers through regular workshops. She spoke to Susan Marais about what it takes to start and run a small poultry farm.
Hertzogville Show 2022
The Hertzogville Show was held on 11 and 12 March. There were six cattle breeds and 145 cattle on show, and champions were crowned in each category.
Give buchu a go!
Approximately 80% of buchu essential oils are used in the food and flavour industry to enhance fruit flavours.
Fighter ace, aviation pioneer, bold leader: the remarkable career of Quintin Brand
Quintin Brand had extraordinary flying skills, and put them to full use as a fighter ace and a record-breaking London-to-Cape Town pilot. He was also a superb strategist during the Battle of Britain.
Energy storage can enhance SA agriculture
Energy-related challenges pose a significant obstacle to the agriculture sector's continued growth in South Africa, says Abe Cambridge, founder, and CEO of The Sun Exchange, which specializes in solar-energy projects.
Rabies cases still on the rise in South Africa
Due to people in farming communities keeping higher numbers of dogs, rabies is more prevalent in rural areas.
KZN flood damage adds to pressure on milk volumes
South Africa‘s milk producers remain under pressure due to challenges such as animal disease outbreaks.
Straight hocks and lameness
According to a new study by British veterinarians, horses with very straight hocks are highly likely to experience lameness due to inflammation of the superficial digital ligament.
R17 billion needed for reconstruction after devastating flooding in KwaZulu-Natal
According to the latest calculations by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, R17 billion is needed to repair the damage caused by the recent floods in the province.
Optimal irrigation for perfect blueberries
Since blueberry cultivation requires a lot of water, making every drop count is key to the sector’s survival in a water-stressed country like South Africa. Farmer Wikus Strauss spoke to Lindi Botha about his methods.
Nampo Harvest Day: The rise of a global agricultural megastar
After a two-year absence from the agricultural calendar, Grain SA’s Nampo Harvest Day, the biggest agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere, is ready to make a spectacular comeback, says Toit Wessels, Grain SA’s assistant manager for marketing and Nampo.
Insect decline driven by climate change and farming – report
A new study has found that in areas with high-intensity agriculture and substantial warming of the climate, insect numbers have plunged by 49% and the number of different species by 27%.
How to optimise beef cattle production
Optimisation of the environment is the single most important requirement for sustainable beef production, according to animal scientist Hennie Snyman. For that to happen, the implementation of precision farming principles is of the essence, he says.
Fruit Logistica attendance positive for fruit industry
The recent Fruit Logistica Berlin 2022 exhibition in Germany hosted 40 000 buyers and trade visitors from about 130 countries, as well as 2 000 exhibitors from 87 countries.