When the three Lingenfelder brothers, Albert, Guillaume, and Francois, joined their family fruit farm near Villiersdorp in the Western Cape in 1995, 2002 and 2004 respectively, they were disappointed about the yield per hectare of apples and pears.
In 2008, they joined Two-a-Day Group, and the then technical team, headed by Dr Mias Pretorius, went out of its way to help the brothers increase their tonnages of apples in particular. Today, their farm, Rustfontein, produces 75% more crates of apples than in earlier years and is amongst the top 5% of suppliers to Fruitways, a specialist marketer of apples and pears.
The Lingenfelders' technical adviser, Anton Muller, also has a major influence on their success.
"Anton has the vast industry experience and is a top specialist in his field. We work well with him because we share the same vision and production philosophy," says Albert.
HIGH-DENSITY PLANTING
Albert identifies the switch from traditional to higher planting densities as one of their main game changers. The first apple trees on the farm were planted at 5m x 3m intervals in 1978, and this was reduced over time to 4,5m x 1,5m, and then to 3,5m x 1,5m in 2016.
"Instead of 666 trees/ha, we now have 1905 trees/ha, allowing us to maximise income, while using our land, water and other resources, such as pumps, farm implements, and labour, more efficiently," he explains.
The farm has 110ha planted to apples and 36ha to pear trees, with about one-third of the apple orchards so far being planted at high density.
Guillaume encountered the results of high-density planting first-hand in 2016 when he accompanied Two-a-Day's technical team to Bolzano, Saluzzo, and South Tyrol in Italy to study how the Italians farmed apples.
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の Farmer's Weekly 30 September 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の Farmer's Weekly 30 September 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
