Growing gerberas in a volatile market

In this second article of a three-part series, florist Carol Sutherland spoke to Tania Henkel, who runs Imbali Cut Flowers in Gauteng, about the challenges of producing gerberas, also known as Barberton daisies.

Astute marketing drives avocado consumption

South Africa's avocado industry has attained the holy grail in marketing for a non-essential product: getting consumers to feel they need it rather just want it. The resulting sales growth has boosted the industry despite recent economic and supply constraints. Glynnis Branthwaite, owner of Protactic Strategic Communications, and Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop, spoke to Lindi Botha about this intensive and ongoing marketing effort.

South Africa's black farmers and the 'Karan merger'

If all parties, including government, do what they're supposed to, Karan Beef's merger with SK Caine should open up lucrative opportunities for black farmers in the beef value chain, says Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

Misconduct vs incapacity

Madeleine Els describes the difference between misconduct and incapacity, and the effect each has on the business. She stresses why it is important for employers to understand the difference between the two.

Want higher prices for your calves? Dehorn them!

In crushes and while being transported on trucks, cattle with sharp horns can inflict severe injuries to one another, reducing the price of such animals. Dehorning is the only effective solution, says Shane Brody.

Why no manager is an island

When English metaphysical poet John Donne wrote 'No man is an island', he meant that people need each other and are better together than they are in isolation. Management is just like that, says Peter Hughes.

Persistent inflationary pressures reflected in most produce items

Numerous challenges, ranging from rolling blackouts to adverse weather conditions, have beset South Africa's fresh produce sector since late last year. Absa AgriBusiness examines these market dynamics in detail.

South Africa's sheep farmers under pressure

South Africa's sheep industry has continued to decline due to the effects of devastating drought in some parts of the country, as well as lower prices in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rice-breeding breakthrough offers hope of feeding billions

An international team, led by scientists from the University of California, Davis in the US, has succeeded in propagating a commercial hybrid rice strain as a clone through seeds with 95% efficiency.

SA study offers new insight into grapevine mites

Grape farmers have long assumed that one species of grapevine mite causes bud strain and leaf galls, while others produce blisters and leaf curl.

UK farmers must adapt food production to climate change

Farmers in the UK are having to change where and what crops they grow due to rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and prolonged periods of dry weather that are the result of climate change.

Taking communal farming to the next level

The members of a development project undertaken by AfriForum, the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI) and the Boiphitlhelelo Co-operative of Noga's Post in the Barolong Boo-Seleka Kingdom in the Free State recently harvested their second grain crop.

Can the agriculture sector overcome some of the hurdles in its way in 2023?

POLICY PERSPECTIVE

Rolling blackouts disrupting farming and agribusinesses

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Raising pigs in the open: Part 2

In this second instalment of a two-part article that focused on raising pigs in outdoor enclosures, and how such a system could be profitable for farmers, we continue with housing for gestating sows.

Donate veggie seed packets to help others feed their families in a sustainable way

Give a person vegetables, and you feed them for a day; empower a person to grow their own vegetables, and they will feed themselves and their loved ones for a lifetime.

Elephant poaching: solutions to the scourge

Elephant poaching rates vary greatly across Africa, say Timothy Kuiper, postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Cape Town, and Eleanor Jane Milner-Gulland, Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Oxford. In this article, they suggest reasons for these differences, and how to fight the problem.

Stutterheim: brave soldier, troubled man

Baron Richard von Stutterheim was a courageous officer on the battlefield, but his love of luxuries and gambling brought him to bankruptcy. Graham Jooste tells us about the man after whom the Eastern Cape town is named.

Unspoilt nature and excellent amenities beckon along lush river banks

The Touws River, which runs through the Wilderness area of the Garden Route, offers visitors the opportunity to paddle, birdwatch, relax and hike to their hearts’ content, says Brian Berkman.

An adventure in the Kia Sorento: Part 2

Alex Shahini of CAR magazine takes on the tough conditions of Lundin’s Nek and Naude’s Nek in the all-wheel-drive Sorento.

The pre-purchase veterinary examination

Before you buy a horse, ask your veterinarian to give it a thorough examination, advises Dr Mac.

Creating a fruit tree orchard on a plot

Ensure that your property can accommodate an orchard before getting to work on the actual layout and planting phase.

When to wean beef calves

There are ways to prevent or cure most cucurbit diseases, but there's no known way to cure a virus once it has infected the plant, warns Bill Kerr.

Why viruses are the biggest threat to your cucurbits

There are ways to prevent or cure most cucurbit diseases, but there's no known way to cure a virus once it has infected the plant, warns Bill Kerr.

No more time to waste

Through responsible waste management, farmers can avoid polluting the surrounding agroecosystem, says environmental specialist Alistair Galloway.

How plants' roots can protect them from climate change

Malcolm Bennett, professor of plant sciences, and Poonam Mehra, a postdoctoral fellow in biosciences, both at the University of Nottingham in the UK, write about the amazing system that plants use to shape their roots, and why it could help protect crops from the effects of climate change, such as floods and droughts.

A quick guide to South Africa's deadliest snakes

The majority of snake species are, for the most part, completely harmless; however, there are a few whose venomous bites can cause the deaths of humans and animals alike. Janine Ryan looks at some of South Africa's most dangerous snakes, and offers tips for treating snakebites prior to obtaining medical attention.

Surviving in a volatile flower market: Part 1

Carol Sutherland, a florist for almost 30 years, has seen many changes in South Africa's flower industry. For this first article of a three-part series, she spoke to Leon Pretorius, manager of Pretorius Blomme near Delmas in Mpumalanga, about how he has adapted his business to an increasingly demanding market.

A unique soil extract for healthier crops, animals

Andrew Geddes, director of AlgJem Global Trading, explained to Glenneis Kriel how L'équilibre de la Nature's unique range of products, made from soil extracts, can restore the natural balance in soil and livestock.

Cut emissions to sustain red meat industry

Mitigating the effects of climate change is part of the Red Meat Producers' Organisation's efforts to ensure a sustainable future for the industry.