The precision agriculture benchmark: are we there yet?

The precision agriculture approach was introduced many years ago. Today, as it becomes even more widely used, it is important to measure the adoption of this method of farming supported by technology and assist producers in strategising and defining new goals. Stehan Cloete writes.

From rags to riches with fruit farming

When Kitty du Plessis’s husband lost his farming job, they decided to buy a farm no one else wanted. She and her son, Mario, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their journey to success.

Improving roads and road safety through better management

South Africa’s road network plays a pivotal role in the country’s agri-logistics industry, but heavy-vehicle traffic and the effects of overloading are major problems on roads. Oliver Naidoo, managing director of JC Auditors, explains how the Road Transport Management System aims to improve road safety and increase the productivity of the logistics value chain. Jeandré van der Walt reports.

An Endangered Bird Is Forgetting Its Song

Researchers from the Australian National University have found that in areas where there are very small populations of the critically endangered regent honeyeater, the songs of the remaining wild males vary remarkably. Tragically, in some cases, the birds have even adopted the songs of other species.

Growing sweet potatoes

The sweet potato is a warm-season crop and does not fare well in cool temperatures. Implementing a crop rotation strategy is also essential to keep pests and diseases at bay.

The evolution of power in SA's agri machinery market

It is unlikely that South Africa’s commercial agriculture sector would have achieved its internationally respected status were it not for the investment that farmers have made in mechanisation. Lloyd Phillips spoke to a number of experts about some of the main agricultural machinery sales trends.

Putting crop rotation into perspective

When developing a crop rotation programme, one must take into consideration the various pests and diseases that may infect different crops in order to avoid disastrous results, says Bill Kerr.

The changing environment

The Internet of Things, where machinery and devices (often fitted with sensors) share data online, has enabled tractors and other agricultural machinery to become far more efficient and easier to operate. This, combined with mechanical innovations, is helping farmers produce more with less. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Giving farmers the advantage!

New machinery is indispensable as a support for agricultural activities during difficult times such as COVID-19, says Jaco du Preez, product specialist at CNH Industrial, distributor of New Holland in South Africa.

Improving the stud one animal at a time

Dirco Swart, owner of Blinkmeneer Beefmasters in Frankfort, says that the future of the Beefmaster is bright, thanks to the breed’s adaptability and breeders’ passion for improvement.

Controlling biting flies

Biting flies are not only a nuisance, but can also transmit diseases and deliver painful bites, says Dr Mac.

A soya bean range for all conditions

Nico Barnard, an agronomist in the central Highveld for Pannar, explains the importance of planting different soya bean cultivars to spread risk. This is how Pannar’s soya bean range can help!

Affordable Biosecurity For Small-Scale Piggeries

In this article Dr Peter Evans, veterinary liaison officer of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, shares affordable and practical tips that small-scale pig farmers can implement to improve biosecurity on their farms and protect their livelihoods. Jeandré van der Walt reports.

A Beginner's Guide To At-Home Composting

With at-home composting, you can turn kitchen scraps into fertiliser for your garden. Researchers from Australia’s Griffith University compiled this list of do’s and don’ts for composting beginners.

Towards a fairer trade balance between SA and Botswana

In this article, Thomas Harvey, Absa’s head of AgriBusiness in Botswana, provides an overview of the agriculture sector in that country and explores the linkages between the agriculture sectors of Botswana and South Africa.

Breeding world champion Charolais

When his cattle business was hit hard by drought, fifth-generation North West farmer Loutjie Campher started breeding Charolais as a means of rebuilding his herd. He spoke to Pieter Dempsey about his stud.

Pannar gives you the edge

Pannar’s yellow maize package consistently delivers top-end yield potential across different potential levels, production areas and seasons.

Reimagining work and land

In an attempt to restore harmony between people and the land, Aletta Venter is going against the status quo when it comes to land ownership and labour relationships. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this journey.

Dragon fruit: a highpotential crop with value-add possibilities

In need of a crop to boost his profits, Western Cape grower Louw de Wet began experimenting with dragon fruit. Despite initial production challenges, he was soon convinced he had found a winner. De Wet spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about his production methods and the opportunities he wants to explore with the fruit.

SA crocodile farmers must adapt to survive

Local crocodile farmers have come under pressure due to an increase in international supply and the recent drop in demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wouter Kriel spoke to Stefan van As, chairperson of the South African Crocodile Industry Association, about the challenges facing crocodile farmers.

Dealing with lumpy skin disease

Lumpy skin disease is a notifiable disease. This means the state veterinarian must be informed if you suspect your cattle are infected with it, as specific control measures must be implemented.

A stronger knot for better bales

New Holland’s latest baler innovation features a new system that not only delivers denser, more secure bales, but also eliminates twine off-cut waste.

SA's land price trends in the spotlight

Farm prices in South Africa are currently in the process of recovery, broadly reflecting good rainfall and subsequent high crop yields, as well as general regional economic realities. Wouter Kriel reports.

Feed for better profits

Feed accounts for 65% to 75% of a poultry or pig farmer’s total input costs. Feed expert Dr Leon Ekermans spoke to Glenneis Kriel about strategies to reduce these costs and prevent wastage.

Combating Lantana

Through the introduction of the Lantana herringbone leaf miner, the biocontrol of this weed has significantly improved.

Whether it's summer or winter, he's never out of clover

While clover has a bad reputation for causing bloat, one Eastern Cape farmer achieved good results with this silage, as the following article revealed.

The future of Tuta absoluta control

As the tomato leaf miner feeds on a wide range of species, its natural enemies are likely to continue increasing, says Bill Kerr.

Studies show citrus virus A link to fruit-drop disease

New research suggests that citrus virus A (CiVA) is associated with citrus impietratura disease (CID), which is characterised by abnormal fruit drop in citrus crops.

Fundamentals of Brix

This unit of measurement is valuable to crop and livestock producers.

Is It Time To Relook Water Governance In South Africa?

The number of rivers in South Africa deemed to be in a poor ecological state has increased alarmingly in recent times. James Brand, a senior associate at ENSafrica’s Natural Resources and Environment department, argues that the many frustrated citizens affected by contaminated water supplies might be better served by new, independent water governance structures and amendments to the country’s water laws.