CATEGORIES

SA Almonds Ready To Take On The World

The establishment of an almond-processing facility in Robertson has the potential to turn South Africa into a leading exporter of these nuts. Stephan and Hans le Roux of Amanteco Almonds spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the opportunities and pitfalls associated with this crop.

Farmers' Day At Koppies

The annual farmers’ day at Koppies in the Free State was organised by Northmec and the Cairo Group, the leading supplier of Case IH equipment in South Africa. 

The 500 000th Ford Ranger!

Ford recently produced the half-millionth unit of its Ford Ranger range of bakkies in South Africa. The vehicle has enjoyed consistent popularity in South Africa, as well as in export markets supplied by the company’s assembly plant in Pretoria. 

Politics & Agri Machinery Pricing

Tractor sales in South Africa recovered well in 2017 after a slump in 2016 due to the widespread drought. However, the current political and economic climate, and its effect on the value of the rand, could affect sales during the latter part of 2018. Denene Erasmus reports.

SA's 'Little Ships' Go To War

In 1939, South Africa effectively had no navy at all. But that did not stop the brave volunteers of the South African Naval Forces from taking on the enemy. 

Young Poultry Farmer Thrives Despite Setbacks

Asiphe Pentu started his small-scale broiler business with only R2 000 when he was just 17 years old and still at school. After five years, he has a well-run, 100-chicken operation that turns a profit and has a loyal clientele in the local community. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Soil Erosion: A Big Problem With Few Solutions

Long-term food security is set to suffer if the scourge of soil erosion is not brought under control. Dan Pennock, a professor in soil science at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, discusses the extent of the problem and the importance of good soil management.

'Nappy Test' For Sheep To Help Optimise Milk Production

Sheep in Brazil were recently dressed in nappies as part of a research project aimed at finding the ideal grass length for maximum milk production.

New Report Expresses Support

Farmers unhappy with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE) location differential system have suffered a setback, with grain expert Prof Matthew Roberts, founder of the Kernmantle Group, recommending that the system be maintained for wheat and maize and, if the JSE deemed it necessary, introduced for soya bean as well.

Seed-eating Birds Survive In The Desert

52years ago A study conducted at the Transvaal Museum investigated the water economy of seedeating birds, and the remarkable ability of certain finches to live in the desert without water for long periods of time.

Thinning Out Fruit On Peppers

The subject of thinning fruit in a pepper crop has many facets. To start with, peppers come in various growth types and have different bearing habits, all of which influence pruning and fruit thinning.

Bridles: Ensuring The Right Fit

Horses are much used in South Africa. Equestrian disciplines are popular, and both horses and donkeys are still utilised as working animals on farms and in townships. Despite this, many horse owners are unaware of the importance of a properly fitted bridle. Vicki Sokolich, an equine complementary care expert, explains that a poorly fitting bridle can result in significant damage to the physiology of the animal. Janine Ryan reports.

Using Technology To Predict Australian Wheat Yield

Wheat yield in Australia can now be predicted accurately two months before the crop matures using machine-learning methods, according to researchers at the University of Illinois in the US.

The Science Of Producing Good Silage

Leading Boran stud breeder Hurwitz Farming in Mpumalanga operates a number of enterprises, the latest of which is a silage contracting business. Pieter Dempsey interviewed Jarren Hurwitz to find out more about the new technology in silage that makes their operation different.

Growing Good Carrots: Part 1

Carrots have been an important vegetable crop in South Africa since the days of early European settlement in the Cape. Today, they are grown countrywide, particularly near urban areas.

Linking Midlands Consumers With Wholesome Foods

Few consumers properly understand how food production works or have any emotional connection with farmers and farming. This is according to Lauren Murphy, who, through her Internet-based farm produce marketing company, is helping to narrow this gap while supplying tasty, nutritious food to her many loyal clients in KwaZulu-Natal. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Is The Agri Sector Focusing On The Wrong Kind Of Growth?

Dr Sifiso Ntombela, a trade economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, argues that, contrary to some of the suggestions in the National Development Plan, the grain and livestock industries have greater potential than the horticultural industry to create better-paying jobs and alleviate poverty.

Indigenous Crossbreeding Improves Cows' Longevity

Cow longevity is crucial to optimal productivity in beef cattle production, says Anette Theunissen, an animal scientist based at the Vaalharts Research Station. Annelie Coleman reports.

Will Load-Shedding Affect Veggie Prices?

Vegetable prices remained fairly stable at the start of winter, but the risk of load-shedding during the colder months, as electricity usage increases, could have serious consequences for producers and consumers.

Attention To Detail Ensures High-quality Produce

While launching a new farming venture as a first-time farmer may seem daunting, Hannes Wolvaardt is proof that it can be done. He shared his tips on successful sweet pepper production in Limpopo with Lindi Botha.

Farming Valais Black Nose Sheep In New Zealand

On a small lifestyle farm near the rural town of Cambridge in New Zealand, Andrew and Leigh-Anne Peake are establishing the Valais Black Nose sheep as a new breed in the country. The couple have found the journey highly enjoyable, reports Gerhard Uys.

The Golden Cattle

According to Dr Wayne Durdle of Amersfoort in Mpumalanga, Gelbvieh cattle could play an important role in the national beef cattle herd due to the breed’s efficiency in difficult production conditions.

Feast Or Famine

The source of the deadly strain ST6 of listeriosis, which has infected nearly 1 000 people and caused more than 180 deaths in South Africa, has been identified at an Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane.

Cushioned Overshoes For Horses

In the US, Soft-Ride boots are often used to make a horse more comfortable on a hard floor, such as in a stable or a horsebox. South African owners should consider using them too

Weed Control In Carrots

Successful carrot producers mechanise their operations to reduce labour to the minimum.

Thinking At Gunpoint: It's Time To Fast Track Land Reform

The expropriation without compensation resolution has polarised opinion. We need urgent, innovative solutions to land reform, and must deal with communal land ownership and title deeds, says Malapane Thamaga, an agricultural economist at the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa.

Keep That Fly At Bay

The common housefly remains a significant problem in South Africa.

Reap Returns On Investments By 'Farming The Markets'

‘Farming the markets’ originates from the analogy that exists between personal finance (investing) and farming. Brenthurst Wealth Management financial adviser, Richus Nel, looks at how managing personal finance and investing can be improved by thinking like a farmer.

Farming In Harmony With Mother Nature

Climate change and increased pressure on natural resources have necessitated the introduction of alternative farming practices.

Late Blight: Fungus In The Fast Lane

Unlike Alternaria as discussed last week, late blight (Phytophthora infestans) does not creep into a tomato crop.