CATEGORIES

Veld Survey Raises Questions About Rotational Grazing

Dr Heidi-Jayne Hawkins, head of research at Conservation South Africa and an associate at the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cape Town, spoke to Roelof Bezuidenhout about research findings indicating that rotational grazing management has little effect on veld characteristics across the farm fence lines of South Africa.

Commercial Farmers' Vital Role In Rural Development

Largely failed land reform initiatives are leading to increased tension and uncertainty in the agriculture sector as a whole. Veteran rural development expert Jimmy Lonsdale believes commercial farmers have a key role to play in turning this situation around.

Tips From The Western Cape's Cucumber Giant

Tunnel production may seem a relatively simple and profitable way to farm, but it involves high capital costs and has a narrow margin of error. Nico Laubscher Jnr spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the lessons that he and his team have learnt at Alzanne, near Vredendal, over the years.

Know Your Watermelon Varieties

The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) originated in Africa, where tribes in arid areas used it as an emergency water source.

Weathering The Storm With Shade Nets

Graaff Fruit has been using nets in several of its orchards for more than a decade. Mac Mackenzie spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how this method reduces climatic risks.

Local Oilseed Prices Feeling The Effects Of A Falling Rand

South Africa’s weakening exchange rate, and other factors affecting the world supply and demand for oilseeds, will continue to support domestic oilseed prices.

Siting A Hydroponics Operation

Before buying a property on which to build a hydroponics operation, it is crucial to do some research about the site. This includes reviewing climatic data, making enquiries at the municipal or district council, and having the water tested. Research will save you effort and money in the long run.

A Methane-Powered Tractor

New Holland recently received an international award for its concept tractor, which offers huge savings in running costs.

The Changing Nature Of The Wine Industry

The future of wine is evolving and the industry has to adapt in order to survive and flourish. This is according to Robert Joseph, an internationally respected wine expert and winemaker, and the author of the soon-to-be published book, The Future of Wine has Changed. Jeandré van der Walt reports.

Eu Safeguard Clause Not A Concern For SA Citrus Exporters

Members of South Africa’s export citrus industry have expressed doubt that the European Commission will resort to implementing a safeguard clause intended to significantly limit citrus volumes entering the EU from this country.

How To Achieve Optimal Maize Production

Maize growers often have questions on to how to maximise their crop yield and the profitability of their enterprises. Grant Pringle, a product agronomist at Pannar Seed SA, gives expert, practical answers to some of the more common queries. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Debunking The Myths Of Communal Farming

By developing and establishing partnerships, Luleka Mbete’s business, LM Holdings, has initiated a system that brings sorghum producers in the Eastern Cape together to link them to funding, technical expertise, markets and training.

South Africa's Blossoming Fresh Produce Industry

Fresh produce industries across the globe are bombarded with new developments and trends. Jeandré van der Walt spoke to Anouk Sijmonsma, Produce Marketing Association (PMA) regional vice-president for Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia/New Zealand, and Lindie Stroebel, general manager for PMA Southern Africa, about the trends and challenges affecting the local fresh produce industry, as well as some of South Africa’s markets and competitors.

Surviving The Fourth Industrial Revolution

The world is about to experience profound changes in the way in which industries function, and farming is no exception. Farmers need to become aware of new technologies that may affect the profitability and global competitiveness of agricultural production.

Some Beetroot Basics: Part 2

This article explains how to cultivate and harvest beetroot that is ready for the market.

Shrinking Consumer Income Severely Affecting Meat Producers

The decline in the disposable income of South African consumers is evident in the changing purchasing patterns of red meat in the retail sector, as well as the supply and demand volatility in the primary red meat production industry.

The Dawn Of Motoring

The earliest motor cars were built by hand and cost a small fortune, yet were liable to frequent breakdowns. The introduction of interchangeable parts made production easier, and reliability also improved.

Landowners Help Conserve Birds Of Prey

Landowners Help Conserve Birds Of Prey

'Ensure Sensible Veld Management After Drought'

The heavy snow and rain that fell recently in parts of the Karoo will aid the recovery of grazing destroyed by the devastating drought, but much more rain was needed for the veld to return to its full potential. This was according to Johan van den Berg, specialised crop insurance manager at Santam Agriculture.

New Markets Vital To Facilitate Avocado Industry Growth

Despite a current undersupply of avocados in European countries and the fact that these markets are growing year-on-year, South Africa did not have an opportunity to significantly increase exports to the EU.

New Thoughts On Animal Thinking

Prof Aliza le Roux, head of the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of the Free State’s QwaQwa campus, says the latest ideas in animal behaviour hold farreaching implications for livestock farmers.

The Female Tractor Technician Who Is Breaking Stereotypes

Lerato Baloyi is currently the only female agricultural equipment technician employed by John Deere Sub-Saharan Africa. Siyanda Sishuba spoke to the 29-year-old Baloyi about her often-challenging journey in this male-dominated industry, and her passion for her career.

Milco SA's Acquisition Of Clover On Track

The Competition Commission (CompCom) has given conditional approval for the Milco SA consortium’s intended acquisition of all issued shares in Clover for R4,8 billion, also referred to as the Clover Scheme.

Expert Tips To Get The Most From Irrigated Wheat

Irrigated wheat is grown by many South African grain farmers in rotation with summer grains such as maize and soya bean. André du Toit, a senior wheat breeder with Pannar Seed SA, shares his knowledge and experience on how farmers can maximise the productivity, and therefore profitability, of these wheat crops. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Addressing The Challenges Facing SA's Wheat Industry

The latest wheat production estimate for the 2018/2019 season is about 1,8 million tons, which means that South Africa will have to import about 50% of the country’s wheat demand, according to Mariana Purnell, general manager at Agbiz Grain.

Africa Needs Cannabis Income

Since the legalisation of cannabis for private use in South Africa last year, there has been much confusion over the legality of farming and trading in cannabis and cannabis-related products. With its ideal climatic conditions for cannabis cultivation, the country is optimally placed to profit from the enormous economic potential of the crop. Lindi Botha reports.

Long-term Load-shedding Could Bankrupt Fish Farmers

Fish farmers depend on reliable, affordable power. Load-shedding and off-the-grid solutions are both problematic.

Electric Tractor Powered By A Cable

John Deere’s new concept tractor can develop up to 300kW

Saanen Basics

This goat breed is known for its milk and milk products, including a variety of hard and soft cheeses and yoghurt.

Farming Abalone For Export

Today, there are about a dozen abalone farms along the coastline between Port Nolloth and East London. One of the first to be established was Jacobsbaai Sea Products in the West Coast hamlet of Jacobsbaai. In the 24 years since it started farming abalone, the farm has produced an ever-greater number of these delicacies, and now exports millions annually.