CATEGORIES

South Africa's localisation policy needs a nuanced approach

With the elections now fixed for 29 May, we have come to the end of another five-year cycle in both politics and policymaking. Global disruptors such as the COVID-19 lockdown, geopolitical instability and soaring international freight rates make the past five years a bit difficult to assess.

What 2024 has in store for soya bean

In this article, Zunel van Eeden delves into the socioeconomic and agronomic benefits associated with soya bean production, while also addressing the persistent challenges posed by insect pests and diseases that have threatened harvests over the season and which have impacted many producers.

Bridging the gap between on-farm school leavers and the job market

Brian Berkman reports that a chain of upmarket hotels is talent-scouting in the agriculture sector, looking for school leavers with the potential to train for exciting positions in the hospitality industry and tourism.

Renewable energy: the future of agriculture?

With load-shedding set to stay in the near term, farmers are being forced to invest in renewably energy options. Cobus du Plessis takes a look at some of these.

Red gold: palm oil in West Africa

Pauline von Hellermann, a senior lecturer of Anthropology at the University of London, describes how palm oil came to be a highly prized energy source in West Africa and how the region's 'red gold' empire ended.

An award-winning miniature horse stud in the Eastern Cape

Don't be mistaken: the South African Miniature Horse is not a toy breed but a well-balanced, hardy animal, and if all reference to size were eliminated, would have the same conformational proportions than other full-sized light breeds. Annelie Coleman spoke to the Naudés, who run the Eduan Miniature Horse Stud.

Protests in Poland turn violent

The farmers’ protest in Poland is fast becoming known as the most violent agricultural protest in Europe, according to national media.

Banana Hall of Fame celebrates banana industry

In celebration of its 125th Bananaversary, Dole Food in the US recently established a National Banana Hall of Fame to honour culinary and cultural institutions that have helped to establish bananas as one of the world’s most popular and most purchased fruit.

Underutilised crops come into their own

Diverse food systems are the focus of collaborative efforts at UKZN, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Why cybersecurity is needed in farming

The agriculture sector could be the most susceptible to cyberattacks.

Minister launches third National Status of Biological Invasions in SA programme

Biological invasions need to be treated as an urgent matter as they pose a risk to water security as well as biodiversity, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Two brothers who left their mark on SA

Born in Germany, Alfred and Otto Beit came to the Transvaal's diamond fields in the late 1800s, helping to found mining companies and build crucial infrastructure, writes Graham Jooste.

Driving impressions: Honda Elevate 1,5

Honda SA is back to its best in terms of packaging, build quality, value-for-money and efficiency with a new entry to the hotly contested compact SUV market. Ian McLaren for CAR tested the vehicle at its launch.

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 2

The process of developing a small vegetable farm is gradual and the full benefits will only be realised later, writes Bill Kerr.

Basic vaccination and health protocols for pigs

Pigs are usually produced in intensive environments such as purpose-built piggeries, sties, or even enclosed sheds.

Saving Nigeria's forest elephants

Nigeria risks losing all its forest elephants. This is what Rosemary Iriowen Egonmwan, professor of environmental physiology of animals at the University of Lagos, and Bola Oboh, professor of genetics at the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Lagos, found when they went looking for them.

Explore all that Sedgefield has to offer while enjoying a total relax!

Brian Berkman typically used to pass through Sedgefield on the N2 without exploring the area further. But since booking in at the four-star In Toto Retreat, he is now a convert and urges you to do the same.

The sunflower industry: a paradigm shift is needed

Sunflower production has rapidly expanded in SA but there is a need to focus on optimising oil content, says Zunel van Eeden, a Master's of Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University.

An all-terrain forklift that handles any load, anywhere

The Combi Rough Terrain forklift has greatly improved efficiencies, animal welfare and safety in the broiler industry and is now proving its worth on fruit farms. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Secret to Van Loveren's success: look for solutions, not trouble

year, South Africa's wine industry is dwindling. Yet, Van Loveren Vineyards go from strength to strength each excelling both in their business offering and their ability to keep generations of family involved, conflict-free. Lindi Botha speaks to the Retief family about their achievements over the years.

The hardy Nkone

Zimbabwe's quintessential Nkone cattle breed is back from the brink of extinction, says Annelie Coleman. She spoke to George Hulme, a Nkone farmer and breeding society vice-chairperson, who jointly runs the Pungeni stud near Harare.

The ins and outs of having your own storage facilities

In this article, Cobus du Plessis discusses what you need to know before investing in on-farm silos.

Australia takes cautionary measures against lumpy skin disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a cause for concern for Australian livestock farmers, says the University of Queensland. Australian officials have been put on high alert following the spread of the disease across Southeast Asia even though there have been no reported cases in Australia.

Weather conditions hit grain production

Weather conditions have taken their toll on both the winter and summer grain regions, as well as other crops

New policy aims to accelerate service provision

Hundreds of farm dwellers in uMgungundlovu District in KwaZuluNatal benefitted as Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu launched a landmark policy aimed at accelerating access to water and sanitation services on privately owned land.

Starting a no-frills vegetable project on a small farm: Part 1

The concept of no-till is growing in leaps and bounds and is a major way of farming in countries like Brazil. South Africans should also adopt this successful method

Are nosebands really necessary?

Recent research has found evidence of bone and tissue damage in parade horses wearing nosebands, says Dr Mac.

Nurturing growth: exploring the sorghum industry in South Africa

Marguerite Pienaar, a junior economist at Grain SA, and Petru Fourie, convenor of the Sorghum Cluster, provide an overview of sorghum production in the country.

Big economic potential in cannabis and hemp

Cobus du Plessis looks at two similar industries and products with very different legislative landscapes.

Maize remains South Africa's greatest grain

Zunel van Eeden looks at maize production, and the pests and diseases that farmers should be on the lookout for to maintain their good yields and profitability.