CATEGORIES

New weapons in the fight against grapevine leafroll disease

Research, genetic selection, machine learning and drones are being investigated as possible means to strengthen the fight against grapevine leafroll disease. Glenneis Kriel spoke to the experts.

Running a Meatmaster stud on just 65ha

Innovative Meatmaster breeder René Rossouw runs her 350-strong Jumike Meatmasters stud on only 65ha on the family farm, Alice, in Wesselsbron in the Free State. She spoke to Annelie Coleman about how she manages to effectively run her flock on such a small piece of land.

Cats' catastrophic impact on biodiversity

Various international studies have found that domestic cat predation has a negative impact on mammals, reptiles, birds and other animals. Mike Burgess looks at the findings of a South African study done in 2020.

Discover the art of running a good hotel business

While past owners of the Karoo Art Hotel failed to find and keep their market, the current proprietors have survival lessons to share with everyone in the hospitality industry

Review: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R

Car Magazine's Kyle Kock recently attended the South African introduction of the fifth-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in Mozambique. He writes that this latest model has been worth the wait.

How to get fertilisation of your bean crop right

Providing the correct nitrogen stimulus when growing beans is vitally important for achieving top yields

The effective monitoring of body temperature in cattle

Accurate monitoring of cattle's body temperatures is crucial for ensuring optimal herd health and productivity. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to animal health experts for tips on precise temperature readings, early disease detection, and maintaining biosecurity in a herd.

Pest and disease control under shade netting

As fruit-importing countries become increasingly intolerant of pest infestations and diseases posing phytosanitary risks and equally intolerant of the use of pesticides, South African fruit producers have had to revisit their pest and disease management strategies

Key factors for achieving successful production under nets

Agriculture has seen countless innovations over the centuries, one of which is the use of shade netting to protect crops. In South Africa, the area under netting is expanding rapidly as farmers try to reduce the risks associated with production in harsh environments. Magda du Toit explores the science of orchard netting.

The essentials of orchard planning

Planting a new orchard requires significant upfront capital. It is also a long-term commitment that may only give you a return on investment after at least three years. Magda du Toit spoke to farmers to learn more.

Tilapia: the African fish that's popular the world over

No fish has made as big of an impact on the global aquaculture industry as the tilapia has. Aquaculture specialist Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, writes about this highly sought-after fish, which he has come to describe as the aquatic chicken’.

Important factors to understand before marketing livestock

Many communal farmers are not aware of prevailing market dynamics and livestock pricing structures, and this can cost them dearly when selling their animals

Whatever it is, make your product stand out from the others

Whether you are a small, medium, or large farmer, you can differentiate your products and your business. Obliterate from your mind the myth that differentiation is only possible for some farmers

Namibia's Agribank announces drought relief

The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) recently announced R104,6 million in instalment relief and R83 million in waived penalty interest as part of interventions to provide relief to 1 134 of its clients who had been affected by the devastating drought in the country.

Russia's 'breadbasket' battling to save harvest from extreme weather

Farmers in the Rostov region of Russia, the country's breadbasket, are struggling to salvage a harvest battered by a heatwave, frost and floods.

Agri investment group sells two pome fruit farms

Agriculture-focused investment group Zeder recently announced the finalisation of the sale of Theewaterskoof Farm to the Japie Groenewald Trust for a disposal consideration of R283 million, and Applethwaite Farm to Vredenhof Beleggings Pty Ltd for R190 million.

Everything you need to know about fungicides

Fungicides are indispensable tools in disease management, offering protection against fungal pathogens and ensuring the health and productivity of crops and plants. In this guide, Zunel van Eeden aims to improve producers’ understanding of the different types of fungicides, their various modes of action, and more.

Slick, responsive Porsche Macan T

The Porsche Macan T embodies Porsche’s ethos with a potent blend of practicality and dynamic prowess, adding some sportiness to the make-up of the entry-level Macan, writes Car Magazine's Gareth Dean.

Precision irrigation: empowering agriculture amid water scarcity

Precision irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, maximising efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. Zunel van Eeden spoke to Netafim South Africa's Charl van Reenen about this irrigation technique, which can help South African farmers address the challenges brought about by a water shortage.

How irrigation can help small-scale farmers

Irrigation has resulted in significant crop yield improvement across the globe. In some regions, irrigation is essential for successful crop production; however, it remains out of reach for many small-scale farmers. Janine Ryan reports.

Avocado production: Western Cape vs the northern provinces

Avocado production in South Africa has traditionally been linked to the hot and humid northern provinces. Recently, though, Western Cape plantings have grown. Louis Vorster, who has extensive experience in avocado production, spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee about the differences in production between these regions.

Sharp increase in kudu rabies in Namibia

Following a marked spike in the occurrence of kudu rabies in Namibia this year, the Namibian Professional Hunting Association recently issued a serious call to the country's hunting fraternity to limit kudu hunts, in particular the hunting of young and breeding bulls.

Uganda sees dramatic boom in coffee exports to Türkive

Uganda's coffee industry has realised a major breakthrough in the Turkish market, with exports surging by an astonishing 2 200% in the five years to 2024.

Woolworths invests R2m in young entrepreneurs

The Woolworths Youth Makers Competition, launched in 2023, attracted hundreds of entries this year.

Climate-proofing agricultural production

As climate change leads to decreased rainfall and more extreme weather events across South Africa, producers must rethink their farming practices to enhance climate resilience

Farmers and landowners on brown locust alert

Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager at CropLife South Africa, recently called on farmers and landowners to be on the lookout for brown locust (Locustana pardalina) egg-laying sites, especially in those areas in the Karoo that had received good rains so far this year.

The riding horse

David Stubbs and Elizabeth Howard wrote this column entitled 'Talking Horses'.

The ins and outs of irrigation: a basic guide for crop farmers

As climate change intensifies and water resources dwindle, innovative irrigation techniques and sustainable water management become increasingly vital. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to industry experts about the importance of irrigation for crop farmers.

Facial recognition tech: a breakthrough in the fight against stock theft

Facial recognition technology is poised to revolutionise livestock management. Annelie Coleman spoke to experts about this Australian-developed technology and its potential to reshape livestock production in South Africa.

Tasty, nutritious beans come in many forms

Beans originated in Central and South America and have been domesticated for thousands of years