CATEGORIES

Harnessing innovative technology to maximise efficiency

Artificial intelligence, robotics and big data analytics are helping to revolutionise the cannabis industry by boosting efficiency and increasing profitability, says Thomas Walker.

Is time for soft pedalling by the aqri sector over?

South Africa's agriculture sector performed well in 2020 and 2021, but continued food security and employment in the sector depend on government support for agriculture, says  Dr Koos Coetzee.

Rabbit industry pins hopes on exports for survival

Despite very low local demand and prices, industry stakeholders still believe there is potential for a viable rabbit meat industry in South Africa aimed at the export market.

South African table grapes take a hammering on the market

The many challenges facing the agriculture sector, including high costs, low demand, volatile weather and global logistical challenges, have hit South Africa's table grape industry particularly hard.

Food prices reached new highs in 2022 - FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) saw its overall Food Price Index last year reach the highest level on record when the cost of most food commodities surged.

Founder of crowdfunding initiative earns doctorate

Rural communities who make a living from the wild harvesting of indigenous rooibos and honeybush in the fynbos region of the Western Cape were the focus of Dr Rhoda Malgas's doctoral study.

Ramaphosa should say more about the progress made in agri financing

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Exploring the prospects of building a fertiliser industry in Africa

GLOBAL INSIGHT

Raising pigs in the open: Part 1

In this article, it was revealed that an outdoor set-up for raising pigs could be profitable. However, the management of the animals needed to be vigorous and dedicated.

Keep fighting, and never give up hope

Michael Esmeraldo, newly appointed managing director of Netafim South Africa, argues that there is hope for South Africa's agriculture sector and the country as a whole, despite the challenges of 2022.

South Africa in 2023: planning for a general election

POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE

Trends to watch on the South African agri scene in 2023

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

The Damara is at home from Underberg to Upington: Part 2

This article, the second in a two-part series, looked at the many positive attributes of the once underrated Damara sheep. We continue with its incredible mothering ability.

Animal health high on Namibia's agenda

The improvement of animal health in the Southern African Development Community region is one of the main objectives of the Livestock Producers’ Organisation (LPO) of Namibia for 2023, according to Thinus Pretorius, LPO chairperson.

Bird flu outbreaks worsening in France - authorities

French agriculture minister Marc Fesneau announced in early January that the spread of avian influenza in that country had accelerated.

NUTS Average year 'at best' seen for SA's nut industry

High stock levels of most nut varieties around the world led to subdued prices in 2022, and with high carry-over stock, prices are not expected to recover in 2023.

COTTON Challenging season ahead for cotton producers

Early indications are that South Africa’s cotton crop for the 2022/23 season could amount to between 75 000 and 80 000 bales, which will be slightly higher than in the previous season.

SUBTROPICAL FRUIT Exports to cushion SA's subtropical fruit fortunes

The mango and litchi industries plan to focus on new varieties and market expansion in an effort to boost sales this year.

A memorable stay in heavenly Hermanus

With its magnificent cliff path, whale watching, and a wide range of accommodation, the coastal town of Hermanus on the Garden Route offers something special for everyone, says Brian Berkman.

Pick a peck of pickled avos!

Pickled avocados are a favourite among chefs, who love the combination of creaminess and spiciness.

The Great Hunger

In 1845, potato blight caused the catastrophic destruction of Ireland's potato crop, which ultimately caused the deaths of about one million Irish people.

Why many first-generation family agribusinesses don't survive their founders: Part 1

Lack of succession planning is one of the key reasons why so many family agribusinesses fail to last, writes Trevor Dickinson. Very few businesses that are simply ‘handed over’ in an informal manner will survive.

An adventure in the Kia Sorento: Part 1

Graham Eagle tests this all-wheel-drive SUV with moderate ground clearance, coping with two of South Africa’s High 5 gravel passes.

Powdery mildew: a threat to most cucurbit species

This widespread disease, which grows well in environments with high humidity, can reduce yield significantly, warns Bill Kerr.

CROPS Going the no-till way: Part 2

Humus, mulch and legume cover crops can save you money and greatly improve the quality of your yields, says Bill Kerr.

Using top genetics and good management to boost dairy profitability

Looking for ways to enhance your dairy's profits? Better cow health and improved liveability might be the solution, according to Rebekah Mast, a US-based dairy genetics expert.

Termites: a proven way to reduce food insecurity and poverty

Edible insects can help feed the populations of developing countries, says Ntokozo Blessing Zitha, an agricultural economist involved with the Agricultural Research's Council Professional Development Programme.

Reaping the benefits transformation of in the grain sector

In order to continue improving its food security, South Africa must rely on the contribution of all farmers, both commercial and emerging. A project that's making great strides in both food production and transformation in the local grain sector is Grain SA's Farmer Development Programme. Magda du Toit reports.

SA-designed tower system offers growanywhere flexibility

Fresh Life Produce has developed a vertical growing system designed to meet the specific needs of African producers. Louis- Gillis Janse van Rensburg and Akhona Gxuluwe spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this system, which has garned international recognition and awards.

More than food needed to counter inequality

Chris Desmond and Agnes Erzse, researchers at the South African Medical Research Council/University of the Witwatersrand Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science, write that scaling up nutrition interventions will yield productivity returns if children's schooling, health and employment prospects are also addressed.