CATEGORIES

When to wean beef calves

There are ways to prevent or cure most cucurbit diseases, but there's no known way to cure a virus once it has infected the plant, warns Bill Kerr.

Why viruses are the biggest threat to your cucurbits

There are ways to prevent or cure most cucurbit diseases, but there's no known way to cure a virus once it has infected the plant, warns Bill Kerr.

No more time to waste

Through responsible waste management, farmers can avoid polluting the surrounding agroecosystem, says environmental specialist Alistair Galloway.

How plants' roots can protect them from climate change

Malcolm Bennett, professor of plant sciences, and Poonam Mehra, a postdoctoral fellow in biosciences, both at the University of Nottingham in the UK, write about the amazing system that plants use to shape their roots, and why it could help protect crops from the effects of climate change, such as floods and droughts.

A quick guide to South Africa's deadliest snakes

The majority of snake species are, for the most part, completely harmless; however, there are a few whose venomous bites can cause the deaths of humans and animals alike. Janine Ryan looks at some of South Africa's most dangerous snakes, and offers tips for treating snakebites prior to obtaining medical attention.

Surviving in a volatile flower market: Part 1

Carol Sutherland, a florist for almost 30 years, has seen many changes in South Africa's flower industry. For this first article of a three-part series, she spoke to Leon Pretorius, manager of Pretorius Blomme near Delmas in Mpumalanga, about how he has adapted his business to an increasingly demanding market.

A unique soil extract for healthier crops, animals

Andrew Geddes, director of AlgJem Global Trading, explained to Glenneis Kriel how L'équilibre de la Nature's unique range of products, made from soil extracts, can restore the natural balance in soil and livestock.

Cut emissions to sustain red meat industry

Mitigating the effects of climate change is part of the Red Meat Producers' Organisation's efforts to ensure a sustainable future for the industry.

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.