CATEGORIES

Eliminating growth problems with plastic

In this article, a strawberry farmer from KwaZulu-Natal described the benefits of growing these plants in plastic-covered beds, and the problems she encountered when it came to marketing and selling her fruit.

Debunking the myths about land reform in SA

Johann Kirsten, director of Stellenbosch University’s Bureau for Economic Research, and Wandile Sihlobo, senior fellow in its Department of Agricultural Economics, discuss the facts and fallacies of land reform.

A daring rescue, a unique Victoria Cross

A cairn near the town of Komga commemorates the actions of Major Hans Garrett Moore during the final Cape Frontier War, a feat that earned him the Victoria Cross. Mike Burgess tells a remarkable story of bravery.

A stylish, friendly, affordable hotel without the unnecessary frills

After staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cape Town's Woodstock, Brian Berkman readily admits that the savings are worth more than the absence of robes and slippers in the room. And the staff are five-star, anyway!

Petrol vs diesel vs hybrid VS electric: Part 2

In this second part of a two-part series, CAR magazine looks at the benefits of electric and hybrid vehicles, with a Porsche in the mix.

CROPS - How to improve growing conditions

If your crop yields seem lower than normal or you've seen a drop in quality, take a careful look at the factors that affect plant growth, such as temperature, sunlight, irrigation, soil health, and your choice of cultivar.

Curcubit planting strategies

Curcubit hybrids are now the norm. Because they are so much more expensive to produce, you'll need to ensure that every seed counts and produces the maximum yield per hectare.

Tackling the scourge of blackleg in South Africa

With blackleg being amongst the worst diseases of canola, South African reserachers are conducting trials to find the most resistant cultivars and most effective fungicides for local conditions. Dr Gert van Coller of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture offers advice on control of the disease. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Managing heat stress in dairy cows: Part 1

In the first part of this three-part series, Dr Jan du Preez, managing director of UCK Investments, discusses the contributing effect of global warming on the occurrence of heat stress in dairy cattle.

Identifying ticks in livestock: Part 2

Prof Maxime Madder, Prof Ivan Horak and Dr Hein Stoltsz look at the African and Asian blue ticks, as well as the Karoo paralysis tick, and explain how farmers can spot the differences between these dangerous parasites.

The ins and outs of water-use regulations and legislation: Part 4

In our final instalment of a four-part series on water use and how it relates to farmers, Integrated Water Use License Application Management explains the process of validating and verifying a water-use licence.

The potential of SA's agri sector: a visiting expert's view

US farmer and author Joel Salatin was invited by the Permaculture Institute for Southern Africa to visit South Africa and share some of his conservation farming knowledge with local farmers. He spoke to Susan Marais.

Small units spread the risk: Part 1

In this, the first article of a two-part series, a farmer spoke about his small yet highly diversified operation.

Whistling Jimmy, the mysterious Pied Piper of Cape Town

Lawrence Green, a prolific South African author of the mid-20th century, was renowned for his true’ tales of the unusual and bizarre. His story of Whistling Jimmy’, a rat-catcher who claimed to know all the tricks, was exactly in this mould. Graham Jooste looks at Green the author and retells the story of the rat-catcher.

Ham-and-potato casserole

In the mood to indulge in dairy and carbs? This dish is just the ticket! Adapted from a recipe originally published on Allrecipes.com.

Mini Hawaiian pizzas

Chances are you already have many of the ingredients for these easy-to-make pizzas at home. Serve them as a light lunch or snack.

Petrol vs diesel vs hybrid vs electric: Part 1

In this article, CAR magazine compares the consumption and efficiency of today’s four principal power sources.

What you need to know about horse insurance

There are several types of horse insurance. It's important to decide which best suits your horse and your situation, says Dr Mac.

A shorter growth cycle for higher lettuce profits

Lettuce is beholden to an inconsistent market, with demand often dependent on the weather. Sustainable production therefore requires careful management of supply and demand. Equally important, as farmer Jakkie Mellet explained to Lindi Botha, is a shorter, more productive, growth cycle.

Growing sweet potato commercially

A versatile, nutritious and tasty vegetable, sweet potato is the third most important crop in seven sub-Saharan African countries. The young shoots and leaves are sometimes eaten as greens.

More aspects to consider when spacing pumpkin rows

Old pumpkin varieties tended to be indeterminate. With many modern pumpkin varieties, growers can tweak row spacing to accommodate the growth and bearing pattern, and thus achieve a good yield, says Bill Kerr.

How to keep livestock calm and stress-free

Over and above their physical needs, animals have emotional needs, and these are often overlooked. Stress in livestock should be avoided at all costs, Leon Kruger, a lecturer at the University of the Free State's Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, told Annelie Coleman.

The ins and outs of water-use regulations and legislation: Part 3

In continuation of our series on water use in South Africa, Integrated Water Use License Application Management goes into more detail about what farmers must do to apply for a water-use licence.

Cannabis legislation has created the 'Amsterdam of Asia'

Thailand has recently made news with its decriminalisation of cannabis. With matters becoming ever more politicised, Thomas Walker provides an overview of Thailand's controversial cannabis legislation roll-out.

Generic advertising for agriculture: how it works and why it pays

Periodically, farmers question whether generic advertising, which is paid for with statutory levies, is worth the expense. But international evidence shows that its benefits exceed its cost, says Dr Koos Coetzee.

Global trade turmoil weighs on grain and oilseed prices

Absa AgriBusiness examines global and local dynamics on the grain and oilseed markets during late October and early November, and provides price trend forecasts for the coming months.

Top Western Cape agri-worker crowned

Nigel Klaasen, a junior production manager at Fruitways Glen Elgin, recently received prizes to the value of R100 000, including an overseas study trip, when he won the 2022 Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker of the Year Award.

Macadamia industry calls for greater efficiency

The macadamia industry is expecting to undergo a period of consolidation as low prices and high input costs push many farmers beyond the point of profitability, according to speakers at the Australian Macadamia Industry Conference AusMac) held recently on Queensland's Gold Coast in Australia.

‘Lifting import tariffs on French fries not an option’

Small-scale potato farmers, in particular, are under pressure from imports of frozen French fries, according to Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes South Africa.

Brazil hopes to unite rainforest nations to halt deforestation

Brazil is calling on other nations with large tropical rainforests to join forces to increase their bargaining power and thereby unlock funding for the conservation of these forests.