CATEGORIES

Ostriches prove their worth in harsh drought

While earnings from ostrich production have declined following the fresh meat export ban caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, the birds remain a valuable income contributor. Glenneis Kriel spoke to farmer Jolian du Preez, who survived the tough times and is now expanding his operation.

Going organic - with care

Wine producers that switch to organic production risk suffering a severe financial knock. Glenneis Kriel reports on how Western Cape-based producer Bosman Adama has managed this risk successfully.

A step towards better aeroponics

A robot designed to operate in CleanGreens Solutions SA's mobile aeroponics systems lowers phytosanitary risks.

John Deere launches combine with ‘mammoth’ capacity

John Deere has just launched its X9 Series Combine, which it says is currently the largest grain-handling harvester in Africa.

Regenerative medicine for horses

Stem cells, platelets and serum can be reinjected into an injured joint or ligament to improve healing in horses, says Dr Mac.

Preventing tomato spotted wilt

Once this disease arrives on a tomato land, it is very difficult to get rid of. The problem is made worse if weeds are nearby, as many weed species are susceptible to attack by the virus, says Bill Kerr.

Growing kikuyu

This grass type is resilient, rewarding and ideal for many applications. It is also widely adaptable, performing well in most parts of Southern Africa.

At the cutting edge of avocado cultivar and rootstock research

Allesbeste Boerdery in Limpopo is well known for its research and development in the avocado industry. Zander Ernst, director of marketing and production, spoke to Magda du Toit about its breeding programme.

Drakensbergers: shiny black mothers of Africa

Drakensberger cattle pulled the Voortrekkers’ wagons on their epic journeys to South Africa’s inland regions in the 19th century. Susan Marais visited Petrus Taljaard of Talman Drakensbergers in Mpumalanga to find out more about his love for this breed, and how he deals with cattle diseases and the area’s harsh winters.

Important diseases in sheep in South Africa

In this first part of a series, we look at the some viral, bacterial and fungal diseases that can cause significant economic losses for sheep and wool farmers in South Africa.

Aquaponics comes to the classroom in Gauteng

Lesedi la Kreste Anglican Primary School in Gauteng has incorporated aquaponics into its curriculum and feeding scheme for over a decade. Susan Marais visited the school to find out more about the project.

SA hemp research given the green light

Natie Ferreira, director of a new cannabis research centre at the Agricultural Research Council’s Bien Donné site near Paarl, was recently issued with a permit to cultivate 8ha of hemp for the purposes of study and development. He and researcher Moses Mlangeni spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee about the planned research at the centre, and how it will help to boost the commercial cultivation of hemp in South Africa.

How agri intensification can save our forests

By boosting productivity on existing land dedicated to agriculture, the world could see an end to global deforestation, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Biltong that tastes of the real Karoo

Toverveld Biltong was started by Madie van Zyl some 14 years ago as a way of earning additional income. Annelie Coleman visited her on her family farm, De Dam, near Colesberg to learn more about her enterprise, and discovered why demand for Toverveld's biltong and other meat products has grown ... and grown.

A luxurious stay in Johannesburg

You don't have to venture to faraway rural places to experience a luxurious breakaway, says Brian Berkman.

Firms from rich countries are taking factories home: what this means for Africa

Adegboyega Oyedijo, a lecturer in operations and supply chain management at the University of Leicester in the UK, says that globalisation has benefitted Africa. But with value chains shifting, Africa's benefits from this may be compromised.

Your tractor, your office

FendtONE combines the operation of the tractor with a terminal for planning or controlling tasks that traditionally take place in the office.

How to spray tomato plants effectively

Spraying your crop is expensive, so you have to get it right and ensure that both sides of the leaves are properly wetted, says Bill Kerr.

Increasing demand for mushrooms spawns success

Interest in mushroom is on the rise, particularly among consumers wanting to cultivate their own supply. Capitalising on this market, MushRush in KwaZulu-Natal supplies mushroom spawn to clients across South Africa. Owner Sandra van Rij explained the multi-stage process of producing spawn to Lindi Botha.

SA’s oldest family owned Angora stud seeks a perfect balance

The Martyrsford Angora Stud in the Eastern Cape was founded in 1871. Current owner Sean Hobson explained the standards and commitment that have long inspired the farm’s owners to Annelie Coleman.

SA's vineyards need climate-proofing

To combat the effects of climate change, South African wine farmers will have to plan the establishment of new vineyards more carefully, especially if they want them to achieve heritage status. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Teamwork shifts dairy from subsistence to commercial operation

Community-owned Springfontein Dairy has grown from a small concern with 150 cows to a commercial enterprise with more than four times as many animals and a higher milk yield than the regional average. On a media trip hosted by Nestlé, Glenneis Kriel spoke to the people who have played a role in the farm’s success.

Drakensberger: made in SA for our farmers!

The Drakensberger evolved in Southern Africa centuries ago, and is thus superbly adapted to the region’s harsh and highly varied climate and veld. This explains why the breed thrives under extensive production, Jean van der Merwe, president of the Drakensberger Breeders’ Society of South Africa, told Glenneis Kriel.

The trends driving global tea production

Innovation and premium brands characterise the tea market, which is attracting a growing number of young buyers, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Morocco's drive to increase citrus production

Citrus is a major exportable commodity for Morocco, and that country's government has aimed various initiatives at improving its production of this fruit.

Mobilise your allies beneath the soil surface!

The return on investment for conventional farms has declined by an average of 1,4% per year in real terms since 1986. But every farmer has a microbe army that can fight back against this trend. Susan Marais found out more at a recent regenerative conservation agriculture farmers' day in Mpumalanga.

Weathering the storm in the fruit industry

For South African fruit farmers, 2022 has already been described as one of the most challenging years on record. Leonard Droomer, who produces stone fruit and wine grapes in the Western Cape, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how his farm is managing the situation.

The MF 9300: a serious sprayer at an affordable price

Volksrust farmer Japie Landman was looking for a no-frills yet high-quality sprayer. The latest MF 9300 has more than satisfied his requirements.

Facing reality can prevent a nightmare scenario

Neglect succession planning for your family farm, and you could leave your loved ones with a financial and emotional disaster, says Trevor Dickinson. Carry it out properly, and you'll earn their lasting respect.

Stunning mountain views in Pringle Bay

Pringle Bay delivers the full rural and close-to-nature experience with the benefit of fine delis and eateries, as well as the proximity of many attractions along the Overstrand, says Brian Berkman.