CATEGORIES

Sustainable palm oil production in SA

Palm oil has been heavily criticised due to the unsustainable practices used in its cultivation. But this is beginning to change, says Jannie Myburgh, senior manager of trading oils procurement at SD Guthrie International SA. He spoke to Marinda Louw Coetzee.

Western Cape avocado production on the rise

Avocado production is booming in the Western Cape, and new insights into the industry were shared at a recent grower day

Top Western Cape young farmer enjoys a challenge

Dean Barnard, a farmer from George in the Western Cape, was recently named the Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year and will go on to represent the province at the Toyota SA/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year competition later this year.

Guava association expects smaller 2024 harvest

The Guava Producers' Association (GPA) has adjusted its guava production estimate down from 25 200t to 22 500t, making the harvest 16% smaller than the 26 641t harvested last season and the smallest harvest in the past three years.

Competition Commission blames the failure of some on the success of others

The Competition Commission's investigation into the fresh produce sector has yielded few results, despite allegations of unfair practices that ostensibly kept prices high and transformation low. Lindi Botha reports.

Spread of avian influenza in US cows 'not being tracked'

Dependence on individual dairy farmers to help track the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza ((H5N1) is leaving the US federal government without the data necessary to understand and slow the spread of the virus in that country.

'FMD will likely spread throughout South Africa'

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) hit the Eastern Cape for the first time this year in May and is probably going to spread throughout most of the country.

Broad-leafed field tomato

The Piersol variety, developed in France, is resistant to many ailments afflicting tomatoes, especially Verticillium, Fusarium and nematodes.

New reserve to protect more than just wildlife

A recently established nature reserve in the Northern Drakensberg is set to protect vital grasslands, ancient rock art, and water sources, benefitting wildlife and local communities, writes Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa, an associate professor at the Wits School of Governance.

Riding in Alaska: bracing tours on the gold-rush trail

There are some great horseback trips to do in Skagway, located at the northern end of the Lynn Canal in south-east Alaska

Nitrogen is the key to achieving maximum yields

Apply too much nitrogen, and you could end up reducing the yield and at the same time wasting money. How much you apply depends on the crop you're growing and the timing of the applications

Precision experiments open the door to increased profitability

This article examines the value of on-farm precision trials and experiments and how they can facilitate the bridge between science and practice within a South African agricultural context.

Using regenerative farming to fight climate change

The use of regenerative farming practices has enabled Barry Meijer to restore the lifeless dust’ on his farm and turn it into productive pastures for his cattle. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the transformation.

It makes sense to include more sorghum in diets

Gluten-free sorghum contains protein, dietary fibre, and B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It's also a good alternative to planting maize

Sugar-free fruit drink for the health-conscious

Jan Strydom, operations manager at ONE54 South Africa, spoke to Marinda Louw-Coetzee about the launch of Al Fruit Water, a natural sparkling fruit water.

Optimising fish farming through size sorting

Aquaculture specialist Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, designs and builds fish farms and aquaponics systems across sub-Saharan Africa and trains farmers to manage them optimally. He shares his expertise on the practice of size sorting in fish farming.

Agbiz Congress facilitates important discussions on a range of topics

At this year’s congress, talking points ranged from the agriculture sector's significant contribution to South Africa’s economy, to the rise of protectionism.

Klein Karoo pomegranate production gets big boost with new processing plant

Karoo Pak’s processing plant in Oudtshoorn is set to enhance the financial viability of local pomegranate producers, create jobs and boost the region's economic growth

Livestock and olive oil production in Sicily rocked by drought

Following Italy’s declaration in March of a state of emergency in Sicily, farmers there continue to grapple with the devastating effects of the worst drought the region has seen in two decades.

Government of National Unity should recognise agriculture as a 'force for good'

The Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa has warned that the country’s agriculture sector must not become a casualty of politics.

Global outlook, local strategies for blueberries unveiled

The blueberry industry can look forward to better returns in the coming years. However, farmers are still urged to maximise efficiencies and ensure they select the right cultivars

Top performers at this year's Muskadel SA Awards

Five wine producers received six platinum awards at the 2024 Muskadel SA Awards, held recently in Paarl in the Western Cape.

Rankings place SA ports among world's worst

In the recently released World Bank and S&P Container Port Performance Index 2023, the Port of Cape Town fell from 347th place in the 2022 rankings, when only 348 ports were ranked, to the bottom of the list at number 405.

Merino breeding for shows, stud and flock improvement

One farmer winning the Merino awards for both the Grand Champion Ewe Fleece and the Reserve Grand Champion Ewe Fleece at the South African National Fleece Championships is a praiseworthy achievement.

Have you eaten today? Thank a farmer for that

David Burton, sector director for African agriculture in the UK Department of Business and Trade, says the UK offers sovereign debt finance options to South African farming projects that invest in British technology.

The private sector still needs to step up

A coalition government won't fix past failures in South Africa, says Lawrence Hamilton, South Africa-UK Bilateral Research Professor in Political Theory for Wits University and the University of Cambridge. Thus, we can expect the private sector to play a bigger role in delivering power, transport and security, he adds.

Hydrogen: a vehicle emissions reduction alternative?

The current narrative around vehicle electrification typically covers battery cost, raw materials, weight, driving range, or charging infrastructure – all battery electric vehicle issues. There is rarely any discussion around the use of hydrogen as an alternative means of achieving vehicle emission targets. Why this apparent lack of interest?

Cotton industry comes together to forge a new future

A strategic cotton summit held recently in Limpopo was an important step towards creating unity in the industry and a common goal throughout the entire cotton value chain.

Understanding the basics of chicken abattoirs and related legislation

South Africa has strict laws that regulate the slaughtering of animals in commercial abattoirs. In this article, Farmer's Weekly looks at how a chicken abattoir works, what facilities are needed and what the laws are that govern the establishment and operation of such abattoirs.

New fruit fly species detected in South Africa

Spotted wing drosophila has been confirmed in South Africa, posing a threat to most fruit production areas. However, efforts are underway to contain and manage the spread, writes Glenneis Kriel.