CATEGORIES

Conditions Imposed On Approval Of Simplified Mondi Corporate Structure

While the Competition Tribunal of South Africa has given its approval for the Mondi Group to proceed with the simplification of its corporate structure, it is conditional on a number of commitments to be undertaken by the group.

Industry And Government Help Emerging Tobacco Farmers

The tobacco farming industry is faced with challenges such as the regulation of the use of tobacco by the Department of Health, as well the ongoing threat of an illicit market. Despite this, Limpopo tobacco farmer Erasmus Sefoloshe says there is opportunity for growth as the sector offers sustainable solutions and support. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Going The Extra Mile For A New Generation Of Farmers

Springfield Farm has invested in learnerships for its workers, has an open-door policy for agriculture students, and offers mentorships to emerging farmers. Lindi Botha reports.

Growing Chillies: Part 2

There’s a wonderful and stimulating interest in chillies worldwide. Home growers are now tempted to try variations that differ from the commercial norm.

How To Treat Epiphysitis

This joint disease is common in rapidly growing, large-breed foals, and is linked to diet, says Dr Mac. Treatment includes exercise restriction and stable rest.

Dairy Goats: Secure Your Market Before You Start

Three years ago, WA Hugo started farming dairy goats on 8ha just outside Lambert’s Bay. Today, he has a herd of 150 goats and produces various cheese products. Jeandré van der Walt visited him on his farm, Bettiesville, to learn more about the dos and don’ts of dairy goat farming.

Growing Anything, Anywhere In High-tech Greenhouses

The designs and purposes of greenhouses have come a long way. Lloyd Phillips speaks to Shaul Rabin about the greenhouse technologies currently available, and what the future holds.

Beginner's Guide To Fertilisation

Achieving optimal yields is greatly dependent on providing crops with the right nutrition at the right time. Understanding the role of fertilisers and ensuring the correct application can make the difference between profit and loss. Lindi Botha reports

Fish Production: Simplicity Or Sophistication?

A recirculating system and a pond farm are at opposite ends of the aquaculture spectrum. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.

New Guinea – Garden Of Eden

The ceremonial use of animal skins and bird feathers in Papua New Guinea threatened the indigenous wildlife, according to this article by Vincent Wager.

Know Your Invasive Species

This issue looks at the blue-leaf cactus, the bramble, and other alien plant species that require eradication.

Well-Managed Soil: The Key To High-Yielding Gold Kiwifruit

Production of the long-term, high-yielding and high-value gold kiwifruit is still in its infancy in South Africa. An important lesson learned by local pioneering grower Peter Nicholson is to have healthy soils for strong vine growth and fruit set. He shares his tips with Lloyd Phillips.

New Regulations A Headache For Fertiliser Industry

A proposed new Fertilizer Bill will, if implemented, affect the fertiliser and related industries in several ways, including adding to the administrative burden of the registration of product. Increased regulation may also result in fertiliser cost increases. Theo Boshoff and Ingrid Boshoff outline their concerns.

Farmworker's Son Becomes Brangus Stud Breeder

Nkosemntu Nika, who farms in the Winterberg near Tarkastad in the Eastern Cape, is the first black Eastern Cape farmer to become a Brangus stud breeder. Mike Burgess spoke to him about his journey from farmworker’s son to the sale of his first ZK Brangus stud bull for R50 000 at the 2018 East Cape Brangus Sale.

Hampshire – Producer Of Super Crossbred Lambs

21 YEARS AGO According to this article, the Hampshire Down breed’s most important economic attributes are its outstanding hindquarters and rapid growth to maturity.

Nutrients For Watermelons

Many farmers ask for a fertiliser programme for each crop. As I’ve said before, this is an unrealistic request, as the organic and mineral content, texture and structure of soil varies from land to land. A soil analysis is the only way to determine fertiliser requirements.

Making A Difference, One Hoof At A Time

The Highveld Horse Care Unit cares for neglected equines. Farryn Day of the unit says that a lack of education is the main reason for the mistreatment of these animals. Janine Ryan reports.

Rhino Poaching: Meet Its Human Victims

In a candid and sometimes emotional interview, Dr Dave Cooper, an award-winning wildlife veterinarian with Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, reveals the toll that the rhino poaching scourge is taking on him and his colleagues.

How To Reduce Tortoise Electrocution Mortalities

Thousands of tortoises are inadvertently killed by electric fences in South Africa each year. Yet there are simple, practical steps that farmers can take to stop this. Dr Luke Arnot of the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, and Steven Molteno of the global network, Local Governments for Sustainability, explain the extent of the problem, and provide solutions.

On Fixing The Country And My Bakkie

Jacob Zuma is no longer president. He can return to his Nkandla palace and contemplate his future and freedom.

Beat The Winter With Radish

Japanese radish serves as an excellent addition to fodder for livestock, and decreases a producer’s input costs.

Emerging Farmers Gain Access To Finance And Opportunities

North West government has established a fund to help bring black producers into the mainstream of agriculture and to develop projects.

Why SA Leads The World In Effective Lucerne Hay Grading

Lucerne is one of the most important hay crops in South Africa, but differences in quality can have a marked effect on livestock performance and profitability, especially in the dairy industry. Annelie Coleman asked agricultural economist Walter van Niekerk and lucerne specialist Dr Gerrie Scholtz about the benefits of the National Lucerne Trust’s lucerne grading system.

Is Winter Just Around The Corner?

I never thought I would be saying this: “Please, mister weather forecaster, predict a respite in our rainy weather!”

Breed With A Future

The Afrino sheep breed is known for its exceptional grazing ability and fertility, and according to Gray King, a breeder in Bedford, will become much better known and more popular in the future.

Poultry Sector Challenges Highlighted In Parliament

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) recently acknowledged its inability to adequately monitor product quality, which resulted in South African food products not being able to adhere to regulations and standards set by the EU.

Catching A Tan

Daughter Dear’s visit to us so nearly had to be postponed when the ‘Beast from the East’, the recent snowstorms and bitterly cold weather across Europe, attacked Ireland, causing disruption to flight departures. If her bookings had been delayed a day later, her visit would have had to be halted indefinitely.

A Missile On A Mission

This year’s South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race was a great event for SA fanciers

Rough Idling: Causes & Corrections

An engine can idle roughly for one of several reasons. Jake Venter takes a closer look at these problems, and how to solve them.

Looking Back, And To The Future

In-cab, on-the-move adjustments to equipment, row-sensing capability, robotic weeders and sprayers … the last decade has seen these and more move from prototypes to commercially available products. US experts look ahead at the next batch of developments.