CATEGORIES

Irrigation: A Farmer Learns His Lesson

In last week’s article, I discussed the benefits of irrigation geared for better carrot production. This week, I describe a case where a farmer did not buy into the idea.

The Basics Of Maize

Also known as corn, maize was first domesticated in southern Mexico nearly 10 000 years ago. Many varieties have been bred to suit a range of conditions.

Why Plenty Of Food Means Plenty Of Conflict

A large body of literature claims that where there is a lack of food, conflict is bound to increase as people battle over limited resources. However, researcher Ore Koren suggests quite the opposite, saying that conflict is likely to increase when food sources are abundant.

Producers Urged To Remain Vigilant During Winter

Dr Faffa Malan and Dr Frans Jooste advise livestock and small-stock producers not to neglect animal health during the winter months. Sabrina Dean reports.

First-Ever Rural Crime Conference To Be Held In South Africa

First-Ever Rural Crime Conference To Be Held In South Africa

Cape Forestry Seeks Government Help With Fire-Damaged Plantations

Commercial forestry operations in the Southern Cape region, which had experienced extensive damage from wildfires that rampaged across rural and urban landscapes in June, have pleaded for government assistance with the felling, harvesting and processing of salvageable trees. Failure to speedily undertake these tasks could result in thousands of job losses in South Africa’s forestry value chain. Lloyd Phillips investigates.

The Right Insurance Products Can Secure Peace Of Mind

Weighing up the pros and cons of the insurance products available to SA farmers can be tricky, but expert advice is available.

Growing Unstaked Tomatoes

Growing Unstaked Tomatoes

Industries Rally As Global Trade Wars Create Uncertainty

As a major fruit exporter, South Africa relies on favourable trade agreements and market access to keep the industry profitable and sustainable. Stephanie van der Walt, general manager of Agbiz’s Fruit Desk, spoke to Lindi Botha about the challenges in the global trade environment.

The Inside Story Of Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are seldom found on today’s cars, yet are still fitted to trucks and farm machinery due to their effectiveness and affordability. Jake Venter takes a closer look at this design.

Watermelon Planting Tips

Many watermelon growers plant as soon as possible in the season so they can market the crop early, when prices are high.

Planning For The Future Of SA Livestock Production

The future of South Africa’s socio-economically important livestock production sector should not be left to chance. This is why, according to the director of the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy and associate professor at the University of Pretoria, Ferdi Meyer, an analysis of historic and current trends in national and international livestock value chains is vital for generating informed estimations of what the future may hold.

Green Livestock Production: The Facts And The Fictions

Global livestock production is increasingly under attack from certain societal groupings who claim that the sector is causing unnecessary environmental harm. Dr Jude Capper, of UK-based Livestock Sustainability Consultancy, explains how livestock farmers can change this perception.

How African Superfoods Inspires Local Agripreneur

Indigenous African ingredients and food traditions are underrepresented on the local and international markets. Black Umbrellas Global Entrepreneur Week 2018 overall winner Sipamandla Manqele founded her unique agribusiness to help bridge this gap.

Face To Face With The Drought In The Free State

The realities of the drought being experienced by farmers in Bultfontein in the Free State mirror those of farmers in many other parts of the country. Sabrina Dean explores the ripple effect of the disaster and its socio-economic consequences in small towns and communities.

Servicing Drum Brakes

Adjusting drum brakes is not complicated and can be performed by an amateur, but it does require some patience.

Farming Smarter Can Reduce Methane Emissions From Livestock

The argument against beef production is gaining momentum, with the industry being accused, often inaccurately, of significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions. However, climate-smart farming and improving productivity can reduce emissions. Lindi Botha reports.

Breakdowns And Broken Brakes

Many drivers can recall their motoring mishaps because of the inconvenience, danger or oddness of the events. Jake Venter remembers some of his.

Miners Target Moutonshoek Valley Farmland Again

Farmers in Moutonshoek valley near Piketberg have been up in arms since it emerged that Bongani Minerals are again trying to obtain mining rights in the region. Dr Bennie van der Merwe, a local stud owner and a representative of the Verlorenvlei Coalition, spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

Planting Figs To Lower Wheat Production Risks

Fig production enables Fairfield farm to reduce market risks while adding value to soil that under other conditions would have been good enough only for grain production. Cobus du Toit of Fair Figs spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this diversification.

Free-Range Duck Farming In KZN: Why Less Is More

Duck meat is a high-value niche product in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal farmer Vanessa Collocott supplies this market with certified free-range ducks, and has combined shrewd business sense with compassion in her high-risk enterprise.

How To Avoid A Salmonella Outbreak

In most developing countries, salmonella is a major cause of illness and death in children under the age of five, warns Zimbini Mdlulwa, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council.

Lack Of Capital Limited Wool Buyers

53years ago Fluctuations in the value of wool have always been common. In this article, Farmer’s Weekly explained some of the reasons for this.

Marketing Watermelons

As most watermelons are sold uncut, consumers buy them according to size and colour.

Innovative Event Is A Learning Opportunity For Breeders

Access to the latest information and the opportunuity to compare with peers are both crucial for the cattle breeder. This is what the Simmentaler/Simbra Hoogland Study Group aims to achieve for its members with its annual Young Bull Day. Organiser Rick Dell spoke to Annelie Coleman.

High Demand For Smart Machine Operators

New technological developments have triggered a demand for more sophisticated machine operators as well as improved training.

Global Action Needed To Combat African Swine Fever

Officials from 15 countries met recently in Canada to come up with an action plan to prevent the spread of the deadly African swine fever (ASF) virus now devastating pig herds in Asia and eastern Europe.

The Big Romagnola Proves Itself In The Stormberg

Neville Bradfield is one of 18 South African Romagnola stud breeders who have established themselves since the Italian breed’s arrival in Africa 25 years ago. Mike Burgess visited his farm in the Eastern Cape to see how he has incorporated the breed into his mixed farming operation.

SA Avocado Industry Seeking New Export Opportunities

The annual increase in local avocado production of between 1 000ha and 1 500ha means that the industry has to actively explore new market opportunities, according to the CEO of the South African Subtropical Growers’ Association, Derek Donkin.

Roadholding And Handling

Jake Venter explores the features that make a vehicle safe, comfortable and enjoyable to drive.