CATEGORIES

Milco SA's Acquisition Of Clover On Track

The Competition Commission (CompCom) has given conditional approval for the Milco SA consortium’s intended acquisition of all issued shares in Clover for R4,8 billion, also referred to as the Clover Scheme.

Expert Tips To Get The Most From Irrigated Wheat

Irrigated wheat is grown by many South African grain farmers in rotation with summer grains such as maize and soya bean. André du Toit, a senior wheat breeder with Pannar Seed SA, shares his knowledge and experience on how farmers can maximise the productivity, and therefore profitability, of these wheat crops. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Addressing The Challenges Facing SA's Wheat Industry

The latest wheat production estimate for the 2018/2019 season is about 1,8 million tons, which means that South Africa will have to import about 50% of the country’s wheat demand, according to Mariana Purnell, general manager at Agbiz Grain.

Africa Needs Cannabis Income

Since the legalisation of cannabis for private use in South Africa last year, there has been much confusion over the legality of farming and trading in cannabis and cannabis-related products. With its ideal climatic conditions for cannabis cultivation, the country is optimally placed to profit from the enormous economic potential of the crop. Lindi Botha reports.

Long-term Load-shedding Could Bankrupt Fish Farmers

Fish farmers depend on reliable, affordable power. Load-shedding and off-the-grid solutions are both problematic.

Electric Tractor Powered By A Cable

John Deere’s new concept tractor can develop up to 300kW

Saanen Basics

This goat breed is known for its milk and milk products, including a variety of hard and soft cheeses and yoghurt.

Farming Abalone For Export

Today, there are about a dozen abalone farms along the coastline between Port Nolloth and East London. One of the first to be established was Jacobsbaai Sea Products in the West Coast hamlet of Jacobsbaai. In the 24 years since it started farming abalone, the farm has produced an ever-greater number of these delicacies, and now exports millions annually.

Weaner Theft On The Rise In North West And Free State

The National Stock Theft Prevention Forum (NSTPF) has expressed concern at a recent increase in the theft of weaner calves and large groups of mature cattle in South Africa.

Tips To Reduce Antibiotic Usage

Rising concern over antibiotic resistance is forcing livestock producers across the world to change their production management practices. Dr John Patience explains to Glenneis Kriel how pig producers can benefit from reducing antibiotic usage.

MPO Urges Milk Buyers To 'Act Responsibly'

While some milk buyers have announced increases of up to 20% in the producer price for raw milk, others have not yet done so.

Pork Goes High-tech

Pork producers lost millions of rand and hundreds of people lost their jobs due to the listeria hysteria last year. Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the crisis and how it has reshaped the industry.

Developing Land: Getting The Infrastructure Right

When developing a natural area, it is crucial to integrate all facilities with the surrounding environment, thus minimising their impact.

New-look LAMMA Displays Latest Agri Innovations

The first all-indoor LAMMA show represented a new era for the UK’s largest farming equipment event. Attracting 40 000 visitors, it was a showcase for international exhibitors.

The Future Of Weed Management

According to agronomy expert Leonard Oberholzer, weeds’ resistance to herbicides is expected to be one of the greatest threats to food production in years to come.

Common Watermelon Diseases

Watermelons are usually grown in warm, dry areas and marketed as early as possible when prices tend to be higher. Diseases are also less likely in a drier climate.

Cultivar Branding: A Game Changer For Growers

Fresh produce branding is gaining momentum as farmers seek to ensure a market for their fruit in an industry where supply is dramatically increasing. The success of the ClemenGold mandarin brand has spearheaded the marketing of specific premium citrus varieties. Lindi Botha reports.

Afrino Excels In Producing Mutton And Wool On The Veld

Hendré Calitz, the chairperson of the Afrino Sheep Breeders’ Association of South Africa, manages the Koppiesfontein Afrino Stud near Smithfield for Piet and Theo Delport of Wesselsbron. Mike Burgess visited him to better understand the value of the Afrino under extensive conditions.

New Net Solution For Sunburn

Some growers in the Southern Cape are using nets that can easily be draped over tree rows to protect pome fruit against sunburn. Apart from their convenience and flexibility, the new nets cost a fraction of fixed net structures. Daan Brink of Two-a-Day and Ebbie Raubenheimer of Nulandis spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the technology, which was developed in Australia.

Irrigate Sensibly And Economically

Most home vegetable gardens are irrigated incorrectly. Here’s how to get it right, says Bill Kerr.

Never Stop Learning!

When you think about it, every farm is in some respects a trial farm.

North African Chicken Worth Waiting For

Attempting unfamiliar cuisines often means encountering unknown or unavailable ingredients. In the case of food from North Africa and the Levant, preserved lemons are an absolute must. One downside: they take three weeks to mature!

A Used Car: Let The Buyer Beware!

Dirt, rust and oil leaks are just some of the signs of neglect on a used car. Jake Venter explains what faults to look out for, and when to walk away from that ‘never-to-be-repeated’ bargain.

The Difference Half A Degree Of Global Warming Can Make

The recent ‘Global Warming of 1.5 C’ report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlights several climate change impacts that could be avoided by limiting global warming to 1,5 C, compared with 2 C or more. For example, at 1,5 C warming, the Arctic Ocean is likely to be free of sea ice in summer just once a century on average, whereas at 2°C global warming, the likelihood rises to once a decade.

Pig Farming From Scratch: A Growing Success Story

At the time she was awarded a piggery by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Betty Nyambi knew little or nothing about pig farming. But she refused to let that stop her, and through hard work and training she has become a competent pig farmer. Today, she is aiming at her next goal: gaining quality assurance certification. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Soya Bean Hulls In Feed Boost Milk Profits

Partially substituting maize with soya bean hulls may lower dairy cattle feeding costs while increasing income generated from milk solids. Anesmé van der Vyver, a master’s student at Stellenbosch University, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about her research findings.

Managing High Nitrate Levels In Paddocks

High nitrate levels acidify the soil, leading to an abundance of weeds. Dr Mac explains how to manage this, and prevent it from occurring.

‘Farming For Profits Without Social Responsibility Is Foolish'

Being named the 2018 Agri SA/Toyota Young Farmer of the Year is wonderful recognition, says North West potato producer JP van den Berg, However, simply being able to farm and contribute to food security is a daily highlight. He adds that his hardworking staff are pivotal to his farming success, and he devotes much energy to caring for their welfare. Annelie Coleman reports.

To Get The Most, Waste Nothing

Herby oversees the conservation aspect of the operation and cultivates tomatoes as a paying hobby, while his sons run the farm.

Financial Planning: Crucial To Sustainable Production

To weather the impact of market fluctuations and extreme climatic conditions, producers have to think strategically about farming. Pieter de Jager spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his strategy.