CATEGORIES

High fertiliser prices behind food shortages

Prof Simon Roberts and economist Ntombifuthi Tshabalala of the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development at the University of Johannesburg, consider the implications of an increase in global fertiliser prices for food security on the African continent.

The basics of growing radishes: Part 2

Radishes grow quickly, and should be ready to harvest within three to five weeks, depending on the season and the variety sown.

Basque burnt cheesecake

This delicious creation is also known as the anti-cheesecake, thanks to its heavily caramelised top. Whatever the name, it’s certainly worth adding to your repertoire.

Experience all the creature comforts at beautiful De Zeekoe in Oudtshoorn

Surviving recent drought and COVID-19, Oudtshoorn’s farmers and accommodation establishments are looking ahead to better times. Brian Berkman stayed at a fine example of Klein Karoo hospitality outside the town.

Game ranching - the 'improbable' industry

Roelof Bezuidenhout reviews a paper dealing with the rise of game ranching in South Africa, and discovers that the industry developed despite prevailing beliefs that it would destroy the farming of livestock.

The amazing return of the fossil fish

Eighty-five years ago, a trawler docked in the East London harbour with a prehistoric-looking fish on board. The specimen would spark global interest, as these fish were thought to have been extinct for 65 million years. Many more have since then been found alive. Mike Burgess tells the remarkable story of the coelacanth.

The new ISUZU D-MAX Arctic AT35

With exceptional off-road capabilities, the D-MAX Arctic is the second iteration of ISUZU’s specially developed ultimate double cab bakkie.

Bahia grass: a dual-purpose crop

This perennial pasture improves the condition of the soil and provides good grazing for sheep, in particular, and cattle.

Controlling the spread of white mould in cabbages

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the fungus responsible for white mould, spreads via the soil and airborne spores. Speedy action is required

A learnership to empower youth

Country Bird Holdings, in partnership with government, is a participant in the Yes4Youth programme, which is aimed at giving young South Africans practical experience in the workplace. Theunis Eloff explained to Melinda Shaw how CBH works with Amphi SA to mentor trainees.

Essentials for housing poultry

Chickens and other poultry are generally delicate creatures, and need careful attention. Amongst their requirements is secure, dry, warm shelter. In this article, we look at the essentials you need for a chicken house.

Get the best out of good seed - practise good seed storage!

Peter Craven, seed supply and quality lead at Syngenta, and Kobus van Huyssteen, technical manager at the South African National Seed Organisation, spoke to Magda du Toit about the importance of proper seed storage.

Living up to its name, Siyavuna is harvesting growth

Started in 2008 to help ensure food security for a charity, the Siyavuna programme has expanded to focus on farming, training and growing its value chains.

Get to know your livestock's nutritional requirements

If you understand the essential nutrients that your cattle need, and how to provide these, you will end up with a profitable livestock business, says Shane Brody. Here's how to ensure that the animals get enough to thrive.

Relationships are the basis of good business

Personal relationships are the rails on which your business runs. Don't leave them to chance. Work on them consciously, with sincerity, professionalism and deep respect

Hybrid maize brings massive yields

This article reported on the tremendous strides made in maize production in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in the early 1970s.

These Irish farmers influence public opinion

Public opinion on farming practices has taken a negative slant the world over as social media perpetuate stereotypes of farmers who only seek profit, to the detriment of the environment. Irish farmers Pete and Paula Hynes are challenging those views by placing their farm firmly in the spotlight. Lindi Botha reports

Black rot: take care to prevent this destructive disease

Xanthomonas campestris can destroy a cabbage plant. It can also occur on dead organic matter under the proper conditions, warns Bill Kerr

Kissing spine can be inherited

Scientists have found a gene that predicts kissing spine, a disease affecting mainly Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds

The reality of livestock and climate change

Livestock are often said to be unfriendly to the environment, costing a huge amount of feed and water to produce. However, these statements are largely inaccurate

Five ways to make sure fermented food is safe for eating

A typical West African menu is not complete without a fermented food or drink, which are foods transformed by natural processes involving ‘friendly’ micro-organisms such as bacteria or yeast

Guideline to the most popular cannabis extraction methods

The effective extraction of cannabinoids, terpenes and other components is crucial in the production of cannabis products. Thomas Walker discusses various extraction techniques, and how they affect the end product

It's time for SA to rethink its food security strategies

In these trying times of high food prices, we need to reconsider how all South Africans can be afforded access to safe, nutritional diets that enable them to live healthy lives

Solar energy could boost water supply

Renewable electricity research conducted on KZN's North Coast could bolster the local economy

SADC talks focus on agriculture, food security and youth unemployment

At its recent Plenary Assembly Session, the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum addressed how agriculture could resolve socio-economic crises. Jyothi Laldas reports on the concerns raised

Creation Wines ranked fourth in world's top vineyards

Creation Wines, in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Western Cape, has moved from the 38th position in 2022 to fourth in the 2023 World’s Best Vineyards ratings

Zim authorities wary of deadly rabbit disease in SA

Zimbabwe's rabbit farmers' lobby group, the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders' Association (Zicorba), has called for an immediate ban on the importation of live rabbits from South Africa

Why the renewal of AGOA is so important for South Africa

Readers who follow international relations will know that the US Congress is due to review the countries included in the African Growth and Opportunity Act

The advance to automation in potato planting

This article examined the move towards greater mechanisation in the production of potatoes

The pros and cons of freezing meat

Dr Kedibone Modika and Tebogo Pitse, agricultural economists at the Agricultural Research Council, look at how the flavour, colour and tenderness of beef change during the freezing and thawing process