CATEGORIES

Botswana's leading commercial fish producer forges ahead

Mari van Graan and her husband, Pieter, operate a commercial fish farming project in Kasane in northern Botswana, one of very few commercial aquaculture projects in the country. Tshiamo Tabane reports on how the Van Graans built up their company, Golden Wrap, which also produces fruit, maize and vegetables.

The farmers helping Botswana boost its food production

Willy Kathurima and his wife Doreen are among a handful of farmers taking advantage of Botswana’s push to expand food production by increasing local expertise in horticulture. Tshiamo Tabane reports on how the couple launched their business, Ramaphatle Greens, which produces strawberries, garlic and ginger.

Celebrating Fendt's 20 000th tractor

Germany's biggest producer of agricultural machinery manufactured 20 000 tractors in 2022. We look at the 20 000th built, the 724 Vario.

Swiss chard: seeds or seedlings?

Farmers can plant Swiss chard in one of two ways: direct seeding or seedling transplants. Bill Kerr explains the pros and cons of each approach, and advises how to get the plants off to a good start.

ANIMAL HEALTH: Dealing with bluetongue

Endemic to South Africa, the bluetongue virus now occurs worldwide and is on the increase. The disease, which is spread by midges, affects ruminants, mainly sheep, explains Roelof Bezuidenhout.

SA olive farming: an industry ripe for the taking

The production and consumption of olives and olive oil are on the rise in South Africa. Magda du Toit spoke to farmers and other experts about the country’s burgeoning olive industry, and what is required to produce this Mediterranean fruit.

Boran: converting low-quality feed into high-quality protein

As a diversified farmer whose primary focus is grain, Leon van Tonder doesn't have much time to worry about his cattle. He spoke to Lindi Botha about why introducing Boran cattle into his herd was the best decision he has ever made, and how this beef breed complements his crop-production division.

Better, faster hay balers and forage equipment

Rovic Leers recently showcased some of Krone’s latest baling and forage harvesting equipment at Boland Agricultural High School. Glenneis Kriel reports on its improved features and performance.

SA's cannabis industry: a potential powerhouse

Cannabis production could spur employment in South Africa, but the regulatory framework of the industry is not being formulated at the desired pace, says independent writer Shamin Chibba.

Toyota/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year 2022

With the slew of challenges currently facing the agriculture sector, taking on farming as a career is a daunting prospect. Hannes Wolvaardt, Toyota/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year 2022, a first-generation farmer, shows what can be achieved by courage, discipline, hard work and attention to detail. He spoke to Magda du Toit.

Rand's volatility set to have major impact on local agri sector

For South Africa, a turbulent local currency is likely to be a key feature this year, and one that agricultural stakeholders should prepare for. Absa Agribusiness looks at this and other factors affecting the sector.

New sorghum variety hailed as ideal for Zimbabwe

A newly developed variety of sorghum promises yields of up to 8t/ha, and could turn around the recent swing towards maize plantings in Zimbabwe.

Communities take part in huge clean-up of the Kuils River

The clean-up of one of the Western Cape’s critical catchment areas signifies the kind of success that can be achieved when communities are given the resources to help improve the country’s natural water systems and other vulnerable ecosystems. Annelie Coleman reports.

Lack of policy could cost South Africa in carbon taxes

The fast-changing landscape of carbon neutrality requires quick decision-making by government and farmers, they will fail to capitalise on available opportunities. Lindi Botha reports.

Middle beckon for SA agro companies East exports

South African businesses who had stalls at the Gulfood Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates are pleased with the interest shown in their products.

Department steps in to alleviate damaging impact of load-shedding on agri sector

The severe effects of load-shedding on the agriculture sector has prompted government to look at ways to minimise the effects of the power crisis on the country’s food supply. Glenneis Kriel reports.

SA needs swift decision-making to deal with crises as 2024 general elections approach

POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE by Theo Venter

South Africa's agri exports achieved new heights in 2022

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE by Wandile Sihlobo

'Evil' black thorn meets its match: Part 1

This article looked at the scourge of bush encroachment by black thorn trees in Molopo, North West. The black thorn (Senegalia mellifera) has spearheaded bush encroachment in the Molopo area of North West for 30 years, hitting the area's beef farmers hard.

Eskom needs to tackle things differently

Giving Eskom more money won't solve the energy crisis, says Dr Roy Havemann, a research associate at Stellenbosch University, but splitting it into separate units definitely has the potential to do so.

Parks vs people: barriers to greening efforts in Tshwane

Urban green spaces have recently been getting more research attention because of the various benefits they offer, say researchers Titilope Funmbi Onaolapo and Christina Breed from the University of Pretoria, and Kristine Engemann Jensen and Maya Pasgaard from Aarhus University in Denmark.

A farm stay in the beautiful Bossieveld that offers unbeatable value

Pendennis, a working fruit farm near Villiersdorp, provides rustic yet comfortable self-catering accommodation at remarkably low prices. It’s also the ideal base for exploring the area. Brian Berkman paid it a visit.

Croque-madame

The French really know how to take sandwiches to the next level, and this luxuriously saucy one calls for sturdy bread to keep everything together. Recipe and photo: South African Poultry Association.

New SUVs hitting the global market

Nelson Kalula and Alex Shahini of CAR Magazine look at the Hyundai Mufasa and the Volkswagen Atlas. Will they be available in South Africa?

Why some family members.avoid succession planning

To understand why the members of a family business might be reluctant to initiate succession planning, it’s important to consider the family’s life stage at the time of succession, writes Trevor Dickinson.

Length of hind hooves can influence soundness in horses

The contribution of the hind hooves to overall soundness, neglected until now, has been highlighted in a new study. Dr Mac reports.

The ever-evolving Swiss chard

Swiss chard is a highly variable, nutrient-rich vegetable whose leaves can be eaten either fresh or after storage, says Bill Kerr.

Sunflower and soya bean cultivars you can count on

Pannar’s formidable sunflower and soya bean packages have been enhanced with several new cultivars that deliver superior genetics, resilience and yield.

An overview of global cherry production

While South Africa isn’t a significant producer of cherries, farmers here can learn many important lessons from their international counterparts, which include Turkey and Chile. Janine Ryan reports.

Mashona: small in stature, big in value

Zimbabwe's indigenous Mashona cattle are renowned for their outstanding productivity and ability to survive under even the most extreme conditions. Maree Osborne, chairperson of the Mashona Cattle Society of Zimbabwe, spoke to Annelie Coleman about this remarkable breed of beef cattle.