CATEGORIES

Southern Africa's hunger hotspots

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Programme’s Hunger Hotspots report highlights the countries most at risk of increased food insecurity from August to November 2021. In Southern African, these include Mozambique, Madagascar, Angola and the DRC.

Tender pork chop casserole served with potatoes

this simple recipe takes less than an hour to put together. the apples add sweetness to the pork, while the mustard brings with it some good flavour and a touch of heat. Recipe and photo: Potato Nation.

Summer visitor to SA expected within weeks

One of the more unusual birds of prey that occurs in South Africa, the European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus), is expected to reach the country by the end of October after migrating approximately 10 000km. The species feeds exclusively on wasps, bees and hornets.

To show or not to show, that is the question

While agricultural shows are stressful for farmers and livestock, time-consuming and expensive, most industry players believe they still hold value. Susan Marais reports.

Nature-Based Farming Secures A Solid Future For Limpopo Farm

Reducing inputs costs and increasing yields are the foundation of a profitable enterprise. However, true sustainability comes from investing in practices that increase your farm’s ability to produce over time. Lindi Botha spoke to Leon Eksteen of Bufland Boerdery about choosing the right investments.

Fresh Apples For Top-Quality Cider

Larry Whitfield, owner of Loxtonia, an apple, pear and plum farm, has successfully branched into cider production. Unusually, he uses fresh apples to produce his award-winning ciders. He spoke to Wouter Kriel.

Regulatory Apathy Limits Cannabis Growth In SA

The wheels for the legalisation of commercial cannabis production in South Africa were set in motion in 2018. More recently, this campaign gained further momentum when the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development released the Draft Cannabis Master Plan. Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, chairperson of the Fair-Trade Independent Cannabis Association, spoke to Pieter Dempsey about the challenges that remain.

Blueberries: A Booming Business In SA

According to a new report by the International Blueberry Organization, South Africa is one of the countries to watch when it comes to global blueberry production, following a surge in export volume in recent years.

The Basics Of Wheat Production

South African wheat growers have to compete with imports of the grain, which puts them under pressure to maximise production efficiency. Decisions on which cultivar to plant and the seeding density at planting have a major influence on yield, and ultimately profitability. Magda du Toit reports.

Growing papayas: Part 1

Papaya trees are fast-growing and have an upright growth pattern. Under the right conditions, they flower within six months after planting and will continue flowering throughout the year.

Fendt brings new tracked tractors to South Africa

The Fendt 900 Vario and Fendt 1100 Vario are the latest additions to the German agriculture machinery manufacturer’s range of high-power, tracked tractors available in South Africa.

Growing onions: Part 14

When growing onions, keep a sharp lookout for fungal diseases such as downy mildew, as these represent a major threat to a crop, says Bill Kerr.

Regenerative farming: can producers afford not to make the change?

Switching from conventional farming to a regenerative agriculture system is certainly expensive. But according to a number of experts, failing to do so could end up costing you your farm. Susan Marais reports.

Regenerative grazing management

Although ultra-high-density grazing is still quite controversial in some circles, many farmers have had good results when using it as a means to restore veld and increase carrying capacity. Susan Marais reports.

Swainson's francolin

The Swainson’s francolin is considered a pest by some farmers and a boon by hunters, as this article showed.

The rise of Dutch Warmbloods

The Dutch Warmblood has become a familiar sight at high-level equestrian events. Dr Mac looks at the breed’s fascinating history.

Breathing New Life Into The Guava Industry

The Agricultural Research Council is undertaking various trials aimed at making guava production more profitable. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Salomie Willemse and Chris Smith, experts involved in the programme.

The Future Of Farm Robots

Robots are predicted to play an ever-increasing role in agriculture, but there is much debate about whether these will be large or small machines. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Data Show Dire Climate Outlook For Africa

Recent climate change projections by the UN confirm that most parts of Africa will likely experience drier, hotter conditions, while also being prone to more frequent heavy rainfall events. All of which, writes Victor Ongoma, an assistant professor at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco, will have an overwhelming impact on millions of people in Africa whose livelihoods depend on dryland agriculture.

Drones Are Leading The Way In Crop Spraying

To Tim Wise, whose sugar cane-growing family had always battled with the quality of crop spraying delivered by aeroplane, drones seemed to be a workable alternative. This led to research into drone technology in 2016, and the subsequent creation of Precision Agricultural Systems. The company has since been the driving force in having crop-spraying drones approved for commercial use in South Africa. Wouter Kriel reports.

How To Prevent A Family Feud

Most volatile family agribusiness disputes have deep-rooted causes that stem from secrecy, distrust and avoidance. By confronting these issues early on, conflict can be avoided, says Trevor Dickinson.

Fire and regenerative rangeland management

Fire is a management tool and, like a hammer, it can have good or bad consequences, depending on how and when it is used. This requires careful consideration of a farm’s conditions, writes Colin Nott, a regenerative agricultural consultant based in Namibia.

Watch out for glyphosate contamination

The repeated use of the herbicide glyphosate has been found to compromise fruit production. James Dick, co-owner of production consultancy DNS Crop Institute, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this problem.

Meet the ‘Barbarians'

A display of part of farmer Herman Dewing‘s huge collection of barbed wire. FW ARCHIVE

Tennis tapestry

There was a period in South Africa’s past when a well-kept tennis court was as much a part of a prosperous farm as a vegetable garden or a tractor. And this applied in the dusty Karoo as well as in the lush Lowveld, says Graham Jooste.

Saving Southern Africa's smallest wild cat

Marion and Richard Holmes, who live near Cradock in the Eastern Cape, have made it their life’s ambition to conserve the vulnerable black-footed cat and African wildcat. They spoke to Annelie Coleman about the methods they employ.

Increasing sugar tax will cost more jobs – industry

With the ending of the moratorium on increases to the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), or so-called sugar tax, in 2022, renewed calls to double the levy could cost the sugar industry millions of rands.

Improving seed import/export regulations in Rwanda

GLOBAL INSIGHT

Higher milk production, lower carbon footprint

Pressure is mounting on dairy farmers to reduce their carbon footprint. The good news is that research shows it is not only possible, but can be done in a way that increases productivity. Lindi Botha reports.

Growing onions

Cutworms and thrips are major threats to onion plants, and must be dealt with timeously to save your crop, says Bill Kerr.