CATEGORIES

A farm that brings hope

A group of subsistence farmers in the Western Cape have put their differences aside and come together to realise their individual dreams of owning a farm. Glenneis Kriel reports on the launch of Thembelitsha Farming.

‘Society, Not Government, Should Decide On Fracking'

It should be society, and not government departments and their officials, deciding on whether or not potentially environmentally damaging mining for natural gas and other fossil energy reserves should be permitted in South Africa.

Improving heat stress management in beef cattle

Anette Theunissen, an animal scientist based at the Vaalharts Research Station, explains the results of a study conducted by researchers at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, to evaluate the use of a temperature-humidity index as a measuring tool for heat stress in beef cattle.

More on earthworms

In last week’s article (FW, 4 December), I looked at the three types of earthworm (epigeic, endogeic and anecic), and their differences and similarities. This week, I’ll explore in more detail the benefits that earthworms provide.

Why the DA views farm murders as hate crimes

During a recent elective conference, the official opposition party in South Africa, the Democratic Alliance (DA), adopted a policy resolution to have farm attacks and murders declared hate crimes and priority crimes. DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard spoke to Annelie Coleman about the party’s decision.

SA farming's dust pollution problem

Frank Eckardt, associate professor of Environmental and Geographic Science at the University of Cape Town, writes that new research has shown persistent emission of dust from the western Free State. Unlike natural dust emission, these dust clouds, which are the result of soil loss, could influence air quality and threaten future food security. One solution would be to consider land-use changes to suppress dust.

Controlling fungus on Cripps Pink apples

A recent study of the effect of two pesticides on Phylctema vagabunda, a fungus that causes significant post-harvest losses of the Cripps Pink apple cultivar, revealed interesting results. Dr Alana den Breeyen and Dr Julia Meitz-Hopkins explain.

Continual improvement is important, says New Era grain farmer

Paulus Mosia from Edenville, Free State, a finalist for the 2019 Grain SA/ABSA/John Deere Financial New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year award, says that by using better inputs and improving production management, he increased his maize yield from 3,2t/ha to 5,2t/ha in just one year. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Cleaning up dirty eggs

30YEARS AGO In order to ensure the safety of consumers and chicks, eggs must be cleaned thoroughly.

Award-winning mango producer says 100t/ha is possible

Jaco Fivaz, farm manager of Mohlatsi farm in Limpopo, is a pioneer of high-density mango orchards, which achieve a greater yield per hectare than conventional orchards. Pieter Dempsey visited this award-winning grower to find out more about his passion for experimentation, and how he manages a diverse mango business.

Supplying Herbs To Major Brands

When Lizette Kloppers started dabbling in tomato-growing on the family farm near Worcester, she had no idea that her little enterprise would develop into a thriving herb business. Today, Rooikrans Kruie produces about 23t of basil and substantial quantities of other herbs each season for some of South Africa’s most recognised food brands.

Strong Recovery In Agri Machinery Sales

Following two years of contraction, the farming sector has rebounded strongly during the first six months of 2020, resulting in an increase in the sales of tractors and combine harvesters.

Pet And Family-Friendly Accommodation On History-Rich Farm

Welcoming farm sounds and smells, a large stoep, activities in nature, and tranquillity await visitors of the farm Houtenbek in Mpumalanga.

The Many Advantages Of Humus

The volume of organisms in any body of soil is dependent on the soil environment and supply of food for them; it is not a static amount.

Mixed Farming Unlocks Rented Farm's Full Production Potential

Cash crop production is allowing Western Cape farmer André Cloete to add value to livestock production and mitigate fruit production risk on the farm he leases near Greyton. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his livestock and cash crop enterprises.

Helping Small-Scale Farmers Reach Commercial Status

Sinelizwi Fakade is a successful grain farmer in the Eastern Cape, but it is his passion for helping small-scale and subsistence farmers improve production that makes him particularly compelling, says Pieter Dempsey. He spoke to Fakade about his farming operation and his role in mentoring future farmers.

The Basics Of Growing Groundnuts On A Small Scale

Groundnuts are high in protein, tasty, and a convenient and popular food. All of this makes them a potentially valuable source of nutrition in rural communities. Growing and selling them can also earn much-needed income. Loureine Muller, a groundnut agronomist at commodity trading company Triotrade, explains how to produce this crop.

Genetics Drive Dairy Production Profitability

The use of top genetics and agrotechnology enables Kluitjieskraal Jersey Stud in the Western Cape to weather the impact of volatile prices and rising input costs. Stud manager Arno Schoonwinkel outlined his methods to Glenneis Kriel.

Radical veld improvement

In the second of this two-part series, Dr Louis du Pisani, an independent specialist agricultural consultant, discusses how to improve veld to restore the natural water cycle.

Standard and long-life wear parts go head-to-head in field test

Replacing worn-out parts on ground-engaging implements is costly. Equipment manufacturer Bednar recently carried out a trial to find out whether long-life parts made more financial sense.

Efficient cattle a must for Nigel stud breeder

The 2020 Unistel/SA Stud Book Developing Breeder of the Year, Bookholane Mokoena of Boggie Bonsmaras in Nigel, Gauteng, says that one of his most important breeding aims is to maintain optimal body condition, with the goal of producing cattle that are fit and efficient. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

An Innovative Mobile Macadamia Dehusker

When Fairview Farm was using a static Macadamia Dehusker, KwaZulu-Natal macadamia farmer Robert Carlton-Shields estimated that his pickers each lost about two hours’ productivity a day during the harvest season. He set about remedying this, and his subsequent collaboration with an engineering company has resulted in a mobile macadamia dehusker that saves time and money. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Mentor-Breeder's Strategy For Profitable Beef Farming

Johan Erasmus, who farms near Derby in North West, is one of the pioneers of the Boran cattle breed in South Africa. He uses his experience as a stud breeder and a commercial crop farmer to assist and mentor new farmers in a number of Southern African countries. Pieter Dempsey reports.

A Deadly Face-To-Face In A Fjord

On 10 April 1940, a fierce naval battle took place in a Norwegian fjord between the Royal Navy and the German Kriegsmarine. A South African-born naval officer, Lieutenant Lindsay de Villiers, was amongst the many men who perished in the encounter.

South Africa's Expropriation Law: What It's All About

Elmien du Plessis, associate professor of law at North-West University, outlines the long road that has been travelled to get to South Africa’s Expropriation Bill in its current form.

Getting To Know Earthworms

More than 2 000 species of earthworm have been identified worldwide and there are 300 known species in South Africa. The presence of earthworms is a good indication of soil health.

Growing Success For A Small-Scale Wattle Farmer

Mthandeni Ntanzi has combined ingenuity, expert advice and sheer hard work to improve production on his small black wattle plantation, becoming an award-winning farmer in the process. Lloyd Phillips visited him at his operation in KwaZulu-Natal.

Dorpers: The Great Survivors

According to Northern Cape sheep breeders Hennie and Hercules Erasmus, the Dorper was bred to thrive on harsh veld. Putting these animals under feedlot conditions ‘waters down’ their hardiness, they explained.

Benefits And Risks Of A Digitised Farm Sector

Digital technology can make food markets more efficient and inclusive. However, according to a recent report, the digital divide places farmers in some of the world’s poorest regions at risk of being left behind.

The role of forests in global food security

The expansion of agriculture increases the risk of deforestation, which will not only have a negative impact on climate change mitigation, but also diminish food security for millions of desperately poor people. This report looks at the link between food security and forest ecosystems.