How long have you been involved in the avocado industry and in what capacity?
Avocados have been part of my life since I started at Westfalia in January 1986. I have held various management positions in operations and the commercial environment and served on the board of the South African Avocado Growers' Association (SAAGA) from 1994 to 2013.
Since 2017, I have been a shareholder and director in three farming operations in the Southern Cape, which produce mainly avocados but also soft citrus and macadamias.
How does the avocado industry differ in the northern provinces compared with the Western Cape?
Western Cape avocados have a later window in the market, as harvesting of the Hass and Gem cultivars starts in late September (mostly young trees) or the beginning of October, and runs until the end of December.
The plantings at Soekmekaar and Magoebaskloof in Limpopo and certain areas in KwaZulu-Natal have marketing windows similar to those of avocados from the Southern Cape.
How do the unique agricultural challenges faced by avocado growers in the Western Cape, such as soil variability and wind, contrast with those in other regions?
From a technical viewpoint, the variation in soil types in the Western Cape is a challenge. Avocados prefer well-drained soil.
Soil mapping is important when planning avocado orchards, as irrigation blocks should be determined by soil type. This can complicate irrigation planning and management practices. On a 20ha piece of land in the George area, there can be five to six different types of soil.
Denne historien er fra July 26, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 26, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.