In a previous issue (FW, 29 January 2021), Farmer's Weekly spoke to pome fruit farmer Ian Cunningham about how he was rewriting the rules on apple rootstock longevity on his family farm Fine Fruit, near Elgin in the Western Cape. His methods included the use of the Geneva rootstock CG 778, as well as regenerative farming principles.
In the article, Cunningham argued that, in combination with healthy soil, the rootstock's tolerance to replant disease could increase its longevity by at least 15 years.
Thus, it promised to reduce production costs significantly by enabling farmers to graft new plant material onto the rootstocks, rather than planting grafted material from scratch, and shortening the time it took for the trees to reach commercial production by a year or two.
Almost two years later, these practices, along with the planting of trees at higher densities and the use of new technologies, are making a huge difference to the farm's bottom line. As successful as these approaches have been, his operation has seen an even bigger game changer, according to Cunningham: the purchase of the High Noon farm in the Kaaimansgat Valley near Villiersdorp in October 2020.
"Fine Farms has reached its production ceiling, whereas High Noon has a lot of room for improvement. To get an extra 2% out of Fine Farms would require more than 10% effort, whereas a mere 2% effort will repay me with a 20% to 30% increase in production at High Noon," he explains.
Fine Farms, a 160ha operation, has approximately 100ha under pome fruit. In contrast, production at High Noon, which consists of 1 800ha, can be expanded from 202ha to 240ha, according to Cunningham.
A RISK WORTH TAKING
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 21 October 2022-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 Farmer's Weekly 21 October 2022-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
The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa
Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country's beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.
Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake
This delicious mango fridge tart is so easy to make, perfect when you want a quick yet indulgent dessert (it only takes 25 minutes to whip up). The fruit’s gorgeous colour and fragrance are maximised.
Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25
In its latest estimate, the International Grains Council has adjusted global wheat production for the coming season due to poorer-than-expected harvests in the EU. However, global supplies remain strong, while global consumption is expected to increase to reach about 804 million tons. Janine Ryan reports.
From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, a relatively new wine estate, has established itself as one of the best producers of sparkling wine in South Africa. Owners Doug and Sue Lund spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production philosophy, rise to success, and possible expansion plans.
Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat
Wheat is a significant crop, and like other crops, is susceptible to a range of infections. Here, we provide information on the most important fungal diseases that affect wheat.
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.
The origin of the Bonsmara
The Breed of the Month for March is the Bonsmara. In this first article, we take a look at the man behind this popular cattle breed, as well as how it was developed.
The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice
While some of its contemporaries have suffered from inner-city neglect, the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel has bounced back in elegance and style, writes Brian Berkman.
Age catches up with the Nissan Navara
The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan's effort to win back market share. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.
Growing onion sets
Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.
