Planning a new orchard requires sufficient time and resources before committing to such as big investment.
A comprehensive business plan that takes many factors into consideration is needed before a new orchard can be planted.
Research should be the first step and should cover topics like variety selection, environmental challenges, advantages and disadvantages of using trellises, the availability and quality of water, optimum planting density and spacing, and pest and disease prevalence in the area.
The main purpose of the plan is to eliminate surprises and ensure not only an income but a proper return on this major investment, too.
Many things can go wrong when establishing a new orchard, says Carl Fourie, production manager for Letsitele citrus at Mahela Group. "Certain setbacks can mean that the orchard never reaches its full potential in terms of yield and quality. It can even result in an orchard not reaching its full lifespan or replanting.
"To correct mistakes or compensate for inadequacies may mean production practices will have to be adapted at a meaningful additional cost.
"Once the trees are in the ground, they may be there for quite some time, so proper planning with careful consideration of all production and environmental aspects is needed.
"Most fruit trees require between six and eight hours of sunlight for good growth and fruit ripening, so aspects like soil type and how much sun the area will receive during the growing season will have an impact," Fourie points out.
Pitfalls of establishing an orchard include:
• Incorrect choice of cultivar for a particular area; Incorrect layout of the orchard;
•Inadequate soil preparation;
• Incorrect choice of rootstock; and Incorrect planting of trees, resulting in poor establishment.
Denne historien er fra August 02, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra August 02, 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.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
