CATEGORIES

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.

Farmer protests in Europe

Throughout 2024, farmers have continuously staged protests against their governments in the EU. Most of these protests were in response to farmers feeling targeted by government climate-change policies and legislation.

Global agriculture: news that made the headlines

Farmer protests, droughts and floods dominated international agricultural news throughout 2024. Here, Janine Ryan gives an overview of these challenges.

Something to scratch a head about

This article showed that if you interact with your pigs, your sows will be happy and their piglets will have better growth.

ARC names best dairy producers of the year

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?

The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.

Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax

Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.

Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives

This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.

Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative

Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.

How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer

While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.

Living the 'culture' in agriculture

Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.

Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg

Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.

African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them

Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.

An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA

South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.

Dream Lodge: a digital detox destination

Dinner by candlelight and without digital distractions on an off-grid farm makes this North West lodge the ideal getaway for reconnecting with friends and family, writes Riaan Hattingh.

Optimising nutrient availability for cattle

Nutrient circularity in cattle farming can help improve soil health and reduce farming costs. Ernest Makua, livestock technical adviser at Red Meat Industry Services, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about practical strategies for farmers to achieve sustainability and profitability in the industry.

Canola: a growing force in South Africa's agricultural landscape

Zander Spammer, an agricultural resource manager at Southern Oil, spoke to Zunel van Eeden about the growth of the canola industry in South Africa and the main uses for this versatile crop.

Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA

It is of vital importance that that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) be upheld following the recent US presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner.

Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness

A new study undertaken near George, Western Cape, explored pollination in plum varieties, showing key differences in pollen quality. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on the research findings.

Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions

In a paper published in early November, scientists reveal that pasturelands, in particular those that were once forests, hold great potential for mitigating the effects of climate change.

Harnessing wind for cleaner energy

At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.