CATEGORIES

The basics of cutworm management

While the presence of weeds strongly influences the pest status of cutworm, the influence of soil moisture on factors such as their biology and behaviour are often overlooked. Entomologist and Bt-maize expert Prof Johnnie van den Berg and Zunel van Eeden, a master's student at North-West University's Integrated Pest Management group, have undertaken research on cutworm behaviour, control and insecticide resistance.

Perseverance despite communal challenges

Zolani Tsheko, the second vice-chairperson of the National Wool Growers' Association, is a wool producer in the communal area of Thornhill near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess recently visited him to gain a better understanding of the production challenges faced by communal farmers, who Tsheko is obligated to lead in terms of his mandate.

'Love for agriculture' will guide new head of Agri Enterprises

Pieter de Jager was recently elected CEO of Agri Enterprises. He spoke to Magda du Toit about his plans for the company.

A last-minute rescue plan for farmed rhino

Jason Gilchrist, a lecturer at the School of Applied Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University, writes that conservation charity African Parks plans to release 2 000 rhino into the wild across Africa.

Rocky space debris that deserves our attention

Unusual finds by a South African farmer add to the country's space rock heritage, says Roger Lawrence Gibson, a professor of structural geology and metamorphic petrology at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Spring is in the air and all the equine parasites are celebrating

It's time to start spraying and dosing your horses as the flies and ticks are multiplying

How to mitigate risks when sawing

In this article, Husqvarna looks at the safety precautions that should be taken when operating a chainsaw.

Nitrogen applications until the cabbages are harvested

LAN is the preferred fertiliser for post-plant fertilisation of the cabbage crop. It contains nitrate that is available to the crop but unfortunately also easily leached from the soil

Weaning your calves

The priority in beef production is to produce as many calves as possible. The main objective of weaning is therefore to enable a cow to calve every year by allowing her to regain condition after weaning.

A review of A Country of Two Agricultures

Wandile Sihlobo has once again crafted a balanced and influential book that deconstructs the complex realities of the agriculture sector in South Africa

Quick to go up, slow to come down

Price movement in value chains with dominant role players shows a 'rocket and feather' effect, quick to increase but slow to decrease

Getting citrus off the ground

To make sure his plants are virus-free, this nursery owner never allows the roots to come into contact with the soil. Producing virus-free citrus plants for sale takes rigorous management, says Trevor McKenzie of Nucellar Nursery in Simondium, Western Cape. He produces under the Citrus Superplant Scheme, which means all the plants he grows must be certified by inspectors to ensure they conform to the scheme standards.

Bank on the new improvements at this elegant hotel with Indian flair

Brian Berkman says to search the Internet for affordable deals at this five-star Cape Town establishment.

Meet a pioneer in the organic industry

Jenny Slabber, the owner and founder of Talborne Organics, has more than 40 years' experience in the organic industry.

Walnuts: a rising star in SA's nut basket

Walnuts make up the smallest portion of South Africa's nut cultivation, yet show much promise as a profitable crop that can be grown across a host of areas in the country. One of the first to take the leap, Rotondo Walnuts is paving the way for a robust future industry.

Farming of the future

Regenerative agriculture is said to be the farming way of the future. It is believed that switching to regenerative agriculture methods minimises carbon emissions, promotes biodiversity, protects the soil, and ensures agricultural sustainability

How Africa should tackle invasive alien species

Invasive alien species are a serious threat to the planet, writes Julie Coetzee, a researcher at Rhodes University. In this article, she highlights four key messages for Africa in this regard.

Getting started with organic farming

'Organic farming' has become a buzzword in agricultural production over the past decade, but it holds real benefits for farmers from a production perspective.

Quality feathers fetch a premium price

Over the years, Laubscher Coetzee has established himself as a producer of top-quality ostrich feathers. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his production strategy.

Exposing a secretive bark stripper

When Mike Burgess noticed multiple trees on his farm, De Hoek in the Eastern Cape, were being ringbarked, he was intrigued as to what animal could be responsible as since he had taken possession of the property 20 years earlier, it had never happened before.

Hitting the road in a luxury Lexus SUV

Kyle Kock of CAR magazine gives his driving impressions of the Lexus RX 500h F Sport, with its impressive price tag that starts at R1,6 million.

Dealing with botulism

Botulism, also called lamsiekte, is a disease of cattle, goats and sheep. It paralyses the muscles of animals so that it is difficult for them to get up or walk. Proper management can help prevent the disease.

The critical element that determines cabbage yield

Farmers know that nitrogen is necessary for growing cabbages and other crops, but many do not fully understand its importance for maximising yields

Opportunities and propagation tips for traditional plants

Traditional medicine is used in the treatment, prevention and cure of various ailments and injuries. There are many opportunities in the traditional medical sector for the propagation of these plants

Focus on longevity gives dairy the edge

Fair Cape Dairies won the ARC National Master Dairyman of the Year Award for the fourth time in 2022. Johannes Loubser spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the drivers of the dairy's success.

Farm-baked rusks are hot off the shelves

Almost two decades ago, Heather van Zyl began baking rusks in her kitchen for neighbours and friends. Today she sells 60t across five provinces. Mike Burgess visited her recently on the farm Van Zylsrust near Lady Grey in the Eastern Cape to better understand her secret to success.

Retrenchments - what employers need to know

The retrenchment process is clearly set out in the Labour Relations Act and must be followed to ensure that it is substantively and procedurally fair

Death is unpredictable, so we need to prepare our successors

We don’t like thinking or even talking about death, but it’s essential that we prepare our family and business successors for the event. Have you done so?

Insurance is not a nice to have, but a necessity

Silo operators may be feeling the pinch of increases in insurance premiums, but it is vital to be covered

Plan for these trends over the coming months

High interest rates, load-shedding, the impact of El Niño on rainfall and export challenges are some of the biggest agricultural risks flagged in the 2023 Absa AgriTrends Spring Edition.