CATEGORIES

Choosing a tractor

In this article, Janine Ryan looks at some smaller tractors that may be good options for smaller farmers.

Game-changing technology for small-scale farmers

Digital farming technology has come a long way, and costs have dropped. Janine Ryan looks at drones and mobile apps that can help Africa's emerging farmers improve their production at an affordable price.

Make sure that more lambs survive to adulthood

In many communal areas, weaning percentage amongst sheep flocks hovers between 10% and 30% (compared with 80% to 90% for commercial farmers). This is unsustainable for a breeding operation, says Shane Brody.

It's not just about ego: job titles do matter

Accurate job titles provide a professional image and give credibility to customers, suppliers and other stakeholders, even if you are a small owner-managed business, says Peter Hughes.

Elsenbug wins Agricultural Colleges Rugby Cup

After seven days of tough competitive rugby at Elsenburg Agricultural College Sports Grounds, Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute won the South African Agricultural Colleges' Rugby Week trophy with a score of 14-6 against Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute.

Adverse weather calls for greater orchard care

Famers in subtropical regions have been cautioned to protect their trees from adverse weather this winter.

Potato research symposium promotes innovation

Potatoes South Africa (PSA) hosted its annual research symposium in July in Parys, Free State.

Strategies to fight fall armyworm

Research by the United Nations shows that pest management and technology can effectively combat fall armyworm, one of the world's most destructive agricultural pests, writes Jeff Kapembwa.

Blueberry production set to expand in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's farmers are planning to invest more than R363 million to develop blueberry production.

A way forward for trade between India and US will benefit agri sector

After months of dispute, India and the US have finally reached an agreement with regard to ongoing disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR). It added that this move could create new agricultural opportunities for both countries.

North West farmers encouraged to grow cotton

Cotton production in North West is a viable alternative to maize and soya bean production, according to Louis Olivier, CEO of Vaalharts Katoenprodusente in Hartswater. He said the profitability of cotton production exceeded that of maize and soya beans by far, despite extremely high input costs.

Agricultural expos as a as a key to rural development

POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE - There is a great deal of debate about the need to stimulate sustainable rural development in South Africa, especially in terms of keeping small towns and rural agricultural hubs going. Elaborate policy plans and master plans are being developed and discussed.

What are risks to feed prices for the South African livestock and poultry industries?

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Feeding methods for beef cows and calves

This article offered suggestions on how to solve problems with the feeding of beef cows and calves. Most beef herds in the eastern areas of South Africa are in the throes of calving in spring, a time when farmers are hard pressed to provide sufficient feed.

The implications of a BRICS bank for South African agriculture

Rearabetswe Phokontsi, a trainee economist at the Agricultural Research Council, considers the role of the New Development Bank as it sets about fostering collaboration and development among BRICS members.

Apple and Cheddar cheese rolls

With their simple and satisfying flavour combination, these easy-to-make cheese rolls are an anytime treat that will delight family and friends.

Babcock and BULL: a dream team

Babcock has partnered with BULL to become the exclusive supplier of BULL tractor-loader-backhoes and skid-steer loaders in Southern Africa.

The fascinating tale of 'unicorns' in Africa

David M Witelson, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand, tells how the mixing of foreign beliefs with local ones in colonial South Africa hid the identity of a mysterious indigenous animal.

Sleep over in charming Eendracht, one of the top small hotels in the country

Dorp Street, the historical heart of Stellenbosch, is quieter than some other parts of the town, yet offers many attractions close by. And it's here that you'll find the delightful Eendracht Hotel, says Brian Berkman.

The horse: integral to Native American culture for 500 years

It is well known that the Spanish introduced horses to North America. Little did the settlers realise that the local inhabitants would adopt the feral horses into their traditions, says Dr Mac.

CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE: The basics of growing stooling rye

Besides improving the physical, chemical, hydrological and biological properties of the soil, this pasture crop can be used as animal feed.

SOIL HEALTH: Why liming the soil is so important

Applying lime is an often-overlooked soil maintenance practice in farming. But abused soil can be very costly to repair, and can lead to irreversible conditions, such as soil erosion and desertification.

The bagrada bug: a serious threat after transplanting

The bagrada stink bug is an important pest worldwide, and can cause severe economic losses for brassica farmers, warns Bill Kerr.

A new strategy for maize marketing

Markus Monteiro, Bennie Grové and Nicolette Matthews of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State provide an alternative hedging strategy for the South African maize market.

Hugenoot: SA's beef cattle genetic treasure

The award-winning Koperkop Hugenoot stud has proved the breed’s economic value in the exacting farming conditions south of the Soutpansberg. Owners Henk and Gerda van Rensburg told Annelie Coleman how the breed fares in an area where animal diseases such as redwater, heartwater and anaplasmosis are rampant.

How to spot a potential top-class dressage horse

Horses are expensive, and if you choose to buy a horse with a well-defined lineage in any sporting discipline, it is not unusual to pay in excess of R100 000 for an unbacked filly or colt. But what should you be looking for before making this kind of investment? Janine Ryan reports.

Get more bang for your buck by diversifying

Diversification enables farmers to spread risk and add additional income streams, but within the opportunities lie some hazards. Lindi Botha spoke to farmers who have successfully integrated their current operations through multicropping and other methods about how to tackle this juggling act without dropping the ball.

Rooibos producers positioned for growth

Werner Nieuwoudt, chairperson of the newly formed Rooibos Tea Producers’ Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the launch and vision of the organisation, and how rooibos farmers could benefit.

Land reform will not result in 15% growth

Giving land to inexperienced farmers while retaining property rights will not improve agricultural sustainability. Fixing problems such as load-shedding, vaccine shortages and infrastructure will, says Dr Koos Coetzee.

EU's carbon border tax: new report shows Africa stands to lose billions in revenue every year

Prof David Luke, strategic director at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at the London School of Economics and Political Science, discusses the EU’s new carbon border tax, and its possible impact on Africa.