CATEGORIES

China's population is falling: opportunities and risks for Africa

Lauren Johnston, senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs and Associate Professor at the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, writes about the risks and opportunities presented to South Africans as China's population drops.

Pannar's strategy to help farmers improve yield - come what may

Grant Pringle, lead agronomist at Pannar Seed, spoke to Ellis Mnyendu about the company's efforts to develop high-yielding products adapted to a fast-changing environment.

Strategies to ensure sustainable cannabis production

Cannabis growers, regardless of where they are, should practise environmentally responsible cultivation methods. This is not only the right thing to do; it’s ultimately more profitable, says Thomas Walker.

High costs and weak demand still weighing on dairy producers

Dairy farmers are struggling with increasing input costs, leading to a sharp decrease in milk production. Yet the chances of further producer price increases are slim, as demand remains weak, says Dr Koos Coetzee.

Struggling consumers keep meat prices under pressure

While Easter festivities helped to increase the prices of mutton and beef in April, consumer spending remains constrained, directly affecting demand for meat. Absa AgriBusiness analyses trends and provides forecasts.

Soil science society celebrates its 70th anniversary

The Soil Science Society of South Africa (SSSSA) celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. The SSSSA was established in 1953, and soil science was already a recognised discipline in South Africa at the time. In fact, the first recorded soil survey was conducted in 1899, according to Corrie Swanepoel, a soil scientist at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

'Namibia drought could develop into a humanitarian crisis'

The severe drought in Namibia could result in the same humanitarian crisis as during the 12-year drought which ravaged that country until 2019.

Combine harvester sales up 136% in April 2023

More than 100 units of combine harvesters were sold in South Africa in April 2023, up 136,4% year-on-year. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

SA olive estate shines at international awards

South African olive estate De Rustica recently received international recognition when its Coratina Collection was awarded Best in Class, the Absolute Best Olive Oil, and Best Monovarietal at the EVOOLEUM Awards in Spain.

SA Stud Book honours top producers at awards

The top livestock breeders, stud herds and flocks, and stud animals falling under the auspices of SA Stud Book were recognised at the organisation's national awards ceremony held recently in Bloemfontein.

Agri budget met with mixed reactions

Role players have had mixed reactions to the recent budget address delivered by Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Cloud-seeding may not solve Mexico's water crisis, say experts

According to Nature, farmers in Mexico have asked the government to 'bomb' the clouds as the country continues to experience its second-worst drought in a decade.

Zambia aims to become Africa's food basket amid climate change

The Southern African state's President Hakainde Hichilema told foreign investors that it was well placed to fill the commodity void left by the Russia-Ukraine war, writes Jeff Kapembwa.

Strategic marketing needed to survive tough potato market, says industry body

Farmers producing spuds need to balance quality and price to survive the cost-price squeeze, according to speakers at Potatoes South Africa’s recent annual general meeting. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Tea made with indigenous fruit a 'game changer'

The production of tea from indigenous fruit is a 'game changer' for the tea industry, according to Stellenbosch University (SU).

RPO welcomes new vaccine against bluetongue

The recent announcement by Design Biologix, a vaccine researcher, developer and manufacturer, that it has registered a bluetongue vaccine for South Africa has been welcomed by the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO).

Bombed sunflower seed

This article described a South African breakthrough in breeding a superior sunflower hybrid cultivar through irradiation.

Amid power cuts, there are factors working in SA farmers' favour

As farmers plant winter crops, including wheat, canola, barley and oats, Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, outlines reasons to feel more optimistic in a challenging operating environment.

An idyllic blend of beauty, comfort and privacy on the banks of the Breede

River Edge Accommodation offers a superb self-catering stay in cottages on the Breede River near Wolseley in the Western Cape. Camping on the riverbank is also possible, says Brian Berkman.

Protecting and preserving nature

Husqvarna, Cape Nature, Helihack and local landowners came together on Earth Day to safeguard a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Fund aims to boost regenerative agriculture

Switching from conventional to regenerative agriculture may be necessary, but it’s costly. Nic van Schalkwyk, executive director of Restore Africa Funds, spoke to Glenneis Kriel, about his organisation’s solution to this.

South African apple variety in high demand in India

Flash Gala, a full-red apple from the Bigbucks trees discovered in Elgin in the Western Cape in 2011, is receiving much attention, and there have been many requests for trees and additional information from India over the past season.

Favourable outlook for summer and winter field crops such as wheat, oats and canola

According to the latest report by the Crop Estimates Committee, farmers’ intention to plant suggests a bumper harvest for winter field crops. Glenneis Kriel reports.

New strategy required to fight crime in Kruger National Park

To slow down losses of rhinos due to poaching, experts have called for the adoption of a comprehensive long-term strategy rather than the current reactive responses. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Coping with coffee on the coast

This farmer had 5 500 coffee trees on 2,5ha, twice the usual planting density, and believed that South Africa could ultimately produce enough coffee to meet local demand.

Engaging the founder and family in the succession process

Are you a consultant or other outsider trying to help a farmer hand over to the next generation? If so, you’re probably meeting with resistance! Trevor Dickinson suggests ways in which to bring about change.

Transplanting and early care of cabbage seedlings

To get the plants off to a speedy start, ensure that the seedling plugs and soil are thoroughly wetted before transplanting, says Bill Kerr.

The basics of growing teff

Teff is a leafy plant with a high yield of grain when in seed. Because it is highly nutritious, it is commonly produced as a hay crop in South Africa. It can cope with high temperatures and, to a limited extrent, drought.

Coffee proves its worth as a valuable intercrop for macadamia farmers

Lowveld farmers have limited options to get around the cost-price squeeze in order to remain profitable amid rising input costs and decreasing crop prices. Father-and-son team Charles and Carel Burger have an innovative approach: they are intercropping coffee and macadamias to maximise returns. Lindi Botha reports.

Angora: good money from a great breed

Mohair production is a valuable farming option even outside the Karoo. This is being demonstrated at two studs in North West’s Wolmaransstad district, as Annelie Coleman found out on her visit to three brothers-inlaw: Petrus Marx, Reco Pieterse and Stephan Erasmus.