CATEGORIES

The challenges facing the adoption of green hydrogen

Dr Rod Crompton, visiting adjunct professor in the African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School, and Dr Bruce Douglas Young, senior lecturer at the centre, explain green hydrogen’s potential benefits, and the challenges that need to be overcome before it can be used on a wide scale.

Fine-tuning blueberry nutrition for optimal yield and quality

Blueberries are a challenging crop to cultivate, as the plants don't readily absorb key nutrients, and the berries can therefore vary in flavour, quality and size. With an increasingly picky market, farmers need to optimise plant nutrition to obtain a consistent crop that commands high prices. Lindi Botha spoke to Dr David Marks.

India's 'White Revolution': the power of the collective at work

In a move that is being called production by the masses rather than mass production, India has successfully mobilised 100 million subsistence and small-scale dairy farmers to make that country the world's largest milk producer. Lindi Botha visited India to see how this remarkable feat has been achieved.

Social rejuvenation on a Western Cape fruit farm

Pome fruit farmer lan Cunningham, named Agri Western Cape Santam Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year for 2022, has improved much more than just the orchards on his apple farm near Villiersdorp. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the various initiatives and incentives aimed at bettering the lives of his farmworkers.

The dos and don'ts of owing a firearm

South Africa has strict legislation governing the licensing, purchase and use of a firearm. Magda du Toit explores the rules and official processes that regulate gun ownership, and speaks to experts in the field.

Somalia: will aid efforts fail marginalised again?

Nisar Majid, a research associate at the London School of Economics and Political Science, writes about the burgeoning famine crisis in Somalia, and the lack of sufficient aid for that country's minority groups.

SA's ostrich industry gets serious about animal welfare

South Africa's ostrich industry unveiled its Ostrich Production Standard in 2021, and 85% of farms are currently participating in the programme. Dr Adriaan Olivier, industry veterinarian at the South African Ostrich Business Chamber, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the origins of the standard and what is required of producers.

The Table Bay Hotel: unashamed luxury, superb cuisine, and a view like no other

She may be a quarter of a century old, but the Table Bay Hotel at the V&A Waterfront is as fresh and elegant as the day she was built, says Brian Berkman. It's no wonder this iconic hotel continues to draw so many visitors.

Pest and disease control in pearl millet production

Chinch bugs, nematodes, mildew, seed rot, rust and other pests and diseases are all threats to pearl millet. Here's how to deal with them.

'Food loss and wastage squander precious resources and exacerbate climate change'

Food loss and wastage hold dire consequences for both producers and consumers, with scarce resources wasted, and greenhouse gas emissions rising as a consequence. Lindi Botha reports.

Get rid of colour in wool

In this article, an expert stated that careful observation and strict selection were needed to combat pigmentation in sheep flocks and improve the quality of the clip.

A vaccine bank could reduce disease panic

Dr Baty Dungu believes South Africa should take lessons from countries that have been using stockpiles for years to ensure adequate vaccine supplies before outbreaks occur.

Read this before buying a bull for your beef herd!

Sechaba Majola, a researcher in the Animal Unit at the University of the Free State, gives advice to small-scale beef cattle farmers on how to buy a quality bull and improve herd genetics.

Running a successful Simmentaler stud in the Barkly East mountains

The dual-purpose Simmentaler is known for its adaptability and good temperament. Tjokkie Nel, who runs a stud near Barkly East, spoke to Gavin Isted about the success he has had on this seemingly harsh terrain.

Brothers turn apple farm into top producer

The Lingenfelder brothers have made significant changes to production methods and orchard management since joining their family's apple and pear farming operation in the Western Cape's Overberg region. They spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their techniques, precision-farming technologies, and yield increases.

Growing the river indigo shrub

This graceful shrub or small tree attains a height of up to 4m and has small, sweetly scented flowers that are pink and white in colour.

Experience the sun and surf at Dolphin Beach Hotel

Brian Berkman says the Table View coast may be close to the city, but has beaches and lagoons that make it feel like a resort.

Two world wars: one exceptional airman

Leonard Slatter's contributions to aviation, both in war and peace, were remarkable. He was a First World War ace, led the team that flew the Supermarine S.5 seaplane to victory in the Schneider Trophy races, and was responsible for providing air cover for convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic. Graham Jooste tells his story.

Husqvarna launches new range of demolition robots

The top priority when designing Husqvarna Construction's new range of demolition robots was safety, says Lionel Zietsman, national sales manager at the company.

Reducing the risk of bacterial diseases in tomatoes

These days, with the availability of good-quality hybrid seed, an infection is less likely to occur in your tomato crop. However, you still have to safeguard against bacterial canker and other threats, cautions Bill Kerr.

Jagersfontein: how to avoid another tragedy

Mine tailings dams need stringent management based on international best practice procedures and underpinned by a strong legal framework with clearly defined responsibilities, says Charles MacRobert, a senior lecturer at Stellenbosch University.

'Go-to tractors' for dairy farmers

Nick Stubbs owns and runs a large dairy in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, and says a reliable tractor is vital to his operation's success.

Jamaican farmworker exploitation controversy in Canada

Complaints about mistreatment on farms in Canada by migrant workers from Jamaica have been rejected by the latter country’s labour minister, Karl Samuda.

Pear and blue cheese pizza

If you think the combination of pear, blue cheese and tomato sounds strange, think again. This gourmet pizza brings together sweet and savoury flavours, making it the best of both worlds.

Isuzu makes a splash in the Eastern Cape

In the Wild Coast region, where very poor roads and rough conditions are the norm, Isuzu trucks are valued for their ruggedness and reliability.

Obstacles to succession planning, and how to overcome them

It is critically important to address common problems before you get down to the business of succession planning. Addressing these challenges proactively and in a positive way will enhance a family agribusiness’s chances of enjoying continued success and prosperity, says Trevor Dickinson.

Cost-saving tips for horse owners

Prices are skyrocketing in South Africa, so it’s worth keeping a monthly budget to make timely decisions on cost-cutting, says Dr Mac.

Controlling tomato leaf miner

Tuta absoluta is capable of causing a yield loss of 100%, but biological ways to thwart this pest are in the works. Bill Kerr provides an update.

HORTICULTURE Growing chrysanthemums

These plants are highly suitable for container gardening on patios. Chrysanthemums produce flowers in a wide variety of colours. They are used as cut flowers for special occasions and for pot plants.

Weeds in maize and wheat crops (Part 6): fleabane

This winter weed is widespread throughout Southern Africa. It has small seeds, is a shallow germinator, and is a problem in no-tillage systems.