CATEGORIES

New Spraying System Boosts Profits

John Deere's new targeted spraying system allows farmers to save money on herbicides, while increasing time on the land.

Get to Know the Breed of the Month!

In this new segment, Farmer's Weekly dedicates each month of the year to the major beef cattle breeds in South Africa. For the month of April, the Bonsmara will feature as our Breed of the Month.

Top Emerging Farmer Bets on Bonsmaras

Desmond Siteti was named the Agricultural Research Council's Eastern Cape Emerging Beef Farmer for 2021. Mike Burgess visited him and his Bonsmaras near Makhanda to better understand his journey to successful beef production. Desmond Siteti was named the Agricultural Research Council's Eastern Cape Emerging Beef Farmer for 2021. Mike Burgess visited him and his Bonsmaras near Makhanda to better understand his journey to successful beef production.

What Lies Ahead for SA Vegetable Production

Given South Africa’s limping economy, it seems uncertainty is the only certainty for the country’s vegetable sector. However, being prepared for any eventuality can put you on the inside track. Susan Marais reports.

Bonsmara Auction Calendar

This auction calendar is a special segment for the Breed of the Month and includes Bonsmara auction dates across South Africa.

Legacy: The Importance of Family Unity

Leading any business is tough. Leading a family business can be considerably more difficult. Family business leaders have to deal with relationships and emotions that simply are not present in an ordinary business set-up. And this is in addition to the normal stresses of running a company. Under these circumstances, establishing or continuing a legacy for generations to come can seem like an impossible dream, says Trevor Dickinson.

Tools for Africa's Smallscale Farmers to Weather Drought and Floods

Michael Carter, professor of agricultural and resource economics at the University of California, Davis, in the US, says crop insurance and improved varieties can help small-scale farmers mitigate climate change.

Keep your tractor in tip-top condition

MF Connect teams up with your Massey Ferguson dealer to help you ensure that your tractor operates at peak performance.

Diversification pulls farmer through drought

Derec Giles admits that he wouldn’t have been able to financially survive the ongoing drought on his farm in the Klein Karoo without his highly diversified approach to production. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about each of his enterprises.

How stress influences the health and behaviour of horses

Recent research has highlighted the causes, diagnosis and management of stress to improve health and performance in horses, says Dr Mac.

South Africa's efforts to tackle its energy crisis lack urgency and coherence

Hartmut Winkler, professor of physics at the University of Johannesburg, unpacks South Africa’s current energy challenges, and provides some insights into what is needed for the way forward.

Unspoilt bush, hikes amongst game, hidden rock pools – and pure serenity

The Bateleur Nature Reserve, in the heart of the Waterberg, offers nature lovers the ideal getaway. You can stay over in old, self-catering farmhouses or hikers’ base camps, or simply pitch your tent, says Riaan Hattingh.

Floating Wetlands: A Cleaning Solution for Polluted Farm Dams

Floating wetlands are successful at improving the quality of nutrient-polluted water, and can be made from a few basic materials, says Dr Alanna Rebelo, a senior researcher in the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology at Stellenbosch University.

Seawater-Farmed Tilapia

In this article, the second in a two-part series, Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha show how seawater-farmed Mozambique tilapia can provide cheaper protein than broilers or other livestock.

The saga of Gideon Scheepers

Boer Commandant Gideon Scheepers was executed by British forces near Graaff-Reinet during the Anglo-Boer War. His trial and the secret reburial of his body caused long-lasting resentment, writes Mike Burgess.

Survival strategies of farmers in the Langkloof

Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, South Africa's largest exporter of apples and pears, hosted a media visit to the Langkloof to meet with its producers. Two of these farmers spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the techniques they use to overcome production challenges.

The benefits of polled Merinos for SA's sheep industry

Earlier this year, a number of Merino stud breeders from Middelburg in the Eastern Cape formed the Nu Poll Merino Group, whose aim it is to breed polled sheep exclusively. Group member Tinus du Plessis explained to Annelie Coleman why breeding and farming these animals made business sense.

Potato pests versus parasitoids

Liriomyza huidobrensis and the potato ladybird are destructive pests of potatoes, but can be controlled through parasitoids, says Bill Kerr.

Luxurious container love nest in the Boland

Palmietvlei Farm, a working blueberry farm, is situated near Wolseley in the Western Cape, and offers a wonderful view of the Mostertshoek mountains from its innovative 'CouplesPod'

Advice on Navigating the World of Carbon Credits

With a growing focus on conservation agriculture, carbon credit companies are now promising to pay farmers for the carbon they sequester on their farms. Andrew Ardington, founder of the Regenerative Agriculture Association of Southern Africa, and Dr Tony Knowles, director of The Cirrus Group, spoke to Marinda Louw about the benefits and pitfalls of carbon credits.

Know Your Potato Crop's Water Status

Good rainfall does not automatically mean your crop has been wetted sufficiently, and the plants may still require irrigation, says Bill Kerr.

‘Land Court Bill needs some refinement'

The Land Court Bill received widespread support for its aims and objectives during public hearings at the beginning of March, but some areas that required ‘tightening up’ were highlighted. 

Why the world is losing against climate change

This assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the current status of climate change indicates that poor and vulnerable people are most at risk of suffering from the impact of global warming in the near and medium terms, as weather extremes have reduced food and water security.

Managing mud fever

Equine pododermatitis requires careful and thorough treatment, and is exacerbated by damp or wet conditions, says Dr Mac.

How clever kraaling can restore bare patches

A veld management strategy, based on an old animal husbandry practice, can benefit both communal farmers and holistic resource managers. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.

Key to smallholder farming success

In this article, a farmer used his experience to explain how a small-scale producer could achieve positive results on his or her land in the most efficient manner. 

Group auctions: a great team brings great results

Group auctions are becoming increasingly common in South Africa's beef cattle industry, where they are a benefit to both stud and commercial breeders. Members of the Valsrivier Bonsmara Breeders Group spoke to Annelie Coleman about the advantages of these events, and the need for smooth teamwork and shared values.

Looking to the future of food production

Aquaponics and hydroponics systems have numerous advantages over traditional soil-based production techniques. Magda du Toit spoke to two farmers who practise these intensive agriculture methods.

Controlling weeds in a potato land

Herbicides and ridging both have parts to play in controlling weeds. But care should be taken with each of these methods, says Bill Kerr.

Garlic woes return after COVID-19 demand spike

The garlic industry’s troubles have returned after a brief glimmer of hope during the COVID-19 lockdown period. And, despite a renewal of the import duties against garlic ‘dumping’ from China, the industry continues to see an exodus of producers.