CATEGORIES

Land Reform Can Be Positive

Roelf Meyer, former minister of defence, constitutional affairs and communication, and now head of the In Transformation initiative, told Gerhard Uys that land reform could be a positive process if all stakeholders worked together.

Lack Of Land Hampers Top Developing Farmers

Zolani Tyali and his son Mandange recently won the 2017 Unistel SA Stud Book Elite Developing Farmer award. Mike Burgess visited them on their farm in the Eastern Cape to gain a better understanding of the ups and downs experienced in their stud and commercial Nguni operations.

Nampo: The Big Stuff!

The size of agricultural machines continues to increase, and there were plenty of impressive machines at this year’s show.

Getting Back In The Saddle

You rode as a youngster, then concentrated on raising a family. Now you’d like to ride again. Dr Mac offers some sound advice on how to revive an old passion.

New Market Opportunities for South Africa's Macadamias

Alex Whyte, marketing manager of Green and Gold Nuts is convinced that the industry has potential for significant growth. He spoke to Siyanda Sishuba.

Positive Sentiment In The Local Cotton Industry

High maize stocks, which have put pressure on the maize price, combined with higher demand for cotton, particularly from China, have contributed to a favourable outlook for cotton production in South Africa.

Bright Future For Fast-growing Modern Damara Sheep

Since importing his first Damaras from Namibia in the late 1980s, stud breeder Frank Blumenthal has firmly believed in the integrity of the breed. The Free State farmer says that the modern indigenous Damara has over the years evolved into a well-muscled animal with outstanding disease resistance and fertility under the hottest, driest conditions. Annelie Coleman reports.

Lucerne Plays Central Role In Niche Cropping Business

Johan Jacobs plants lucerne to ensure mega yields from other crops in his niche farming business, as well as a good cash flow for at least nine months of the year. Sabrina Dean visited him on his farm on the banks of the Orange River in the Northern Cape.

Feedlot Management Basics

To ensure a profitable operation, a feedlot manager must keep a close eye on price and feed margins, as well as the health of the animals. This involves constant, hands-on management.

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 6

Nitrogen plays a key role in the formation of organic matter. When I changed to no-till production, I was amazed at how rapidly the soil gained organic matter, and how quickly plant health and crop performance improved.

Ripping And Cultivating

Nampo showed that rippers are ripping deeper than ever and cultivators have become even wider, says Joe Spencer.

Concern About Declining Cape Buffalo Trophy Quality

The Cape buffalo occupies a top spot on hunters’ wish lists, but studies show a decrease in the quality of buffalo trophies, according to Dr Johan Rabie, buffalo breeder and owner of Chimoyo Wildlife. Annelie Coleman asked him about the reasons behind this worrying trend.

Making Every Drop Pay

The improvements that Israeli companies have made to drip irrigation have seen them emerge as world leaders in irrigation efficiency. Inventors from all parts of the world take inspiration from them to offer an entire spectrum of innovations that help farmers farm better. Denene Erasmus reports.

Exporting Pork To Bring Home The Bacon For SA

South Africa’s pork industry is particularly interested in exporting to Asia’s fast-growing markets. However, it will need to target countries that accept our present regulatory systems, according to Ezra Steenkamp, research manager and economist at DAFF’s Directorate International Trade. Gerhard Uys reports.

Mutton Curry With Delicious Coconut Rice

In a normal curry and rice dish, the rice is the poor relation. Cook with this combination of flavours to give it the status it deserves.

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 7

Humus contains about 10% nitrogen (N). As the humus content builds up in the soil, so does the N reserve stored in it. However, this N is locked into the humus and released only when the humus breaks down.

Successful, sustainable dairy farming on the Garden Route

For 15 years, the Muller family, near George, has been using biological farming methods and no-till practices. Their pasturereared dairy herd is thriving and can be directly traced to the operation’s original 17 cows.

How to Catch a Stock Thief

Every animal is unique, and stock handling can leave distinct marks on individual animals. These two facts can be used by law enforcement officers to prosecute stock thieves effectively. Gerhard Uys spoke to expert witness Mort Mortassagne.

New Propagation Methods Boost Production

In 2014, the Cederberg Tree Nursery produced 100 000 citrus trees a year. Two years later, after its acquisition by ANB Investments, the nursery produces more than 550 000 citrus trees annually. General manager Scott McKenzie spoke to Jeandré du Preez.

How To Ensure Safe Translocation Of Game

South Africa’s game industry has boomed over the past decade, and vehicles transporting game are often seen on the roads. Ryan Clark outlines the regulations to be adhered to when catching and translocating game. 

Setting The Merino Benchmark

The Fairworld Merino Stud in the Eastern Cape has been at the forefront of genetic fine wool production in South Africa for over a century. It holds the current South African record price of R250 000 for a Merino ram. Mike Burgess assesses the legacy, achievements and future of this 1 000-ewe stud.

Transforming The Wildlife Industry High On The Agenda

Newly-elected president of Wildlife Ranching SA, Tebogo Mogashoa, says transformation of the game industry and advocating for the legal trade in rhino horn will be among the top focal points for the organisation this year.

Zoonotic Tuberculosis

The consumption of unpasteurised bovine milk and raw milk by-products infected with Mycobacteruim bovis are the main sources of infection that cause bovine tuberculosis in humans.

Cottoning On To A Good Thing

It’s been four years since the Department of Trade and Industry launched an initiative to increase capacity and competitiveness in South Africa’s textile and apparel industries. CEO of Cotton SA Hennie Bruwer spoke to Robyn Joubert about the programme’s achievements so far.

Producing Baby Carrots

There’s always a market for baby vegetables, and carrots are no exception. In the past, top-shaped baby carrots were the most popular in the frozen range.

Tilapia Invasion Study: How You Can Help

Researchers conducting a study on the extent to which Nile tilapia have invaded South African rivers need farmers’ help.

Marketing Your Carrots

For long-term sustainability, a farmer has to provide carrots of consistently high quality so that customers can buy their produce with confidence.

Cattle - Dealing With Acaricide Resistance

Do you still find many ticks active on your cattle after dipping? You may have a resistance problem.

EU Commission Bans Pesticides Harmful To Bees

The European Commission’s proposal to ban three key neonicotinoids from use on all outdoor crops was recently endorsed by EU member states, following research by the European Food Safety Authority that showed that most uses of these three neonicotinoid pesticides presented a risk to wild bees and honeybees.

Doing It Their Way: A Unique Farm-To-Fork Nguni Operation

Johan and Danita de Swardt, who became farmers after retiring from corporate careers, ensure profitably by supplying value-added beef directly to their clients. Chris Nel visited them on their farm, Damplaas, near Paul Roux in the eastern Free State.