In this issue

Demand for multipurpose Dexter cattle growing in South Africa. Why more and more farmers are preferring biocontrol to counter pests. Eastern Cape tractor business celebrates 20 years of growth. How SA’s constitution is holding firm despite challenges. Nampo 2024 exploring agriculture for a new generation.

R17m donation of tractors, bulls and infrastructure

Small-scale farmers in KwaZulu-Natal have been given an opportunity to grow into sustainable commercial businesses through a holistic integrated programme that will provide mechanisation, infrastructure and sector expertise.

1 min

Top dairy products revealed

Lactalis South Africa has won the South African Dairy Product of the Year Award for six of the past eight years. This year it won with a 10-month-old Gouda made especially for Woolworths.

1 min

Poor waste management highlighted on Earth Day

Most of South Africa’s waste ends up in dumps, if not strewn across open spaces or littering streams and oceans.

1 min

Kenya hosts soil health summit

The health of African soil was discussed at length by gathering of experts, writes Jeff Kapembwa.

5 mins

Report shows the impact that heat has on agricultural workers

The UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO) recently released a report showing the impact of climate change on the health of workers.

1 min

Factors to bear in mind when dipping livestock

It is important to consider the intervals at which you dip livestock in relation to the specific season in which ticks become more or less, writes Shane Brody.

3 mins

Good outlook for pome fruit

Varieties of fruit could be the key in growing the pome fruit sector, writes Glenneis Kriel.

3 mins

Building a sustainable agriculture sector in the Western Cape

Technology, research, financial mentorship and more will be required, writes Marinda Louw Coetzee.

2 mins

PwC research shows food crisis impact

A new report details how the looming food crisis will affect Africa, writes Jyothi Laldas.

3 mins

Braaied meat and soft-boiled egg Thai salad

This salad with maize, peanuts and eggs will turn leftover braai meat into a completely different meal. Recipe and photo: South African Poultry Association.

1 min

The importance of planning

Planning goes hand in glove with good recordkeeping.

2 mins

Dealing with spear thistle

Tokozwayo Sive, a production scientist who specialises in pasture science at Animal Production Improvement Research and Development at the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, suggests ways to control an invasion of spear thistle.

5 mins

Provençal bliss in the Western Cape's French corner

Brian Berkman wonders if a trip to France is really necessary when Franschhoek offers so many delights Francophiles will enjoy.

4 mins

Seek and destroy: bio-soldiers for healthy crops

Bio-controls are an increasingly favoured method of dealing with crop pests as they provide a long-term solution to farmers that does not negatively impact market access. Lindi Botha reports on how bio-controls should be approached for maximum success.

9 mins

Dexter cattle find their niche in regenerative farming systems

The Dexter cattle breed is proving its mettle as a regenerative farming tool in the Western Cape's intensive farming systems. Glenneis Kriel reports on advice given at a recent farmers' day.

6 mins

Twenty years and still going strong

Elliot Tractor Works, a repair and maintenance centre for all makes of tractors, was launched in 2004 on the outskirts of Elliot in the Eastern Cape by Craig Davidson and his father, Francis. Two decades later it has diversified to include a sales and manufacturing division despite numerous challenges.

5 mins

The Constitution: bedrock of democracy

Richard Calland, an associate professor in Public Law at the University of Cape Town, explains how, despite South Africa's Constitution having been challenged for the past 30 years, it has held firm.

5 mins

Nampo Harvest Day is here!

Since its founding more than 50 years ago, Nampo Harvest Day has led the way in showcasing agricultural innovation in South Africa on a single, comprehensive platform.

9 mins

Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?

Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.

2 mins

In it for the win and so much more

The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.

4 mins

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7

It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.

2 mins

A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests

Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.

3 mins

Changing the potential of your soil

By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.

5 mins

A smart farm springs up and empowers locals

An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.

6 mins

Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows

Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.

3 mins

Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation

Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.

3 mins

Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle

However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.

3 mins

SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy

South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.

5 mins

Meet some of the heroes behind avitourism destinations

Exploring what the Garden Route offers birdwatchers, Brian Berkman discovers some special people who run hospitable places to meet and see a variety of species.

4 mins

What the Citrus Academy offers aspiring producers

Cobus du Plessis takes a look at the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa's Citrus Academy and how it is helping to develop aspiring farmers in the sector.

3 mins

Read all stories from Farmer's Weekly

Farmer's Weekly Magazine Description:

Farmer’s Weekly is an agricultural magazine based in South Africa, targeting the whole of Southern Africa. The magazine is committed to advancing the interests of the region’s farmers and its agricultural industry by serving as a mouthpiece for the industry and by keeping its readers informed of the latest developments in the agricultural sector.