In this issue

Illegal harvesting threatens biodiversity of Succulent Karoo. How livestock can improve
soil health. An ancient solution for revitalising today’s nutrient-poor soils. Apples and pears
advice from a top producer.

Succulents under threat as thieves steal Karoo's unique plant heritage

International demand for South African succulents fuels criminality and threatens biodiversity. The Succulent Karoo is being stripped of its unique biodiversity to supply illegal markets, says Dr Carina Bruwer, senior researcher for Southern Africa at ENACT, and urgent steps are needed to halt the illegal harvesting.

4 mins

Learners and communities benefit from holistic health and nutrition initiative

The number of children consuming vegetables on a daily basis at 342 schools in at-risk communities across Gauteng, the Eastern and Western Cape increased by 494% between 2019 and 2022, thanks to INMED's Health in Action (HIA) programme, and the Mondelēz International Foundation.

2 mins

Don't forget your snakebite kit: Part 1

This article explained why every farmer should have a snakebite kit on hand, and how to use it correctly.

3 mins

The state of food security and nutrition in the world

In 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its global partners released a report titled ‘The state of food security and nutrition in the world’.

3 mins

Tough road ahead for South African farmers and consumers

South Africa’s consumer price index inflation remains far above the South African Reserve Bank’s target, despite the most recent interest rate increase since the current cycle of hikes began in November 2021.

3 mins

Afrikaner breed's surprising water-intake efficiency

The latest research results released by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) have shown that South Africa’s Afrikaner beef cattle breed is ideally suited to counteract the expected impact of climate change on cattle production.

1 min

Global uncertainty spells trouble for cost of living

The current unprecented level of global uncertainty is not expected to abate in 2023.

1 min

Regional winners of 2022 AYuTe Africa Challenge

ThriveAgric, a Nigerian agri-tech company, has emerged as the West African winner of the annual Agriculture Youth Technology (AYuTe) Africa Challenge, receiving a US$1million (about R17,5 million) grant as reward.

2 mins

Legislation to keep 'foreign adversaries' out of US farming

New legislation tabled in the US House of Representatives and the Senate seeks to prevent China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from buying farmland or agricultural companies in the country, according to the National Agricultural Law Center in the US.

1 min

Renewed calls to exempt chicken from VAT

FairPlay has renewed calls for government to remove South Africa’s 15% value-added tax (VAT) from chicken portions because of “rising agricultural costs, including unreliable and increasingly expensive electricity”.

1 min

Guidelines on how to reduce wind damage in citrus orchards

New research has revealed the benefits of planting windbreaks in citrus orchards to prevent wind damage to the fruit.

2 mins

'EU's false codling moth phytosanitary rules threaten citrus sector'

The South African citrus export industry is under immense financial pressure following the EU’s implementation of stringent new phytosanitary regulations.

2 mins

Better times ahead for dairy farmers

For several years, milk producers have been squeezed by stagnant and lower producer prices and higher input prices.

2 mins

Controlling pests and diseases in cannabis cultivation

New technologies can help growers overcome the difficulties involved in producing a healthy and profitable crop as the cannabis business continues to expand and change, says Thomas Walker.

3 mins

Unlocking the soil's potential with biochar

Biochar, the residue created by burning biomass, has been increasingly recognised for its remarkable ability to improve soil fertility and store carbon. Kobus Stoop, director of Cape Town-based Senfore Soil Conditioning, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the substance and its potential for agriculture.

6 mins

A silver bullet to protect your herds and flocks

Silver hydrogen peroxide is a stable disinfectant with numerous purposes, says Douglas Spinas of Peroxsil Ag+ at Phend Pharmaceuticals.

5 mins

How soil can benefit from livestock farming

Despite the common narrative regarding the negative effects that animal agriculture has on the planet and its climate, livestock are, in fact, important components in the maintenance of soil health.

5 mins

Production tips from a top pome fruit farm

Attention to detail has helped Welgemeen Boerdery achieve top honours for its Golden Delicious and Kanzi apples, and Abate Fetel pears. Hannes and Sakkie Hanekom explained their approach to Glenneis Kriel.

9 mins

VEGETABLES Potato growing for new farmers: Part 1

The potato is 99,9% fat-free, and yet it's a nutrient-dense food and an important dietary staple in more than 130 countries. Growing it isn't as labour-intensive as you might think, says our veggie expert, Bill Kerr.

3 mins

Removal of waste in stables

With its implications for health, waste removal is a key aspect of management. It requires proper planning and a well-designed system that allow the task to be done quickly and efficiently, says Dr Mac.

2 mins

Mahindra launches the all-new Scorpio-N

The Scorpio-N nomenclature was carefully chosen to represent the claim that this vehicle raises the game to 'the power of N'.

2 mins

Mango upside-down cake

Fans of pineapple upside-down cake will love the bursts of fresh mango flavour in this twist on the original recipe.

1 min

A safe family home on a farm in KZN

Dear Jonno, I’ve bought a derelict farm in KwaZulu-Natal and need your help to make it liveable for a city slicker.

1 min

A relaxed, pet-friendly yet luxurious hotel in the heart of Cape Town

More and more hotels are allowing guests to bring their pet dogs along for the stay. The SunSquare Cape Town Gardens is among these, and offers a delightful stay for humans, too!

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.