In this issue

Focus on intensive farming, Hydroponics or aquaponics: Which is right for you?
New irrigation technology to boost production and lower costs. Orange River wine grape growers adapt to survive tough times. SA poultry the good, the bad, and the promising. Grape production why Western Cape father and son rely on tried-and-tested methods.

'Regenerative farming will grow once society as a whole buys into the concept'

Retailers, consumers, the supply chain and financial institutions should all play a more active role in promoting regenerative agriculture, according to panellists at a recent event in Stellenbosch. Glenneis Kriel reports.

2 mins

Agriculture urged to lead the way in keeping South Africa food-secure

Grain producers make a significant contribution to South Africa's food security, but greater effort should go towards creating a more sustainable future for the industry, according to speakers at the recent 2023 Grain SA Congress. Annelie Coleman reports.

2 mins

SA's Dorper sheep flourish in Kenya

Dorper sheep are increasingly making inroads in Kenya's mutton and lamb production industry. The breed is particularly popular among farmers in the more arid areas of the country because of its hardiness, adaptability and profitability. Annelie Coleman reports.

2 mins

The dawn of a new era for Orange River Cellars

Orange River Cellars, located in Upington in the Northern Cape, is in the process of converting from a co-operative to a company. CEO Charl du Plessis spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this development.

6 mins

The link between drought and disease

Gina Charnley, a research postgraduate in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London, looks at the ways that drought brings disease.

4 mins

Dumping, feed costs, load-shedding threaten SA poultry industry

South Africa's poultry industry is well positioned for long-term growth, but it is currently in distress due to a raft of local and global challenges. Glenneis Kriel describes the impact of these threats on producers.

6 mins

Choosing hydroponics or aquaponics

While similar in theory, hydroponic and aquaponic systems differ significantly in terms of capital outlay, input costs and method of operation. Janine Ryan provides an overview of the differences between these systems to help aspiring growers choose the right one in terms of their production goals.

6 mins

Irrigation technology is making production cheaper

Recent advances in irrigation technology are making it easier for farmers to produce more food, while remaining environmentally friendly. Janine Ryan reports.

4 mins

Grape farming: stick to the basics to succeed!

While production on most grape farms in the Orange River region has taken a knock this season due to adverse weather conditions, GPA Boerdery has managed to achieve a decent harvest. Lourens Maass and his son Kobus, who run GPA, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their recipe for success.

9 mins

Common fungal diseases of Swiss chard

This week, Bill Kerr looks at Cercospera leaf spot, beet mosaic virus, and the two types of mildew that target Swiss chard.

2 mins

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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.