In this issue

SA well-placed to be leader in global hemp and cannabis markets. Water crisis, Why Johannesburg’s taps often run dry. Crop Series Part 1, Maize set to remain South Africa’s top Grain despite challenges. What an analysis of SAPS statistics reveals about stock theft.

Johannesburg's big water problem

The water crisis is getting worse in South Africa's biggest city, says Craig Sheridan, chair professor at the University of the Witwatersrand. This is why the taps keep running dry in the country's industrial hub.

4 mins

New policy aims to accelerate service provision

Hundreds of farm dwellers in uMgungundlovu District in KwaZuluNatal benefitted as Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu launched a landmark policy aimed at accelerating access to water and sanitation services on privately owned land.

1 min

Weather conditions hit grain production

Weather conditions have taken their toll on both the winter and summer grain regions, as well as other crops

4 mins

Australia takes cautionary measures against lumpy skin disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a cause for concern for Australian livestock farmers, says the University of Queensland. Australian officials have been put on high alert following the spread of the disease across Southeast Asia even though there have been no reported cases in Australia.

1 min

The ins and outs of having your own storage facilities

In this article, Cobus du Plessis discusses what you need to know before investing in on-farm silos.

6 mins

The Gagelas' unique livestock operation

In 2009, the Gagela family expanded their livestock initiative from the communal areas of the Eastern Cape to include a commercial farm near Dordrecht. Mike Burgess reports on the family's unique agricultural journey, driven by the late George Gagela.

5 mins

Livestock theft in South Africa: Do the structures fail the producer?

Willie Clack, senior lecturer in criminal justice at Unisa, and a farmer in North West, analyses statistics from the South African Police Service over the past 30 years to determine the trend in stock theft.

2 mins

Maize remains South Africa's greatest grain

Zunel van Eeden looks at maize production, and the pests and diseases that farmers should be on the lookout for to maintain their good yields and profitability.

7 mins

Big economic potential in cannabis and hemp

Cobus du Plessis looks at two similar industries and products with very different legislative landscapes.

6 mins

Nurturing growth: exploring the sorghum industry in South Africa

Marguerite Pienaar, a junior economist at Grain SA, and Petru Fourie, convenor of the Sorghum Cluster, provide an overview of sorghum production in the country.

4 mins

Starting a no-frills vegetable project on a small farm: Part 1

The concept of no-till is growing in leaps and bounds and is a major way of farming in countries like Brazil. South Africans should also adopt this successful method

2 mins

Are nosebands really necessary?

Recent research has found evidence of bone and tissue damage in parade horses wearing nosebands, says Dr Mac.

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.