Business
Farmer's Weekly
Growing A Variety Of Soil Microbes
Most farmers are aware that a healthy population of soil organisms is a good thing. What many don’t understand is that the number of soil organisms is directly related to their food source.
2 min |
20 July 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Growing Good-Quality Beetroot
Beetroot is one of several cultivated varieties of Beta vulgaris grown for their taproots and leaves (beet greens).
3 min |
April 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Fake Meat: Coming To A Supermarket Near You
Driven by shrinking arable land, a shift to the consumption of non-meat proteins, and several other factors, ersatz meat products are set to disrupt the lucrative global meat industry. According to management consultants AT Kearney, it is not a matter of if, but when, these products will appear on shelves.
4 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
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.
7 min |
10 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
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.
8 min |
10 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
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.
4 min |
10 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
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.
6 min |
17 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
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.
5 min |
17 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
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.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
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.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
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.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
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.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
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.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
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.
2 min |
May 11, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Cattle - Dealing With Acaricide Resistance
Do you still find many ticks active on your cattle after dipping? You may have a resistance problem.
1 min |
May 11, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
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.
1 min |
May 11, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
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.
5 min |
Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 1
You can’t say nitrogen is the most important nutrient, as a deficiency of any of the essential nutrients will have a serious effect on your crop. However, the ‘temporary’ nature of the element and the many forms it takes do make it necessary to develop a good understanding of nitrogen.
2 min |
Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Prescription Or Participation?
Uncertainty over environmental management policy and a heavy-handed government approach are adversely affecting people and biodiversity.
2 min |
Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Severing The Umbilical Cord
As a rule, you should avoid tying off the umbilical cord after birth. However, if very heavy bleeding occurs, it’s time to act, advises Dr Mac.
2 min |
Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
From Our Archives
Give them all a good start.
3 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Virtual Irrigation Academy Aims to Teach Water Management Online
A website and visualised data make up the Virtual Irrigation Academy, which teaches farmers to develop effective irrigation infrastructure through soil monitoring. Siyanda Sishuba reports.
3 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Grain Sellers Must Learn The 'pitch' To Close The Deal
According to Dr Dirk Strydom, Grain SA’s manager for grain economy and marketing, South Africa’s producers are technologically advanced, but lack marketing prowess. However, marketing opportunities abound, particularly in the volatile free market system. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.
4 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Supplementary Feed in Dry Times
Ritlee has introduced an optional grinding attachment for the 225 model chipper.
1 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
New Landini Tractor Models On Show At Nampo 2017
Argo Tractors in Italy has redesigned its medium- and low-kilowatt Landini tractor ranges, replacing some of the old models already available from Argo Industrial in South Africa.
2 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Labradors: Pets Or Working Dogs?
Many novice owners of this breed do not realise that ‘working dog’ and pet or show varieties may have very different traits, says Shane Brody.
2 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Why Is My Horse Shaking Its Head?
Pathological head-shaking that interferes with normal activities such as riding and eating can be due to a number of factors. Fortunately, a process of elimination can determine the root cause, enabling an owner to deal with the problem.
2 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Crop Trials Aim To Improve Forage Management Decisions
The provincial government’s Outeniqua Research Farm in the Western Cape is conducting trials to assist dairy farmers in making informed decisions when selecting forage crops. Sigrun Ammann spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the trials’ methods and objectives.
3 min |
26 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Setting Up A Viable Community Project
Viable community-based aquaculture projects could pave the way for growing this sector on the African continent.
2 min |
26 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
The Benefits Of Farmers' Days And Agri Shows
Agricultural events such as shows and farmers’ days provide a wealth of information for farmers in particular and the public in general.
4 min |