Business
Farmer's Weekly
Weathering The Storm With Shade Nets
Graaff Fruit has been using nets in several of its orchards for more than a decade. Mac Mackenzie spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how this method reduces climatic risks.
3 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Local Oilseed Prices Feeling The Effects Of A Falling Rand
South Africa’s weakening exchange rate, and other factors affecting the world supply and demand for oilseeds, will continue to support domestic oilseed prices.
2 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Siting A Hydroponics Operation
Before buying a property on which to build a hydroponics operation, it is crucial to do some research about the site. This includes reviewing climatic data, making enquiries at the municipal or district council, and having the water tested. Research will save you effort and money in the long run.
2 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
A Methane-Powered Tractor
New Holland recently received an international award for its concept tractor, which offers huge savings in running costs.
1 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
The Changing Nature Of The Wine Industry
The future of wine is evolving and the industry has to adapt in order to survive and flourish. This is according to Robert Joseph, an internationally respected wine expert and winemaker, and the author of the soon-to-be published book, The Future of Wine has Changed. Jeandré van der Walt reports.
3 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Eu Safeguard Clause Not A Concern For SA Citrus Exporters
Members of South Africa’s export citrus industry have expressed doubt that the European Commission will resort to implementing a safeguard clause intended to significantly limit citrus volumes entering the EU from this country.
1 min |
May 10, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
How To Achieve Optimal Maize Production
Maize growers often have questions on to how to maximise their crop yield and the profitability of their enterprises. Grant Pringle, a product agronomist at Pannar Seed SA, gives expert, practical answers to some of the more common queries. Lloyd Phillips reports.
4 min |
May 10, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Debunking The Myths Of Communal Farming
By developing and establishing partnerships, Luleka Mbete’s business, LM Holdings, has initiated a system that brings sorghum producers in the Eastern Cape together to link them to funding, technical expertise, markets and training.
5 min |
May 24, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
South Africa's Blossoming Fresh Produce Industry
Fresh produce industries across the globe are bombarded with new developments and trends. Jeandré van der Walt spoke to Anouk Sijmonsma, Produce Marketing Association (PMA) regional vice-president for Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia/New Zealand, and Lindie Stroebel, general manager for PMA Southern Africa, about the trends and challenges affecting the local fresh produce industry, as well as some of South Africa’s markets and competitors.
4 min |
July 26, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Surviving The Fourth Industrial Revolution
The world is about to experience profound changes in the way in which industries function, and farming is no exception. Farmers need to become aware of new technologies that may affect the profitability and global competitiveness of agricultural production.
3 min |
July 26, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Some Beetroot Basics: Part 2
This article explains how to cultivate and harvest beetroot that is ready for the market.
2 min |
July 26, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Shrinking Consumer Income Severely Affecting Meat Producers
The decline in the disposable income of South African consumers is evident in the changing purchasing patterns of red meat in the retail sector, as well as the supply and demand volatility in the primary red meat production industry.
1 min |
August 2, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
The Dawn Of Motoring
The earliest motor cars were built by hand and cost a small fortune, yet were liable to frequent breakdowns. The introduction of interchangeable parts made production easier, and reliability also improved.
2 min |
August 2, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Landowners Help Conserve Birds Of Prey
Landowners Help Conserve Birds Of Prey
3 min |
August 2, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
'Ensure Sensible Veld Management After Drought'
The heavy snow and rain that fell recently in parts of the Karoo will aid the recovery of grazing destroyed by the devastating drought, but much more rain was needed for the veld to return to its full potential. This was according to Johan van den Berg, specialised crop insurance manager at Santam Agriculture.
1 min |
August 9, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
New Markets Vital To Facilitate Avocado Industry Growth
Despite a current undersupply of avocados in European countries and the fact that these markets are growing year-on-year, South Africa did not have an opportunity to significantly increase exports to the EU.
1 min |
August 9, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
New Thoughts On Animal Thinking
Prof Aliza le Roux, head of the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of the Free State’s QwaQwa campus, says the latest ideas in animal behaviour hold farreaching implications for livestock farmers.
4 min |
August 9, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
The Female Tractor Technician Who Is Breaking Stereotypes
Lerato Baloyi is currently the only female agricultural equipment technician employed by John Deere Sub-Saharan Africa. Siyanda Sishuba spoke to the 29-year-old Baloyi about her often-challenging journey in this male-dominated industry, and her passion for her career.
5 min |
August 9, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Milco SA's Acquisition Of Clover On Track
The Competition Commission (CompCom) has given conditional approval for the Milco SA consortium’s intended acquisition of all issued shares in Clover for R4,8 billion, also referred to as the Clover Scheme.
1 min |
August 9, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Expert Tips To Get The Most From Irrigated Wheat
Irrigated wheat is grown by many South African grain farmers in rotation with summer grains such as maize and soya bean. André du Toit, a senior wheat breeder with Pannar Seed SA, shares his knowledge and experience on how farmers can maximise the productivity, and therefore profitability, of these wheat crops. Lloyd Phillips reports.
5 min |
April 05, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Addressing The Challenges Facing SA's Wheat Industry
The latest wheat production estimate for the 2018/2019 season is about 1,8 million tons, which means that South Africa will have to import about 50% of the country’s wheat demand, according to Mariana Purnell, general manager at Agbiz Grain.
1 min |
April 05, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Africa Needs Cannabis Income
Since the legalisation of cannabis for private use in South Africa last year, there has been much confusion over the legality of farming and trading in cannabis and cannabis-related products. With its ideal climatic conditions for cannabis cultivation, the country is optimally placed to profit from the enormous economic potential of the crop. Lindi Botha reports.
5 min |
April 05, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Long-term Load-shedding Could Bankrupt Fish Farmers
Fish farmers depend on reliable, affordable power. Load-shedding and off-the-grid solutions are both problematic.
2 min |
April 05, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Electric Tractor Powered By A Cable
John Deere’s new concept tractor can develop up to 300kW
1 min |
April 05, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Saanen Basics
This goat breed is known for its milk and milk products, including a variety of hard and soft cheeses and yoghurt.
1 min |
April 05, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Farming Abalone For Export
Today, there are about a dozen abalone farms along the coastline between Port Nolloth and East London. One of the first to be established was Jacobsbaai Sea Products in the West Coast hamlet of Jacobsbaai. In the 24 years since it started farming abalone, the farm has produced an ever-greater number of these delicacies, and now exports millions annually.
4 min |
April 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Weaner Theft On The Rise In North West And Free State
The National Stock Theft Prevention Forum (NSTPF) has expressed concern at a recent increase in the theft of weaner calves and large groups of mature cattle in South Africa.
1 min |
April 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Tips To Reduce Antibiotic Usage
Rising concern over antibiotic resistance is forcing livestock producers across the world to change their production management practices. Dr John Patience explains to Glenneis Kriel how pig producers can benefit from reducing antibiotic usage.
5 min |
April 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
MPO Urges Milk Buyers To 'Act Responsibly'
While some milk buyers have announced increases of up to 20% in the producer price for raw milk, others have not yet done so.
1 min |
April 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Pork Goes High-tech
Pork producers lost millions of rand and hundreds of people lost their jobs due to the listeria hysteria last year. Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the crisis and how it has reshaped the industry.
5 min |