Business
Farmer's Weekly
The secret that makes this no-till farmer a success
No-till crop cultivation is hardly a novel movement, yet learning curves are still steep as farmers navigate the intricacies of what makes healthy soil. Lindi Botha speaks to Hendrik Odendaal about how a change in his compost regime is making all the difference.
8 min |
August 18, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Making a success of aquaculture: Part 1
In this first part of a two-part series, we look at the basics of aquaculture production in South Africa, including the best systems to use and the type of research needed before starting.
4 min |
August 18, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Grow African foods to combat food insecurity
Researchers at Stellenbosch University look at the reasons why the consumption of indigenous foods in South Africa is on the decline, and what can be done to help promote their use.
3 min |
August 18, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
High fertiliser prices behind food shortages
Prof Simon Roberts and economist Ntombifuthi Tshabalala of the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development at the University of Johannesburg, consider the implications of an increase in global fertiliser prices for food security on the African continent.
4 min |
August 18, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
The basics of growing radishes: Part 2
Radishes grow quickly, and should be ready to harvest within three to five weeks, depending on the season and the variety sown.
2 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Basque burnt cheesecake
This delicious creation is also known as the anti-cheesecake, thanks to its heavily caramelised top. Whatever the name, it’s certainly worth adding to your repertoire.
1 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Experience all the creature comforts at beautiful De Zeekoe in Oudtshoorn
Surviving recent drought and COVID-19, Oudtshoorn’s farmers and accommodation establishments are looking ahead to better times. Brian Berkman stayed at a fine example of Klein Karoo hospitality outside the town.
3 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Game ranching - the 'improbable' industry
Roelof Bezuidenhout reviews a paper dealing with the rise of game ranching in South Africa, and discovers that the industry developed despite prevailing beliefs that it would destroy the farming of livestock.
5 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
The amazing return of the fossil fish
Eighty-five years ago, a trawler docked in the East London harbour with a prehistoric-looking fish on board. The specimen would spark global interest, as these fish were thought to have been extinct for 65 million years. Many more have since then been found alive. Mike Burgess tells the remarkable story of the coelacanth.
2 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
The new ISUZU D-MAX Arctic AT35
With exceptional off-road capabilities, the D-MAX Arctic is the second iteration of ISUZU’s specially developed ultimate double cab bakkie.
2 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Bahia grass: a dual-purpose crop
This perennial pasture improves the condition of the soil and provides good grazing for sheep, in particular, and cattle.
3 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Controlling the spread of white mould in cabbages
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the fungus responsible for white mould, spreads via the soil and airborne spores. Speedy action is required
2 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
A learnership to empower youth
Country Bird Holdings, in partnership with government, is a participant in the Yes4Youth programme, which is aimed at giving young South Africans practical experience in the workplace. Theunis Eloff explained to Melinda Shaw how CBH works with Amphi SA to mentor trainees.
3 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Essentials for housing poultry
Chickens and other poultry are generally delicate creatures, and need careful attention. Amongst their requirements is secure, dry, warm shelter. In this article, we look at the essentials you need for a chicken house.
2 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Get the best out of good seed - practise good seed storage!
Peter Craven, seed supply and quality lead at Syngenta, and Kobus van Huyssteen, technical manager at the South African National Seed Organisation, spoke to Magda du Toit about the importance of proper seed storage.
5 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Living up to its name, Siyavuna is harvesting growth
Started in 2008 to help ensure food security for a charity, the Siyavuna programme has expanded to focus on farming, training and growing its value chains.
7 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Get to know your livestock's nutritional requirements
If you understand the essential nutrients that your cattle need, and how to provide these, you will end up with a profitable livestock business, says Shane Brody. Here's how to ensure that the animals get enough to thrive.
3 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Relationships are the basis of good business
Personal relationships are the rails on which your business runs. Don't leave them to chance. Work on them consciously, with sincerity, professionalism and deep respect
3 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Hybrid maize brings massive yields
This article reported on the tremendous strides made in maize production in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in the early 1970s.
3 min |
August 11, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
These Irish farmers influence public opinion
Public opinion on farming practices has taken a negative slant the world over as social media perpetuate stereotypes of farmers who only seek profit, to the detriment of the environment. Irish farmers Pete and Paula Hynes are challenging those views by placing their farm firmly in the spotlight. Lindi Botha reports
9 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
Black rot: take care to prevent this destructive disease
Xanthomonas campestris can destroy a cabbage plant. It can also occur on dead organic matter under the proper conditions, warns Bill Kerr
2 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
Kissing spine can be inherited
Scientists have found a gene that predicts kissing spine, a disease affecting mainly Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds
2 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
The reality of livestock and climate change
Livestock are often said to be unfriendly to the environment, costing a huge amount of feed and water to produce. However, these statements are largely inaccurate
5 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
Five ways to make sure fermented food is safe for eating
A typical West African menu is not complete without a fermented food or drink, which are foods transformed by natural processes involving ‘friendly’ micro-organisms such as bacteria or yeast
3 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
Guideline to the most popular cannabis extraction methods
The effective extraction of cannabinoids, terpenes and other components is crucial in the production of cannabis products. Thomas Walker discusses various extraction techniques, and how they affect the end product
2 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
It's time for SA to rethink its food security strategies
In these trying times of high food prices, we need to reconsider how all South Africans can be afforded access to safe, nutritional diets that enable them to live healthy lives
3 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
Solar energy could boost water supply
Renewable electricity research conducted on KZN's North Coast could bolster the local economy
2 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
SADC talks focus on agriculture, food security and youth unemployment
At its recent Plenary Assembly Session, the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum addressed how agriculture could resolve socio-economic crises. Jyothi Laldas reports on the concerns raised
3 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
Creation Wines ranked fourth in world's top vineyards
Creation Wines, in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Western Cape, has moved from the 38th position in 2022 to fourth in the 2023 World’s Best Vineyards ratings
2 min |
Farmer's weekly 4 August
Farmer's Weekly
Zim authorities wary of deadly rabbit disease in SA
Zimbabwe's rabbit farmers' lobby group, the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders' Association (Zicorba), has called for an immediate ban on the importation of live rabbits from South Africa
1 min |