The importance of planning

Planning goes hand in glove with good recordkeeping.

Dealing with spear thistle

Tokozwayo Sive, a production scientist who specialises in pasture science at Animal Production Improvement Research and Development at the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, suggests ways to control an invasion of spear thistle.

Provençal bliss in the Western Cape's French corner

Brian Berkman wonders if a trip to France is really necessary when Franschhoek offers so many delights Francophiles will enjoy.

Seek and destroy: bio-soldiers for healthy crops

Bio-controls are an increasingly favoured method of dealing with crop pests as they provide a long-term solution to farmers that does not negatively impact market access. Lindi Botha reports on how bio-controls should be approached for maximum success.

Dexter cattle find their niche in regenerative farming systems

The Dexter cattle breed is proving its mettle as a regenerative farming tool in the Western Cape's intensive farming systems. Glenneis Kriel reports on advice given at a recent farmers' day.

Twenty years and still going strong

Elliot Tractor Works, a repair and maintenance centre for all makes of tractors, was launched in 2004 on the outskirts of Elliot in the Eastern Cape by Craig Davidson and his father, Francis. Two decades later it has diversified to include a sales and manufacturing division despite numerous challenges.

The Constitution: bedrock of democracy

Richard Calland, an associate professor in Public Law at the University of Cape Town, explains how, despite South Africa's Constitution having been challenged for the past 30 years, it has held firm.

Nampo Harvest Day is here!

Since its founding more than 50 years ago, Nampo Harvest Day has led the way in showcasing agricultural innovation in South Africa on a single, comprehensive platform.

Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?

Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.

In it for the win and so much more

The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7

It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.

A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests

Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.

Changing the potential of your soil

By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.

A smart farm springs up and empowers locals

An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.

Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows

Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.

Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation

Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.

Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle

However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.

SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy

South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.

Meet some of the heroes behind avitourism destinations

Exploring what the Garden Route offers birdwatchers, Brian Berkman discovers some special people who run hospitable places to meet and see a variety of species.

What the Citrus Academy offers aspiring producers

Cobus du Plessis takes a look at the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa's Citrus Academy and how it is helping to develop aspiring farmers in the sector.

Seeder kick-starts vegetation in challenging environments.

Dr George Craven of Noorspoort, Steytlerville, in the south-eastern Karoo, is successfully using a home-built 'bedstead seeder' to re-establish veld plants in an arid area, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Sowing seeds for the future: unravelling estate planning challenges for farmers

PJ Veldhuizen, managing director of specialist commercial law firm Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc, emphasises the critical role of legal expertise in unravelling the ins and outs of estate planning.

Visiting olive oil producers in Spain

A group of agricultural journalists representing 15 member countries of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists recently visited the south of Spain to explore the agricultural operations and opportunities unique to that region. Magda du Toit reports.

SA genetics ready to take on the world

The South African Braunvieh has all it takes to become a serious contender in the international red meat production arena, says Gawie Naudé, owner of the award-winning Eduan Braunvieh Stud near Rhodes in the Eastern Cape. Annelie Coleman reports.

Local company serves farmers and communities

Magda du Toit writes about how a company in Limpopo is training and empowering agricultural workers.

Except for pork, meat prices traded lower this past month

While the local livestock industry continues to battle many challenges, an uptick in beef exports as well as the poultry industry's strides to replenish the chicken supply bode well, says Absa AgriBusiness.

Africa goes from net carbon sink to source

New research shows Africa's impact on greenhouse gases and the need to focus on climate-smart agriculture, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Zero-residue fresh produce a reality

Retail giants are calling for caution when using biologicals and chemical pesticides, writes Lindi Botha.

Solar power generation could help to bring stability in South Africa

Glenneis Kriel reports on the importance of solar power generation in the country in light of load-shedding, among other challenges.

New citrus harvest system saves labour

This new system had the advantages of both saving time and labour. It also appeared that spoilage, with regard to Valencias at least, had shown a slight decline. A labour-saving system of harvesting citrus, in which fruit is plucked rather than clipped from trees, is giving encouraging results in a countrywide research project.