Business
Farmer's Weekly
How aquaponics benefits children and the community
Two years ago, Laerskool Kempton Park embarked on an innovative project to introduce aquaponics in its school curriculum. The produce from this system not only provides nutritious food, but teaches the learners essential life skills, says Janet Lee Ogilvie. Janine Ryan reports.
6 min |
December 06, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS: the great vaccine debate
African horse sickness is endemic to Southern Africa, and the disease is often fatal. As it is caused by a virus, there is no treatment, and horse owners have to rely on vaccination to prevent the disease. However, many horse owners are vaccinating with an unregistered vaccine, which is presenting major problems. Dr Camilla Weyer spoke to Janine Ryan.
9 min |
December 06, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Understanding South Africa's Real Water Crisis
According to Mike Muller, a visiting adjunct professor at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Graduate School of Governance, low and unpredictable rainfall is not the only cause for South Africa’s water crisis. As a result, no single solution can address water challenges across the country.
4 min |
November 29, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Private And Government Support Helps New Farmer Flourish
Zachariah Matli’s journey to running a viable beef cattle operation has had its frustrations, but he is on his way to becoming a commercial producer. Sustaining him has been his own tenacity, and steady support from commercial farmers and government.
4 min |
November 29, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Manure Fertiliser: Proceed With Caution
Livestock manure is a popular form of fertiliser, particularly when budgets do not allow for commercial fertiliser. But Dr Gerhardus Nortjé, a senior lecturer at Unisa, says that because manure varies in its composition and nutrient density, farmers should take care not to over-apply it and risk damaging their crops. Lindi Botha reports.
5 min |
November 29, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Lion Bone Industry Grows In SA's Legislative Vacuum
The commodification of captive-bred lions in South Africa for their bones has been ongoing since 2008, with the skeletons exported predominantly to South East Asia, says Fiona Miles, director of Four Paws in South Africa. More comprehensive legislation and protocols are urgently needed to protect the animals and regulate further growth in the industry. Annelie Coleman reports.
5 min |
November 29, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Green Bean Weed Control
In trials that I conducted when farming years ago on quite a large scale, I found a number of herbicides to be effective as a pre-emergence application. However, many were either not registered for beans in South Africa or were registered only for dry beans.
2 min |
November 29, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Geldings Are Cheaper And Easier
Gelding stallions can help cut the running costs for breeders, who are currently being faced with a difficult economic climate, says Dr Mac.
2 min |
November 29, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Consistent Quality Ensures Success For Popcorn Exporter
A popcorn factory in a small Northern Cape town has doubled production since expanding into the export market. Sabrina Dean asked director Koos de Wet and chief financial officer Jacques Louw how Biggi Brands continues to grow its niche agro-processing business.
5 min |
November 29, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Boosting SA's Wine Industry
The Winetech Pitching Den attracted over 1000 entries this year. Dr Albert Strever and Gerard Martin spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the winning pitches.
3 min |
November 29, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Farmer Programme Results In Higher Yields And Better Lives
Increasing yields tenfold is a feat that every farmer dreams of, but few realise. Yet, for the past 20 years, Grain SA, through its Farmer Development Programme, has quietly assisted numerous farmers in achieving exactly that. Lindi Botha visited three beneficiaries to find out more.
5 min |
November 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Cape Gooseberries: The Next Big Superfood Trend?
The rising demand for healthy food has sparked a growing demand for cape gooseberries. William Pulles of Keisie Valley Gooseberries spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his farming enterprise.
6 min |
November 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
How Nerpo Is Adapting To A Changing Livestock Sector
Changes in the livestock business environment have motivated the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (NERPO) to review its strategy and improve services to its members. NERPO managing director Aggrey Mahanjana spoke to Siyanda Sishuba about future plans.
4 min |
November 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
The Founder Of The Currie Cup
Sir Donald Currie established the Union-Castle line, whose ships sailed between England and South Africa until 1977. A follower of rugby, he also sponsored a British tour to South Africa in 1891 and donated the Currie Cup, thereby helping to launch the famous domestic competition.
4 min |
November 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Breeding For Optimal Efficiency Yields Greener Dairy Herds
A recent report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations shows that the global dairy industry is already part of the solution to address climate change. However, dairy farmers need to accelerate their current efforts by continuing to improve production efficiency. Denene Erasmus reports.
5 min |
November 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Wool As A Stabiliser In A Summer Cropping Region
While wool accounts for only about 30% of his income, Free State farmer Le Roux Fourie views it as a crucial element in his cropping and livestock operation. He spoke to Sabrina Dean about the value of this commodity, especially in light of its consistently high price.
6 min |
November 15, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Using The Beefmaster To Improve Your Herd
After owning a Simbra-type cattle herd for many years, the Rattray family of KwaZulu-Natal decided to convert to Beefmaster. According to Hayden Rattray, who runs the Pleasant View Beefmaster stud, introducing the breed has resulted in many improvements in the herd, including decreased birthweight, improved weaning weight and excellent mothering ability.
4 min |
November 15, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Lucerne Production Gains Momentum In The Western Free State
Lucerne under irrigation provides Free State farmer Boeboe Louw with an ideal alternative to grain. Annelie Coleman visited him on his farm in the Wesselsbron district to find out how he manages production to gain the most from this valuable export crop.
4 min |
November 15, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Get Ready To Profit From Plant-And Insect-Based Proteins
Across the world, food consumption patterns are undergoing vast changes, necessitating changes in the agricultural landscape. Lindi Botha spoke to Mark Hassenkamp, agri-tech adviser to Blue Horizon Corporation, which holds a portfolio of companies including Red Sun Hortitech, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, about the movement towards plant- and insect-based proteins, and the impact this will have on agriculture.
5 min |
November 15, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Blackberries And Much More
The owner of a small farm has to find innovative ways to remain financially viable. Natalie Turck of Wildebraam Berry Estate spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how she and her husband accomplish this.
6 min |
November 15, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
‘There are opportunities for ostrich farmers in North West'
New ostrich farmer Kabelo Lekalakala says the industry in North West can be returned to its former glory through the participation of young aspiring farmers. Siyanda Sishuba reports.
5 min |
Farmers Weekly 8 November 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Vegetable farmer's battle against the forces of nature
Eric Mauwane of Oneo Farms in Gauteng says that a crucial lesson he has learnt about sweet pepper production is the need to understand market demand and manage production practices accordingly. Siyanda Sishuba visited him to find out more about his operation.
5 min |
Farmers Weekly 8 November 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Karoo lamb finally gets its own legislation
The South African government recently published new legislation regulating the use of geographic indication for agricultural products. This will enable farmers of Karoo lamb, amongst other products, to earn a premium for their meat. Gordon Wright and Prof Johann Kirsten examine this legislation and how it will be applied.
5 min |
Farmers Weekly 8 November 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Identifying and controlling sweet potato viruses
Sweet potatoes are an important commercial crop and contribute significantly to food security in many poorer South African households. Dr Julia Mulabisana and Dr Sunette Laurie of the Agricultural Research Council’s Vegetable and Ornamental Plants division explain how farmers can recognise and control the most serious viruses that affect this crop.
4 min |
Farmers Weekly 8 November 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Empowerment trust banks on barley
Since its inception, the Overberg Boerdery Trust has not only increased its output of barley, but raised dividend payments to its farmworkers. Jeandré van der Walt visited the farm near Caledon.
4 min |
Farmers Weekly 8 November 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Think Twice Before Buying That Machine!
Unfavourable climatic conditions, poor commodity prices and rising production costs are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to stay productive and run profitable enterprises on their farms. Glenneis Kriel asked three experts for tips that could help farmers weather the financial storms.
5 min |
October 25, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Viticulture Equipment From Italy
A recent farmers’ day in Paarl afforded wine farmers the chance to look at some of the best viticulture equipment from Italy. Glenneis Kriel reports.
3 min |
November 01, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Strict Selection: The Key To Award-Winning Brahmans
Producing world-class stud cattle is a challenging endeavour, but judging by the stacked-up ribbons at the RiHugo farming enterprise, Rian Maree has found the winning recipe. He spoke to Lindi Botha about practising rigorous selection on his Brahman herd.
6 min |
November 01, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Step By Step, A Father-And-Daughter Team Turns A Neglected Farm Around
Marilyn Siegels was recently named the Western Cape’s best female commercial farmer after just two years in the industry. Along with her father, Edward van Niekerk, and sister, Yolande van Niekerk, she is rejuvenating a land restitution fruit farm. Jeandré van der Walt reports.
5 min |
November 01, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Getting Young People Interested In Agriculture
Breyton Milford, operations manager at Agri-Expo, was recently elected as a trustee of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth. Jeandré van der Walt spoke to him about this achievement, and his involvement with young people in agriculture.
5 min |