Business
Farmer's Weekly
Growing sweet potatoes
The sweet potato is a warm-season crop and does not fare well in cool temperatures. Implementing a crop rotation strategy is also essential to keep pests and diseases at bay.
3 min |
May 14, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
The evolution of power in SA's agri machinery market
It is unlikely that South Africa’s commercial agriculture sector would have achieved its internationally respected status were it not for the investment that farmers have made in mechanisation. Lloyd Phillips spoke to a number of experts about some of the main agricultural machinery sales trends.
6 min |
May 14, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Putting crop rotation into perspective
When developing a crop rotation programme, one must take into consideration the various pests and diseases that may infect different crops in order to avoid disastrous results, says Bill Kerr.
2 min |
May 14, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
The changing environment
The Internet of Things, where machinery and devices (often fitted with sensors) share data online, has enabled tractors and other agricultural machinery to become far more efficient and easier to operate. This, combined with mechanical innovations, is helping farmers produce more with less. Glenneis Kriel reports.
6 min |
May 14, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Giving farmers the advantage!
New machinery is indispensable as a support for agricultural activities during difficult times such as COVID-19, says Jaco du Preez, product specialist at CNH Industrial, distributor of New Holland in South Africa.
2 min |
May 14, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Improving the stud one animal at a time
Dirco Swart, owner of Blinkmeneer Beefmasters in Frankfort, says that the future of the Beefmaster is bright, thanks to the breed’s adaptability and breeders’ passion for improvement.
4 min |
May 14, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Controlling biting flies
Biting flies are not only a nuisance, but can also transmit diseases and deliver painful bites, says Dr Mac.
2 min |
May 14, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A soya bean range for all conditions
Nico Barnard, an agronomist in the central Highveld for Pannar, explains the importance of planting different soya bean cultivars to spread risk. This is how Pannar’s soya bean range can help!
5 min |
May 14, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Affordable Biosecurity For Small-Scale Piggeries
In this article Dr Peter Evans, veterinary liaison officer of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, shares affordable and practical tips that small-scale pig farmers can implement to improve biosecurity on their farms and protect their livelihoods. Jeandré van der Walt reports.
5 min |
April 30, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A Beginner's Guide To At-Home Composting
With at-home composting, you can turn kitchen scraps into fertiliser for your garden. Researchers from Australia’s Griffith University compiled this list of do’s and don’ts for composting beginners.
2 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Towards a fairer trade balance between SA and Botswana
In this article, Thomas Harvey, Absa’s head of AgriBusiness in Botswana, provides an overview of the agriculture sector in that country and explores the linkages between the agriculture sectors of Botswana and South Africa.
4 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Breeding world champion Charolais
When his cattle business was hit hard by drought, fifth-generation North West farmer Loutjie Campher started breeding Charolais as a means of rebuilding his herd. He spoke to Pieter Dempsey about his stud.
4 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Pannar gives you the edge
Pannar’s yellow maize package consistently delivers top-end yield potential across different potential levels, production areas and seasons.
2 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Reimagining work and land
In an attempt to restore harmony between people and the land, Aletta Venter is going against the status quo when it comes to land ownership and labour relationships. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this journey.
8 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Dragon fruit: a highpotential crop with value-add possibilities
In need of a crop to boost his profits, Western Cape grower Louw de Wet began experimenting with dragon fruit. Despite initial production challenges, he was soon convinced he had found a winner. De Wet spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about his production methods and the opportunities he wants to explore with the fruit.
5 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
SA crocodile farmers must adapt to survive
Local crocodile farmers have come under pressure due to an increase in international supply and the recent drop in demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wouter Kriel spoke to Stefan van As, chairperson of the South African Crocodile Industry Association, about the challenges facing crocodile farmers.
4 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Dealing with lumpy skin disease
Lumpy skin disease is a notifiable disease. This means the state veterinarian must be informed if you suspect your cattle are infected with it, as specific control measures must be implemented.
2 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A stronger knot for better bales
New Holland’s latest baler innovation features a new system that not only delivers denser, more secure bales, but also eliminates twine off-cut waste.
2 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
SA's land price trends in the spotlight
Farm prices in South Africa are currently in the process of recovery, broadly reflecting good rainfall and subsequent high crop yields, as well as general regional economic realities. Wouter Kriel reports.
3 min |
April 30, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Feed for better profits
Feed accounts for 65% to 75% of a poultry or pig farmer’s total input costs. Feed expert Dr Leon Ekermans spoke to Glenneis Kriel about strategies to reduce these costs and prevent wastage.
5 min |
April 30, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Combating Lantana
Through the introduction of the Lantana herringbone leaf miner, the biocontrol of this weed has significantly improved.
2 min |
April 30, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Whether it's summer or winter, he's never out of clover
While clover has a bad reputation for causing bloat, one Eastern Cape farmer achieved good results with this silage, as the following article revealed.
3 min |
April 30, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
The future of Tuta absoluta control
As the tomato leaf miner feeds on a wide range of species, its natural enemies are likely to continue increasing, says Bill Kerr.
2 min |
April 30, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Studies show citrus virus A link to fruit-drop disease
New research suggests that citrus virus A (CiVA) is associated with citrus impietratura disease (CID), which is characterised by abnormal fruit drop in citrus crops.
1 min |
April 30, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Fundamentals of Brix
This unit of measurement is valuable to crop and livestock producers.
3 min |
April 30, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Is It Time To Relook Water Governance In South Africa?
The number of rivers in South Africa deemed to be in a poor ecological state has increased alarmingly in recent times. James Brand, a senior associate at ENSafrica’s Natural Resources and Environment department, argues that the many frustrated citizens affected by contaminated water supplies might be better served by new, independent water governance structures and amendments to the country’s water laws.
4 min |
April 16, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Avoiding Slippery Mistakes With Bananas
The humble banana is usually taken for granted by consumers, but growing this popular fruit can be tricky, expensive and involve considerable risk. Having top-performing banana plantations starts with the proper establishment of the crop. Brothers Riaan and WJ Heystek shared their experiences of setting up their banana enterprise with Lloyd Phillips.
8 min |
April 23, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Sustaining a community-owned game reserve in tough times
COVID-19’s disastrous impact has necessitated change and adaptability in even the most rural parts of South Africa. The management of Somkhanda Community Game Reserve spoke to Lloyd Phillips about their efforts to keep this jewel of conservation and ecotourism alive and moving forward in the face of adversity.
7 min |
April 23, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Controlling the cat's claw creeper
The leaf-tying moth has been released as a biological control agent against this invasive alien plant.
2 min |
April 23, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Why an integrated approach is best
Farmers are finding more and more natural enemies to keep tomato leaf miners in check instead of resorting solely to chemicals, says Bill Kerr.
3 min |