Business
Farmer's Weekly
Lucerne Plays Central Role In Niche Cropping Business
Johan Jacobs plants lucerne to ensure mega yields from other crops in his niche farming business, as well as a good cash flow for at least nine months of the year. Sabrina Dean visited him on his farm on the banks of the Orange River in the Northern Cape.
5 min |
June 22, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Feedlot Management Basics
To ensure a profitable operation, a feedlot manager must keep a close eye on price and feed margins, as well as the health of the animals. This involves constant, hands-on management.
2 min |
June 22, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 6
Nitrogen plays a key role in the formation of organic matter. When I changed to no-till production, I was amazed at how rapidly the soil gained organic matter, and how quickly plant health and crop performance improved.
2 min |
June 22, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Ripping And Cultivating
Nampo showed that rippers are ripping deeper than ever and cultivators have become even wider, says Joe Spencer.
3 min |
June 22, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Concern About Declining Cape Buffalo Trophy Quality
The Cape buffalo occupies a top spot on hunters’ wish lists, but studies show a decrease in the quality of buffalo trophies, according to Dr Johan Rabie, buffalo breeder and owner of Chimoyo Wildlife. Annelie Coleman asked him about the reasons behind this worrying trend.
5 min |
Farmer's Weekly 29 June 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Making Every Drop Pay
The improvements that Israeli companies have made to drip irrigation have seen them emerge as world leaders in irrigation efficiency. Inventors from all parts of the world take inspiration from them to offer an entire spectrum of innovations that help farmers farm better. Denene Erasmus reports.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 29 June 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Exporting Pork To Bring Home The Bacon For SA
South Africa’s pork industry is particularly interested in exporting to Asia’s fast-growing markets. However, it will need to target countries that accept our present regulatory systems, according to Ezra Steenkamp, research manager and economist at DAFF’s Directorate International Trade. Gerhard Uys reports.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 29 June 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Mutton Curry With Delicious Coconut Rice
In a normal curry and rice dish, the rice is the poor relation. Cook with this combination of flavours to give it the status it deserves.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 29 June 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 7
Humus contains about 10% nitrogen (N). As the humus content builds up in the soil, so does the N reserve stored in it. However, this N is locked into the humus and released only when the humus breaks down.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 29 June 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Successful, sustainable dairy farming on the Garden Route
For 15 years, the Muller family, near George, has been using biological farming methods and no-till practices. Their pasturereared dairy herd is thriving and can be directly traced to the operation’s original 17 cows.
7 min |
10 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
How to Catch a Stock Thief
Every animal is unique, and stock handling can leave distinct marks on individual animals. These two facts can be used by law enforcement officers to prosecute stock thieves effectively. Gerhard Uys spoke to expert witness Mort Mortassagne.
8 min |
10 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
New Propagation Methods Boost Production
In 2014, the Cederberg Tree Nursery produced 100 000 citrus trees a year. Two years later, after its acquisition by ANB Investments, the nursery produces more than 550 000 citrus trees annually. General manager Scott McKenzie spoke to Jeandré du Preez.
4 min |
10 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
How To Ensure Safe Translocation Of Game
South Africa’s game industry has boomed over the past decade, and vehicles transporting game are often seen on the roads. Ryan Clark outlines the regulations to be adhered to when catching and translocating game.
6 min |
17 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Setting The Merino Benchmark
The Fairworld Merino Stud in the Eastern Cape has been at the forefront of genetic fine wool production in South Africa for over a century. It holds the current South African record price of R250 000 for a Merino ram. Mike Burgess assesses the legacy, achievements and future of this 1 000-ewe stud.
5 min |
17 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Transforming The Wildlife Industry High On The Agenda
Newly-elected president of Wildlife Ranching SA, Tebogo Mogashoa, says transformation of the game industry and advocating for the legal trade in rhino horn will be among the top focal points for the organisation this year.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Zoonotic Tuberculosis
The consumption of unpasteurised bovine milk and raw milk by-products infected with Mycobacteruim bovis are the main sources of infection that cause bovine tuberculosis in humans.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Cottoning On To A Good Thing
It’s been four years since the Department of Trade and Industry launched an initiative to increase capacity and competitiveness in South Africa’s textile and apparel industries. CEO of Cotton SA Hennie Bruwer spoke to Robyn Joubert about the programme’s achievements so far.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Producing Baby Carrots
There’s always a market for baby vegetables, and carrots are no exception. In the past, top-shaped baby carrots were the most popular in the frozen range.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Tilapia Invasion Study: How You Can Help
Researchers conducting a study on the extent to which Nile tilapia have invaded South African rivers need farmers’ help.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 4 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Marketing Your Carrots
For long-term sustainability, a farmer has to provide carrots of consistently high quality so that customers can buy their produce with confidence.
2 min |
May 11, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Cattle - Dealing With Acaricide Resistance
Do you still find many ticks active on your cattle after dipping? You may have a resistance problem.
1 min |
May 11, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
EU Commission Bans Pesticides Harmful To Bees
The European Commission’s proposal to ban three key neonicotinoids from use on all outdoor crops was recently endorsed by EU member states, following research by the European Food Safety Authority that showed that most uses of these three neonicotinoid pesticides presented a risk to wild bees and honeybees.
1 min |
May 11, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Doing It Their Way: A Unique Farm-To-Fork Nguni Operation
Johan and Danita de Swardt, who became farmers after retiring from corporate careers, ensure profitably by supplying value-added beef directly to their clients. Chris Nel visited them on their farm, Damplaas, near Paul Roux in the eastern Free State.
5 min |
Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 1
You can’t say nitrogen is the most important nutrient, as a deficiency of any of the essential nutrients will have a serious effect on your crop. However, the ‘temporary’ nature of the element and the many forms it takes do make it necessary to develop a good understanding of nitrogen.
2 min |
Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Prescription Or Participation?
Uncertainty over environmental management policy and a heavy-handed government approach are adversely affecting people and biodiversity.
2 min |
Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Severing The Umbilical Cord
As a rule, you should avoid tying off the umbilical cord after birth. However, if very heavy bleeding occurs, it’s time to act, advises Dr Mac.
2 min |
Farmers Weekly 18 May 2018
Farmer's Weekly
From Our Archives
Give them all a good start.
3 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Virtual Irrigation Academy Aims to Teach Water Management Online
A website and visualised data make up the Virtual Irrigation Academy, which teaches farmers to develop effective irrigation infrastructure through soil monitoring. Siyanda Sishuba reports.
3 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Grain Sellers Must Learn The 'pitch' To Close The Deal
According to Dr Dirk Strydom, Grain SA’s manager for grain economy and marketing, South Africa’s producers are technologically advanced, but lack marketing prowess. However, marketing opportunities abound, particularly in the volatile free market system. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.
4 min |
19 May 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Supplementary Feed in Dry Times
Ritlee has introduced an optional grinding attachment for the 225 model chipper.
1 min |