Business
Farmer's Weekly
Nigeria's bird flu burden
The Conversation Africa asked Clement Meseko, an animal influenza expert and a virologist at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Jos, Nigeria, to explain the re-occurrences of avian influenza in that country.
4 min |
April 28, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Is financial literacy your weakest link? Rectify that right now!
You might be able to stumble through your private life without financial literacy. But if you're a business manager, it's a must-have competency. So, if this is a gap in your skill set, fill it soon
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Macadamias: optimise inputs to beat low prices
South Africa's relatively young macadamia industry has a long way to go to establish optimal farming practices and efficiencies. However, with nut prices falling, producers need to focus on cost savings that will balance inputs with output. Lindi Botha reports on key areas that macadamia farmers should be paying attention to.
8 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Diets, political turmoil, and page-turners
This week, Patricia McCracken looks at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Chris Hani's murder; making good health a habit; a tense whodunit in Botswana; and a tale of two women amidst the turmoil of war.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Avoid confusion with this quick guide to pig diseases
In order to ensure proper treatment for and management of pig diseases, farmers must know the differences between African swine fever, classical swine fever and swine flu
6 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Many opportunities await SA's pork industry
Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers' Organisation, speaks to Janine Ryan about the importance of the informal pig sector in South Africa, as well as the high calibre of the country's formal producers.
7 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Meet Toyota's updated Fortuner
It's here! Braam Peens of CAR magazine reviews the second-generation must-have 150kW GD-6 Toyota Fortuner.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Cabbage: an ancient, nutritious crop more popular than ever
Cabbage, which is native to western Europe, has been cultivated for at least 3 000 years and is today a major crop worldwide
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Performance testing of small stock: Part 1
This set of scientifically proven procedures is a producer's most important tool for selecting replacement rams and ewes.
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Growing poor man's lucerne
Lespedeza cuneata is a drought-tolerant, perennial, non-bloating legume that delivers high-quality grazing and hay and is a prolific seed producer.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Farm security: it's time to get an eye in the sky!
Modern drones have come a long way from their clunky forebears; they're also more affordable. One key use for them is as 'eyes in the sky' to help maintain security, and this makes them ideal for farmers. Security consultant Laurence Palmer gives a brief history of the drone and explains what it takes to operate one.
5 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Top pig farmer takes full advantage of tech
New technologies, big data and top-of-the-range genetics are becoming increasingly important aspects of profitable pig farming. However, these advancements don't come cheap, placing them out of reach of many small-scale producers. Pig farmer CP Kriek spoke to Lindi Botha about tech solutions suited to Africa.
7 min |
Farmer's Weekly 21 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Grain and oilseed markets under increasing pressure
Production prospects in South America and developments in the Black Sea region continue to shape grain and oilseed markets. Absa AgriBusiness looks at the trends that will affect prices over the coming months.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
An aggressive grass as cattle feed
In this article, farmer VS Gilbey wrote about the good results he achieved by using rescue grass as cattle feed.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Using training aids to build balance and muscle
Designing a programme based on the principles of physiotherapy can improve performance in sport horses, says Dr Mac.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Protecting the predators of leaf miner and other pests
Swiss chard is targeted by many pests. But these in turn are targeted by predators. So let these 'good guys' do their job, urges Bill Kerr.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Organic phosphorus and plant nutrition
In organic farming systems, phosphorus is supplied mainly through recycling of materials such as compost and manure; it is not readily available to plants. Beware of depleting this element from your soil.
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Get to know dragon fruit
Dragon fruit production in South Africa is growing, thanks to increasing demand from Northern Hemisphere countries.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
How natural fertilisers can benefit farmers
Viktor Sukau, CSO of natural fertiliser manfacturer Manaseer Natural Green, and Anton Prysiazhniuk, the company's CEO, spoke to Janine Ryan about the deleterious effects of synthetic fertilisers on the environment and why farmers worldwide need to shift to more organic and sustainable products.
7 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Morija: 160 years of hurt and healing
In the western Lesotho town of Morija is the Mountain Kingdom's oldest church, which dates back to the 1850s. Mike Burgess provides context to its historical significance within the landlocked Southern African country.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Analysis: water intake of young Afrikaner and Nauni bulls
A study by Georgette Pyoos, junior researcher, and Prof Michiel Scholtz, specialist researcher in animal breeding and genetics, both at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Institute, counters the popular argument that the water intake of beef cattle is so high that it is harmful to the environment.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Full-circle restoration of subtropical thicket
It takes more than just planting some seeds in the veld to restore subtropical thicket that has been degraded by erosion, overgrazing and bush clearing. Marion Whitehead reports on a project designed by the Rhodes Restoration Research Group that has yielded valuable new insights into the process.
5 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Diversification: careful planning hedges risk
With so many variables in the farming landscape, diversification is a useful strategy to hedge one's risk and ensure a steady cash flow. However, managing multiple divisions comes with its own challenges. Jan Grey, who farms in Mpumalanga's Bethal region, spoke to Lindi Botha about his winning strategies.
9 min |
Farmer's Weekly 7 & 14 April 2023
Farmer's Weekly
'Regenerative farming will grow once society as a whole buys into the concept'
Retailers, consumers, the supply chain and financial institutions should all play a more active role in promoting regenerative agriculture, according to panellists at a recent event in Stellenbosch. Glenneis Kriel reports.
2 min |
March 31, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Agriculture urged to lead the way in keeping South Africa food-secure
Grain producers make a significant contribution to South Africa's food security, but greater effort should go towards creating a more sustainable future for the industry, according to speakers at the recent 2023 Grain SA Congress. Annelie Coleman reports.
2 min |
March 31, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Common fungal diseases of Swiss chard
This week, Bill Kerr looks at Cercospera leaf spot, beet mosaic virus, and the two types of mildew that target Swiss chard.
2 min |
March 31, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
The link between drought and disease
Gina Charnley, a research postgraduate in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London, looks at the ways that drought brings disease.
4 min |
March 31, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
SA's Dorper sheep flourish in Kenya
Dorper sheep are increasingly making inroads in Kenya's mutton and lamb production industry. The breed is particularly popular among farmers in the more arid areas of the country because of its hardiness, adaptability and profitability. Annelie Coleman reports.
2 min |
March 31, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Style, luxury - and tips for your BnB!
A perfect stay in the finest award-winning accommodation can teach us a great deal about how to create something special ourselves. Brian Berkman looks to The Royal Portfolio for tips on improving farm-stay accommodation and, indeed, adding a touch of class to our own homes.
4 min |
March 31, 2023
Farmer's Weekly
Grape farming: stick to the basics to succeed!
While production on most grape farms in the Orange River region has taken a knock this season due to adverse weather conditions, GPA Boerdery has managed to achieve a decent harvest. Lourens Maass and his son Kobus, who run GPA, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their recipe for success.
9 min |