Animals-and-Pets
Farmer's Weekly
Global and domestic outlook for canola
Canola is an important global crop, and while South Africa is not a significant player in the industry, production and trade abroad have a significant impact on local production and prices.
2 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
A cottage for people sharing the facilities
Dear Jonno, We write to you for some ideas for a cottage that can be built and rented out to people working in our vicinity.
1 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The cost structure of solar energy systems for farms
Transitioning to solar energy involves understanding the various components of a solar power system, the different options available, and how the costs thereof are calculated, writes Cobus du Plessis.
6 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Charred mango and steak salad
The first few twinges of autumn are in the air, but you can keep the tantalising taste of summer alive with this gorgeous salad. Recipe and photo: South African Mango Growers' Association.
1 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Record number of entries for dairy championships|
Judging for Africa's largest and oldest dairy competition, the South African Dairy Championships, recently took place in Durbanville in the Western Cape.
1 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
BLUP values vs 'good looks'
In this article, Louis Steyl, CEO of the breeders' society Bonsmara SA, explains why farmers should buy bulls based on both BLUP values and conformation, without prioritising either factor.
3 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
ARC donates zeolite-trial vegetables to community
The Agriculture Research Council (ARC) at Nietvoorbij in the Western Cape has embarked on an initiative to donate vegetables produced in its zeolite research trial to underprivileged communities.
1 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
An integrated approach is required for fly control in stables
Whether they're a general nuisance or disease carriers, it's essential that flies are controlled throughout their life cycle, writes Dr Mac.
2 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Herbicide management in canola rotations
Careful planning of weed management is essential when introducing canola to a crop rotation system. Adama's Hardus van Vuuren spoke to Glenneis Kriel about achieving effective weed control and preventing herbicide-related crop damage.
6 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Outlook for dairy farmers in 2025
The sharp increase in feed prices in 2024 resulted in weak profits for dairy farmers. Conditions will probably improve slightly during 2025, writes Dr Koos Coetzee.
3 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Second-hand ewes for meat
This story showed that a farmer could make good money with slaughter lambs, provided they had the right stock and followed the correct breeding programme.
3 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
From provocation to intricate plots
With the coolness of autumn in the air, the four reads Patricia McCracken has selected this week are rich with ideas that are guaranteed to warm up the grey matter.
3 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
South Africa's agriculture sector must prioritise self-reliance and diversified market expansion
South Africa's agriculture sector remains constrained by long-standing domestic challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, inefficient municipalities, unreliable transport networks and the slow release of government-owned land to beneficiaries with title deeds. These structural issues limit the sector's ability to grow sustainably and must be urgently addressed.
2 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Advice for aspiring farmers
Louis Steyl, CEO of Bonsmara SA, offers some advice to prospective farmers about how to go about setting up a cattle farm for future success, and stresses the importance of establishing a solid foundation.
4 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
New Plant Health Act aimed at improving agricultural trade and biosecurity
The Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Act (No. 35 of 2024) repeals the Agricultural Pests Act (No. 36 of 1983). Magda du Toit spoke to industry leaders to gain their insights on the implications of the new Act.
3 min |
March 14, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa
Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country's beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.
5 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake
This delicious mango fridge tart is so easy to make, perfect when you want a quick yet indulgent dessert (it only takes 25 minutes to whip up). The fruit’s gorgeous colour and fragrance are maximised.
1 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25
In its latest estimate, the International Grains Council has adjusted global wheat production for the coming season due to poorer-than-expected harvests in the EU. However, global supplies remain strong, while global consumption is expected to increase to reach about 804 million tons. Janine Ryan reports.
2 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, a relatively new wine estate, has established itself as one of the best producers of sparkling wine in South Africa. Owners Doug and Sue Lund spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their production philosophy, rise to success, and possible expansion plans.
7 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat
Wheat is a significant crop, and like other crops, is susceptible to a range of infections. Here, we provide information on the most important fungal diseases that affect wheat.
1 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter and moisture it contains, the crop to be planted, as well as the previous crop that was planted in the field. Magda du Toit spoke to cereal experts and farmers for guidance.
6 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The origin of the Bonsmara
The Breed of the Month for March is the Bonsmara. In this first article, we take a look at the man behind this popular cattle breed, as well as how it was developed.
2 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once again a destination of choice
While some of its contemporaries have suffered from inner-city neglect, the Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel has bounced back in elegance and style, writes Brian Berkman.
4 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Age catches up with the Nissan Navara
The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan's effort to win back market share. The Citizen's Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.
2 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Growing onion sets
Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.
2 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Phalaenopsis orchids: tips to help them survive and thrive
Orchid expert Jacques Botha spoke to Linda Piegl about how to nurture the Phalaenopsis orchid, which requires precise watering and needs to be kept in a temperature-controlled environment.
2 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Milking, the hi-tech way
This leading dairy farmer installed the largest rotary milking unit in the Southern Hemisphere.
3 min |
March 07, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Onion sowing choices
Your particular growing conditions will dictate whether you should use seedbeds, direct seeding, or plugs for sowing onions
2 min |
February 28, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
Golden cattle for the bushveld
This article showed that a carefully selected new crossbreed offered sound advantages for extensive ranching in harsh areas.
3 min |
February 28, 2025
Farmer's Weekly
The ins and outs of alpaca farming
The South African alpaca industry is on the rise, says Alison Notley, president of the South African Alpaca Breeders’ Society and owner of Helderstroom Alpacas near Villiersdorp. She spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the origin of this gentle camelid and how its fleece is being processed into quality products.
7 min |