Business
Farmer's Weekly
New fruit fly species detected in South Africa
Spotted wing drosophila has been confirmed in South Africa, posing a threat to most fruit production areas. However, efforts are underway to contain and manage the spread, writes Glenneis Kriel.
3 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Western Cape pet owners urged to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture is urging people to vaccinate their animals against rabies after a confirmed case in Cape Town.
2 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Concerns arise over potential Irish potato shortage
Consumers may soon experience a shortage of Irish potatoes, leading to potentially higher prices.
1 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Industry players debate call to extend tariff rebates for imported chicken
The debate over extending tariff rebates on chicken imported into South Africa continues as industry players argue over market dynamics and food affordability.
3 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Wildlife income dives as minister stays mum on hunting quotas
The South African wildlife industry faces an uncertain future in light of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's delay in publishing this year's annual hunting quota.
2 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Four apps to improve productivity and more
There are a range of apps available on the South African market to help farmers improve efficiency and production. We explore four of them here.
3 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Fun, games and ancient rites on board the greatest ocean liner still in service
With King Neptune’s permission, pollywog Brian Berkman crossed the equator on board the Queen Mary 2 and is now a proud shellback. He gives the lowdown on the variety of pursuits avaliable on this luxurious ship.
8 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Choosing the right nitrogen type
Various nitrogenous fertilisers are available. Your choice will depend on environmental considerations, cost, availability, and so on, writes Bill Kerr.
2 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Focus on drones and apps
Using drones to ensure the health of your crop
4 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Female-owned KZN agri-business receives aid
Azowel Projects, a female-owned farming enterprise in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), is nothing if not resilient.
2 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Deciduous fruit industry celebrates leadership
Pieter du Toit, director of Dutoit Agri, recently became the third member of the Du Toit family to receive Hortgro’s prestigious OSH Reinecke Frontrunner Award.
1 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Is the polled Merino economically sound?
Polled Merinos are cheaper to produce and have a higher lambing percentage, among other advantages. However, they do come with their own set of issues. John Kingwill of Grootplaats in the Murraysburg district of the Western Cape wanted to breed a more economical sheep under natural conditions. He settled for a polled ram, the founder sire of his 20-year-old stud.
3 min |
June 21, 2024
Farmer's Weekly
The big appeal of a small Karoo dorp
Van Wyksdorp in the Karoo may not be near to anything, yet exploring its surrounding mountain passes and staying there is a journey very much worth taking.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
THE HITCHING POST
I am a retired man and have been a widower for two years. I would like to hear from fun-loving women between 50 and 60 years of age with a good sense of humour.
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Theft of horsebox wheels: an ongoing problem
When thieves broke in at her farm recently, they came well prepared with the right tools to forcibly remove locknuts on wheels, says Dr Mac.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
How much nitrogen is enough?
Nitrogen is key to profitable vegetable farming. However, the application of this element can be overdone, causing crop loss, or underdone, with the same result, writes Bill Kerr.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Review: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III
Siyavuya Mbaduli takes a look at Toyota's highly anticipated GR-Sport Ill, which is making a strong entry into the local market as a rugged and ready off-road adventurer.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Medical cannabis production is easier said than done
The production of medical cannabis calls for extreme attention to detail and precision, as well as compliance with intricate legislative requirements and official demands. It also calls for perseverance, as Annelie Coleman found out on a visit to medical cannabis producers Coenie and Ilse Venter near Viljoenskroon in the Free State.
5 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
The biggest threats to horse health in South Africa
Janine Ryan looks at the most threatening diseases and conditions in South Africa that impact horses and other equines, including colic, laminitis and Cushing's disease.
10+ min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Paper: part and parcel of the agriculture industry
Despite the everyday use of electronic communication and other technologies, society is far from becoming paperless. Wood-based paper products are woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Paper is used in printing, writing and stationery, food packaging, packaging of other goods and medicine, for hygiene and insulation purposes, money, and even in jewellery and construction.
10+ min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Challenges facing vet services in South Africa
Dr Paul van der Merwe, CEO of the South African Veterinary Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the issues discussed at the World Veterinary Association Congress and how these related to the local industry.
8 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Building a farming legacy from scratch
Mac Mabidilala is proof that you don't need to own land to get started in agriculture. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he is realising his farming dream.
5 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Zambia looks into nuclear energy to save agriculture sector and economy
Zambia is in talks with Chinese nuclear power companies after entering load-shedding stages as the country grapples with devastating drought,
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Wine industry embarking on essential repositioning for value growth
Despite being the seventh-largest in the world and celebrating small triumphs in the wine world, the South African industry is under extreme pressure,
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
KZN Young Farmer of the Year search kicks off
The search is on for the next KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year.
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Namibia minister issues groundwater warning
Namibia is experiencing a serious drought, with the lowest run-off recorded in the past 100 years. This is an indication that groundwater resources would become less reliable in future.
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Australian farmers battle fruit flies
Southern Australia fresh produce growers have been fighting off fruit flies with large-scale fumigations which have led to increased cost and time lost.
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Strategic marketing pays off for pork industry with increased consumption
Organisation says busting myths around pork consumption is an important factor for sales to increase. Lindi Botha talks to industry role players to find out more.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
Mac farmer takes Mpumalanga young farmer title
Kobus Pieters, a macadamia farmer from Hazyview, has been crowned Agri Mpumalanga's Young Farmer of the Year 2024. He now proceeds to the national Agri SA Toyota Young Farmer of the Year competition, where he will compete against winners from the other eight provinces for a chance to take home the title and a brand-new Toyota bakkie in October this year.
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024
Farmer's Weekly
A cautiously optimistic outlook for consumers, despite some risks uncertainties and
According to Agbiz, South Africa’s consumer food inflation rate has slowed further in recent months. As of the writing of this article, the consumer food inflation rate in April 2024 was 4,4%, down from 4,9% in the previous month.
3 min |