Farmer's Weekly
The Inside Story Of Drum Brakes
Drum brakes are seldom found on today’s cars, yet are still fitted to trucks and farm machinery due to their effectiveness and affordability. Jake Venter takes a closer look at this design.
3 min |
March 08,2019
Farmer's Weekly
Minimising The Impact Of Land Development
Development in a natural area should maintain the integrity of the environment and never compromise the proper functioning of the ecosystem within the landscape.
2 min |
March 08,2019
Farmer's Weekly
Industries Rally As Global Trade Wars Create Uncertainty
As a major fruit exporter, South Africa relies on favourable trade agreements and market access to keep the industry profitable and sustainable. Stephanie van der Walt, general manager of Agbiz’s Fruit Desk, spoke to Lindi Botha about the challenges in the global trade environment.
4 min |
March 08,2019
Farmer's Weekly
Get The Basics Right For Table Grape Success
The winner of this year’s table grape competition in the Olifants River region, Morné Paxton, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about shade nets and choosing the right grape varieties for export.
6 min |
March 08,2019
Farmer's Weekly
Coffee Farm: Creating Jobs And Making Profit
With the call to increase job opportunities in agriculture, many farmers have been left scratching their heads over the economic implications. But the Schroeders of Mpumalanga have found a winning recipe in coffee production: its high labour component and profitability levels make the crop viable. Lindi Botha visited the mother-and-son team on their farm near Hazyview.
6 min |
March 08,2019
Farmer's Weekly
Chicken Larb The South East Asian Salad
A room-temperature salad with a meat or chicken base, larb looks good on the plate, is a riot of delicious flavours, is easy to make, and will be a glorious addition to your repertoire of kitchen skills.
1 min |
March 08,2019
Farmer's Weekly
Cherries Are Profitable
Then, as now, cherry farming was labour-intensive and required plenty of water, yet demand and price made up for these factors.
3 min |
March 08,2019
Farmer's Weekly
Better Results With A Single-breed Herd On The Highveld
After suffering the effects of a trichomoniasis outbreak in 2010, Afrikan Farms, winner of the ARC’s National Commercial Beef Producer of the Year award for 2018, decided to switch from running a mixed-breed cattle herd to a Beefmaster herd. Siyanda Sishuba reports.
5 min |
March 08,2019
Farmer's Weekly
140 Years Of Kverneland
The history of this company dates back to 1879 when the founder, Ole Gabriel Kverneland, built his small forge in the village of Kvernaland, 25km outside of Stavanger, Norway. Joe Spencer reports.
1 min |
March 08,2019
Farmer's Weekly
Well-Managed Soil: The Key To High-Yielding Gold Kiwifruit
Production of the long-term, high-yielding and high-value gold kiwifruit is still in its infancy in South Africa. An important lesson learned by local pioneering grower Peter Nicholson is to have healthy soils for strong vine growth and fruit set. He shares his tips with Lloyd Phillips.
6 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
The Changing Nature Of The Wine Industry
The future of wine is evolving and the industry has to adapt in order to survive and flourish. This is according to Robert Joseph, an internationally respected wine expert and winemaker, and the author of the soon-to-be published book, The Future of Wine has Changed. Jeandré van der Walt reports.
3 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Siting A Hydroponics Operation
Before buying a property on which to build a hydroponics operation, it is crucial to do some research about the site. This includes reviewing climatic data, making enquiries at the municipal or district council, and having the water tested. Research will save you effort and money in the long run.
2 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Nutrients For Watermelons
Many farmers ask for a fertiliser programme for each crop. As I’ve said before, this is an unrealistic request, as the organic and mineral content, texture and structure of soil varies from land to land. A soil analysis is the only way to determine fertiliser requirements.
2 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
New Regulations A Headache For Fertiliser Industry
A proposed new Fertilizer Bill will, if implemented, affect the fertiliser and related industries in several ways, including adding to the administrative burden of the registration of product. Increased regulation may also result in fertiliser cost increases. Theo Boshoff and Ingrid Boshoff outline their concerns.
4 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Making A Difference, One Hoof At A Time
The Highveld Horse Care Unit cares for neglected equines. Farryn Day of the unit says that a lack of education is the main reason for the mistreatment of these animals. Janine Ryan reports.
6 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Local Oilseed Prices Feeling The Effects Of A Falling Rand
South Africa’s weakening exchange rate, and other factors affecting the world supply and demand for oilseeds, will continue to support domestic oilseed prices.
2 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Hampshire – Producer Of Super Crossbred Lambs
21 YEARS AGO According to this article, the Hampshire Down breed’s most important economic attributes are its outstanding hindquarters and rapid growth to maturity.
3 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Farmworker's Son Becomes Brangus Stud Breeder
Nkosemntu Nika, who farms in the Winterberg near Tarkastad in the Eastern Cape, is the first black Eastern Cape farmer to become a Brangus stud breeder. Mike Burgess spoke to him about his journey from farmworker’s son to the sale of his first ZK Brangus stud bull for R50 000 at the 2018 East Cape Brangus Sale.
5 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
A Methane-Powered Tractor
New Holland recently received an international award for its concept tractor, which offers huge savings in running costs.
1 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Weathering The Storm With Shade Nets
Graaff Fruit has been using nets in several of its orchards for more than a decade. Mac Mackenzie spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how this method reduces climatic risks.
3 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Tips From The Western Cape's Cucumber Giant
Tunnel production may seem a relatively simple and profitable way to farm, but it involves high capital costs and has a narrow margin of error. Nico Laubscher Jnr spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the lessons that he and his team have learnt at Alzanne, near Vredendal, over the years.
5 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
New Guinea – Garden Of Eden
The ceremonial use of animal skins and bird feathers in Papua New Guinea threatened the indigenous wildlife, according to this article by Vincent Wager.
3 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Know Your Watermelon Varieties
The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) originated in Africa, where tribes in arid areas used it as an emergency water source.
2 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Know Your Invasive Species
This issue looks at the blue-leaf cactus, the bramble, and other alien plant species that require eradication.
3 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Growing Anything, Anywhere In High-tech Greenhouses
The designs and purposes of greenhouses have come a long way. Lloyd Phillips speaks to Shaul Rabin about the greenhouse technologies currently available, and what the future holds.
4 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Fish Production: Simplicity Or Sophistication?
A recirculating system and a pond farm are at opposite ends of the aquaculture spectrum. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
2 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Dairy Goats: Secure Your Market Before You Start
Three years ago, WA Hugo started farming dairy goats on 8ha just outside Lambert’s Bay. Today, he has a herd of 150 goats and produces various cheese products. Jeandré van der Walt visited him on his farm, Bettiesville, to learn more about the dos and don’ts of dairy goat farming.
5 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Commercial Farmers' Vital Role In Rural Development
Largely failed land reform initiatives are leading to increased tension and uncertainty in the agriculture sector as a whole. Veteran rural development expert Jimmy Lonsdale believes commercial farmers have a key role to play in turning this situation around.
5 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Beginner's Guide To Fertilisation
Achieving optimal yields is greatly dependent on providing crops with the right nutrition at the right time. Understanding the role of fertilisers and ensuring the correct application can make the difference between profit and loss. Lindi Botha reports
6 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Stop. Think.
39 YEARS AGO After poaching and livestock theft got out of hand, farmers in the Eston region of KwaZulu-Natal united with a common goal.
7 min |