Business
Farmer's Weekly
Measures To Prevent Curly Stunt Virus
The tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) occurs worldwide, and was first identified in South Africa in 1997. There are several strains of the virus; South African authorities named the local strain ‘curly stunt virus’ (ToCSV).
2 min |
10 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Precision Farming Clinic
KZN John Deere dealer, Mascor, held a clinic at Eston recently to demonstrate the finer points of John Deere’s Precision Agriculture systems. Joe Spencer attended the event.
1 min |
10 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Ultra-Spicy! Home-Made Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is one of the Asian subcontinent’s many contributions to fine dining. A ‘tandoor’ is the Hindi word for the special clay oven used in this style of cooking. If you have no tandoor to hand, fear not. Here’s a way to produce a pretty fine imitation in your own kitchen.
2 min |
10 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Know the Facts Before Switching Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation systems have a well-deserved reputation for water-efficiency. Although this gives them an obvious advantage in water-scarce South Africa, irrigation specialist, Mark Zartmann, explains that there are several factors that a farmer should consider before converting to such a system. Lloyd Phillips reports.
4 min |
10 March 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Different Types of Hydroponic Systems
Prof Gert Venter explains the benefits of a static hydroponic system, which can be grouped into ‘open’ or ‘closed’ categories, and broadly subdivided into three main groups: static, dynamic and aero systems.
3 min |
10 March 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Land Reform Can Be Positive
Roelf Meyer, former minister of defence, constitutional affairs and communication, and now head of the In Transformation initiative, told Gerhard Uys that land reform could be a positive process if all stakeholders worked together.
4 min |
30 June 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Lack Of Land Hampers Top Developing Farmers
Zolani Tyali and his son Mandange recently won the 2017 Unistel SA Stud Book Elite Developing Farmer award. Mike Burgess visited them on their farm in the Eastern Cape to gain a better understanding of the ups and downs experienced in their stud and commercial Nguni operations.
5 min |
30 June 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Nampo: The Big Stuff!
The size of agricultural machines continues to increase, and there were plenty of impressive machines at this year’s show.
1 min |
30 June 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Getting Back In The Saddle
You rode as a youngster, then concentrated on raising a family. Now you’d like to ride again. Dr Mac offers some sound advice on how to revive an old passion.
2 min |
30 June 2017
Farmer's Weekly
New Market Opportunities for South Africa's Macadamias
Alex Whyte, marketing manager of Green and Gold Nuts is convinced that the industry has potential for significant growth. He spoke to Siyanda Sishuba.
5 min |
Farmer's Weekly 3 March 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Positive Sentiment In The Local Cotton Industry
High maize stocks, which have put pressure on the maize price, combined with higher demand for cotton, particularly from China, have contributed to a favourable outlook for cotton production in South Africa.
2 min |
June 22, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Bright Future For Fast-growing Modern Damara Sheep
Since importing his first Damaras from Namibia in the late 1980s, stud breeder Frank Blumenthal has firmly believed in the integrity of the breed. The Free State farmer says that the modern indigenous Damara has over the years evolved into a well-muscled animal with outstanding disease resistance and fertility under the hottest, driest conditions. Annelie Coleman reports.
5 min |
June 22, 2018
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 |