Business
Farmer's Weekly
A Business Built On The Versatility Of Olives
When Roleen Basson started Darling Olives about 10 years ago, she didn’t even eat olives. However, today her business produces about 30 product lines, and the Darling Olives footprint will soon extend to supermarkets beyond the Western Cape. Jay Ferreira reports.
5 min |
20 January 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Addressing The Risk Of Polluted Irrigation Water
A recent study published by the Water Research Commission highlights the urgent need for identifying on-farm treatment options to help reduce the high levels of microbial contamination in irrigation waters, thereby reducing the associated food safety hazards for consumers. Denene Erasmus summarises some of the report’s key findings.
5 min |
20 January 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Breeding Your Mare
Eager to hear the clatter of little hooves? Kim Dyson discusses the basics of putting your mare in foal.
2 min |
15 September 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Tractors From India
Two leading tractor manufacturers in India are expanding their operations.
1 min |
15 September 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Stormberg-Tough Beefmasters
Benchmark Beefmasters in the Eastern Cape’s Stormberg is a combination of the old and new generation of Beefmaster breeders. It seeks to produce a versatile animal that thrives in a harsh climate and resists tick-borne diseases, according to stud owner Justin Stretton.
4 min |
February 9, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Dealing With Laminitis
After colic, this is the second-highest cause of death among horses and ponies, warns Kim Dyson.
3 min |
February 9, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Smart Farming In South Africa
A South African farmer was amongst a number of producers selected by the German Agricultural Society to highlight the success that smart farming can achieve.
3 min |
February 9, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Don't Let'em Get A Foothold!
Pumpkin flies, which are slightly larger than houseflies, are similar to the fruit flies so well-known to fruit farmers. Their brown markings make them difficult to spot, and the first indication of their presence is usually puncture marks on the fruit.
2 min |
February 9, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Growing Black Nightshade
Black nightshade can be grown almost anywhere in South Africa, even under marginal conditions. The young leaves and shoots are used as fresh vegetables, and the fruit is edible and tasty.
2 min |
February 9, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Basic Care Of Goats
Good feed and plenty of clean water will help ensure that your goats stay healthy.
2 min |
February 9, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Ramaphosa: New Hope For A Cynical, Depressed Nation
Political analyst Max du Preez believes a new era of modern leadership has dawned in South Africa. The election of Cyril Ramaphosa as the new leader of the ANC is a critical turning point in the country’s history.
3 min |
February 9, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
How Agriculture Can Ease The Global Urban Water Shortage
A new study that looks at the water competition between cities and agriculture has found that urban water demand in 482 of the world’s largest cities will increase by 80% by 2050, leading to an acute urban surface-water deficit. However, the study also discovered that in certain instances, even a 10% increase in irrigation water-use efficiency can help to overcome urban surface-water deficits.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 16 February 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Eye And Other Diseases
Eye And Other Diseases
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 16 February 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Drought Takes Its Toll On Honey Production In The Western Cape
Drought Takes Its Toll On Honey Production In The Western Cape
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 16 February 2018
Farmer's Weekly
SA's Animal Health Status Must Be Jealously Guarded
Animal health was one of the critical drivers of the South African red meat industry, according to Koos van der Ryst, chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO).
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 16 February 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Tilapia Strains
Nile tilapia has become the species of choice for global commercial aquaculture after years of selective breeding.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 16 February 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Getting The Best Out Of Beans
Beans are a versatile, easy-to-grow and highly productive vegetable. All of this makes them a handy crop for the home garden. Bill Kerr explains how to grow and care for them.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 16 February 2018
Farmer's Weekly
More Examples Of Cucurbit Pests
Two leaf miner species, namely Liriomyza trifolii and L. huidobrensis, can cause damage in cucurbits. Both are about the size of the vinegar flies that hang around overripe fruit in the kitchen. Females lay their eggs in the plant tissue after making openings with their ovipositors and drinking the sap. The larvae hatch and make serpentine tunnels within the leaf. As a result of their rapid life cycle, they breed very quickly.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 16 February 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Tips For Stress-Free Live Stock Trucking
Live stock transportation should result in as little stress to the animals as possible, whether they are being transported to the abattoir or other farms.
6 min |
17 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Light And Its Effects On Plant Growth
The most important variable affecting plant growth is light exposure, and it is therefore important to measure the amount of light your plants receive. Prof Gert Venter explains how this is done.
5 min |
24 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Always Manage Grazing With Drought In Mind
The only insurance against drought is a sound, scientifically based grazing management programme, coupled with a reasonable stocking rate even in times of plenty. So says Dr Mias van der Westhuizen, Free State rangeland specialist. Annelie Coleman spoke to him about the practical implications of good grazing management.
5 min |
24 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Tackling SA Farmers' Image Problem
South Africans must join hands and look beyond political differences to take the agriculture sector forward through one of the most challenging times it has ever faced, according to Gerhard Kriel, CEO of Free State Agriculture.
3 min |
June 8, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Here To Stay: Understanding Lumpy Skin Disease
Lumpy skin disease, first described in Zambia in 1929, now persists in all the countries in which it has occurred. It has proved impossible to eradicate.
2 min |
June 8, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Enjoy The Taste Of Fresh Garden Peas!
These days, most people opt for frozen peas for convenience. They don’t know what they’re missing, says Bill Kerr. Fresh peas are far tastier and sweeter.
2 min |
June 8, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 4
Applying the correct amount of nitrogen is crucial for plant growth
2 min |
June 8, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Meet The New Valtra S374
The powerful, versatile and fuel-efficient S374 tractor was the centre of attention at Valtrac’s Nampo stand. Joe Spencer reports.
1 min |
June 8, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Townie - In Winter's Grip
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – is history, long to be remembered by the thousands who lined the streets of Windsor, and the millions who watched it on television.
1 min |
June 8, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Preparing For A Profitable Market Day
Studies show some communal farmers may be losing as much as 40% in value when selling livestock.
3 min |
June 8, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
All Wrapped Up
Fellow kitchen mechanics, it’s time to return to the wrap for easy cooking, splendid eating, and minimal washing up.
2 min |
3 February 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Taking Irrigation To The Next Level
To ensure truly accurate irrigation scheduling, you need more than soil probes. IrriCheck provides an array of additional technology, from on-farm forecasting to advanced water-usage meters.
2 min |