Business
Farmer's Weekly
The pros and cons of drip irrigation
Drip irrigation saves water and electricity, but is not suitable for all crop types. So make sure you end up with the right system, says Bill Kerr.
3 min |
June 18, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Groote Post: channelling a crisis into an opportunity
In 2020, South Africa’s wine industry encountered an unusual challenge: a ban on the sale of alcohol as part of the fight against COVID-19. This crisis spurred Groote Post, a family-run wine farm outside Darling, to blend its Internet savvy and tourism offerings with its tradition of winemaking and selling. The farm’s Nick and Peter Pentz spoke to Jeandre van der Walt.
5 min |
June 18, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
How composting works
Composting speeds up the natural decay of organic material by providing the ideal conditions for detritus-eating organisms to thrive. The result is nutrient-rich soil that helps plants grow.
3 min |
June 18, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A formula for successful fynbos production
Nico Thuynsma’s love for all things floral and horticultural, and fynbos in particular, led him to establish a nursery and cut flower operation in the Cullinan area of Gauteng, where he produces proteas and other types of fynbos. Pieter Dempsey spoke to him about his passion for growing these plants.
5 min |
June 18, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A High-Performance Disc For Faster Field-Finish
John Deere recently introduced the new 2680H High-Performance Disc, a tillage instrument designed to cover more ground in less time. It is also easy to hitch and unhitch, and requires less maintenance.
4 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Understanding The Effects Of Stress
Animals can suffer stress even during ‘normal’ handling, making them more susceptible to disease.
3 min |
May 21, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
When Parents And Children Clash
Parent and child can work together on the farm, love each other, state their needs, be heard and learn to negotiate their differences. It starts with respect and compromise, says Trevor Dickinson.
2 min |
June 11, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Livestock - How To Auction Your Livestock
Livestock auctions are an important marketing channel for livestock. Here is an overview of how to prepare for an auction and what to expect on the day.
2 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Partnerships put mohair farmer on winning track
Going from a part-time communal farmer to a full-time commercial producer is easier said than done. Eastern Cape farmer Sindile Lloyd James spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he overcame the barriers to entry through his eagerness to learn, and by using strategic partnerships with government and other farmers.
9 min |
June 11, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
From subsistence to commercial farming
Ga-Mothapo farmer Thabana Mokgohloa grew up looking after his family’s livestock, and in 2009 took over the running of his parents’ farm. With his focus on maize and sheep, he has turned their subsistence farm into a commercial operation. Siyanda Sishuba reports
5 min |
June 11, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Case IH hits 1 000-tractor milestone with Maxxum
Agricultural machinery manufacturer Case IH, owned by CNH Industrial, announced recently that sales of its Maxxum tractors in Africa had crossed the 1 000-unit-sold threshold.
2 min |
June 11, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Cost-effective irrigation
Over-irrigating costs you money in terms of water and electricity, and may lower your crops’ potential. Under-irrigating is also detrimental. Learn to irrigate properly and at the optimal time, says Bill Kerr.
2 min |
June 11, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A charming countryside guest house
Ellas in Greyton offers exceptional food, lovely views and wonderful hospitality, says Brian Berkman.
4 min |
June 11, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Why Soils Are Dying, And How We Can Save Them
As much as 60% of South Africa’s soils are degraded, largely because of poor farming practices. This poses a direct threat to food security, says Jaco Koch, a researcher at North-West University’s School of Geo and Spatial Sciences.
5 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Small-Scale Pig Farmers' Biosecurity Challenges
The recent outbreak of African swine fever in South African pig herds has raised concerns over the ability of small-scale pig farmers to implement biosecurity measures. Research conducted by Melissa Cupido at Stellenbosch University details farming practices in these communities and highlights shortfalls in biosecurity and nutrition.
5 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Crispy, beer-battered fish with chips and minted mushy peas
This classic British dish is bound to delight one and all. Make sure that the chips and battered fish remain crispy, and serve them hot! Photo and chips recipe: Potato nation. Batter recipe: taste.com.au.
1 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A sustainable lifestyle on a small, off-the-grid farm
After spending seven years in Zithulele and three in Cebe in rural Eastern Cape, Karen and Roger Galloway bought Heartwood Homestead, a small farm close to East London. Here, they practise regenerative agriculture and use their resources to benefit others through an internship programme.
7 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A rush to victory – and the Victoria Cross
Born to an Irish father and an Afrikaans mother on the Cape Colony’s Eastern Frontier, Joseph Crowe became one of the first South African-born recipients of the Victoria Cross, earning it in India.
3 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Improving nitrogen-use efficiency in wheat
With global fertiliser prices at a two-year high, nitrogen use came under the spotlight at the 2021 SKOG Pre-Plant Information Day. Speaking at the event, agronomist Jacques Smith highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to nitrogen fertiliser management in grain crops.
5 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
CROPS - Growing sunflowers: Part 2
Planting dates, plant density and weed control all affect yield. Follow these guidelines to ensure that you produce the best crop possible.
3 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A reader's retreat in the semi-desert
In search of the kind of quiet that only the Klein Karoo can provide, Brian Berkman sojourned at the secluded Kleindoorn Guest House, located on a working farm near the village of Barrydale in the Western Cape.
4 min |
June 04, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Unlocking The Potential Of Solar Energy
With solar energy becoming increasingly affordable and reliable, more and more farmers are using it to reduce their electricity costs and dependence on Eskom power. Claude Peters of RenEnergy spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this trend.
7 min |
April 23, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Why Plants Need Nitrogen
This element, which is found in the chlorophyll of plants, is responsible for vegetative growth and is therefore crucial to the success of the crop.
2 min |
May 07, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Add Veggie Oil To Your Horse Feed
By giving your horse vegetable oil, you will improve its coat and condition, without the side effects of high sugar rations, says Dr Mac.
3 min |
April 16, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
A New Device For Instant Leaf Analysis
A handheld, hyperspectral leaf imager will enable farmers to measure leaf moisture, chlorophyll content, nutrient level and diseases instantly.
2 min |
April 30, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Riding without reins
Teaching yourself to ride without reins will not only improve your balance, but will also improve the balance of your horse, says Dr Mac.
3 min |
May 28, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
SA's silo certificate system: safe and reliable
Silo certificates form an integral part of trading for those involved in South Africa’s grain industry, according to Johan Strauss, agricultural economy lecturer at the University of the Free State. In an interview with Annelie Coleman, he said the country’s silo certificate system was dependable and highly regarded.
4 min |
May 28, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
More awards for Valtra G Series
The Valtra G Series tractor has amassed an impressive number of accolades since it was unveiled in August 2020.
2 min |
May 28, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
Hydrochloric acid dearth could affect citrus industry
The shortage of hydrochloric acid in South Africa could affect the citrus industry, as it is used in packhouses for cleaning.
2 min |
May 28, 2021
Farmer's Weekly
How to make small-scale farmers more bankable
About 87% of South Africa‘s small-scale farmers have not recovered from the effects of the hard lockdown restrictions imposed last year to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
2 min |