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Investment opportunities in sustainable agriculture

Farmer's Weekly

|

August 01-08, 2025

A recently released report in partnership with the Western Cape government focuses extensively on the benefits of alternative energy systems to farmers.

- Glenneis Kriel

Investment opportunities in sustainable agriculture

Green Cape's recently released Market Intelligence Report, developed in partnership with the Western Cape government, highlights key opportunities for investors and suppliers in precision spraying, using drones, as well as in protective farming infrastructure such as shade netting and tunnels.

While electricity supply stabilised in 2023, investments in renewable energy applications remain attractive due to anticipated tariff increases, growing pressure for low-carbon production, and the increasingly strong business case for battery storage.

According to the report, the average cost of drone-based precision spraying (excluding chemical costs) ranges between R400/ha to R800/ha, compared to R320/ha to R500/ha for manned aircraft, R60/ha to R180/ha for tractors, and about R220/ha for manual spraying.

DRONE-BASED ADVANTAGES

Although drones are not the most cost-effective option, especially compared to manned aircraft that can cover large areas quickly, they offer advantages in terms of efficiency and input savings.

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time to read

4 mins

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Commercial beekeeping: managing swarms and logistics

Managing thousands of bee colonies as a pollination service provider is a complex, logistical feat. Added to the challenge is keeping the swarms fed amid dwindling natural resources and crops that offer little nutrition. Jaco Wolfaardt, commercial beekeeper and founder of Ubusi Beekeeping, spoke to Henning Naudé about keeping the bees and business abuzz.

time to read

7 mins

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Owning and exercising endurance horses on a farm

Endurance riding is a recognised equestrian sport, but as Dr Mac writes, these horses can also be used to monitor farm fields and fences.

time to read

2 mins

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How is snotsiekte spread?

Dear Prof McCrindle, My neighbour's threatening me with legal action because his cattle have snotsiekte. I own a registered game farm where I have kept wildebeest for several decades.

time to read

2 mins

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The story of South Africa's sugar cane industry

South Africa's sugar industry grew from colonial ambition and Indian labour into a pillar of KwaZulu-Natal's economy, blending science, struggle and resilience to sweeten the nation's history and culture.

time to read

5 mins

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Egg patty English muffins

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time to read

1 min

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Farmer's Weekly

The A to Z of internal parasites in cattle

Internal parasites can cause a loss of production and even death if severe enough. Integrated parasite management is essential for effective control. Janine Ryan reports.

time to read

8 mins

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Farmer's Weekly

Heating soil not enough to release CO 2

According to a study by researchers at the North Carolina State University in the US heating alone won't drive soil microbes to release more carbon dioxide (CO2).

time to read

1 min

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Farmer's Weekly

Farmer's Weekly

Resistance to internal and external parasite control in the beef cattle sector is a worry

Dr Dave Midgley, CEO of the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa, believes that parasites’ growing resistance to anthelmintic remedies and an increasing parasite load among beef cattle in South Africa is a serious cause for concern. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.

time to read

5 mins

October24 -31, 2025

Farmer's Weekly

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Cannabis roots: the untapped value beneath the canopy

Most cannabis growers obsess over canopy management, trichome development, and final flower weight. But there’s an entire half of the plant we're essentially throwing away, says Thomas Walker.

time to read

2 mins

October24 -31, 2025

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