Farmer's Weekly
Performance Testing For The Commercial Breeder: Part 2
Performance testing involves more than simply weighing an animal at certain stages; it requires the evaluation of all economically important traits, from conception to marketing. This is according to Thokozani Ndonga, senior research technician at the Agricultural Research Council, Irene.
3 min |
July 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
How To Weed Potato Lands
This article focused on the best way to apply herbicides and eradicate weeds with the minimum risk to potato crops.
2 min |
July 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Growing Chillies: Part 1
Individual consumers and communities have widely varying tastes when it comes to the flavour and pungency of chilli.
2 min |
July 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Feeding Cattle During And After A Drought
During a cattle information day hosted by the Berg Farmers’ Association in Barkly West, Johan Mouton, manager of research and development for ruminants at RCL Foods, shared some advice on how to manage feeding for livestock after a drought. Sabrina Dean reports.
5 min |
July 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Another Tough Season For Olives
While production statistics are not yet available, it is evident that olive production has not yet normalised following the drought in the Western Cape, said Karien Bezuidenhout, the manager of SA Olive.
1 min |
July 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
A Classroom In Your Pocket
With South Africa’s ageing farming population, a new generation of farmers is needed to secure the future of the industry. But with the high cost of education, and limited space in tertiary facilities, the youth and farm workers are discouraged from embarking on this path. Lindi Botha spoke to Agricolleges International founder Howard Blight about accessible education at a fraction of the cost.
5 min |
July 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Wind Farms: Huge Potential In South Africa, Big Opportunity For Farmers
Fickle power supply and ever-increasing tariffs are spurring South Africa’s agriculture sector to look at alternative sources of electricity. Jacobus Treurnich, the land rights manager of G7 Renewable Energies, spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about wind farms and the opportunities that farmers will have to rent out their land for wind-generated power.
5 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
The Future Of Boer Goats In South Africa
Boer goat stud breeders from across the country were in Bloemfontein at the start of May to participate in the annual Boerbok, Kalahari Red and Savanna World Show. Sabrina Dean spoke to Boer goat breeders Kobus Lötter, Andries Vollgraaff, Casper Byleveld and Lukas Burger about the current state of the Boer goat industry, and what the future holds for it.
5 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Save Money When Harvesting Coffee
The Coffee Express 200 Multi self-propelled coffee harvester is coming soon, says Joe Spencer.
2 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Renewables Will Soon Be Cheaper Than Eskom Power
Without decisive intervention, Eskom’s unsustainable debt levels will plunge the entire economy into darkness. But the rising prominence of renewable energy is providing hope.
2 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Prudent Use Of Antimicrobials Crucial In Livestock Farming
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a global problem in both human and animal medicine. Veterinarian Dr David Gerber, the chief technical officer at South African animal health company V-Tech, explains the problem, and highlights the potential benefits of a surveillance programme.
4 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Performance Testing For The Commercial Breeder: Part 1
This selection, breeding and management tool can improve the efficiency and profitability of any beef operation, says Thokozani Ndonga, senior research technician at the Agricultural Research Council, Irene. He begins this series by exploring the prejudices against performance testing.
2 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Lessons Learnt On A Wine Farm
Reyneke Wines was among the first organic wineries in South Africa to receive a five-star rating in Platter’s Wine Guide. Owner Johan Reyneke spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his long and often challenging journey to establish a successful chemical-free wine grape operation.
6 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
If They're Wild, They're Out
Johan Blomerus, a Free State Brahman breeder, selected his animals based on their temperament.
3 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Glanders: What You Should Know
While glanders is no longer present in South Africa, it is still found in other regions and can be brought back into the country through the importation of equines, says Dr Mac.
2 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Digital Revolution Links Fresh Produce Farmers And Buyers
For those already using it, a newly launched and innovative online trading platform is reportedly revolutionising the way that South Africa’s fresh produce sellers and buyers conduct their typically time-sensitive and demanding trading with each other. HelloChoice’s co-founders explain how the platform works and its benefits to both sellers and buyers.
5 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Farming Valais Black Nose Sheep In New Zealand
On a small lifestyle farm near the rural town of Cambridge in New Zealand, Andrew and Leigh-Anne Peake are establishing the Valais Black Nose sheep as a new breed in the country. The couple have found the journey highly enjoyable, reports Gerhard Uys.
5 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
The Golden Cattle
According to Dr Wayne Durdle of Amersfoort in Mpumalanga, Gelbvieh cattle could play an important role in the national beef cattle herd due to the breed’s efficiency in difficult production conditions.
2 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Online Auction: Game Changer In South Africa's Pork Market
The online trading platform, Trigga Trader, is disrupting the way in which pork is sold by enabling farmers to sell their produce to the highest bidder. Walter Frey, the founder of Trigga Trader, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the advantages the platform offers to both buyers and sellers.
5 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
New Principal Sets Out To Reinvigorate Glen College
Glen College of Agriculture on the outskirts of Bloemfontein in the Free State celebrates its centenary this year. Sabrina Dean spoke to its new head, Melvin Makungu, about his views on agricultural education and the college’s new focus on food technology and agro-processing.
5 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Mohair Market Ends The Season On A High Note
About 98% of the large mohair offering of 127 199kg was sold at the final sale of the season.
1 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Mixed Season For SA Sharon Fruit Industry
As the South African sharon fruit season winds down, it is clear that the early promise of this season’s harvest will not be fulfilled.
1 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Is The Climate In Your Greenhouse Optimal?
Natural ventilation offers a certain amount of cooling, but is generally insufficient in South Africa.
2 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Boer Goat Facts And Figures
The Boer goat, which is bred primarily for meat, is farmed very effectively in combination with cattle due to its browsing ability and its limited impact on the grass cover.
1 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Attention To Detail Ensures High-quality Produce
While launching a new farming venture as a first-time farmer may seem daunting, Hannes Wolvaardt is proof that it can be done. He shared his tips on successful sweet pepper production in Limpopo with Lindi Botha.
6 min |
July 5, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Will Load-Shedding Affect Veggie Prices?
Vegetable prices remained fairly stable at the start of winter, but the risk of load-shedding during the colder months, as electricity usage increases, could have serious consequences for producers and consumers.
2 min |
June 28, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
The Athleticism Of The Arab
Arabs are not only beautiful, but also excel at many disciplines, including dressage and showjumping. They are well known for their stamina in endurance races and make exceptional horses for children, writes Dr Mac.
2 min |
June 28, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Quick Pork & Asparagus Stir-Fry
There’s real joy to be experienced in the production of this meal.
2 min |
June 28, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Putting The Punch Into Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit’s peculiar appearance and exotic name are enough to make anyone take a second look. But beyond novelty appeal, the fruit holds considerable promise for South African producers. Lindi Botha visited Howard Blight at his nursery near Tzaneen to learn about this remarkable crop.
6 min |
June 28, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Linking Midlands Consumers With Wholesome Foods
Few consumers properly understand how food production works or have any emotional connection with farmers and farming. This is according to Lauren Murphy, who, through her Internet-based farm produce marketing company, is helping to narrow this gap while supplying tasty, nutritious food to her many loyal clients in KwaZulu-Natal. Lloyd Phillips reports.
5 min |