Getting started with organic farming

'Organic farming' has become a buzzword in agricultural production over the past decade, but it holds real benefits for farmers from a production perspective.

Quality feathers fetch a premium price

Over the years, Laubscher Coetzee has established himself as a producer of top-quality ostrich feathers. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his production strategy.

Exposing a secretive bark stripper

When Mike Burgess noticed multiple trees on his farm, De Hoek in the Eastern Cape, were being ringbarked, he was intrigued as to what animal could be responsible as since he had taken possession of the property 20 years earlier, it had never happened before.

Hitting the road in a luxury Lexus SUV

Kyle Kock of CAR magazine gives his driving impressions of the Lexus RX 500h F Sport, with its impressive price tag that starts at R1,6 million.

Dealing with botulism

Botulism, also called lamsiekte, is a disease of cattle, goats and sheep. It paralyses the muscles of animals so that it is difficult for them to get up or walk. Proper management can help prevent the disease.

The critical element that determines cabbage yield

Farmers know that nitrogen is necessary for growing cabbages and other crops, but many do not fully understand its importance for maximising yields

Opportunities and propagation tips for traditional plants

Traditional medicine is used in the treatment, prevention and cure of various ailments and injuries. There are many opportunities in the traditional medical sector for the propagation of these plants

Focus on longevity gives dairy the edge

Fair Cape Dairies won the ARC National Master Dairyman of the Year Award for the fourth time in 2022. Johannes Loubser spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the drivers of the dairy's success.

Farm-baked rusks are hot off the shelves

Almost two decades ago, Heather van Zyl began baking rusks in her kitchen for neighbours and friends. Today she sells 60t across five provinces. Mike Burgess visited her recently on the farm Van Zylsrust near Lady Grey in the Eastern Cape to better understand her secret to success.

Retrenchments - what employers need to know

The retrenchment process is clearly set out in the Labour Relations Act and must be followed to ensure that it is substantively and procedurally fair

Death is unpredictable, so we need to prepare our successors

We don’t like thinking or even talking about death, but it’s essential that we prepare our family and business successors for the event. Have you done so?

Insurance is not a nice to have, but a necessity

Silo operators may be feeling the pinch of increases in insurance premiums, but it is vital to be covered

Plan for these trends over the coming months

High interest rates, load-shedding, the impact of El Niño on rainfall and export challenges are some of the biggest agricultural risks flagged in the 2023 Absa AgriTrends Spring Edition.

KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer announced

KwaZulu-Natal farmer Heiko Gevers’s organised, systematic and detail-oriented approach to farming has bagged him the 2023 KZN Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year title.

Estcourt Farmers' Day unlocks opportunities

“When the quality is right and safe, the product will sell itself.” This was the message of the day during an inaugural Farmers’ Day hosted by Boxer Superstores in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs at Emtshezi in Estcourt on September 15.

USDA calls for equitable distribution of education grants

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Education have found that more than US$12 billion (about R227 billion) had been unfairly distributed between land-grant historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and nonHBCUs over 30 years.

SA producers boosted by high olive oil prices

Skyrocketing global olive oil prices have been a boon for the local industry, creating optimism for the future.

Primestars celebrates nine years of youth entrepreneurship

This year the national entrepreneurship programme is geared towards harnessing the green economy to upskill young people and help them become business owners and job creators

Was the BRICS summit a success for South African agriculture?

As readers will know, South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August.

Emerging trends in genetics and strain development

The search for specific therapeutic effects is one of the most intriguing trends in cannabis genetics, writes Thomas Walker.

Grain sector needs to don thinking hats to address traceability challenges

The Agbiz symposium focused on traceability and regulatory aspects of grain storage, says Magda du Toit.

Tractors to boost agricultural production

The donation of new tractors is a big boost for a farming community in the OR Tambo District, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Exclusive Cape Town hotel delivers innovative decor and the perfect stay

Brian Berkman says that revenge travel (that is, making up for opportunities to travel lost to the pandemic), casual staff dress, acclaimed art and a reservations-with-deposit entry policy all make The Silo Hotel what it is.

A reformer, magnate and stud owner

Lionel Phillips came to South Africa with nothing during the gold rush on the Reef, and became a Randlord and philanthropist, writes Graham Jooste.

What makes donkeys different?

These small, long-eared equines are hardy and useful in rural areas, and evolved from the desert donkeys of the Sahara, writes Dr Mac.

Isuzu mu-X model set to continue soaring

The local arm of Isuzu has seen a significant increase in sales with its current mu-X model over the first generation. This uptrend looks set to continue with the introduction of this value-based model. Damian Adams of CAR magazine attended the local launch in Cape Town to determine if the SUV could usurp the entry-level Fortuner.

Eco-friendly predator management

Safe lambs are only a stone's throw away, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout, recommending a stone barrier to keep predators away from flocks.

Diagnosing mineral deficiencies in cabbages: Part 1

Many farmers have great difficulty identifying mineral deficiencies in their cabbages, writes Bill Kerr.

Understanding the potential of prefabricated homes

Prefab homes are a cost-efficient and speedy way to erect housing on your farm. Janine Ryan looks at the different types of prefab homes that are available.

Providing on-farm housing for your workers

Many farmers provide their farm-workers with on-farm housing, for a range of reasons that benefit both farmer and farm-worker. However, regulations must be kept in mind to ensure the safety and welfare of labourers, says Janine Ryan.