A huge agribusiness with solid family values

Despite having diversified into mining, construction, civil contracting, and heavy equipment hire, the ALS Group remains at heart a family farming business characterised by attention to detail, professionalism and integrity. Magda du Toit recently visited some of the agricultural and other business ventures in which the award-winning ALS Group is involved, and filed this report

Baboon bonds: how friendships make up for a bad start in life

Dr Elizabeth Lange, an assistant professor in biological science at the State University of New York Oswego, says that strong adult bonds may be a way to overcome childhood adversity, as seen in a recent study on wild baboons done in Kenya

How to boost food security in your community

Food prices in South Africa have soared in recent months, making it harder than ever to buy nutritious food for a family. Now is the time for communities to grow as much food as they can for themselves

How to manage a company and how not to

The governance and management crisis in our state-owned enterprises will eventually lead to their collapse, says Peter Hughes. But people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. How is your organisation doing?

Oilseed output set to grow 7% due to boost in soya bean production in South America

The US Department of Agriculture recently released its latest Global Oilseed Report, which predicts an increase in the production of soya bean, sunflower seed and canola

Demand for dairy set to decline as consumers remain under pressure

A recent report by the South African Milk Producers' Organisation paints a bleak picture for future demand for dairy and dairy products in South Africa over the short term

Moving to net zero: easier said than done

According to delegates at the International Juice Conference held in the Western Cape, there is growing concern over the sustainability of food production

European Commission under fire for 'restricting' Ukrainian grain

According to Politico, agriculture ministers from 12 EU countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Greece, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Luxembourg, Estonia, Denmark and Slovenia, have raised concern over a recent compromise reached by Brussels and five Eastern members of the bloc to restrict imports of Ukrainian agricultural products

Ghana cocoa farmers 16% worse off than before COVID-19 pandemic

A new report by Oxfam shows that cocoa farmers in Ghana are 16% worse off than at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, according to Confectionery Production

SA citrus industry needs a collaborative approach for long-term sustainability

Paul Makube, economist at FNB, looks at the challenges facing the citrus industry in the near future

'State should step in as Brazil bird flu outbreak jeopardises chicken imports'

Government urgently needs to implement proactive measures to avoid a looming crisis in the chicken industry, following the announcement from Brazil, South Africa’s top source of imported chicken, that it has detected two cases of avian influenza in wild birds

Lucerne plus veld for quality sheep

Lucerne pastures boost fertility and production, said this leading commercial Merino farmer, who also took great care of his veld camps

South Africa walks a tightrope of international alliances

Thapelo Tselapedi, a lecturer in politics at Rhodes University, writes about the Catch-22 situation that South Africa finds itself in as it juggles its allegiances to Russia, China and the West

Pilot, strategist and leader par excellence

Lieutenant-General Robert Rogers, DSO, DFC Bar, Royal Air Force; SSA, SM, MMM, South African Air Force, is the most highly decorated military man in South Africa. Graham Jooste tells his remarkable story.

Sport, politics, business and death

This week's selection by Patricia McCracken includes the story of Dan Qege and other rugby players during apartheid, advice from top business leaders, skulduggery in athletics, and catering for funerals

Cheesy pap and sweetcorn squares with avocado guacamole

This blend of traditional local flavour and Mexican zing is hearty enough for a cold winter's evening, yet fresh and crisp enough for an elegant lunch.

Kia Sportage gets three diesel options

Kia has cleverly added diesel options to its popular Sportage range, two of which have no direct price range rivals. Braam Peens of CAR magazine samples the new CRDi model in the Mother City.

How does a horse regulate its body temperature ?

Dr Mac explains how a horse uses thermoregulation to deal with changes in air temperature and to cope with vigorous exercise.

Get your nitrogen right from planting to harvest

Nitrogen has become an expensive input, so make every gram count: use band placement and avoid over-irrigating, says Bill Kerr.

TOMATOES: Controlling weeds in tomatoes

Research shows that the critical period for controlling weeds is 12 to 48 days after transplanting. Competition with weeds during this time can ultimately result in an 80% decrease in yield.

How to recognise stress and manage it

Stress can have a serious effect on your health, which is why it’s so important to address the problem sooner rather than later. Fortunately, there are well-established strategies for this, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Avo farm's long journey to profitability

Land restitution farms in South Africa have a patchy success rate, with many going to ruins after the change in ownership. Failure is usually attributed to the sudden change in management from those with a farming background to those without, as well as a critical lack of operating capital. Lindi Botha spoke to Tom Mdluli of the Matsafeni Trust about surviving despite the challenges, and their plans to expand the operation.

How technology is making monitoring animal health easier

A large part of farming is keeping track of the condition and health of animals. Janine Ryan reports on the current apps available to make this process easier and more efficient for farmers.

How to keep your chickens happy and healthy

Chickens are sensitive to temperature and may be prone to illness. For this reason, adequate housing and healthcare are essential for profitable production. Janine Ryan reports on some things to consider when keeping chickens to ensure their welfare, better growth rates, and humane handling techniques.

Vigilance: the best way to prevent farm attacks

Laurence Palmer, an independent security consultant, outlines practical steps that South African farmers and farmworkers can take to avoid becoming victims of farm attacks, and to protect themselves if attacked

China's population is falling: opportunities and risks for Africa

Lauren Johnston, senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs and Associate Professor at the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, writes about the risks and opportunities presented to South Africans as China's population drops.

Pannar's strategy to help farmers improve yield - come what may

Grant Pringle, lead agronomist at Pannar Seed, spoke to Ellis Mnyendu about the company's efforts to develop high-yielding products adapted to a fast-changing environment.

Strategies to ensure sustainable cannabis production

Cannabis growers, regardless of where they are, should practise environmentally responsible cultivation methods. This is not only the right thing to do; it’s ultimately more profitable, says Thomas Walker.

High costs and weak demand still weighing on dairy producers

Dairy farmers are struggling with increasing input costs, leading to a sharp decrease in milk production. Yet the chances of further producer price increases are slim, as demand remains weak, says Dr Koos Coetzee.

Struggling consumers keep meat prices under pressure

While Easter festivities helped to increase the prices of mutton and beef in April, consumer spending remains constrained, directly affecting demand for meat. Absa AgriBusiness analyses trends and provides forecasts.