Cookhouse Citrus Industry Thrives

There is no doubt that the notion of thriving citrus orchards would have seemed farfetched to the transport riders who regularly crossed the Great Fish River at Cookhouse in the 1700s and 1800s. Today, citrus cultivation is well established in this region thanks to three friends who decided to venture into citrus production in 1998.

Riverbanks: An Important Aspect Of Veld Management

“Heavy summer rain is a common occurrence in the north-eastern part of the Free State where I farm. You are almost assured of a flood at least once a year. In this event there is always the possibility that those who have not stabilised their riverbanks, will have problems with erosion. The resultant soil losses are rarely quantified.”

Young Entrepreneur Taps Into A Niche Market

People who often visit craft markets and farm stalls in the Northern and Western Cape, may already be familiar with Oom Plaas products. These include flavoured salt, jam, rusks, biscuits, dried fruit, biltong, droëwors and olive products.

Diversification Drives The Mahela Group

The Mahela Group was last year recognized as the 2018 Agricultural Writers of South Africa’s Farmer of the Year in Limpopo. Earlier this year FarmBiz was invited as part of a media delegation to visit the Mahela Group’s farms in Ohrigstad and Letsitele.

The 5 Profit Drivers In A Cattle Enterprise

Five important factors generally determine the profitability of a cattle herd. According to well-known cattle consultant, Barry Symons of Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal, managing these factors can either mean extra profit in the farmer’s pocket, or it can render the farming enterprise unsustainable. He recently discussed the profit drivers in a cattle herd during a farmers’ day held at Elmic Beefmasters.

Ten Surprising Facts About Rooibos

Press release by the South African Rooibos Council

Cultivating Walnuts: The Rotondo Story

The cultivation of walnuts in South Africa got off to a rocky start. That was until the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) took the lead through a trial and error project, known today as Rotondo Walnuts. Rotondo is the only farm in South Africa to grow and export walnuts to China, the Middle East, and Europe.

Insect Protein: Processing For Palatable Products

Research into alternative proteins has been gaining momentum over many years. While insects have been on the radar for some time, the actual development of insect products has been a slow process, mainly due to Western cultures being biased when it comes to eating insects.

All You Need To Know About Bottled H2o

Buying bottled water is convenient and generally quite affordable. But have you ever thought about what is in bottled water? Where does it come from? How does it differ from tap water? And where does all that plastic go?

Dry Bean Production: The Bottom Line

For the first time in many years the crop input costs for dry beans in South Africa has outweighed the average revenue, leading to concerns over the industry’s future.

A Look At The Leather And Hide Industry

South Africa’s leather industry has come a long way from mainly supplying leather boots during the world wars in the early to mid-20th century. Since the British and Dutch colonies brought this industry to South African shores, the local leather and footwear value chain has diversified into multiple subsectors.

The Changing Face Of Agri Education And Training

Agricultural education and training (AET) in South Africa are facing several challenges in its attempts to meet the requirements of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the South African National Development Plan (NDP).

Spier: A Sustainable South African Winery

CNN International recently visited Spier wine farm, one of the Cape’s oldest estates. Established on the banks of the Eerste River three centuries ago, it has diversified over the past 25 years, cultivating the arts, building partnerships and promoting sustainability.

Poultry Production Wins In The Face Of Global Meat Challenges

Global poultry consumption is on the rise, not only as a preferred choice in terms of price and health, but also due to a growing Muslim population who favour poultry meat. This growth presents an opportunity for the poultry industry in South Africa and abroad.

It's Raining Nuts In The Karoo

Agriculture in the Eastern Cape normally leans towards various livestock and citrus undertakings. Interestingly, the cultivation of pecan trees has increased over the past few years, mostly in areas such as Cradock and Somerset East which have sufficient water supply, thanks to the Great Fish River.

Biotech Crops Help Producers Overcome Challenges

South Africa’s biotech crop adoption increased a further 3% in just one year between 2017 and 2018, a new report has revealed. The Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/ Genetically Modified (GM) Crops in 2018, also known as Brief 54 of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), was launched during the Hans Lombard memorial information session in August.

#EWC: Comments On The Presidential Advisory Committee's

The first ructions relating to the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform started in May this year, when it came to light that two reports were presented by the ten-member panel appointed by president Cyril Ramaphosa to report on the way forward for land reform in the country.

Mentoring

Ensures a win-win situation.

Shifts And Dynamics Of The Fresh Product Trade

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is the largest global trade organisation and has been active in South Africa since 2010, mainly through the well-known Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference & Expo. It aims to establish an inclusive, vibrant network in the region, unlocking the global and local value proposition.

The Importance Of Selection And Good Genetics.

During a recent visit to Zambia, the positive effects of prudent selection, combined with the use of superior bulls, was illustrated beautifully in a cow herd of 4 000. FarmBiz was invited along when well-known Beefmaster stud breeder, Frans Odendaal of WO Beefmasters, and cattle farmer Chippie Watson from Underberg in KwaZulu Natal, travelled to select replacement heifers for Zambezi Ranching and Cropping (ZRC), a farming enterprise some 45km north-east of Lusaka.