Illegal Sand Mining Threatens Sugar Farmers
Farmer's Weekly|April 2, 2021
The sugar cane farms of 175 small-scale growers are hanging in the balance as illegal sand mining in the Middle-Komati River reaches catastrophic levels.
Lindi Botha
Illegal Sand Mining Threatens Sugar Farmers

As increasingly more sand is removed, water levels are dropping to the point where irrigation pumps can no longer function. Since this region of Mpumalanga receives an average of only 600mm of rain per year, the sugar cane crop is dependent on additional irrigation water to survive.

This story is from the April 2, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FARMER'S WEEKLYView All
Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?
Farmer's Weekly

Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?

Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 10, 2024
In it for the win and so much more
Farmer's Weekly

In it for the win and so much more

The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7
Farmer's Weekly

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7

It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 10, 2024
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Farmer's Weekly

A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests

Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Changing the potential of your soil
Farmer's Weekly

Changing the potential of your soil

By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 10, 2024
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
Farmer's Weekly

A smart farm springs up and empowers locals

An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.

time-read
6 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows
Farmer's Weekly

Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows

Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation
Farmer's Weekly

Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation

Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle
Farmer's Weekly

Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle

However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 10, 2024
SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy
Farmer's Weekly

SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy

South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 10, 2024