Tunnel Irrigation: The Key To Success

A successful tunnel irrigation system must be designed to deliver the correct amount of water to crops in an agriculturally and technically sound way. In most cases, micro-irrigation (drippers or micro-sprinklers) is used to achieve this outcome.

Gain Agribusiness Acumen Through Targeted Training

Henley Business School Africa (Henley Africa) is a branch of Henley Business School UK, which is the business school of the University of Reading. The university boasts the world-class Department of Agriculture, Policy and Development, with experts in research and teaching in this sector.

Food Price Trends In 2020

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), South Africa is food secure at a national level. However, there is a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies at the household level in both urban and rural areas, especially among children. These deficiencies can be attributed to socioeconomic factors.

This Is How People Can Help Conserve Insects

For humanity’s sake, people need to change their attitudes towards insects.

Measuring the resilience of female smallholders in South Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, is afflicted by climate variability and high levels of rain-dependency.

Help me, honey!

The plight of bees in South Africa

Nestlé Tackles Child Labour For 100% Sustainable Cocoa

Nestlé is investing $45 million a year in its sustainability programme and making progress reducing child labour in West Africa’s cocoa-growing communities, which form part of the Swiss confectionery giant’s cocoa supply chain.

The Economy Of Intensive Production

Intensive production refers to any production system that aims to increase yield without increasing the production area.

Precision irrigation truly makes sense

Agriculture across the world is in the firing line.

Diversification: An Effective Management Tool

South Africa’s agricultural industry has been experiencing several challenging years. The impact of various factors such as drought, floods, low prices, pests and diseases that closed the country’s borders for exports, imports of cheap food products and a weak economy with low associated consumer demand, has been and is being felt throughout the sector.

Young Egg Producer Plays In The Big Leagues

It is plain to see why last year’s Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year, Johan van der Schyff, was named the 2019 Toyota Agri SA National Young Farmer of the Year. His farming operations set him apart from the other finalists in the competition, who were all top farmers in their respective provinces.

The art of small-scale irrigation

Southern Africa is a region in which water is scarce for most of the year. It rains for only four to five months of the year with frequent dry spells in between, while the rest of the year is hot and dry. Anyone with an ornamental or vegetable garden can get the most out of their garden by following a few simple water usage tips. These tips are also applicable to irrigation farming.

Precision farming for healthy soil

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is well underway and is characterised by the fading boundaries between the physical, digital and biological world. It is further characterised by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), genetic engineering and three-dimensional (3D) printers, among others. In our changing world new technologies are also being developed for the agricultural sector, which will enable this industry to improve production.

Poultry sector hatches a plan

South Africa’s poultry industry is highly competitive and has the potential to compete with other exporting countries on an equal level. However, no industry can compete with unfair trade practices such as dumping, which has been a hot topic for industry role-players in recent years.

Keeping the connections fresh

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) hosted its third annual PMA Retailers’ Connections Lunch at the end of last year. According to Lindie Stroebel, general manager of PMA in Southern Africa, representatives of three big retailers in South Africa attended the event, as did top producers of fresh produce such as ZZ2.

Land Reform: A Package Deal?

The consequences of land dispossession due to colonialism and apartheid remains part of South Africa’s socio-political landscape, despite government’s efforts to address it through land reform and redistribution.

The Correct Way To Manage And Utilise Groundwater

Around fifty years ago, a large-scale effort was made in South Africa to teach people about water conservation.

Water Resource Management In South Africa

The global population explosion and subsequent elevated levels of agricultural and industrial production are putting increasing pressure on existing water supplies.

Polish Agricultural Sector Grows Amidst Challenges

With its high production potential and rich natural resources, Poland has cemented its place as the largest producer of poultry meat, apples, berries and mushrooms in the European Union (EU).

Forgotten Crops Are Back With A Bang!

Forgotten crops, such as ancient grains and many pseudocereals, have been making a comeback due to their high nutritional content. Many of these crops are also ideal alternatives to grains that contain gluten.

Veld, Weeds And Fire: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

A sizeable part of South Africa’s native vegetation has naturally adapted to burn quite often and fynbos, grassland and bushveld all burn at some stage during their growth cycles.

Introducing Biological Pest Control In Citrus

Many South African citrus producers export their produce to various countries in Europe. Endulini Fruit is one such producer.

Dairy Packaging: A Look At Alternatives

Plastic is the most widely used packaging in the world.

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.

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.

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.