Makita’s current outdoor power equipment slogan: “Live Green – Grow Strong” for their outdoor power equipment range, effectively captures Makita’s rich history as one of the wo...
“Livestock farmers must provide hay for the winter and with the ever increasing price of diesel, Myburgh Toerusting’s combination rake is perfect to make the haymaking process more a...
On Friday, February 10, World Pulses Day, experts who are gathering for a ground-breaking international conference on food systems will be encouraging people to adopt diets packed with p...
Experts gathering for a ground-breaking international conference on food systems are this Friday, on World Pulses Day (10 February), encouraging people to adopt diets packed with pulses ...
The vital key to success in animal husbandry is feed. Therefore, more and more farmers rely on Rumax to provide their animals with nothing but the best. Jaco Pieters started Rumax in ...
Valley® is the founder of the entire pivot irrigation industry. We have helped generations of growers to overcome watering challenges with the most durable machines and the most reliabl...
New Holland Agriculture has a wide range of tractor units from 27 to 66 kW to meet the market demands. TT3 series The TT3 tractor series was designed based on extensive customer consul...
The 6140B Cab Tractor is equipped with the proven John Deere 6-Cylinder Turbo Charged Tier III engine, incorporating the latest John Deere engine technology. This tractor boasts with 140...
ALCO-Safe (Pty) Ltd is the major supplier of quality electronic Breath Alcohol Detectors and accessories in South Africa with 43 years of experience in manufacturing, distribution, and s...
FAW Trucks believe that having the right commercial vehicle solution for each specific need is key to getting the best value for money as well as ensuring road safety and efficiency. Dur...
Phosphate is traditionally the only summer supplement in South Africa, but it often happens that phosphate alone during the summer and late summer is not always sufficient for optimal pr...
Salmonella is an enterobacterium, which means it can primarily infect the gastrointestinal tract, although in some cases it can distribute from the intestines to other organs. Each bacte...
Farming is a sheer pleasure in the Chobe district, south of the Zambezi River. It is safe and there is excellent support and help from the government to farmers, which ultimately provide...
BSi Steel (PTY) Ltd was founded in 1985. For more than three decades we have forged a peerless reputation across Southern Africa as a trusted, reliable supplier. We now command a signifi...
As part of its ongoing commitment to the development of black farmers, FarmSol Holdings in collaboration with South African Breweries (SAB) this morning donated brand-new tractors and fa...
Through the ongoing support of Volkswagen’s B-BBEE Initiatives Trust, a former employee of Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) was able to realise his dream of becoming a business own...
Agriculture is in a time where the focus is increasingly placed on the subject of soil microbiology and "soil health". Regular discussions across the spectrum, between the media, produce...
As President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his State of the Nation Address this week, the only way to guarantee food security in South Africa will be an announcement of immediate action by go...
A feast for the eye are the lush green crops beside the main road to the North. One of the farms that provides this sight for travellers is F&R Farming of Frans and Reint Dykema. The...
Engine Den is a direct importer and distributor of automotive parts such as engines, gearboxes, and parts. They offer a wide range of products that cover both new and used parts for both...
Corteva Agriscience™ is a dedicated agricultural company that focuses on supporting farmers to get the most out of every hectare every season. Our solutions increase productivity an...
Hino continued its amazing run of finishes in the gruelling Dakar Rally when a four-wheel drive 500 Series with a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain finished 10th in the 45th running of t...
What is silk jamming? This phenomenon occurs when the silks are supposed to appear at the tip of the cob and the elongation of the silks is obstructed by husk leaves that are packed too...
Obtaining silkworm larvae or eggs to begin your farm is the most essential step in the process of starting a sericulture (silk production) operation. In the second part of this series...
The invasive alien plant, prosopis, is a serious threat to of areas in Southerern Africa where it threatens water resources, indigenous vegetation and the livelihood of communities who a...
A relish is a sweet-n-sour condiment containing preserved fruit/vegetable pieces and spices. It is served with curries, hot and cold meats, and savouries. Pear relish is usually prepared...
Bees are subject to pests and diseases, and beekeepers should be on the lookout for symptoms. In many countries beekeepers are required to register with the relevante authorities and in ...
The discovery of spices and herbs, in particular the trade of these ingredients, was a defining moment in world history. Firstly, because spices and herbs enhanced the culinary experienc...
Kiwi fruit production has been a hot topic for over two years. Many growers have seized the opportunity to farm with kiwis and capitalise on the demand for this exotic fruit. Contrary...
LEMKEN buys Equalizer In a big boost for Equalizer, the planter manufacturer in Cape Town, LEMKEN has reached an agreement to buy the company. Equalizer manufactures seed drills in widt...
The term “stress” is commonly used to describe the detrimental effects of a variety of situations on the health and performance of broilers. It is also defined as a set of responses ...
The first vaccine for honeybees to prevent the fatal bacterial American foulbrood disease (AFB) has been conditionally approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ...
Humankind’s search for new materials to use within the agricultural value chain continues to evolve. The evolution is spurred by various factors that influence material choice, such as...
“Rome was not built in a day.” The famous saying by John Heywood rings true in farming as well as business. Every large company today exists because of a growth plan that was laid ou...
Growth of African agribusinesses cannot be modelled around business strategies utilised by firms in first world countries (FWC). Economic policing characteristics such as interest rates,...
Factors affecting agribusinesses cannot be looked at from one perspective, especially for Africa. Each Sub-Saharan region is facing unique challenges in its environmental, socio-politica...
Ford has commenced exports of the Next-Generation Ranger from its manufacturing plants in South Africa to serve the ever-growing customer demand. The South African-built Next-Gen Ranger ...
Celebrating its 65th anniversary last year, leading supplier Bearings International (BI) was also on track for another year of “significant growth,” says MD Bart Schoevaerts. He attr...
In agriculture, the 80:20 rule holds good: of the approximately 32 000 commercial farmers in the country, between 5 000 and 7 000 farmers are responsible for 80% of agricultural outpu...
By 2028, the global botanical extract market is expected to reach 1USD 9.62 billion at an annual growth rate of 9.6%. Due to their unique flavour and health benefits, botanical extracts ...
Potato tuber moth remains a concern to many potato growers in our key production areas. Potato tuber moth causes severe damage to the potatoes which results in losses to growers due to i...
Adding value to nuts has always played a vital role within the tree nut production industry. The process improves the profitability of producers, it empowers them, provides safe, quality...
Greenhouses make optimum agri-production possible. However, this achievement is only possible if they are used properly, ensuring that the right plants are grown and conditions are set w...
The JVA Cloud Router™ App allows you to arm and disarm energizers, view your electric fence voltages, open and close relays through any Android or IOS device. The JVA Cloud Router™ A...
One of the largest dairy manufacturers in South Africa and industry leader in sustainability, Woodlands Dairy, is committed to minimising fossil fuel energy sources with renewable energy...
Local manufacturer Pratley, a household name in adhesives, electrical products and other sectors, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2023. “It is a remarkable and proud moment for the ...
As the reality of the country’s water crisis hits the millions living in the suburbs of the country’s cities, more South Africans in townhouse and cluster complexes are seeking compa...
Ford South Africa is further enhancing its commitment to customer service by implementing new Rapid Hub teams across each of the country’s nine provinces. These Rapid Hubs will complem...
The major advantage of ISOBUS technology in the agricultural industry is that it allows for full compatibility between tractors and implements, regardless of brands and models. The ISOBU...
The Sernick Group as it is known today was born from a young Nick Serfontein’s dream to become a farmer. He was advised by his parents to choose another career, which he did, but his d...
521 Meatmasters: 121 excellent registered rams, 200 registered ewes. 200 commercial ewes. Why this is the one sale no Meatmaster breeder should miss. Proud winner of the best small...
Africa’s household and agricultural waste is a valuable source of power that could be deployed to take clean energy to communities, complexes and individual homes at lower cost and fas...
Ford South Africa has a multitier CSR program that saw the organisation donating approximately R26-million towards various community projects and initiatives over the course of 2022. ...
Latest Statistics South Africa figures show that nearly one in every five South Africans suffer from diseases of the circulatory system such as heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertens...
Greg Talbot from Tal-Tec, a specialist in the design and manufacturer of livestock management and control solutions, talks about the features of his company’s feeder solutions. “W...
A rare production system farmers delve into in sub-Saharan Africa is herb and spice production. This may be due to the lack of knowledge of their value, supply chain and market linkages,...
The invasive alien prosopis species is spreading at an alarmingly rapid pace. It is already covering 1,8 million hectares of grazing rangelands, and based on the present spreading rate o...
Over the past decade rainfall patterns in Africa have been less consistent to a point of even being non-existent in some areas. This unfortunate occurrence costs millions of farmers thei...
Electricity outages have escalated in Zimbabwe, with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) citing vandalism of its infrastructure, but experts say power generation is being cr...
The exploitation of greenhouses from their creation has contributed immensely to optimise agricultural production systems. Be it for fruit, nuts, crops, grain, horticulture, or herb prod...
There is a growing demand that all agricultural industries take into account the environmental consequences of whatever process they undertake. One of the areas of concern is the use of ...
Markets in all agricultural systems are best accessed by the supplier fulfilling pre-established requisites. These requisites help the supplier to meet target market specifications, e...
Ripper Tillage Equipment offers more than robust and efficient implements; they start every customer journey with the question: What are your requirements? This includes the needs of you...
Suitable forage is essential for the survival of honeybees. Strong, healthy bees are in turn needed to provide sufficient pollination for the country’s agriculture in general, and the ...
Zimmatic centre pivots have proven vital in driving the success of farms. An efficient irrigation system can benefit the farmer through ease of use and better water management. This is e...
Southern African native sheep breeds thrive in extreme environments. They are lean and muscular, with thick rump and tail fat. In times of scarce grazing, body fat is stored here for use...
Mahindra SA launched three made-for-purpose adventure bakkies with a promise to Unleash the Explorer in You. To prove this, these flagship bakkies were sent to the most challenging terra...
A good farmer does not randomly decide what he wants to farm with and how he wants to go about it. No, he investigates the most profitable practice and crop that grows in his area, as we...
What a busy time it has been at Valley HQ! As the year draws to a close for those in corporate environments, the never-ending work of our growers has become more intense as the harvestin...
The family-owned company LEMKEN and the South African company Equalizer have reached an acquisition agreement. As a result, the German agricultural machinery specialist will be significa...
Named after its founder, George Kynoch, the Kynoch brand has been part of agriculture in Southern Africa for the last 104 years. The original company, known today as Kynoch Fertilizer...
Following one of the most outstanding years in recent history, John Deere rewarded exceptional service from the top performers in their relevant sectors Customers do not expect products...
New and enhanced genetics is like a fresh breeze for every farmer and we salute the scientists who went through painstakingly precise, experimental processes to ensure that farmers can f...
Since the breakout of Covid-19, the prices of fertilisers have been rising monthly. This has been compounded with the war in Ukraine. Regardless of whether the commodity prices of fertil...
As the use of greenhouses spreads over Sub-Sahara Africa, it is more than paramount to ensure that the artificial climatic conditions created are optimally maintained. Not only does s...
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In a previous chapter, we had a brief look at the need for suitable forage for bees and the value of placing your hives near such a source. In this chapter, we look at what bees feed ...
“It is always a pleasure to help people who are willing to help themselves.” Tewis van der Ryst, owner of the wellknown Drotsky agricultural equipment manufacturer, once again realis...
A broiler health strategy starts with the broiler breeder, includes broiler management, and is fine-tuned by the judicious use of vaccines. Vaccination is an integral part of any chicken...
A better view of your water Keep an eye on your tank levels with wireless water monitoring that gives you certainty of how much water you have available. It has 3 parts: Water lev...
Fruit that has had almost all of the water content removed through drying methods is referred to as dried fruit. The fruit shrinks during this process, leaving a small, energy-dense drie...
Step 1: Planning It is never too early to plan your silage-making process. Early and proper planning will not only help you to avoid certain potential challenges, but will also provide ...
A conference on new and advanced techniques in aquaculture, aquaponics, and hydroponics was presented in collaboration with the University of Stellenbosch in Stellenbosch from 22 to 24 N...
Sericulture is the process of raising silkworms to get raw silk and is the topic of this series. The feed that an animal is given to sustain its growth and reproductive potential is t...
Maize sweeteners and syrups are manufactured from the starchy endosperm of maize using a conversion process known as hydrolysis. This hydrolysis process can be chemical (by means of stro...
SARO AGRO INDUSTRIAL LTD, is a Zambian company, whose shareholders are the Oza family. Their history in Zambia goes back to 1940 when the late Chairman settled in Livingstone and establi...
Satisfied farmers in more than half of the African continent’s countries depend on Senter360 for quality irrigation solutions. Senter360’s policy is to not only sell the best possibl...
Infectious Bronchitis virus (IBV) variant 2 has been detected in Zambia by PCR and genetic sequencing. Although the number of cases is on the rise and the number of flocks sampled is inc...
Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an exotic arthropod pest which is highly damaging to maize in sub-Saharan Africa and Zambia in particular. It attacks maize which is a staple cro...
Give a man vegetables and you feed him for a day; empower a man to grow his own and he will feed himself and his loved ones for a lifetime. This is the practical wisdom that inspired ...
A need for a durable waterproofing product, that has bonding and elastic qualities, was identified by the proprietor in the late 90’s. After extensive experimentation, the first app...
The Department of Agriculture’s provincial veterinary laboratory (PVL) at Helderfontein in Stellenbosch will be undergoing major renovations during the next 12 months, during which the...
A major concern for stock farmers this year, according to Greg Talbot of Tal-Tec, is foot-and-mouth disease, which again hit during 2022 in six of South Africa’s nine provinces, causin...
It has long been known that the most sustainable and productive manufacturers in Africa will be those embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This is little wonder, as to not d...
What do you think of when you think about quality affordable machines? Revaro Equipment (Pty) Ltd is the leading supplier of yellow metal and material handling equipment to the agricultu...
Algar Livestock Handling Equipment's top-quality products are at the forefront of the market. With products that constantly deliver innovative solutions, Algar is a proud supplier of ani...
Southern African citrus growers packed for export 164.8 million (15kg) cartons to be delivered to global markets in 2022. While this is an increase of 3.2 million cartons when compared t...
Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022. Since the Continental group has found its home on South African soil in 1987, it has grown the company i...
Southeasterly (SE) winds in the Western Cape in the latter part of the year can be especially damaging to young mandarin fruit, because it coincides with the first 12 weeks after petal d...
The seed, which is the first of many growing stages in a plant’s life cycle, is also the stage at which the plant is most vulnerable. Therefore, safeguarding the seed is the most im...
The SideWinder ultra armrest is a special feature in the cabin where all the important controls are located. This enables the operator to comfortably reach, access and control the imp...
With the right technology, oils and lubricants can help support the agricultural sector, by helping farmers to identify the right lubrication for tractors, help to better maintain valuab...
South Africa has one of the highest road death rates of any country in the world and the bulk of these deaths occur during the festive season. FAW Trucks believe that a little bit of pri...
H&M Group and BKB Ltd, the leading supplier of RWS wool (Responsible Wool Standard), have partnered to implement the Biodiversity Restoration and Regenerative Land Management project...
When a chicken farm sells all the eggs their 1 600 chickens lay per day within 24 hours, it is proof that they are doing something right. Reyno Colyn and Belinda Hattingh farm with chick...
Sweet potato sugar syrups are made from sweet potato starch, which is converted into a range of different types of sugars by means of special enzymes. The manufactured syrups can be used...
The new Amarok is all set for launch. A 'can do' pick up, a multi-tool on wheels - meticulously throughout from cab to the cargo box. Propelled by powerful and efficient turbocharged eng...
African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) The African yam bean belongs to the family Leguminosae. The annual climbing or prostrate vine is mainly grown for its fleshy roots that looks ...
After a long period of development and field trials, Hishtil South Africa is proud to introduce its new innovation to the vegetable seedling market of South Africa. Earlier this year ...
The key to successful crop farming is planting the right product on the right hectare. And the way to determine what is the right product for the right hectare, is to plant trials. This ...
Soya sauce is the dark brown liquid extracted from a fermented soya-wheat mixture. It has a salty taste and sharp flavour. It is used as an all-purpose seasoning. Soya sauce is prepared ...
A beekeeper faces many challenges, but persistence is usually met with success. The biggest challenges are finding a suitable terrain for his apiary and sufficient and diverse forage,...
Ford has launched the Double Cab versions of its smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger yet, with the rest of the 24-strong model range – including the workhorse Single Cab a...
Chickens are relatively easy animals to maintain once they are adults, but mortality rates can be high while the baby chicks are still growing. It, therefore, becomes cardinal that me...
When it comes to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) producing equipment specifically for the agricultural industry and workshop facilities on farms, FUCHS has a range of innovative ...
In an increased effort to drive collection and recycling of liquid board packaging (LBP) in South Africa, Tetra Pak South Africa will join the PET Recycling Company NPC (PETCO), a well-e...
Boreholes are vital for deep soil water extraction. Much like everything else on your farm, taking care of your borehole will ensure that it takes care of you. That is why you need quali...
Non-protein nitrogen (NPN) is a term used in animal nutrition to refer collectively to components such as urea, biuret, and ammonia, which are not proteins but can be converted into prot...
Stephan Nel has officially been appointed as the Managing Director of CASE IH effective 1 December 2022, taking responsibility for the leadership and development of the CASE IH brand as ...
Freeze branding is not new, it is a method of identifying cattle that goes back decades. Whether identifying animals is done for legal requirements or simply to make farm management easi...
Onderstepoort Biological Products SOC Ltd (“OBP”) confirms that it is aware of Clients concerns about availability of the certain critical vaccine for the impending vaccination seaso...
Preparing and cultivating the soil to achieve the highest possible yield depends on choosing the correct tillage system. “The key to a successful harvest is good preparation. Eliminati...
John Deere Africa Middle East announced that a selection of their service parts on the 5D and 5E 3-Cylinder range tractors will be FREE if that respective part ordered by the customer is...
Summary Cold injuries lead to a diminished stand and subsequently to a reduction in yield. Cold that presents early in the season, has a sizable influence on the development of m...
Syngenta Zambia has “cemented” its commitment to Zambian farmers and crop protection with their new corporate office in Lusaka’s Rhodes Park area. Syngenta Zambia held a launch ...
The tree nut production industry is expected to grow to US$103 billion in 2027 according to a report from Intrado GlobeNewswire, 2020. It is mind boggling to find the roots of this in...
Raising sheep can be beneficial in many ways. Sheep can eat vegetation that is not fit for human consumption. Sheep populations tend to grow rapidly, and their gestation period is much s...
Interest rates greatly influence the efficiency and effectiveness of productivity for farmers, especially smallholder farmers that rely on capital they have to obtain against their colla...
Some plant species that have been brought to Southern Africa from other countries pose a serious threat to the environment, including water resources, indigenous vegetation, agriculture,...
New Holland Agricultural has a wide 26.85 to 67 kW (36 to 90 hp) range of tractors to meet the demands of the market. TT3-range The TT3 tractor range has been designed following exte...
The CEO and President Dr Litha Magingxa will lead a team of agricultural scientists and experts at the World Science Forum from 6 to 9 December 2022 in Cape Town. The theme for the 10t...
Khanyisile Zulu (35) and Nomfundo Makhanya (19) – two farmers from KwaZulu-Natal and Momentum Metropolitan’s Women in Farming programme candidates – were recently invited by Health...
The incidence of moth damage to potatoes has increased in the main production areas. This damage can be attributed to two moth species, the potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) th...
When most people think of high-value crops, the first things that come to mind are probably fruits and vegetables. However, one nut is quickly becoming a favourite among high-value crop ...
Willem and Lucile van den Berg would like to thank every buyer for their support during the auction. Mario Kruger from Vleissentraal thanked and congratulated Sterkfontein for the excell...
The next generation product in precision agriculture has arrived! The technology is ReinCloud-Ready ™ and user-friendly. With basic functions and a customisable home screen, you get th...
Unlock farmer profitability with the new training program from John Deere South Africa. Between 1 November 2022 and 31 October 2023, every new tractor purchased and delivered will receiv...
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) once again presented its National Beef Performers Awards on 23 November 2022. This was the 44th instalment of the awards, the aim of which is to s...
In a bid to get more small businesses to become active participants in the economy, ISUZU Motors South Africa is making commercial vehicle acquisition more accessible for entrepreneurs a...
Goodyear South Africa handed over a donation of R2,4 million to the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). The donation is primarily aimed at assisting students with current and legacy debts. ...
Many farmers consider precision farming to be the first step on the path to financial success. The confidence and knowledge provided by Jupidex's precision technology enable farmers to g...
The most important key players in the Agricultural and Construction Sectors were invited to partake in the glamorous and prestigious annual Awards Ceremony hosted by John Deere Middle Ea...
The winner of the 2022 Milk Producer’s Organisation (MPO) Nedbank Stewardship Awards will be announced during a gala dinner at Casa Toscana Lodge in Pretoria on 30 November 2022. The...
Three lucky farmers each won an AGRICOLLEGES course in collaboration with TLU SA. Michael Otto's course is Introduction to Animal Production, while Hendrik Prinsloo won the Introduction...
New Holland Agricultural has a wide 26.85 to 67 kW (36 to 90 hp) range of tractors to meet the demands of the market. TT3-range The TT3 tractor range has been designed following extens...
SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products, is proud to announce it has armoured a fleet of Hilux double-cab bakkies deployed to help protect Toyota South Afri...
The ISUZU Foundation is proud to announce that it will be donating R250,000 to the Ironman4TheKids Foundation. The ISUZU Foundation is a partnership between Isuzu Motors South Africa (IM...
SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products, has developed a new discreet armouring package for the Nissan Navara, handing the increasingly popular locally buil...
Rolling up their sleeves to protect the environment, a group of over 160 Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) employees and their loved-ones gathered in Gqeberha on Saturday morning, for...
Ever wondered why you should let Reinke be your irrigation partner? Unmatched service and expertise, and machines that performs as promised! See for yourself today why the strong, li...
High-quality pelts are sourced from unique strains of rabbits, such as the Rex species. Only a small number of skins are collected from slaughterhouses; the rest are discarded. The on...
When discussing textiles, the term “angora” by itself always and exclusively refers to the hair of Angora rabbits. The hair of Angora rabbits is one of five keratinic textile fibr...
Among domestic livestock, rabbits are one of the most productive. On the same quantity of feed and water a cow will produce 500 grammes of meat while rabbits can produce three kilogramme...
The doe makes a nest with various materials and abdominal fur before kindling. The doe’s nest is usually at the end of her kindling burrow. A quiet area should be set aside for the doe...
Small-scale farmers, workers and representatives of the sugar industry this week took their deepening concerns about the future of the sector directly to Members of Parliament (MPs) and ...
The department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development which to announce the outbreak of the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) in the Western and Northern Cape provinces. T...
While the Covid-19 pandemic threw the world, and South Africa, into chaos, it was also responsible for rapidly pushing the digital agenda. As more people are now empowered to work from h...
Who will you root for in the Massey Ferguson Master Mechanic Season 2 in November? Bigger tractors, bigger challenges, bigger everything! The time is fast approaching for the Massey F...
In a single year, a doe can have up to 12 litters of kits. The average litter size is six kits, which means that if a doe is constantly in the presence of a buck, she could be able to pr...
The very first production version of the Mitsubishi Triton Heritage Edition has been handed over to its new owner, Dr Matthews Phosa, an avid game breeder from the Nelspruit area. “It...
Ford Motor Company’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, today became the third plant to commence production of the Next-Generation Ranger for customers around the world. The start ...
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to rabbit nutrition. In order to keep the rabbits healthy and prevent them from gaining too much weight, they must be fed the right...
Alot of thought and planning should be done before starting to construct and equip anything for rabbit care. When this is done right, it should ultimately reduce the amount of labour req...
Earlier this year, KwaZulu-Natal experienced such severe floods that Santam could only describe the phenomenon, which washed away houses, roads, bridges, and business premises, as the mo...
Derik Strauss, President of the Suffolk Sheep Breeders Society of SA, was born in Schweizer-Reneke, where he went to school and played rugby for the Pukke for three years. He went back t...
The vital first step in rabbit breeding is choosing the right breed. Accor-ding to the American Rabbit Breeders Association, there are around 38 breeds and 89 variants of domestic rabb...
Wayne Porter is the President of the Brahman Breeders Society of SA and he farms in the Tarkastad District of the Eastern Cape. “I farm with Brahman Stud cattle, Angora goats and Merin...
Rabbit farming can be an alternative farming opportunity for a beginner farmer or someone with limited resources. According to Mike Daka, a rabbit farmer and interim President of the Rab...
Aquaculture is becoming very popular amongst Zambians because it provides people with employment and a cheaper source of protein. The government, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Li...
South African seed potato producer RegenZ and European hybrid potato seed innovator Solynta announced a partnership to bring hybrid true potatoes to the South African farming community. ...
At John Deere there is no time for sitting back and being idle. John Deere’s smart people are constantly identifying and implementing strategies to ensure that John Deere customers get...
Vegetable crops offer a good source of income for both small- and largescale farmers. But it takes so much more than placing a seed in the soil and harvesting the plants at the end of th...
New triple-action formulation of Shell FuelSave Diesel cleans even more thoroughly than before to help improve fuel economy and recover power in heavy-duty engines. Shell Commercial F...
The global tree nut production industry continues to steadily grow corresponding to increasing demand. The Tree Nuts Market Outlook, from the Future Market Insights states that the globa...
Two businessmen of George in the Southern Cape have tackled the thorny issue of invasive, alien cactus species that are adored as garden plants, but which are seriously threatening to de...
Production of Ford’s current-generation Ranger pick-up has drawn to a close at the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. The last unit came off the assembly line on 10 November 2022, e...
FAW Trucks offer a locally produced model range that continues to represent robust solutions and excellent value for money in the extra-heavy, heavy, medium and light commercial segments...
Only a few days remain before Mahindra officially opens orders for the highly anticipated XUV700. On 15 November 2022 at exactly 11:00, Mahindra will officially open pre-orders for it...
Some of South Africa’s top contributors to agriculture were recognised at the 2022 Agricultural Writers SA Awards on Friday, 11 November 2022. The annual event salutes those that work ...
The Toyota Hilux is the latest vehicle to receive the GR treatment. Aptly named, the Hilux GR-Sport, the 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6AT, was designed with two things in mind: toughness and sportiness....
Oswald Jannasch, President of the Nguni Cattle Breeders Society, grew up in the bushveld, on a mission station and went to school in a rural town. After school, he went to university, wo...
Charles Freeme, President of the Meatmaster Sheep Breeders’ Society South Africa, is a full time farmer doing Meatmaster Stud breeding and also have various other interests in small st...
When you use Reinke Irrigation on your farm, you know that every acre is showing what it is worth. By using the data from your pivot and the knowledge about your farm, you can overcom...
GWM and HAVAL, have recently won a host of outstanding accolades, and have just reached record sales for October 2022. In the competitive and well-contested South African automobile...
The Cannabis Research Institute of South Africa (CRI) has sponsored a year-long study that examines the effectiveness of medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids for chronic pain ma...
Introduction The development and large-scale implementation of hybrid genetics are one of humanity's greatest achievements, resulting in a multifold increase in productivity over histor...
John and Tracey Devonport run the successful Devlan Limousin cattle stud, which is situated on Water’s Edge on the Vaal. Background John was brought up in Johannesburg and went to Wi...
Tal-Tec, the designer and manufacturer of farming solutions for the better management and control of livestock, has recently released a circular forcing race for cattle. The company’s ...
South African beef is once again taking centre stage in the Middle East. One of South Africa’s leading beef producers – Beefmaster Group – is attending this year’s Saudi Internat...
Any farmer's dream is to get the most from each stalk, along with digestible and more nutritious feed for his animals. Pöttinger's mowers not only meet farmers' dreams but also run like...
Travelling irrigators do not suit every farmer's farm, but the Ocmis irrigation system has allowed Alex Wray of AJ Boerdery's farm to reach new heights. Thanks to Irrigation Unlimited wh...
Farmers welcome Syngenta’s announcement of ORONDIS® Ultra fungicide with two active ingredients for unsurpassed late blight and downy mildew control. ORONDIS® Ultra fungicide brings ...
Biosecurity is a set of preventative measures designed to reduce the risks of infectious disease transmission to and among livestock. Biosecurity is important because the set of preventi...
Ripper Tillage Equipment has an implement for every job throughout the planting journey. The team specialises in custom-built equipment that ensures results in your crop because a succes...
The recent water crises around the country should make all South Africans consider not only how we desperately need to protect our sources of fresh water, but how we treat wastewater and...
Company Description HJN Training, with head quarters in Centurion and a satellite office located in Vereeniging, is an organisation dedicated to the training of police, private and publ...
Green fingered learners from Curro Delft in the Western Cape were ecstatic to see Dr Ivan Meyer, Provincial Minister of Agriculture join them for a tree planting ceremony last week. T...
As South Africans prepare for what will be another sweltering summer, present and future JoJo Tanks owners can be rest assured that their tank has been engineered to resist the ravages o...
Tito Vorster is the CEO of the Delft Group and SIMBRA SA Breed President. They have a diversified agriculture footprint in Mpumalanga. Delft Group is a family-owned business managed by h...
SA Canegrowers has confirmed reports that some small-scale growers supplying the Tongaat Hulett mills at Felixton, Amatikulu and Maidstone have received the overdue payment for cane deli...
Tree harvesting has left the Miombo woodlands in northern Malawi denuded of trees, resulting in major soil erosion. Ken Coetzee of Conservation Management Services, based in Georg...
Self-reliant farms, the 21st-century utopia for most farmers, are what farm operational activities are slowly moving towards. These are systems that depend less on outside sources when i...
Trapsuutjies is an environmental initiative owned by Susan Botha, who formerly worked at CapeNature. The name Trapsuutjies literally means ‘tread lightly’ and is the Afrikaans word f...
As the adverse effects of climate change increase result in destructive weather conditions that affect the agricultural sector, there is also an increase in agricultural participants i...
The Pretoria High Court has issued a critical judgment requiring that the City of Tshwane invest R18 million in the implementation of a precinct plan for the maintenance of the Tshwane F...
Cecilia Prinsloo, Chairman of the PinZ²yl Cattle Breeders of South Africa, is a practising attorney, the senior partner at a niche boutique-style law firm, with no farming background wh...
Adrian McNaughton(48) farms with his family (brother Ronald) on the farm Houdconstant in the Graaff Reinet district. “We are primarily Merino sheep farmers with a beef component and so...
Orange is the colour of success for KwaZulu-Natal-based Trewirgie Timber. The flourishing farming enterprise relies on an orange-liveried Wood-Mizer sawmill line at its Orange Farm Sawmi...
Pig farmers often focus on reproductive traits. These traits are important, but also keep in mind how your herd is making use of feed because 80% of a farm’s costs is feed. Feed con...
Dr Hinner Köster is President of the SA Hereford Cattle Breed. More about dr Köster He was born on the 17th of April 1965 and raised on a large cattle ranch in Vryburg in the Nort...
John Devonport is the President of the Southern African Limousin Society. John was brought up in Johannesburg and went to Wits where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant. “As a fa...
A mark of assurance in seed treatments You choose a seed treatment package to help assure a successful season. In turn, you should feel assured that those seed treatments perform as exp...
Reinke-certified innovation brings you technology such as the 740 A UD Wheel Gearbox is the new standard in wheel gears. The gearbox has a 10-year/16 00-hour warranty. With this, Rein...
Candidates from Momentum Metropolitan's Women in Farming programme, a three-year incubator that aims to enhance the skills of young black female farmers, recently celebrated their gr...
Each year, in rural communities, devastating livestock losses due to crime, pests and diseases, natural disasters and fires¹ increase the burden on impoverished South Africans. More and...
Agri SA is extremely concerned that the 2022/2023 summer season will lead to an even greater locust outbreak if no proactive measures are taken now. South Africa will likely experience f...
SA Canegrowers is deeply concerned by the announcement that Tongaat Hulett Limited has entered its South African operations into business rescue due to the catastrophic consequences it h...
Dorper sheep In South Africa, the Persian sheep, the Dorset sheep, and the Van Rooy sheep were used to create the Dorper breed. This process produced a robust, quick-growing meat breed ...
No business can survive without proper record-keeping. The system need not be complicated, but as a poultry farmer you must note down important information, such as the feed consumptio...
In the previous articles, we discussed beekeeping in general and the value of bees as pollinators. In this article, we have a peek inside an active beehive to see who lives there and wha...
Leading supplier Bearings International (BI) grew its countrywide distribution network by four branches this year alone and is looking to add a completely new complementary business unit...
The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is one of the most important seed legumes in Africa. The edible leaves and seed have significantly high levels of protein (up to 40%), as well as t...
Jute Mallow and Ethiopian Kale are two ancient African plants that are used as leafy green vegetables. Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) Jute mallow belongs to the Malvacea...
The world’s largest marketer of macadamias, Marquis Marketing, has recently announced several changes to its leadership team. The company has announced the appointment of Charles Co...
Airmax air spring systems are designed to maximize safe load-carrying capacity, stability and overall ride quality. Their air springs are designed and assembled in the USA. Airmax air sp...
Tippers are one of the true workhorses of the commercial vehicle industry, carrying heavy loads in conditions that are less than ideal. Every load represents money, making a reliable veh...
Jacques Taylor has been appointed as the new Managing Director of CNH Industrial AG & CE SA as of 1 October 2022, taking responsibility for the leadership and development of the CNH ...
Pune-based automotive manufacturer Force Motors, a market leader in the manufacturing and selling of panel vans and midi-buses in India, announced today the appointment of ETG Logistics,...
The Ile de France Breeding Society of South Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Stefan Conradie as its new chairman. “The roots of the Ile de France breed in South Afr...
Approximately 88% of countries around the world use natural medicines, including herbal medicines, acupuncture, yoga, indigenous therapies, and others, according to the World Health Orga...
Agri SA is hopeful that the Midterm Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) will outline critical measures to support the agricultural sector amid a number of crises that threaten the sector’s...
The massive population increase in South Africa over the past decades, failing water infrastructure and lack of good rain has compounded the current water crisis in the country, but here...
With the constantly rising fuel price, it may be wise to get an electric car from EV Global. EV Global is South Africa’s biggest independent electric transport business since 2009. “...
‘The Suid Bokkeveld is where my heart lies, with the farmers who share this beautiful landscape. They are very keen to learn new things and one of the woman farmers told me she will ne...
Taking proper care of your skin is something that goes beyond taking showers and avoiding the sun as much as possible. It also has to do with the quality of the products that we use to k...
Any plant that is not wanted or that sprouts up at the wrong time or in the wrong place is considered as a weed. There are a number of drawbacks associated with weeds: Weeds cons...
According to the McKinsey and Company report, Winning in Africa’s agricultural market, more than 60% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa are smallholder farmers, and about 23% of s...
A crucial element of the piggery business chain is the market. Thoroughly compiled market information and linkages determine piggery production objectives and profitability due to the co...
There was once a time when weather patterns were stable, and the effect of destructive weather patterns was not a great threat; a time when farmers had a more than 70 percent guarantee t...
AgriBonus (AB) is the first loyalty programme specifically designed to reward farmers for the loyalty they show towards certain brands. The AgriBonus loyalty programme Farmers are rewa...
Gone are the days of guesswork over animal performance. Gallagher Animal Management’s livestock scales give farmers Immediate, accurate, and easily accessible information. It provides ...
A landmark deal has been signed between South Africa and Saudi Arabia, which will see South Africa export beef – amongst other red meat products – to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA...
Productivity and efficiency are what Algar Animal Handling Equipment strive to give the farmer in the equipment they manufacture. A variety of their equipment was on show at NAMPO A...
The regional candidates for the Agricultural Writers SA (AWSA) North were officially announced on 14 October during an awards event in Pretoria. The event's main sponsors were Corteva...
The 16th of October is a date set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations as World Food Day. MOWCS, as one of the organisations that have food security as their pi...
The world’s largest grower, processor, and marketer of macadamias, The Marquis Group, has reiterated its long-term commitment to its more than 485 macadamia grower suppliers amid falli...
Physical properties of Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infects exclusively birds, with different clinical presentations depending on factors such as ...
In Zambia, poultry farming serves as a major source of income and nutrition for more than 1 million farmers and households who keep chickens. Novatek is committed to maintain both qua...
Soya beans (Glycine max) is a crucial food legume crop being cultivated extensively in our country Zambia on large and small-scale farms. Growers must follow basic agronomic principle...
In a world of rapidly changing technology and creation of more efficient systems, manual labour is slowly becoming a thing of the past, and with this conception of new technology, the ap...
The need to put carbon back into the soil where it belongs instead of being released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide that contribute to global warming, is very real. There is no ti...
As equine competition season ramps up, the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) has emphasised the importance of horse owners getting their animals vaccinated against African horse si...
"It was truly a privilege and a blessing from day one to be in agriculture," says Chrisna Heuer, marketing manager in South Africa for Yara Africa Fertilizer (Pty) Ltd, an international ...
Program of Speakers Note : The Speakers are at the event all day and available for more detailed discussions. Entrance fee: K50. Gates open 08.00 hrs Talks start 09.00hrs RS...
Invest in your future Whether you’re installing irrigation equipment for the first time, replacing an aging pivot or upgrading your current equipment, there’s no question that it’...
South Africans are justifiably proud of their can-do, DIY reaction to life’s challenges. When things become complicated, however, sound and impartial advice becomes indispensable. T...
Cardinal Weighbridge Cardinal Weighbridge Company South Africa (Pty) Ltd. has grown over the years to become one of the largest suppliers of weighbridges in South Africa and Africa. ...
When it comes to the digitization of agriculture, countries across sub-Sahara Africa are at varying stages of technology adoption and transformation. But even though smart technology is ...
What is the secret to more than 120 years of service? According to Johan Visser, drip- and micro-irrigation expert at Agrico, constant innovation and progress are fundamental to succe...
Data from multiple years helps any farmer make informed decisions Important factors to consider are the relative yield potential of current crop stand versus replanting, as well as th...
As the swarming season begins for bees in South Africa, Rentokil Initial has partnered with Bee Kulture to provide specialised and sustainable “bee sanctuaries” adding to their suite...
The South African automotive industry, which generates around 18,7% of domestic manufacturing output, plays a significant role in our country’s economy, with a GDP contribution compara...
LEMKEN is well known for their multipurpose equipment such as the Karat, Rubin and Heliodor, assuring you a firm seedbed for the planting season. When ploughing needs to be done, LEMKEN ...
Increasing input costs, over-reliance on fertiliser, consumer pressure to farm more sustainably, government regulations to reduce greenhouse gases, the unpredictable effects of climate c...
Significant resources are required to conserve South Africa’s landscapes and their associated biodiversity and ecosystem services. These include freshwater, fresh air, carbon sequestra...
Farmers who handle livestock and game, equally love Algar's livestock-handling equipment. Algar's equipment is of the highest quality, is sturdy, is made of strong steel, and is cleverly...
This year, NAMPO Cape took place from 14–17 September in Bredasdorp. During this gathering, farmers engaged in conversation with the management of Agri Western Cape (AWC), to hear how ...
A centre pivot is an essential part of many farms worldwide. What a farmer expects from a pivot is efficiency, reliability, and longevity. A farmer wants assurance that his investment wi...
Piet Warren, game rancher from Gravelotte in Limpopo, is slowly but surely getting rid of his assets with the aim of emigrating to Australia. Piet (75) and his wife Christine have bee...
Rumax's reliable blue machines grabbed everyone's attention once again at the Cape NAMPO terrain in Bredasdorp. This isn't Rumax's first NAMPO, and it's certainly not their last. After t...
Rugged equipment that serves the farmer faithfully and meets strict safety requirements - this is what Revaro provides. Revaro's people believe in satisfying farmers' needs by providing ...
The farm Spitskop in the Heidelberg district in the Western Cape represents pure Massey Ferguson tradition and achievement. Hendrik-Pieter and Hanro Stiglingh are the fourth generation o...
With lively interest, farmers descended on Valtrac's exhibition at NAMPO Cape. "It was really worth it for us," says Johan Steyn, salesman for Valtrac, in the Eastern Cape. "We have f...
Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal, whatever you would like to call them, this vegetable has probably made an appearance on your plate and is definitely worth growing in your garden or on yo...
Holstein dairy cows Holsteins are easily recognisable due to their distinct markings, which are most often black and white, but can also be red and white. The breed originated in the Ne...
AFGRI Equipment has been Botswana’s proud John Deere Dealer since 2016. Brand new premises and additional appointed product experts who love working with farmers, along with premium eq...
FAW Trucks prides itself on paying attention to what its customers require. “FAW SA is committed to offering vehicles engineered, developed and rigorously tested to meet the harsh oper...
Algar Animal Handling Equipment pride themselves on delivering high-quality products that make your work more efficient and profitable. Their wide range of products for livestock farmers...
In this day and age, reliable network connectivity is critical when you operate a farm. Your pivots, pumps, and fleet of tractors all need to connect to the Internet and share data to th...
The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza (MP), has taken the decision to uplift the Foot-and-mouth Disaster Management Area (DMA) of the Free State...
A popular visit site for farmers at NAMPO Cape was JDI's (JD Implements) vivid exhibition. JDI is the leading supplier of superior implements that keep farmers in the Overberg area produ...
Setting up an irrigation system can be challenging, but prompt service and the availability of parts makes it easier. Reinke knows this, that is why they recently moved their head office...
In September 2021 a veld fire broke out in the Free State. According to an article by SABC News, more than 25 000 hectares of agricultural land have been destroyed due to veld fires. ...
It has been said that data is the new oil. That’s certainly true of the agricultural environment where farmers are increasingly using the power of data and data analytics to make bette...
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, and the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thokozile Didiza, will launch the Nati...
The new Quantum-range from CASE IH is the specifically designed tractor for precision farming in vineyards and orchards. Farmers can be assured that these machines provide power for dail...
Following the opening of Corteva Agriscience’s Centre for Seed Applied Technologies (CSAT) laboratory in Rosslyn, Gauteng, farmers can now reap the benefits of LumiGEN™ seed treatmen...
Good old fashioned milk recording with pen and paper was inexpensive, but it was unreliable and brought about many problems. It also increased the workload when it had to be processed in...
The most important aspect concerning the efficient functioning of milking machine systems is vacuum stability. It is associated with positive milk removal from the udder with minimum irr...
Milk is a very sensitive product and can get stale and smelly within a very short time. Bad milk will be rejected by the buyer and cause serious financial losses. Milk should be treat...
The importance of holding pens at milking parlours is often disregarded. The absence or errors in the form and layout thereof, is the direct cause of poor cow flow at well-designed milki...
Bearings International (BI) remains the one-stop shop for all your bearing and lubricant needs on tractors, pumps and machines. With their new warehouse in the Western Cape and their hei...
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) is proud to announce that citrus growers in Botswana have become members of our organisation, joining over 1400 from South Afri...
Outside, drones fly overhead, keeping an unflinching eye on crops and cattle, while driverless tractors plough the fields precisely and robots methodically gather the harvest. Meanwhile,...
If you are looking for a compact off-road trailer or camper, look no further than Bushwakka 4x4. Bushwakka aims to build the lightest, toughest and best off-road camping trailers in...
Do you have a passion for the great outdoors and camping? If so, Bushwakka is the company to go to for all of your needs and wants related to the great outdoors. "If you are in the ma...
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is one of the deadliest diseases for poultry throughout the world, and some strains may affect humans, who might die from it. AI, or bird flu,...
Barbecue sauce During barbecue-style cooking, barbeque sauce is used as a flavouring sauce, marinade, or basting for pork, beef and chicken. Barbeque sauce is a ubiquitous condiment tha...
Stock feed is the feed manufactured for livestock animals to meet the requirements of a certain species. It can be produced in a mash, crumble, or pelleted form. Livestock is an inves...
The interior design of your dairy can make or break your operation. With some clever thinking beforehand, your dairy will become a place of pride for generations to come. Doors Because...
To ensure a pleasant milking experience for the cows, farmer, workers and even visitors, it is very wise to have a look at all the factors involved and do some planning before you draw u...
Rapid-exit parlours are designed to improve the efficiency of fishbone and parallel parlours. All the cows on the one side of the parlour are let out simultaneously in a direction perpen...
Fishbone milking parlour Cows enter these parlours in groups and stand at an angle to the milking pit, so that only the udder part of the cow is exposed to the labourer (Figure 1). ...
Chickens get sick very easily. Disease can kill your whole flock overnight, so it is important to make sure that you do everything you can to keep them healthy. The two most significa...
Legumes are a staple in many developing countries. Besides being a valuable source of protein, it also enriches the soil in which it grows. In this series, we highlight traditional crops...
The main asset utilised for farming in Africa is soil, a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms for that sustain plant growth. The optimum use of this re...
Intellectual knowledge blended with practical experience is always a well-balanced combination in any profession. In a sector such as agriculture, the value such an individual brings o...
In the heart of the Northeastern parts of Namibia, 250 km from Windhoek, on the farm Springvale, is a passionate female farmer, Elize van Niekerk, who farms with cattle, goats, sheep, ma...
The flexible T6000 tractor range satisfy the demands of many operations. New Holland’s formula for outstanding T6000 tractor performance involves mixing raw power and superior contr...
Sussex Sussex cattle are one of the oldest and purest English breeds and are popular in Southern Africa’s beef industry. The breed descended from horned red cows once found in Susse...
Vinegar is the sour liquid obtained by naturally fermenting the juice of any fruit, cereal or sugar substances. Fermented grape juice, that is wine, is used as the starting material to w...
Gator made from recycled parts. A bonnet made from plastic bottles pulled from the Mississippi river, and a storage compartment made from ground coconut are only a couple of the surpris...
It goes without saying that the welfare of your soil is intrinsic to agricultural health because when soil is healthy, it provides the nutrients and moisture crops need. A healthy soil c...
Golden opportunities were opened for farmers when, in June 2021, Tata Zambia and John Deere partnered and expanded their footprint within the Zambian community to support a fast-growing ...
Owning a horse can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, certain decisions must be made by a farmer to be prepared for this undertaking. You must make sure that you can give ...
Novatek Animal Feeds is the largest animal feed producer in Zambia and has been in operation since 2008. The company produces a large variety of scientifically formulated feeds and custo...
Preparing feed for animals can be a tedious daily task, but with a machine manufacturer like Rumax in your corner, this task will be done efficiently and without hassles. Rumax manufactu...
Farmers are concerned with the reported delays in finalizing the procurement processes for the 2022 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) fertilisers. Most small-scale farmers depend on ...
Massey Ferguson is 175 years old this year, a testament to the brand’s longevity, offering farmers worldwide the straightforward and dependable machines they need to feed the world sus...
Lerotho, Bangala, Spider flower, Delele, Jew’s mallow and kale are all part of the African leafy vegetables that can be commercially grown. These plants also help fight against malnutr...
Bell peppers, sweet peppers or just good old peppers, these vegetables are jam packed with nutrients. Red peppers contain 300% the daily requirement of Vitamin C — significantly more...
The methods used to apply plant protection chemicals are referred to as application techniques. There are many factors that contribute to good plant protection, including the substa...
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) has the potential to wipe out game ranches. “The effects will be worse than on a cattle farm, and destroy the ranch financially and from a biodiversity p...
Global meat consumption is increasing steadily with the concurrent rise in human population. Among meat products, pork has been maintaining its position in the top two of meats consume...
Obtaining a loan for an agricultural project is one of the best things that can happen for a farmer who needs financing. Without funds, nothing moves on a farm. Over 30% of loans taken b...
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has gazetted new standards for certain raw processed meat products on Friday, 26 August 2022 in terms of section...
KwaZulu-Natal’s Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, proudly announces that North Coast Macadamia and Banana farmer, Tammy Williams is the 2022 KZN Toyota Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year. ...
Whether you plough and plant from horizon to horizon, or just a small patch of green fodder or silage maize for your livestock, all farmers have one thing in common: they need reliable i...
Since its inception in 2016, FarmSol in partnership with South African Breweries (SAB), has supported 475 female farmers across the country, with the number of women in the programme gro...
Dr Gawie du Toit's fertilization experiment with maize in collaboration with Ermelo High School and TLU SA, has proven once again that the pursuit of maximum harvest must be tempered wit...
Security and safety are very important factors in any business. HJN Training is a tertiary training company that trains people in security and safety in the private sector. The com...
For some time now, Syngenta Zambia did not have an alternative seed treatment solution for soya bean in Zambia other than DIVIDEND® Extreme. They had been providing some third-party pro...
Mitsubishi Motors in Empangeni has emerged as the brand’s Dealer of the Year 2022, following a closely fought contest between all the dealers around the country. Achieving this presti...
With a month left of the current export season, the Citrus Growers’ Association of South Africa (CGA) and the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum Boards have taken the decision to volunta...
Daniël Opperman from Naboomspruit is the TLU SA Young Farmer of the Year. The winner of the 2022 competition was announced at the annual TLU SA congress. “It was particularly diffi...
With fuel contributing heavily to a farmer’s input costs, every fuel increase has an effect on the farm’s bottom line. Following a few basic rules that focus on fuel economy will hel...
Marquis Macadamias and their growers have celebrated the macadamia industry on World Macadamia Nut Day, Sunday 4 September, by continuing to educate the next generation in Bundaberg and ...
Local businesses have raised concerns regarding the supply of potatoes and French fries as record temperatures and severe drought negatively impact the supply of potatoes from Europe. In...
Part of the AutoX family, Rentech was established in 2001 as a dedicated provider of renewable energy products and services. With a focus on supplying local and selected African markets,...
Farmers across the country speak with great enthusiasm of Irrigation Unlimited's products, service and expertise, which helps the farmer derive every drop of value from water. Allan Reti...
Scania Southern Africa recently handed over several Euro 5 new generation, fuel-saving trucks to the Shoprite group, a valued customer of Scania. These trucks are the first of their kind...
CNH Industrial is a world-class equipment and services company that sustainably advances the noble work of agriculture and construction workers. With its globally respected brands, whose...
Gumboro disease, also known as Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), is a threat to all poultry enterprises. This is a contagious disease affecting young birds. The virus targets the Bursa of...
When it comes to transformation in the automotive industry, Akhona Mosiane believes she has been given a rare opportunity to make an impact. “I am not title-driven but I know there ...
In this article, we discuss seeding rates, depth of planting, nutritional requirements and crop protection. [caption id="attachment_4171" align="aligncenter" width="352"] Neat seed sp...
The benefits of accepting a world class agro-chemical company in a developing country are numerous and valuable. Apart from the job opportunities created and the professional skills that...
Tradecorp is a global reference in the field of biostimulants and crop nutrition specialist, developing and manufacturing first-class, innovative solutions that are marketed in more than...
Wow! That's just the thing my animals and I need, farmers said when they saw Algar's new JAY-LOR feed mixer at the recent KragDag expo. Algar participated in KragDag for the second time ...
In the first three articles on beekeeping, we gave you some background on why you should keep bees, what role bees play in pollination, and what goes on inside the hive. In this issue, w...
About eighty percent of all flowering plants must be pollinated and this is mostly done by insects and other animals, such as birds and bats. Pollination affects more than a third of glo...
At John Deere Africa Middle East, we understand that residue management after harvest time is critical for good soil health, and we know that working faster on the fields matters. We are...
Research enables us to better understand the challenges farmers face daily, providing evidence about which solutions are needed. By combining the strengths of both companies, Tradecorp a...
Game poaching is an enormous problem in the Lowveld and a large portion of a game farmer’s security expenditure goes towards his first line of defence – the fence around his farm. ...
Have you ever considered what life would be like without bees? Very few plants will grow in our gardens, and we will most certainly have less food to eat. More than 150 plant species tha...
In this last article of our series on dam building, we wrap up the last few, but very important points that you should consider when building an earth dam. Connecting an earth wall an...
The core must consist of the densest available material at the site, such as clay. The material must be moist and well compacted or rolled in thin layers of uniform thickness. If the cla...
In this article we share a collection of cross-sectional dam wall designs for different scenarios. We also look at polypropylene as a sealing material. [caption id="attachment_4018"...
In a natural catchment area, rain and run-off water will always flow downhill and collect in a body of water such as a stream, a river, or a dam. Man-made catchment areas follow the same...
• Audi Centre Centurion implements solar solution to progress the transition to e-mobility, greener energy and a more sustainable future. • 53kWp of photovoltaic (PV) solar power ha...
Don’t let rainwater run away; use these techniques to effectively collect water from your own roof. Usually, large roof surfaces are equipped with gutters and down-pipes. These feat...
• Robert Cisek appointed as Head of Volkswagen Small and Compact Product Line • Martina Biene to succeed Cisek as Chairperson and Managing Director of VWSA Kariega – Robert Cis...
A dam wall may seem to be a simple construction, but when you are dealing with the incredible force that water exerts, you have to be very careful with your calculations, building proced...
A valuable, crucial asset for any farmer is water. Every drop of water should be coveted and fully utilised. The term ‘water harvesting’ generally refers to the collection of rainsto...
The consequences of a blown borehole pump are catastrophic and far-reaching. Added to the initial financial outlay of up to R60 000 to replace a pump are the effects of not being able t...
Healthy living begins with healthy eating. The social media rave about superfoods, warns about allergies that may be caused by poisonous substances, promote eating habits without sugar a...
Despite the pandemic and a contraction in some sectors within agriculture, 2020 was a good year for the South African agricultural sector which experienced a 13.1% annual GDP growth rate...
“We want to prove that agriculture can succeed in harsh conditions and then we can replicate this concept elsewhere,” says Christopher Kahle, Managing Director of Shalom Farm outside...
The first thing to know about thermal cameras is that they operate differently from regular cameras. Regular daylight cameras and the human eye both work on the same basic principle. V...
What you feed your dogs is one of the most important choices a dog owner can make. Choosing the right diet for your dog is not always an easy decision, but with Tiger Animal Feeds as spe...
In developing countries such as Zambia, poverty levels are increasing, especially among rural households, the majority of whom rely on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. ...
In our previous two articles (ProAgri Zambia 71 and 73), we have described the basis of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) (or Gumboro Disease), the dynamics of antibodies in chickens, as w...
Conflict between fathers and sons relates to traditional male roles. Once men understand the underlying issues, they can work to transcend their competitive instincts. “No matter wh...
Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, in only its second year of participation, has achieved the prestigious Gold Award in the Mitsubishi Motors Middle East & Africa, ASBEP – After Sales...
Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) achieved excellent results in the latest NADA Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI), being awarded Gold status after showing a 2,8% improvement compared t...
• Chery OMODA 5 on show at FOM • First appearance of fashionable next generation Chery in Africa • OMODA 5 confirmed for South African introduction Chery is preparing to wow S...
Irrigation is the gateway to unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) published an article many years ago (1997) that estimated Africa to ...
By joining the Reinke Dealer Network, you’ll become part of the team leading innovation in agriculture. We’re looking for dealers who are committed to helping farmers work more effic...
The pivot still reigns as king in the irrigation world, but limited access to a reliable power supply, or expensive electricity and inadequate water pressure often prevent farmers from t...
Formerly known as the homelands in South Africa, the Mthatha region of the Eastern Cape has significant agricultural potential. With ample room for development, and a community eager to ...
“I really appreciate the World Focus view,” says Herlu Smit of Boomplaas near Jacobsdal in the Western Freestate. “They do not pester you to peddle their product – their aim is t...
Cash crops keep farmers going by providing a regular income and a steady cashflow. However, expanding your farming operations always remains a good investment, and there are various opti...
180 years. That is for how long a pecan nut tree can yield its rich annual nut crop. With an expected productive life that long, today’s investment for the future of your children and ...
New growth is bursting out all over the country now that the winter rest is over. The picky local and export markets are already eagerly awaiting the tasty, tender fruits produced by S...
Shade cloth cover for plants is relatively less expensive than other protective structures. Furthermore they are easy to erect and the producer can design his own structure to fulfil his...
Macadamia is a tasty and very nutritional nut that was originally and indigenously grown in Australia. There are several varieties of macadamias, although only two are edible. Over the l...
In the previous articles of this series we have covered crop establishment, crop nutrition and crop protection. It’s befitting then to end this four-part series with a look at activiti...
Vinegar is the sour liquid obtained by naturally fermenting the juice of any fruits, cereals, or sugar substances. Apple vinegar is produced by alcoholic fermentation followed by acet...
Exactly one year after being appointed as Deputy Plant Manager for Continental Tyre South Africa, Ramoabi Moeng has been promoted to Plant Manager of the Gqeberha facility which celebrat...
Dairy farming demands a hardworking, determined, and patient farmer. The aspiring dairy farmer must know that there is no holiday. A dairy farmer must possess some substantial knowledge ...
Raising healthy and productive calves is crucial for the long-term success of the dairy industry. The target of all good dairies should be to minimize mortality, and providing calves wit...
Improving production and profits while minimising expense and effort is every farmer’s goal. Bayer understands this and continuously develops products that will enable a farmer to achi...
All this women below is part of the Momentum Metropolitan’s Women in Farming Programme. The programme is on a mission to enhance the skills of young female farmers to enable and emp...
In the previous issue, we discussed ways of bringing back food plants our ancestors used, but which have become neglected and underutilised in recent times. By using these plants in t...
Persistent load shedding is having a dire impact on farming production costs and productivity, rapidly driving up food prices, and placing even more financial pressure on strained househ...
Keeping pace in today’s digital world is now more relevant to the Agri sector than ever before. With the monitoring and allocation of various assets in the field, utilising a digital p...
Intensive and meticulous planning preceded Ian Wyeth’s move from the town to the farm to take up sheep husbandry. One of the solutions that accompanied him was Bonnox. “For years,...
Agbiz welcomes the decision of the People’s Republic of China to once again accept wool exports from South Africa. The decision is a welcome development within the context of an increa...
Food costs are soaring with the war in Ukraine, interest rate hikes, fuel increases, and changed weather patterns. A KZN-based startup is focusing on driving down the cost of food by cut...
Jaco Oosthuizen, CEO of RSA Group, has been announced as the new chairperson of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Southern Africa Country Council, a position he will hol...
SPECK is an industry leader in filtration and circulation in South Africa. We are committed to the innovation of sustainable products that support greener living and responsible environm...
At the heart of the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme, you will find the Tadcaster Trading Post, where three dynamic women have been making an impact in the animal feed industry since 2012. ...
Water is one of our biggest challenges, declares Jesper Lublinkof of Mubuyu Farms in southern Zambia, 85 km south of Lusaka in the Chikankata District. During the winter months (May to...
The statement that Isuzu is ‘with you for the long run’ is exactly the reason why ISUZU has become the overall leading brand in trucking for the past 10 years. Trucks, especially ...
Every day, there are more and more violent home invasions, robberies, and farm murders in South Africa. This is because unemployment is so high that it is luring thousands of people into...
Technology continues to transform industries globally as the trend towards digitising operations to enhance efficiency continues. According to Oxford Business Group’s Agriculture Afric...
Although NAMPO Cape is essentially an agricultural expo, there is no reason why the women cannot also enjoy a visit to NAMPO Cape. The Afgri Women's Program is presented daily from We...
With the high cost of living and rising food prices, many South Africans are struggling to put food on their plates.1 September is planting season in South Africa, and the climate and so...
Technopol Southern Africa (Pty) LTD, established in 1993, is a leading manufacturer of Expanded Polystyrene (LiteCel™ EPS) products and solutions primarily for insulation and construct...
Notification issued by the Government of India opens new opportunities for Indian importers to increase volumes. The Government of India has approved in-transit cold treatment for Sou...
A local South African B2C and B2B indoor farming tech startup, PixelBlue T/A Homefarm, has announced a successful Seed Raise of R1,7 million from a group of investors including start-up ...
Alpha Damme was established in 2020 during the “Hard lockdown” that was enforced by the Covid Pandemic. Even though we are only 2 years old as a registered company, we have years of ...
Agri SA has written to Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development Thoko Didiza to request her urgent intervention after Botswana and Namibia took unilateral action to bl...
“In life, you must decide which side of the shop counter you want to be on. If you are involved in the value chain of production and selling, you can have both the products and the mea...
Let us look at a general example in our daily life; When buying a new car which does not contribute anything to our income, on the contrary is only costing us money, we spend time select...
Most sheep operations derive the majority of their income from the sale of lambs or meat. As a result, lamb prices have a large influence on profitability and viability of the sheep ente...
Severe losses are suffered by farmers due to predators. The severity of the problem varies by farm and geographic region. For some producers, predator losses can be so overwhelming that ...
Grazing management is how and when you control the grazing habits of the animals on your pastures. What animals, how, when, and for how long they graze a pasture determines the species m...
Investing in proper nutrition for pregnant and lactating ewes saves both time and money in the long run. Ewes in good body condition prior to lambing have healthier lambs and fewer compl...
As with people, sheep do not require specific feeds. They require energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and water. Many different feedstuffs can meet their nutritional requirements...
Effective sheep handling equipment can cut labour hours by as much as 18%, while allowing handlers to complete a variety of tasks efficiently and safely. The layout of the sheep far...
Though frequency and need varies, it is usually necessary to handle sheep several times per year for various reasons. Without an easy way to handle sheep and lambs, important tasks often...
One of the most important aspects of any animal-based agricultural operation is having an effective waste management plan which reaps the benefits of the waste and helps reduce the risks...
Biosecurity means the management practices that are followed to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. Healthy animals are the cornerstone of successful sheep farming. Biosecur...
Pig feed Good, high-quality feed is essential for pig production. Proper feed does not only lead to healthier pigs, but also to more profit. Pig feed can drastically impact on the pro...
Various feed sources can be used to make nutritious pig feed that will enable your pigs to grow and earn more profit. The composition of the feed is extremely important. Pigs, like peopl...
Farming is a business. No business can survive without good administration. Keeping detailed records of your pig farming business is essential to remain profitable, avoid losses and keep...
An important operation on any pig farm is proper waste management. The manure produced in the piggery can cause many problems if not managed effectively. If sound waste management princi...
Good, efficient housing makes pig management easier and helps the farmer to successfully rear 85% or more of all the live-born piglets to market weight in the shortest possible time. ...
The success of a piggery lies in the quality of the breeding programme and breeding practices. Using superior genetics and efficient culling will ensure that your pigs are genetically so...
Raising broiler chickens to sell as meat can be a profitable addition to your present small-scale farming. Chicken meat is a popular source of protein in diets everywhere in the world. ...
In part one of Chapter 4 we discussed the types of chickens suitable for Southern African circumstances. We also learned how to take care of day-old chicks in a heated brooder from the d...
In Part 4.1 of the series on raising chicks in a brooder, we looked at the preparation of a brooder heated with infrared lamps. In Part 4.2 we shall look at the requirements of chicks, a...
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched. There is much truth in this saying which means that you should not count on anything before it actually happens. But with good plan...
We discussed twelve points that must be kept in mind when you are considering farming chickens for meat or eggs. This month we look at drawing up a budget to show you what the approximat...
The manufacturing and distribution company, National Safe, has an extensive national footprint. This company has a wide range of products used by all of Africa’s leading companies. In ...
Dry season feeding and supplementation for grazing animals requires good planning. The plan should take into account of the long-term effect of the dry season on the land, pasture, fin...
Over the past three summer rainfall production seasons, an innovative alliance has given growers access to sustainable crop solutions, technical expertise and extremely favourable commer...
An entrepreneurial farmer and son team has built a flourishing artisanal furniture and timber ware company with a Wood-Mizer LT40, ingenuity and artistic flair. Based in South Africa...
A perfect seedbed. That is all that remains behind when the Rubin 12 compact disc harrow has moved through the field. At Val Farmers Day, where the country's best among the best could sh...
It has been almost four years since the Constitutional Court ruled that South Africans have the right to consume cannabis in the privacy of their own homes, effectively decriminalising t...
South Africa’s farmers have a well-deserved reputation for using technology to farm smarter and increase productivity despite challenging conditions. The launch of Bridgestone’s f...
In previous issues, we discussed the value of indigenous and ancient food plants of Africa that can provide essential nutrition that is lacking from ‘modern’ food plants that are pre...
The pioneers of commercial tobacco production, The British South Africa Company, could not have fathomed that what seemingly began as a production option to growing food crops and raisin...
For most people, suburban life represents an escape from the hustle and bustle of high-rise buildings, traffic jams, parking fees and high food costs in central business districts and to...
Nowadays, the condition of a farmer’s fence is equally important to that of his sheep. Therefore, Johan Venter, part-time sheep farmer and broker from Middelburg, quickly erected a fen...
Quadro Alloys Trading Enterprise was established in 2007 and is located in the East Rand of Johannesburg. Specialising in the manufacture and design of extruders, hammer mills, feed prod...
When it comes to small-scale operations such as 5 000 chickens or fewer, one might debate whether or not automation is essential. The correct response is "Yes"! Because of increasing ...
"I didn't decide to farm," Franelyn Hoffman laughs. “I grew up on tractors. In my standard eight year, my father woke me up one morning during the school holidays and said: 'Come, I ne...
“Farming is my life, it’s not a job,” says Alida Venter. She farms in the Outeniekwa Mountains, between Uniondale and Knysna. “It’s in the middle of nowhere, but in the perfec...
In South Africa, irrigation decisions can make or break your harvest. David Müller, a farmer at Uitdraai Farm in Prieska on the Northern Cape, knows this all too well. David’s family ...
Santa Gertrudis Robert Kleberg Jr of King Ranch in the United States developed the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed. Kleberg's 400 000 ha ranch had 6 000 Hereford and Shorthorn cows. The...
Infectious Bronchitis (IB) Variant 2 (also known as IB variant IS/1494/06) was first detected in Zambia in 2017. In an ongoing survey, Phibro has found it in two broiler flocks in the...
If you have followed this article from the previous publication (Part 1), then you would be aware that rabbits are a very economically viable livestock. They have high reproductive rates...
Welcoming women in prominent and strategic roles within maledominated industries and organisations is beneficial and inevitable as women’s capabilities are invaluable. At ELB Equipm...
Ask any progressive farmer what the benefits of strip grazing are, and inevitably, the first answer will be: “It reduces wastage.” True, it does. By restricting the quantity of grass...
“Our dream was to get water to Groenvlei farm, located 5 km from the nearest water source,” says WG Treurnicht, who grows wine grapes just outside Porterville, at the foot of the Oli...
Methods of chemical pest control The following must be done before applying pesticides: Choose the active ingredient in a pesticide: Whenever possible, use an active ingredient th...
Since 1837 John Deere has operated in the agricultural sector. Headquarters out of Boksburg oversees the entire Africa and Middle Eastern Region. Because of the company’s core values...
In the previous aeticle we discussed the raising of pullets and broilers to be sold as meat. In this issue we look at natural and artificial brooding of eggs to be raised as layers. Br...
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) show provides the perfect ground for national, regional, and international companies to advertise their products and services to increase bra...
There is nothing that excites pig farmers more than seeing their herd healthy and having attained the ideal slaughter weight they sought for. It means their arduous labour put into reari...
The landscape of the South African avocado and macadamia industry is in a state of uncomfortable upheaval, with local growers and tree nurseries scrambling to adjust and adapt to the pre...
AGCO is investing heavily in South Africa to establish itself as the preferred supplier for mechanisation and technology. “Working very closely with farmers to provide suitable hi-tech...
Technology has continuously proved to be an asset that a farmer cannot go without. It helps solve real-world problems in innovative ways. The founders of The Awareness Company witnessed ...
Chickens will be a valuable and profitable addition to your existing smallscale farming, but you need a proper plan to ensure that it is sustainable. That means you do not want to spend ...
Would you like to start your own poultry farm, but do not know how to go about it? If you already have chickens roaming around your yard, you may like to take it one step further and set...
Technology that serves the farmer is critical to streamline the farming enterprise, but a farmer also depends on a reliable team that can assist him with product queries, advice and taki...
In July 2022 South Africa reached a new level of load shedding as Eskom introduced stage 6. We have started the winter with news that there is a definite 90 days of load shedding ahead o...
Ketchup is made from strained, pulped tomatoes and additions such as spices, salt, sugar, vinegar, onions, and garlic, and it contains no less than 12% tomato solids. The principles o...
Sesame is an erect, annual plant (Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae), which is cultivated for its seeds, which are used for food flavouring and for the extraction of a prized oil. The seeds...
Sauerkraut is made from shredded cabbage leaves preserved through an acidifying fermentation process. Sauerkraut is produced from both hard white or red cabbage varieties. Process descr...
Bell peppers can be preserved in the form of a sauce known as Salsa. Salsa is a spicy sauce that is served with meat and Mexican food. It is best served fresh, but can be frozen for late...
New Holland built the new GENESIS® T8 Series with PLM Intelligence™ (precision land management system with intelligence) around the input of farmers like you. From a reimagined cab de...
Chilli peppers can easily be pickled in a brine or vinegar solution, alone or with other vegetables and seasoning. The bright red-coloured chillies make attractive pickles. Certain varie...
Peppers can easily be pickled in a brine or vinegar solution, alone or with other vegetables and seasoning. The variety of coloured peppers available make attractive pickles. Certain var...
Small onions are peeled and stored in brine (salt solution) to facilitate natural fermentation of the product. The fermented onions are then packed and preserved in vinegar to produce pi...
Fresh-pack or quick process pickles (that is whole cucumber dills, crosscut cucumber slices, bread-and-butter pickles) are made by the addition of an acid such as vinegar and not by th...
Fermented pickles or brined pickles undergo a curing process for several weeks during which fermentative bacteria produce acids necessary for the preservation of the product. These ba...
Pickles generally fall into two categories, namely clear pickles, and thick, saucy pickles such as piccalilli. Pickled vegetables are preserved by the addition of acid, salt, and sugar. ...
Two and half years ago, Tata International signed an agreement with AFGRI Ghana to buy the distribution rights for John Deere agricultural and Construction equipment. The success and ...
It’s Women’s Month in South Africa, a time to focus on the incomparable role that women shoulder in our society and country as caregivers, businesswomen, volunteers, friends, and fam...
The food industry has welcomed government’s decision to suspend anti-dumping duties on bone-in chicken for 12 months to alleviate supply shortages and rising food costs. However, of...
Bovine mastitis, which is an inflammation of the udder caused by multiple factors, including bacterial infection or trauma, can lead to abnormal and decreased milk production. It is sti...
When well-respected Sasolburg farmer Tharina Terblanche fell in love with the latest combine harvester from Fendt, she turned to Bronwyn Cilliers, General Manager of Valtrac in Parys, to...
There's no universal way to irrigate fields with different soil, crop size, or crop types. Any location's best system provides adequate irrigation without water waste, is easy for the fa...
ENTERPRISE Zambia is a Challenge Fund, funded by the European Union, to strengthen agricultural value chains (including agroforestry and aquaculture) in the country. The project, run by ...
Virgin olive oil is the oil extracted by mechanically pressing the fruit without using any heat, and may have a slight off-flavour, “olive-fruity” and may contain acid up to 0,3 to 0...
Farming and Engineering Services Africa (FES) is proud to offer bespoke land preparation services aligned with the demands of Zambian farmers. FES, an integrated agricultural solution...
When farmers use their raw products produced on the farm to make refined products that can be sold to the retail or wholesale markets, they add value to their products and boost their pr...
Add value to your avos by making guacamole The principle of any farming business is to grow or cultivate natural products in order to supply a demand set by the market. Many farmers do ...
Grinding Grinding involves exposing dried products to friction and pressure to produce a fine powder. Before extraction of the oil can take place, the dried rhizomes are ground. Size r...
Drying is the removal of surface and/ or internal moisture from a product to lower the overall moisture content. There are various methods to dry ginger, each with a different purpose...
Peeling involves removing the skin, peel or other outer protective layers from fresh produce using manual or mechanical devices. Before further processing the ginger rhizomes are peeled....
We can use the very tasty and healthy spice, ginger, which is popular for its uses in food and home remedies, to extract ginger oil, which can also be applied to alleviate a number of he...
You can earn more for your produce than the current market prices. If you add value to your produce by processing and packaging it, you can increase your profit by selling processed cond...
Among Almaz Agro SA's employees, there is a remarkable story of women's leadership and success. Elena Yudina, the company's Managing Director, goes above and beyond the call of duty to s...
With just three days to go, organisers of AgriTech Expo Zambia trade fair are all geared up to open its doors from 7 to 9 April 2022 in Chisamba, Zambia. At least 140 exhibitors will ...
Erosion is caused when a lot of water runs over bare soil. Soil usually becomes bare because of overgrazing, which is caused when a farmer keeps more livestock than the land can support....
Optimum profitability on a pig farm starts by raising good quality gilts. After that, feeding a high-quality creep feed to the youngsters will ensure a healthy digestive system, and in t...
Raising dairy calves is a challenge for any dairy farmer. Many losses occur through death and poor growth. These losses can be minimised, and health outcomes are improved if the calves a...
There are over two million smallholder or household farmers in South Africa*. These are farmers that farm on small areas in order to feed their families, ideally with some surplus to sel...
Uralchem JSC, one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of nitrogen, potash and complex fertilisers (hereinafter, the Company), will make a gratuitous shipment of its products...
Designed with the demands of today's job site in mind, John Deere introduces the new 460E-II Articulated Dump Truck (ADT). This John Deere-designed machine delivers ultimate productivity...
ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) has evolved from decades of focus on sustainable development and is increasingly becoming a critical business imperative. ESG is often associa...
Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, recentl...
Such has been the success of the Massey Ferguson brand in the Delmas, Mpumalanga region that AGCO Africa appointed M&F Bemarking as a dealer over a year ago. A family-owned business,...
After a two-year layoff due to Covid-19, Wood-Mizer made a welcome return to NAMPO 2022, the largest agricultural expo in the Southern Hemisphere! Originally organised by the erstwhil...
As the world seeks more sustainable farming methods that positively contribute to flora and fauna, the concept of green technology holds the key to global problems such as climate change...
If you have ever been ready to get to work in your fields, only to find your equipment was not working, then you know the importance of reliability. Farming consists mainly of time...
Drakensberger In 1497, the seafarer, Vasco da Gama, first encountered black oxen when rounding the Cape. In 1836, several Voortrekker families left the Cape with similar black oxen, ref...
Cattle can be considered as an essential daily food and nutrition source, a valuable supply of revenue, and they produce nitrogen-rich manure that can be used to rebuild soils. Different...
Beef production in Southern Africa has a long history, with cattle being farmed for a variety of purposes in diverse cultures throughout the continent in the present and past. Differe...
Good harvesting starts in the farmer’s heart. Tending the land is much more than a job: it’s a vocation. Your fields feel the care you give them and return the favour by providing th...
Piggery production systems are kept at peak performance by the upholding of a variety of parameters. One of these is health management. Efficient and effective health management safeguar...
An integral part of piggery is the feed the animals consume. The quality of the feed and feed uptake are closely related to parameters such as the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of the anim...
In pig farming, optimum management is essential as this determines the success of the venture. The general production cycle of pig farming begins with a sow mating with a boar, or the...
The history of pig production begins with humans domesticating pigs from wild boars independently in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and East Asia around 9 000 years ago. A team led by...
Swiss chard can easily be confused with spinach. This is because these green, leafy vegetables only differ slightly in appearance: Swiss chard has bigger, broader leaves and thicker stem...
A cucurbit is any plant from the Cucurbitaceae family. These plants are climbing or trailing plants and include squash, pumpkin, gourd, watermelon, melon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and marr...
Mashed, fried, or roasted; there is nothing quite like the versatility of the potato. These starchy vegetables are a staple for many people across the globe, ranking as the world’s fou...
Evidence suggests that onions have been part of the human diet for over 5 000 years. This means that it may have been one of the first cultivated crops. Knowing this, a quote by American...
Beetroot or beets, as they are known in other parts of the world, is a versatile vegetable, known for its rich, dark red colour and sweet taste when consumed raw. Beetroot refers to t...
Sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, vitamin E, C and B6, as well as iron and potassium. Orange types are also high in vitamin A. The high carbohydrate content is a key source of en...
Seeds are a vital input for agricultural productivity. There are many seed companies that offers good seed. To provide the farmer with the best yields, seed should have the best genetics...
The world is undergoing great shocks due to climate change. Every drop of water is more important than ever before. Agriculture has become more scientific, and farmers that depend on rai...
The sunflower, Helianthus annus L., is one of the few crop species that can be traced back to North America, despite reports that it originated in the Fertile Crescent, Asia, or in Sout...
Everybody knows tomatoes. Tomatoes are normally big, round, edible, pulpy berries that are often red in colour but may also be yellow, orange, green, or purple. Tomatoes can vary in s...
Dry beans are an ecologically sound foodstuff in today’s world. Dry beans are one of the easiest crops to produce organically. Dry beans are an excellent source of protein when combi...
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable. Crunchy and mild, it works as both a supplement and a substitute for many dishes. Growing cauliflower is very similar to growing cabbage. Neverthel...
Soya beans are healthful and rich in protein, giving them numerous nutritional uses. People can eat them, drink them in milk alternatives, and take them in the form of supplements. Soya...
Nuts and legumes are very good alternative sources of protein that can be utilised in areas where meat is not readily available or too expensive to buy. Cultivating and supplying peanuts...
Carrots Origin and distribution Carrots are believed to have originated in Afghanistan, which remains the centre of diversity of D. carota. They were known to the Greeks and the Roma...
A local dairy farming operation in KwaZulu-Natal is now more grateful than ever for joining the Massey Ferguson family due to the cost-effectiveness and wide application of its tractor r...
Whether you are a commercial vegetable farmer, subsistence farmer, emerging farmer, or just an avid gardener who wants to learn to grow his own vegetables, there are certain important gu...
Agriculture is not only limited to commercial farming units. In fact, the majority of agricultural products in Africa are produced by small-scale and emerging farmers. If more people are...
Avital part of crop production is pest control. However, pesticides should be used responsibly to prevent harming farmers, workers, consumers, and the environment. Guidelines for action...
When it relates to agriculture, marketing starts right on the farm, with the planning of production to meet specific market demands and future growth opportunities. It consists of the f...
Shading vegetables Because Namibia’s climate is often warm, shade netting helps most vegetables grow. Shade netting throughout the garden is expensive, so only use it where needed. Mo...
Irrigation methods There is no one-size-fits-all method of irrigating fields that differ in soil, crop size, or crop types. Any location’s best system is the one that can provide appr...
Agriculture relies heavily on soil. As a result, fertiliser is required to replace the nutrients taken from soil by our crops. This replenishment ensures sustainable production of high-q...
Commercial farming can only be sustainable when it also uplifts workers and communities. So says Jan le Roux, director of the Le Roux Group, a socially responsible agricultural enterpris...
Fertile soil provides plants with the nutrients they require to flourish, resulting in nutritious food for humans and animals. Soil fertility is essential to agricultural production, whi...
The stage between sowing and the appearance of the first true leaves is crucial, and many seedlings are lost if conditions are not favourable. Many crops are sown directly in the field o...
A range of versatile, high-performance DIY adhesive products for the automotive sector is available from Pratley. The range is ideal for various quick, on-the-spot automotive repairs, es...
Through the years Mylpaal Boerdery experimented with different cattle breeds (Beefmasters among others). We came to the conclusion that Beefmaster is the way to go – ideal for cross br...
Case IH recently hosted a Practical Commercial Training Day attended by 26 dealers from various countries throughout Africa and Europe. The aim of the training day was to provide practic...
The Massey Ferguson brand is anywhere in South Africa where farming takes place. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Naude’s Neck Pass region in the Eastern Cape. Connecting Macle...
Tiger Brands will extend operations at its deciduous fruit business Langeberg & Ashton Foods (L&AF) for a further season. The decision was taken after a compact was agreed upon w...
In June, the European Union’s (EU) Standing Committee on Plant, Animal, Food and Feed (SCOPAFF) published drastic, and arguably misinformed, new regulations requiring the cold treatm...
The Zambian Kwacha has gained value in recent months and is now stronger than the South African Rand and other currencies in the southern African region. The Zambian Kwacha has contin...
South Africa has a dual agricultural economy, with an established commercial farming industry and an emerging small-scale farmer sector. Most small-scale farmers are based on communal la...
It is well known that continuous cultivation of the same crop on the same soil leads to “tired” or “sick soil”, with consequent reduction in yields over time. However, this does ...
The search for an exceptional farmer has begun as the KZN Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, embarks on its annual competition, the Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year. The winner will represent ...
“When you touch the wire, you can feel the quality,” says Hezekiel Malesa from Brits. He fenced his 23-hectare farm with Bonnox as part of his long-term farming plan. “I invest a ...
From 14-17 September 2022, all roads lead to Bredasdorp again for the annual NAMPO Cape Expo at Bredasdorp Park. Visitors to NAMPO Cape 2022 can look forward to: More than 500 e...
World Fruit day reminds us that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is an important element of maintaining a balanced diet so w can consume enough vitamins and minerals. This is vital...
Kanna’s affordable wool presses press wool just as effectively as the automatic models. Better, quicker, easier, as well as more effective and affordable, that is what Kanna, the in...
Because people ask for it! Reinforced Hosing (Pty) Ltd has been manufacturing the well-known and respected Watex brand in South Africa since 1999, when Gavin Brown and Dev Howett esta...
Theuns Dreyer, the managing director of Senter360, has 32 years of extensive experience in the irrigation industry, particularly in the design and project management of large-scale irrig...
AGI is well known for their grain handling facilities on farms and at silos, but they have proven in Mauritius that they also have the solutions for the bulk handling of material at feed...
Thanks to an innovative mindset, Rumax is always improving on existing products, and developing on new ideas. That is why it is no surprise that many new projects are on the horizon. ...
One golden key unlocks the door to success in any farming operation. Whether a farmer grows crops or keeps animals, he wants to attain the highest income at the lowest cost. This cannot ...
With the help of science, innovative light manipulation and UV management, photo- selective colour netting creates an environment that can be manipulated into optimal growing conditions ...
WILD Coolers is home to The Leader in High Performance Cooler Boxes and accessories. Centred on reliability, performance and beauty, their range is designed to withstand all of Africa’...
JOCK dog food is a premium scientifically formulated dog food. Using only the finest ingredients, it provides a complete balanced diet. JOCK dog food is produced at the second-largest...
Farmers are facing the constant battle of increasing input cost. This is not limited to fertilizer and chemicals, but seed cost has increased exponentially in the last year. W...
Superior products and equipment for the meat and food industry. The roots of Crown National can be traced back to 1912 when a company called Newtown Tin Works was founded in the bustl...
The last thing any farmer needs is to have a tractor or essential piece of equipment from either Challenger, Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra stand idle due to downtime. This is where t...
SCUBA Above and beyond The new SCUBA compact close-coupled submersible pump from Xylem brings a new level of reliability and flexibility to primary water supply options for wells, tanks...
Healthy and balanced rations for livestock are key to performance and profit in livestock farming. If outstanding livestock production is your goal, then your animals’ feed needs to be...
Farmers are excited about the good news that John Deere now also offers earthmoving and construction equipment for the farm. This year, farmers can expect to see the yellow between th...
Valley® offers outstanding service to farmers across the sub-continent, including Zimbabwe. The main crops in Zimbabwe are maize, tobacco, wheat, and citrus. Valley® pivots apply the r...
Soil tillage on Rustgevonden will never be the same again since Agrico implements made their appearance on the farm. Thys Delport is a Free State farmer in the Ventersburg district on...
The most important party in the farming industry is the farmer, therefore his interests should always be placed first. This is the conviction of Irrigation Unlimited’s people. Dirk ...
It all starts with your seedbed. The seedbed largely determines the germination of your crops and the ultimate success of your harvest. That’s why Skippies Joubert from Gideon Joubert ...
The new John Deere X9 Series Combine is currently the largest grain handling Combine Harvester on the African Continent. Specifically designed for high yields and high moisture crops und...
Feed-lotting (also called pen fattening) involves the feeding of beef cattle with a high protein, energy balanced diet for a period of 60 to 90 days in confinement to increase live and s...
Rabbits are commonly raised around the world to sell their meat and for gathering fur. Their meat is very tasty. Rabbit fur is of high quality, having extensive application in the textil...
Driven by one of the most trusted names in agriculture, Valley Irrigation uses the sun’s energy to power your agribusiness, providing your operation with a new level of energy independ...
John Deere’s exhibition at NAMPO 2022 was once again something to see, from a tractor hanging upside down to the introduction of the gigantic X9 combine harvester. John Deere construct...
Customers inspire AgriTurf and Reinke’s team so that they can help their farmers plan superior solutions that make a meaningful difference in water and irrigation management. In 198...
World Microbiome Day celebrates the diversity of microbiomes. The day is annually celebrated on 27 June. The celebration’s aim is to create awareness for the various microbiomes and th...
Dr. Frans Banting, a veterinarian who was infected with brucellosis nearly 40 years ago, tells his story and hopefully this will help all of us realize how devastating this disease is; a...
Given the importance of fresh produce markets to food supply chains and the economy, markets should be recognised as national key points, and given urgent prioritisation to address poor ...
Drying is the removal of surface and/ or internal moisture from a product to lower the overall moisture content. There are various methods to dry ginger, each with a different purpose a...
There is a wide variety of options to choose from when constructing a dairy parlour. These parlours are costly to build; therefore, you will mostly find them on commercial dairy farms. W...
The planning and construction of a successful dairy require thoughtful actions and the involvement of various knowledgeable people. Many problems and complaints about dairies come about ...
The occurrence of wet, muddy conditions and accumulation of manure, do not only make the production of hygienic milk difficult, but also contribute to mastitis, hoof and leg problems, an...
Considering the biological characteristics of dairy cows and the influence of high and low temperatures on production, the climatic conditions prevailing in a certain region must be cons...
Agriculture is currently one of the most dynamic sectors to conduct business in. The expected economic growth rate coupled with the growth of the middle class in Sub-Saharan Africa, and ...
Such has been the success of Massey Ferguson at the Jajola Boerdery in Volksrust, Mpumalanga, that Japie Landman is now the sixth generation to use the trusted brand. “My grandfather o...
The new FendtONE platform merges the machine and the office into one control unit. FendtONE combines the familiar operation of the tractor with the terminal for planning or controlling t...
The right location, cultivar, land preparation and cultivation programme are crucial to ensure the best yields, profits, and sustainability of your pecan nut operation. Pecan trees like ...
The annual Namibian Table Grape Competition, hosted by the Namibian Grape Growers Association, was held in Aussenkehr on 9 November 2019. This prestigious event draws great attention ...
Zimbabwe is the largest producer of tobacco in Africa. The plant, also known as the ‘golden leaf’ has been the backbone of the country’s agricultural economy. Tobacco constitutes 3...
Imagine a truck that only emits water vapour, produces its own electricity on board and has a range of up to 1 000 km. It’s possible with fuel cells powered by hydrogen, and Volvo Truc...
In 2021, the GRIMME Group from Damme (Germany) was able to build on the good year of 2020 despite the Corona pandemic, the shortage of skilled workers and the effects of Brexit. Turnover...
Botswana is home to more cattle than people. In recent years, the government has made an effort to encourage agriculture in order to boost the national economy. Many farms are being set ...
Constant attacks are launched against farmers by various vicious pests and plagues. Fortunately, Bayer offers a complete arsenal of weapons for farmers to defend their crops against thes...
An ongoing concern of tree-lovers is a dreaded pest known as the polyphagous shot hole borer beetle (PSHB). This tiny beetle bores into tree trunks, introducing a fungus that weakens a...
The Union and other stakeholders are on record favouring export of surplus production as per statement issued earlier where 100,000MT was established to be surplus and unanimously agreed...
In the agriculture sector, there are a few achievements that can be done on your own. Success requires an aggregated proactive approach from individuals, companies, governments and non-g...
At King Price, we work very closely with our broker partners because we believe that they play a critical role when it comes to advising clients on their specialised commercial insurance...
Mastercard and Ecobank Group have partnered to connect millions of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa to Mastercard’s Farm Pass – a digital platform that makes it safer and ea...
Animal feed is expensive. Farmers always strive to keep their animals fed with natural grazing and only supplement the nutrients that the herd may lack, instead of always feeding every a...
The President of the British Royal Academy, Sir William Crookes, warned that a lack of food security could pose a danger to England and other prosperous nations in the foreseeable future...
“Technology is wonderful, but it’s also attractive to thieves,” says Andries Bothma, Production and Sales Manager from Rotrix Africa. He told NAMPO-visitors about the reliable solu...
Spiralling diesel costs have emphasised the need for farmers to not only invest in the latest technology from reputable brands like Massey Ferguson but also to adopt precision or smart f...
Since the start of the year, the sugar industry has distributed more than R225 million to Small-Scale Growers. The recent approval by the sugar industry of an additional R47,7 million fo...
Many well-established family agribusinesses find ways to generate new streams of income independent of the core business. Despite the longevity or success of the family business, the inh...
In the previous two parts on ancient African foods, we discussed food security in Africa and how ancient food plants that are not cultivated anymore can help to add nutrients to the Afri...
Africa has for a long time suffered from political turmoil, drought, and famine. Climate change badly affects Africa, as it causes weather patterns that are different from what we are us...
Interesting facts became known in Jurie van der Walt’s research on food in ancient cultures. He has published two books, namely The history of food and why we eat it (2020), and We nee...
Oilseeds stakeholders, including the Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ), the Poultry Association of Zambia (PAZ), the Dairy Association of Zambia (DAZ), the Crushers of Edible Oi...
The drumbeat of Africa as the new frontier of global growth was just reaching its crescendo early in the decade. The notes were in perfect sync, at least before Covid-19, with what was b...
An apple tree only bears fruit at a certain time of the year. The rest of the year the tree must grow, rest or make flowers. Similarly, the needs of a farm fluctuates throughout the seas...
With a rich history of more than forty years in Zambia, Tata is firmly established within the Zambian community and is expanding its footprint as the new trusted John Deere dealer to sup...
A bold initiative was launched to raise Africa’s agricultural productivity. This initiative is called the John Deere SMART campaign, and it aims at helping new era farmers to mechanise...
“DAM” is a short word but to BUILD it is something else, the wise old men used to say. But nowadays not only dam construction is complicated – it is also the negotiations to obtain...
DP World Maputo, has developed and implemented a new and unique supply chain solution that provides Southern African importers of fertilizer, and other similar commodities, an effective ...
Tata International Africa’s Ghana operation has been awarded John Deere Africa’s prestigious 2021 Dealer of the Year Award for the category of dealers outside the SADC region, for a ...
Prevention is always better than cure. This is particularly true about soil erosion, where the slowing down of runoff water on a steep slope can prevent the formation of gullies and deep...
What is soil erosion? Soil erosion is caused by run-off water that flows unchecked over soil surfaces that are no longer adequately protected by a plant cover. Gullies, or dongas, are d...
These methods were used in Malawi by Ken Coetzee and Wallie Stroebel of Conservation Management Services (CMS), who are based in George in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. They...
While more and more production is demanded from farmers, soil erosion is frittering away arable land. Ken Coetzee and Wallie Stroebel of the South African company Conservation Manage...
If you are in a drought, most people say you should have planned for it. But it is too late for prior planning when the drought is upon you already. Presently the question is not what fa...
From the automotive industry to the agricultural community, new road freight and fast delivery options are now available thanks to Seabourne Logistics, which opened a branch in Mbombela,...
Important Issues: La Nina continues at relative moderate to strong levels. The first significant rain is possible from about the middle of June over the Winter Rainfall Region. Heavy f...
Regardless of whether or not we are aware of it, farmers work tirelessly to provide food for the globe while also ensuring the preservation of the environment for future generations. Far...
Ian Cunningham (37) a deciduous fruit and wine grape farmer of Elgin and Villiersdorp, was named Agri Western Cape Santam Agriculture Young Farmer of the year in Durbanville this week. ...
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. They have also been a very good friend to Botswana’s economy. The diamond industry in Botswana is responsible for most of the job opportunities in ...
Choosing which crop to grow Besides the various grain crops like maize and pearl millet, there are several groups of vegetable crops to choose from. Farmers can consider the following: ...
Soil pH is the measure of acidity and alkalinity in soil chemistry. Plant nutrients are affected by soil pH as the pH controls the nutrient’s chemical form. Knowing the texture of y...
Plants also need to eat. If they are well-nourished, the farmer will reap rich harvests, enabling him to feed the population. The best way to see what your crops need, is to take soil sa...
Agriculture as the backbone of Namibia’s economy has a major role to play in achieving Vision 2030. However, to be able to make a significant contribution towards the growth of the eco...
Winter is properly rearing its head with the first frost that had already occurred in places. The unpredictability of nature always presents challenges and can catch even experienced far...
The modern broiler chicken breeds have been selected over several years for fast growth and at present weigh around 2,3 kg at 35 to 42 days of age. The magnitude of growth indicates that...
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations says that wild meat possesses several added advantages over domesticated species in terms of range usage, physiological and ec...
In order to become a successful farmer, it is critical to have a solid understanding of the most fundamental principles of irrigation. Without water, all living things, including plants ...
In part 5's edition, we looked at wire mesh composting bins, circular, round, and pentagonal structures, as well as the rotating drum composter. Let us now look at our last three compost...
World Milk Day 2022 highlights the impact the dairy industry has on climate change and addressing sustainability of dairy production. On international scale, the dairy industry is still ...
Composting methods Compost can be made by different methods. The method of composting selected will depend on when finished compost is desired, the materials to be composted, and the sp...
Compost can be used to improve the soil structure and drainage, as a mulch to cut down on water loss, and as a fertiliser to improve the soil’s fertility. Soil improvement In the beg...
A compost system can be compared to a living thing that requires the essentials of all living things: air, food, and water in a balanced combination. Choosing the ideal location The co...
A compost heap is much more sophisticated and sensitive than one would think. To ensure a highly effective system and to get optimum yields, it is important to pick and choose the materi...
Your vegetable garden at home can be transformed into a growing, sustainable food source without having to buy expensive chemical fertilisers. Making your own compost is cheap and will r...
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. - UN, Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger South Africa’s analytical data str...
Irrigation is the most effective investment that a farmer can make to ensure growth on his farm and in his business. However, this is not a cheap investment and many farmers feel that th...
In a desert country where water is scarce, a farmer cannot afford to waste even a drop. On the farm Hartebeesloop at Stampriet in Namibia, measuring every drop drawn from the aquifer dee...
Chutney is a sweet, tangy condiment that is served with curries, hot and cold meats and savouries. Peach chutney may be prepared from both green and ripe peaches, along with other fru...
Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group and India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today announced their new distribution partnership with ETG’s logistics, warehousing...
Green mangoes with premature soft seeds are suitable for achar or oil pickles. Achar is very popular with a large part of the Southern African population. It is eaten with maize porridge...
Cottage cheese is categorised as a cultured dairy product. It is the product obtained from coagulated milk, cream, partly or wholly skimmed milk, reconstituted (prepared) milk, or a com...
Do you stress about the quality of the product you buy? Do you know if you receive the quality you paid for? Do you know what the legislation entails regarding the specifications fro...
Southern African farmers are well known for the regular economic challenges they have to face. These realities force them to search for new options of surviving and expanding their busin...
Devastating losses can be caused in sheep flocks by parasites. In most sheep production areas, internal parasites, or gastro-intestinal nematodes, also known as worms, are the primary di...
Housing needs for sheep vary by climate, seasons of lambing, and management preferences of the farmer. Many different types of housing can be used for sheep. Traditional barns, pole buil...
Reproduction is one of the most important factors which determine profitability when farming with sheep. The reproductive rate varies by farm, production system, and geographic areas. ...
Sheep production is becoming more popular in Southern Africa and the prices of small stock are increasing at livestock auctions. The success of small stock farming rests on the implem...
A variety of equipment for different methods of fertigation is available in the local trade. The choice lies with the producer on how specialised he wants to operate and which equipment ...
Corteva Agriscience today launches Zorvec® Encantia®, a new fungicide that specifically targets late blight, a detrimental pathogen currently compromising local potato growth. The so...
Some irrigation water and fertiliser product combinations can cause detrimental reactions such as corrosion and sedimentation (resulting in blockages). It is therefore recommended that a...
Financing of a farming enterprise is such a critical aspect of overall farm management that it cannot be less than a subdivision of financial management. The distress call from farmers i...
Fertiliser products are available in a water soluble granular, powder or liquid form. The choice between the different types will depend on the storage space available, the available inj...
Farming is a business, whether you have 10 or 1 000 female animals. The aim is to increase your wealth – to make more money or to have more sheep and/or goats. The best way to achieve ...
In this series we discuss the design of irrigation systems for fertigation. Fertigation means the application of dissolved nutrients through an irrigation system. The total or partial re...
Did you know that Staalmeester, one of the oldest agricultural machinery manufacturing companies in Southern Africa, also has a well-established and diverse operational footprint in Afri...
Affordability and longevity of equipment are two of the major factors in the decisions made by small-scale farmers. With small steps, small-scale farmers are changing the image of the na...
Record keeping must be regarded as a means to reach a certain goal, or else it will be a waste of valuable time. Records can be defined as systematic collection and registering of all...
High temperatures Warm and humid weather conditions cause heat stress in dairy cows, which decreases milk production, milk quality and reproduction. The health status of the udder is al...
The purpose of the intensive housing system for dairy cows is mainly the provision of an environment in which the stress factors which accompany milk production, as well as the adverse e...
According to Louan van Rooyen, Head of Actuarial at Business OUTsurance, the answer to this is not as simple as you may think. “People who understand the concept of insurance, will ...
To be profitable and participate in a very competitive market you need to have the right tools for the job. Depending on the type of farm, there is an overwhelming range of farm equipmen...
Dairy cattle breeds differ in many ways. Some breeds adapt better than others in particular environmental circumstances and the quantities of milk, butter fat and protein content in thei...
The world has changed, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Farmers had to quickly adapt to the strange circumstances that dominated 2020. Shows, auctions and expos that were nor...
The main focus of this series is to provide the dairy farmer with the necessary advice and information regarding dairy structures from an engineering point of view. Enjoy! Through the...
Farmers will need to produce enough food to feed nine billion people by 2050, while battling increasingly difficult growing environments due to climate change and being resilient to our ...
There are many advantages to producing your own food. Not everyone can keep livestock, but whether you live on a farm or in a flat in the middle of Johannesburg, you can produce your own...
Tomatoes are used in a variety of ways. Ripe tomatoes are consumed fresh or processed into purée, paste, powder, ketchup (tomato sauce), sauce and soup or canned as whole fruit. The unr...
Irrigation can drastically improve crop production, but only when the correct management principles are applied. Drought is any farmer’s worst nightmare. Irrigating your crops will ...
Soft, even rainfall over a field of uniform soil type will allow water to penetrate (sink into) the soil to a similar depth at each point in the field. Each plant has an equal chance of ...
What happens with water? [caption id="attachment_1183" align="alignnone" width="200"] (Photo by gardeningknowhow.com)[/caption] Plant available water is stored in the soil. Water tha...
Unlike nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), the majority of soils in Africa are historically considered to be rich in potassium (K). However, farmers should keep in mind that not all K exist...
It is important to understand the most fundamental principles of irrigation to become a good farmer. In this series we shall discuss all the steps and general practices to ensure that yo...
More now than ever, engaging in agricultural production requires farmers to fully understand all aspects of their production systems, ensuring that they are meticulous in gathering and c...
With temperatures rising, growers are experiencing increased pest pressure from common insects such as lepidoptera, aphids (aphidoidea), and whiteflies (aleyrodidae). Growers should f...
Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. This article forms part of a series to highlight this resource. In this art...
Zambia holds 104,8 billion m³ of renewable freshwater, or 4,5% of the total SADC region, making Zambia the country with the fifth-largest supply of renewable freshwater. This import...
We started with research on an annual fodder sorghum (cultivar Kow Kandy), in the Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone districts of Zambia in 1999/2000,. The Kow Kandy was specifically popular ...
The present-day South African farming industry is striving for lower investment capital, in order to show bigger profits. Planners and designers in this industry are forced to develop me...
FarmDroid is the latest in automated solutions Which vegetable farmer would not like a way to control weed without using poisons? In comes the FarmDroid! Two Danish farming brothers, Je...
Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. The mineral fraction of soils originates mainly from geological material. T...
Communication is the key to success in maintaining a successful family agribusiness. Yet many families never get to first base in addressing in communication issues, even those who reali...
More than 85% of all lamb deaths occur during the birth process due to complications – sometimes as a result of malnutrition – together with stillborn lambs. Premature lambs may s...
Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fi bre cannot be produced. The mineral fraction of soils originates mainly from geological material...
Goat farming can be a lucrative business if managed properly. This guide will help you to increase your goat herd with healthy animals, and also your profits. The top meat producing goat...
Soil is the most fundamental resource for the farmer, without which food and natural fibre cannot be produced. Furthermore, it is often also the most expensive single capital asset of t...
The past several years have seen remarkable development in the area of fish immunology. Worldwide, fish culture is on the rise, with the treatment of fish diseases becoming increasingly ...
Irrigation concepts and terminology Agricultural Drainage It is removal of excess water known as free or gravitational water from the surface or below the surface of farm land to create...
Adjustment of the rotary tiller When working with the rotary tiller one must obtain a reasonably coarse finish. In other words, clods must be formed. This promotes moisture penetration ...
The application of all rotary tillers is basically the same, and the only difference between the models is the working width. Rotary tillers are being used to: shred stalks and mix...
The tractor-drawn model and the self-propelled heavy duty rotary tiller A rotary tiller should be regarded as an alternative soil cultivation implement that can function in cooperation ...
A rotary tiller should be regarded as an alternative soil cultivation implement that can function in cooperation with other implements, for example tine implements. Some of the rotary ti...
The success of a piggery lies in the quality of the breeding programme and breeding practices. Using superior genetics and efficient culling will ensure that your pigs are genetically...
Prevention is better than cure. Nowhere is this statement more accurate than used in reference to animal health. Medicines are expensive and they often influence the production schedule ...
The management of a business plays a crucial role in its success or failure. Even more so when dealing with livestock. Managing the different types of feed of animals at different ages, ...
Eating like a pig might not be considered good table manners, but it also should not imply that pigs feed on scraps and leftovers from the table. The days when farmers kept pigs to dispo...
Africa can get really hot during summer, and these are the conditions under which various diseases thrive. Livestock farmers must know what summer diseases to look out for, what the symp...
Africa with its current population of approximately 1 ,39 billion people is expected to double by the year 2050 to about 2.5 billion. This translates the need to spur on potential growth...
Customer experience (CX) is an enterprise-wide priority at AGI. This is demonstrated by AGI EMEA, which now has three new state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to serve our customers...
The quality of the earth under a dam is of utmost importance. Careful surveying of the nature and depth of the topsoil and subsoil must be done by drilling or sinking test holes (especia...
The dam design in this series is limited to dams of which the maximum water depth does not exceed eight metres. Dam outlets The spilling of the dam must be designed and constructed in ...
Dams can be expensive to build and therefore a farmer should do his calculations and planning very carefully to prevent those hidden costs from rising out of control. Water seepage can a...
Earth dams protect a farmer against potential devastating dry spells and this month we start a new series on this huge, but important construction. It is a huge initial expense to build ...
(Image source: unsplash.com by Kelly Sikkema) Soy beans Soy beans dominate the world oilseed production and make up about 50% of the total world oilseed crop. Soy beans are the most im...
Formulated fish feeds are vital as they offer fish a balanced diet, which in turn promotes accelerated growth. Aquaculture as a business relies heavily on the shortest time to market bec...
A farm without any infrastructure is not a farm! A farming enterprise cannot be managed efficiently without infrastructure, and that means that no stock management or veld management wil...
Soy paste Soy paste is basically prepared from whole or flaked soy beans and other cereals (wheat, rice, barley) that is fermented, mixed with brine and fermented again to produce a sal...
Better results can be expected if plants are well fed, and protected from extreme temperatures. One of the ways to achieve this is through mulching. Mulching means placing the organic or...
Soy bean oil When soy beans were first processed commercially, the oil was considered as the most valuable component and the defatted soy bean flour as a by-product. But since 1960, the...
The planting season has begun. Most farmers have decided which crop they will plant, and now land preparation is their next focus. This is a key process to successful crop establishment....
Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables in horticulture. It originated in Europe but is grown around the world today. It is not just high in nutrients but can also be used for medi...
Running a farm takes dedication and skill. Even with agricultural experience, farming can be a challenging pursuit. However, even if you’re new to the occupation, you can develop the...
Modern consumers are more informed about the origin of products than ever before. During the past two decades, there has been a major effort from both consumers and producers to promote ...
A crop farmer can also harvest the secondary process, namely the processing of oil seeds. African farmers facing current economic realities are searching for new methods to survive and e...
Farmers face various uncertainties that can put their agribusinesses at risk if they are not well prepared. Every day, you make decisions that impact on your farming operations, but you ...
