Animals

Seawater-farmed tilapia

In this article, the second in a two-part series, Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha show how seawater-farmed Mozambique tilapia can provide cheaper protein than broilers or other...

Mozambique tilapia: big plans for a small fish

Fish is a healthy source of protein, but is becoming increasingly unaffordable for South Africans. Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha look at why marine tilapia may be...

Tilapia farming: Untapped SA market holds opportunity for growth

David Fincham has more than 30 years’ experience in aquaculture and is one of South Africa’s foremost tilapia specialists. Through his business in Muldersdrift near Johannesburg, he has supplied 450...

Sheep & goats

Young sheep farmer builds thriving business despite challenges

White Savanna goats add meat to beef enterprise

The riskiest periods for sheep producers

Sheep production: Why healthy teeth mean healthy profits

Angora: good money from a great breed

Pigeons

Young fancier’s dream to bring pigeon racing to townships

Lodumo Nkala is a young man with a plan: he wants to bring the sport of pigeon racing to South Africa’s rural townships. He shared his vision and strategy with...

PIGS

Want to start a pig farm? Read this first!

There is a lot to consider when embarking on any farming operation, and the same is true for starting a piggery. Janine Ryan reports on some of the things you...

Horses

Sidebone in horses: is it unsoundness?

Sidebone is the ossification of the collateral cartilages. It is found mainly in the hooves of heavy Warmbloods, writes Dr Mac.

Plough for more

News

Free State farmers must become pro-active in the fight against farm attackers – FSA

Free State Agriculture (FSA) called on its members and the community at large to remain calm in the wake of the four farm attacks in the province since the beginning...

Our farmers deserve honour

Throughout the drought and challenges they faced during the year, our farmers kept ploughing on.

We have capacity problems – GDARD

The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) has admitted to having ‘capacity problems’ regarding managing conditional grants and a lack of knowledge when it came to procurement processes.

New Zealand clamps down on dairy cow ownership

New Zealand’s city-centric Labour government is to set a limit on how many dairy cows a farmer can run.

A case of price fixing against diesel suppliers

The Competition Commission on 24 October 2012 referred a case of price fixing and market division regarding the supply of diesel to the Competition Tribunal.

Digital presentations for farmers

You can create – and update – informative electronic brochures with ease, says Greg Miles.

Business

ARC’s top emerging beef farmer beats the odds

Tembeka Mbeshu, the 2016 Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year for the Eastern Cape, runs a herd of about 30 predominantly Bonsmara-type cows in the Elliot...

Developing farmers fit for the future for South Africa

FarmSol is celebrating five years of supporting new farmers this October. The company aims to connect farmers and markets to improve food security and income in South Africa.

Hluhluwe farmers assist community in crisis

In response to the devastating drought in their area, a group of Hluhluwe commercial farmers has exemplified the spirit of ubuntu by assisting communal farmers.

How to export your fresh produce into Asia and Africa

Africa and Asia offer much allure for South African fresh produce exporters. But this country’s farmers must do their homework well before they plunge into these markets. Wilma den Hartigh...

Understanding the labour law changes

The newly released bills amending the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act offer more clarity to questions surrounding the future of labour brokers in South Africa....

Senwes reaffirms commitment to finance black farmers

Senwes is committed to financing black farmers to a value of at least R20 million for the 2022/23 season.

Lifestyle

A cosy garden hideaway

Avid Farmer's Weekly readers Bashi and his wife want to build a small, thatched rondavel in a quiet corner of their existing property.

Garage now, bedroom later

Dear Jonno At long last, we are now preparing to build a house on our game farm near Modimolle. Thank you for the drawings, they are almost perfect. However there...

Twice-roasted chicken in lemon sauce

Just when I thought there was nothing new to learn about cooking chicken, along came a totally unexpected roasting method. Not only that, but I received this recipe from a...

Queen’s Hotel in Oudtshoorn

Brian Berkman says this hotel is still filled with Klein Karoo charm and the glory days of the ostrich feather boom.

The green ‘guardians’

Are those who are supposed to protect us the ones hurting us, asks Abré J Steyn.

Zulu resort upgrade

I got a call from Phangisile in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, a previous client of mine, for whom I’d designed a Zulu-themed resort.

Animals

Why horses and donkeys still have a place in agriculture

No fuel or batteries required! With the world seeking to go green in the face of climate change, equids such as horses, donkeys and mules might just be the next...

Sound animal health ensures success for top emerging beef farmers

Piet Phahlane and Aaron Makena, the Agriculture Research Council National Emerging Beef Farmers of the Year 2019 winners, say one of the most valuable lessons they have learnt as farmers...

Livestock disease trends (as informally reported by vets in South Africa) March 2013

In the summer rainfall area numerous reports were received of wireworm infestations. This internal parasite sucks blood and symptoms in sheep and goats are anaemia (pale mucous membranes) and bottle...

The Arabian Native Costume

This showing class proves the Arabian is not necessarily jittery, just a high-spirited breed, says Dr Mac.

How an Irish family is changing the narrative around dairy farming

Public opinion on farming practices has taken a negative slant the world over as social media perpetuate stereotypes of farmers who only seek profit, to the detriment of the environment....

Young poultry farmer thrives despite setbacks

Asiphe Pentu started his small-scale broiler business with only R2 000 when he was just 17 years old and still at school. After five years, he has a well-run, 100-chicken...

Crops

What your cabbage seedlings should look like

FARMERS TEND TO ACCEPT THE seedlings they're given and don't pay much attention to what sort of condition they're in.

Defeat Liriomyza leaf miner without paying a cent

Leaf miners are a serious threat to tomato plants. Yet tiny parastic wasps are on hand to help bring their numbers down. All it requires is a bit of patience...

Optimal liming is key to preventing soil acidification

As much as 30% of South Africa’s agricultural soil resource is deemed to be acidifying, mostly due to inefficient or incorrect liming practices. This is according to a recent presentation...

Dealing with spotted wilt

Spotted wilt can be devastating in a land of peppers, but need not be if the correct strategies are adopted.

Vinitaly – the world’s oldest wine exhibition

The beautiful city of Verona, situated in the northern part of Italy, plays host to the country’s largest and most important wine expo, Vinitaly. The annual event attracts almost 150...

Learning to live with the beet cyst nematode

The cyst nematode (eelworm) get its name from the hardened cyst that it forms to protect its eggs.