Spreading the risk
The Nicholsons, descendants of the 1850 Byrne settlers, have developed a range of activities on their historic farm, showing that diversification is the way to go in tough times. Robyn Joubert investigates.
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Profiting from unconventional methods
Sometimes, unusual production methods can achieve optimal yields in a cropping enterprise. Award-winning KZN crop farmer Andrew Fyvie breaks with the pack for higher soya bean yields. Lloyd Phillips reports.
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Predatory insects as pest control
Predatory mites are being imported from Kenya to help farmers develop effective integrated pest management (IPM) systems, using bio-control agents and fewer chemicals. Robyn Joubert reports.
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Scientific organic farming on just 4ha
The Zeiselhof Research Farm of Ecological and Organic Agriculture is everything a small farm should be. Chris Burgess and Chris Nel visited them.
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'Details, details, details,' says top barley farmer
For grain and sheep farmer Josias le Roux, recipient of SABMiller's National Malting Barley Producer of the Year award for 2010, attention to detail is crucial when producing barley, and the secret to success is achieving optimal results without harming natural resources. Denene Erasmus visited him on Langhoogte farm to find out how he produces some of SA's finest malting barley.
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A strategy for consistently high maize yields
Knowing your farm's maize production potential is crucial to achieving top yields.
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Local olive industry bursting with potential
Denene Erasmus speaks to Nick Wilkinson about his olive farm - Rio Largo Estate - and what it takes to to produce the best cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil in South Africa.
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Vietnam Huey sprays crops
Maintaining soil fertility is crucial for good crop production, but sometimes a tractor just can't apply the much-needed fertiliser, and a plane can't do it evenly. Lloyd Phillips reports.
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Organic avos: How to make it work
Mulch and tight irrigation scheduling are the keys to this estate's success in combating Phytophthora in its organic avocado orchards, writes Robyn Joubert.
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Roses from the Karoo
Shortly after Lyell van Rensburg settled on the 3 000ha farm Rietvlei near Graaff-Reinet in the 1980s, Grootfontein Agricultural College recommended she produce aloes instead of roses. She wasn't convinced. Mike Burgess reports.
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