Secrets of sandy soils
High water tables in the maize producing sandy soils of North West and north-western Free State caused severe problems during the wet 2010/11 season. To effectively manage these soils, grain producers in these areas must learn as much as possible about their early history. Dr Koos Henning explains the situation to Annelie Coleman.
Read more >>
Local oilseed production slowly catching up with consumption
This season's sunflower seed and soya bean plantings increased considerably in the summer rainfall areas.
Read more >>
GM crops key to economic development
Biotechnology and genetically modified crops are key to fighting poverty and securing economic growth.
Read more >>
Resistance to genetically modified crops abounds - but not for long
Despite the increasing number of hectares planted to genetically modified crops, resistance to the technology is still widespread in Africa.
Read more >>
An appetite for efficiency
Cobus Horn, who farms with his father Johan, is consistently rated one of the top 10 farmers in the Pongola area. Where the area's average sugar cane yield is between 82t/ha and 85t/ha, the Horns yield up to 115t/ha, and that's after new lands lowered their average. Robyn Joubert reports.
Read more >>
Smaller 2010 wine grape harvest puts pressure on producers
The 2010 wine grape harvest was significantly smaller than the 2009 harvest.
Read more >>
Wheat imports to remain high as farmers choose livestock
"The deteriorating profitability of local winter grain production over the past decade forced producers to switch to alternative crops, fallow land systems and pasture."
Read more >>
Environmentally sensitive timber production
Commercial timber production can damage natural resources and reduce biodiversity if not practiced properly. An award-winning timber farmer shares his six eco-friendly management practices for growing trees and protecting the environment at the same time. Lloyd Phillips reports.
Read more >>
Modest increase in sugar production, slow demand for biofuel expected
Local sugar production is expected to remain relatively constant over the next decade.
Read more >>
Rain to blame for drop in national maize yield
Unseasonal rain countrywide during the most recent summer grains harvesting season is the main cause behind the drop in the Crop Estimates Committee latest estimates for total maize yields in South Africa.
Read more >>