Building on a family wool farming legacy
The roots of the Battenhausen family in the Upper Karoo are as deep and meaningful as their family tree. For six generations, they have farmed sheep near Philipstown, and their...
Global oyster market on an upward trend
The global oyster market is on the rise as seafood demand continues to grow. Oysters are valued as a delicacy, a healthy protein, and a sustainable food source.
Navigating the legal landscape for emerging poultry farmers
Emerging poultry farmers face a host of legal, environmental, and practical challenges. Poultry nutritionist Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the complexities of starting and running a...
The unmatched hybrid vigour of the Boran
Known as the mother cow of Africa, the Boran has been developed over more than 1 000 years to provide modern farmers with a hardy, cost-effective animal. Sabrina Dean spoke...
South African goat breeds raise the bar for global meat quality
Chantelle Smit, secretary of the SA Boer Goat Breeders’ Association, spoke to Sabrina Dean about what sets South Africa’s Boer, Savanna, and Kalahari Red goats apart from their global counterparts.
Top genetics and passion drive success at goat stud
Christiaan Labuschagne established the Hakuna Matata Stud in Hoopstad, Free State, in 2024 and currently farms Boer and Savanna goats. In a short space of time, the stud has achieved...
How top potato farmer optimises production
Since taking over her late husband’s farm three years ago, Franelyn Rossouw has been simplifying her approach to potato farming in order to streamline production. She spoke to Lindi Botha...
Tips and tricks for pruning roses
For many areas in South Africa, August is the last window of opportunity to prune roses. If you haven’t already done so, follow these guidelines to encourage healthy growth and...
How intercropping helped a Free State maize farm grow
The main goal of intercropping is to achieve the highest possible yield on a particular piece of land by using the available resources to their full potential. And that is...
The influence of irrigation water quality on the solubility and effectivity of water-soluble fertiliser products
When considering the suitability of irrigation water for the purpose of dissolving water-soluble fertiliser, there exists a myriad of interactions that come into play. One such factor, especially in the...
Growing and processing groundnuts can be lucrative
Over the years, Eduard Dreyer ventured into different markets to build his business’s resilience. Groundnuts, however, became a core part of his farming enterprise, so much so that he built...
Preparing your garden for winter
As the temperature drops and plant growth slows down, preparing your garden for winter is essential to protect your plants and ensure a strong start in spring. From mulching and...
South Africa’s rural areas can be developed through agriculture
On 6 August, I delivered the 11th Annual Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Lecture at the University of Limpopo. The theme was the role of agriculture in improving rural development.
Farm shop with food and entertainment
Jonno designs a farm shop that includes a shisa nyama/braai area; an entertainment hall/restaurant, a car wash and filling station.
A mini safari in the Cradle
Just an hour from Joburg, urbanites can swap the bustle for the bush, enjoying game drives and outdoor activities at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, while staying in the Cradle...
Bunny ear cookies are easy to bake and perfect for Easter
These vanilla cookies with cream cheese icing and marshmallow ears make fun, festive Easter treats that are simple enough to bake at home.
Champagne strawberry dessert
This light and creamy champagne strawberry dessert is a simple yet special treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Sweet Palermo nachos: A flavourful twist on a timeless snack
Nachos: do they even need an introduction? Surely everyone has eaten nachos at some point? Today, we share a recipe of this timeless and immensely popular snack.
Spanish tortilla with chorizo, potato and Sweet Palermo
Here, we have a Spanish Sweet Palermo tortilla for you. Although it might seem easy, cooking a good tortilla actually takes a bit of experience. But don’t let that stop...
Espresso chocolate brownies
These delicious brownies can be enjoyed on their own, or with cream and ice cream. Make sure you make a double batch; your guests will be coming back for seconds,...
