How aardvark burrows could unite farming and conservation
For many farmers, conservation has long felt like a trade-off, as more land for wildlife often means less land for crops or grazing. But new research from the University of...
Butterflies: essential and often overlooked pollinators
Butterflies are regarded as less efficient pollinators than bees. However, in some instances, their services have even greater value.
Biotech to play pivotal role in future of SA crop production
Biotechnology is set to transform South African crop production over the next two decades. Chantel Arendse, plant biotechnology lead at CropLife South Africa, unpacks how genome editing, drought-tolerant traits, and...
Biotech can help make crops more resilient to extreme weather
Plant biotechnology uses tools like genetic modification and bioengineering to enhance crops’ resilience, nutritional value, and sustainability in the face of challenges like climate change. Biosafety South Africa’s Dr Hennie Groenewald...
Drought, through the eyes of farmers
Namibia is experiencing its worst drought in 100 years. Annelie Coleman spoke to several farmers in the Mariental district, who shared their experience of the impact of several rainless years.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von...
Partnership aims to improve farmers’ climate resilience
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the University of the Western Cape recently hosted an inaugural research symposium with the theme ‘Healing through food’. Dr Reckson Mulidzi, manager of the...
Pollination innovation: a local company’s solutions to decline in bees
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
Changing the potential of your soil
By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather.
Strategies for effective grassland restoration
Grassland restoration is crucial for ecosystem health. Frits van Oudtshoorn, a pasture consultant and agricultural/environmental trainer, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about effective methods, key challenges, and the role of...
The role of One Health in sustainable farming and well-being
A movement strengthening relationships between communities and the land and promoting a mutually beneficial relationship between agriculture, health and the environment is emerging in sustainable farming. Ntokozo Zitha, a PhD...
Healthy soils lead to healthy plants and animals
Dr Louis du Pisani shed light on why biodiversity is important, and its impact on soil, plant and animal health at the World Veterinary Association Congress held in Cape Town.
MTN leverages digital technology to enhance precision farming
The digitisation of agriculture is a game-changer for overcoming traditional challenges and achieving sustainable practices. By leveraging data and digital tools, farmers gain real-time insights into their livestock, allowing for...
Good and bad effects of climate change on agricultural production
Natashia Qwabe, a research assistant at the Agricultural Research Council, writes about the shifting patterns of agricultural production due to climate change.
Why indigenous teff is being heralded as a wonder food
Patrick Rakau, a junior researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production Institute: Range and Forage Sciences, explains the importance of breeding new climate-smart and improved teff varieties for both...
You are what your food ate: the health connection in the soil
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, goes the saying about the role of diet in overall health. New research however suggests that good health is less about the...
Private landowners are vital custodians of biodiversity
BirdLife South Africa explains why private landowners’ co-operation can be extremely helpful and is actually essential for the protection of biodiversity.
Green hydrogen: a win for SA and the world
Global green hydrogen demand is set to increase sevenfold by 2050. With South Africa possessing all the ingredients to make and export hydrogen, the country could become a major world...
Research on puff adders reveals reptiles’ adjustment to climate change
Wits University PhD candidate Azraa Ebrahim tells Farmer’s Weekly of her research on puff adder thermal biology and space use, and dispels some of the fears that people have of...
Securing the future of meat production in SA
A Feedlot Information Day at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Convention Centre in Pretoria saw industry experts, including farmers, nutritionists and veterinarians, gather to discuss meat production in...
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