Saving SA’s sugar industry
The future of the country’s sugar cane sector has never been more uncertain and, as a result, the livelihoods of many thousands of people hang in the balance. Could the...
Floating solar panels: generating power and saving water
Nico Laubscher of Alzanne Boerdery is constantly on the lookout for ways to improve business efficiencies, and this led to him exploring solar energy as a way of reducing his...
Grain storage innovation needed
In this, part one of a two-part series, Mariana Purnell, a consultant with eGrain, a provider of electronic warehouse receipts for the grain industry, discusses the challenges that changes to...
Karoo sheep farm survives drought with beer and cheese
According to Peter and Francy Schoeman of Langbaken Karoo Cheese, their cheese business has enabled them to survive the prolonged drought in the area. They spoke to Wouter Kriel about...
A rooftop hops farm in the city
Hops are traditionally grown in the Western Cape, but on a rooftop in Johannesburg, Khaya Maloney has shown it is possible to grow hops in the city using a hydroponic...
How to prevent a family feud
Most volatile family agribusiness disputes have deep-rooted causes that stem from secrecy, distrust and avoidance. By confronting these issues early on, conflict can be avoided, says Trevor Dickinson.
Nature-based farming revives Limpopo fruit and grain operation
Reducing inputs costs and increasing yields are the foundation of a profitable enterprise. However, true sustainability comes from investing in practices that increase your farm’s ability to produce over time....
How to start farming with R1 million
Is it possible to start a farming operation in South Africa in 2021 for less than R1 million? A number of experts discussed the start-up potential of layers, broilers, pigs,...
Are national fresh produce markets coming to an end?
National fresh produce markets are vital to food security in South Africa, providing a robust, transparent pricing system and a crucial service to buyers and sellers across the country. While...
The secret to turning your farming business into a lasting legacy
The most successful agribusiness families understand that their enterprises are not possessions; instead, they are legacies that they are obliged to take care of for future generations, writes Trevor Dickinson.
Ailing infrastructure: a threat to SA agriculture
Agriculture has been one of very few lights glowing in South Africa’s economic gloom: the sector has managed to grow where most others have declined. However, the grim reality of...
Tourism and value-adding keeps family farm afloat
Heinrich Lategan is the fifth generation to farm on Tevrede, between Worcester and Wolseley in the Western Cape. Tevrede has traditionally been a grape farm, but the family has had...
Green bonds: it pays to invest in nature
Agriculture has an important role to play in funding a greener future for the planet. Green bonds, which are fixed-income financial instruments that offer environmental and/or climate benefits, will give...
Standard Bank platform provides 4 million meals for the needy
OneFarm Share allows farmers to contribute their surplus fresh produce to needy families across the country.
Apple cider from the Cape takes the world by storm
Larry Whitfield, owner of Loxtonia, an apple, pear and plum farm, has successfully branched into cider production. Unusually, he uses fresh apples to produce his award-winning ciders. He spoke to...
The future of SA’s egg producers
The egg industry is one of the largest employers in South Africa’s agriculture sector and a key provider of affordable protein to millions of consumers. Pieter Dempsey spoke to Dr...
Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best
Life is dynamic, and sometimes change happens for the worse. This is why you need to be properly prepared for these changes. Hollard explains that insuring your property and business...
Breeding natural enemies to control pests
Limpopo insectary Insectec was founded to develop a secure and steady supply of biological pest control solutions for producers of a variety of fruit and vegetable crops.
Family meetings: learning to plan productively together
Give each person an opportunity to voice their disagreement in your family business, suggests Trevor Dickinson. Doing so will not only reduce resentment, but will help define the role of...
HelloChoice: A proudly South African success story
HelloChoice links buyers and sellers through its website and mobile app, and is specifically designed for South Africa’s market environment.
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