Agribusiness

Farmer’s Weekly brings you the latest agribusiness news and updates from South Africa and the rest of Africa.

Retiring on free-range chickens

Retiring on free-range chickens

Retired broker, Hennie Lamprecht, runs a profitable, free-range chicken farming operation.
Alternative energy – do the sums first

Alternative energy – do the sums first

Careful financial planning is required before moving off the grid. Prof Alan Brent from the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies shared some crucial cost calculations with Glenneis Kriel.
Ludwig’s Roses: For the love of the rose

Ludwig’s Roses: For the love of the rose

German-born Ludwig Taschner is SA’s best-known rose grower and breeder. Mike Burgess visited his nursery, Ludwig’s Roses, north of Pretoria, to learn about the building of a business that defines the country’s rose industry.
Good-management-key-to-poultry-farming-success

Good management: key to poultry farming success

Producing above the norm is attainable with well-managed hens, says poultry and mixed farming producer Erik Naudé.
SA top farmer’s transformation success with lease-back model

SA top farmer’s transformation success with lease-back model

A successful lease-back transformation project in Limpopo run by South Africa’s 2014 National Farmer of the Year, the Bosveld Group, proves that not all old land reform plans need to be totally discarded in favour of new models.

Managing for drought conditions

The drought during the past summer grain production season could result in cash flow restraints for grain producers. At the same time, livestock management has become increasingly important for mitigating the effects of the drought, Annelie Coleman reports.
Farmer reduces electricity usage by 20%

Farmer reduces electricity usage by 20%

The farm Lushof in the Koue Bokkeveld produces stone and pome fruit on 220ha.The operation has managed to reduce its annual electricity bill by about 20%, with the help of new irrigation technology and smart planning.
Universal Expo – exploring solutions to end world hunger

Universal Expo – exploring solutions to end world hunger

Hunger remains an everyday reality for 795 million people across the globe. The vast majority of these – 780 million – live in developing regions. This year’s Universal Expo, hosted in Milan, Italy, focuses on finding sustainable solutions to end world hunger. Denene Erasmus attended the event.
Profits from diversification

Profits from diversification

Johan Tijssen, owner of Dicla Farm and Seed and a first-generation South African of Dutch descent, demonstrates how it’s possible to generate a multi-million rand annual turnover from just 260ha.
Understanding water-use licences

Understanding water-use licences

There is still confusion in the agriculture sector about the need for water-use licences, says Desmond Visser. Now the application process has been streamlined.
Rifles customised for the SA market

Rifles customised for the SA market

Hunting rifles lovingly handcrafted by Ralph Badenhorst Bespoke Rifles can compete shot-for-shot with European tailor-made rifles. Gerhard Uys visited the team for a closer look at their unique creations.
Brewing craft beer in the Cederberg

Brewing craft beer in the Cederberg

Two sisters from the farm Kromrivier in the Cederberg are brewing up a storm with their premium-quality craft beers, and at the same time contributing to the region’s ecotourism.

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