Brothers find niche with brewery and ecotourism
Having limited access to water in a traditional fruit and vineyard producing region did not stop Adrian Robinson and his brother, Phillip, from realising their farming dream. They spoke to...
Sustaining existing trade partnerships and finding new markets is imperative for South African agriculture
South Africa is in the enviable position of being a net exporter of agriculture products. Aside from the obvious contribution this makes to the country’s gross domestic product and job...
Innovative funding solutions for producers
Agrico has partnered with Nedbank Commercial Banking to offer farmers enhanced financing options for their new centre-pivot irrigation systems.
A new strategy for maize marketing
Markus Monteiro, Bennie Grové and Nicolette Matthews of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State provide an alternative hedging strategy for the South African maize...
SA’s export fruit industry: Why market relationships are key to future success
A paper on the performance of South Africa’s fresh fruit exports has been released by Henley Business School Africa in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science and Stellenbosch...
Fund aims to boost regenerative agriculture
Switching from conventional to regenerative agriculture may be necessary, but it’s costly. Nic van Schalkwyk, executive director of Restore Africa Funds, spoke to Glenneis Kriel, about his organisation’s solution to...
Farming of the future
Regenerative agriculture is said to be the farming way of the future. It is believed that switching to regenerative agriculture methods minimises carbon emissions, promotes biodiversity, protects the soil, and...
Why soya deserves a bigger place on people’s plates
In an ocean of pricey superfoods, soya stands out as being so cheap that its value is often downplayed. Used predominantly for animal feed, soya beans for human consumption faces...
Financial solutions for agricultural business owners
We all know there are no short cuts to success and anything worthwhile requires a lot of effort, commitment and determination. That is why you take very good care with...
The year that was for agriculture and what to expect in 2024
The year 2023 has, in many ways, been a year of consolidation and recovery, particularly for exports. And while there has been some easing of input costs, many challenges and...
Rusks: A homemade success story
Almost two decades ago, Heather van Zyl began baking rusks in her kitchen for neighbours and friends. Today she sells 60t across five provinces. Mike Burgess visited her recently on...
Cheaper, crowdfunded solar energy for farmers
Sun Exchange uses crowdfunding to help schools, farms and other organisations switch to solar power. Abe Cambridge, the founder of Sun Exchange, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this solution.
Growing gerberas in a volatile market
Florist Carol Sutherland spoke to Tania Henkel, who runs Imbali Cut Flowers in Gauteng, about the challenges of producing gerberas, also known as Barberton daisies.
The clear business case for sustainable agriculture
Sustainability is not only about humanity adapting to changes and finding ways to fulfil the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations; it also provides significant...
Award-winning gin from Namibia’s dry interior
The innovative Naute Kristall Distillery is situated near Keetmanshoop in Namibia’s arid southern region. Established by Michael and Katrin Weder, it has become renowned for its outstanding, prize-winning gin.
Helping unemployed graduates to find work
Armed with a degree and youthful vigour, many a graduate has faced the stark reality of being unable to secure a job despite their qualifications. Lindi Botha spoke to Jenny...
Nedbank empowers South Africa’s agricultural resilience
We’re stronger together – how collaborating with the right partners can help the agrisector thrive.
Diversification drives success of leading SA agri group
Despite having diversified into mining, construction, civil contracting, and heavy equipment hire, the ALS Group remains at heart a family farming business characterised by attention to detail, professionalism and integrity. Magda...
The pitfalls and benefits of diversifying your farming operation
Diversification enables farmers to spread risk and add additional income streams, but within the opportunities lie some hazards. Lindi Botha spoke to farmers who have successfully integrated their current operations...
New era for Orange River raisin producers
The Vine Academy and Model Farm were officially launched in May 2022 to improve the sustainability of raisin farmers. Ferdie Botha, CEO of Raisins SA, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about...
