Agribusiness

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.

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 More, director of RecruitAgri, about why this scenario keeps playing out, and how to solve it.

We’re stronger together – how collaborating with the right partners can help the agrisector thrive.

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 du Toit recently visited some of the agricultural and other business ventures in which the award-winning ALS Group is involved, and filed this report.

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 through multicropping and other methods about how to tackle this juggling act without dropping the ball.

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 this development.

While rabbit production is relatively small in South Africa, there is great untapped export potential, should the industry meet its challenges head-on.

With so many variables in the farming landscape, diversification is a useful strategy to hedge one’s risk and ensure a steady cash flow. However, managing multiple divisions comes with its own challenges. Jan Grey, who farms in Mpumalanga’s Bethal region, spoke to Lindi Botha about his winning strategies.

The US offers many top choices for South African farmers seeking to emigrate. Florida and Texas are traditionally two of the most popular states that South Africans choose to relocate to, and both offer excellent agriculture opportunities.

Despite its recent financial troubles, Themba Rikhotso, CEO of the Land Bank, told Annelie Coleman the institution was on its way to recovery.

Biochar, the residue created by burning biomass, has been increasingly recognised for its remarkable ability to improve soil fertility and store carbon. Kobus Stoop, director of Cape Town-based Senfore Soil Conditioning, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the substance and its potential for agriculture.

Cannabis production could spur employment in South Africa, but the regulatory framework of the industry is not being formulated at the desired pace, says independent writer Shamin Chibba.

Silver hydrogen peroxide is a stable disinfectant with numerous purposes, says Douglas Spinas of Peroxsil Ag+ at Phend Pharmaceuticals. He spoke to Janine Ryan.

During the 2022/23 season, South Africa’s fruit producers faced slow supply chains, increased production costs, weather problems, and difficulties with fruit size.

South Korea is one of the world’s least self-sufficient countries in terms of agricultural production. Janine Ryan looks at some of the opportunities in this East Asian country that may await South African farmers and exporters of wine and beef.

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is South Africa’s premier agricultural research organisation and the custodian of scientific research in this field on behalf of the South African government and public.

Carol Sutherland, a florist for almost 30 years, has seen many changes in South Africa’s flower industry. For this first article of a three-part series, she spoke to Leon Pretorius, manager of Pretorius Blomme near Delmas in Mpumalanga, about how he has adapted his business to an increasingly demanding market.

Manuchar has expanded its crop nutrition footprint with the purchase of a 50% stake in Anorel (Pty) Ltd, a distributor of fertilisers for high-precision agriculture. This will enable it to reach more clients in South Africa.

Despite adverse production conditions, Senegal’s agriculture sector is an essential employer. Janine Ryan looks at some of the major commodities produced in this West African country.

In his recent budget speech and interview with Farmer’s Weekly, Thabo Mokone, MEC of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted key outcomes and plans for the department.