Farmer programme results in higher yields and better lives
Increasing yields tenfold is a feat that every farmer dreams of, but few realise. Yet, for the past 20 years, Grain SA, through its Farmer Development Programme, has quietly assisted...
Empowerment trust banks on barley
Since its inception, the Overberg Boerdery Trust has not only increased its output of barley, but raised dividend payments to its farmworkers.
Hmong-American co-op proves the power of collective farming
Adding vibrancy and diversity to the local food scene in Minnesota in the US, the Hmong-American farmers have earned their place on the agricultural landscape. But they have not been...
How to sell careers in agriculture to millennials
Group manager for assurance services at NWK, 34-year-old Jacqueline Mathews, maintains that South Africa’s agriculture sector needs tech-savvy, curious young people.
Entrepreneur sells family-brewed Aloe ferox remedy nationwide
Mazoyi Mixture was developed by Lwazi Marawu’s family in the Eastern Cape, and its recipe has been passed down the generations. In recent years, Marawu has taken distribution of this...
The female tractor technician who is breaking stereotypes
Lerato Baloyi is currently the only female agricultural equipment technician employed by John Deere Sub-Saharan Africa. Siyanda Sishuba spoke to the 29-year-old Baloyi about her often-challenging journey in this male-dominated...
Limpopo nut farm – a shining example of worker empowerment
Springfield Farm has invested in learnerships for its workers, has an open-door policy for agriculture students, and offers mentorships to emerging farmers.
Big opportunities for small-scale tobacco farmers
The tobacco farming industry is faced with challenges such as the regulation of the use of tobacco by the Department of Health, as well the ongoing threat of an illicit...
Farmer’s 20-year journey to acquire land, know-how and finance
Western Cape farmer Andries van der Poll grows wheat and medics on rotation on dryland, produces irrigated maize, and runs Dohne Merino sheep and Red Angus cattle. He spoke to...
Entrepreneur empowers Eastern Cape communal sorghum farmers
By developing and establishing partnerships, Luleka Mbete’s business, LM Holdings, has initiated a system that brings sorghum producers in the Eastern Cape together to link them to funding, technical expertise,...
Unique fund aims to generate 1 700 jobs over three years
Hortfin was launched in October last year to create jobs and accelerate transformation in South Africa’s deciduous fruit, table grape and wine industries. Michael Brinkhuis, CEO of Hortfin, spoke to...
Joburg chef partners with local farmers
Jack Coetzee, chef of Johannesburg-based Urbanologi restaurant and a believer in sustainable living, sources all his ingredients from within a 150km-radius of the restaurant. To achieve this, he has worked...
Creating a better world through skills and diversity
Diversity in the workplace at top agricultural companies such as Corteva Agriscience brings more ideas, skills and creativity to the table.
Pretoria breeder’s passion to save SA’s spotted donkey
Gerrit van de Pypekamp realised that if someone didn’t take charge and save the spotted donkey, its genetics would one day be extinct. What he did not expect was how...
Limpopo extension officer makes farming ‘cool’ for schoolkids
Extension officers are slowly gaining ground in the fight for food security in rural areas, but many challenges remain. John Mthembi explains to Gerhard Uys why he has targeted schools.
Small-scale cotton farming can create prosperity
The remote community of Khombaso in Mpumalanga has placed all its hope in developing a cotton industry to lift the town out of poverty and prevent further urbanisation of its...
Persistence pays off for award-winning citrus farmer
Noluthando Mbilase, who farms near Fort Beaufort, recently won the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ Top Entrepreneur Export Markets title in its annual Female Entrepreneur Awards. The award is...
Children at Play: local farm charity with global impact
Growing up on a farm gave Lion du Plessis insight into the problems faced by farmworkers. But after studying human rights he gained an even deeper understanding of these issues,which...
Working together yields profits for Keimoes farmers
The gravel road between Keimoes and Upington unfolds onto the lush, green oasis of Eksteenskuil in the Northern Cape. Here, a group of small-scale farmers have created a vibrant agricultural...
Land reform: Joint venture between seller and community pays off
When Tomahawk Farm was sold in a land claim, the owners faced a crossroads: up and leave, or stay and help. With the future success of the farm and the...
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