Ireland Driving Global Collaborations for Success
This St. Patrick’s Day, see where heritage meets innovation in Ireland’s Agritech industry.
Growing medical cannabis: A capital-intensive venture with big returns
Thinking of producing medical cannabis? Glenneis Kriel spoke to industry pioneers about the opportunities and pitfalls for growers of this crop.
Senwes reaffirms commitment to finance black farmers
Senwes is committed to financing black farmers to a value of at least R20 million for the 2022/23 season.
Are you geared towards these developing trends
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rate of digital integration and sped up advances crucial to the future success of many industries, including agriculture. Lindi Botha reports on the main trends that...
Teaching children about the crucial roles of insects in nature
Prof Johnnie van den Berg, an entomologist at North-West University, is passionate about insects and their critical contribution they make to the environment by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. He...
Digital tools help when dry bean outlook is uncertain
The HelloChoice online platform allows farmers to easily find buyers for their commodities, bringing with it improved transparency and security.
Garden project aims to boost food security
The COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown measures have exposed huge deficiencies in the food supply networks of the poor and vulnerable. Meyer Conradie of Mosaic Community Developments spoke to Glenneis...
What SA still needs to learn about exporting beef to China
The global beef market is highly competitive and difficult to break into. With South Africa’s beef export industry still in its infancy, Susan Marais explores the reasons why Chinese consumers...
A better hive for easier beekeeping
Beekeeper Ryno Barnes recently replaced his wooden hives with hives made of polyvinyl chloride foam board, a unique lightweight, eco-friendly material. So impressed was he with the results that he...
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...
SA Veterinary Council committed to change
According to Dr Alfred Tlolo Kgasi, president of the South African Veterinary Council, the transformation of the veterinary profession is a priority.
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.
