Agri park empowers youth through veggie farming project
Government’s move to establish agri parks as a way to transform rural communities has sparked much debate. amaVeg in Komatipoort has successfully broken into the local and export markets and...
Fynbos and buchu: making SA craft gins unique
Craft gin has quickly become one of the most popular drinks in South Africa, and producers are struggling to keep up with local demand. Keri Harvey spoke to craft gin...
How SA cotton industry created 5 500 jobs in four years
It’s been four years since the Department of Trade and Industry launched an initiative to increase capacity and competitiveness in South Africa’s textile and apparel industries. CEO of Cotton SA...
Zambia: independent maize miller a lifeline for smallholders
Zambia’s rural economy is dependent on thousands of resource-poor smallholder farmers. Mukumbuta Mukumbuta, a local entrepreneur, spoke to Lloyd Phillips about how his maize milling venture provides a market for...
No room for favourites – choose cattle breeds carefully
Gugulethu Zondi, the Agricultural Research Council’s 2016 National Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year, says that farming should be treated like any other business, and that beef farmers should choose...
Make more money with your livestock
It is pointless running any business if there is no commitment to achieving profits in a sustainable manner. Dr Michael Bradfield, CEO of both AgriBSA and Wagyu South Africa, highlighted...
De Doorns’ empowerment table grape farm
While many land reform projects across the country have failed, Siyazama Klipland Boerdery, a BEE company in De Doorns, is testimony to how projects can succeed with the right attitude....
Practical tips for starting a rabbit farm
While rabbit farming can be fairly lucrative, it is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Karoline Steenekamp about the do’s and don’ts when starting a rabbit enterprise.
Innovative, sustainable aquaponics production in Berlin
With arable land under increasing pressure, there is a strong push to use urban space in new ways to help meet the demand for food and fibre. Lloyd Phillips visited...
Agricultural development’s education gap
Six years ago, Michelle Adelman, named Africa’s Most Influential Woman in the category for Business and Professional Services by CEO Global in 2017, started the boutique project development and impact...
Contributing to the growth of dairy farmers
As a member and former president of Milk SA, Tsitsikamma dairy farmer Nigel Lok explains that 25% of the statutory levy commercial dairy farmers pay to Milk SA goes to...
Personalised banking relationships are essential for farmers
Tsitsikamma dairy farmer, Nigel Lok, has 920 Holsteins producing 25 000ℓ of milk per day, and a total herd of 1 800 cows.
Tea importer’s modern business plan for a classic product
Consumers worldwide are increasingly demanding varied flavours and health benefits from tea. Meeting this demand is what German-based Teehaus Shila excels at. Lloyd Phillips spoke to deputy manager Arpan Chatterjee...
How to handle 240 000 eggs a day
Marco Torsius is one of the founding members of commercial egg supplier TopLay, and a member of the egg committee of the SA Poultry Association. Sabrina Dean visited him to...
Top new grain farmer: from working on a farm to running one
Grain SA’s 2017 New Era Farmer of the Year, Thulo Mahlatsi, ascribes his success to hard work, careful planning, financial accountability and sound mentoring.
Veld to plate: Profiting from beef exports
Not all cuts of beef are considered equal, and where in the world you eat your steak also determines how much you pay. Namibian farming economics consultant Dr Helmke Sartorius...
International success for SA bow maker
Based in the Eastern Cape, Warrick Harvey has rapidly built an international reputation as a crafter of exceptional bows. Mike Burgess spoke to him about his life-long love of archery.
The digital sharing economy: a cheaper way to mechanise
The cost of farm machinery is a major challenge for small-scale and commercial farmers. Nick Hoffman, general manager at Linebooker, and Jehiel Oliver, creator of Hello Tractor, explain how new...
Witzenberg PALS is serious about land reform
While farmers in the Western Cape’s Witzenberg district initially started Witzenberg PALS to boost black farm ownership in the region, the company is now also involved in transformation in other...
Small-herd stud farming is big business in Canada
Small commercial beef producers and stud breeders make up a large and valuable part of Canada’s cattle value chain. While in Alberta, Gerhard Uys, who recently visited Farm Fair International,...
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