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Explore the latest farming business news, including agriculture markets, crop and livestock trends, farm management, and industry insights

In the fight against Covid-19, help is now even closer at hand

The free 911 Response24 app will now enable you to get the help and information you need with regards to COVID-19.

Transformation project stands as an example

Despite ongoing delays and red tape, Merino stud breeder Eddie Prinsloo and eight of his employees have begun farming in partnership in a business known as the Donkerhoek Farming Project. Sabrina Dean visited them on Prinsloo’s Free State farm to learn about the venture.

Inside a family-run abattoir that slaughters 800 cattle a day

The Beefmaster Group’s abattoir in Kimberley can process up to 800 cattle a day. Roelie van Reenen, the group’s supply-chain executive, spoke to Sabrina Dean about how the group operates and maintains its high standards.

Microgreens: a tiny crop with big returns

What started out as a hobby has turned into an exciting farming venture for Melanie and Jan-Hendrik du Plessis of Sabie, Mpumalanga. Lindi Botha visited the couple’s microgreen farm, Bumblebee Organics, to learn more about their production and marketing techniques.

Elegant country living for all ages

St John’s Village, set on 160ha of lush countryside in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), is renowned for its active outdoor lifestyle with secure homes and retirement opportunities.

Inside SA’s biggest orchid business

What started out with a couple of plants bought at an orchid show in the 1960s, has turned into one of South Africa’s biggest orchid companies, Duckitt Nurseries. Wilferd Duckitt, the co-owner of the company, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the business.

Value-adding boosts hydroponics venture

Basil Williams, the managing director of Herbal View Hydroponics, cultivates 3t of various herbs per month on just 1ha of land. Recently, he also tapped into the enormous potential of value-adding. Jeandré van der Walt visited him on his farm in Simondium, near Paarl.

Helping you farm for a sustainable future

To turn your agribusiness into a sustainable business, you need a partner like Nedbank to be with you every step of the way.

Consistent quality ensures success for popcorn exporter

A popcorn factory in a small Northern Cape town has doubled production since expanding into the export market. Sabrina Dean asked director Koos de Wet and chief financial officer Jacques Louw how Biggi Brands continues to grow its niche agro-processing business.

Mom-and-daughter team’s formula for farming success

On 8 March, the world will celebrate International Women’s Day, and the role of women in agriculture is particularly evident at Temaretha Piggery. Excellence can be seen in each aspect here, and especially in the extremely dedicated Mampe Mmeregi and Ntshieuwa Mevane.

How aquaponics benefits children and the community

Two years ago, Laerskool Kempton Park embarked on an innovative project to introduce aquaponics in its school curriculum. The produce from this system not only provides nutritious food, but teaches the learners essential life skills, says Janet Lee Ogilvie.

Auction of greenhouse facility in Carletonville

An agricultural development of ±57ha in Carletonville, with more than 12ha of established greenhouses, will fall under the hammer of Dynamic Auctioneers on Thursday 12 March at 11am.

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 numerous farmers in achieving exactly that. Lindi Botha visited three beneficiaries to find out more.

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.

Four niche crops to boost your cash flow

Diversifying a farming operation by adding a high-income niche crop is an effective way to utilise a small piece of spare land. Lindi Botha looks at four products that are gaining in popularity.

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 spared the challenges that face small-scale farmers everywhere. Lindi Botha spoke to Pakou Hang about the structures in place to uplift their community

Time for SA farmers to cash in on the succulent boom

Nearly half of the world’s succulent species are endemic to Southern Africa. Despite this, our commercial farmers have yet to cash in on the thriving global succulent market. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Anthony Rausch, chairperson of the Johannesburg Succulent Society, about the many exciting opportunities available, and ways to overcome production challenges.

How to make farming pay with no land of your own

Two postgraduate students from the University of Cape Town are facilitating farming in the heart of the city, yet neither owns a sizeable piece of land. Wandile Tshabe, co-founder of No.Land Farming, spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about their innovative project.

A farmyard in your backyard

Springvale Country Estate offers you the best of both worlds: modern, farm-style living in a secure estate, close to a major city.

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.
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