How to export your fresh produce into Asia and Africa
Africa and Asia offer much allure for South African fresh produce exporters. But this country’s farmers must do their homework well before they plunge into these markets. Wilma den Hartigh...
Was this the worst year ever for SA’s pork producers?
The recent drought has pushed the price of pig feed sky-high, and SA pork producers are reeling as a result. Unfortunately, it will be at least six months before conditions...
How a business investment became a farming passion
As new entrants to South Africa’s feedlot industry, entrepreneurial husband-and-wife team, Mochele and Rosemary Noge of Emfuleni Voerkrale, soon found that the key to success in this highly competitive business...
Eastern Cape empowerment project’s R1,5m pineapple crop
An old Eastern Cape pineapple farm has been revitalised to provide job opportunities for the local community. This year, the first harvest is expected to earn more than R1,5 million.
SAPPO helping small-scale pig farmers
Only a handful of black pig producers in South Africa have achieved commercial status. Most run small operations that make only a marginal contribution to total pork production.
From bankruptcy to national success for Western Cape dairy
Starting literally overnight and through necessity 25 years ago, the family company Darling Creamery now produces over 300 separate high-quality product lines – and is proof that success comes from...
The tough business of flower production
After 80 years, the family business Engelke Blomme continues to produce outstanding flowers, despite a highly competitive market. Glenneis Kriel spoke Günther Engelke about their success.
ARC’s top emerging beef farmer beats the odds
Tembeka Mbeshu, the 2016 Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year for the Eastern Cape, runs a herd of about 30 predominantly Bonsmara-type cows in the Elliot...
Mike Mlengana commits to working with farmers
Mike Mlengana, director-general of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), spoke to Wilma den Hartigh about his plans for the agricultural industry, why he is concerned about the...
KZN community fights poverty through forestry project
A total of 7 000ha was transferred to the Mabandla community in Kwazulu-Natal as part of government’s land reform programme. The community has since established several successful ventures, including a...
Managing volatility in the agricultural market
Volatility has become the norm in agricultural markets. Nico Groenwald, head of agriculture at Standard Bank, advises how farmers can keep their heads above water in uncertain times.
The homesteading approach to sustainable lifestyle farming
In a world dominated by size and scale, Bruce and Alison Gilson have found ways to make their small Western Cape farm economically viable. Glenneis Kriel visited them.
AASA can benefit your agritourism business
The Association for Agritourism in South Africa unites farmers and potential tourists on its website.
Commercial success from ‘instant’ trees
The journey of Themba Trees Tree Farm near Grabouw started in her backyard, says Caroline de Villiers, the Western Cape department of agriculture’s Top Commercial Female Entrepreneur for 2016. Today,...
Young agripreneur links small-scale farmers to markets
Agribusiness entrepreneur, Leeko Makoene, has a grand vision for South Africa’s young farmers, but thinks a mindshift is needed to kick-start renewal in the sector. She explained to Wilma den...
Agri insurance: why more and more farmers are opting out
The hefty losses suffered in the agricultural sector as a result of the drought has raised questions about the relevance of agricultural insurance in today’s farming environment. Wilma den Hartigh...
The essence of organic brandy production
Edmund Oettle, South Africa’s only organic brandy producer, explains that his farming approach is a life choice. He speaks to Jay Ferreira about his business operation near Wellington in the...
Côte d’Ivoire – bringing out the best in cocoa production
Cocoa may be the main ingredient in one of the world’s favourite confectioneries, but its production has, at times, been plagued by scandal. Efforts are underway in Côte d’Ivoire and...
A common purpose for agriculture in Africa
Agriculture in Africa will never succeed unless governments, private businesses and farming communities learn to trust each other and work together. Klaus Eckstein, CEO of Bayer Southern Africa, spoke to...
Winning with wool – a top communal farmer’s story
Award-winning farmer, Goodman Ginyigazi, farms over 260 Merino sheep in the rural area of Agnes Rest, in the former Transkei. Despite communal land tenure restrictions, he generates an annual turnover...
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