Cracking good run for macadamia industry
Macadamia growers are in the pound seat, with prices at unprecedented highs. Nut processor, Mayo Macs, is helping farmers ensure that the good times last, says Myles Osborn, consultant to...
The key to successful honeybee farming
Former minister of agriculture Dr Kraai van Niekerk’s honeybee hobby, which he started after quitting politics in 2009, has grown into a fully-fledged farming enterprise. It is now among the...
Wildlife ranching: WRSA’s Dr Peter Oberem explains
Wildlife ranching continues to be a fast-growing industry with a bright future, notwithstanding recent negative press that its practices harm conservation, says Dr Peter Oberem, president of Wildlife Ranching SA.
Still emerging – but getting there!
Input costs are biting hard, but Matla-Gamede Farming’s owners are determined to turn their operation into a fully-fledged commercial business.
A peachy outlook for KZN poverty alleviation
It is an unfortunate reality that unemployment and poverty are rife in South Africa’s traditional authority areas. A pilot research project to develop commercial peach production and processing in parts...
Family farming: fostering a good working relationship
Transferring a farming operation amicably to the next generation requires communication and planning, says agri-economist Dr Philip Theunissen.
Here’s to a brighter future for brandy
South African brandy sales decreased from a high of 45 million litres in 1999 to 31 million litres last year. Christelle Reade-Jahn, director of the SA Brandy Foundation, spoke to...
Game exports after FMD
The local game industry was hit hard by the EU’s ban on meat exports, lifted early last year. Now, SA exporters are struggling to regain lost revenue and re-establish markets....
Hydro-electricity: all the power, half the cost
With South Africa’s national power supply becoming increasingly unreliable, fruit farmer Kobus van der Westhuizen decided to install a hydro-electric plant on his Western Cape farm. This has greatly reduced...
The ripple effect of SA’s maize crop shock
South Africa’s maize crop, the smallest in eight years, will probably fuel inflation in the months to come as the price of maize increases. Jaco Visser spoke to economists as...
New dairy export era as EU quotas end
The phasing out of the EU quota system and rising global demand for milk offer export opportunities for the Netherlands. Despite differences in demographics and production circumstances, this country has...
Crocodile farming gains momentum
South Africa is seeing renewed interest in crocodile farming, with skins fetching attractive prices. There is a growing international demand for the product, and SA may be at an advantage.
Poultry producers’ recovery
South Africa’s poultry companies have had a rally in their share prices over the past year as a slump in the maize price boosted confidence in higher profits. Jaco Visser...
How mentoring should work
Cois Harman’s assistance to developing farmer GK Gasekoma is a case study in mentoring. His procedure should be compulsory in any project involving taxpayers’ money.
Food processors a mixed bag
Last year, SA’s major diversified food-processing companies produced a mixed bag of results. Most grew their sales, but struggling consumers meant that profits lagged. Despite this, investors continued to buy...
Land reform success for Western Cape fruit farmer
After having built up a successful fruit trading enterprise, Joseph Hendricks began farming apples and pears on land that was in desperate need of attention. Today his farming company, Kaapschön,...
Strong work ethic and passion for farming pays off
Maize and sunflower producer from Senekal, John Dipale, ascribes his success to hard work and passion for agriculture. At 64, John works even harder than the young men on his...
Indian investor smitten by South African winelands
Why has a wealthy Indian businessman become enamoured of SA’s wine industry? Analjit Singh told Denene Erasmus of his love affair with Franschhoek and his decision to invest in wineries...
Straight talk: a top farm worker on labour issues
Jerome Thomas, Western Cape Farm Worker of the Year, started his career as a general labourer on Kanonkop Estate 15 years ago. He now works as a supervisor and serves...
OVK – Growing the country’s rural economy
Agribusiness OVK has returned more than R320 million to farmer-shareholders in two years through a loyalty scheme, dividends and a high share price.
ADVERTISEMENT
MUST READS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
