Improving the ‘Zulu chicken’
Increasing the productivity of traditional chickens is an easy way of providing food and income for rural families. Dr Ed Wethli spoke to Robyn Joubert about the success of the...
Why we need more ubuntu
Instead of competing against each other, small-scale farmers should work together to earn more.
Profit from pigs
Mahuhudi Masipa of Zuurbekom in Johannesburg’s West Rand left the corporate world to become a pig farmer in 2009. She says farming is a business just like any other and...
Surviving tough times
Award-winning farmer Steve Botha has managed to remain successful in the niche market he created through innovation, extending his product range, maintaining a close relationship with his clients and growing...
Famous cheese from a small farm
While many farmers try to grow their enterprises as big as possible, this goat cheese business is staying small – and it’s thriving, thanks to its location. Robyn Joubert reports.
Reducing the distance between farm & fork
Jasmyn in Hartbeespoort has grown from a double garage-size farm stall to a farmers’ market of choice for fresh food lovers in the Gauteng area. The farm and shop are...
Pigs – and persistence
Tabi Diphoko of Dobsonville, Soweto, has faced many challenges in his farming career, including the loss of his wife, which nearly caused him to give up. But at 77, this...
Invest in your WORK FORCE
An effective labour management system is one of the most important investments 2011 Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year Gog van der Colff made in his grape and raisin...
Can Settlers become a great farming school again?
Once one of South Africa's top agricultural high schools, Settlers is today a shadow of its former self. Its farming facilities have deteriorated, sponsorship has dried up, and many of...
Empowering emerging citrus farmers
Since 2007, a family-run citrus business near Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape has partnered with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to empower emerging citrus farmers in the former Ciskei.
Tractor maintenance: Tips on driving, cleaning and storing your tractor
In the final part of this series, Peter Hittersay offers advice on how to drive and operate a tractor safely, as well as keep it clean and in good condition.
From city dweller to commercial farmer
Mojalefa Molefe moved from Soweto to Mokgwaneng, Limpopo, to take care of the family's cattle herd after his father's death. In seeking to adopt more modern - and profitable -...
Georgia on their minds: Why SA farmers and investors are looking east
The natural beauty isn't the only reason why many agri-investors are eyeing Georgia. During a whirlwind tour as guest of the State Ministry on Diaspora Issues, Farmer's Weekly editor Alita...
Sustainable farming in Lesotho – thanks to Thailand
For five years, Lesotho's royal farm in Matsieng has showcased a sustainable farming approach for local lowland farmers. This "sufficiency model" originates in Thailand, and its diversified use of land...
New markets for SA farmers
As the economic crisis in Europe closes doors to agri-exporters, markets in other parts of the globe are opening. Robyn Joubert reports on export opportunities in Iran, Australia and Vietnam
Tractor maintenance: Save fuel, and stay safe, when operating your tractor
In the second-last part of this series, Peter Hittersay looks at fuel conservation, storage and refuelling, as well as safety standards.
A desire to succeed
Zabion de Wee graduated from the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute last year and is doing an internship with the National Wool Growers' Association. An ambitious young man, he has plans...
Where using bagasse for green energy production works
In Mauritius, the sugar industry co-generates a significant proportion of the country's electricity needs, using bagasse as feedstock.
Management & diversification: Two keys to success
Due to poor management, many agricultural co-ops across the country are struggling. Zivuseni Agricultural Co-operative outside Nigel in the East Rand is an exception. Thanks to good discipline, the business...
Rates rumble in Beaufort West
Farmers in Beaufort West are taxed R3 104 (R2 500 after rebates) per annum for each R1 million their farm is worth, while farmers under the adjoining Baviaans municipality are...
