Alternative energy – do the sums first
Careful financial planning is required before moving off the grid. Prof Alan Brent from the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies shared some crucial cost calculations with Glenneis Kriel.
Ludwig’s Roses: For the love of the rose
German-born Ludwig Taschner is SA’s best-known rose grower and breeder. Mike Burgess visited his nursery, Ludwig’s Roses, north of Pretoria, to learn about the building of a business that defines the country’s rose industry.
From a hawker to an award-winning agro-processing farmer
Entrepreneur Gugu Mlipha went from being a hawker to an award-winning agro-processing farmer with a turnover of R2,4 million/year. Despite her success, she remains firmly hands-on, even driving her company’s delivery truck.
Good management: key to poultry farming success
Producing above the norm is attainable with well-managed hens, says poultry and mixed
farming producer Erik Naudé.
SA top farmer’s transformation success with lease-back model
A successful lease-back transformation project in Limpopo run by South Africa’s 2014 National Farmer of the Year, the Bosveld Group, proves that not all old land reform plans need to be totally discarded in favour of new models.
Private-sector help for an impoverished community
A poor, deeply rural Eastern Cape community is on the brink of enjoying a revival, thanks
to a project to establish a commercial farming operation amongst communal farmers. The venture is financed by investment company Wiphold.
Managing for drought conditions
The drought during the past summer grain production season could result in cash flow restraints for grain producers. At the same time, livestock management has become increasingly important for mitigating the effects of the drought, Annelie Coleman reports.
Farmer reduces electricity usage by 20%
The farm Lushof in the Koue Bokkeveld produces stone and pome fruit on 220ha.The operation has managed to reduce its annual electricity bill by about 20%, with the help of new irrigation technology and smart planning.
Universal Expo – exploring solutions to end world hunger
Hunger remains an everyday reality for 795 million people across the globe. The vast majority of these – 780 million – live in developing regions. This year’s Universal Expo, hosted in Milan, Italy, focuses on finding sustainable solutions to end world hunger. Denene Erasmus attended the event.
‘I want to be the SA ambassador of black farming’ – Buyambo Mantashe
Buyambo Mantashe is hip, urban and a 24-year-old Joburger-turned-farmer. Orrock Robertsen caught up with him on his family farm in the Eastern Cape to get his views on land reform and the opportunities for young black farmers.
Profits from diversification
Johan Tijssen, owner of Dicla Farm and Seed and a first-generation South African of Dutch descent, demonstrates how it’s possible to generate a multi-million rand annual turnover from just 260ha.
New dean for Africa’s top vet school – Onderstepoort
Prof Darrell Abernethy, appointed last year as Onderstepoort’s new dean, is poised to steer his alma mater towards addressing Africa’s desperate need for more vets in rural areas and improved disease control in herds and flocks. The dean revealed his vision to Nan Smith.