Co-op boosts smallholder farmers’ success
Since forming a co-op three years ago, smallholder vegetable farmers Johannes Arendse, Joseph Bantom and Polly Theunissen have expanded their business and gained access to assistance that will help them grow even further. Denene Erasmus reports.
Understanding water-use licences
There is still confusion in the agriculture sector about the need for water-use licences, says Desmond Visser. Now the application process has been streamlined.
Rifles customised for the SA market
Hunting rifles lovingly handcrafted by Ralph Badenhorst Bespoke Rifles can compete shot-for-shot with European tailor-made rifles. Gerhard Uys visited the team for a closer look at their unique creations.
Eastern Cape’s top developing beef farmer
Lawrence Maduna (65), the Agricultural Research Council’s Eastern Cape Emerging Beef Farmer for 2014, farms a Bonsmara-dominated herd of 160 breeding females in the Lady Grey district of the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited him to learn about his winning approach to beef production.
Brewing craft beer in the Cederberg
Two sisters from the farm Kromrivier in the Cederberg are brewing up a storm with their premium-quality craft beers, and at the same time contributing to the region’s ecotourism.
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 Mayo Macs.
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 top 20 honeybee operations in the Western Cape.
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 of KwaZulu-Natal hopes to help alleviate this situation.
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 Denene Erasmus about the value of brandy to the wine industry and plans to regain some of the spirit’s market share.
