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Farmer’s Weekly brings you the latest farming business and agricultural news updates.

Greenhouse farming at Dube Tradeport AgriZone

Well-established vegetable grower Qutom Farms has taken out a lease on advanced greenhouses at Dube TradePort’s AgriZone, allowing the company to expand its regional supply. Robyn Joubert spoke to director Derrick Baird.

Economic reasons for retrenchment

Economic - The immediate inference one might make regarding economic reasons for a retrenchment is that the business is suffering losses and needs to cut costs by reducing the number of employees.

Basic guide to retrenchments

The new minimum wage for farm workers came into effect on 1 March. While most farmers will do their utmost to hold onto their current workforce, some will have no option but to retrench. Industrial relations expert Grant Hollins explains the do’s and don’ts of retrenching staff.

Food on the table, money in the bank

Community non-profit organisation, Letsha la Eleroi, farms on a small scale to provide fresh vegetables to the sick and the elderly. Project chairperson Beauty Tsokunyane tells Peter Mashala how the project progressed from home-based care to a profitable operation.

Rethinking energy dependence

With huge increases in Eskom tariffs, more and more farmers are investing in alternative energy solutions. Mike Burgess visited Eastern Cape farmer Luke Bell to learn more about his KRE hybrid system.

Growing profit in the ‘fifth quarter’

Multi-national financial services provider, Rabobank, says the value of the so-called fifth quarter has increased significantly in recent years, making meat processors more competitive. Albert Vernooij, of Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory division, shares his research with Farmer’s Weekly.
Sugar industry in SA faces bitter challenges ahead

Sugar industry in SA faces bitter challenges ahead

South Africa’s R12 billion a year sugar industry may be one of the world’s leading cost-competitive producers of high quality sugar, but it is currently beset by challenges. Trix Trikam, executive director of the SA Sugar Association, shares his thoughts on the matter with Lloyd Phillips.

Health programme benefits employees

A number of illness-related deaths and low productivity in the workforce spurred poultry producer Astral to implement a wellness programme that reduced fatal illnesses and significantly improved overall health and efficiency in the workforce. Lindi van Rooyen reports.

Eastern Cape berry project shows great promise

Amathole Berries near Stutterheim expects to yield 3 000t of blueberries per season by 2020. Mike Burgess spoke to acting CEO Ryan Davies about the company’s challenges and its place in the berry corridor.

So, corruption is in our ‘culture’, is it?

The ANC’s attempt to justify and even, it seems, encourage dodgy dealings is an affront to Africans.

Getting the basics right: courses in hands-on skills

Major agricultural products supplier, Dicla Farm & Seed, recently established a training centre near Tarlton, north-west of Johannesburg, to equip new small-scale farmers and farm workers with practical skills and knowledge. Peter Mashala visited the Dicla Training Centre.
The key to running a top broiler business

The key to running a top broiler business

Sound management and investing in human resources has brought Gilbert Phalafala swift success.

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