Award-winning gin from Namibia’s dry interior
The innovative Naute Kristall Distillery is situated near Keetmanshoop in Namibia’s arid southern region. Established by Michael and Katrin Weder, it has become renowned for its outstanding, prize-winning gin.
Helping unemployed graduates to find work
Armed with a degree and youthful vigour, many a graduate has faced the stark reality of being unable to secure a job despite their qualifications. Lindi Botha spoke to Jenny...
Nedbank empowers South Africa’s agricultural resilience
We’re stronger together – how collaborating with the right partners can help the agrisector thrive.
Leadership and vision ensure success for community company
Since 2000, the government has invested more than R74 million in the Blocuso community in the Northern Cape. Dirk Claassen, financial manager of the Blocuso company, spoke to Glenneis Kriel...
Diversification drives success of leading SA agri group
Despite having diversified into mining, construction, civil contracting, and heavy equipment hire, the ALS Group remains at heart a family farming business characterised by attention to detail, professionalism and integrity. Magda...
The pitfalls and benefits of diversifying your farming operation
Diversification enables farmers to spread risk and add additional income streams, but within the opportunities lie some hazards. Lindi Botha spoke to farmers who have successfully integrated their current operations...
New era for Orange River raisin producers
The Vine Academy and Model Farm were officially launched in May 2022 to improve the sustainability of raisin farmers. Ferdie Botha, CEO of Raisins SA, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about...
Opportunities await SA rabbit producers abroad
While rabbit production is relatively small in South Africa, there is great untapped export potential, should the industry meet its challenges head-on.
Empowering communities to cope with climate change
Local communities need to be part of the process of better understanding climate change adaptation. Moreover, supporting small green economies could assist in job creation for the community. An environmental...
How a dairy concern adds value to a diversified operation
With so many variables in the farming landscape, diversification is a useful strategy to hedge one’s risk and ensure a steady cash flow. However, managing multiple divisions comes with its...
Why Florida, US, has become a magnet for SA’s emigrant farmers
The US offers many top choices for South African farmers seeking to emigrate. Florida and Texas are traditionally two of the most popular states that South Africans choose to relocate...
Land Bank on the path to financial stability
Despite its recent financial troubles, Themba Rikhotso, CEO of the Land Bank, told Annelie Coleman the institution was on its way to recovery.
Unlocking the soil’s potential with biochar
Biochar, the residue created by burning biomass, has been increasingly recognised for its remarkable ability to improve soil fertility and store carbon. Kobus Stoop, director of Cape Town-based Senfore Soil...
Pooled finances: The power behind a thriving small-scale producer
Inga Qeja is the owner of Bhayi Holdings, a business that grows vegetables near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, and hopes to expand to include other crops and livestock. He...
SA’s cannabis industry: a potential powerhouse
Cannabis production could spur employment in South Africa, but the regulatory framework of the industry is not being formulated at the desired pace, says independent writer Shamin Chibba.
A silver bullet to protect your herds and flocks
Silver hydrogen peroxide is a stable disinfectant with numerous purposes, says Douglas Spinas of Peroxsil Ag+ at Phend Pharmaceuticals. He spoke to Janine Ryan.
Culdevco’s fruit cultivars boost profitability
During the 2022/23 season, South Africa’s fruit producers faced slow supply chains, increased production costs, weather problems, and difficulties with fruit size.
Beef and wine in South Korea: big opportunities for SA exporters
South Korea is one of the world’s least self-sufficient countries in terms of agricultural production. Janine Ryan looks at some of the opportunities in this East Asian country that may...
The ARC: At the forefront of food security in South Africa
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is South Africa’s premier agricultural research organisation and the custodian of scientific research in this field on behalf of the South African government and public.
Farmers’ strategies for weathering the flower market storm
Carol Sutherland, a florist for almost 30 years, has seen many changes in South Africa’s flower industry. For this first article of a three-part series, she spoke to Leon Pretorius,...
