Farming for Tomorrow

The South African Barley Breeding Institute promotes sustainable barley production. Francois Smit, barley breeder and plant pathologist at the institute, reports on two new varieties.

No macadamia processor in the world employs this method. In fact, as far as is known, no other processor of any kind uses stored solar energy on this scale, says Dorran Bungay of Agri-safari.

The pear industry is saving millions, thanks to research by Dr Ian Crouch and the introduction of his Forelle Early Market Access programme.

Farmers are often soft targets for attacks and other forms of crime. The newly developed fence-sitter warning system alerts farmers to possible fence tampering.

Flies boost stress among cattle, which could reduce milk production. Dr Paul Burden, a veterinarian at Novartis, looks at other ways in which these pests could be harmful.

Sugar industry body, SA Cane Growers’ Association, is to set up a plant to explore the feasibility of on-farm biogas and biofertiliser production.

Researchers have developed techniques that will assist a farmer in implementing a successful veld management system.

New eucalyptus hybrids have been introduced to the South African paper and pulping industry in an effort to become more competitive. CSIR environment science researcher, Karen Eatwell, explains.

Thanks to new hybrids under trial at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, popcorn production in South Africa is set to explode.

On a game ranch, animal numbers must match available browse during winter, not summer, says Dr Beanélri Janecke, wildlife researcher at the University of the Free State.

Slangbos, the plant that has drastically reduced the grazing capacity of millions of hectares in South Africa, can be turned into valuable winter fodder. This was discovered following years of work on Willem and Christine Cronje’s farm in the Zastron District.

Subsistence farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Dr Byela Tibesigwa, a post-doctoral research fellow with the Environmental Policy Research Unit at the University of Cape Town, looked into how these farmers can limit their losses when farming conditions change.