Technology

EkoNiva-APK is a leading milk producer in Russia and Europe. Sophisticated technology and facilities are largely behind its success.

During a recent tour to farms and the AgriTech Israel exhibition in Israel, it was revealed that despite the large volumes of water used during irrigation, South Africa could learn from that country about managing water infrastructure.

General Motors has pulled out of South Africa, but Isuzu, with its legendary KB bakkies, is here to stay.

The marketplace for fresh fruit and vegetables is becoming increasingly globalised and interconnected. This affects the way that fresh produce is transported from its origin to its destination. The Fruit Logistica Trend Report 2018 looks at ways in which the supply chain must evolve to meet these challenges. Walton Golightly summarises the report’s findings.

Case IH played a starring role in the fourth annual ADMA Agrishow.

Nitrogen may be an essential element in crop production, but its inefficient use wastes farmers’ money as well as contributing to potentially deadly pollution of the environment. Dr Alan Manson, a soil scientist with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, explains this subject further.

The improvements that Israeli companies have made to drip irrigation have seen them emerge as world leaders in irrigation efficiency. Inventors from all parts of the world take inspiration from them to offer an entire spectrum of innovations that help farmers farm better.

Growing awareness of the interconnectedness between water, energy and food security is resulting in a more holistic way of measuring sustainability, says Dr Nadine Methner from the African Climate and Development Initiative at the University of Cape Town.

Every year, the Royal Show features exhibitors and agricultural equipment quite different from those at Nampo. The Royal Show is also a showcase for smaller and local manufacturers.

Five of the most common questions around gumboots and selecting the perfect pair for the job.

Denene Erasmus, who attended the Agrishow Brazil in May, reports on some of the highlights of the show’s machinery exhibition, which attracts manufacturers from around the globe.

Drone technology, combined with satellite images and soil samples, provides macadamia farmers with more precise orchard health data than ever before. Gerhard Uys spoke to Martin Taljaard and Jaco Prinsloo about how they’re helping producers cut input costs and increase profits.

Implements in this category continue to grow larger and wider, and a considerable number demonstrated this trend at Nampo Harvest Day this year.

The powerful, versatile and fuel-efficient S374 tractor was the centre of attention at Valtrac’s Nampo stand.

Groundwater resource conservation should be the most important aspect of any irrigation farming concern in South Africa, say geohydrology consultant JL van Vuuren and drilling contractor Marnus Nel. A lack of proper management of these resources poses a serious threat to the future of the irrigation industry.

An electric car is environmentally expensive to manufacture, and its ‘fuel’ is only as clean as the nearest power station.

Turnerland Manufacturing has developed equipment that allows onion growers to harvest their crops directly from the land with minimum labour.

The Hippo hammer mill was launched at the 1928 Pietermaritzburg Royal Show. Joe Spencer takes a closer look at the company.

Smart technology is a hot topic these days – and notably so in agriculture, where there are many uses, from drones and remote water monitoring, to soil analysis, animal tracking, irrigation control and more.

Four Amazone machines received the world-renowned Design Label at this year’s iF Design Awards.