Technology

The spate of applications to explore large areas of South Africa for natural resources to mine is of increasing concern to the agricultural sector. Agri SA executive director, Omri van Zyl, and TAU SA general manager, Bennie van Zyl, share their farmers unions’ views on the subject with Lloyd Phillips.

The saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” is certainly applicable to intensive farming systems such as hydroponics and aeroponics. Planning should encompass climate control, handling, processing, value-adding and marketing your products, writes Prof Gert Venter.

Hyundai has earned a reputation for quality and reliability. In a hotly contested class, the new Tucson compact stands out. It’s comfortable on the tar and capable on dirt roads. Gavin Foster reports.

Pöttinger has joined the ranks of planter manufacturers that promote the value of double rows in maize and other crops, says Joe Spencer.

In this instalment of our series on alternative crop production methods, international hydroponics consultant, Prof Gert Venter, outlines the various elements that plants need for optimal growth.

Erdvark manufactures rugged, specialised disc implements for cultivating new crops. Amongst its newer products are specialised ridgers that enable fruit and nut farmers to establish ridges for optimal tree growth.

Additional models in the Ford Everest range make this highly impressive SUV a serious option for many more buyers. Gavin Foster reports.

The various brands involved in the deal include Kongskilde, Överum and JF, and represent a major extension to New Holland’s range of hay and grass equipment.

The 225kW Case IH Optum 300 CVX combines power, fuel economy and manoeuvrability, and was recently named tractor of the year 2017.

In the second instalment of our series on alternative crop production methods, international hydroponics consultant, Prof Gert Venter, highlights common mistakes made by farmers.

Crop farmers often unknowingly lump all insects into the ‘destructive’ category. However, according to Dr Annemie Erasmus of the Agricultural Research Council’s Grain Crops Institute, many are beneficial to crop farmers.

Turnerland Manufacturing, a South African company, produces world-class potato and onion harvesting equipment. Joe Spencer explores its latest model.

In the first of a series on alternative crop production methods, international hydroponics consultant, Prof Gert Venter, explores hydroponics as a viable solution to global food security challenges, including water and energy constraints and a shortage of available agricultural land.

Rumours that Mercedes-Benz was developing a bakkie were confirmed by the recent unveiling of the X-Class concept in Stockholm.

An ultrasound cleaning technology for drip irrigation systems, produced by SA inventor Leon Lingnau and marketed as Greendrum, was proven to be highly effective during recent trials by the Agricultural Research Council – Institute for Agricultural Engineering (ARC-IAE). Felix Reinders, programme manager at the ARC-IAE, spoke to Gerhard Uys.

The first-ever national vegetable farmer’s day, attended by visitors from across the country, was held at the JSF farm in Gauteng. Joe Spencer was there.

The recent vegetable farmers’ day in Bapsfontein exhibited a number of implements that can help small-scale growers to plant and cultivate vegetables more efficiently.

Testing a brand-new commercial vehicle is not necessarily a fair reflection of its capability and performance. After a few thousand kilometres, it is an altogether different matter, as Chris Nel discovers.

Over the past 30 years, Howick-based Falcon Agricultural Equipment has proved that it can compete with the best in the world, especially when it comes to rotary cutters.

Eco-Lyte is an environmentally-friendly disinfectant that eliminates pathogens. Gerhard Uys spoke to Rowan McDonald, chief technical officer at ECA Technologies Africa, about the new technology.