Technology

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.

On-off rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of farmers attending the Northmec farmers’ day at the Baynesfield Recreational Club in KwaZulu-Natal. And judging by the number of orders secured, the event was a considerable success.

A new versatile cane fertiliser, designed and built in Pietermaritzburg, was recently demonstrated at Ocean Lodge Farm in Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal.

The fruit industry is devising a new rootstock evaluation system to improve its competitiveness.

Forty years ago, Rick Brendon saw the potential for a small air seeder. Since then, Ndume seeders have been sold in many African countries.

To ensure agricultural sustainability in South Africa, it is crucial that more efficient irrigation systems be implemented. Agricultural resource manager, Felicity Mitchell, explains how this can be achieved.

Advanced new farming technology is changing the way farmers produce food and manage their businesses. But how do producers know if they’re spending too much on technology and if the new equipment will ultimately yield the promised financial returns?

The world’s first ‘flat-pack’ truck, the OX can be shipped in pieces and assembled in just 12 hours. It is specifially designed to provide all-terrain mobility in rough, remote areas.

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), a pest well known to South African farmers, recently surfaced in Australia, and SA scientists are assisting with the development of RWA-resistant cultivars.