Millennials: getting ready for the next generation of consumers
Millennials, born between the 1980s and the early 2000s, are more finicky consumers than any of their predecessors. Mary Shelman, director of the Agribusiness Programme at Harvard Business School in the US, speaks about their effect on the farming sector.
Mascor’s day in the sun
The KZN-based John Deere dealer network, Mascor, showcased some of its latest products at the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show. Joe Spencer attended the event.
The Tribine
A completely new concept in harvest technology is the result of years of original thought,
design exercises and prototype trials.
The biennial Sugarfest Show
The biennial Sugarfest Show at Amatikulu in KZN invariably comes up with something different.
This year was no exception, says Joe Spencer.
Good for backs and bottom lines
Michris Janse van Rensburg has enjoyed considerable commercial success with his range of
hand planters and fertiliser applicators.
Functional & affordable – JMC 1,6T Carrying light truck
The JMC 1,6T Carrying light truck comes in various configurations and is a real workhorse, but still caters for the comfort of drivers.
Choosing the ideal bakkie
Luxurious and pricey, most of today’s bakkies are designed for well-heeled urbanites rather than farmers. How then do you pick an affordable, no-nonsense vehicle that can cope with the everyday demands of a farm?
Tractors by the ton!
A wide assortment of tractors was on display at Nampo this year. Here is the second of two reviews.
Tractors galore at Nampo
The new tractors on show at Nampo ranged from the 14kW Hinomoto 180D to the 440kW Challenger MT875E, and all promised increased efficiency and reduced operating costs, thanks to the latest engine and drive train technology.
Royal Show pictorial
A selection of some of the exhibits that caught Joe Spencer’s eye at his 47th Pietermaritzburg Royal Show.
Pneumonic (lung) pasteurellosis in cattle
No matter the age, sex or breed of cattle, all are susceptible to pneumonic pasteurellosis, and
the disease can account for up to 50% of mortality under feedlot conditions. Dr JH du Preez
and Dr Faffa Malan discuss its development, symptoms and control measures.
Botulism in livestock
Botulism is a pathological condition causing complete or partial paralysis. It occurs mainly in cattle, although other organisms may also be affected. Dr Jan du Preez and Dr Faffa Malan discuss its cause, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and control.
Bovine tuberculosis
Bovine tuberculosis is a centuries-old, chronic and highly contagious disease. Dr JH du Preez and Dr Faffa Malan discuss its dangers, transmission, symptoms and treatment.
Unlocking the baobab’s feed potential
Baobab seeds hold promise as a low-cost supplement, says Prince Chisoro of the University of Fort Hare.
Top of the Claas at Nampo
Kempston Agri, the new CLAAS distributor for Southern Africa, had an impressive display of the company’s products at Nampo.
Planters at Nampo
On display at Nampo was a wide range of equipment designed to speed up cultivating and planting.
Three-day stiff-sickness
This is one of the dairy industry’s most important erosion diseases, and can lead to significant financial losses, according to Dr Jan du Preez and Dr Faffa Malan.
Latest implements at Nampo
At every Nampo, a specific implement type seems to be on display everywhere. This year it was the combine chaser bin or ‘de-bulker’.
Rural conservation agriculture success story
High-Value Crop (HVC) production could potentially make the Eastern Cape’s OR Tambo district municipality self-reliant in terms of food, according to Joseph Sello Kau, an agricultural economist at the ARC.
Night Riders
Bats are of enormous value to urban and rural people, and may be the answer to pest problems in macadamia orchards
