Animals

Aquaculture

Mozambique tilapia: big plans for a small fish

Fish is a healthy source of protein, but is becoming increasingly unaffordable for South Africans. Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha look at why marine tilapia may be...

Tilapia farming: Untapped SA market holds opportunity for growth

David Fincham has more than 30 years’ experience in aquaculture and is one of South Africa’s foremost tilapia specialists. Through his business in Muldersdrift near Johannesburg, he has supplied 450...

A word of warning for start-up producers

Prospective fish producers should consider all the hurdles that stand in the way of making a profit.

Sheep & goats

How to manage a lambing pen system effectively

How intensive sheep farmers can improve traceability and profit

Commercialising communal goat farming in KwaZulu-Natal

Using the drought to up your game

Sexed semen: a game changer for Damara stud

Pigeons

Young fancier’s dream to bring pigeon racing to townships

Lodumo Nkala is a young man with a plan: he wants to bring the sport of pigeon racing to South Africa’s rural townships. He shared his vision and strategy with...

PIGS

Animal welfare: Raising stress-free pigs

Raising stress-free pigs makes business sense, as it results in better growth of animals and fewer problems caused by disease. Dr Peter Evans of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation...

Horses

Beware of oak poisoning!

It can be very difficult to diagnose chronic poisoning in horses caused by the consumption of acorns, says Dr Mac.

Plough for more

News

Foot-and-mouth disease spreads to four feedlots in Limpopo

In an attempt to curb the spread of the latest foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (agriculture department) has called on role players...

Millions go to waste in failed tunnel projects

A vegetable tunnel project worth half a million rand is lying in tatters because neither the government nor the beneficiaries want to take responsibility for its upkeep.

Inflation to reach 7% by year end – economists

South Africa’s consumer inflation rate may surge to about 7% by the end of the year, and the repo rate – the rate at which the Reserve Bank lends money...

Agriculture the ‘shining star’ of SA’s economy – Stats SA

In 2020, the South African economy recorded its most significant decline in annual economic activity since 1946.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park defends estuary management plan

Management of northern KwaZulu-Natal’s 332 000ha World Heritage Site iSimangaliso Wetland Park has strenuously defended itself against criticism from the likes of well-known conservationist Wally Menne, as well as from...

A website to beef up our lifestyle

The SA Red Meat Industry has launched a website where consumers can find a host of information, not only about how to cook and prepare their favourite beef dishes, but...

Business

How a Mexican beer and limes helped uplift a community in SA

Corona beer, which originated in Mexico, is traditionally served with lime. But when beer-brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev added the brand to its line-up, it encountered a problem: a shortage of...

Farmer reduces electricity usage by 20%

The farm Lushof in the Koue Bokkeveld produces stone and pome fruit on 220ha.The operation has managed to reduce its annual electricity bill by about 20%, with the help of...

Dedicated mentorship helps achieve maize success

David Matobako, an ambitious young farmer, is proving that agricultural reform is not an idle dream. Susan Botes-Marais visited him on his Free State farm and saw how a sound...

Health programme benefits employees

A number of illness-related deaths and low productivity in the workforce spurred poultry producer Astral to implement a wellness programme that reduced fatal illnesses and significantly improved overall health and...

Senwes reaffirms commitment to finance black farmers

Senwes is committed to financing black farmers to a value of at least R20 million for the 2022/23 season.

Helping you farm for a sustainable future

To turn your agribusiness into a sustainable business, you need a partner like Nedbank to be with you every step of the way.

Lifestyle

Taking steak to the next level

Steak can be cooked and served in a variety of ways, but this Asian-inspired marinade can turn even the tastiest steak into something far more special and appetising.

Calamari pasta in tomato sauce

Pan-fried calamari is an impressive addition to the new cook’s repertoire, and the tomato sauce is a tasty reinvention of a classic. Enjoy this dish with a cold beer, or...

Brandy and mushroom risotto

There are two really big deals here, the arboria rice and the brandy. Arboria rice is essential for this dish because of its flavour, aroma, and most importantly, its stickiness.

Investing in the future

Jonno helps Joe and Hilda with plans for their retirement home.

Agritourism basics: Could you make it work?

Developing an agritourism operation may present a viable way to increase your farming income, while still maintaining normal farming activities, but it may not be suitable for every farm or...

Accommodation for adventurers

I received a call from a KZN midlands farmer, to come and see some outbuildings that he would like to convert into accommodation for prospective adventurers. In the sketch I’ve...

Animals

Running veld-adapted Dohne Merinos since 1945

The Blaine family near Kei Road in the Eastern Cape began breeding Merinos in the 1880s, and by the 1940s had established the Ross Dohne stud. This became a foundation...

Dairying on the cutting edge

Genomic testing and the ability to transfer embryos gives dairy company Inovula an edge in the industry. Dr Kobus Hendriks, the company’s managing director is also a vet and the...

Want a more profitable dairy? Take care of your calves!

Three key factors can reduce calf mortalities and boost milk yield: correct hygienic practice in calf cages, control of Cryptosporidium parvum, and implementing a colostrum programme. Specialist veterinarian Dr Chris...

Observing and training winning pigeons

Importing good pigeons isn't as important as how we train the ones we have, writes Thomas Smit.

Developing a pond farm

There is no reason that pond fish-farming could not be viable in parts of South Africa, as it is already successful elsewhere in Africa.

Eating disorders

Having a fussy nibbler or greedy gobbler can be frustrating – but there are ways of dealing with such behaviour, says Kim Dyson.

Crops

IT in fresh produce

The other day, I met with two young people from the subtropical fruit sector. As we settled down around the table, they brought out their smartphones.

Market prices – up, down & up again

As I write, the markets are awash with produce. Prices have tumbled in many cases. Our mild winter has resulted in extended production periods for some crops, which has meant...

It’s a tough road for vegetable farmers

Dear Bruce Roberts-Baxter, Your chillingly accurate letter to Farmer’s Weekly for the issue 26 February 2010, captures the plight of many farmers setting out to make a living from farming.

Biological wine farmer achieves twice regional average yield

Seven years ago, Fritz Breytenbach, a wine grape producer in the Robertson Valley, embarked on his biological farming journey. Today, he is reaping the benefits by producing almost double the...

Keeping producers producing

Agricultural economist Dr Koos Coetzee wrote about the local market's importance (Global Farming column, 5 November). Some points have a bearing on fresh produce suppliers.

A socialist dream in the making?

Once upon a time, the CEO of a certain fresh produce market in South Africa decided that his market would be run differently. He did away with the ‘market agency’.