Today, there are about a dozen abalone farms along the coastline between Port Nolloth and East London. One of the first to be established was Jacobsbaai Sea Products in the...
Land ownership of the supply chain has enabled a number of countries to produce thousands of tons of tilapia annually. There is little reason why this cannot take place in...
Approximately 15 cichlid species occur in South Africa. To the untrained eye, several appear confusingly alike, especially as juveniles. So make sure you get the right tilapia species for your...
The Gysie Britz story
With his passion and skill, Gysie Britz raised the bar in South African pigeon racing. Thomas Smit spoke to the champion fancier about his success.
Reduce antibiotic usage with these management tips
Rising concern over antibiotic resistance is forcing livestock producers across the world to change their production management practices. Dr John Patience explains to Glenneis Kriel how pig producers can benefit...
Watch out for wasps in the stable
These aggressive insects can cause painful stings in humans and horses. Dr Mac provides some useful tips on treating your horse if it gets stung.
Plough for more
Despite challenging times ahead as well as long range forecasts showing below normal expected rainfall for South Africa, the drought will still not be declared a national disaster.
More than 100 disgruntled smallholder farmers marched to Premier Stanley Mathabatha’s office in Polokwane on Wednesday (September 23) to deliver a memorandum of demand over a stalled multi-million rand poultry...
Grain producers in the western parts of SA’s summer grain production region were in urgent need of rain to start planting for the 2017/2018 production season, according to a Grain...
A group of former commercial farmers in Zimbabwe recently lodged a R1,9 billion compensation claim against the South African government and presidency for presiding over the dissolution of the South...
The “notable strengthening of the rand” against major foreign currencies during Mondi’s South Africa division’s third quarter played a significant role in negatively affecting profitability.
The meat industry is repositioning itself as a meat and genetic material exporter in an attempt to unlock the full financial potential of the industry.
In August 2009, Elsa Carstens became the first woman in South Africa to head up two producer wine cellars. Due to financial pressure, these cellars had already opted to amalgamate...
Miniature or ‘baby’ vegetables grown on the Yukon Group’s farms around South Africa are increasingly finding their way to supermarket shelves in the UK, France, Sweden and the UAE. Sabrina...
Amongst the mostly abandoned factories and warehouses of Dimbaza, a small mohair weaving facility still produces internationally acclaimed 100% mohair carpets. Mike Burgess visited the Dimbaza Mohair Weavers factory.
Yolandi Joubert’s oyster mushroom operation, launched just three years ago, is an important lesson in what passion and discipline can achieve in small-scale agriculture.
Last year, SA’s major diversified food-processing companies produced a mixed bag of results. Most grew their sales, but struggling consumers meant that profits lagged. Despite this, investors continued to buy...
Transport costs and traditions have made it difficult for communal farmers to play a major role in the commercial livestock industry. In KwaZulu-Natal, this situation is changing as auctioneers mobilise...
Frankly, the last thing a fatty like myself should be doing is baking little coconut meringue tarts. But there comes a time in the affairs of beginner cooks when the...
Farmers who start agritourism businesses are entrepreneurs and should acquire good marketing skills.
Agritourism can offer farmers an ideal avenue for diversifying their agricultural enterprises while earning additional income. In a four-part series, Julinda Schroeder examines the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a tourism...
I designed this layout for a retirement unit, following a call from the developer of a retirement complex on the outskirts of Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal.
Shiela require assistance from Jonno to design a double-storey farmhouse with two bedrooms.
I recently received a call from Grant, who requested my help with renovations to an old farmhouse on his recently purchased game farm in the Camperdown area of KwaZulu-Natal.
Two South African hunting organisations react to an article (Farmer's Weekly, 8 December 2006) which pleaded for a comprehensive rule book aimed at reining in the 'Rambos' who upset farmers...
Jan Oelofse pioneered a game capture technique that transformed the practice of antelope capture.
Hennie Wardeck was a formidable opponent with a knack for selecting champion pigeons. He will be sorely missed, writes Thomas Smit.
It might be a ‘natural process’, but owners should know the signs of foaling, as complications can arise, warns Dr Mac.
Importing good pigeons isn't as important as how we train the ones we have, writes Thomas Smit.
Game auctions showed a rising trend showed last year says Dr Flippie Cloete of the Unit for Environmental Science and Management at North-West University.
An alternative to the traditional seedbed method for transplants is to use seedling trays. One advantage of this is that you can place the trays in a warmer environment if...
Recently, I read an interesting article entitled ‘The Bathsheba Syndrome: the ethical failure of successful leaders,’ by Dean Ludwig and Clinton Longenecker.
In my initial 12 years of cabbage farming I never came across Sclerotinia. I had encountered it in beans before, but never cabbage.
Hluhluwe’s first black, queen pineapple grower has enormous support from his mentor and staff – but a lack of financial continuity from government could upend their best efforts.
While humates are promoted as an almost magic potion by some, sub-standard products have battered their reputation. Glenneis Erasmus talked to several agriculturists to find out what they are, how...
Poland’s agricultural sector has undergone significant changes over the past 25 years, and the country now has the potential to become Europe’s major food production and processing hub.
