Dead Lion Walking
A lesser-known aspect of the debate around the intensive predator breeding industry - which needs tons of meat for lion feed - is the impact it has on veld and...
Summer crop yield up
Estimates for summer crops are continuing their upward trend. The fifth production forecast for the 2008/09 season, released by the Department of Agriculture's Crop Estimates Committee, sets the expected commercial...
Supermarkets welcome Competition Commission probe
The Competition Commission has launched an investigation into Pick 'n Pay, Shoprite/Checkers, Woolworths and Spar, which comprise 94,5% of the retail food market. Massmart and Metcash are also included in...
Are South African fruit and nuts ‘cool’ enough for the US?
Local Fruit, nut and meat exportersto the US should be aware of that country's plans to launch the Country of Origin Labeling (Cool) rules which, combined with its "Buy American"'...
Hunters win firearms judgement against minister
Firearm licenses issued in terms of the "old" Firearms Act (1969) will be deemed as valid, according to an interim interdict granted to the South African Hunters and Game Conservation...
Working with nature
Bongani, a previous client and Farmer's Weekly reader requires a second-phase development at Jozini on the Pongolapoort Dam. Issue date : 03 July 2009
That dropped ball’Sardines of the sky’
Quelea finches are regarded as pests, but our ignorant attempts at eradication have turned them into a super plague, writes Abré J Steyn. Issue date : 03 July 2009
Earthmoving, digging & materials handling at Nampo
The number of earthmoving equipment models at Nampo seems to increase every year and 2009 was no exception. Joe Spencer reports on some of the machines on show, ranging from...
The Boerepatente competition celebrates its 21st birthday
The Boerepatente competition for farmers' inventions came of age this year at Nampo, and more budding inventors take part every year. This popular contest sparks the interest of many farmers...
Windmills for all seasons
The Brazilian-made ZM MAXXI windmill supplies water at optimum cost. It's designed and built to withstand the most severe wind conditions with minimum maintenance. Issue date : 03 July 2009
Amadlelo farmers – producing milk & skills
When it comes to agricultural empowerment projects, The Fort Hare Dairy Trust (FHDT) near Alice in the Eastern Cape is an exception to the rule. Mike Burgess discovered that the...
Father & son farming in harmony
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands farmers say the rural Middelrus area is hard farming country. Rainfall is low and land claims have staked out nearly all the farming land. Issue date : 03...
Dealing with early lameness
Pre-purchase examinations of yearlings in Europe and America now include routine X-ray screening for osteochondritis dissecans, known as OCD. Issue date : 03 July 2009
Chemical cycle determines plant nutrient availability
The oxygen/ethylene cycle is tied up with soil microorganism activity. This influences the rate of decomposition of plant residues, the uptake of nutrients by plants, and the general state of...
Looking into peppers
The pepper species capsicum originates mainly from Bolivia where many varieties under cultivation have changed little from the wild progenitor. Issue date : 03 July 2009
What can we do about high food prices?
Prof Johann Kirsten's recent report on supermarkets' market power gives some idea why retail food prices don't follow farm prices.by koos coetzee Issue date : 03 July 2009
Supermarkets’ dirty tricks revealed
Pick 'n Pay, Shoprite/Checkers, Woolworths and Spar now control 94,5% of South Africa's retail food market. Wielding massive market power, they've become increasingly tyrannical in determining terms of trade with...
Eco-cash for land users
Proposed programmes that will pay landowners and users for water-friendly farming practices could soon take off. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports. Issue date : 03 July 2009
Moos case shows up government failures
The Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs seems determined to evict emerging farmer Veronica Moos. Meanwhile, the case is showing up government policies that consistently doom emerging farmers to...
“Farming outlook is positive” – Absa man
Louis von Zeuner, Absa group executive director, speaks to Annelie Coleman about the bank's involvement in agriculture, and why the outlook for farmers is positive. Issue date : 03 July...
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