Konsortium-Merino: A farmer-owned brand
In 1998, four Merino breeders decided to pool expertise to fast-track breeding genetically superior and functionally efficient Merinos. Today, the farmer-owned business Konsortium-Merino not only sells the most rams at...
Water war looms in Limpopo
Water and land remain two of this country's most scarce resources. Now farming communities and mining companies in parts of Limpopo are gearing up for a fight over these precious...
Police and defence force crime plan welcomed
The minister of Safety and Security Nathi Mthethwa has announcement a new crime-busting strategy. Organised agriculture welcomed the move to use the police, military and intelligence services as a sign...
‘Land Affairs official wanted bribe’ – Free State farmer
A young black Free State farmer intends bringing criminal charges against Land Affairs after a Free State official tried to solicit a bribe as compensation for "ironing out" a dispute...
Competition Commission to probe retailers?
The Milk Producers' Organisation (MPO) has welcomed a report by the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), which found that supermarket chains were possibly abusing their dominant positions and that the...
Biotech didn’t cause Monsanto pollination problems
Monsanto recently announced biotechnology traits were not responsible for the pollination problems in the summer grain production area this season. Kobus Lindeque, South Africa area director for Monsanto Africa, said...
Nampo impresses international visitors
A trade delegation from North Dakota in the US visited this year's Nampo Harvest Day, led by Lieutenant Governor Jack Dalrymple. Dalrymple said the Harvest day construction and stands were...
Top Crop’s top water treatments
Top Crop Nursery has implemented two water treatments to let them use surface run-off water. Synthetic wetlands worked until they couldn't keep up with the nursery's requirements, then the nursery...
Commission denies undertaking on land claims list
On the same day the land claims commission issued a press release saying it will review and degazette claims for which there are no claim forms, the commission's communication manager...
The tough all-in-one Terra-Grader
The Terra-Grader can improve and maintain deteriorating roads in African countries. This will help solve the problems poor infrastructure causes for farmers, writes Chris Nel. Issue date : 29 May...
Conservation farming in the former Transkei
The Agricultural Research Council's Institute for Soil, Climate and Water (ARC-ISCW) has been running a project over four seasons to demonstrate commercial conservation agriculture (CA) practices on 4,7ha in the...
World-class reds after only four years
Within four years of acquiring an unknown wine farm near Wellington, Stephan and Carolina du Toit, with the help of two eminent German winemakers, Bernd Philippi and the late Bernhard...
The Land Bank whistleblowers hung out to dry
Marko and Debbie Vogler thought they were doing the right thing when they reported Land Bank corruption to the Scorpions. After death threats and an assassination attempt they were put...
Congo farming: the problem
An internal advisory note to TAU SA members in response to the numerous queries about commercial farming in the Congo, puts a new spin on the reality of these opportunities....
Showcasing the Karoo: A Trade Fair Show
The Karoo Development Conference and Trade Fair held in March in Graaff-Reinet was the first of its kind in South Africa. It highlighted a myriad of entrepreneurial possibilities in tourism,...
Take it to court
'Tax cases are often mismanaged from the outset. So how does one do it right the first time?' Issue date 22 May 2009 Read more
Equipment at the Cape Agri Show
The first Cape Agri Show in Paarl exhibited a huge variety of equipment aimed at fruit and wine production. Glenneis Kriel reports. Issue date :22 May 2009
Anti fuel-theft strategies protect drivers too
This easy-to-install device prevents fuel from being siphoned from fuel tanks. Chris Nel reports. Issue date : 22 May 2009 Read more
Balance& performance
There's an old saying: 'No foot, no horse' which all horse owners should live by. Kim Dyson discusses some common hoof problems. Issue date : 22 May 2009
Factors to consider before planting watermelons
Although watermelons prefer warm conditions, you often have to start in cooler conditions to be in production at the right time for market demand. Issue date : 22 May 2009
