Caxton Magazines
Agriculture in 2013: Meat scandal leads to improved labelling
It started in Europe. At the end of February, European retailer Ikea withdrew meatballs in 14 European countries after Czech Republic tests found traces of horse meat in a batch made in Sweden.
Agriculture in 2013: Drought devastates large summer rainfall regions
The previous summer’s drought in the eastern parts of Limpopo was said to be one of the worst since 1983.
Bosparadys – A family success story
Business expansion and community development are guiding principles in the Khourie family business. Bosparadys is a thriving dairy concern set to expand despite the tough economic environment dairy farmers operate in.
Record maize harvest for US
The US Grains Council reported a record maize harvest of 355.3 million metric tons for the 2013/2014 season.
A woman in the wine 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 so they could expand market share. Elsa guided them through this process and launched a successful turnaround. Jacques Claassen reports.
Tractors for Africa
Joe Spencer reports on European tractor manufacturers at Agritechnica whose products are available in South Africa.
Competing is vital for young farmers
Competitions are not only about prizes. They’re extremely useful as teaching tools for young farmers. We need more sponsorships to attract more entrants.
Legume breakthrough
A newly-developed inoculant is on track to revolutionise the role of the legume in profitable and sustainable agriculture.
Christmas Roast Turkey
Why spend endless hours labouring on your Christmas dinner when you can get mouthwatering results with less effort? For the turkey, I’ve chosen a delicious recipe from my 85-year-old aunt
in Brooklyn, New York.
Agriculture in 2013: Poultry – an industry in distress
At the beginning of the year, the SA Poultry Association (Sapa) was disappointed with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) decision not to impose definitive anti-dumping duties on cheap poultry imports from Brazil.
Agriculture in 2013: The threat of strikes ever present
After the violent strikes in the Western Cape late last year, it was reported on 18 January that most permanent farm workers in that province had returned to work on 9 January, the day on which strikes had been expected to resume.
Skills training is available
An agricultural skills training model is ready, but government take-up is not forthcoming, says education expert Dr Raymond Sparrow.
Agriculture in 2013: Huge wage increase rocks agriculture
Minimum wages, drought, fires, disease, import tariffs and a meat labelling scandal.These were all issues on the agricultural agenda this year. Farmer’s Weekly news editor, Niel Saayman, compiled this overview of the year’s main news stories.
UK Marketing agents envy us
Along with several other fresh produce sector colleagues, I recently had the pleasure of addressing a group of visiting UK potato farmers and traders hosted by Potatoes SA.
Carrot suppliers success with Woolworths
Being a major supplier of carrots to Woolworths for more than a decade has not been easy. But Greenpak farm has reaped the rewards of being part of this retail chain’s Farming for the Future programme, which has reduced input costs while increasing yields. Lindi van Rooyen reports.
Injecting cattle – part 2
Injections are needed for vaccines, some dewormers or when treating sick animals, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle.
How to keep a correct records system
Our vegetable expert Bill Kerr describes a quick, practical way of recording those ‘little things’ that so often can become big problems if forgotten.
Understanding horse wounds
Knowing how wounds heal will help with their treatment, says Kim Dyson.
Profiting from a feedlot
Mvalo Msiza has value-added in steps – building a beef herd, establishing two butcheries, and starting and expanding a feedlot. He spoke to Peter Mashala.
Taking on ivory poachng
At the Elephant Summit held in Botswana in early December urgent measures were adopted to halt illegal ivory trade. But some conservationists are asking if these will be enough.
