Caxton Magazines
Biggest wine grape crop ever
Final intake figures show the 2013 harvest season will see the biggest wine grape crop ever produced in SA, while wine exports have also rebounded to reach an all-time high.
On-farm silos mean greater profits
The age of on-farm silos has dawned and manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up with demand.
Does Pieter Mulder harm SA farmers’ public image?
The impact of having a deputy minister of agriculture representing a “rightwing political party” could have a detrimental effect on perceptions about commercial farmers.
Bees in the EU given two-year breather
The European Commission’s decision to impose a two-year restriction on the use of pesticides linked to declining bee populations has been praised by South African beekeepers.
A new home challenge
I received a call from Patricia, who visited a friend on a farm nearby and came across copies of Farmer’s Weekly lying on a table.
Champion racers
Free State pigeon fanciers Jaap and Japie Pretorius had an amazing season last year. Thomas Smit reports.
Updated database of farm attacks released
People older than 50 and living in rural Gauteng are more vulnerable than any others of being victims of farm attacks, according to Solidarity.
Communal goat farmer planning to go commercial
Most of South Africa’s livestock reportedly occur in communal areas, but few generate income.
Robot feeder
French company Jeantil’s robotic feed distributor demonstrates that robotic feeding, like robotic milking, is a reality.
What about farmers’ markets?
The concept of a farmers’ market is probably the oldest version of agricultural marketing we know and remains a popular choice for many all over the world.
Diverse farming drives progress
Darling wine farmer Peter Duckitt sees the future of farming in diversification. Wine grapes form the basis of his operation, with wheat, beef, conservation and tourism spreading risk and ensuring an income throughout the year. Jay Ferreira reports.
Urban agriculture: key to food security
Migration from rural to urban areas is inevitable. So why not encourage people to grow food in the city?
Farming hydroponically – part 3
Hydroponics is a popular way to grow vegetables because of the high quality of the produce and efficient water use. If you use a greenhouse, you can supply vegetables out of season when the price is good.
Farming hydroponically – part 2
Here’s what you need to start farming hydroponically.
Langoustine butterfly pasta in a white roux sauce
A question for the experts – does the shape of pasta actually matter? For this grizzled hack, it does. While there’s no appreciable difference in taste, the arrangement of butterfly pasta and glorious not-quite-orange langoustines, liberally drenched in a dense white sauce, makes a feast for the eye as well as the palate. And for those of us who may wrestle with the plate-to-mouth transport of spaghetti, the simple relationship between fork and butterfly pasta makes for a calmer dining experience.
Kruger National Park confirmed as haven for amphibians
A study by the Water Research Commission (WRC) has confirmed that South Africa’s Kruger National Park (KNP) is a biodiversity haven for the country’s most important amphibians.
Online shopping
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see that internet shopping is quite safe, says Greg Miles.
Fertilising cucurbits for crop success
You don’t fertilise cucurbits solely according to the plant’s requirements – you also have to take into account the soil’s fertility.
Ensuring optimal greenhouse irrigation
Irrigating in the correct quantities and at the right frequency are key to greater production in a hydroponic greenhouse system. Greenhouse specialist Martin von Holdt shared his knowledge on the ideal irrigation strategy with Lindi van Rooyen.
Establishing a conservancy
Conservancies promote and encourage habitat and species conservation.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
