Caxton Magazines
Emerging livestock farmers ask for more support
The agriculture department is making slow progress in developing a support strategy for emerging livestock farmers.
Ginger Biscuit
Call it a ginger slice or a hard biscuit. The singular ginger flavour of this delicious item from the world’s great line-up of baked treats brings a whole new skill to your cooking repertoire.
Department not transparent – Wallmansthal community
Allegations have been levelled against officials of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR), of deliberately holding up the settlement of the Wallmansthal land claim for personal gain.
A personal weather station
Here’s a useful gadget for farmers, says Greg Miles.
Vaccine shortages problematic
Farmers are apparently struggling to obtain various vaccines that should be manufactured and distributed by government’s Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP).
About the new draft bill
As I write this, the new draft Agricultural Produce Marketing Agencies Bill (APMA) is under public review. The department of agriculture, which is ‘driving’ the bill, has met with many roleplayers in the fresh produce markets and livestock and export sectors.
Classing mohair 2
Roelof Bezuidenhout focuses on the importance of the micron in Angora hair and how to shear and grade.
Know your pests: Aphids
All aphids share the same basic body structure. They are small and soft-bodied with a tear-drop shape and sucking mouthparts. Their success is in part due to the prolific asexual reproduction capability of some species.
Heatonville farmer suspected of contracting rabies
An unnamed farmer in the Heatonville area of northern KwaZulu-Natal has reportedly been admitted to a private hospital, after possibly having contracted rabies.
Taxman targets trusts once again
The authorities have been tightening up on trusts for many years, and the latest set of proposals are set to tax trust income even more severely.
Improve farmer support first – industry
Researchers and other agriculture stakeholders say support services to small-scale farmers and beneficiaries of land reform should be strengthened before government reopens land claims.
Government interference hampers farming – Pringle
The hostile interference of government in agriculture was the main contributor to making the past year one of the most difficult ever for the industry.
Dairy – room for growth
Prices in the dairy sector – one of the fastest-growing industries in the world – are expected to remain flat in 2013, according to Alwyn Kraamwinkel, Sampro CEO. Robyn Joubert reports.
Success for BEE market agent
Competition in a fresh produce market is tough, and most BEE market agents fail to survive their first year. Gugu Hadebe and Danny Geral are the exception. Quitting their jobs to start Egoly Market Agents, their partnership has sailed through a year of operation. Peter Mashala spoke to them.
Safer food with cold plasma technology
Ionised gases are being used to kill food pathogens on packaged food. This method could bypass current heat treatment and chemical sanitising methods.
Protection against potato scab
Plants of the brassica family can act as natural biofumigants when chopped up and worked into the soil, says plant pathologist Dr Reinette Gouws of the Agriculture Research Council.
South Africa – there are some good news
While the mainstream media invariably focuses on the negative aspects of life in South Africa, longer-term trends indicate a silver lining for our beloved country, according to Steuart Pennington, creator of alternative media organisation South Africa: The Good News.
Wasps kill flies
Parasitic wasps are an environmentally friendly way of breaking the life cycle of flies in stables, says Dr Mac.
The 365-day capsule
Caring for racing pigeons is a year-round activity. One cannot start nursing ill birds just before the season opens, says Thomas Smit.
Timber projects tackle unemployment
Poverty and unemployment, especially in rural areas, are some of SA’s main challenges.
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