Caxton Magazines
No stable economy with volatile political climate
“Politicians saying stupid things are simply not good for the economy,” said economist Dawie Roodt.
Tobacco farming in Zambia
Ten years ago, James and Rita Chance were forced off their thriving tobacco, maize and cattle farm in Zimbabwe. Since then, they have made a success of tobacco farming in Zambia.
More on filtration
All too often, even well-built, hi-tech grow-out systems are let down by inadequate filtration.
Well done – but now let’s get real
The improved matric pass rate masks some unpleasant facts about the state of education.
12 ways to protect the land
STEP 7: Conservation management of watercourses and floodplains
Losing loyalty
Drawing on his own experience, as well as the work of agri writer Simon Fiske, top rose farmer Ludwig Taschner offers an interesting take on why land reform projects fail.
Commodity organisations
In agricultural and business publications we often read about commodities and commodity organisations. Susan Pletts provides some definitions.
Farm worker minimum wage increased 52%, layoffs expected
The new minimum wage for farm workers, which will come into effect for one year on 1 March 2013, has been increased from R69 per day to R105 per day for employees who work nine hours a day.
Saddened & annoyed
Recently, I wrote about one of our fresh produce markets in a way some readers might have found a bit scathing.
Small farming success
My father-in-law, Rudolf van Heerden, is a small-stock farmer in the Free State. On the 700ha family farm, which he has been running alone since 1985, he farms with sheep and cattle.
Eskom’s plans for renewable energy for SA’s grid
With renewable energy increasingly being promoted internationally
as better for the environment, Eskom is in the process of incorporating renewably-produced electricity into the national grid. Eskom’s CEO, Brian Dames, explained this process to Lloyd Phillips.
Redwater disease outbreak in Mpumalanga
The recent heavy rains in Mpumalanga, along with high temperatures, caused the ideal conditions for blue ticks that cause redwater disease to thrive.
Back to work for farm workers in De Doorns
Farm worker strikes for a higher minimum wage in the Western Cape might be over, but farmers say the effect will linger for some time to come. Denene Erasmus reports.
Gerbils plague maize farmers
Farmers in the summer grain regions were battling to get gerbil infestations in their lands under control, with about 5% of their maize crops destroyed.
Breeding indigenous Ngunis in the Piketberg
Passionate about the Nguni, Hannes Eksteen runs three stud herds and maintains four Nguni ecotypes. He calves seasonally to coincide with fodder flow and keep stress factors down. Jay Ferreira reports.
How we can help save South Africa
A recent FAO report clearly shows the huge role agriculture can play in reducing poverty and hunger and promoting stability. However, this will need pro-active action by government.
Jumping high!
There are several ways of overcoming your fear of jumping, says Kim Dyson. And the feeling of being out of control and of being lifted off the ground could become addictive!
Strautmann mixer wins award
The Strautmann Vertimix self-propelled mixer wagon won a silver medal for innovation at this year’s EuroTier Expo in Germany. Joe Spencer reports.
Producing better Highveld beef
Improving beef production in the eastern Free State through good veld management.
Average of 1,8 rhino per day killed in January
In the first month of the year no less than 57 rhino have already been killed by poachers in SA, with the Kruger National Park bearing the brunt of the onslaught.
