Caxton Magazines
Afrikaner cattle breed: Origins and future role
The Afrikaner cattle breed is a genetic gold mine for beef production in SA, says Pierre Fouché.
Agri Unity Forum warns strikes could lead to job losses
On-going labour unrest in the Western Cape, as some workers continue to demand that the minimum wage be increased from R69 to R150/day, will have far-reaching consequences for the agriculture sector.
Another suitor for Bredasdorp basin
Impact Africa has obtained rights from the Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA) to explore for oil and gas on a 14 378 km2 expanse offshore of West Bredasdorp, located roughly between Mossel Bay and Cape Agulhas.
Comment invited on proposed oil and gas exploration
Interested parties have been invited to comment on proposed oil and gas exploration activities in the West Bredasdorp Area.
Wages should be linked to commodity – Kwanalu
Kwanalu president Brian Aitken said the agricultural union had initiated an economic study to determine what wages the various commodities could afford to pay.
Rediscovering the value of Zulu sheep
An indigenous sheep breeding project – backed by Land Bank and the University of Zululand – is helping to fight rural poverty while preserving a part of the Zulu heritage. Peter Mashala reports.
The importance of sex reversal
Techniques to produce all-male fingerlings are now an established part of tilapia culture and the use of mixed-sex groups is a backward step doomed to failure in any undertaking.
What a yummy bunny
Mutton bunny There are lots of stories about how bunny chows got their name. All that matters to you and me is that the meal has nothing to do with rabbits. More to the point, it is a simple KZN classic that deserves its place as an easy-to-make lunchtime replacement for sandwiches, burgers or even a pie and slap tjips.
Lighting the way for farm workers
A farm worker development initiative in Villiersdorp is changing lives and helping farmers and farm workers form better relationships. Denene Erasmus spoke to Shine’s project manager, Izel Botha, to find out more about the work they are doing.
A year of self-serving politics
Instead of focusing on the country’s social and economic needs, government has turned inward.
Dealing with sheep scab – part 1
Sheep scab occurs in all provinces, and is a very serious disease that, if left untreated, can infect your whole herd and lead to stock deaths.
Better shearing
Merino wool is usually shorn when it has a good length, after 8 to 12 months of growth.
A small-scale farmer finds joy in giving to others
One doesn’t have to run a big farming operation in order to become a mentor to other farmers. Small-scale farmer Nixon Tenza believes that it is better to give than to receive and is putting his beliefs into practice. Lloyd Phillips reports.
Market agents – will they never learn?
Recently a senior market agent was complaining to me about other market agents on the market bad-mouthing his sales staff when talking to producers. As he spoke, my hackles rose.
Quo vadis South African agriculture?
The National Development Plan (Vision 2030) presents a way forward for agriculture, recognising the importance of commercial and smallholder farming and advocating a pragmatic, engaged approach, explains John Purchase, CEO of Agbiz.
High prices on the way
South Africans can expect higher vegetable prices in 2013, said Kobus van Heerden, Sakata Seeds’ national marketing manager.
A colder and wetter late summer expected
While below-average rainfall and temperatures are expected over South Africa until the end of January, weather forecasters are predicting wetter, cooler conditions for the later part of summer.
Ranchers aim to improve meat health and safety
In 2013, South Africa’s game ranching industry – valued at more than R8 billion annually – intended to implement an initiative that would improve the health and safety of its meat products.
Ostrich industry on the rebound
The ostrich industry has managed to survive one of its most challenging times, and it seems as if the worst of the H5N2 avian influenza virus crises is finally over.
Forestry pins hopes on government
Struggling to get decent prices for their timber products due to under-performing global markets, South Africa’s commercial foresters are hoping that government will come to the rescue.
