Caxton Magazines
El Nino might be lighter than expected
Summer grain crop planting well underway, but grain producers in the central and western areas are still waiting for widespread rains.
More Sappi workers face retrenchments
More employees of local pulp and paper giant, Sappi Southern Africa, face losing their jobs over the next few months.
In the minister’s defence
In response to the article, ‘Massive golden handshake likely for Langa Zita’ (21 September, pg 24), the continued accusations levelled at the minister (Tina Joemat-Pettersson) are baseless and devoid of any truth.
The claims on retail products
Thank you for the article ‘Who’s educating consumers?’ (28 September, pg 6). Lindi van Rooyen described the dilemma faced by farmers very nicely.
Give your cattle shade
As we move into the hottest months of the year, when temperatures start to soar, and every living thing is trying to escape from the broiling sun, no self-respecting farmer would be outdoors minus his hat.
The problem with trade unions & strikes
In our society we have trade unions and we have strikes. Factory workers, mine workers and even agricultural labourers usually belong to a union. And I don’t blame them, it’s the nature of man.
Tilapia farming can be done in SA
Ignore all that talk of ‘poor species’ and ‘low temperatures’ – tilapia farming in SA can succeed, as long as a few fundamentals are followed.
Local food markets: are they the answer?
Go big or get out is the current trend as farmers chase economies of scale. But any system which relies on shedding jobs and increasing monopolisation in order to reduce the price of a shelf item is fundamentally unsustainable, warns Luke Metelerkamp.
From pipe dream to poultry success
A city couple bought a run-down chicken farm in the Dargle, with the intention of changing it into a wedding venue. But the chickens turned out to be profitable on their own. Robyn Joubert reports.
Extension officers in NW under investigation
The North West department of agriculture has started an internal investigation following allegations that extension officers are demanding that farmers pay for services.
DAFF beneficiary stats ‘thumbsucked’ – Afasa
About 119 000 farmers have benefited from its farmer support programmes, according to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
Joemat-Pettersson and delegates go head to head
Agriculture minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson’s presence at the Agri SA congress in Johannesburg caused a stir as many delegates took the opportunity to air their frustrations with the department.
Corruption hampers land reform – ANC
The ANC is adamant that the willing-buyer, willing-seller principle must be replaced, but not by land grabs.
Farmers urged to know their diesel rebate requirements
Farmers have been advised to brush up on their knowledge regarding keeping records of their on-farm diesel use.
‘Talk to us or lose out’ – ANC to farmers
Farmers have been told to engage with the ANC on making a contribution to policies affecting them.
Hot & spicy mutton meatballs
Call it what you will, this meatball veld fire with its powerful Indian flavours will bring tears of homesickness to the eyes of KZN citizens exiled elsewhere in this great Republic of ours. Here is great flavour, character-building chilli heat, and an easy cooking all-in-one splendid recipe.
DAFF stops an investigation on fleet management
The investigation into the procurement processes at the department of Fisheries’ fleet division has indefinitely been put on hold.
Keeping cabbages clear of pests and diseases
Cabbages are popular with South African consumers and can provide growers with sustainable short-term income. However, sound management is needed for keeping cabbages clear of pests and diseases.
A piggery against all odds
Former factory workers Pleasure Molaudzi and Nomsa Mlangeni are at last following their true interest – running a piggery. Despite hardships, they are determined to succeed. Peter Mashala reports.
Food price concerns
Despite what some believe, farmers don’t create food inflation – often they actually absorb price increases.
