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.

Styles and trends

I’ve had a few calls lately from Farmer’s Weekly readers asking whether I can produce any contemporary modern-type homes.

One man, two boys & a salty adventure

Ben Freeth tells the story of how he and his two sons set out on a fund-raising expedition across the Makgadikgadi salt pans on a home-built go-kart.

Bath time!

The importance of being able to bath a young horse cannot be emphasised enough, as it’s a great bonding experience, says Kim Dyson.

High standards

TürkTraktör recently became the first company in Turkey to achieve both energy management and emission quality certification. Joe Spencer reports.

Developing an IPM outlook

As we’ve said before, integrated pest management (IPM), or using the natural enemies of crop pests to help control those pests, has a long way to go in this country.

Keeping animals and the forestry industry alive

It may not be widely known outside South Africa’s commercial forestry industry, but problem animals are responsible for causing extensive damage and financial losses in timber plantations. Professor Justin O’Riain and his team are researching ways around this problem. He spoke to Lloyd Phillips.

Agbiz Centenary Bursary 2013

The Agricultural Business Chamber, Agbiz has called for applications for its annual bursary of R25 000.

WC department of agriculture puts up water tanks for community

The Western Cape department of agriculture, assisting the Genadendal Farmers’ Union under the 2008 Flood Relief Scheme, has built two permanent water reservoirs near Voorstekraal, on the outskirts of Genadendal.

Turning a pest into protein

Rising feed costs have made chicken farmers look to unusual sources of protein – and you can’t get more unusual than maggots. Robyn Joubert reports.

Transformation status

I recently attended a workshop on the transformation – or lack thereof – that’s taken place in market agencies since government launched its BBBEE requirements.

Check those fences

Goats are natural roamers – they don’t like being fenced in.

Supporting cooperatives to access markets

As agriculture remains the main source of employment and income in rural areas, where the majority of the world’s poor and hungry people live, rural agricultural cooperatives play a key role in feeding the world.

The scourge that must be stopped

Stock theft is rampant in SA. The only way to fight it successfully is to beef up the sentences.

Common business pitfalls

How not to find yourself on the losing end when going into business or undertaking a merger.

Plant production

Photosynthesis enables plants to feed themselves – as well as the soil.

Boosting the biofuels industry

The energy minister recently gazetted the mandatory blending of biofuels at minimum concentrations of 5% for biodiesel and 2% to 10% for bio-ethanol. Once outstanding issues are resolved, this should kick-start investment in biofuels, says biofuels agricultural advisor Fanie Brink.

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