Caxton Magazines
Rethinking the Swedish model
Sweden’s agricultural sector is largely based on environmental
principles and organic farming. This has posed many challenges for
Swedish farmers, who are losing market share to cheaper imports.
Lindi van Rooyen spoke to Helena Jonsson, president of the
Federation of Swedish Farmers, about overcoming these challenges.
Algal blooms pose threat to agriculture
With summer ahead, the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) has warned of the high risk of excessive algal blooms and water hyacinth in a number of eutrophic and hyper-eutrophic dams.
GM health safety questioned
Claims by French researchers that genetically modified (GM) maize causes cancer have been refuted by the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa).
Grasses, grazers and grazing
If you’re changing from cash crops to livestock farming, you will have to get your veld management right, cautions Roelof Bezuidenhout.
SA far from reaching biofuels target
Government recently announced the mandatory blending of biofuels with fossil fuels, saying that at least 5% of biodiesel had to be added to all regular diesel.
Fresh action taken to fill the gap in stock theft units
There are at least 92 vacancies in police stock theft units in KwaZulu-Natal alone.
WHO proposals threaten 10 000 SA tobacco jobs
The South African tobacco farming sector stands to lose about 10 000 jobs if the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) proposals are passed.
Understanding a true original
Participate in a research project studying South Africa’s unique black-seed grass – and stand a chance of being rewarded for your efforts.
The latest South African scenarios
South Africa could go down a number of paths in the next five years. Strategist and author Clem Sunter outlined these
scenarios at the recent PestBiz congress in Durban.
Fuel prices rise again
The price of petrol will increase by between 21c/l and 23c/l next Wednesday.
Saving strawberries
Since May 2012 I’ve had an incredible crop of Selecta Strawberries, picking handfuls of 100% organic strawberries daily with hardly any irrigation or fertiliser applied to the beds.
Joemat-Pettersson still on a ‘suspending’ spree
Agricultural minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson has caused ructions within her department by suspending two more staff members.
The Farmall is back in action
The recent introduction of the new Farmall series by Case IH marks the return of a much-loved brand to the SA tractor market. Joe Spencer reports.
The price of prevention
It’s time to go shopping for African horse sickness vaccine again,
but you’ll find it’s in a new package and more expensive this year, says Dr Mac.
Go green!
Experienced pigeon fancier Dr Bertus Praeg takes the practical use of pigeon manure to a scientific level. Thomas Smit spoke to him.
Retail emerging markets demystified
Land Bank’s REM financing package has some tough requirements, and many readers have asked for some of these to be clarified, writes Susan Pletts.
Should meat be on the menu?
Australian agricultural journalist David Mason-Jones addresses
what every farmer and environmentalist needs to know about livestock and global warming in his recently published book, Should Meat Be on the Menu?
A hint of the US in RSA
Gershom contacted me with regard to an old dilapidated farm house that he had bought just outside the town of Estcourt in KZN.
Leek, spinach & feta crustless quiche
The magic word here is ‘crustless’ – it promises the beginner cook the capacity to make a killer quiche that will knock the socks off their guests. Quick, tasty and good for you, this dish is a meal on its own for some, and a stunning side dish
for my fellow carnivores.
Farmers need more tariff support
Members of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries expressed dismay at the perceived advantage farmers in trading countries have over South African farmers due to the subsidies and tariff protection their governments provide.
