The Kruger boosts its firepower

A new, environmentally sensitive fire management system is being introduced in the KNP. Peter Mashala spoke to Nick Zambatis, manager of biodiversity, and Danie Pienaar, head of scientific services, about the changes.

Ngunis on the mountain

East Cape Nguni Club chairperson Wimpie Mostert calves over 200 registered Nguni stud females in an environment that has truly tested the value of the breed’s adaptability and hardiness. Mike Burgess reports.

Farming off the grid

The convenience of Eskom-supplied electricity is almost unknown to Bushmanland’s commercial livestock farmers. But thanks to the sun, wind and careful management, these farmers have all the power they need. Jaco Visser visited the area.

The juggling act

Ruminants are adapted to convert fibre into the energy needed to produce milk and meat, but total input needs to be balanced for optimum production.

The risks of nematodes in potatoes

Nematodes are often referred to as ‘eel-’ or ‘roundworms’ because they resemble the common earthworm, but these parasites belong to a different grouping or phylum.

Big retailers are thinking small

Changing buying patterns from the retail chains are opening the market to small-scale farmers.

Communal stock owners go commercial

Transport costs and traditions have made it difficult for communal farmers to play a major role in the commercial livestock industry. In KwaZulu-Natal, this situation is changing as auctioneers mobilise to take business to the people. Lloyd Phillips reports.

ANC policy swings undermine credibility

Contradictory policies and radical statements make it difficult to decide on the direction in which the ANC is leading the country and what it means for land reform. Is this a sign of an incoherent government or one with a carefully constructed game plan? Lindi van Rooyen reports.

Agriculture still a good investment

Speaking at the recent Free State Agriculture Congress in Bloemfontein, Agri SA president Johannes Möller said farmers should invest in agriculture.

Free trade in Africa bad news for local farmers

Free trade in Africa could be a reality by 2017, signalling harder times for farmers in South Africa, while those abroad benefit.

Managing sows

Healthy sows are important if you want to produce the maximum number of pigs and make a good profit.

135 000 ha lost to Free State veld fires.

Nearly 135 000 ha have been destroyed in veld fires in the Free State.

Living it up outside

I had a call from Herbert, one of my private village developers in the foothills of the Waterberg in Limpopo...

Race to save the rhino

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is playing a leading role in an effort to overturn the global ban on rhino horn trade. Ezemvelo CEO Dr Bandile Mkhize outlines the province’s rhino anti-poaching plan to Robyn Joubert.

COSATU and Agri SA find common ground

Concern over the vast tracts of unproductive land in South Africa has united Agri SA and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).

Don’t burn the veld

I find the burning of grass/veld a most barbaric practice.

Government to blame

I write this letter because I have been selling farms for over 12 years and have been involved with all types of buyers, including the government.

The victim’s rights

We all know crime in South Africa is a major concern for farmers, in that rural areas very seldom have effective police action and poor conviction rates.

South Africa leads the way

I noted the article entitled ‘Biological bollworm control’ (11 May 2012, pg 35) and I felt compelled to respond.

Mining a threat to food security

Current mining and new prospects for mining could soon have a devastating effect on agricultural production as well as long-term food security implications for the country.

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