Caxton Magazines
Drought bad in northern KZN
Livestock farmers in northern KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Zululand are desperate for rain.
Racism, politics must be kept out of farming – Salam Abram
Government appointments made according to political favour, rather than ability, is one of the biggest problems facing the agricultural industry.
Fracking fears are for real
Swayed by the evidence, geo-hydrologist Prof Gerrit van Tonder told Roelof Bezuidenhout why he no longer supports fracking.
Programme exploits workers
Government’s flagship job creation programme funds a number of labour-intensive programmes which benefit agriculture, such as the removal of alien plants and the patching up of rural roads. But the workers themselves benefit the least, says social commentator Glenn Ashton.
The way to better birds
If it’s success you’re after, get rid of your average pigeons and use world-class birds, urges Thomas Smit.
Sponsored
New from New Holland
Nampo saw New Holland Agriculture introduce its new TT Compact series.
Joe Spencer reports.
Superior genetics ensure pig breeding profits
Arthur Gee says that only superior genetics can counteract declining profits in pork production.
The Dutch connection
With the Netherlands being the second largest importer of South African fruit, local farmers need to adapt to the Dutch consumers’ preference for sustainably produced food. Prof Nico Visser, agricultural counsellor at the Dutch embassy in Pretoria, spoke to Jaco Visser.
Winning secrets of SA’s top wine grape producers
SA’s top 50 producers are performing well despite grim economic conditions. Robyn Joubert studies the 2012 VinPro/Winetech report and finds out why these producers are so successful.
New cases of bird flu a blow to ostrich farmers
The H5N2 avian influenza virus that has plagued the local ostrich industry since it was first detected on a farm near Oudtshoorn in April last year has reared its ugly head again
George Nicholas moves to Eastern Cape
George Nicholas, who has been associated with Farmer’s Weekly since 1944, was recently treated to a farewell luncheon at AgriSA’s Centurion offices.
Eastern Cape’s sable pioneer
In 1994 Hennie Barnard became the first person to successfully breed sable antelope in the Eastern Cape. This finalist in the Wildlife Ranching South Africa’s 2011 Game Rancher of the Year competition has fine herds of sable and buffalo on his farm near Aberdeen. Heather Dugmore paid him a visit.
The inside story: Liver, bacon and caramelised onions
This began with an idea. “How nice it would be,” I told the family, “to enjoy some delicious lamb sweetbreads.” Once I had told the youngsters what sweetbreads were, the enthusiasm waned a little. But mine remained at a high simmer. My butcher shook his head. No sweatbreads in his shop. Perhaps a kilogram or two of beef lips on special? A plateful of smiles. Perhaps not. My wife who is not a Boer, made a plan anyway. And this is what we cooked.
Use your herbicides more effectively
If you want lands free of weeds, herbicides must be used properly. The first principle is timing.
Don’t change a winning formula
Businessman Muzi Dhlomo and his wife Mmakeng own the Jodema Pinzgauer Stud. Muzi believes in keeping things simple. Peter Mashala spoke to him.
The destruction of Mpumalanga
Rampant coal mining is damaging the province’s farms, environment and water quality.
It’s happening!
I regularly attack politicians and their bedfellows, and highlight the damage they’re causing to SA’s fresh produce markets.
Water and your cows
It’s the main component in all living animal tissue, yet water is often neglected in ration formulations.
The ssssssecrets of Ophidiophobia
Our fear of snakes harks back to our primeval ancestors – and is shared by many creatures. Yet these beautful creatures deserve our respect and protection. Abré J Steyn takes a closer look at what makes snakes so fascinating.
Paying farmers to conserve
In Costa Rica, farmers are paid to provide environmental services. This has helped to place the country in top spot in the ‘Happy Planet Index’, which measures environmental efficiency and people’s well-being. Can we learn any lessons, ask Roelof Bezuidenhout and Luke Metelerkamp.
