Caxton Magazines
Government fails farmers in bureaucratic bungle
A year ago, Minister Joemat-Pettersson said that progress in agriculture needed encouragement and smallholder farmers must be placed at the centre of rural economies. How then could government allow the derailment of the Ongeluksnek Valley farming project? Lloyd Phillips investigates.
Breeding one-day loft race winners
In a one-day racing pigeon loft, all the training and racing is done for you. But you still need to deliver the right kind of youngster, says Thomas Smit.
Farming Ayrshire and Holstein dairy herds in KZN
Kevin Lang began a milk processing plant to improve the profitability of his dairy cow herds.
Glycerine shows promise as cattle feed
Feed efficiency is increased by adding crude glycerine, a by-product of biodiesel production, to feed.
Mentor & motivation – a winning formula
Successful farming comes not only from hard work and attention to detail, but also through taking good advice, says DAFF’s female entrepreneur of the year Pam Fyfie. Lloyd Phillips spoke to her.
Mozambique recruits SA farmers
A delegation of Mozambican officials visited the Nampo Harvest Day to recruit farmers to develop the agricultural sector in that country.
Cotton planting decreases due to low prices
After a massive increase in production of more than 110% during the previous season, cotton plantings in South Africa have decreased by 25% due to low prices.
Positive signs for agriculture at Nampo
Business boomed at the Nampo Harvest Day in Bothaville. The cloud of negative sentiment which often hovers over the agricultural sector was dispelled by a sense of purpose and industry.
DAFF misses mark with PhD awarded to agricultural economics student
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) released a media statement celebrating what it incorrectly believed to be the first PhD awarded in agricultural economics to a black South African woman.
Farmers welcome predicted fuel price respite
While the volatility of national fuel prices cannot guarantee that next month’s predicted fuel price decreases are going to last for long, farmers will welcome whatever they can get.
The end of the road for Joemat-Pettersson?
The members of parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries have in the past repeatedly expressed their frustration about the agriculture department.
Nampo 2012 a resounding success
The 2012 Nampo Harvest Day saw an uptick in foreign visitors, especially from Africa, and also an increase in overseas exhibitors.
Land policy hurting mango atchar business
There is still no indication from the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform or minister Gugile Nkwinti about when the four-tiered land tenure system put forward by the Green Paper on Land Reform will be implemented, or even if it will be implemented.
No answers for community plunged into debt
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) still has no answers for the Muyexe community near Giyani, in Limpopo.
A saucy liver affair
Chorizo sausage and chicken livers on pasta
Chorizo sausage is a powerful experience, adding heat, potency and
red line flavours to this pasta number. For a seasoned diner it’s a blast. And for the beginner cook it’s the chance to easily take your skills to a new level.
Stocking not fit for all conditions – holistic farming
The following are concerns: Has it become the norm to criticise respected people with words such as ‘pathetic’, ‘ridiculously’, ‘so-called scientists’ and ‘scientists are wasting time and money’?
The danger of fracking
The recent article ‘To frack or not to frack?’ (20 April, pg 46) is yet another ‘fraud’ committed by Shell Oil SA whereby it uses scientific spokespeople to argue the case for fracking for shale gas in the Karoo.
The life of a hardy cowgirl
The feature on Allie Gordon (27 April, pg 58)is an inspiring story of a woman who has returned to her roots to follow her heart and live her passion.
Winter management of fruit flies in town
Insect pests are a growing problem in agriculture and intervention is essential to limit harvest losses. It is estimated that insect pests are decreasing the world’s food supply with at least 25% annually.
Large herds on the move revitalise degraded veld
The grazing, defecating, stomping and salivating of moving herds can build soil, restore vegetation and reverse the effects of desertification, a major cause of climate change, says holistic management pioneer Allan Savory who recently ran a three-day workshop in Graaff-Reinet. Heather Dugmore was there.
