Caxton Magazines
The alpaca is here to stay
We are one of about 45 alpaca breeders in South Africa. Many South African farmers are engaging their services...but only for their secondary function.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations The issue of certain vaccinations being introduced into the South African market is a point of serious concern. This is a really a open letter with no commercial or vindictive approach towards a specific product or its vendor.
Constitution under threat?
Our Constitution has been hailed everywhere as an example to all divided societies of what can be achieved by rational debate, compromise and goodwill, but now it seems as if the ANC wants to sweep all of this away, warns former state president FW de Klerk.
‘NSPCA acted recklessly’
The South African Crocodile Farmers’ Association (SACFA) has temporarily withdrawn its support for single-pen crocodile farming following public outcry that has dubbed the practice as cruel.
Red tape blamed for DAFF’s vacant posts
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has put the blame for the high vacancy rates in the department primarily on slow verification of documents and security checks.
Legal action looming against Pampoenboere
AfriForum Youth is considering legal action against the Potchefstroom Agricultural College (known as the Pampoenboere) after the failure of ongoing efforts to get the college to address its dilapidated infrastructure.
Farmers must prepare for veld fire season
Farmers and landowners in central South Africa have been asked to be vigilant with the advent of the annual veld fire season.
Rhino owners plead for urgent lifting of horn sales ban
The Private Rhino Owners’ Association (PROA) is pleading with government to fast-track an application to have the moratorium on the legal trade in rhino horns from South Africa lifted.
Kiwi disease traced to China
An international research team has used DNA sequencing technology to trace the devastating kiwi fruit pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (PSA) back to its likely place of origin – China.
An increase in the budget for agricultural disasters
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has set aside over R2,8 billion for disaster management in the next year.
Poultry in distress despite import duties
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) is making progress in the war on dumping of chicken leg quarters with the import duty for the US increasing to R9,40/kg.
Minestrone
Winter is already knocking on the door. What better way to fight the cold than a delicious, steaming bowl of minestrone? Nothing can equal the flavour and aroma of this classic Italian vegetable soup.
Detection of Bactrocera invadens (invader fruit fly) in the northen part of the Limpopo...
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has discovered new detections of an invader fruit fly known as Bactrocera invadens – a quarantine pest - in Limpopo Province.
Silver Backs success
Champion racer Thys Matthysen shares some of his recollections with
Thomas Smit.
Planting tomatoes brings hope to orphans
Investing R1,5 million in a technologically advanced greenhouse has
increased tomato yields and profit at Valley Fresh, a social profit enterprise supporting abandoned and orphaned children.
Top female farmer’s Dorper success in the Karoo
Allie Gordon from Leeu-Gamka in the Karoo, named the Top Entrepreneur Smallholder in the Western Cape Female Entrepreneur 2011 awards, started farming with 50 Dorpers in 2005. By 2010, her flock had grown to 370 ewes. Last year she sold 200 of them in preparartion for her next plan: starting a white Dorper stud. Denene Erasmus reports.
Feed smart in dairy systems
Buying feed from a reputable feed company is often cheaper and less stressful than mixing your own.
Abalone farming in Hermanus
Adri Claassen, abalone farmer extraordinaire, talks to Denene Erasmus about farming these sought after sea delicacies.
Growing Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts is a luxury item not part of our daily cuisine and usually reserved for special treats. It is generally well known that this crop is a dedicated winter crop requiring cold for good performance.
Reviving the Spring Show
The Spring Show, held from 1 to 6 September in Pretoria, has undergone numerous name changes in an effort to remain relevant. Now, rebranded as an agricultural show, it is set to regain its reputation as one of the country’s foremost events. Event organiser Robert Walker spoke candidly to Lindi van Rooyen about turning the show around.
