Caxton Magazines
Dry spell puts the brakes on original maize yield estimates
A February/March dry spell over much of South Africa’s summer grains production area has forced the Crop Estimates Committee to drop the total maize estimate by 399 800 tons to 11 305 550 tons.
SA farmers in Congo “miracle workers”
South African farmers in the Congo have been dubbed miracle workers by the Congolese government for the transformation of 1000ha of jungle into maize fields in just three months.
Employee accommodation
In this week's issue of FW, Jonno assists a reader Benjamin with a design for employee accommodation on his farm.
Action speak louder than words
I think the point David McDermott Hughes was trying to make in ‘Belong Awkwardly’ (17 February, pg 36) was not understood judging by the readers’ letters published recently.
The real farming life
I am not a farmer. My pitiful vegetable garden is a testament to that fact, but that does not stop me from getting my weekly agricultural fix.
The insight government needs
I want to congratulate Peter Mashala on his article, ‘No more forced farming!' (9 March, pg 63).
Producing without waste
Water, soil, time and other natural things are precious and should always be conserved.
The basics of creep feeding
This method is recommended for lambs or kids born in winter.
Feeding the hungry could benefit the wheat and bread industry
Some 20% of South African households are food insecure with inadequate access to food.
Co-op workers strike
Weeks of wage negotiations between eight agricultural companies and co-operatives and their employees have failed for six of them.
Labour law amendments hinder employment
Stricter labour laws will result in further job losses, according to industry experts.
Government warms to shale gas exploration
The Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG), the civil society organisation leading the fight against plans to explore for shale gas in the Karoo, has not taken kindly to the National Planning Commission’s (NPC) support for hydraulic fracturing.
Verlorenvlei mining halted, for now
Prospecting work for, amongst other, tungsten, molybdenum and rare earths, on a farm in the Moutonshoek Valley, by Bongani Minerals has been halted after the Western Cape High Court recently granted an interdict brought by the Bergrivier Municipality to halt the drilling.
Oakdale Agricultural High School
A proud history of training young farmers.
Farming at an early age
Grade 10 Michaelhouse pupil, Michael Mandy, has shown great initiative at an early age, and has been earning money from his agricultural pursuits since the age of eight. Robyn Joubert finds out more.
GM crops riding high
South African plantings of genetically modified crops are surging ahead without any evidence of ill-effects on humans, animals, or the environment, said Dr Pieter Mulder, deputy minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, at a recent biotech crop press conference in Pretoria.
A closer look at a winner
The Case IH Quadtrac 600 recently picked up a 2012 AE50 Award.
Joe Spencer reports.
The curse of the crooked legs
Dr Mac discusses how to make sure your horse’s legs are ‘straight’ and how to identify and deal with ‘crooked legs’.
Advice from a pro fancier
Champion fancier Chris Van Jaarsveldt talks to Thomas Smit.
‘Allow us to stay incompetent’
Managers at the Department of Rural Development & Land Reform have refused to sign peformance agreements. Surely it’s time for a major shake-up?
