Caxton Magazines
Elandsfontein co-op success
In an area suffering from poverty and unemployment, Aredirisaneng Agricultural Co-operative in Randfontein is a shining light. This 10-women co-operative, established with funding from First Uranium Ezulwini Mine and receiving expert mentoring, is already exceeding its vegetable production targets. Peter Mashala reports.
Welcome in the changes if you want to survive, SA farmers told
Farming is a business and should be managed as such.
Shell publishes Karoo groundwater atlas
Shell South Africa recently released stage one of a Karoo groundwater atlas in what is arguably a step by the company to bolster support for its plans to explore for shale gas in the Karoo by means of hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Soya bean and maize yields wither in drought
Most parts of the summer grain production region of South Africa received between 20% and 30% less rain in the 2011/12 season than the 2010/11 season.
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.
