Caxton Magazines
Mushroom and pumpkin lasagne
An early morning visit to the Karkloof Farmers’ Market provided
the freshly harvested oyster mushrooms that give this pasta dish its distinctive flavour and texture. For the beginner cook, this meal is a double success as it is delicious hot or cold
Give credit where it’s due
Since it opened six or seven years ago, I have had a love-hate relationship with the Kei Fresh Produce Market (KFPM) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
Lending muscle to communal red meat production
Mobile animal health units are roaming KZN and the Eastern Cape, with a view to improving livestock production and economic sustainability in communal areas.
Using antibiotics wisely
Farmers must use antibiotics more prudently to prolong their efficacy. Dr Maryke Henton, an Idexx Laboratories specialist veterinarian and Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership member, tells Robyn Joubert why.
How to harden seedlings
Seedlings need to be hardened to enable the plants to survive in the new environment where they are planted. But, as you will see, hardening has another advantage.
The green ‘guardians’
Are those who are supposed to protect us the ones hurting us, asks Abré J Steyn.
Improving the ‘Zulu chicken’
Increasing the productivity of traditional chickens is an easy way of providing food and income for rural families. Dr Ed Wethli spoke to Robyn Joubert about the success of the Umzimkhulu village chicken improvement project.
No more ‘forced’ farming!
Government is wasting time trying to encourage youngsters to stay in rural areas and farm. Instead, they should focus on those who are already working the land.
Building with stones
Jono helps a reader design her dream home on a farm.
How to do a soil test
Before you plant any type of crop, make sure you understand the soil. Here's a simple soil test to try out.
Healthy udders mean more milk
A farmer has to treat skin problems in cattle such as frostbite, warts and blue udder disease before they lead to a lower milk yield.
Speed up conservation
SA National Parks (SANParks), which is responsible for managing SA’s conservation treasures, came under criticism from organised agriculture recently.
Labour laws put the squeeze on farmers
SA farmers naturally have to operate within the confines of labour law. Yet our legislation is onerous and erodes our international competitiveness, says Pieter Breytenbach, general manager of LWO, an employers’ organisation that offers labour advice to farmers. Peter Mashala spoke to him.
Is intra-African trade the only answer?
Bonani Nyhodo, researcher at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, says EU-Africa trade liberalisation will be of little benefit to the continent. Africa must build its infrastructure and trade internally.
Improved engines, better controls
Case IH showcased two new Axial-Flow combine series at Agritechnica. Major improvements include new, more efficient engines and better control of the grain tank augers. Joe Spencer reports.
Agribusiness confidence recovering steadily
The agribusiness confidence index for the first quarter of the year jumped by 25% since the last quarter of 2011.
Home-made marmalade
On a hot, humid Durban Saturday, the last thing any normal person would want to do is spend a couple of sweaty hours in the kitchen, but when the purple grapefruit season arrives, that’s what you have to do.
Mentors, not freebies, drive this agri project
Much agricultural potential lies locked into the livestock and homestead gardens of the Eastern Cape’s former homelands – potential the Mngcunube Development is seeking to unlock via mentorship. Mike Burgess reports.
Legislation out of step with SA’s free market
Real or perceived fears about competition legislation in South Africa inhibit the free flow of information and limit interaction within industries. This affects competition in the marketplace.
The difference between success and failure
What’s the difference between a successful company and one that battles? I searched my files to find enterprises that fall into both categories.
