Caxton Magazines
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.
Maximum yield with rainfed soya beans
A wise farmer adapts his production methods to his farm’s environment. Gerhard Keeve, an award-winning soya bean producer, shares his approach to obtaining the maximum yield under rainfed conditions with Lloyd Phillips.
Still the best option
This week I want to discuss orderly marketing on the local fresh produce commission markets. This can be a harsh school for the unwary, but it can also be beneficial for those who understand how local markets work.
Know your seedling needs
Vegetable seedlings vary quite a bit, so make sure you tell your seedling grower what you need.
Why we need more ubuntu
Instead of competing against each other, small-scale farmers should work together to earn more.
Buying your first horse
Owning a horse can be a wonderful experience, but you need to do your homework before taking the plunge, writes Kim Dyson.
Off season preparation
What you do now to prepare your race team will affect its performance in the upcoming season, writes Thomas Smit.
Why time is money
Planting your crops at the right time for your region is extremely important. If you fail to make the deadline, your yield will suffer greatly.
Dealing with Mastitis
This is a potentially fatal disease, and needs prompt and careful attention.
Retire in style
Carol and Barry called to discuss their new home to be built near Thabazimbi in Limpopo. Carol had a layout of a double storey house with three more bedrooms upstairs she’d taken from a magazine.
Profit from pigs
Mahuhudi Masipa of Zuurbekom in Johannesburg’s West Rand left the corporate world to become a pig farmer in 2009. She says farming is a business just like any other and should be approached as such. Peter Mashala spoke to her.
A piece of land
The recent report of organised land grabbing in Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal raised eyebrows. Apparently a landowner’s land was sold off at the local taxi rank and he was threatened with death if he dared interfere.
The question of hybrid vigour
I refer to the article ‘Cross-breeding with Beefmaster bulls for hybrid vigour’ (6 & 13 January 2012, pg 86).
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