Caxton Magazines
Agribusiness: the 2012 agenda
Various challenges are expected in agriculture for the year ahead. The local economy is faced with addressing unemployment while also attempting to achieve economic growth. The Agricultural Business Chamber recently released its expectations for 2012.
Pigs – and persistence
Tabi Diphoko of Dobsonville, Soweto, has faced many challenges in his farming career, including the loss of his wife, which nearly caused him to give up. But at 77, this remarkable man is determined to grow his piggery bigger than ever. Peter Mashala spoke to him.
Water over the bridge
Surviving a deluge and a flood isn’t a bad present for one who doesn’t like birthdays, writes Abré J Steyn.
An African starter home
Hi Jonno
I live in Zambia and am very interested in your designs. (We can buy Farmer’s Weekly at Shoprite stores here.) I’m planing to...
Racing the world
The Kitchenbrands are one of the oldest pigeon families in the South African pigeon racing fraternity. Now, fourth-generation champion Mark Kitchenbrand is racing pigeons both here and abroad, reports Thomas Smit.
Good nutrition, healthier horses
The modern horse lives a life far removed from that of its ancestors, and domestication imposes unnatural living conditions which can lead to disease. Kim Dyson tells us how to keep your horses healthy.
Why crop rotation is important
The idea of crop rotation – growing different crops on the same land each year – can be difficult to understand. After all, if...
The challenges ahead
With all eyes on the road ahead in 2012, I would like to share a few thoughts with you. A positive ending to 2011...
Why hard times are good for vegetable producers
Many vegetable farmers are currently unhappy about the low prices they’re receiving for a wide range of vegetable products. Add increased input costs and...
Massey Ferguson wins
Not only did Massey Ferguson win Tractor of the Year at the recent Agritechnica Show in Germany, its famous three-point linkage system was named a ‘milestone in agriculture’. Joe Spencer reports.
New plum delights farmers & markets
The South African-developed African Delight plum cultivar has been enthusiastically welcomed by farmers and consumers, and promises to become the country’s third most-planted variety within five years. Denene Erasmus spoke to Culdevco’s Dr Leon von Mollendorff, one of the driving forces behind the new cultivar, and producer Anthony Dicey, to learn more.
High Stocking rate on minimum veld
Backed up by 40 years’ experience in sustainable cattle production, Johann Zietsman consults with South African cattlemen on how to double, treble or quadruple their cattle numbers on the same land while improving the quality of the veld.
Taking to the sky in a gyrocopter
On watching a local pilot land his fixed-winged aircraft on the family farm in the 1950s, Peter Goldsmith instantly knew he would one day fly his own aircraft. Six decades later he decided to build his own gyrocopter and enjoy the delight of flight while making the most of the practical advantages it can offer. Mike Burgess reports.
Land Reform: the end is in sight
Ongoing land reform claims is one of the top concerns of local commercial farmers. The land reform department has already legally dealt with many land reform claims and promises that it will be over soon. Mtobeli Mxotwa, spokesperson for Rural Development and Land Reform minister Gugile Nkwinti, spoke to Lindi van Rooyen.
Better safe than sorry
Every farmer has to be vigilant and watch out for changes that could adversely affect their farming operation.
Chicken, Beef or lamb?
Beef and lamb prices have increased substantially since 2008, while poultry prices have stagnated. What’s the future outlook for these products?
Boron’s big job
Not for nothing has boron been described as the pump that pushes that all-important calcium up in the plant. Yet farmers rarely apply it, and their forage suffers the consequences.
Mealybug hopes pinned on parasitic wasp
An Israeli company has cracked the code for mass-rearing a predatory wasp which could help control the destructive mealybug. Trials are underway in Eastern Cape in conjunction with Citrus Research International. Robyn Joubert reports.
African swine fever breaks out in informal piggeries
The Delmas and Sundra districts in Mpumalanga have been placed under quarantine after pigs with African swine fever were found in nine different informal piggeries in the region.
Port tariff hikes will hurt exports, job growth
Transnet is forging ahead with its decision to implement an 18,06% port tariff increase for the 2012/13 financial year. It has defended the proposed stiff hike, saying it’s necessary to tackle an infrastructure backlog in rail, ports and pipelines.
