Caxton Magazines
R100 million targeted for land reform rescues in KZN
The public has been assured that the R100 million the KZN government injected into rescuing scores of struggling land reform farms in the province won't simply be used to bail out mismanaged enterprises.
Nkwinti’s department under pressure to spend
The land reform department's recapitalisation and development programme for failed land reform farms has got off to a slow start, with the department spending less than 20% of the R900 million available within the first eight months of the current financial year.
SAPS pays farmer R500 000 for unlawful arrest
The Pretoria High Court recently ordered the safety and security minister to pay 44-year-old farmer Willie Nel R500 000 for an illegal arrest that was made eight years ago in the Lusthof area in Pretoria after Nel discovered a corpse on a farm.
Unknown worm plague hits barley crops
An unknown worm plague has hit barley and wheat crops in the Northern Cape and the Free State, causing large-scale damage. The plague was discovered in early November and at the time of going to press more than 1 000ha of barley had been affected.
Organic fertiliser boosts soil fertility
In a world becoming more environmentally aware, using organic fertiliser is highly recommended.
Fairtrade to extend product line in South Africa
Fairtrade is focusing on extending its product range in South Africa, according to Fairtrade South Africa (FTSA) and Fairtrade Label South Africa executive director Boudewijn Goossens.
Take it up a notch
Jonno, My husband and I will be retiring from public service in five years, but we want to start building our dream home now.
Sprouts for sheep
A livestock farmer, plagued by stock theft, turned to feeding sprouting grain in a feedlot to protect his sheep. And his trial has yielded some impressive results. Robyn Joubert reports.
Why a co-op needs to be ‘open’
A cooperative must be transparent to all its members, so everyone understands and accepts its constitution, writes Susan Pletts.
A celebration of quality
The richest one-loft race in the world, the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race is more than just another pigeon race. It's an institution that tests your skill as a breeder and the consistency of your pigeons, writes Thomas Smit.
Conquer cauliflower mosaic virus
Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) is a very destructive cruciferous crop disease that usually occurs unexpectedly. In most cases, by the time farmers notice it it's often too late to stop it. Worse, there's no cure, as it's a viral disease.
Keeping producers producing
Agricultural economist Dr Koos Coetzee wrote about the local market's importance (Global Farming column, 5 November). Some points have a bearing on fresh produce suppliers.
‘I’ve always wanted to farm for myself’
Dolf du Bruyn, a Grain SA 2010 Grain Producer of the Year finalist, only started farming on his own about 13 years ago. He has since become one of the largest landowners on the Sand/Vet irrigation scheme near Bultfontein. Starting off growing vegetables on a leased plot, he now plants maize, wheat and groundnuts on 800ha irrigated and 3 300ha rainfed land.
Get a bigger slice
Primary production is the least profitable sector in a value chain, and the farmer's share of the consumer rand is shrinking. But farmers can share in the profit made upstream through their own farmer-owned businesses.
Increasing crop yields with trees
Evergreen agriculture combines conservation farming and agroforestry to create what proponents call an 'out of the box solution' to increase crop yield, improve soil, make better use of scarce rainwater and absorb atmospheric carbon. Alan Harman investigates.
Quantifying what nature gives for free
The World Bank has launched a new programme that aims to put a value on a country's ecosystems in the same way GDP is measured.
An empowerment success story
Phangisile continues her investigation of the forestry sector and finds a co-op that has empowered emerging black farmers since the 1970s.
Straight talking from a trapper
While organised agriculture tries to persuade government not to fall for the impractical legislation animal-rights activists want to force through on predator management, the black-backed jackal and caracal continue to tear the heart from the small-stock industry. Experienced problem animal hunter and trapper Niekie Mostert, from Smithfield in the Free State, discussed some solutions with Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Start by supporting commercial farmers
Dr Reuel Khoza is a black farmer and chairperson of Aka Capital and the Nedbank Group. His family trust owns a 200ha export avocado and macadamia farm near Hazyview and is a 50% partner in the export packhouse HL Hall & Sons.
Are you insured?
What do farmers and ranchers need to know about agricultural and wildlife insurance? Heather Dugmore speaks to insurance broker Mike Wadge who has 20 years experience in the field. He manages the Port Elizabeth branch of SATIB Risk Solutions, which specialises in wildlife, hospitality and tourism insurance.
