Caxton Magazines
Zim farmers murdered, agriculture trumped by mining
A renewed wave of intimidation and violence against the remaining white farmers in Zimbabwe can be attributed to Zanu-PF's well-worn strategy of upping violence before an election, and to the greed of local politicians who, far from taking an agricultural interest in the farms they seize in great numbers, hope that the land will contain precious minerals, according to Zimbabwean farmers and union leaders.
Deadly livestock disease in Tanzania
A deadly viral disease, which broke out in Tanzania earlier this year, could spread south, posing a mortal threat to more than 50 million sheep and goats in 15 countries.
Zambia develops new farming block
The Zambian government is developing a 100 000ha commercial farming block around the town of Serenje in the country's Central Province.
‘Dr’ Phil Mohlahlane doesn’t have matric
Former Land Bank boss, Phil Mohlahlane was recently forced to resign following a lengthy investigation into his controversial appointment in July this year as CEO of the Limpopo Agribusiness Development Corporation (LADC).
Competition Commission backs off small dairies
The Competition Commission withdrew its application for permission to appeal against the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA's) recent ruling in favour of Woodlands and Milkwood dairies.
Blackleg fungus in cabbages
Blackleg is a fungal disease that affects cruciferous crops and can do a lot of damage. Look out for it and take precautions so you won't get caught out.
The art of stirfrying
First, the equipment. Ideally buy a wok, this is the definitive stirfry pot which also doubles as a serving dish. That's two items for the cost of one with high speed washing up to match.
The golden oldies
Some 145 pacing pigeons went under the hammer at Gauteng champion Harry Willson's pigeon auction at the Alberton Racing Pigeon Club recently. He's been involved with racing pigeons on and off since 1985.
Mentorship beats government money
Dirkie Willemse, an emerging farmer from Suurbraak, and his mentor Dirk van Papendorp, a livestock and crop farmer, have learnt through experience that the state's land reform and farmer support programmes don't take timeliness in agricultural production into account.
Major conservation win for famers
'KwaMandlangampisi' might be a bit of a mouthful, but it's a name to savour because it's the country's first Protected Environment, and it bars an important catchment area from mining. Heather Dugmore finds out how this giant step for conservation in South Africa carries a range of other benefits for farmers.
Fears of KZN’s corridor disease spreading
Corridor disease isn't new to KZN, and respected KZN wildlife vet Dr Dave Cooper says the increasing appeal of stocking African buffalo on private game farms could be one of the factors contributing to the spread of this disease to the province's cattle.
Giving your animals inoculations – part 2
Some medicines and vaccines can only be given to animals by injection. But you must know what you're doing, otherwise you can hurt the animal.
Using manure on acidic soil
If your soil is acidic, simply applying manure won't improve your yield, so you need to add lime or wood ash.
How to set up a co-op
Cooperatives are popular with government and group projects. We look at the requirements for registration and why you need professional help.
Down memory lane
I got a call from Dallas (not the city in the US) to have a look at his house in Durban that needs upgrading. The house is located in one of the original suburbs of Durban, where in the early days some 45 years ago, I was senior property salesperson for a well-know estate agency.
South African farmers just aren’t appreciated
South Africa's 30 000 commercial farmers provide affordable food, earn foreign currency and contribute massively to the national economy. Despite this, they regularly face threats to their survival.
issue date: 19 November 2010
issue date: 19 November 2010
New environmentally friendly ‘styrofoam’
An ultra-light biodegradable styrofoam substitute may put an end to plastic pollution and overburdened landfills, writes Alan Harman.
Healthy monola set to be a winner
With consumers growing ever more health-conscious and the food industry under pressure to get rid of "bad" cooking oils, this new speciality canola couldn't have been launched at a better time. Demand is only likely to increase, and so will farmers' bottom line. Kobus van Tonder reports.
Conservation implements at KZN No-Till Conference
Distributors and their dealers demonstrated machines from the ever-increasing range of conservation agriculture implements at the KZN No-Till Club's 2010 annual conference near Bergville. Peter Hittersay reports on some new products.
Spend on technology, save on water
Gamtoos Valley's three-year drought meant farmers were only allocated 40% of their annual water quota this year. And the catchment area of the Kouga Dam got little relief, despite recent good rains.
