Caxton Magazines
Evergreen agriculture is the future of farming
Scientists have called for radical transformation of the agricultural sector to cope with climate change and food security, writes Alan Harman.
Sun spots behind droughts?
Arguments about CLIMATE change have been dominated by the role greenhouse gas emissions play, but the old sunspot theory is regaining lost ground. Will Alexander, a retired professor from the Department of Civil and Biosystems Engineering, University of Pretoria, insists there's a link between solar activity, climate and drought.
Agriculture occupies central role in SA’s new growth plan
The agriculture value chain is one of six key sectors in the government's new growth plan recently endorsed during a special cabinet meeting.
North West success with conservation agriculture
When Farmer's Weekly last reported on Hannes Otto (19 October 2007), he was about to adopt no-till on a quarter of his farm's arable land, after trials conducted the season before. Its success led him to adopt conservation agriculture practices on all 2 200ha of his arable land. Peter Hittersay reports.
Solving pineapple’s problem
James and Brett Domleo are providing pineapple farmers with an alternative outlet in a prickly market. Robyn Joubert spoke to them about their pioneering idea.
What do you get for your 5%?
Professional farmers have ACCURATE data on what it costs them to market their fresh fruit and vegetables, locally and overseas.
Nitrogen procedure for a cabbage crop
Last week I mentioned how important it is to have sufficient nitrogen in the seedling and growing medium. The procedure needs to be maintained from here on - the early stages being particularly vital.
Billions for green economy, biofuel, biomass production, energy management
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) approved R9,4 billion in funding last year, the second highest amount in the development fund's history, and IDC executives said they expect to disburse R100 billion by 2015, depending on the outlook of the global economy.
Historic farming community under threat
The Cape Flats Agricultural Association is one of the oldest agricultural associations in South Africa, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Descendants of German immigrant farmers still farm in Philippi, supplying Cape Town with 80% of its fresh produce. But urban development and crime could put an end to this proud farming community. Denene Erasmus reports.
Boosting Merino potential with lucerne
Ben Lategan is the national runner-up of the National Wool Growers Association/FNB best economically classed clip in South Africa for 2009/10. His Merino enterprise on 6 000ha in the Burgersdorp district of the Eastern Cape includes 180ha of irrigated lucerne, allowing him to get the most from his sheep. Mike Burgess reports.
Rift Valley fever
This highly contagious disease originated in the Rift Valley of East Africa, and occurred for the first time in South Africa during the 1950's.
How do I apply for a loan?
Knowing how to prepare your loan application shows that you understand business and will increase your chances of getting approval from a bank, writes Susan Pletts.
‘I couldn’t let my family starve while I had two hands and a brain’
After losing his job four years ago, textile worker Mike Moloto set out to provide for his family by starting a farming operation. Initially, things were tough, but he made a go of it, despite struggling to compete against larger enterprises. Peter Mashala visited him on his plot in Soshanguve.
SAPIR results update – 2010 SA Prestige Invitational Race
The first section of the 2010 South African Prestige Invitational Pigeon Race has been completed and many fortunate pigeon fanciers have succeeded in impressing their wives - and their bank managers, writes Thomas Smit.
The modification bug makes a comeback
Many obsolete camera components are still very usable with some modification. And once the modification bug re-emerges, one bite is all it takes to get your creative juices flowing again, writes Abré J Steyn.
In with the old
I got a call from a prospective farmer in the battlefields area of KZN, to come and see three derelict old farm houses on three adjacent farms in the area. Erich was to establish a new farming venture on one of these farms; and required a home for the manager to be.
The secret’s in the sauce
This magnificent sauce requires one very serious kitchen skill: patience. The reduction process near the end is a slow one, but worth the wait. Begin by crushing and finely chopping the garlic, peel and thinly slice the onion and macerate the fresh chillies into a pulp, pips and all.
The hope of a nation
Phangisile writes an open letter to professional farmers-in-waiting, particularly students who will graduate soon.
R5 million allocated after Free State fires
The Free State agriculture department has allocated R5 million for disaster relief after the widespread veldfires in the province, but Free State Agriculture (FSA) is concerned that its members won't see any of the money.
Dairy gives back to the community
Learners at selected schools around the country were treated to free dairy products on 12 October as part of the Milk Producers' Organisation (MPO) School Milk Day.
