Caxton Magazines
Eagle’s view of development in Africa
Known as an 'economic spy', Africa Project Access consultant Paul Runge has an eagle's view of development in Africa.He shared some of his insights with Robyn Joubert at the Africa Investor Agribusiness Investment Summit in Durban on 31 August.
Is big business stealing Africa?
A new colonialism is on the rise, as governments and private companies grab land across Africa to feed and fuel demand in their own countries. They say their projects will alleviate poverty, but things aren't so simple, says the NGO coalition Friends of the Earth, which campaigns for sustainable, just societies and environmental protection.
Understanding cash flow
Budgeting is knowing how much money goes in and out of your business, and cash flow shows when this will occur, writes Susan Pletts.
Practical research looks at better caracal control
Current research into caracal control, conducted on nature reserves or game reserves, isn't always the best measure of effectiveness on a farm. A new study, conducted under practical farming conditions, aims to find the best solutions for small-stock farmers.
Young family home
Greetings Rob,
Thanks for the invite to see the site and discuss the new house for your son.I know that you said it should be...
Hush!
Sound always carries a message in the animal kingdom and the design of an animal's ear tells us something about its habitat, writes Abré J Steyn.
Racing Pigeons 2010 TRPF results update
The Transvaal Racing Pigeon Federation (TRPF) is having a rather fast-paced racing season this year, with average race speeds of between 1 300m and 1 400m per minute. Training is done on a knife's edge to keep the front runners in top shape.
Ngunis go commercial
After 25 years of trading and farming in Elliotdale in the former Transkei, Zolani Tyali eventually settled on Brooklyn, a commercial farm near Morgan's Bay in the Eastern Cape.
Growing lettuce for the home garden – part 1
Leafy greens like lettuce is an important part of most people's diets, especially as we approach the warmer months and salads return to our menus.
A lesson in breeding a winning beef carcass
Winners of the Royal Show's carcass competition hold the prestigious title of producer of the best beef carcass in KwaZulu-Natal for a year. Lloyd Phillips visited Weston Agricultural College to hear how they did it in 2010.
Ngunis go commercial
After 25 years of trading and farming in Elliotdale in the former Transkei, Zolani Tyali eventually settled on Brooklyn, a commercial farm near Morgan’s Bay in the Eastern Cape. He transferred most of the family’s Ngunis to the new farm and improved his herd by introducing bulls acquired from farmers belonging to the East Cape Nguni Club. But without fencing on his farm, that herd’s integrity is at risk.
Eye infections & blindness
Conditions involving your horse's eyes are potentially serious and should be treated by a vet, warns Kim Dyson.
Issue date : 10 September 2010
Issue date : 10 September 2010
Organically grown vegetables VS conventionally grown vegetables
The answer is yes and no. IT depends. A prime benefit of organic produce is that it's free of pesticide residue, which is blamed for the progressive increase in cancer.
Joint venture at Durban Fresh Produce Market
Something quite significant has happened on the Durban market. I recently contributed to a week's training session there for prospective salespeople. The significance is that this was a joint venture between the Durban Market Authority and the Durban Market Agents, the first of its kind on markets in South Africa.
Vegetable production in Queenstown
When Brad Turner began to farm in the Queenstown region in 2005, many in the area warned him about the size limitations of his 900ha stock farm, Mountain Glen. Undaunted, he began producing vegetables under irrigation that today contributes 89% of his turnover, a feat that recently resulted in his crowning as the 2010 Eastern Cape Toyota / Agri SA Young Farmer.
Keeping an eye on Doha
The Doha Round will, in time, result in more freedom for the international market. This will reduce South African agriculture's competition with highly subsidised countries, but also remove a lot of our markets' protection against cheap imports.
Power hikes deadhead flower farmer
Once Eskom's poster boy for electrified greenhouse heating, cut-flower farmer David Gates feels he has now been hung out to dry by the state utility. The annual fees he's charged are up to R150 000 before he's even flicked on a switch, and they're crippling his business.
Water crisis warriors
Government's attitude towards our water crisis seems to be changing from denial to tentative action. This is largely thanks to the activism of a few determined men and women. Sean Christie spoke to three of them and found that each has learned unique lessons from agriculture that can help solve the current water crisis.
The truth about labour
It's a tall order, but why not take the politics out of
farm labour and concentrate on what will actually work, asks journalist and farmer Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Budgets – why do we need them?
Working without a budget is like swimming in a rough sea with no life saver – you’re sure to drown, writes Susan Pletts.
