Plett’s forgotten macadamia farms

Traditional knowledge holds that the Lowveld is the epicentre of South Africa's macadamia industry. Not so, says Len Hobson, renowned macadamia consultant. The best area actually stretches from East London to Mossel Bay. Orrock Robertsen spoke to David Rowe, a macadamia farmer in Plettenberg Bay, about farming in this area.
Issue date : 05 June 2009

Fertiliser pellets from waste

Johan Eksteen designed pelleting machines for feed, but found waste makes a wholesome and balanced fertiliser pellet. Chris Nel reports.
Issue date : 05 June 2009

Water war looms in Limpopo

Water and land remain two of this country's most scarce resources. Now farming communities and mining companies in parts of Limpopo are gearing up for a fight over these precious commodities. Stephan HofstÃ¤tter reports how government has to decide between the interests of mines, or those of black farmers.
Issue date : 29 May 2009

Police and defence force crime plan welcomed

The minister of Safety and Security Nathi Mthethwa has announcement a new crime-busting strategy. Organised agriculture welcomed the move to use the police, military and intelligence services as a sign of government's willingness to aggressively fight the high crime rate.

‘Land Affairs official wanted bribe’ – Free State farmer

A young black Free State farmer intends bringing criminal charges against Land Affairs after a Free State official tried to solicit a bribe as compensation for "ironing out" a dispute with the department.

Competition Commission to probe retailers?

The Milk Producers' Organisation (MPO) has welcomed a report by the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), which found that supermarket chains were possibly abusing their dominant positions and that the agriculture minister should forward the findings to the Competition Commission.

Biotech didn’t cause Monsanto pollination problems

Monsanto recently announced biotechnology traits were not responsible for the pollination problems in the summer grain production area this season. Kobus Lindeque, South Africa area director for Monsanto Africa, said a survey of the fields determined the pollination variation resulted in an average yield reduction of some 25% in fields where the problems occurred.

Nampo impresses international visitors

A trade delegation from North Dakota in the US visited this year's Nampo Harvest Day, led by Lieutenant Governor Jack Dalrymple. Dalrymple said the Harvest day construction and stands were the best he's seen. He said the exhibitions compared superbly with the biggest show of agricultural implements and machinery in the US, the Big Iron Farm Show in North Dakota.

Top Crop’s top water treatments

Top Crop Nursery has implemented two water treatments to let them use surface run-off water. Synthetic wetlands worked until they couldn't keep up with the nursery's requirements, then the nursery turned to chemical treatments. Robyn Joubert spoke to owner Mike Kruger.
Issue date: 29 May 2009.

Commission denies undertaking on land claims list

On the same day the land claims commission issued a press release saying it will review and degazette claims for which there are no claim forms, the commission's communication manager denied that there was ever an undertaking to publish a final list of land claims.

The tough all-in-one Terra-Grader

The Terra-Grader can improve and maintain deteriorating roads in African countries. This will help solve the problems poor infrastructure causes for farmers, writes Chris Nel.
Issue date : 29 May 2009

Conservation farming in the former Transkei

The Agricultural Research Council's Institute for Soil, Climate and Water (ARC-ISCW) has been running a project over four seasons to demonstrate commercial conservation agriculture (CA) practices on 4,7ha in the Qunu area of the Eastern Cape. The main aim has been to show farmers that its implementation can curb land degradation and results in higher soil productivity and yield and improved profit. Peter Hittersay reports.
Issue date : 29 May 2009

World-class reds after only four years

Within four years of acquiring an unknown wine farm near Wellington, Stephan and Carolina du Toit, with the help of two eminent German winemakers, Bernd Philippi and the late Bernhard Breuer, took the German wine market by storm. While this lucrative overseas market continues to grow, they are also determined to capture the domestic market with their exceptional reds. Sonja Burger reports.
Issue date : 29 May 2009

Taking your watermelons to maturity

Regardless of yield, watermelon quality is vital for sales, price and future demand for your product. Cultural practices are especially important during the last period towards maturity.

The Land Bank whistleblowers hung out to dry

Marko and Debbie Vogler thought they were doing the right thing when they reported Land Bank corruption to the Scorpions. After death threats and an assassination attempt they were put on witness protection, but then dumped by the state with no explanation. Their ordeal provides a disturbing snapshot of shady dealings by corrupt Land Bank officials who have never been brought to book despite overwhelming evidence against them, writes Stephan HofstÃ¤tter.
Issue date : 22 May 2009

Congo farming: the problem

An internal advisory note to TAU SA members in response to the numerous queries about commercial farming in the Congo, puts a new spin on the reality of these opportunities. TAU SA urges farmers to take these into account before making hasty decisions.
Issue date 29 May 2009

Showcasing the Karoo: A Trade Fair Show

The Karoo Development Conference and Trade Fair held in March in Graaff-Reinet was the first of its kind in South Africa. It highlighted a myriad of entrepreneurial possibilities in tourism, and showcased the promise of developing a sought-after brand of lamb, olives and other products, writes Lindi van Rooyen.
Issue date: 15 May 2009

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