Caxton Magazines
Africa needs solutions to global problems
Addressing the first ever meeting of the Committee of Ten African Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, in Cape Town, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel urged African collaboration to bring about equity and change in global economic affairs.
Issue date : 27 February 2009
Issue date : 27 February 2009
| Read more |  |
Burying poultry litter properly
An implement which applies poultry litter in shallow bands and covers it with soil to prevent runoff and nutrient leaching, is being developed by scientists at the Agricultural Research Institute at the National Soils Laboratory at Auburn, Alabama in the US.
Issue date : 27 February 2009
Issue date : 27 February 2009
| Read more | |
Best practice beats South Coast cane challenges
The Sezela Cane Supply Area is the bedrock of South Coast sugar production, but sloped lands, marginal soils and rainfed conditions have kept yield and sucrose percentage below average. New best management practices developed by industry bodies are not only increasing yield, but also environmental sustainability.
Issue date : 27 February 2009
Issue date : 27 February 2009
Let genes decide who an animal belongs to
Brands or eartags identify animals visually but can be tampered with or removed. The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) developed the infallible DNA-based LidCat system, used for more than a decade by commercial livestock farmers, and now adapted for resource-limited farmers. It offers the added benefits of paternity confirmation, genetic herd management and preventing stock theft.
Issue date : 27 February 2009
Issue date : 27 February 2009
Wool Merinos – natural winners
Brothers Francois and Cobus Uys own the Patryskraal Stud near Bredasdorp and have been dominating the SA Merino Championships for the past 10 years. Cobus shares the secret of their success.
Issue date : 27 February 2009
Issue date : 27 February 2009
| Read more | |
Getting serious about bees
Known to many as a legendary world waveski champion, Kola le Roux is perhaps less well-known as a highly accomplished bee farmer. Having started out in his suburban backyard, today he manages a premier honey brand produced from hives spread out across the Eastern Cape.
Issue date : 27 February 2009
Issue date : 27 February 2009
Effects of residue removal on soil&water quality
Minimum soil disturbance (no-till or direct seeding) is rapidly gaining ground in South Africa as crop farmers attempt to reduce production costs.
Issue date: 27 February 2009
Issue date: 27 February 2009
More palatable pork
In the KZN Midlands, Caz Griffin is making Dargle Valley Pork Products a name in quality and originality by mixing old techniques with new flavours.
Issue date : 20 February 2009
Issue date : 20 February 2009
Farmers warned of more flood risk
most of South Africa's summer rainfall areas could still experience flood conditions and should take the necessary measures to mitigate the damage.
| Read more | |
Unpacking the budget on your farm
The annual budget announcement is always followed by waves of sociopolitical and economic analysis and opinion. However, two of the most important questions often remain unanswered. Will I benefit and how? Farmer's Weekly tax expert advocate
Peter O'Halloran from BDO Spenser Steward in Gaborone takes a look at Trevor Manuel's 2009 budget vote and shows how farmers can benefit from tax breaks by managing their businesses the right way.
| Read more | |
Electricity ‘Another hike will break the bank’ – Agri SA on Eskom plans
Organised Agriculture has warned electricity tariff hikes will add further pressure to on-farm profit margins and threaten food security. This comes after Eskom announced its intentions of another hike to accommodate increased budgets for the construction of two new power stations in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
| Read more | |
EU export subsidies will hurt farmers
As belts tighten globally, there are fears that developing countries will feel the consequences of First World protectionism. While leaders of the G7 last week committed to avoiding protectionist measures, the writing may already be on the wall for farming.
| Read more | |
South African wages now 60% higher than SADC’s
With only months to go before the national elections, the ANC government has announced a 13% wage increase for farmworkers effective from 1 March 2009. Both TAU SA and Agri SA now fear labour minister, Membathisi Mdladlana's apparently politically driven decision could have severe consequences for farmers, workers and national food security.
| Read more | |
Transnet in a fix for ignoring farmers
Transnet's total disregard for agriculture might soon lead to large financial losses. The company last year managed a profit of R4,3 billion.
| Read more | |
‘Budget is only part of restitution woes’ – De Jager
Organised agriculture believe there are more pressing issues to deal with than haggling over budget allocation.
| Read more | |
That fatal touch
A slight touch on a ball in play, whether accidental or deliberate, may prove costly if you don't know the rules
| Read more | |
Eating the gluten-free way
Increasing numbers of people seem to be sensitive to gluten, which is the protein in wheat, rye, oats, and barley.
Issue date 20 February 2009
Issue date 20 February 2009
| Read more | |
Election time
Food shortages might be an issue elsewhere, but they haven't really hit us - yet! Why bring up something which won't win votes when it's easier to bury one's head in the sand?
| Read more | |
townie peers into his crystal ball
I've always had a problem with deadlines. I leave things until the last minute in the hope that inspiration and effort will compel action.
Issue date : 20 February 2009
Issue date : 20 February 2009
Chilli con carne with baked potatoes
The name means chillies with meat. It's that simple, it's that good.
Issue date : 20 February 2009
Issue date : 20 February 2009
