Caxton Magazines
Good choices keep costs down
The winner of the Berg River Table Grape Competition for 2008 Johann Britz of the farm Tweespruit near Paarl, chose a pitted grape cultivar because he believed it was best-suited to his farm’s terroir. With attention to detail, he now exports a quality product and is expanding his vineyards, writes Wouter Kriel.
Going commercial with Grain SA
As development programmes across the country struggle to keep emerging farmers afloat, Grain SA's farmer development programme is using a big-picture, people-focused approach to launch these producers to commercial level. Annelie Coleman asks what they're doing right that the agriculture department isn't.
Issue date 13 February 2009
Issue date 13 February 2009
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Optimal veld management in the Little Karoo
When stocking game in the Little Karoo, farmers must be aware of the fragility of this veld. Careful monitoring of veld, starting with the right species, as well as the animals already on a farm, should all be considered, so says Ken Coetzee of Conservation Management Services. Glenneis Erasmus spoke to him about how to get stocking rates right.
Beefmaster Alliance: the ultimate herd of veld cattle
In 2000 it was decided to establish a combined herd of 1 500 Beefmaster breeding cows from the Compa Stud in Delmas, the Manjoh Stud in Nigel and the Creative Stud in Sterkstroom. The goal was to use top imported genetics and apply the Lasater Philosophy to supply hardy, veld-reared bulls to satisfied customers.
Issue date: 13 February 2009
Issue date: 13 February 2009
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Measuring how much water a plant needs
Rather than measuring the water content in the soil, Watermark soil water-potential sensors help farmers determine how much water the crop needs, says SASRI researcher Ashiel Jumman. Glenneis Erasmus reports.
Zantedeschia the southern African arums
A great find for landowners in Limpopo and Mpumalanga would be to discover populations of the two rare yellow arums, so far only known to occur in Sekhukhuneland in the rainshadow of the Drakensberg, writes Cameron McMaster.
Issue date: 06 February 2009
Issue date: 06 February 2009
Fifteen years of no-till – the results
Karkloof's no-till pioneer René Stubbs has been at it for 15 years. His maize silage yield has increased from 8t/ha DM in 1995 to 14,5t/ha DM in 2008, with a saving of up to 40 of diesel/ha in land preparation. On pastures, he saves up to 60 diesel/ha which is close to R90 000 for 170ha of annual re-sown pasture, bringing total fuel savings to R132 000 a year, writes Robyn Joubert.
Pesticide ban a threat to exports
Farmers exporting to Europe will have to contend with a new set of pesticide regulations recently approved by the European parliament. That means adapting their pest control programmes accordingly. Robyn Joubert looks at the challenges and uncertainties the new legislation raises.
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Zim High Court turns its back on farmers
White farmers in Zimbabwe have been dealt another blow, as the country's High Court turned down an application to formally register and recognise the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tribunal ruling which declared expropriation of white farms for land reform illegal.
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‘Stay out of markets,’ Grain SA warns government
Instead of meddling in the free market system, government should address poverty, separate politics from the economy and take responsibility for addressing the country's crime.
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Wheat farmers insist on better grading system
Western Cape Farmers want a revision of the current South African wheat grading system to level the "international playing field".
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‘Recession will soon be over,’ says economist
"Pessimists are having a ball for no reason, because what they call an 'economic recession' will soon be over."
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Fluctuating rand more troublesome than weak pound
The devaluation of the pound against major market currencies might not have any impact on South African exports.
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R30 billion to settle existing and ‘new’ claims
The National Land Claims Commission will request another R30 billion from Treasury to conclude outstanding claims, acting chief land claims commissioner Blessing Mphela told reporters at a Western Cape press briefing last week.
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South Africa’s saving graces
The right attitude makes all the difference. During the Eskom crisis last year Alan Knott-Craig, managing director of the internet service provider iBurst, wrote an inspiring letter to his staff, pointing out the good things South Africa has to offer. This year we're faced with a global credit crunch, and Alan had to remind his staff again that things aren't that bad and that the grass isn't really greener on the other side.
Issue date : 06 February 2009
Issue date : 06 February 2009
Healthy soil (and roots) for sustainable blueberry farming
Etienne van Niekerk feeds the soil to feed the plant. It's a long-term process that promotes biodiversity and healthy soil microorganisms, and builds organic carbon - all secrets to a good blueberry crop for South Cape Fruit. Glenneis Erasmus reports.
Issue date : 06 February 2009
Issue date : 06 February 2009
Astute business man and top grain farmer
Grain SA Developing Grain Producer finalists for 2008 Isaac Khutso built his farming operation with funding from his back-up business and strong mentorship. He farms on 165ha of owned land and 68ha rented land planted to maize. He plants serradella between maize rows, ensuring feed for his 40 cows and 135 sheep and has also enhanced his herd's genetics with Bonsmara bulls.
Issue date : 06 February 2009
Issue date : 06 February 2009
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Private game reserves: pasture taking the stress off veld
As the number of private game reserves increase, they are often criticised for being
short-sighted and financially motivated at the expense of nature. But, argues Hanno Kilian, research manager at Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, that small game reserves can conserve biodiversity without disappointing tourists, by using creative measures such as small-scale pastures.
Issue date : 06 February 2009
Issue date : 06 February 2009
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No place for prima donnas!
Low milk prices and rising input costs are putting many farmers under financial pressure. Elsabé and Andries Badenhorst, the winners of the Overberg Jersey Championships, spoke to Glenneis Erasmus about weathering the storm and wringing greater efficiencies out of their land.
Issue date : 06 February 2009
Issue date : 06 February 2009
Game can revive rural economies
ildlife ranching in South Africa has grown by more than 20% over the past 15 years, making it a major contributor to rural economies and the country's GDP.
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