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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

Fifteen years of no-till – the results

Karkloof's no-till pioneer RenÃ© 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.

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.

‘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.

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".

‘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."

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

No place for prima donnas!

Low milk prices and rising input costs are putting many farmers under financial pressure. ElsabÃ© 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

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.

Möller fed-up with ANC ‘ideals’

South Africa has a typically African government, high on ideals for the peoples' benefit and low on fiscal discipline and actual delivery, says Johannes Möller, president of Agri SA.

Highest earners could see tax increase

The economic slowdown gives finance minister Trevor Manuel less opportunity to cut individual tax, as there's less room to manoeuvre in the budget.

More maize planted than initial estimate

South Africa's commercial maize farmers have planted an estimated 2,6 million hectares this 2008/09 summer. This is a 203 000ha or 7,25%, drop in the total area planted to maize compared to the 2007/08 summer.

‘Farmers will survive election politicking’ – Pakendorf

International and national concerns about food security are impacting on government's attitude to farming and land policy, well-known political analyst Harald Pakendorf recently told 500 delegates at the annual Vinpro information day.

Top young farmers face the future enthusiastically

There is no substitute for youthful enthusiasm. Combine it with level-headed determination, and progress is inevitable. Mike Burgess interviewed James Raw (30) from KwaZulu-Natal and Andrew Cock (34) from the Eastern Cape, both 2008 Toyota Young Farmer of the Year finalists. Both are young dairy farmers, both planned to become farmers from an early age and both returned to their family farms to boost production and turnover.

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