Caxton Magazines

Sometimes small changes aren't enough, and totally ignoring long-standing conventions and industry norms is the only way to make progress. This requires a special type of stubbornness (not uncommon amongst South African farmers) that's paid off in spades for apple producer Mark Standford, who's achieved yields of up to three times industry norms by breaking all the rules. He spoke to Wouter Kriel.
Issue date : 14 November 2008

A number of non-lethal predator-control methods are available to livestock and game farmers, who are often economically hard-pressed by losses incurred through predator attacks.
Issue date : 14 November 2008

In the late 1990s, commercial farmers Truter Lutz and Jan Louw made use of the then newly promulgated National Water Act to launch a vineyard in Lutzville, Western Cape. They innovatively incorporated BEE partners to attain water rights and went to great lengths to establish was to become the most northwesterly vineyard in South Africa. Sharon Götte writes how they identified an untapped water resource to make a success of their operation, which now supplies leading cellars such as KWV and Distell.
Issue date : 14 November 2008

According to a recent Crop Estimate Committee report, While maize plantings are expected to drop by 8,5% for the 2009 season, other crop plantings are expected to increase.
Issue date : 14 November 2008

The DA has made several proposals to government on how it can achieve its aim of between 10% and 15% growth in agricultural output Kraai van Niekerk, DA spokesperson for agriculture had pointed out that increased output is important
Issue date : 14 November 2008

If the current trend of establishing fewer apricots and peaches each year prevails, the industry could disappear in 10 years' time
Issue date: 14 November 2008

Seven European Union countries face penalties totalling 338,7 million euros (over R4 trillion) for exceeding their milk quotas during 2007/2008.
Issue date : 14 November 2008

Researchers in Australia and New Zealand are concerned that the global financial crisis could significantly reduce investment in biotechnology and agricultural science
Issue date: 14 November 2008

The department of agriculture and Land Affairs and the Department of Trade and Industry are considering the possibility of import tariffs to protect local farmers.
Issue date : 14 November 2008

While muted consumer spending has resulted in an unforeseen oversupply of milk and a downward adjustment in farmgate prices, these reductions aren't fully carried over to consumers.
Issue date: 14 November 2008

Vinpro, the representative organisation for South African wine producers, has been converted from a co-op to a company in order to adapt to changing realities in the agricultural environment, said Abrie Botha, Vinpro chairperson, speaking at Vinpro's recent annual general meeting.
Issue date : 14 November 2008

Agriculture has been identified as one of the five most important sectors in the United Nation's Environment Programme (UNEP's) Global Economy Initiative.
Issue date: 14 November 2008

Suddenly the deep and loud guttural "Hooouwp" of a hyena sounded out of the bushes quite close by.
Issue date : 07 November 2008

Take everything you know about professional pruners and turn it on its head
Issue date : 07 November 2008

In years gone by, there were only open-pollinated pumpkins and gems. As seeds were so cheap, nearly all recommendations were for a generous number of seeds to be planted to make sure of a good stand. No thought was given to the influence on yield.
Issue date: 07 November 2008

"It should be no problem to extend your overdraft Mr Jones. Just bring in a copy of your business plan and we'll do our best to arrange it."
Issue date : 07 November 2008

There are 15 clubs in Gauteng that jointly form the Transvaal Racing Pigeon Federation and there were 12 short-distance race events, 12 middle-distances races and 13 long-distance races held in the 2008 season.
Issue date: 07 November 2008

Unbridled mining activity is but one dimension to South Africans polluting more per capita than the Chinese. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI),known as the Green Scorpions, is the authority most people think should be preventing such ecological devastation.
Issue date : 07 November 2008

The international economic outlook has worsened. South African farmers will also suffer as export commodity prices decrease and a weaker rand drives inflation and possibly interest rates in coming months.
Issue date: 07 November 2008

Former Foreign Affairs minister and current member of the ANC, Pik Botha, says land reform is in the interest of everyone. However landownership has been a contentious issue throughout South Africa's history and some hard facts can't be erased or ignored.
Issue date: 07 November 2008