Caxton Magazines

There seems to be some reprieve ahead from searing heat farmers in the northern regions have experienced over the last couple of weeks. Early last week farmers in Limpopo and North West expressed concern that, despite good early rains, the scorching sun was killing new grass. Buks van der Walt, a farmer in Limpopo's Koedoesrand district, says he fears another “green drought” - a phenomenon where the veld appears green, but has too little moisture to facilitate enough growth to sustain livestock.
Issue date: 30 November 2007

The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Affairs has taken out an advertisement in Business Day denying five Bank board members were fired because of irresponsible lending to their friends and misappropriation of up to R1 billion. This follows a report by the SABC that chairperson Lungile Mazwai and directors Litha Nyhonyha, Charles Davies, Raisibe Morathi and Moira Tlhagale were fired.
Issue date: 30 November 2007

The restructuring of the South African tobacco industry has led to an anti-competitive complaint to the Competition Commission. The commission has, however, found no grounds for a referral to the Tribunal. “Restructuring was an inclusive process in which all players in the industry took part,” says François van der Merwe, chairperson of the Tobacco Industry of SA.
Issue date: 30 November 2007

Western Cape agriculture minister Cobus Dowry says agriculture will play a vital role in helping the state achieve its 6% economic growth target. However, poorly coordinated land reform, access to foreign markets and the Chinese threat remain challenges.

'Another benefit is that fuel can be manufactured regionally or even on the farm.'
Issue date 23 November 2007

Good things come in small packages and miniature salad leaves, herbs and veggies are no exception. Steve Botha from Porterville in the Swartland harvests his plants sometimes as early as five days after sowing. These delicacies, known for their intense flavour, striking colour and crisp texture are sold to a niche market of top local chefs. Robyn Joubert reports.
Issue date 23 November 2007

Rising input costs, a worldwide wine glut and exorbitant land prices make the wine industry a hard nut to crack for black entrants. But black-owned wine label Blouvlei near Wellington is steadily making its mark - with a little help from its benefactor, Mont du Toit. Stephan Hofstätter reports.
Issue date 23 November 2007

Miles Dicke, born into a pioneer Brahman breeding family, believes the breed's economic value lies in the hybrid vigour produced when Brahman bulls are crossed with other recognised beef breeds. Mike Burgess visited him on the sour coastal plains near Kei Mouth, where he runs a combined commercial and stud herd of 500 cows.
Issue date 23 November 2007

Susan Botes spoke to hydrogeologist and South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) chairperson John Weaver, and found that starting a bottled water brand presents farmers with a salesperson's challenges.
Issue date 23 November 2007

SA can't seem to get land reform right, despite having far more resources than other countries that have done it successfully. The Besters case in KwaZulu-Natal holds the secret to solving this riddle. But, as Stephan Hofstätter found out, officials have latched onto other ideas that risk compounding past failures.
Issue date 23 November 2007

When it comes to effective nitrogen fertilisation on pasture, respected KZN soil scientist Neil Miles warns farmers not to underestimate their most valuable source of NPK - their animals.
Issue date 23 November 2007

To generate heat to keep their temperature constant, all mammals must eat regularly.'
Issue date 16 November 2007

A Portuguese delicacy with penne

In the early 1970s Marc Vergnet, an engineer working in Burkina Faso, saw the terrible suffering caused by drought
Issue date 16 November 2007

Striking the right balance between leaf miners and the parasitic wasp population that feed on them is key to the biological control of leaf miner.
Issue date 16 November 2007

'I am endlessly entertained and fascinated by the dynamics of the teamwork involved and the similarities between rugby and business, and the lessons for management.'
Issue date 16 November 2007

The 2007 pigeon racing season came to an end for most South African fanciers in the middle of October and it's time now to give full attention to the breeding aspects of the sport
Issue date 16 November 2007

'The Sector Plan for Agriculture proposed a substantive increase in agricultural research funding. The failure to implement this part of the plan endangers South African agriculture's global competitiveness.'
Issue date 16 November 2007

Globally recognised in agricultural technology transfer, Prof Eugene Terry of the US was recently made an Honorary Professor at the University of KZN's African Centre for Crop Improvement. On a recent visit he discussed the challenges and opportunities of bringing agritechnology to Africa. Lloyd Phillips reports.
Issue date 16 November 2007

It's official: the Challenger MT875B tractor, using Grégoire Besson's latest XXL discs, could cultivate its way from Pietermaritzburg to Johannesburg in a day - unmodified. Joe Spencer reports.
Issue date 16 November 2007