Game ranching: copy nature to restore arid veld

Managing veld under game in arid regions is a tricky business. A management system that reproduces nature's pattern of overstocking followed by rest periods seems to significantly improve veld condition. Ecologist Julius Koen spoke to Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Issue date 9 November 2007

Is there growth in grain?

Sakkie van Zyl, Grain SA's economist for market research, argues that SA has the capacity to produce more grain crops, like oilseeds, wheat and maize - but before producers jump in, they should consider what sort of markets they'll find for their extra produce. He told Annelie Coleman about potential risks and rewards.
Issue date 9 November 2007

East Coast Fever spreads

Devastating livestock disease East Coast Fever (ECF), carried by the brown ear tick, is on the rise in Southern Africa. Dr Jane Olwoch of the University of Pretoria has been researching causes and solutions - she told Annelie Coleman
Issue date 9 November 2007

‘World in Union’ includes farming

Prof Willie Esterhuyse argues that agriculture must find a new way of communicating with politicians. They need to prove their worth to the country and build solid relationships with agricultural bureaucrats.
Issue date 2 November 2007

How to run a perlemoen stud

Wouter Kriel spoke to Aletta Bester of the University of Stellenbosch's Division of Aquaculture, about new research that's refining abalone breeding techniques.
Issue date 2 November 2007

World in digital

It was bitterly cold. The wind was howling from the east. Except for the low sandstone ridge to the north, all around me the rolling grassland stretched to the horizon.
Issue date 26 October 2007

Pests: a stitch in time

After a severe winter we may have become complacent about summer pests. Bollworms, for example, do not appear regularly - and herein lies the danger
Issue date 26 October 2007

Tallie’s champion racing pigeons

SJ “TAllie” Taljaard has been racing pigeons since 1958. From 2002 to 2005 he was a member of the River Park Specialist Racing Pigeon Club, under the Golden Reef Pigeon Association (GRPA)
Issue date 26 October 2007

Will economic growth continue? Maybe …

'Without a significant improvement in service delivery and infrastructure we will not see 6% economic growth. Consumer spending alone will not achieve our growth targets.'
Issue date 26 October 2007

What’s holding up land reform?

Specialist land reform writer Stephan Hofstätter argues swift, orderly and effective land reform is vital for political stability and long-term economic growth. But botched state interventions have exacerbated tensions between the landed and landless that will lead to violent confrontation, unless dysfunctional institutions are drastically overhauled.
Issue date 26 October 2007

New equipment on show

Judging from the list of exhibitors, the annual Bien Donné Expo, scheduled for 1 to 3 November and aimed at Vineyard and Orchard farmers, will be a perfect opportunity to view the wide range of specialised equipment available to farmers and those involved in the peripheral sectors of the industry
Issue date 26 October 2007

Dig those greens: plant medicine for your soil

Initial research shows plants like broccoli and rocket may replace synthetic soil fumigants, which are being phased out. They also improve soil condition and have no harmful side-effects. Glenneis Erasmus reports.
Issue date 26 October 2007

No-till success on the Orange River

Jaco van Niekerk of Luckhoff, a Grain SA commercial grain producer of the year finalist, pioneered no-till in sandy loam soils. Today, five years down the line, he's managed to boost yields and cut capital and operating costs dramatically, as Peter Hittersay reports.
Issue date 26 October 2007

Undefeated Solly: no chip on his shoulder

While farming in the 1980s, Solly Ratsomane managed to acquire land from an apartheid government. Under the new government he had to face floods with minimal compensation and a land claim. But nothing could stop Solly. Through all of this, both during apartheid and in the new dispensation, white farmers were more than willing to help. He's become one of Limpopo's top commercial farmers. Cornelia du Plooy writes.
Issue date 26 October 2007

Cactus pear: an oasis in dry Africa

Anyone searching for a wonder fodder crop for semi-arid regions need look no further than the cactus pear
Issue date 26 October 2007

Write a ‘stop doing’ list and build a culture

'It takes great self-discipline to stop doing those things you enjoy, but which add little benefit to the business'.
Issue date 26 October 2007

Crossbred lambs better?

Rising input costs and low market prices are forcing sheep producers to produce more meat and wool per hectare
Issue date 26 October 2007

‘The state should take agriculture seriously’

The effect that uncertainty surrounding land reform is having on investor confidence is often underestimated, Sanlam's Group CEO Dr Johan van Zyl told delegates at Agri SA's annual congress. For this reason, and the fact that rising food prices are here to stay, the state should start taking agriculture a lot more seriously, and entrust it to a senior minister.
Issue date 19 October 2007

Launching the backhoe loaders

Having recently launched the YTO range of agricultural tractors, Super Group Equipment (SGE), part of the JSE-listed Super Group, has now put its considerable marketing power behind equipment used in both agriculture and construction: Hidromek Backhoe Loader Tractors
Issue date 19 October 2007

Community with faith in potatoes

The humble potato's ability to create 5 000 jobs, yield almost 28t/ ha and uplift an entire community was proven at the recent handover of the Makuleke Irrigation Scheme. Cornelia du Plooy reports on how a strategic partner in potato farmer Arthur Creighton, help from the state, and a market with Simba SA proved key to their success.
Issue date 19 October 2007

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