Caxton Magazines
Carl van der Merwe wins WC Young Farmer of the Year 2015
A fruit farmer from the Koue Bokkeveld, Carl van der Merwe, was named the Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year.
Aquaculture: when a plan comes together
There is incontrovertible proof that aquaculture can flourish in Southern Africa. The secret to success lies in appropriate scale and top-class feed.
How well do you know your market?
A recent trip to Cape Town saw me attending two events with vastly different outlooks.The first was a panel discussion on food security held as part of a conference organised by Food Hospitality World (FHW).
Know your crop pests: Mealybug
Scientific name: More than 120 species have been identified in South Africa alone.
Family: Pseudococcidae
Distribution: Worldwide
Standard Bank advises farmers to ‘cut the dead wood’
Farmers should avoid the risk of placing too much emphasis on economic and global issues they have little or no control over, according to Nico Groenewald, Standard Bank’s head of agribusiness.
SADC markets?
A few years ago, there was a flurry of interest from Namibia, Mozambique and Botswana, among others, to establish fresh produce markets.
Brewing craft beer in the Cederberg
Two sisters from the farm Kromrivier in the Cederberg are brewing up a storm with their premium-quality craft beers, and at the same time contributing to the region’s ecotourism.
Drought preparation: where to start
It’s not about pessimism, but planning. We must plan each crop as if this season will be our worst ever.
Total stock theft figures could be underestimated
Stock theft figures in South Africa might currently be underestimated by four times if University of the Free State (UFS) research is accurate.
Plan for aggressive revival of rural farming
Developing farmers’ lack of access to markets and facilities was highlighted by Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, in an interview with Luyolo Mkentane. The minister is also keen to ignite a passion for agriculture amongst young people.
Sparex – 50 years of agri spares
Sparex, the international wholesaler of spare parts for tractors and agricultural machinery, is celebrating 50 years of successful business, writes Joe Spencer.
Glyphosate poses minimal cancer risk
There is no proof that the chemical glyphosate caused cancer in humans and animals under normal veld conditions, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, head of the Griffon Poison Information Centre.
Unintended consequences
SAA’s decision to ban the transportation of certain hunting trophies will have serious repercussions for South Africa’s hunting industry, especially now that Emirates is to follow suit.
Cracking good run for macadamia industry
Macadamia growers are in the pound seat, with prices at unprecedented highs. Nut processor, Mayo Macs, is helping farmers ensure that the good times last, says Myles Osborn, consultant to Mayo Macs.
The ongoing battle for sustainable land reform in SA
Government’s many land reform policies and legislation may be intimidating for South Africa’s commercial farmers, but organised agriculture is striving to ensure that these are developed and implemented fairly. Sandy la Marque, CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, explains.
News making headlines in FW – 22 May
Land reform is the top news maker this week, after Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Gugile Nkwinti made a surprise announcement that government is considering lowering the land cap from 12 000ha to 5 000ha.
Getting your green beans off to a good start
Green bean farming in South Africa has changed considerably over the past twenty years or so. Not long ago, beans were planted and weeded by hand.
An eco-friendly cottage
It is possible to design an eco-friendly cottage. Jonno shows us how.
The horse passport explained
This legal document helps to simplify equestrian sport and ensure greater protection for horses, explains Dr Mac.
Introducing guar – a resilient, versatile crop
Long grown in India and Pakistan, and more recently in the US, Australia and other parts of Africa, guar is now being introduced to South African crop farmers as a hardy and high-value legume crop for marginal soils.
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