Denene Erasmus
Denene hails from a sugar cane farm in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal, but after school she relocated to the Cape Winelands to study, for many years, at the University of Stellenbosch. She worked as a journalist for Farmer’s Weekly since 2009 and in 2015 moved to Johannesburg as Deputy editor for the magazine. In 2016 she was appointed editor, and at the end of 2021, she stepped down from her position to pursue her journalism career.
Leading fruit farmer’s orchard renewal
Rossouw Cillié, Agri Writers’ SA Farmer of the Year, has a diversified enterprise with several production branches and a value-adding component. He told Denene Erasmus about his latest project – to replant and expand his fruit orchards.
Dairy farming across the Atlantic
Argentinian dairy farmer Francisco Mihura keeps his operation profitable by practising economies of scale and using home-grown food to lower his costs. Denene Erasmus was there.
Making a name for South African apples and pears
In his 23-year career in the South African apple and pear industry, Tru-Cape managing director Charles Hughes has turned a simple commodity into a preferred brand name. He spoke to Denene Erasmus about how the industry has developed and continues to evolve.
From corner supermarket to global dairy business
Federico Boglione, the company president of one of the biggest
dehydrated milk product suppliers in the world, says the main pillars
of success of his Argentinian-based family business, Los Lazos,
are diversification and value-adding. Denene Erasmus reports.
Conservation agriculture: ‘the best way’ for grain farmers
Western Cape Grain Farmer of the Year finalists CD and Erhardt du Toit have no reason to go over old ground, choosing instead to bank on the practices of conservation agriculture. Denene Erasmus reports.
SA’s top barley producer trusts crop rotation
Barley farmer Willie Beukes of Haasjeskop Boerdery near Caledon has a proven strategy for success: a crop rotation cycle that ensures effective weed and disease control. Denene Erasmus reports.
Award-winning breeder shares some secrets
Johannes Uys of Cohanma Jerseys in the Overberg bred McIvor, the 2013 Taurus Jersey Bull of the Year. Denene Erasmus looks at the man and the herd behind this bull.
Corridor project to conserve grassland biodiversity
The Mountain Zebra and Camdeboo National Parks in the Eastern Cape have launched a corridor project to protect biodiversity in valuable grasslands between the two parks. Denene Erasmus spoke to park managers Peter Burdett and Megan Taplin about the initiative.
The magic of mechanising: calf feeders
A new calf feeding device designed by dairy farmer Gawie Willemse has the potential to streamline calf-rearing and improve conditions for farmers and their calves. Denene Erasmus reports.
Solar energy use on the rise in SA
A number of agricultural businesses in the Western Cape are starting to reap the cost-saving benefits of investing in solar energy. Denene Erasmus reports.
Bee farming in Friemersheim
A honey bee farming initiative started by Reginald and Irma Jacobus in Friemersheim has brought hope to this rural town by helping to stem the tide of unemployment and poverty. Denene Erasmus reports.
Challenges facing SA fruit farmers
Hannes Toua (34) is the Agri Western Cape/Santam Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year 2013. He spoke to Denene Erasmus about some of the challenges and opportunities facing South African fruit farmers.
Time for farmers to go nuts
With local demand for tree nuts increasing, De Wet van Rooyen and Hannes Jansen of Montagu Dried Fruit and Nuts – one of the largest suppliers of nuts in South Africa – are encouraging farmers
to supply this growing market. Denene Erasmus reports.
ANC MPs fail own labour bill
The DA hopes to see changes made to the Labour Relations Amendment Bill after MPs’ poor attendance in parliament clouded the vote to pass the act. Denene Erasmus reports.
Great wine with a clear conscience – Graham Beck Wines
Mossie Basson, conservation manager at Graham Beck Wines in Robertson, has developed a conservation plan that has rehabilitated poor soils and decreased chemical and water use, while increasing the natural resilience of vineyards. All this is helping the vines to produce better quality grapes. Denene Erasmus reports.
All roads lead to Rhône
The local wine industry is undergoing a slow but steady revolution, with traditional thinking making way for daring new ideas. Ken Forrester spoke to Denene Erasmus about the growing popularity of Rhône grape varieties.
Vinitaly – the world’s oldest wine exhibition
The beautiful city of Verona, situated in the northern part of Italy, plays host to the country’s largest and most important wine expo, Vinitaly. The annual event attracts almost 150 000 visitors and has become a hub for the international trade in Italian wines. Denene Erasmus reports.
Tina finally listens to farmers
Following agriculture minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson’s budget vote address in parliament recently, it seemed she was finally paying heed to concerns farmers have been raising for years. Denene Erasmus reports.
Table grape farmer’s success
This year, top honours in the Hex Valley Table Grape Association Block Competition went to Hannes du Toit, who successfully manipulated the tricky and relatively new Sugrasixteen grape variety to produce a good quality, high yield crop with big berries. Denene Erasmus reports.
Get the rotation right, says leading rooibos producer
Willie Nel, recipient of Rooibos Limited’s Producer of the Year Award, says sustainable rooibos production depends on a rotation cycle that will ensure consistently good quality yields. Denene Erasmus reports.
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