Gerhard Uys
Gerhard Uys grew up as a real city lad, but spends his free time hiking and visiting family farms. He learnt the journalism trade as a freelance writer and photographer in the lifestyle industry, but having decided that he will be a cattle farmer by the age of 45 he now indulges his passion for farming by writing about agriculture.
He feels Farmer’s Weekly is a platform for both developed and emerging farmers to learn additional farming skills and therefore takes the job of relaying practical information seriously.
African agri-financing model must change
Because of the lack of tenure security in Africa, agricultural financing on the continent cannot be based on the traditional model. Instead, institutions should adopt the ‘ecosystem’ financing approach, says the head of FNB Agriculture Africa, Johann Kotzé. He explained to Gerhard Uys how this principle can be applied in practice.
Combining tunnels, nets and open-air farming for diversified vegetable production
Lephalale vegetable producer, Pieter Pieterse, spoke to Gerhard Uys
about the challenges of sustainably farming numerous crops in tunnels, on open land and under netting.
Better milk, better cheese from veld-reared goats
Award-winning goat’s cheese and milk producer, Christo Venter, believes A-grade goat’s milk is needed to produce cheese of distinction. He told Gerhard Uys how veld-reared milk goats can supply the high-quality milk needed to achieve this.
Eskom power lines and you – Part 2
Eskom has the right to enter your property at any time. Gerhard Uys spoke to Eskom’s Arthur Smith about what this entails.
Eskom power lines and you – Part 1
Eskom has the right to enter your property at any time to build or fix power lines. Gerhard Uys spoke to Arthur Smith of Eskom’s Mpumalanga unit about what this entails.
A common purpose for agriculture in Africa
Agriculture in Africa will never succeed unless governments, private businesses and farming communities learn to trust each other and work together. Klaus Eckstein, CEO of Bayer Southern Africa, spoke to Gerhard Uys about his vision for the continent.
‘EBVs are not negotiable’ – top Sussex breeder
Using estimated breeding values has dramatically improved the stud genetics of Free State breeders Chris Nel Snr and Chris Nel Jnr of Eversar Sussex stud. Yet they continue to take visual evaluation very seriously. They explained to Gerhard Uys how they combine these methods.
Maluti Fruit plant apple trees at Bethlehem school for Mandela Day
As part of Mandela Day celebrations, Maluti Fruits, an apple and cherry pack house in Bethlehem, planted six apple trees at Bethlehem Comprehensive Secondary School.
Why we bank on butternuts – Drotskie brothers
Francois and Danie Drotskie run a mixed farming operation comprising vegetables, cattle and game. Surprisingly, their butternut crop is amongst their most valued enterprises. Gerhard Uys visited them.
Benefits of vermiculture
David Leslie and his son James use vermiculture to keep their potato, bean, maize and soya crops healthy – and it’s paying off. Gerhard Uys visited them on their Free State farm to learn more.
Animal identification: when to brand livestock
Marking livestock can deter thieves. It is also a legal requirement. Gerhard Uys provides a brief overview of the process.
The role of hunting in conservation
Jacques van der Westhuizen and Marius Fuls manage a 22 000ha hunting concession and game reserve in Limpopo. According to Jacques, hunters have a responsibility to maintain the ecological balance. Gerhard Uys spoke to them about their successful hunting outfit.
Growing South Africa’s global fruit exports
The SA fruit and nut markets are driven by global supply and demand. Ezra Steenkamp, deputy director of trade research at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), and an associate researcher at the department of agricultural economics at the University of Pretoria, discusses research findings on trade opportunities for the SA fruit and nut industries.
Food for Africa: investing in the future
Multinational agricultural companies have the capacity and expertise to provide African countries with the inputs needed to grow farming operations – even in challenging climatic conditions, according to DuPont Pioneer president Paul E Schickler.
Achieving shorter ICP
Fertility and a short intercalving period (ICP) are more heritable than experts suggest, says cattle farmer Peter Schultz. He explains to Gerhard Uys that cattle well-adapted to their environment and selected on ICP values can beat the norm.
Biltong hunters hit by rising costs
Biltong hunters are undertaking fewer trips and hunting less game, yet spending more doing so, according to the National Profile and Economic Impact of Biltong Hunters in South Africa 2015 report. Gerhard Uys takes a closer look at this R10 billion industry.
Ugandan dairy industry benefits from US experts
A small dairy research farm near Gulu in northern Uganda is benefiting from the expertise of a large US-based dairy operation, Country Dairy. On a recent trip to South Africa, Country Dairy herd manager, SA-born Johan Vosloo, spoke to Gerhard Uys about how similar empowerment models could help stimulate the small- to medium-scale agricultural sector in South Africa.
Rietfontein Boerdery: farm, hiking trails & wedding venue
Cattle and maize farmers Maurice and Celestè Leonard have established hiking trails, a wedding venue and accommodation on their Gauteng farm. They spoke to Gerhard Uys.
Taking control of the apple value chain
Five Mpumalanga apple farmers have pooled their resources to establish their own packhouse, but each producer is independently responsible for producing a quality product in the orchard. Producers Jan Grey and Ryk Pretorius spoke to Gerhard Uys about the advantages of this operating model.
Maize meal and animal feed milling – lessons from an expert
The milling operation started out of necessity. Today a successful business, here are lessons from an expert on maize meal and animal feed milling.
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