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.
Silage basics
Utilising silage pays for feedlotters and dairy farmers, but the process has to be managed well, says Gerhard Uys.
AgriBEE codes update: what you need to know
What are the implications of the new AgriBee codes for farmers, small agri-businesses and large enterprises? Consultant Melcus Nel talks to Gerhard Uys about the way forward.
Free State apple farmers’ climate-smart management
Pitso Sekhoto and his daughter Nono farm apples near Senekal in the Free State. The Sekhotos spoke to Gerhard Uys about orchard production, climate change and drought.
Boer goat stud reaps the rewards of data recording
Boer goat stud breeder Johan Boshoff uses production data as a valuable tool to breed a new generation of goats to take his herd, the breed, and the industry forward. He explains to Gerhard Uys why this is important and how he goes about it.
Pride in potatoes
Stephan Fourie, who produces potatoes near Frankfort in the Free State, believes that three pillars support success in farming: an excellent product, sound management and good labour relations.
Leopard conservation in a spot of bother
A study by Dr Lourens Swanepoel, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Venda, focuses on carnivore conservation and management. Its author spoke to Gerhard Uys about his extensive research on leopards.
Many hands make light work
Stephan Fourie of Potato Pride near Frankfort in the Free State sees his workforce and surrounding community as a responsibility not to be taken lightly. He explains his approach to Gerhard Uys.
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Africa
As industrialising countries struggle to feed themselves, the world will look increasingly to Africa to be the solution. But according to a new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the first step is for African food security efforts to become more urgent so that the continent can thrive.
5 Cattle diseases that can kill your business
Veterinarian Dr Jan du Preez discusses the top five diseases that South African farmers should guard against to ensure that their cattle and their bottom-line are not negatively affected.
Transporting produce in SA – yesterday, today and tomorrow
The cost of transportation has become an ever-greater burden for SA farmers. There are several reasons, for this. Transport consultant Alistair Christison and Prof Jan Havenga, director of the Supply Chain Management Centre at Stellenbosch University, gave Gerhard Uys insights into the road and rail situation – and what can be done to improve matters.
Serious about seed potatoes
CEO of Agrivan Farming in North West, Werner du Plessis, spoke to Gerhard Uys about farming seed potatoes and how his business has remained at the top of its game for over 25 years.
How technology can help the farmer
Technology is the key to the future of agriculture, often in ways we do not expect, according to Jason PH Brantley, managing director of John Deere: sub-Saharan Africa. He spoke to Gerhard Uys about recent trends.
The politics of water
Water has become a political issue and the quality of South Africa’s water resources needs to be addressed, says Prof Anthony Turton, a scientist specialising in water resource management. He spoke to Gerhard Uys.
Threats to commercial farms
The Transvaal Agricultural Union of South Africa (TAU SA) requested Frans Cronje from the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR) to draw up a policy brief on how to safeguard the future of commercial farming in South Africa.
Toyota/AgriSA announces Young Farmer and New Harvest winners
Sugarcane farmer Anthony Goble won the 2015 Toyota/Agri SA Young Farmer award and Jacky Goliath, fynbos grower, were announced as the 2015 Toyota New Harvest Awards in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Charolais – adding weight to the industry
Charolais farmer Corrie de Vos spoke to Gerhard Uys about how the breed has improved over the decades and how sound business principles can help a commercial and stud farmer to be profitable.
Cotton success for North West farmer
Last year, Gert Cilliers from Stella in North West decided to plant cotton for the first time since 1993. Gerhard Uys spoke to him about his decision.
Producing an award-winning Ile de France carcass
When one of your sheep takes first place in a major carcass competition dominated by other breeds, you are on the right track. Regina Harmse produces Ile de France on 300ha near Ermelo. On limited land, improving quality is non-negotiable, she told Gerhard Uys.
Agri SA equipped to help farmers face challenging future
Agriculture is key to SA’s economy and government must provide legislation to help the sector thrive. Designate CEO Omri van Zyl explains his views on the future of agriculture to Gerhard Uys.
Establishing a beef herd
Whether commercial or stud, a herd has to be correctly established in order to achieve sustainable economic production. Simmentaler breeder Hennie Viljoen and general manager of Simmentaler SA Flaf Lauwrens spoke to Gerhard Uys on how a novice should go about it.
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