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.
Agriculture could fix ecological mistakes of past
Producers have a responsibility to reverse past mistakes made in agriculture, according to Grain SA conservation agriculture (CA) facilitator, Dr Hendrik Smith.
The basics of subdividing
The assistance of a land surveyor is key to ensuring lawful procedure. Altus Strydom, chairperson of the South African Geomatics Institute, spoke to Gerhard Uys.
Litchis & avos: using precision farming to improve yields
Demand for litchis and avocados has soared and encouraged producers to embrace precision farming methods. Stephan Schoeman, owner of Soetkalmoes Consultation in Nelspruit, an advisory service for the tree crops industry, tells Gerhard Uys how these practices are improving yield and crop quality.
Imports halted from Brazilian meat company
Imports of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) to South Africa from Brazil-based company, BRF, which has been implicated in contravening food safety, has been halted, says Steve Galane, director of communication services at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
SA needs stricter safety policies for imported food products
The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) has expressed concern about South Africa continuing to accept untested mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDM) imports from Brazil, following reports of corruption and food safety checks being evaded in that country’s meat and poultry industries.
Pecan nuts: how to plan an orchard and prepare the soil
To maximise pecan nut production, it is crucial to prepare the soil properly. This includes applying fertiliser correctly, ensuring sufficient macroelements, and proper orchard planning. A team from Laeveld Agrochem recently gave a presentation on these aspects.
Rabies spike in KwaZulu-Natal
According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN DARD), there was a recent increase in rabies in the province.
Small-herd stud farming is big business in Canada
Small commercial beef producers and stud breeders make up a large and valuable part of Canada’s cattle value chain. While in Alberta, Gerhard Uys, who recently visited Farm Fair International, a Canadian agricultural show, visited three farming families that run small, profitable commercial herds.
Animal welfare: are consumers wilfully ignorant?
Wilful ignorance is when people consciously avoid information. Many studies have documented consumer attitudes toward farm animal welfare, but few have questioned whether people really want to know how farm animals are raised. Prof Bailey Norwood and Jayson Lusk explored this question in an Internet survey among 1 000 people in the US state of Oklahoma.
Soccer tournament for Limpopo farmworkers
A provincial soccer tournament for farmworkers, called Game of Stars, that started off in Limpopo could be extended countrywide.
No end to listeria outbreak
South Africa is still in the midst of a listeria outbreak, with no sign of cases decreasing. As of 15 February, there had been 167 confirmed deaths and over 800 cases of infection.
New smartphone apps to help farmers
Three new smartphone apps were introduced at a recent Agbiz apps workshop, that could benefit both commercial and smallholder farmers.
#SONA2018 predictions from agri leaders
As preparations begin for the much-anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 8, 2018, we asked leaders in agri for their predictions.
Demonstration: Artificial insemination of a cow
Joel Nkuna from Nkunzi Genetics demonstrates the artificial insemination process of a cow to emerging farmers and students at the Vryburg, North West, Agricultural Research Council (ARC) grounds.
Private land reform initiatives are paying off
The Free Market Foundation (FMF) is assisting township dwellers in South Africa to have the title deeds for the properties on which they live, transferred to them.
Minimum wage in the spotlight again
The annual inflation increase for both farm and forestry worker wages have brought the possible mandatory May 2018 minimum wage into question again.
Macadamia fertilisation: an expert guide for SA growers
Dr Gerhard Nortje, a fertiliser consultant and senior lecturer at the University of South Africa, says that correct soil pH and nutrient balance are crucial for the sustainable and profitable production of macadamia trees.
Confusion over Western Cape drought charge
Agri industry stakeholders have expressed confusion about whether the proposed drought charge recently announced by the City of Cape Town, would be levied on farms within the municipal limits.
Artificial insemination: ideal for communal farmers
Communal farmers can benefit from using more advanced farming practices, such as artificial insemination (AI), to improve herd genetics. Basimane Makgetla spoke to Gerhard Uys about how AI has worked for him as a weekend communal farmer running a small, but improving, herd.
Malaria flares up in Limpopo
There has been a spike in the number of malaria cases in Limpopo, with farmers reporting many cases of workers being affected.
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