Henning Naude

At a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen outlined a 10-year strategy to contain and recover from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). He said the objetcive was to restore South Africa’s FMD-free status, which the country lost in 2019.

Young farmers in South Africa need broad skillsets to succeed in an evolving agriculture sector and help address its skills shortage, says Shaun Welmans, chief operating officer of Agri Skills Transfer, as he unpacks common misconceptions and career pathways.

Local litchi producers compete with Madagascar and Mauritius during the counter-seasonal summer harvest. To meet global demand, production chains must stay efficient, says Jaco Henery, production manager at Komati Fruits, who explains how they manage their harvest for exports.

Since the implementation of the Firearms Control Act of 2000, legislation has given South Africans a clear framework for owning, storing and operating firearms. However, the use of a firearm for self-defence and farm safety can put farmers at risk if legal bounds are overstepped. Henning Naudé reports on the process of becoming a licensed firearm owner and the use of a firearm for protection.

Cattle breeders have used best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) to produce estimated breeding values (EBVs) for over 20 years and can use genomic evaluations to improve accuracy. But are they applying EBVs correctly? Bonsmara SA technical chairperson David Cock explains.

Experiencing your first livestock auction can be intimidating. The energy is high and the auctioneer’s chant can be confusing. Auctioneers Vincent Pike and Jan Mostert share tips on reading catalogues and understanding key terms to help you bid confidently.

Dairy flavour profiles are often overlooked. Many factors can affect how milk looks, smells, and tastes. Rina Belcher, co-owner of Belnori Boutique Cheesery in Bapsfontein, Gauteng, explains how goat’s milk characteristics change with the animals’ living conditions.

Farm security measures enforced by farmers and supporting organisations play a crucial role in preventing attacks and livestock theft. Farmers are also adopting tools to discourage criminal activity and strengthen prevention.

Among the Brassica genus types, broccoli has been one of the popular choices for farmers in cooler climates. In the past, broccoli was rotated out in summer, but farmers like Danie Barnard have used lower summer temperatures and advancements in cultivars to plant high volumes all year around. Henning Naudé spoke to Barnard about his production approach to satisfy market demand while maintaining high-quality yields.

Since the legalisation of hemp production in 2021, new markets, job creation, and rural growth have not materialised. Of over 1 000 permits issued, few producers are operational, but the industry believes hemp’s potential can be realised with proper support.

The South African agriculture sector is well regulated in terms of child labour, with data suggesting that such practices are locally quite rare. As we commemorate World Day Against Child Labour on 12 June, Henning Naudé reports on South Africa’s progress towards best labour practices.

Farmers, visitors and vendors alike can breathe a sigh of relief as perfect weather conditions are predicted for Nampo, taking place in Bothaville, Free State, from 13 to 16 May.