Janine Ryan
I am the editor of agricultural magazine Farmer’s Weekly, South Africa's oldest magazine. Farmer's Weekly focuses on providing role players in the agriculture sector with news and information to help them grow their enterprises.
First commercially-grown black truffles for KZN
Three black Périgord truffles (Tuber melanosporum) were discovered on Max Bastard’s Willowdale Farm near Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Aquaculture: claims vs reality
Production claims must be based on proven, long-term commercial results – they cannot
be extrapolated.
The relationship between producer and market agent
The trust relationship between producer and market agent is the oil that lubricates the fresh produce engine.
Good news for the lamb and mutton industry – consumer trends
In order to boost sales, it’s important to know your customers and what they expect.
Select for fertility above all, urges geneticist
Fertility is without question the most important trait that beef cattle producers should select for, according to Prof Frikkie Neser, geneticist at the University of the Free State.
Vaccinate your livestock!
Most of the cases of infectious diseases reported to the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa every month can be prevented if livestock are vaccinated properly.
El Niño weakening, but rain stays away
Although El Niño has been showing signs of weakening, high temperatures and late rains in most of the Western Cape could have had an effect on winter grain and fodder production, according to a statement issued by Western Cape Agri.
Why simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
As business gets more complex, managers have responded by making business processes more and more complicated. This approach is wrong-headed.
Innovation out of chaos
It was the Greek philosopher, Plato, who first said “necessity is the mother of invention”, but Albert Einstein later famously changed the phrase slightly to “necessity is the mother of all invention”.
Botswana beef exports: opportunities for SA farmers?
Preferential access to the EU should be fully exploited by Botswana’s beef producers and feedlots. More cattle need to be exported, with local demand being met by imports from South Africa, say Absa’s Wessel Lemmer and the BMC’s Dr AK Tombale.
Frustration as government fails to declare drought a national disaster
Speaking at a recent meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT), Des van Rooyen, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), said that eight provinces have been declared drought disaster zones.
Agribusiness confidence index at record negative levels
The latest Agribusiness Confidence Index for the first quarter of 2016 showed that the long-term outlook for the sector remained at record negative levels.
Garage now, bedroom later
Dear Jonno
At long last, we are now preparing to build a house on our game farm near Modimolle. Thank you for the drawings, they...
Why so angry, South Africa?
South Africa’s economy has stagnated, and by the time you read this, Standard and Poor’s may well have downgraded the country’s credit rating to...
Tractor and combine harvester sales up for May
Tractor and combine harvester sales for May are up compared to the corresponding period last year, but on a year-to-date basis sales are still low, Wynn Dedwith, chairman of the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA), said in a recent statement.
New soil analysis kit could improve production
Farmers can use the Solvita test’s rapid testing technology to analyse biological soil health on their farms to determine whether their land can adequately support sustainable and profitable production. Wilma den Hartigh finds out how the technology works and why biological soil health should be a greater priority.
How to tell if a horse has recovered from a back injury
Many horses that fail to return to their original work after a back injury simply haven’t been given enough time to recover, says Kim Dyson.
Fine-tuning your lettuce
I often see a large amount of lettuce left behind on the land after harvesting.
A fine fynbos business
Fifteen years ago, Jacky Goliath and Elton Jefthas planted 1 000 fynbos plants in Elton’s back garden, establishing De Fynne Nursery. Today, operating on 22ha, De Fynne is a renowned supplier of indigenous potted plants.
Bananas: Pest control and harvesting
Want a good crop of healthy bananas? Follow these simple guidelines.
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