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.
Diesel vs petrol. Which one is right for you?
Which car you should invest in is a difficult choice, as there are so many options on the market. First to consider, however, says Janine Ryan, is whether you should invest in petrol or diesel.
Technology promises big boost in SA cotton production
Despite the fact that robotic machinery is currently being used in many other industries, robotic cotton pickers remain an unexplored technology that could substantially improve cotton yields and profit, says Janine Ryan.
Irrigation technology is making production cheaper
Recent advances in irrigation technology are making it easier for farmers to produce more food, while remaining environmentally friendly.
Hydroponics or aquaponics: Which is right for you?
While similar in theory, hydroponic and aquaponic systems differ significantly in terms of capital outlay, input costs and method of operation. Janine Ryan provides an overview of the differences between these systems to help aspiring growers choose the right one in terms of their production goals.
Swine flu or swine fever? Know the difference!
In order to ensure proper treatment for and management of pig diseases, farmers must know the differences between African swine fever, classical swine fever and swine flu, says Janine Ryan.
How natural fertilisers can benefit farmers
Viktor Sukau, CSO of natural fertiliser manufacturer Manaseer Natural Green, and Anton Prysiazhniuk, the company’s CEO, spoke to Janine Ryan about the deleterious effects of synthetic fertilisers on the environment and why farmers worldwide need to shift to more organic and sustainable products.
A silver bullet to protect your herds and flocks
Silver hydrogen peroxide is a stable disinfectant with numerous purposes, says Douglas Spinas of Peroxsil Ag+ at Phend Pharmaceuticals. He spoke to Janine Ryan.
Beef and wine in South Korea: big opportunities for SA exporters
South Korea is one of the world’s least self-sufficient countries in terms of agricultural production. Janine Ryan looks at some of the opportunities in this East Asian country that may await South African farmers and exporters of wine and beef.
Challenges and opportunities for farming in Senegal
Despite adverse production conditions, Senegal’s agriculture sector is an essential employer. Janine Ryan looks at some of the major commodities produced in this West African country.
Many opportunities await SA’s pork industry
Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, speaks to Janine Ryan about the importance of the informal pig sector in South Africa, as well as the high calibre of the country’s formal producers.
Meat, milk or wool: choose a sheep breed fit for purpose
There are about 20 breeds of sheep in South Africa, each of which is classified according to the role it plays on a farm. Janine Ryan looks at some of the country’s most popular meat, wool and dual-purpose sheep breeds.
Preventing and controlling diseases of sunflowers
Diseases of sunflowers, such as brown rust and head rot, can cause severe economic losses for farmers. Janine Ryan looks at the signs of these and other diseases that can help farmers to identify them, as well as some control and prevention strategies.
The challenges facing Namibia’s cattle producers
Despite the fact that Namibia is an arid country, farmers there continue to run profitable beef operations. However, profitability margins are decreasing.
Four issues that must be resolved now
As we enter the second month of the new year, and South Africa continues to be hit with stages four, five and six of load-shedding, I am reminded that 2024 is now only 11 months away, and there are many things that government must act on to ensure that 2023, 2024 and the years to come are successful ones for the agriculture sector.
How to create the ‘perfect’ racehorse
Horse racing is a very lucrative sport, and much research and money have been spent on breeding the ‘ideal’ racehorse. Janine Ryan reports on the aspects of conformation and breeding principles that Thoroughbred racehorse breeders and buyers consider before investing in the training of a yearling.
Who is to blame for the increase in crime in SA?
In Parliament recently, DA leader John Steenhuisen asked how bad South Africa’s crime statistics needed to be before President Cyril Ramaphosa replaced Bheki Cele as minister of police.
All you need to know about three-day stiff sickness
While the mortality rate of three-day stiff sickness is usually less than 1%, morbidity is high, with most animals never reaching the same level of production after recovery.
A brief overview of the agricultural landscape in 2023
In the 6 & 13 January 2023 issue of Farmer's Weekly, we provide our readers with an outline of the agricultural landscape for the New Year, as well as analysts’ predictions in terms of upcoming local production seasons and commodity prices.
Farming in Africa: producing coffee and cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire
Despite being a major producer of coffee in the early 2000s, Côte d’Ivoire’s coffee production has declined significantly. However, cocoa production is still massively on the rise, cementing the country’s place as the world’s top producer.
Farmers hold together the fabric of society
I have made no secret of the fact that I find the world’s treatment of farmers deplorable. This treatment of the people who produce our food and the fibre for our clothing, as well as employ vast swathes of the world’s population, is particularly egregious when it comes to governments.
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