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.
Nkwinti’s 50/50 land plan will not benefit farm workers
The implementation of a land reform plan that proposes that 50% of all commercial farms be transferred to farm workers could have disastrous consequences for farmers and farm workers alike.
Lucerne for beginners – 2
General guidelines for establishing and handling this legume.
Thousands of chicken die in truck accident
Some 3 476 severely injured chickens had to be slaughtered after a truck transporting them overturned near Rustenburg, North West on Monday.
‘I have not stolen any land’ – Kriek
Free State Agriculture (FSA) had committed itself to sustainable land reform as early as 2006.
Transformation: a work in progress
According to some, there is a viable alternative to Minister Gugile Nkwinti’s controversial 50:50 land reform proposal. With this option, the land holds its value and farmers can improve economies of scale. Piet Smit of the Bosveld Group and Dr Theo de Jager of Agri SA talk to Nan Smith.
Grasmunt Drakensbergers – money from grass
Carel Nel and his family pioneered breeding Drakensberger cattle in the western and central Free State. His Drakensberger stud’s Afrikaans name, Grasmunt, refers to the breed’s ability to generate good profits under extensive conditions.
Agricultural insights from Argentina
Judging by participants’ comments, the second Farmer’s Weekly tour to Argentina was as successful as last year’s. The South Africans and Zimbabweans who accompanied FW journalist Lloyd Phillips learned much about the country’s agriculture.
Jab them!
Inoculating your animals will help to combat stock diseases.
Xtreme Game Auction
Highest (Roan bull): R4 200 000
Mentoring without interfering breeds success
SA Stud Book-Farmer’s Weekly 2014 Mentor of the Year, Pat Hobbs, is highly respected among the Nguni breeders’ community – not only for producing top quality stud cattle, but for his willingness to assist inexperienced Nguni breeders with advice gained through years of farming. Grant Hollins travelled to the Eastern Cape to learn more about Pat’s breeding and mentoring skills.
Know your crop pests: Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small (less than 1cm in length), slender-bodied insects with pointed, wedge-shaped heads and large eyes.
Meet the million rand springbok
Record prices for game at the recent 3G (Giant Genetic Group) game auction in Vaalharts, near Jan Kempdorp in North West, were driven by supply and demand, according to 3G logistics manager Aitjie van Wyk.
Bridging the gaps – Winde’s plans for the Western Cape
Alan Winde, the Western Cape’s new MEC for agriculture, economic development and tourism, intends unblocking bureaucracy and creating an agri-friendly environment.
Improved outlook for beef production
After several years of weak profits, beef producers are more optimistic. Tracy Davids of the Bureau for Food and Agriculture Policy explains why she is bullish on beef.
More ways to protect your cellphone
Features such as ‘Phone Locker’ and ‘Remote Wipe’ make this app a must-have.
Agriculture sector loses 73 000 jobs
Employment in the agriculture sector declined by 73 000 in the second quarter of this year compared with the same period a year ago, according to figures released by Stats SA on July 29.
Lights will stay on in Free State towns – Eskom
Eskom has agreed not to disconnect the electricity supply to three municipalities in the Free State.
Poachers kill second Kruger elephant
In less than two months, a second elephant has been poached for its tusks in Parfuri, northern Kruger National Park as the park celebrated World Ranger Day.
Small-scale farmers can contribute to food security
Some commentators might believe otherwise, but SA’s policymakers need to focus on small-scale farming. It’s pivotal to the sustainability of the country’s economy, says Nico Groenewald, Standard Bank’s head of agribusiness.
Calming a spooky horse
Horses that shy easily can be desensitised to ‘scary’ objects. It just takes a bit of retraining and patience, says Dr Mac.
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