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.
COP27: a lot of hot air, with little action
The UN’s Conference of the Parties (COP27) ran from 6 to 18 November and was held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. On the agenda, as always, was climate change.
Groundnut production in Sudan
While farmers in Sudan are facing economic hardships, the country’s groundnut production remains a significant foreign-exchange earner. Janine Ryan reports.
Sponsored
‘Going green’ drives research at New Holland
Jaco du Preez, marketing manager for New Holland in Southern Africa, spoke to Janine Ryan about how the company is going green with its new methane-powered tractor.
Nigeria’s most important crops
Cashew nuts, sesame seeds and cocoa beans represent more than 50% of Nigeria’s agricultural exports. However, there are many challenges to these industries that hamper future expansion. Janine Ryan explores the agriculture sector in this West Africa country.
Beware of these five parasites in sheep
Intestinal worms in sheep are a serious problem for farmers, particularly communal farmers, and the timeous detection and treatment thereof are crucial for reducing possible financial losses and/or mortalities. Janine Ryan looks at the most economically important internal parasites that infect sheep in South Africa.
Morocco’s drive to increase citrus production
Citrus is a major exportable commodity for Morocco, and that country’s government has aimed various initiatives at improving its production of this fruit.
Egypt: the world’s biggest exporter of oranges
Egypt has become a global powerhouse in terms of orange production and exports, and its government is aiming to improve production even further.
Young stud manager strives to be an icon
Jessica Phathela is the stud manager for Ntaba Nyoni Cattle, and is responsible for the care, breeding and administration of five herds. She aspires to be a role model for other women in the sector.
Welcome back to SA’s agri shows!
The year is certainly flying by at lightning speed, and it’s incredible that we are already entering the annual cycle of agricultural shows in South Africa.
Concern about African horse sickness in protection zone
It is not yet clear whether the outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) in the protection zone of the Western Cape will have an impact on the EU’s auditing of the local horse industry to allow direct exporting of horses to the region.
Breaking the cycle of child labour in agriculture
Across the world, child labour is practised more in agriculture than in any other sector. This is despite the numerous hazards involved in farm work, including unprotected exposure to chemicals, working with potentially dangerous livestock, and carrying heavy loads over long distances. Moreover, a lack of access to quality education means these children not only suffer in terms of development, but are unlikely to escape the poverty trap. Janine Ryan investigates.
High-tech innovation at LAMMA 2020
The LAMMA awards not only recognise practical inventions to improve livestock and crop production, but also celebrate online and technological innovation.
African Horse Sickness: the great vaccine debate
African horse sickness is endemic to Southern Africa, and the disease is often fatal. As it is caused by a virus, there is no treatment, and horse owners have to rely on vaccination to prevent the disease. However, many horse owners are vaccinating with an unregistered vaccine, which is presenting major problems. Dr Camilla Weyer spoke to Janine Ryan.
How aquaponics benefits children and the community
Two years ago, Laerskool Kempton Park embarked on an innovative project to introduce aquaponics in its school curriculum. The produce from this system not only provides nutritious food, but teaches the learners essential life skills, says Janet Lee Ogilvie.
How to properly fit a bridle on your horse and donkey
Horses are much used in South Africa. Equestrian disciplines are popular, and both horses and donkeys are still utilised as working animals on farms and in townships. Despite this, many horse owners are unaware of the importance of a properly fitted bridle. Vicki Sokolich, an equine complementary care expert, explains that a poorly fitting bridle can result in significant damage to the physiology of the animal.
The care unit that treats neglected horses and donkeys
The Highveld Horse Care Unit cares for neglected equines. Farryn Day of the unit says that a lack of education is the main reason for the mistreatment of these animals.
Agri in recession but industry performance will improve
The agricultural industry is in recession as a result of the drought, but the sector’s performance will improve again when the drought comes to an end.
Meatmaster Breeders Sale
The Meatmaster is a no-nonsense sheep bred for optimum meat production, says Wesselsbron-based farmer, PW van Heerden. PW and his brothers Izak and Willem...
A functional fisherman’s lodge
I received a request from Andrew in the Swartberg, KwaZulu-Natal, for a fisherman’s lodge that he and his father had conceptualised.
Update on the CEM debate
Breed societies remain unhappy with the testing requirements for contagious equine metritis (CEM), despite these having been relaxed somewhat, says Dr Mac.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
