Lloyd Phillips
Lloyd Phillips joined Farmer’s Weekly in January 2003 and is now a Senior Journalist with the publication. He spent most of his childhood on a Zululand sugarcane farm where he learned to speak fluent Zulu.
After matriculating in 1993, Lloyd dreamed of working as a nature conservationist. Life’s vagaries, however, had different plans for him and Lloyd ended up sampling various jobs in South African agriculture before becoming a proud member of the Farmer’s Weekly team.
EU farmers seek 15 year renewal for glyphosate use
Farmers in the European Union are concerned that the EU Commission intends to renew authorisations for using glyphosate (the active ingredient in some herbicides) for just 10 years, and not the maximum of 15 years.
Know the facts before switching irrigation systems
Drip irrigation systems have a well-deserved reputation for water-efficiency. Although this gives them an obvious advantage in water-scarce South Africa, irrigation specialist, Mark Zartmann, explains that there are several factors that a farmer should consider before converting to such a system.
KZN conservationists reeling after nine rhino poached
Wildlife conservationists in KwaZulu-Natal are devastated after the recent discovery of nine rhino poached for their horns in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Astral Foods upbeat, despite rough half-year
Astral’s interim financials for the six months ended 31 March reflect what the group has described as “extremely difficult market conditions” during the period.
Harvester sales spike ahead of bumper crops projections
The national March 2017 combine harvester sales of 23 units were 64,3% up on the 14 units sold year-on-year (y/y). This was a reflection of positive prospects for what was likely to be the second-biggest South African summer crops harvest since the 1980/81 season.
New Zealand experts share knowledge with SA dairy farmers
New Zealand experts in pasture-based dairy farming recently shared their knowledge with South African producers at a number of farmers’ days.
Hluhluwe farmers assist community in crisis
In response to the devastating drought in their area, a group of Hluhluwe commercial farmers has exemplified the spirit of ubuntu by assisting communal farmers.
Attacks on farmworkers increasing
South African farmworkers are increasingly becoming the victims of farm attacks, in addition to the already high numbers of attacks on, and murders of, farmers and their immediate families.
Can mining and agriculture co-exist?
The spate of applications to explore large areas of South Africa for natural resources to mine is of increasing concern to the agricultural sector. Agri SA executive director, Omri van Zyl, and TAU SA general manager, Bennie van Zyl, share their farmers unions’ views on the subject with Lloyd Phillips.
SA agricultural machinery sales reflect “high caution”
Reduced agricultural machinery sales for 2017 in South Africa reflect a “high degree of caution” among the country’s farmers, according to the SA Agricultural Machinery Association (Saama).
SAPS reports stock theft increase for latest reported period
Stock theft has increased 2% for the period April 2016 to December 2016, compared to the period between April 2015 and December 2015. This was according to statistics recently released by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Possible EU subsidy cuts could benefit SA agriculture
The South African agricultural sector would benefit if subsidies to EU farmers are cut significantly, according to Dr John Purchase, CEO of Agbiz.
Renewable Energy Council wants more action from Eskom
While reportedly heartened by President Jacob Zuma’s and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s recent stated support for renewable energy expansion, the South African Renewable Energy Council (SAREC) has accused national power utility, Eskom, of failing to prioritise this expansion.
Good rain sees 72% jump in summer crop production forecast
The production estimate for South Africa’s summer crops over the 2016/17 season has risen 72,47%, due to widespread rains since the start of spring last year.
Dineo more blessing than curse for eastern SA farmers
Based on reports from various agricultural organisations along the eastern borders of South Africa, the much-hyped Cyclone Dineo, which battered parts of Mozambique with strong winds and rain, caused very few problems locally.
Market for SA plums strong despite smaller fruit
In the initial stages of the Western Cape’s 2016/17 plum harvesting and marketing season, concerns existed that an abundance of small-sized fruit, due to diminished groundwater levels, would undermine prices and profitability.
Mooted sugar tax is bitter news for industry
The South African government has proposed a tax on all sugar-sweetened beverages sold in the country. Trix Trikam, executive director of the South African Sugar Association (SASA), shared the industry’s views on the subject with Lloyd Phillips.
Super-efficient irrigation: tips for crop farmers
To ensure agricultural sustainability in South Africa, it is crucial that more efficient irrigation systems be implemented. Agricultural resource manager, Felicity Mitchell, explains how this can be achieved.
Understanding the Labour Tenants Act and its purpose
Labour tenancy applications are an important aspect of land reform in South Africa, and it is essential that landowners understand their rights and commitments in this regard. Rob McCarthy of McCarthy & Associates Attorneys explains the act to Lloyd Phillips.
The practicalities of effective greenhouse hygiene
The intensive but highly productive practice of growing crops in greenhouse environments lends itself to significant pest and disease threats. Paddy de Vries of Intense Agri Hydro provides valuable insights on dealing effectively with these.
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