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.
Crippling livestock losses due to Namibian drought – reports
Extreme drought conditions have reportedly claimed the lives of more than 60 000 head of livestock in Namibia so far this year. This is according to Namibian media reports citing Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Alpheus !Naruseb.
Digital revolution links fresh produce farmers and buyers
For those already using it, a newly launched and innovative online trading platform is reportedly revolutionising the way that South Africa’s fresh produce sellers and buyers conduct their typically time-sensitive and demanding trading with each other. HelloChoice’s co-founders explain how the platform works and its benefits to both sellers and buyers.
Tips for top-quality irrigation water for intensive cropping
Growers of irrigated crops need to have access to properly treated irrigation water. Mike Kruger, owner of Top Crop Nursery, explains how he uses flocculation and chlorination to maximise the safety of the water he sources from the nearby Umgeni River.
Didiza refuses local triple-stacked GM maize seed release
Reactions have been mixed to news that South Africa’s minister of agriculture Thoko Didiza has upheld previous refusals to allow the general release of Bayer’s triple-stacked genetically modified (GM) maize seed technology for production in the country.
‘Welfare a government priority for live sheep exports’
Eastern Cape and national state veterinary authorities and department of agriculture officials will not allow the planned export of approximately 61 000 live sheep to Kuwait via ship until they are satisfied all welfare requirements are met before and during the voyage.
‘Conservation efforts of private rhino owners ignored’
Private rhino owners have expressed disappointment that their conservation efforts receive little recognition or support, despite the fact that more than half of South Africa’s white rhinos and more than 35% of black rhinos are privately owned.
Online Veggie Box company brings consumers closer to the farm
Few consumers properly understand how food production works or have any emotional connection with farmers and farming. This is according to Lauren Murphy, who, through her Internet-based farm produce marketing company, is helping to narrow this gap while supplying tasty, nutritious food to her many loyal clients in KwaZulu-Natal.
SA’s Brahman council clamps down on ‘show-ring cheats’
The council of the Brahman Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa has condemned the actions of a small group of Brahman stud breeders, who allegedly altered the birthdates of some of their cattle to give them an unfair advantage in the show ring.
Combine harvester sales run out of steam in August
No combine harvesters were sold in South Africa during August, compared with the nine sold in August 2018, according to the latest statistics from the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA).
Government leaders intervene in KZN community land conflicts
Leaders in both national and provincial government spheres have stepped in to try to resolve ongoing conflicts within two separate KwaZulu-Natal communities over agricultural land acquired through the land restitution programme.
How to achieve optimal maize production
Maize growers often have questions on to how to maximise their crop yield and the profitability of their enterprises. Grant Pringle, a product agronomist at Pannar Seed SA, gives expert, practical answers to some of the more common queries.
Small-scale operations most susceptible to African swine fever
The South African government and the organised pig farming sector are working closely together to prevent highly contagious and often fatal African swine fever (ASF) from potentially wiping out the pig population of informal and small-scale producers.
New African swine fever outbreak in Gauteng
Gauteng’s Department of Economic Development, Agriculture and Environment is scrambling to contain yet another outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).
Free-range duck farming in KZN: Why less is more
Duck meat is a high-value niche product in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal farmer Vanessa Collocott supplies this market with certified free-range ducks, and has combined shrewd business sense with compassion in her high-risk enterprise.
Over 200 stolen animals recovered in cross-border operation
A recent three-day operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Lesotho government saw more than 230 head of stolen livestock recovered in an area stretching from Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal to Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State.
Expert tips to get the most from irrigated wheat
Irrigated wheat is grown by many South African grain farmers in rotation with summer grains such as maize and soya bean. André du Toit, a senior wheat breeder with Pannar Seed SA, shares his knowledge and experience on how farmers can maximise the productivity, and therefore profitability, of these wheat crops.
World-class training for SA small-scale poultry farmers
Hundreds of small-scale broiler and layer hen farmers across South Africa are benefitting from training provided through collaboration between international and national organisations and experts.
Latest crop estimates: summer grain up, soya bean down
The Crop Estimates Committee’s (CEC) sixth report for South Africa’s 2018/2019 summer season grain and oilseed production is a mixed bag, with maize and sunflower seed figures rising, and those of soya bean and sorghum decreasing.
Technology improves efficiency of agri tyres
Agricultural tyres are essential to food and fibre production, yet their importance is often overlooked. Dilip Vaidya, president and director of technology for off-highway tyre manufacturer BKT Tires, speaks to Lloyd Phillips about global trends in the requirements for agricultural tyres.
Interest rate cuts a relief for cash-strapped farmers
The South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) recent 25-basis point reduction in the repo rate to 6,5%, coupled with a lowering of fuel prices and a stronger rand, will go a long way to provide some relief to farmers who are struggling in the current tough economic environment.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
MUST READS
- ADVERTISEMENT -
- ADVERTISEMENT -
