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Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter
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Using algae to treat dairy farm wastewater

Dairy farming contributes significantly to the agriculture waste load because of the high volumes of wastewater generated. Phycoremediation has come to the fore as a promising alternative treatment for dairy farm and dairy processing wastewater, say Mzamo Mnikathi, technical intern, and Jon McCosh, chief scientist at the Institute of Natural Resources.

A luxurious villa with all-round views of the ocean and wide open skies

Set aside at least three nights when you book into the Villa Marine in Pringle Bay, and be sure to goin the off season for the best weather and uncrowded beaches.

Canola: a growing force in South Africa’s agricultural landscape

Zander Spammer, an agricultural resource manager at Southern Oil, spoke to Zunel van Eeden about the growth of the canola industry in South Africa and the main uses for this versatile crop.

Where history and modernity meet in a luxurious setting

Brian Berkman kept his eyes peeled for ghosts in the oldest continuously run hotel in South Africa, but all he found was a fabulous two-night stay.

Organisation aims to end hunger with sweet potatoes

In a recent food rescue operation, SA Harvest drew on its relationships with Dutoit Agri and logistics companies to ensure that nutritious food reached those who needed it, writes Ozzy Nel, the company’s COO.

Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!

Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop damage.

Enjoy the ebb and flow of a simple, natural life in Wilderness

The heart of the Garden Route offers visitors forested areas, rivers in mountain canyons, beaches, and affordable national park accommodation. Brian Berkman visits the area at least once a year.

Springbok icon Bakkies Botha thrives with Agrico’s support

The former rugby star knows all about the importance of teamwork and reliability. So partnering with Agrico irrigation systems was the best decision for his farming needs.

The importance of risk management in agriculture

Rinus de Bruin, agronomist at NWK, warns that crop production on marginal soils is no longer an option. The challenges posed by ever higher input costs mean that farmers simply cannot continue to plant on lower-potential soils, he says. Selecting the correct crops for each area is also of the essence.

A review of the momentous election year that was 2024

Early in the year it was indicated in this column that 2024 would be important among other things for the fact that half of the world’s population would hold elections.

The next decade in aquaculture: trends and challenges ahead

This report focuses on the production and trade of aquaculture and farmed fish over the next decade, and projects where the industry is likely to end up in 2032.

Best wishes from the Farmers Weekly team for 2025

The Farmers Weekly team reflects on 2024 and sends heartfelt wishes to our readers for a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year ahead.

The small-scale cattle producer continuing his family’s farming legacy

Family-run Glendower Farm in Pedie, Eastern Cape, spans 200ha of fertile land that carries the weight of generations. At its helm is Sdelo Mikhail Ceza, who spoke to Fidelis Zvomuya about his passion for farming.

Win 1 of a festive hampers of Babylonstoren worth around R2 500

One Farmer’s Weekly reader can stand a chance to win a festive hamper of Babylonstoren’s books, worth around R2 500 in total.

Load-shedding respite should not breed complacency

While the optimism over South Africa’s electricity supply is refreshing, it may be misguided, even if well-intentioned, say Mzukisi Kota, Lubumba Kamukwamba and Kelly-Rain Green of Webber Wentzel.

Win 1 of 2 hampers ‘Air Fryer: Herman’s Top 100 Recipes book’

Win 1 of 2 hampers of Herman Lensing's Air Fryer recipe book! Discover 100 irresistible recipes, from cheese scones to chocolate French toast. Perfect for quick, delicious meals!

Win 1 of 5 copies of ‘Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa’

Don’t miss your chance to own "Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa", an essential guide for researchers, enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Enter now to win 1 of 5 copies!

The impact of theft on farms in South Africa

A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.

Five-star luxury and refinement in Stellenbosch’s most historic area

Every October, Brian Berkman heads to the Stellenbosch Woordfees and, this year, he stayed at a remarkable hotel during his visit.

Increasing the nutrient use efficiency of potatoes

In today’s agricultural playing field, the focus is being directed at sustainably producing crops for a growing world population. Concepts like ensuring food security, soil quality and fertility, nutritional value of crops, and environmental impact on the natural resources are the order of the day.
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