Staff Reporter
Farmer's Weekly's Staff Reporter team provides accurate, timely, and trusted coverage of South African agriculture, delivering expert-backed reporting on farming, livestock, crops, agribusiness, technology, policy, and industry developments.
A review of A Country of Two Agricultures
Wandile Sihlobo has once again crafted a balanced and influential book that deconstructs the complex realities of the agriculture sector in South Africa, writes Dr Sifiso Ntombela.
A new strategy for maize marketing
Markus Monteiro, Bennie Grové and Nicolette Matthews of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State provide an alternative hedging strategy for the South African maize market.
Acknowledging excellence through scientific innovation
The Agricultural Research Council recently presented its 45th instalment of its annual National Beef Performers Awards, which recognises outstanding achievements across seven categories of beef cattle performance and production. Farmer’s Weekly is the proud sponsor of the National Best Elite Cow category, the winners of which are presented below.
SA’s export fruit industry: Why market relationships are key to future success
A paper on the performance of South Africa’s fresh fruit exports has been released by Henley Business School Africa in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science and Stellenbosch University. It emphasises that maintaining strong exporter-importer relationships could be critical to keep the industry on top.
Espresso chocolate brownies
These delicious brownies can be enjoyed on their own, or with cream and ice cream. Make sure you make a double batch; your guests will be coming back for seconds, says Lorraine Steyl.
Easy vanilla panna cotta with white chocolate
While this panna cotta may look daunting, it is actually a very easy recipe that will impress friends and family, says Lorraine Steyl.
Lamb shank parcels
These lamb shank parcels are perfect for a Christmas dinner. They are not only delicious but they look the part too, says Lorraine Steyl.
Butter chicken with peaches
The star of this dish is the creamy and spicy sauce, says Lorraine Steyl.
Slow-roasted, juicy pork belly
Step aside, ham! This pork belly may very well earn its place at your future Christmas feasts, says Lorraine Steyl.
Advice for cannabis entrepreneurs from experienced growers
To be a successful cannabis producer requires a disciplined, business-oriented approach. Fortunately, lessons learnt by seasoned professionals can provide guidance to prospective entrepreneurs, says Thomas Walker.
Quirky and arty accommodation at the summit of Bainskloof
Brian Berkman takes to the healing waters at McBains near Wellington and enthuses about the free-spirited space where the owners see themselves as guardians of this extraordinary natural resource.
The riskiest periods for sheep producers
In this second part of our series on risk mitigation for sheep producers in South Africa, freelance strategist and writer PJ Mommsen looks at the riskiest periods that both mutton and wool farmers have to contend with.
The pioneering history of Barkly East’s Avoca cattle and sheep studs
The Orpen family has been farming near Barkly East in the Eastern Cape since 1866. Gavin Isted looks at the history of the farm and the current production methods used for running the Avoca cattle and sheep studs.
Idyllic stay in a cottage on the banks of the Breede
River Edge Accommodation offers a superb self-catering stay in cottages on the Breede River near Wolseley in the Western Cape. Camping on the riverbank is also possible, says Brian Berkman.
Growing global awareness of future water insecurity
James Brand, executive for natural resources and environment at ENSafrica, and Cheri Young, senior associate of its banking and finance, say water management has to be stepped up to ensure sustainability.
Tips to take care of your farm dog
Arslan Hassan looks at how farmers can provide their farm dogs with the basic necessities, as well as some added extras that will help you raise and keep a happy and healthy canine.
Au Albidus Brahmans’ and Guest Sellers’ 6th Production Sale
The Au Albidus Brahmans and Guest Sellers 6th Production Sale was held at the Warmbad Veemark on 28 October.
Insights and bidding tips from top auctioneers
In this article, we speak to auctioneers about the importance of auctions for the livestock and property markets. The experts also provide some bidding tips for those who are new to the game.
Auction catalogue as a guideline for selection
Frans Jordaan, Prof Michiel Scholtz and Dr Ben Greyling from Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production and Martin Ras from the Afric Afrikaners Stud compiled these useful recommendations to assist cattle breeders in making the most of the information contained in the catalogue when they attend auctions.
Guideline to the most popular cannabis extraction methods
The effective extraction of cannabinoids, terpenes and other components is crucial in the production of cannabis products. Thomas Walker discusses various extraction techniques, and how they affect the end product.
