Staff Reporter
Cassava: an untapped resource in South Africa
Light Ngobeni and Zinhle Nkosi, agricultural economists and master’s students at the University of Pretoria and the University of Limpopo respectively, write about the importance of cassava production for farmers and consumers in South Africa, and how to develop the value chain.
What you need to know about horse insurance
There are several types of horse insurance. It’s important to decide which best suits your horse and your situation, says Dr Mac.
How to recognise the ticks plaguing your livestock
Prof Maxime Madder, Prof Ivan Horak and Dr Hein Stoltsz look at three important tick species in South Africa and their effects on livestock, and offer tips for farmers on how they can identify these pests.
The private sector’s key role in land reform
Peter Setou, chief executive of the Vumelana Advisory Fund, argues that all stakeholders in the land reform programme should demonstrate their commitment to the strategy in order to drive its success.
Zimmatic irrigation systems offer smart solutions for farmers
Zimmatic centre pivots are proving to be a vital factor in driving the success of farms as a decent irrigation system should provide the farmer with ease of use and the ability to leverage technology to boost yields and manage water more efficiently.
How to fight the effects of rolling blackouts and rising energy costs
Dr Idan Chiyanzu, Primrose Magama, Siyabonga Gasa and Erence Manyako, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council’s Natural Resources and Engineering Division, offer some advice to farmers on how they can minimise the effects of energy insecurity and the rising cost of electricity in South Africa.
Moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy
Simone Bruckner, managing director of resistor manufacturer Cressall, explains the steps that need to be taken to help farmers around the world make a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Pest and disease control in pearl millet production
Chinch bugs, nematodes, mildew, seed rot, rust and other pests and diseases are all threats to pearl millet. Here’s how to deal with them.
Cotton production: global and local trends
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ outlook for cotton production (2022 – 2031) looks at the opportunities and challenges facing the world’s cotton producers.
Maize Trust bursary: Making a difference | Episode 9
Ayesha Shaikh is currently enrolled for her PhD in plant pathology at Stellenbosch University.
Protecting the jewel in SA’s biodiversity crown
Jan Coetzee, land programme manager at the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa, explains how one man’s vision changed the trajectory of conservation in the Succulent Karoo.
Beefmaster: ‘Perfectly bred for the beef producer’
The Beefmaster, which was developed in the US, is a popular beef breed in South Africa due to its adaptability, short intercalving period, and other key traits. Gerrie Jansen van Rensburg, president of the Beefmaster Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa (Beefmaster SA), told Susan Marais more about this hardy all-rounder.
Yes, SA has challenges, but we can fix them! – Dr Imtiaz Sooliman
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, does not believe that South Africa is collapsing, despite its current political, economic and infrastructural problems. One reason for hope, he argues, lies in the compassion and patience of South Africans. He has seen it first-hand for 30 years.
Maize Trust bursary: Making a difference | Episode 8
Angelique Daniell is a lecturer at the North-West University. She grew up in a small mining town just outside Potchefstroom.
Why a zebra’s stripes may confuse horseflies
There are many hypotheses on why horseflies may be put off by a zebra’s stripes. In a recent study, researchers concluded that this may be a result of the temperature on darker stripes, rather than the stripes themselves.
Irrigation unlocks value for Sandveld potatoes
Stephan & Seun Farming in the Western Cape is ambitious and technologically driven. Their potato cultivation leans heavily on irrigation, and Agrico has been their trusted supplier for decades.
Boosting agricultural productivity via small-scale vertical farming
Zikhona Buyeye, a junior researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Natural Resources and Engineering Division, explores the importance of vertical farming structures for small-scale vegetable production.
Maize Trust bursary: Making a difference | Episode 7
Dr Abongile Balarane is the General Manager of the South African Poultry Association’s Egg Organisation. He grew up in humble beginnings in a small town in Welkom.
How a Simmentaler stud thrives on mountainous veld
The dual-purpose Simmentaler is known for its adaptability and good temperament. Tjokkie Nel, who runs a stud near Barkly East, spoke to Gavin Isted about the success he has had on this seemingly harsh terrain.
Isuzu makes a splash in the Eastern Cape
In the Wild Coast region, where very poor roads and rough conditions are the norm, Isuzu trucks are valued for their ruggedness and reliability.
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