Rum brings rewards for KZN cane producer

Heart, soul and spirit: all of these can be found in spades on Seafield Farm, a family-run sugar cane concern in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Owner Brad O’Neill spoke to Susan Marais about how innovation in the form of rum distillation is helping his business rise above the sugar cane crisis, while regenerative farming methods are keeping the farm’s already fertile, high-quality soil in peak condition.

Mozambique tilapia: big plans for a small fish

Fish is a healthy source of protein, but is becoming increasingly unaffordable for South Africans. Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha look at why marine tilapia may be the perfect alternative to other white fish.

Know your cattle: Angus

The Angus breed was first bred in Scotland in the 1700s. the high quality of its beef was important right from the start. the first importation of angus into South Africa was in 1895, when 10 cattle arrived on the farm of J Newburg in the Free State.

Poultry sector in Africa set for growth

Thanks to the relative affordability of chicken meat, the poultry sector is likely to see immense growth in the future in Africa.

Carbon Farming, Soil Conservation & New Technologies Conference 2022

Over the past 80 years, agricultural practices in Africa have exacerbated the serious issues of erosion, flood damage, chemical contamination, and the effects of global warming. Given our planet’s uncertain future, sustaining such approaches is naïve.

An easy guide to choosing the right generator

Buying a generator might seem like a daunting and expensive undertaking, but given South Africa’s unpredictable electricity supply, they are becoming increasingly valuable tools for homes and businesses. Here, Husqvarna provides some tips for choosing the right generator for your needs.

Climate change: why the world cannot afford a disorderly transition

A new report states that the lack of coordinated action on climate change poses profound dangers to society. Amongst these is an increase in already stark inequalities.

Wind farms boost farmers’ incomes

Red Cap Energy is playing a significant role in reducing South Africa's carbon dioxide emissions, and increasing farmers' revenue, too.

John Deere at NAMPO 2022: Together, we move forward!

Hentie Breedt, marketing and communications manager for John Deere Africa and the Middle East, writes about the exciting John Deere products and machinery that will be on display at Nampo 2022.

The Avocado Industry Information Day

Farmer’s Weekly will be hosting an information day on 30 May for avocado producers at the Royal Agricultural Show that will take place from 27 May to 5 June 2022 at the Royal Showgrounds, Pietermaritzburg.

Alternatives to using plastics in agricultural production

While the use of plastics has helped farmers to produce more with less, the material presents an enormous environmental issue. This report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations looks at alternatives that can be introduced by farmers and governments to reduce reliance on plastics in agricultural production and thereby cut down on pollution.

Why small-scale beef cattle farmers struggle to improve their animals

While genomic selection is a mainstay of commercial cattle breeding, the accurate record-keeping and data analysis it requires are often unaffordable for, or inaccessible to, smallholder and communal farmers. This study by researchers from across the globe looks at the challenges these producers face with improving their herds via this method.

Maximising crop yield and profitability

Thanks to Milesight’s Internet of Things solutions, introduced to the country via MiRO, South African farmers stand a better chance of overcoming challenges arising from climate change.

The smart-irrigation tech companies to watch in 2022

Investment in smart-irrigation companies has been on the increase over the past few years, and this trend shows no signs of abating. Janine Ryan and Glenneis Kriel look at some of the companies in the industry, both local and international, that are likely to make headlines in the near future.

The value of pollinators for seed production

In a study to provide a global estimate of the importance of pollinators for plants in natural ecosystems, researchers from Stellenbosch University, led by Dr James Rodger, a postdoctoral fellow in mathematical sciences, found that, without pollinators, one-third of flowering plant species wouldn’t produce seeds at all.

The reality of twins in beef cattle

While the incidence of twins in beef cattle is very low, there is the possibility that it could improve the rate of their reproduction, says the Agricultural Research Council.

The scandal of food wastage: prepare for regulatory pressure

In South Africa, about 30% of local agricultural production is wasted every year, which is equivalent to an estimated R60 billion, or around 2% of GDP. In a country where 30% of households are at risk of hunger, 31% experience hunger and 13 million children live in poverty, this waste is unsustainable and needs to change, says James Brand, a senior associate in ENSafrica’s Natural Resources and Environment department.

Contaminants threatening the health of soil and water

The fouling of fresh water supplies with pollutants emanating from primary agriculture has become a serious issue in South Africa. In this article, the Agricultural Research Council discusses the origins and impact of so-called contaminants of emerging concern.

Papaya diseases and viruses

Diseases and viruses of papayas include damping off, powdery mildew, black spot and root rot. All can be treated or prevented.

Solutions for uneven load distribution and flat tyres

Two of the 16 silver medals awarded at Agritechnica 2022 went to Continental’s Agro ContiSeal and Krone’s ExactUnload, which make transport in the field safer and easier to manage.

Staff Reporter