A stronger knot for better bales

New Holland’s latest baler innovation features a new system that not only delivers denser, more secure bales, but also eliminates twine off-cut waste.

Understanding fuel hedging contracts

In this article, Daniella Keet, head of commercial structured finance solutions advisory at FNB, explains the basics of hedging, and more specifically, how this financial instrument can be used to safeguard a farming business against large, unexpected increases in the fuel price.

Dehorning your beef cattle can help boost profits

Removing the horns from your cattle holds a number of advantages. Most importantly, it will prevent the problem of bruised meat.

Agricultural Drones and Robots Conference

Register now for the Agricultural Drones and Robots Conference, from 29-30 September 2021 at Southern Sun, Rosebank.

Different licks for different seasons

Voermol’s wide product range of licks means that farmers can provide their animals with optimal nutrition year round.

How SA farmers can benefit from Israeli tech

Israeli technology in agricultural production can be hugely useful to South African farmers. These technologies range from decreasing water usage to improving propagation.

Why estate planning is essential to minimising family strife

When business-owning parents leave their children equal shares in the operation, a battle can erupt between those who work for the company and those who don’t. There are better ways to fairly distribute wealth to heirs, writes Trevor Dickinson.

Senwes reaffirms commitment to finance black farmers

After the successful approval of the merger between the Senwes and the Suidwes Group during 2020, Senwes is entering year two of three years emanating from the merger approval conditions in terms of which Senwes is required to extent material financial assistance to black farmers.

Debunking insurance myths

Insurance policies can be tedious and difficult to understand. Hollard explains what to look out for in your policy and how to claim.

Webinar: Investment opportunities in Botswana’s dairy sector

You are cordially invited to join Farmer’s Weekly, in partnership with the Botswana Investment Trade Centre (BITC), and the Ministry of Agriculture Development and Food Security of the Republic of Botswana, for a webinar focusing on investment opportunities in the dairy sector in Botswana, scheduled for 23 September 2021 to commence at 10h00 (GMT).

The fascinating history of Amorentia Nursery

Amorentia Nursery in Limpopo has been producing high-quality macadamia trees for well over four decades. This article explores how this unique nursery was established.

Bata Industrials, leading through innovation

Bata Industrials products are manufactured in South Africa with a sound understanding of the needs of the local conditions and famers needs, with the added benefit of the support of a global footprint that offers years of research and technology.

Making spray nozzles work for you

The importance of spray nozzles must not be underestimated when it comes to precision application. This is why Jacto provides farmers with a range of spray nozzles to suit his/her production needs.

Tips for growing bigger garlic bulbs

Graceland Garlic Seeds offers sound advice on how and when to plant garlic for optimal returns.

Starting an essential oils enterprise from scratch

After attending a farmers’ day in 2018, Oniccah and Naledi Nkoe decided to start farming herbal plants to produce essential oils. They have since expanded plantings and launched their own essential oils business. They spoke to Salome Modiselle and Sandile Mahlangu, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council.

Standard Bank provides relief to business and agriculture insurance clients

Standard Insurance Limited will reduce its insurance premiums to small and agriculture clients by 30% over the next three months.

The influence of weather on lucerne hay quality

There is still limited research available on the effects of weather on lucerne production in South Africa, This article, written by lucerne specialist Dr Gerrie Scholtz, agricultural economist Walter van Niekerk, and others, was published by the National Lucerne Trust and offers some insight on the matter, based on recent observations.

Case introduces tougher, rust-resistant paint with a deeper shine

Additions to the paint shop facilities at the Case IH St Valentin tractor plant in Austria have resulted in longer-lasting paintwork on the company’s tractors. Advanced techniques now ensure that the paint adheres more tightly to metal surfaces, making the paintwork more resistant to scratching, cracking and rusting.

Jams and preserves: From two pots on a stove to a national supplier

When Ina Lessing started her home-made jams and preserves business 25 years ago, she had no idea that she would one day be supplying outlets across South Africa.

A charming setting on a Villiersdorp fruit farm

The Faraway Estate manor house stands in the foothills of Villiersdorp’s Stettynsberg on a working olive, fig and pomegranate farm. The self-catering country escape with its large gourmet kitchen will delight culinary enthusiasts looking for a breakaway among mountain scenery, writes Brian Berkman.

Staff Reporter