Staff Reporter
The case for a national agri insurance plan
South African farmers are finding their businesses increasingly at risk due to the effects of climate change. Broad-based access to a state-supported agricultural insurance scheme would enhance food security in the country, writes Dr Sifiso Ntombela, a senior agricultural economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council.
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Auction of greenhouse facility in Carletonville
An agricultural development of ±57ha in Carletonville, with more than 12ha of established greenhouses, will fall under the hammer of Dynamic Auctioneers on Thursday 12 March at 11am.
Boer goat facts and figures
The Boer goat, which is bred primarily for meat, is farmed very effectively in combination with cattle due to its browsing ability and its limited impact on the grass cover.
New John Deere tractor range: inspired by farmers, for farmers
The new John Deere 8 Series tractor range features robust, versatile machines designed to offer operators massive power and supreme comfort.
Want a good soya bean harvest? Start with an even seedbed
While building up a soya bean farming operation, you might not have the resources to invest in a combine harvester, especially one with a flexible cutter bar. Fortunately, Agrico’s HSD630 range of high-speed disc harrows can help you get the most out of your crop, says Stehan Cloete.
SA water crisis: Climate change not the only culprit
According to Mike Muller, a visiting adjunct professor at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Graduate School of Governance, low and unpredictable rainfall is not the only cause for South Africa’s water crisis. As a result, no single solution can address water challenges across the country.
Le Roc Dormers’ 1st Production Sale
Le Roc Dormers will host its first production sale on the farm Eastry in Tweespruit on 22 October at 11am.
Challenges to feeding a growing population
Global agriculture has to increase its output dramatically to meet the needs of a rapidly growing human population. John Hassell, Koch Agronomic Services’ customer support manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, highlights the challenges and urgently required solutions for meeting this unprecedented demand.
The reality ahead of SONA 2020
Many South Africans will be watching President Cyril Ramaphosa deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 12 February, some hoping against hope and some with enthusiasm and renewed hope.
E-Kubota: Power and versatility at a price you can afford
Kubota has partnered with Escorts Ltd to produce the E-Kubota tractor range, which caters to all farmers, regardless of scale. These tractors are sure to find a ready market in South Africa.
Agriculture Development Agency launch at Africa Agri Tech
The much-anticipated launch of the Agriculture Development Agency (AGDA) takes place on 18 February at the Africa Agri Tech Conference and Expo (AAT) at the Maslow Hotel in Pretoria.
Science and agri technology in the spotlight in Pretoria
Technology is disrupting every industry, including agriculture, and staying up to date with new trends is crucial to ensure longevity.
Undercover Farming Expo & Conference 2020
The Undercover Farming Expo will be held at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, on 24 and 25 February.
How traditional leaders undermine women’s land rights
In theory, South Africa has strong laws to protect the property ownership and inheritance rights of all women. However, a 2018 study conducted by Bongi Owusu for her master’s dissertation in social science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal found that these laws are often not implemented in rural Zulu-speaking communities. She explains how this prejudices widows in particular.
12 basic principles of scientific livestock breeding
Respected show judge and Simbra and Simmentaler breeder Llewellyn Angus has received many awards for his animals and his contribution to the industry. Here he shares his 12 fundamental principles of accurate performance testing and the use of estimated breeding values.
Low investment in research hampers agri growth
Dr Sifiso Ntombela, a trade economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, writes that as technological advances are being achieved at an ever-faster rate, countries that fail to invest sufficient resources in research and development risk falling behind and becoming uncompetitive.
Learn about the SA Mutton Merino sheep breed
This locally developed, dual-purpose meat and white wool breed thrives in semi-arid regions.
Mini-infrared camera system promises better irrigation
A new camera system that combines a regular digital camera with a miniature infrared camera could provide a cost-effective way to monitor crop temperatures and help irrigate crops.
The ‘profit-for-purpose’ empowerment model
A new empowerment model championed by a Limpopo-based farming company, Schoonbee Landgoed, and Thebe Investment Corporation aims to establish long-term partnerships between white commercial farmers and black institutional investors while helping new-entrant farmers achieve financial viability, writes Gert Schoonbee.
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