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.
Common cabbage diseases
Cabbage is vulnerable to several diseases. All can be controlled to a greater or lesser extent, but in some cases the only solution is to plant a resistant variety.
Developmental & finance matters on the African continent
The fourth episode of Tech Terrain takes an in-depth look at changing conditions for farmers across the African continent. Here are a few highlights.
Watch out for rabies!
This deadly zoonosisis a real threat to all warm-blooded animals.
Preventing hybridisation to protect natural resources
Some farming enterprises, such as wild harvesting, require particular care to ensure long-term sustainability and protect the environment.
Tech Terrain: The adoption of technology across Africa
The third episode of Tech Terrain explores the adoption of technology by farmers of all sizes across the continent and the impact of it.
Why the world’s drylands need urgent protection
Drylands are home to two billion people, many of whom are poor and depend directly on the land’s resources for food and energy. Drylands also generate crucial environmental services and contain 35% of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations explains the importance, and challenges, of conserving drylands.
Polysulphate an ideal fertiliser for potatoes and other crops
Polysulphate is a new, multi-nutrient fertiliser that has been introduced to South Africa by ICL.
The basics of foot-and-mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease has drastically reduced South Africa beef exports, as importing countries buy animals and animal by-products only from FMD-free countries.
How important is a brand name in modern agriculture?
With agricultural technology evolving at a rapid pace, it can sometimes seem overwhelming for farmers. This is where Tech Terrain steps in – an exciting new online agricultural talk show focusing on the role of technology and mechanisation in the modern agricultural landscape.
Forage harvester’s efficiency drives profitability
Improved forage harvesting technology drastically enlarges the silage surface area. This improves the product, benefitting farmers and harvesting contractors, says Stehan Cloete.
Win two Viavi Avocado hampers worth R2 500 each!
It’s avo season and Viavi is giving away two hampers. These hampers include: Viavi branded leather apron, t-shirt, cellphone cover, Viavi Avos and a R250 Woolworths voucher. To enter, simply fill in your details below.
Win a layer cage worth R13 800!
Stand a chance to win an Elite 120-bird laying cage worth R13 800! To enter, fill in the form below. Entries close 31 July 2020.
Win an egg incubator & hatcher worth R13 800!
Stand a chance to win a SH370 egg incubator and hatcher worth R13 800. To enter, fill in the form below. Entries close 31 July 2020.
Why Africa needs fairer food laws
Food and agriculture laws hamper food security in Africa and elsewhere, say Tigist Gebrehiwot, Steve Cornelius and Lise Korsten in the journal article ‘Impact of global food and agriculture laws on Africa’sfood security’.
Le Roc Brangus’ and Dormers’ October production sales
Le Roc Brangus will be hosting its 10th production sale on 21 October, while Le Roc Dormers will be hosting its first production sale on 22 October. Both sales will be held on the farm Eastry in Tweespruit.
Ten ways to cut food waste – report
In a recent study, published by the World Resources Institute, researchers explored 10 scaling interventions that could help reduce food loss and waste across supply chains and geographies. According to the report, ‘Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Ten Interventions to Scale Impact’, governments, businesses, farmers, consumers, and everyone in between need to play a role in implementing these interventions.
A must-read for farmers! First book by top agri economist
Wandile Sihlobo, one of South Africa’s foremost agri economists, is perfectly placed to provide a balanced, accessible view of agriculture in South Africa. He spent his school holidays in the rural Eastern Cape, studied agricultural economics at university, has worked in private-sector agriculture, where he consulted widely with farmers, and has been a policy adviser to government.
Identifying and controlling sweet potato viruses
Sweet potatoes are an important commercial crop and contribute significantly to food security in many poorer South African households. Dr Julia Mulabisana and Dr Sunette Laurie of the Agricultural Research Council’s Vegetable and Ornamental Plants division explain how farmers can recognise and control the most serious viruses that affect this crop.
Basic chicken care: how to breed and feed
This article examines how to breed and feed chickens properly, as well as how to maintain good hygiene in order to keep the birds healthy and productive.
Preparing a good seedbed for tomatoes
Tomato seedlings grow best in a well-drained seedbed under full sun and protected from strong wind. Irrigation should be frequent but light.
