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.
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.
Improve fertiliser placement with strip-tillage
According to Michael Petersen, lead agronomist at US-based Orthman Manufacturing, the main pillars of success for strip-tillage are vertical tillage, residue management, seedbed preparation and fertiliser placement. Stehan Cloete explains the technical aspects of these factors.
Export tax bites into survival of Zambian crocodile farming
Representatives of Zambia’s commercial crocodile farming sector have reportedly pleaded with that country’s government to abolish the 10% duty that was introduced on crocodile skin exports in January 2019.
Tongaat Hulett releases ‘corrected’ financial results
Using figures from a forensic investigation into and financial review of its results, Tongaat Hulett Limited’s (THL) board of directors has now been able to correct the company’s agricultural production, processing, and land conversion divisions’ financial results for the 2018/2019 year ended 31 March 2019.
Agriculture a vital part of the solution to land degradation
The world’s drylands are becoming hotter and drier. Expanding commercial agriculture and investing in sustainable land management practices are two ways in which governmentscan mitigate this form of land degradation, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
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Tough times need tougher cattle
Cattle farmers in Southern Africa have had a difficult year, with ongoing drought and foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. Louis Steyl, CEO of the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa, says that the Bonsmara, with its adaptability and high functional efficiency, has proved itself the ideal breed to cope with, and thrive in, these challenging conditions.
Wheat producers, treat fungicides with caution!
South African wheat producers should guard against over-application of fungicide, according to Dr Tarekegn Terefe, senior researcher at ARC-Small Grain, Bethlehem. The unnecessary use of fungicides can harm the environment and result in the emergence of fungicide-resistant strains. Farmers should also rotate between fungicides from different chemical groups, he writes.
Try the new Polysulphate fertiliser
Polysulphate® is a new, multi-nutrient fertiliser that has been introduced to South Africa by ICL Fertilizers.
Corteva Agriscience: Relentless innovation, bold leadership
In tackling the problems that affect the lives and the livelihoods of millions of people, there is no room for mediocrity and no time to be timid.
The basics of the Suffolk breed
This breed matures early, producing meat with a high ratio of lean meat to fat. This makes it an attractive proposition to the modern consumer.
Agri commodity prices: what to expect over the next 10 years
The Agricultural Outlook 2019-2028, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, provides a 10-year prospect for agricultural markets at the national, regional and global level. Prices for most agricultural commodities are expected to remain flat over the period as consumption of staple foods remains stagnant.
Kubota South Africa launches new L1 Series
Kubota’s new L-series of compact tractors, with their simplified operation and smoother performance, enables a farmer to be more productive as well as more comfortable. The tractors also offer improved fuel efficiency, thanks to greater air flow into the combustion chamber.
Caring for the sow and piglets at farrowing
Newborn piglets can die from crushing, bleeding from the navel, anaemia, starvation or disease. At the root of these causes, however, is poor management. Here are some tips to ensure success.
Vrede dairy project case almost ready for court – NPA
The investigation into the Vrede dairy project, also known as the Estina dairy project, in the Eastern Free State will be completed and be ready for re-enrolment in court by the end of the month.
