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.
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.
A brief history of combines
The combine harvester is a very old invention, first appearing over 180 years ago. Yet more than a century passed before the unwieldy early machines gave way to the self-propelled combines we know today. In this article, we explore the history of one of farming’s greatest labour savers.
Total’s proven quality products
Total South Africa provides clean, high-performing petroleum and diesel, liquid petroleum gas, greases and lubricants for any application.
Standard Bank invests in affordable agritech solutions
The digitisation of agriculture is transforming farming, and these solutions are fast becoming integral in farming practices.
To feed the world, we have to protect the pollinators
Pollinators are responsible for the production of many crops grown for human consumption, but their numbers are declining. To ensure food security, world leaders and agriculture authorities must act now to save these crucial species, says the Food and Health Organization of the United Nations.
How to keep Africa growing in the face of climate change
No continent will be struck as severely by climate change as Africa. Due to the continent’s limited adaptive capacity, exacerbated by widespread poverty, climate change is a grave threat to economic growth and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
The Stihl 230 range: designed and built specifically for farmers
This well-known German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld equipment offers brushcutters, augers, water pumps, cultivators and other essential tools in its new range.
How urban agriculture can contribute to food security
Urban agriculture has a major role to play in providing healthy, affordable and accessible food to poor urban households in South Africa, according to Prof Juaneé Cilliers, chair of the Urban and Regional Planning Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North-West University.
Fake meat: coming to a supermarket near you
Driven by shrinking arable land, a shift to the consumption of non-meat proteins, and several other factors, ersatz meat products are set to disrupt the lucrative global meat industry. According to management consultants AT Kearney, it is not a matter of if, but when, these products will appear on shelves.
Sponsored
The latest Case IH Austoft cane harvesters
Case IH has launched its Austoft 8010 and 8810 sugar cane harvesters on the Africa and Middle Eastern markets.
Soil erosion: a big problem with few solutions
Long-term food security is set to suffer if the scourge of soil erosion is not brought under control. Dan Pennock, a professor in soil science at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, discusses the extent of the problem and the importance of good soil management.
Sponsored
The MZ54 lawnmower is ideal for property maintenance
Husqvarna is known the world over for the toughness of its zero-turn lawnmowers.
Corteva: working with farmers
Agriculture has reached a critical point. Farmers are trying to meet the global challenge of providing nutritious food for a rapidly growing population constantly demanding healthier food.
