Staff Reporter
Former Farmer’s Weekly journalist George Nicholas turns 100!
Congratulations to George Nicholas, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today! George has 72 years of service to the agricultural industry in South Africa.
Signs of a healthy dairy cow
To be profitable, a dairy herd must be in good shape. It’s therefore crucial to be able to recognise a healthy dairy cow, and know when things are not right.
How agriculture can ease the global urban water shortage
A new study that looks at the water competition between cities and agriculture has found that urban water demand in 482 of the world’s largest cities will increase by 80% by 2050, leading to an acute urban surface-water deficit. However, the study also discovered that in certain instances, even a 10% increase in irrigation water-use efficiency can help to overcome urban surface-water deficits.
Tips on how to grow aloe
This plant yields juice and gel which are used for processing in the cosmetics industry.
Firestone agricultural tyres – the hard-working partner you deserve
Firestone prides itself on giving you the right tools to get the job done, and its Farm Hard tyre range has the perfect tyre for every need.
Alert issued for Rift Valley fever
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) has advised farmers to vaccinate their livestock against Rift Valley fever.
TISA concerned about ‘extreme tobacco legislation’
The South African government should first tackle the illicit trade in tobacco products before considering implementing legislation intended to severely restrict the marketing and use of legitimate tobacco products in the country, says the Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa (TISA).
Veld to plate: Profiting from beef exports
Not all cuts of beef are considered equal, and where in the world you eat your steak also determines how much you pay. Namibian farming economics consultant Dr Helmke Sartorius
von Bach examines the origin of modern slaughter techniques, the price of beef in Southern Africa and Europe, and the potential for beef exports to lucrative markets such as Norway.
Eastern Cape’s world-class student Angora stud
The Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute (GADI) Student Angora Stud is accustomed to accolades; it produced, for example, the South African Champion Ram at the 2009 International Mohair Summit in Graaff-Reinet. But it was the National Angora Show in November 2016 at Willowmore that really underscored the esteem with which the stud is held in the mohair industry.
Feeding cattle: learn the basics
When rounding off cattle for slaughter, you can either grow and mix feed on the farm or buy ready-mixed feed. If you have only a few animals, buying a mixed ration may be cheaper and more practical.
Stock theft threatens growth in SA’s goat value chain
While common across South Africa, goats remain a largely untapped resource for poverty alleviation and rural development. But efforts to remedy the situation are being undermined by the widespread theft of goats. Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Erasmus, provincial commander of the SA Police Service’s KwaZulu-Natal stock theft and endangered species units, examines this issue.
Agribusiness Africa Conference 2018 brought to by Farmer’s Weekly
After a successful Agribusiness Africa Conference in 2017, Farmer's Weekly will be hosting another thought-provoking and informative event from 18-19 July 2018 at Emperors Palace.
Sustainability in pasture-based dairy farming
One of the questions modern farmers face is whether they can farm in an environmentally sustainable, yet profitable, way. Craig Galloway provided the answer in his PhD thesis on the sustainability of pasture-based dairy farms.
Diversifying your income with UK retirement investments
The repo rate in South Africa has been slashed from 6.75% to 6.5%. Typically, a decrease in interest rates causes house price growth, so it’s great news for the property market.
Waste management fundamentals
By law, you are required to store or dispose of waste responsibly. Failure to do so may result in a fine. More seriously, it harms the environment.
Severe weather conditions exacerbate Irish fodder crisis
After a long and extremely wet winter, farmers in Ireland are being faced with a fodder crisis, as they do not have nearly enough feed to supply their herds this spring.
International success for SA bow maker
Based in the Eastern Cape, Warrick Harvey has rapidly built an international reputation as a crafter of exceptional bows. Mike Burgess spoke to him about his life-long love of archery.
Breeding record-breaking Mutton Merinos
Henning Vorster sold a SA Mutton Merino ram for a South African record price of R110 000 at the National Sale in Bloemfontein in 2017. To find out why farmers are willing to pay record-high prices for his dual-purpose sheep, Mike Burgess visited his stud on the farm Bloubosfontein.
Keeping the farm in the family
A big concern for farm owners is how to ensure their farms stay in the family for generations to come.
Farmers, forget about price!
Farmers have little or no control over producer prices. They should therefore focus on production and marketing efficiencies.
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