Staff Reporter
Oyster mushroom farming: an affordable start-up
Yolandi Joubert’s oyster mushroom operation, launched just three years ago, is an important lesson in what passion and discipline can achieve in small-scale agriculture.
When to postpone a disciplinary hearing
Holding a disciplinary hearing must follow due process. This includes taking into account when to postpone the hearing.
Bacterial blight of cowpeas
This is one of the most destructive diseases of cowpeas, according to Dr Alina Mofokeng of the Agricultural Research Council’s Grain Crops Institute.
Malabo Report stresses need to manage climate change
The first Malabo Biennial Report on the Malabo Commitment to accelerate agricultural growth and transformation in Africa was released last month.
Delicious chicken ragu
This combination of ingredients with pasta makes a fine supper for four to five people. And no, it’s not just another version of spaghetti bolonaise…
How income and price changes affect demand
Higher income leads to increased demand for agricultural products. But in South Africa, demand growth is currently limited by the sharp increase in non-food prices due to lower supply.
Producing pulses: the benefits do outweigh the costs
Many SA farmers are unaware of the profitability and other benefits of pulses such as cowpea, groundnut and soya bean. As a result, these plants are neglected as crop alternatives, says Phonnie du Toit, chief research technician at the Agricultural Research Council in Potchefstroom.
Understanding the basics of livestock farming
Many novice farmers make the mistake of not starting off with the best possible animals in terms of genetics and environmental suitability, says Shane Brody.
Pioneer style, modern comfort retirement home
Here is a sketch of a three-bedroom traditional exterior and conventional interior retirement home, with open-plan areas and en-suite bathrooms.
Climate change is creating a migrant crisis in Vietnam
About 24 000 inhabitants of the low-lying Mekong Delta in Vietnam , which has an estimated population of 18 million, are forced to leave the area due to global warming every year.
ZZ2 opens doors to the subtropical fruit industry
With its high start-up costs and complex export rules, the subtropical fruit industry presents formidable barriers to new entrants. Alita van der Walt spoke to ZZ2’s Tommie and BJ van Zyl about the models that the company is putting in place to assist developing farmers to become successful subtropical producers.
Competition Tribunal approves inter-company ammonia sales
Four South African chemicals companies have received approval from the country’s Competition Tribunal (CompTrib) to continue with their arrangement to trade ammonia between each other.
Global hunger: the price we pay for food
In poorer nations, buying the ingredients for a single meal can use up a significant portion of a person’s earnings. Where there is conflict or economic collapse, it can exceed these earnings outright. Researchers involved with the World Food Programme propose what should be done to ensure true food security.
Ramaphosa: ‘South Africa is open for investment’
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa used the 2018 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, to assure foreign governments and international private sector investors that South Africa was open for business.
Do we need a new way to measure our prosperity?
Claims have emerged that institutions such as the World Bank are ‘doctoring’ the methods they use to measure food security, competitiveness and other factors in developing countries.
Counting the cost of your farm
Farm input costs include items such as feed, labour and machinery. The following general cost input terms are useful in calculating precisely how much your farm costs you to run.
New Zealand’s new fatter, healthier, tastier Te Mana sheep
A decade of intense research and development in New Zealand, involving geneticists, food technologists and more than 50 farmers, has led to a new breed of lamb that is claimed to offer improved health benefits, while retaining excellent flavour.
Never compromise on shearing shed hygiene
Jan Louis Venter, production advisor for the National Wool Growers’ Association, discusses how farmers can prevent wool and mohair clip contamination.
Pork chops with white wine
A pork chop – and may all my ancestors kindly look the other way – is a marvellous thing. And when simmered in white wine and a tangy Dijon mustard sauce, it becomes a special dish at a dinner for two.
Wool market off to a good start
Despite a stronger rand:dollar exchange rate, the South African wool market started the season on a positive note, as a result of strong demand for wool globally, with the Merino Indicator closing at R188,08 (clean).
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