North West – no easy answers
Desbo Mohono, formerly human settlement MEC in North West, was appointed the province’s new MEC for agriculture on 4 May 2012. She shared her plans for the next 18 months...
Fighting stock theft
Advocate Jacques Swanepoel, vice-chairperson of the Red Meat Producers Organisation and chairperson of the RPO’s North West Stock Theft Forum, says indications are that the police are no longer able...
Colour variant game naturally profitable
Despite vastly divergent opinions on the breeding of colour variant game, everyone agrees on its massive profitability. As demand increases, so does controversy. Dr Gert Dry, president of Wildlife Ranching...
A giant leap for local science
It was recently announced that a majority share of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope is destined to be built in Africa. Prof Justin Jonas, Associate Director: Science and Engineering...
The Dutch connection
With the Netherlands being the second largest importer of South African fruit, local farmers need to adapt to the Dutch consumers’ preference for sustainably produced food. Prof Nico Visser, agricultural...
Helping to grow agriculture in Gauteng
Nandi Mayethula-Khoza became Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in 2009. She spoke to Peter Mashala about her department’s projects, in particular her plans to increase employment in the...
Crocodile farming – a controversial issue
Recent charges of animal cruelty brought against a crocodile farmer have placed single-pen farming under the spotlight. Rob Reader, former chairperson of the SA Crocodile Farmers’ Association (SACFA), speaks out...
Building agricultural capacity in Africa
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) plays a leading role in assisting governments to grow agricultural sectors and build a food secure foundation. Rosebud Kurwijila, FAO representative...
Strangers in their own land adapt to tragedy
Prof Michael de Jongh, author of Roots and Routes – Karretjie People of the Great Karoo – talks to Roelof Bezuidenhout about his research into the lives of the gypsy-like...
Reviving the Spring Show
The Spring Show, held from 1 to 6 September in Pretoria, has undergone numerous name changes in an effort to remain relevant. Now, rebranded as an agricultural show, it is...
To frack or not to frack?
Shell recently released a groundwater atlas of the Karoo as part of its ongoing campaign to win approval for shale gas exploration in the Karoo. Prof Maarten de Wit, geologist...
Certified SA Angus Beef – branding top quality
Angus Beef (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Angus Society of SA, is determined to add value to nationally produced Angus beef products through its Certified SA Angus Beef initiative....
