Cotton farming: what’s not to love?
The co-owner of Wilkot Boerdery in the Northern Cape, Johan Maree, shares his cotton farming journey with Nichelle Steyn and explains why there is so much more to the crop...
How top potato farmer optimises production
Since taking over her late husband’s farm three years ago, Franelyn Rossouw has been simplifying her approach to potato farming in order to streamline production. She spoke to Lindi Botha...
Tips and tricks for pruning roses
For many areas in South Africa, August is the last window of opportunity to prune roses. If you haven’t already done so, follow these guidelines to encourage healthy growth and...
Aloe ferox: a plant pharmacy and attractive garden feature
Renowned worldwide for its medicinal and cosmetic properties, Aloe ferox is also an integral part of South Africa’s cultural heritage. Linda Piegl explores the plant’s traditional uses and how to...
A game-changer for ginger production
The biggest obstacle that ginger farmers in South Africa face is securing enough land to allow for at least a four-year rest period before replanting the same land to the...
Increasing the nutrient use efficiency of potatoes
In today’s agricultural playing field, the focus is being directed at sustainably producing crops for a growing world population. Concepts like ensuring food security, soil quality and fertility, nutritional value...
Managing macadamia production when margins are low
Macadamia nut farms have been in dire straits over the past two seasons as prices have dropped and input costs have risen. With little relief on the horizon, orchard management...
Alternative methods to combat herbicide resistance
The development of herbicide resistance is forcing farmers to incorporate non-chemical management practices in their weed control programmes. Dr Michael Walsh spoke about how it’s done in Australia at a...
Unlocking agricultural potential with Kynoch
Kynoch Fertilizer is dedicated to innovation and adding value for producers. The company’s comprehensive support covers the entire process of unlocking resource information, followed by value-added completion.
Why soya bean is a popular crop in SA
In this article, Zunel van Eeden delves into the socioeconomic and agronomic benefits associated with soya bean production, while also addressing the persistent challenges posed by insect pests and diseases...
Stress management strategies for wheat
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) has a rich history dating back to 9600 BC and is a staple cereal grain cultivated worldwide. It symbolises development, advancement, abundance and wealth. Wheat is metaphorically...
Nurturing growth: exploring the sorghum industry in South Africa
Marguerite Pienaar, a junior economist at Grain SA, and Petru Fourie, convenor of the Sorghum Cluster, provide an overview of sorghum production in the country.
Maize remains South Africa’s greatest grain
Zunel van Eeden looks at maize production, and the pests and diseases that farmers should be on the lookout for to maintain their good yields and profitability.
Leveraging science to enhance soil carbon production
In the realm of modern agriculture, farmers are constantly seeking methods to bolster soil health and amplify crop productivity. Soil carbon levels play a crucial role in nurturing microbial life,...
Hlobi Yende, the young farmer transforming her family farm
Hlobi Yende is part of a new generation of young, energetic female farmers making waves in the agriculture sector. She is leading the charge by defying stereotypes and creating an...
Sunflower production: threatened by stink bugs and fungi
With continuous management of the insects that predate on sunflowers, significant success can be attained with this crop, which is suited to growing in the drier parts of South Africa,...
Fighting the Russian wheat aphid to safeguard SA’s crop
Addressing the challenge of Russian wheat aphid in South Africa requires a multifaceted approach that combines host-plant resistance and biological, cultural and chemical control.
How permaculture is rejuvenating barren soil in the Klein Karoo
Kathryn Eybers and Ross Dwyer have transformed a degraded ostrich farm into an economically viable, vibrant healthy ecosystem.
Leafroll virus: a vast problem in SA’s vineyards
Leafroll virus is a destructive disease that shortens the lifespan of vineyards and lowers wine quality. Glenneis Kriel reports on ways to identify and prevent this disease.
How compost from Mpumalanga farmer’s bioreactor is boosting no-till crops
No-till crop cultivation is hardly a novel movement, yet learning curves are still steep as farmers navigate the intricacies of what makes healthy soil. Lindi Botha speaks to Hendrik Odendaal...
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