A guide to farming saffron in South Africa
Thousands of corns yield just a few grams of saffron. South Africa’s first saffron farmer, Renske van Zyl, explains the process of growing this delicate spice. Jay Ferreira reports.
Improving seedling production
To meet the demand for seedlings without compromising on quality requires a willingness to adopt new technologies and to implement strategic planning. Lloyd Phillips reports.
Profiting by a softer approach
This beef and vegetable farmer has successfully merged organic products into his conventional spraying programme and is building the soil with green manure crops.
OMET farming better than hydroponics?
The inventor of Organic Medium Enclosed Trough farming claims that his method has higher yields than hydroponics, and is simpler. Jay Ferreira visits Helmuth Rohrer to find out more.
Expansion through vision & planning
Investing in soil fertility and modern farm equipment has allowed Kranskop farmer Carl Gathmann and his sons to tap into the benefits of economy of scale.
Making wine in the Malutis
When John and Trish Critchley settled in the scenic Eastern Free State in 2006, their dream was to create a tranquil haven for city dwellers. Little did they know that...
About poison leaf
Dichapetalum cymosum, commonly known as gifblaar in Afrikaans, mogau in SeTswana, and poison leaf in English (right), is a small, low-growing shrub found in the northern parts of southern Africa.
Insecticidal soap
One of the least expensive means of pest control available, insecticidal soaps, are a big drawcard for the environmentally-conscious. However, knowing how to use them properly is crucial, says Paul...
Berry boon for Limpopo farm
Limpopo is generally associated with game ranching, beef, maize, sorghum and sunflowers, yet this province is eminently suited to berry growing, as Blueberry Heights shows. Lindsey Sanderson visited the farm.
Growing potatoes with nature
Producing potatoes biologically requires patience. But, as farmer Jan Genis explained to Jay Ferreira, this holistic and sustainable method improves soil health.
A look at South Africa’s pomegranate production
Pomona is the largest pomegranate producer in South Africa and one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. Jay Ferreira spoke to founding member and CEO Brent Geddes about the...
Beating drought with the help of resurrection plants
If molecular biologist Prof Jill Farrant is successful, farmers could soon have access to cultivars that can withstand one or even two months of extreme drought.
If the soil comes first, the rest will follow
Diversification and a focus on soil health have earned Danie Slabbert the title of Free State Agriculture’s Young Farmer of the Year 2013. Lindi van Rooyen spoke to him.
Sandy soils in a low rainfall area can be productive
Diligent work, research and innovation reveal the secret of utilising the moisture stored in a water-table soil. Innovator and tillage pioneer Carel Koch spoke to Farmer’s Weekly.
Conserving our heritage
The Ruperts, one of South Africa’s most prominent families, are using their foothold in the local wine industry to save a small part of the country’s proud wine heritage through...
Great wine with a clear conscience – Graham Beck Wines
Mossie Basson, conservation manager at Graham Beck Wines in Robertson, has developed a conservation plan that has rehabilitated poor soils and decreased chemical and water use, while increasing the natural...
All roads lead to Rhône
The local wine industry is undergoing a slow but steady revolution, with traditional thinking making way for daring new ideas. Ken Forrester spoke to Denene Erasmus about the growing popularity...
Producing award-winning potatoes
A careful expansion strategy and optimum risk management has earned Johan van Zyl the title of Free State Potato Farmer of the Year in 2007 and 2013. Lindi van Rooyen...
Vinitaly – the world’s oldest wine exhibition
The beautiful city of Verona, situated in the northern part of Italy, plays host to the country’s largest and most important wine expo, Vinitaly. The annual event attracts almost 150...
Milling company helps with land reform sugarcane farms
While it’s well-known that the vast majority of South Africa’s land reform transfers have failed due to factors such as inadequate post-settlement support, in Mpumalanga the opposite is happening, thanks...
