Field Crops

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.

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.

This beef and vegetable farmer has successfully merged organic products into his conventional spraying programme and is building the soil with green manure crops.

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.

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.

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 they would end up making groundbreaking wine. Nicky Rehbock reports.

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.

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 Donovan.

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.

Producing potatoes biologically requires patience. But, as farmer Jan Genis explained to Jay Ferreira, this holistic and sustainable method improves soil health.

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 operation’s beginnings, challenges and future.

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.

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.

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.

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 the Old Vines Initiative.

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 resilience of vineyards. All this is helping the vines to produce better quality grapes. Denene Erasmus reports.

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 of Rhône grape varieties.

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 finds out what it takes to stay ahead in the potato game.

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 150 000 visitors and has become a hub for the international trade in Italian wines. Denene Erasmus reports.

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 to TSB Sugar’s proactive approach. Lloyd Phillips reports.