Field Crops

Aimed at bringing emerging farmers into the commercial cycle, the Sundays River Citrus Company’s development project is that rarity – one that actually works. Samantha Barnes reports.

According to Wikus, a distinguishing feature of biodynamic farming is the use of nine biodynamic preparations which are said to enhance soil quality and stimulate plant life.

Haskell Vineyards in Stellenbosch has taken a giant leap of faith by converting one of the farm’s top vineyard blocks into a biodynamic farming experiment. Wikus Pretorius, general manager, shares some biodynamic farming ideas with Denene Erasmus.

One of South Africa’s most experienced canola farmers, AJ Louw of Malmesbury, tells Denene Erasmus about the benefits of canola in a rotation system and as a cash crop in its own right.

As a luxury art, hospitality and wine destination, Delaire Graff Estate blends many elements, but its roots are in the soil. Its gourmet restaurants are stocked with produce from its carefully landscaped, biodynamic greenhouse and gardens.

Crop farming on communal land is suffering from the effects of soil erosion and climate change. But KZN communal crop farmer Nicholas Madondo is using conservation farming methods to fight back. Lloyd Phillips visited him.

By including vegetables in their diversified farming business the Mongs have been able to make better use of machinery and labour already at their disposal, thus lowering the fixed input cost for each division. Denene Erasmus reports.

Pierre Heydenrych, a fourth generation wheat farmer in the Western Cape, talks about the difficulties of the weather and the low wheat price.

Moving from pigs to earthworms is not a typical business move – but that’s what Umhlali farmer Barry Milstead did. It’s part of his efforts to farm his subtropical orchards more in tune with nature. Robyn Joubert reports.

Hopefield entrepreneur, Francois Turner, hasn’t ploughed his potato lands since 2007. He explained to Keri Harvey how the no-till method of farming potatoes works and why he believes it’s the way forward for potato farmers.

Seed research, a special training model and financial support are helping to transform small-scale farming in Kenya, improving both yields and returns. Bob Koigi reports.

Garagiste winemaking is growing in popularity in South Africa. Denene Erasmus visited Herman and Susan Perold on their award-winning 1ha wine estate in the Great Karoo to find out more about this movement and the advantages of small-scale winemaking.

Diversifying from sugar cane into macadamias and tunnel tomatoes demanded careful monitoring of data and water quality by Stuart Borchers in order to generate a valuable weekly income. Robyn Joubert spoke to him.

Werner Brand is growing vegetables successfully, using organic methods, on the arid, windy West Coast – an almost unheard-of achievement. Keri Harvey visited him to find out how he does it.

How we can use grasses as an intercrop to improve water-use efficiency and yield stability in semi-arid conditions. Rohan Orford reports.

In the deeply rural area of OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, a fruit tree project is changing lives. Jaco Visser visited a farmer who is benefiting.

South African kiwi fruit growers can lift yields by following best management practices, as well as by exploring new high-yielding gold varieties. Robyn Joubert reports.

How does maize seed breeding in South Africa work? Annelie Coleman visited Pannar’s research facility in Klerksdorp and spoke to seed breeders Dr Willie Venter and Chris van Zyl to find out more.

Hendri Jansen van Rensburg is the latest farmer to join the ranks of the Free State Young Farmers of the Year. At 35 he just made the cut-off age for the competition, but his unassuming nature by no means detracts from his farming skills. Determined and brimming with positivity, Hendri fully deserves the title. Lindi van Rooyen reports.

Kwasizabantu Mission is venturing into exotic fruit production, with a focus on the bright pink dragon fruit, to sustain its missionary work. .