Venturing into viticulture on the Cape south coast
The Joubert family, who farm grain and livestock on the Cape south coast near Riversdale, produce their award-winning wine in an area not normally associated with viticulture.
When no-till alone is not enough
No-till is now a well-established farming practice worldwide, with many benefits for soil health and crop yield. Bruce Shepherd feels that it should be combined with cover cropping.
Growing barley for beer – responsibly
The South African Breweries (SAB) has launched a project to encourage and support sustainable farming practices among barley farmers. This focuses primarily on water reduction and soil health, reports Denene Erasmus.
Producing real vanilla on Réunion Island
Cultivating vanilla on Réunion Island – and elsewhere – is a drawn-out, specialised process done entirely by hand. Even the pollination is painstakingly carried out flower by flower. This explains why vanilla costs up to R5 600/kg. Lloyd Phillips visited an artisanal vanilla farm on Réunion Island.
A family affair: Botselo Holding’s secrets for success
Farming is an intricate business and should be managed accordingly, says Richard Hobson, Grain SA’s 2014 Grain Producer of the Year and manager at Botselo Farming. Annelie Coleman visited Richard on Nonen Ranch to learn more about the Hobson family’s business philosophy.
Trends in vineyard and orchard mechanisation
EIMA International, the agricultural machinery exhibition held in Bologna, Italy, in November, showcased some of the latest equipment for vineyards and orchards. Glenneis Kriel spoke to exhibitors about their machinery and whether it was suitable for SA growers.
ARC’s soya bean cultivar recommendations
The soya bean cultivar best adapted to a specific area will provide the best yield and quality. The ARC national soya bean cultivar trials are valuable in determining the most suitable varieties. Annelie de Beer, researcher at the ARC Grain Crops Institute in Potchefstroom, explains.
A pound of dedication & a pinch of luck for young farmer
Even if your father is a successful farmer, it’s important to start at the bottom to become a top farmer. This is the view of Kolver Mülke, Agri Northern Cape’s Young Farmer of the Year 2014.
A new platform for fruit picking
The use of picking platforms for fruit tree management and harvesting is still relatively new in South Africa. Thomas Babl, who has been using the technology for the past two years, shares some of the lessons he has learnt with Glenneis Kriel.
Consistent quality: the key to Saronsberg’s success
After only a decade of winemaking, Saronsberg has firmly established itself as one of South Africa’s most consistent producers of top-quality wines.
Denene Erasmus visited owner Nick van Huyssteen and winemaker Dewaldt Heyns to learn more about their much-lauded wines.
Success with hydroponics
Hugh and Isabel Wallace farm 4ha of vegetables undercover on Silver Dawn, close to Krugersdorp. They produce high-quality vegetables for the export market and top-end local stores.
Disease & insect control in grapes
The Rossouws of Mooigezicht Estates in De Doorns in the Cape Winelands have made the science of table grape production more precise than ever. Each hectare of the 300ha produces around 50 000 bunches of grapes.
