SA’s top barley producer trusts crop rotation
Barley farmer Willie Beukes of Haasjeskop Boerdery near Caledon has a proven strategy for success: a crop rotation cycle that ensures effective weed and disease control. Denene Erasmus reports.
A new grain industry for SA
The newly formed NuGrainSA Consortium recently introduced the so-called pseudo grains quinoa, buckwheat, millet and grain amaranth to the South African agricultural fraternity. William Weeks says the consortium’s vision is to introduce broad-leaf cereal crops to the South African economy.
All ahead for conservation agriculture
At the first annual conference of Conservation Agriculture in the Western Cape, low soil disturbance, mulching lands and crop rotation were recurring themes. Marius Swart was there.
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 they would end up making groundbreaking wine. Nicky Rehbock reports.
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 Donovan.
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.
