Global solutions for grain crops
Stoller South Africa offers a wide range of plant physiology solutions for leguminous and non-leguminous crops.
SA’s vineyards need climate-proofing
To combat the effects of climate change, South African wine farmers will have to plan the establishment of new vineyards more carefully, especially if they want them to achieve heritage...
How to control powdery mildew in vineyards
When it comes to managing powdery mildew in grape orchards, prevention is better than cure, and the key lies in taking action early in the season.
Target pests and maintain ecological balance with Amicor® Insect Control
FMC’s new Amicor® Insect Control represents an advancement in insecticide technology, and offers farmers so much more than mere insect control.
The pros of integrated pest management
Integrated pest management (IPM) helps farmers reduce their dependence on chemicals to fend off pests, while improving biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Industry experts Andrew Bennett and Rodney Bell spoke to...
How iron levels in maize have changed over 2 000 years
According to a study by Ale Vidal Elgueta et al, researchers from Chile and France, the intensification of agricultural production over the past two millennia has led to a reduction...
Tomato leaf miner: Pongola farmers’ strategy to beat the pest
In Pongola, the tomato leaf miner is threatening the sustainability of family-run Basaki Boerdery, one of the last tomato producers in the area. Brothers Sakkie and André Terblanche spoke to Lindi...
Healthy soil helps ensure 98% packout rate of broccoli on KZN farm
They are notoriously tricky crops to grow in summer, but broccoli and cauliflower flourish on Southern Block farm in KwaZulu-Natal. By focusing on optimal soil and vigorous plants, this farm...
Truffles: black gold for South African farmers
Growing black winter truffles can be a highly lucrative undertaking for farmers looking to diversify their enterprises. Volker and Paul Miros, who run Woodford Truffles SA, spoke to Marinda Louw...
Give your orchards the health coverage they deserve
Cover crops are the gifts that keep on giving. Not only do they maintain soil moisture and improve soil health, but they are a valuable tool for reducing pest loads...
The layperson’s guide to ley farming
Over the past few years, monocropping has largely given way to the crop rotation system, and ley farming has gained popularity in grain-producing areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Free...
A road map for reviving sorghum production in SA
Exciting times are ahead as a new report on market opportunities for sorghum in South Africa sees the light and new research indicates the best sorghum cultivars for farmers as...
A successful switch from grain to tea tree oil
On a quest to diversify away from the crops traditionally cultivated in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga, André de Waal shifted to the production of essential oils. By growing, distilling and marketing these...
Maize farming: Caring for your crop during the first 40 days
In this article, the first in a two-part series, Magda du Toit speaks to experts about the different growth stages of a maize plant in the vegetative phase, as well...
Lucerne hay grading: Making SA producers globally competitive
The uniform quality and grading of lucerne hay is important to ensure that animals are as productive as possible, according to Dr Gerrie Scholtz, consultant to the National Lucerne Trust...
New cultivars could push up sunflower profits
In some production regions of the country, sunflower is considered a last-resort crop. However, its ability to produce relatively consistent yields under adverse weather conditions makes it an attractive option...
Using chickens, pigs and sheep to save your soil
JP de Villiers has not used any herbicides on his farm for the past three seasons. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his use of sheep, pigs and chickens to...
A six-step method for maximising soya bean yield
Plant health is one of the key contributors to high yields and good profits, and soya bean is no exception. Magda du Toit spoke to a number of experts about...
Robot boosts blueberry picking efficiencies
Agritech company ARCi Technologies is in the process of developing South Africa’s first semi-autonomous agricultural robot. Three of the company’s founders spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their machine.
Regenerative farming: can producers afford not to make the change?
Switching from conventional farming to a regenerative agriculture system is certainly expensive. But according to a number of experts, failing to do so could end up costing you your farm.
ADVERTISEMENT
MUST READS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
