SA’s canola growers poised for success
Canadian canola expert Phil Thomas says producers can improve yields with innovative technology and better farming practices. Kobus van Tonder reports on Phil’s recent visit to SA.
Putting theory to the test
Left to his own devices, a young sugarcane farmer from Upper Tongaat has made great headway in developing a farming model that meets his financial and sustainability goals. Robyn Joubert reports.
Proven Mango success
Rénald Radley runs 30ha of mango orchards on Radley Estate. Lindi van Rooyen spoke to him about producing quality mangos through careful pruning and inducing drought.
Managing successful crop rotations
Kiewiet, Theo and Neilus Ferreira have long realised that soil is a farm’s greatest asset, so they expend as much effort on crop rotation as on growing crops. A family business, they also believe in keeping ‘family’ and ‘business’ separate. Lindi van Rooyen reports.
Tobacco farming in Zambia
Ten years ago, James and Rita Chance were forced off their thriving tobacco, maize and cattle farm in Zimbabwe. Since then, they have made a success of tobacco farming in Zambia.
Growing diversity in the Swartland
Western Cape finalists for 2012 Grain Producer of the Year, Francois and Pieter Eksteen, who farm in the Rooi Karoo near Piketberg, follow in the pioneering footsteps of their father, finding stength in a flexible approach and value in market control.
‘Goliath’ of the fynbos industry
In 2012, Jacky Goliath won many awards for Nursery which she co-owns and runs in Simondium near Franschhoek. She and business partner
Elton Jefthas started a backyard business growing 1 000 fynbos plants in 2001. Now they produce more than 600 000 plants per year.
From fruit hawker to successful farmer
Richard Myburgh started out small, buying fruit from producers and selling it to small businesses. But his business grew quickly and when he eventually outgrew the packhouse that he was renting on a farm in the Vyeboom area, he decided it was time for him to buy his own farm. Denene Erasmus reports.
Big winners Van Loveren’s four cousins
Winners of the Agricultural Writers of South Africa’s Farmer of the Year award for 2012, the Retiefs from Van Loveren in Robertson believe in value for money and doing things on a big scale – and this does not only apply to their popular big bottle wines. Denene Erasmus reports.
Understanding citrus – 1
The climatic, soil and water requirements of citrus trees.
Using horsepower to control invasive aliens
Combating invasive alien vegetation on rugged terrain can be expensive and challenging. But an ingenious solution introduced by KZN farmer Clinton Whitehead promises to be effective and affordable. Lloyd Phillips reports.
Top maize farmer ups profit with minimum till
Top Free State maize producers Johan (Snr) and Johan (Jnr) van Huyssteen counteracted increasing grain input costs by phasing out wheat and sunflower crops in favour of maize. This made for 50% of lands lying fallow, a marked cut in production costs and minimum till practices. Annelie Coleman reports.
