Field Crops

Gilly Scheepers is the unassuming 2012 Grain SA and Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year. Flourishing in rugged terrain across three districts, he attributes his success to hard work and making do with what is available. He speaks to Lindi van Rooyen about inheriting farming skills from his father and humility from his mother.

How did Israel Motlhabane go from funeral parlour director to Grain SA’s 2012 Developing Grain Producer of the Year? Annelie Coleman visited him at his farm Annasvlei to find out.

Push-pull plants can be used to control the serious sugar cane pest, eldana, while simultaneously nurturing wetlands. Robyn Joubert reports.

Ten farmers on 55ha of communal land in Mpumalanga are reaping the benefits of an empowerment programme started by the Mineworkers’ Investment Company. Peter Mashala reports.

Irrigation scheduling at one of South Africa’s largest irrigation farming enterprises has led to a saving of up to 34% in water use and possible enhanced crop performance. Robyn Joubert reports.

Growing your own vegetables is easy if you know what and when to plant. Bill Kerr shares some tips on planting, harvesting and caring for a few easy-to-grow veggies.

Rossouw Cillié from Ceres is a dedicated farmer and canny businessman. He supplies markets and retailers with year-round, high quality fresh produce at reasonable prices. Denene Erasmus reports.

Cabbages are popular with South African consumers and can provide growers with sustainable short-term income. However, sound management is needed for keeping cabbages clear of pests and diseases.

World-renowned for its award-winning wines and olive products, Kloovenburg also produces table grapes and figs for export. With four sons all wanting to farm, Annalene and Pieter du Toit are planning to diversify their farming enterprise even further. Keri Harvey paid them a visit.

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.