Value adding and ecotourism boost small blackberry farm
The owner of a small farm has to find innovative ways to remain financially viable. Natalie Turck of Wildebraam Berry Estate spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how she and her...
New sweeter Dragon Fruit cultivars
Dragon fruit’s peculiar appearance and exotic name are enough to make anyone take a second look. But beyond novelty appeal, the fruit holds considerable promise for South African producers. Lindi...
Dwarf avocado trees: low-maintenance, high-yielding orchards
As fruit farmers are pushed to produce more with less, so the trend towards dwarf trees has gained momentum. Dwarf avocado trees offer the benefits of a compact orchard and...
A century of perfecting apple growing in the Langkloof
The Zondagh family farm apples and pears in the Eastern Cape’s fertile Langkloof Valley. During a media tour to Matt Zondagh Estate, hosted by Tru-Cape, the Zondaghs spoke to Jeandré...
Well-managed soil: the key to high-yielding gold kiwifruit
Production of the long-term, high-yielding and high-value gold kiwifruit is still in its infancy in South Africa. An important lesson learned by local pioneering grower Peter Nicholson is to have...
Almonds: High value, huge potential
The establishment of an almond-processing facility in Robertson has the potential to turn South Africa into a leading exporter of these nuts. Stephan and Hans le Roux of Amanteco Almonds...
New net solution to protect fruit from sunburn
Some growers in the Southern Cape are using nets that can easily be draped over tree rows to protect pome fruit against sunburn. Apart from their convenience and flexibility, the...
Learning from apple growers in Poland
Poland is the largest producer of apples in the European Union. On a recent visit to the country, Annelie Coleman met Bartłomiej Brodzik from the Apple Factory, one of Poland’s...
Pecan nut farming: high cost, big returns
The boom in nut prices in recent years is expected to continue as consumers opt for healthier foods. This has increasingly led to farmers replacing their crops with nut trees....
How pioneers make mango production work
Bernie van den Heever and Danie Smit are proving that mango production can become a thriving enterprise in the Western Cape.
Litchis & avos: using precision farming to improve yields
Demand for litchis and avocados has soared and encouraged producers to embrace precision farming methods. Stephan Schoeman, owner of Soetkalmoes Consultation in Nelspruit, an advisory service for the tree crops...
Pecan nuts: how to plan an orchard and prepare the soil
To maximise pecan nut production, it is crucial to prepare the soil properly. This includes applying fertiliser correctly, ensuring sufficient macroelements, and proper orchard planning. A team from Laeveld Agrochem...
