Crops

Various challenges are expected in agriculture for the year ahead. The local economy is faced with addressing unemployment while also attempting to achieve economic growth. The Agricultural Business Chamber recently released its expectations for 2012.

Not only did Massey Ferguson win Tractor of the Year at the recent Agritechnica Show in Germany, its famous three-point linkage system was named a ‘milestone in agriculture’. Joe Spencer reports.

On watching a local pilot land his fixed-winged aircraft on the family farm in the 1950s, Peter Goldsmith instantly knew he would one day fly his own aircraft. Six decades later he decided to build his own gyrocopter and enjoy the delight of flight while making the most of the practical advantages it can offer. Mike Burgess reports.

Every farmer has to be vigilant and watch out for changes that could adversely affect their farming operation.

Because food prices are a combination of many factors, they’re a good indicator of a country’s economy. What’s more, food inflation affects different consumers very differently. For the affluent, food accounts for a small part of their salaries, while the poorest can spend over a third of their income to feed their families. An inability to put food on the table will increase social grievances, which will affect the ANC’s popularity, says Saliem Fakir, an independent columnist for the SA Civil Society Information Service.

To many, a curry is a good old Anglo-Saxon stew destroyed by some stale yellow powder out of a cardboard box. This opinion could not be more misinformed: Indian-influenced cuisine is an irresistible combination of subtle tastes and aromas. What we have here are two delicious recipes, with the pilau giving a loud, hearty wake up call to the rice.

The Green Paper on Land Reform has been widely criticised in the media. However, quite apart from the mainstream� arguments that focus on the substantive issues it raises, my objection to the Green Paper relates to the tone, or language, used.

Instead of threatening foreigners who are making a success of small businesses in our townships and villages, let's take some lessons from them.

The word "commodity"� is used often in discussions on agriculture, but what does it mean exactly?

A badly run co-op meeting can be confusing and unproductive. By following a few rules, you can ensure that your meetings are efficient and help everyone do their job better.

Meetings are essential in any business, including farming - but they need to be well-run to be effective.

Cajun chicken

Joe Spencer reports from Agritechnica, the world's largest exhibition of agricultural machinery and equipment held in Hanover, Germany. This year, New Holland proved its mettle with five silver medals in the three key business segments: tractors, harvesting equipment and speciality machines, where the judges recognised the productivity and sustainability of its innovative solutions. Here are some of the winners.

"You need a set of criteria against which to judge all requests for donations and s system to deal with them."

Eggs Onassis: A breakfast for your inner millionaire.

An advanced solids-liquid separating machine will help industrial and farming operations comply with increasingly stringent environmental laws.

This discussion document recently issued by the government doesn't make for pleasant reading, especially if you're a farmer

By refusing to read meters, then overcharging on estimates, greedy municipalities are abusing people.

Expensive meetings, incomplete projects and millions unaccounted for while farmers struggle to get finance. Will this be Tina's legacy?

There should be no dispute regarding the ultimate objective of agricultural development. If it's not possible to work together, and if role players have divergent motives and hidden agendas, the country is going to be in big trouble, says Agri SA president Johannes Möller.