How to ensure effective crop spraying
Non-systemic products have to be sprayed thoroughly to be effective. This applies particularly to fungicides.
Farming in Poland, Europe’s growth engine
Poland’s agricultural sector has undergone significant changes over the past 25 years, and the country now has the potential to become Europe’s major food production and processing hub.
Converting from traditional to conservation farming
The recent drought in the Swartland made Abri Richter realise that he had to adapt his farming techniques to ensure his operation’s long-term sustainability. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about...
High prices at the market: is it acceptable?
Walking through the Joburg Market vegetable hall recently, I came upon a senior salesman selling red peppers at R300 for a 4,5kg-carton – and he was having no problem moving...
Can marigolds control eelworm?
When I first began planting tomatoes in soil in tunnels, the soil was infested with eelworm, which killed susceptible varieties before they could even start producing.
Groundnut production: challenging but profitable
Gerhard Dreyer, owner of The New Nut Company in North West, says there is always demand for groundnuts in the local and international markets, and farmers in the right climatic...
How technology can help the fresh produce sector
Markets and market agents throughout South Africa use Freshmark Systems (FS) software to manage their sales and administration.
Better crop spraying techniques– Part 1
Even with the correct crop chemical, efficacy will be reduced if the spraying technique is not up to scratch.
Don’t dump fresh produce!
A small-scale farmer recently told me that he supplied spinach to a client on contract, and sent his surplus spinach to the market.
ZZ2’s, 10 000t of avocados using nature-friendly methods
The ZZ2 farming business’s nature-friendly agricultural practices have secured it a reputation as a world leader in the field. Wilma den Hartigh visited ZZ2’s farm in Limpopo to find out...
Adding value to your fresh produce
If only some farmers realised that it takes remarkably little effort to improve product presentation – and get a higher price as a result.
How do we save our bees?
Globally, the fate of bees, as well as their important role in pollination and food production, have been in the spotlight. Wilma den Hartigh spoke to industry experts about the...
The benefits of certified plant material
Thinking of using uncertified plant material in your fruit orchards? Think again. The cost of doing so might be far higher than you imagine, according to researchers from the South...
Common onion diseases to watch out for
A number of onion diseases are highly destructive and all prospective onion growers can benefit from knowing about them.
Pecan nut profits: well worth the wait!
Growing pecan nuts requires long-term commitment. Dries Duvenhage of Hartswater in the Northern Cape planted his first hectare of pecans 16 years ago and patiently waited for the return on his...
Staying competitive at the markets
I paid an early morning visit to the Joburg Market recently. It was an icy Tuesday, and the place was hectic.
Cutworm and thrips – common onion pests
The infamous cutworm occurs in all vegetable crops, including onions, yet still seems to catch farmers by surprise.
Hi-tech innovation revolutionises a Limpopo citrus farm
When Stefan and Anné Pretorius established Katlego Sitrus more than a decade ago, they decided to re-evaluate everything they knew about farming. This involved introducing new technology to improve production...
Are market agents relevant?
Those who believe that market agents are no longer relevant remind us that more than 50 years ago, when supermarkets started buying directly from farmers, markets and market agents did nothing...
Mushroom production tips from a Boland farmer
For small-scale mushroom farmers in South Africa, production can be a challenge. But Wilmaré Lotz of Boland Mushrooms succeeded in doubling production in her first year as manager. Specialising in...
ADVERTISEMENT
MUST READS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
