Combining tunnels, nets and open-air farming for diversified vegetable production
Lephalale vegetable producer, Pieter Pieterse, spoke to Gerhard Uys about the challenges of sustainably farming numerous crops in tunnels, on open land and under netting.
Continuity of supply to the markets
One of the basic tenets of good marketing is to always ensure you have your product available and in front of the buyer’s eyes. Admittedly, that’s easier said than done,...
Optimising conservation farming with technology
Andrew Jonker runs a wheat and livestock operation near Riversdale in the Western Cape. He explained to Glenneis Kriel how he combined conservation farming principles with the latest precision farming...
Durban market introduces first ‘cash deposit device’
Congratulations to Durban market for introducing the ‘cash deposit device’. The first of its kind in a South African market, this enables buyers to deposit cash directly into their accounts...
Learning about onion production
Records show that people have been harvesting onions for about 7 000 years. The Egyptians were cultivating them around 3500BC, and used onions to treat many medical conditions.
Allesbeste – pushing the boundaries of innovation
The Ernst family of Allesbeste Boerdery is renowned for its pioneering work in the avocado industry. Through innovative methods, improved genetics and research, the aim is to increase the fruit’s...
Dealing with a market agent
Warren Buffet, one of the world’s richest men, is reputed to have said: “Look for three things in a person – intelligence, energy and integrity. If they don’t have the...
Beware those aphids in your cabbage crop
The recent announcement that aphids and not leaf hoppers are the vector for the spread of the brassica stunting disorder virus (BSD) makes sense.
Alternative vineyard trellising doubles yields in Robertson
There has long been a misconception that good quality wine can only be produced from vineyards with low yields. Glenneis Kriel speaks to three farmers from Robertson who have been...
Quality always wins
As noted last issue, the old control boards called the shots when it came to determining prices, because they also determined supply.
How to water-treat seed
It is sometimes advisable to treat seed in order to remove a pathogen, or as a precaution before sowing. For example, capsicums (chillies and peppers) often suffer from bacterial spot,...
Free State Young Farmer positive about farming in SA
DJ van der Linde, the 2016 Free State Young Farmer of the Year, maintains that an optimistic attitude can make the difference between success and failure in farming. The young...
Vertical farming – less space, less water, higher yield
Undercover farming techniques have recently expanded to include so-called vertical farming, which requires an even smaller footprint and uses water and fertiliser even more efficiently.
New control boards?
The old control boards in the fresh produce sector did good work in some areas, but ended up with a rather dismal record in other aspects.
Fern business exports 10-million stems a year
The Gerber family’s Forest Ferns business in Tsitsikamma started with just one product, says Johan Gerber. Today it harvests 35 products on 150 000ha located between Port Elizabeth and George, much...
Ensuring good germination
Germination is influenced by various factors, starting with the temperature of the growing medium.
Wise words from Deon van Zyl
I was delighted to read Wilma den Hartigh’s interview with Deon van Zyl on tactics to achieve successful sales on markets.
Striving for a happy medium
There is no single ‘ideal’ method for growing seedlings successfully and economically – conditions vary too much – but there are guidelines that can help a newcomer get it right...
The delicate art of large-scale rose farming
Langkloof Roses is home to thousands of rose bushes, and its gorgeous cut flowers are well-known at retail outlets in the Western Cape. Jacoba Samuels, who has had nearly two...
Fresh produce markets: how far we have come
I wrote my first column for Farmer’s Weekly 15 years ago and today I’m about to embark on #750.
