Is ‘ugly produce’ a new trend?
‘Ugly produce’, it seems, is finding its way onto retail shelves around the world.
The cavity seedling option
An alternative to the traditional seedbed method for transplants is to use seedling trays. One advantage of this is that you can place the trays in a warmer environment if you farm in a very cold area.
How a family citrus farm became a mega business
With citrus orchards that extend for more than 60km along the Eastern Cape’s Sundays River Valley, Sitrusrand is one of the largest producers in the area, and exports to many countries around the world.
Value vs price
To many farmers and market agents, price is all that matters. Of course price is important, but these days there’s a lot more to the equation.
Understanding plant breeders rights
I’ve met a few senior people in the fresh-produce sector who don’t know what plant breeders’ rights (PBRs) are.
Table grape farmer increases turnover by 900%
Jacques Beukes is a table grape farmer in the Western Cape, and is always searching for new ways in which to expand and improve his business. Since joining the family farm in 2006, the operation has shifted from seeded to seedless grapes, and turnover has increased by 900%.
Enabling good value between farmer and agent
At a recent conference, Tommie van Zyl, CEO of the ZZ2 group, talked about the agency system being a good ‘enabler’, and his remarks got me thinking.
Choose the right onion variety
Choosing the right type of onion can be difficult, as the variety has to suit both the area and the planting seasons.
The fine business of growing micro-greens
Erika Oberholzer produces microgreens and elfin vegetables for local and export markets, as well as herbs and medicinal plants for the essential oils industry, on 7ha in Midrand.
Fresh produce markets and politics
Regular readers of this column will know that I am strongly opposed to political interference in markets.
Planting dates for onions
One of the challenges of growing onions is getting the planting date right. Farmers unfamiliar with this crop would expect to plant it earlier in cool areas and later in warm areas. In fact, the opposite is true.
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, especially for a farmer.
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 technology to ensure a sustainable business.
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 at the market at any time.
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 yield per hectare in line with that of other fruit sectors. Alita van der Walt reports.
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 last one, don’t even bother with the first two.”
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 able to almost double production volumes without this having a negative impact on wine quality.
