Crops

The Internet of Things, where machinery and devices (often fitted with sensors) share data online, has enabled tractors and other agricultural machinery to become far more efficient and easier to operate. This, combined with mechanical innovations, is helping farmers produce more with less.

Bata Industrials products are manufactured in South Africa with a sound understanding of the needs of the local conditions and famers needs, with the added benefit of the support of a global footprint that offers years of research and technology.

The importance of spray nozzles must not be underestimated when it comes to precision application. This is why Jacto provides farmers with a range of spray nozzles to suit his/her production needs.

Additions to the paint shop facilities at the Case IH St Valentin tractor plant in Austria have resulted in longer-lasting paintwork on the company’s tractors. Advanced techniques now ensure that the paint adheres more tightly to metal surfaces, making the paintwork more resistant to scratching, cracking and rusting.

When Ina Lessing started her home-made jams and preserves business 25 years ago, she had no idea that she would one day be supplying outlets across South Africa.

The anti-meat lobby and the emerging ‘fake-meat’ industry pose a threat to livestock farmers worldwide. Timely action by meat industry organisations, and exploitation of opportunities to grow crops for the manufacture of these meat-replacement products, are needed to secure the future, says Peter Hughes.

Bluetek helps role players in the agriculture sector with all their computer and technology needs, no matter where they are located.

Finding effective and lasting solutions to rural crime will require a collective response from individuals, community organisations, government structures and the police, writes Uys van der Westhuijzen, chairperson of the Agri SA Centre of Excellence for Rural Safety. He cautions, however, that no response can ever be truly effective if it is not supported by an effective criminal justice system.

A crucial link in KwaZulu-Natal’s food security, the Durban Fresh Produce Market, has been shut down since Monday due to the violent protests in the province.

According to the 2021 statistics yearbook ‘The World of Organic Agriculture’, which presents the latest statistics and emerging trends in organic farming from 187 countries around the world, organic farmland increased by 1,1 million hectares in 2019, and organic retail sales continued to grow.

Climate change is inextricably linked to the accelerating destruction of nature. This report discusses how natural climate solutions, which include land management programmes that increase carbon dioxide storage and reduce carbon emissions, can help tackle both problems simultaneously.

Tillers are great for breaking up small plots or for tunnel maintenance. Husqvarna has gathered some advice to think about before you buy a new tiller. The Husqvarna range comprises two different types of tillers: rear-tine and front-tine.

So says management legend Peter Drucker. He is right; delegation (done properly) gets the job done, saves time and gets the best out of employees! Peter Hughes explains.

According to Shadrack Ntando Sibisi, executive chairperson of the South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance, the five-month long ban on the sale of tobacco products, which formed part of Government’s COVID-19 lockdown regulations, resulted in a sharp increase in illicit tobacco trade, and this trend was not reversed by the lifting of the ban.

Jacto recently presented “Jacto Next” to the Brazilian market, a new business division of the company responsible for marketing and delivering specialised services on farms.

In December last year, agriculture technology start-up company Monarch Tractor, which has been referred to as the ‘Tesla of the agriculture world’, introduced the world’s first single unit, fully electric, driver-optional smart tractor.

Progress towards digital inclusivity is threatened by growing digital dependency, automation, information suppression, and gaps in regulation and capabilities, notes the World Economic Forum’s latest Global Risks Report.

Jacto’s self-propelled sprayers will help farmers take an innovative leap forward in precision agriculture technology.

A family business can offer good employment opportunities in a pleasant working environment, but it can come with unique challenges. Understand them and you’ll never regret being a family outsider, says Peter Hughes.

JCB recently launched its first-ever electric Loadall model, a sign that the expansion of its E-TECH range of zero-emissions machines is gathering pace.