Latest articles
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 in a shorter time.
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 decades of experience on the farm, manages the entire production process. She spoke to Jay Ferreira.
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.
Seedlings and seedling trays
Some farmers think that seedlings should not be kept too long because they will not be as productive. They are partly right, but age matters less than physiological development.
Tillage vs no-till: a farmer’s cost comparison
Agricultural economist and part-time farmer, Dr Philip Theunissen, provides a detailed efficiency and cost comparison between conventional tillage and no-till maize crops.
Superspud!
At a recent Potatoes South Africa (PSA) information day, I learnt a number of facts about our favourite vegetable (and the biggest-selling crop on our fresh produce markets).
Hardening vegetable seedlings
A Highveld farmer I knew once desperately needed seedlings and turned to a supplier in another region. I still recall his shock when the consignment arrived: the seedlings were far larger and harder than he was used to.
Cutting water and energy use in orchards
Robertson farmer, Louis Loubser, has developed a system that allows micro-sprinkler users to significantly cut water and energy use in orchards. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his invention, the Tree Hog.
Ensuring realistic prices
The debate over food prices continues to hold centre stage. This is understandable, given that poor families in South Africa spend roughly a third of their household incomes on food, according to Statistics SA.
Get to know your seedling grower
To produce optimal results, seedlings must be in good condition when planted, and thereafter cared for properly until they are established.
Managing no-till soil acidity and fertiliser requirements
No-till may be a sustainable and cost-effective crop production system, but it comes with challenges of its own. Guy Thibaud, veteran soil scientist with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, explains how to deal with these.
Success with small-scale herb production
Husband-and-wife team, Miki and Cathy Clark, knew nothing about farming when they began their small-scale herb production operation on 1,2ha of land five years ago. Now they produce over 2t a week for outlets in Cape Town, five times a week.
Shelf life: a price driver
Senescence is the aging of fruit and vegetables until final decay, when they have to be discarded.
Pest control with benefical insects
If allowed to flourish, predators and parasitoids can control certain pests almost entirely.
Why we bank on butternuts – Drotskie brothers
Francois and Danie Drotskie run a mixed farming operation comprising vegetables, cattle and game. Surprisingly, their butternut crop is amongst their most valued enterprises. Gerhard Uys visited them.
The four pillars of the fresh produce market
Market management and agents. Infrastructure. Farmers. Buyers. These are the four pillars of the fresh produce market.
Using IPM for diamondbacks
My interest in integrated pest management (IPM) was sparked many years ago when carrying out brassica trials.
Benefits of vermiculture
David Leslie and his son James use vermiculture to keep their potato, bean, maize and soya crops healthy – and it’s paying off. Gerhard Uys visited them on their Free State farm to learn more.
