Pest and disease control under shade netting
As fruit-importing countries become increasingly intolerant of pest infestations and diseases posing phytosanitary risks and equally intolerant of the use of pesticides, South African fruit producers have had to revisit...
Boost soil health and yields by increasing organic matter
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
The real reason fresh produce transformation has stalled
Transformation in the fresh produce sector faces a significant challenge in that small-scale producers are unable to stay the course. Lindi Botha reports on how overwhelming obstacles, such as defunct...
Precision irrigation: empowering agriculture amid water scarcity
Precision irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, maximising efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. Zunel van Eeden spoke to Netafim South Africa’s Charl van Reenen about this irrigation technique, which...
Tasty, nutritious beans come in many forms
Beans originated in Central and South America and have been domesticated for thousands of years, says Bill Kerr.
Avocado production: Western Cape vs the northern provinces
Avocado production in South Africa has traditionally been linked to the hot and humid northern provinces. Recently, though, Western Cape plantings have grown. Louis Vorster, who has extensive experience in...
Managing macadamia production when margins are low
Macadamia nut farms have been in dire straits over the past two seasons as prices have dropped and input costs have risen. With little relief on the horizon, orchard management...
Choosing the right nitrogen fertiliser
Various nitrogenous fertilisers are available. Your choice will depend on environmental considerations, cost, availability, and so on, writes Bill Kerr
Building a self-sustaining farm: soil and pest management insights
Bill Kerr shares how he transformed nutrient-deficient soil into a thriving, self-sustaining farm. Learn about pest control methods and soil improvement techniques.
It makes sense to include more sorghum in diets
Gluten-free sorghum contains protein, dietary fibre, and B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It’s also a good alternative to planting maize, writes Magda...
Alternative methods to combat herbicide resistance
The development of herbicide resistance is forcing farmers to incorporate non-chemical management practices in their weed control programmes. Dr Michael Walsh spoke about how it’s done in Australia at a...
Top European apple being trialled in SA
Treequattro is looking for South African producers to augment production of its non-oxidating Maribelle apple variety, which is boosting farm income in Europe.
Unlocking agricultural potential with Kynoch
Kynoch Fertilizer is dedicated to innovation and adding value for producers. The company’s comprehensive support covers the entire process of unlocking resource information, followed by value-added completion.
An ancient trade: olive oil production in southern Spain
A group of agricultural journalists representing 15 member countries of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists recently visited the south of Spain to explore the agricultural operations and opportunities unique...
Conduct a soil analysis before starting a vegetable farm
Starting a small vegetable farm can yield good results from the first year, but conducting a soil analysis is important. This ensures you know what your soil needs for optimal...
Why soya bean is a popular crop in SA
In this article, Zunel van Eeden delves into the socioeconomic and agronomic benefits associated with soya bean production, while also addressing the persistent challenges posed by insect pests and diseases...
Olives: Get the basics right to improve yields!
Bennie Diedericks, head of consultants at Resalt, said at the SA Olive field day that farmers would succeed if they focused on the things under their control.
Stress management strategies for wheat
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) has a rich history dating back to 9600 BC and is a staple cereal grain cultivated worldwide. It symbolises development, advancement, abundance and wealth. Wheat is metaphorically...
Nurturing growth: exploring the sorghum industry in South Africa
Marguerite Pienaar, a junior economist at Grain SA, and Petru Fourie, convenor of the Sorghum Cluster, provide an overview of sorghum production in the country.
Starting a no-frills vegetable project on a small farm
The concept of no-till is growing in leaps and bounds and is a major way of farming in countries like Brazil. South Africans should also adopt this successful method, advises...
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