Crops

Who controls it? Who owns it? Who runs it? If you can’t answer these questions clearly, your family business could be headed for conflict.

Rovic Leers dealers and farmer customers were recently taken on a tour of Kuhn’s impressive factory in Severn, France.

Vegetables are a healthy addition to a braai or any other meat-based meal. However, the way you cook your veggies can make the difference between a great dish and a simply ‘okay’ one.

South Africa is world-renowned for its biodiversity conservation and resultant variety of wildlife. However, public opinion is often divided on the subject of wildlife utilisation. Dr George Hughes, former chief director of the Natal Parks Board and CEO of its successor, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife before retiring in 2001, explains why sustainable wildlife utilisation is essential for biodiversity conservation.

Unless explicitly removed by statute, common law rights remain in force, and any rule that seeks to limit existing rights must be interpreted very narrowly.

Couscous may have originated on this continent, but the addition of avocado gives this dish a distinctly Mexican look and taste.

If you have been involved in the farming sector in South Africa for the past decade, you have also probably heard the rumour that state departments are embroiled in a sinister plot to make land reform projects fail on purpose.

Poland is the largest producer of apples in the European Union. On a recent visit to the country, Annelie Coleman met Bartłomiej Brodzik from the Apple Factory, one of Poland’s major apple growers and exporters.

Succession planning of the family farm is often taken for granted as the transition to the next generation is assumed to be an uncomplicated process. Little or no thought is given to planning and grooming of a successor.

Leafroll virus is a serious threat to South Africa’s viticulture industry: it shortens the lifespan of vineyards and has a negative impact on wine quality.

Veganism is a growing global trend, and many of us will serve dinner or lunch to a vegan guest at some stage. Here is a recipe for mouth-watering, Israeli-inspired chickpea burgers.

EkoNiva-APK is a leading milk producer in Russia and Europe. Sophisticated technology and facilities are largely behind its success.

Adding to a farming operation or agribusiness is not simply a matter of obtaining more land. James Brand, senior associate in environmental affairs at law firm ENSafrica, discusses the legalities involved in securing water rights on additional land, and environmental authorisation for clearing indigenous vegetation.

A new vaccine is being tested by researchers at the University of Edinburgh and the Pirbright Institute in the UK for its efficacy in combating the infectious bronchitis virus in millions of chickens around the world.

Animal feed produced from insects can deliver more tons per hectare than feed from traditional crops like soya, says an insect expert.

Trust is a potent force for good. Break it, and you and your business could suffer severe consequences.

Any hopes that South African farmers may have had for a reprieve in the relentless rise in national diesel prices have officially been dashed.

Nearly 200 veterinary epidemiologists in Africa are scheduled to undergo training intended to help them better combat animal diseases at grassroots level.

Namibia is a reliable export and import partner for South Africa, and the two countries are closely linked politically and economically. This interdependency should be founded on mutual respect and support, says Roelie Venter, executive manager of the Namibia Agricultural Union.

Discord and bickering among members set a family business up for failure. A well-managed family council may be the answer.