Crops

Producing potatoes biologically requires patience. But, as farmer Jan Genis explained to Jay Ferreira, this holistic and sustainable method improves soil health.

Continuing last week’s theme of the ‘Big Five’ of fresh produce marketing, I’d like to consider a few aspects of demand.

Pomona is the largest pomegranate producer in South Africa and one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. Jay Ferreira spoke to founding member and CEO Brent Geddes about the operation’s beginnings, challenges and future.

The sooner you spot the first signs of infection among your cucurbits, the more effectively you’ll be able to slow down the spread of the virus.

I often refer to the ‘Big Five’ of fresh produce marketing: supply, demand, quality, continuity and communication. This week I want to focus on continuity.

Apart from powdery mildew (discussed in last week’s column), viruses are the next challenge that almost every cucurbit grower will face at some stage.

Last week, I wrote about trust between the producer and the market agent, focusing particularly on the role of the producer.

If molecular biologist Prof Jill Farrant is successful, farmers could soon have access to cultivars that can withstand one or even two months of extreme drought.

Diversification and a focus on soil health have earned Danie Slabbert the title of Free State Agriculture’s Young Farmer of the Year 2013. Lindi van Rooyen spoke to him.

Diligent work, research and innovation reveal the secret of utilising the moisture stored in a water-table soil. Innovator and tillage pioneer Carel Koch spoke to Farmer’s Weekly.

In The Speed of Trust, Stephen Covey explains how ‘trust’ can be measured in monetary terms just like any other activity or product in a company, and can make either a positive or negative contribution to the finances of the business.

The Ruperts, one of South Africa’s most prominent families, are using their foothold in the local wine industry to save a small part of the country’s proud wine heritage through the Old Vines Initiative.

As with any crop, there’s a risk to planting cucurbits and then doing ‘bakkie’ farming – skirting the land with your head half-way out of the driver’s side window.

As I write this, the new draft Agricultural Produce Marketing Agencies Bill (APMA) is under public review. The department of agriculture, which is ‘driving’ the bill, has met with many roleplayers in the fresh produce markets and livestock and export sectors.

Mossie Basson, conservation manager at Graham Beck Wines in Robertson, has developed a conservation plan that has rehabilitated poor soils and decreased chemical and water use, while increasing the natural resilience of vineyards. All this is helping the vines to produce better quality grapes. Denene Erasmus reports.

The local wine industry is undergoing a slow but steady revolution, with traditional thinking making way for daring new ideas. Ken Forrester spoke to Denene Erasmus about the growing popularity of Rhône grape varieties.

A careful expansion strategy and optimum risk management has earned Johan van Zyl the title of Free State Potato Farmer of the Year in 2007 and 2013. Lindi van Rooyen finds out what it takes to stay ahead in the potato game.

It’s important to get the timing right for post-planting nitrogen, cultivation and irrigation if you want to optimise Cucurbit production.

In the past, this column carried numerous appeals for government assistance in saving South Africa’s fresh produce markets.

I wonder how many farmers appreciate the work involved in selling their produce? When you walk onto a busy market floor, you’ll see agents engaged in animated debate with buyers and the whole scene looking and sounding decidedly chaotic.