Crops

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 to that region.

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 growth and productivity.

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 that have threatened harvests over the season and which have impacted many producers.

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.

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 associated with growth, hard work, love and charity and is frequently mentioned in the Bible.

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.

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 Bill Kerr.

Zunel van Eeden looks at maize production, and the pests and diseases that farmers should be on the lookout for to maintain their good yields and profitability.

In a consumer-driven market that is picky about the appearance of fruit, producing brightly coloured produce with zero blemishes is vital to catch the eye of shoppers. Erecting nets over citrus orchards increases the chances of a superb packout. Lindi Botha reports on how farmers should approach this costly but fruitful undertaking.

Whether to apply fertiliser or not depends on which crops were grown in the land previously, among various factors, writes Bill Kerr.

In the realm of modern agriculture, farmers are constantly seeking methods to bolster soil health and amplify crop productivity. Soil carbon levels play a crucial role in nurturing microbial life, fortifying soil nutrient capacity, and supporting sustainable farming practices.

LAN is the preferred fertiliser for post-plant fertilisation of the cabbage crop. It contains nitrate that is available to the crop but unfortunately also easily leached from the soil, writes Bill Kerr.

While South African blueberry production is showing double-digit growth, savvy growers warn that first testing the appropriate variety selection for each production area is essential, writes Brian Berkman.

This leafy vegetable is a voracious feeder that requires plenty of nitrogen, and must be protected from frost and eelworm, says Bill Kerr.

Hlobi Yende is part of a new generation of young, energetic female farmers making waves in the agriculture sector. She is leading the charge by defying stereotypes and creating an inclusive space for women on farms.

A carrot plant’s fine roots can reach up to 2m deep. Most farmers do not exploit this potential and irrigate more or less the same as they do for other vegetables, writes Bill Kerr.

GA Erasmus en Seuns Boerdery in the Western Cape Overberg won the award for the best income per hectare for pears at Two-a-Day Awards Ceremony in 2023. George Erasmus and Nico Ferreira spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the farm’s pear production strategy.

With continuous management of the insects that predate on sunflowers, significant success can be attained with this crop, which is suited to growing in the drier parts of South Africa, writes Zunel van Eeden.

The process of eating a litchi reveals a greater truth about the fruit’s production: crack the hard part and reap the sweet rewards. While many have opted out of this journey, litchi farmer André Schoeman has continuously placed his bets on the crop, focusing on timing to get maximum returns.

Carrots have a deep root system and this needs to be taken into account when preparing the soil for this crop, says Bill Kerr.