Latest articles
Herbs and diversified farming: how to do it
Allée Bleue started growing and selling herbs on a small-scale in 2000, but driven by high consumer demand the estate is flourishing.
Insecticidal soap
One of the least expensive means of pest control available, insecticidal soaps, are a big drawcard for the environmentally-conscious. However, knowing how to use them properly is crucial, says Paul Donovan.
Berry boon for Limpopo farm
Limpopo is generally associated with game ranching, beef, maize, sorghum and sunflowers, yet this province is eminently suited to berry growing, as Blueberry Heights shows. Lindsey Sanderson visited the farm.
Some lesser cucurbit pests & diseases
There are two species of leaf miner that can cause a problem – Liriomyza huidobrensis and L. trifolii. The former prefers temperate climates, the latter warmer climates.
Language of economists
Most of us read the financial and economic news, but how many of us really understand the language of economics so fluently used by economists?
Strategies for pumpkin fly control
Pumpkin fly is a pest every cucurbit grower will know. It is similar to a fruit fly but, as its name suggests, it parasitises members of the pumpkin family.
Growing potatoes with nature
Producing potatoes biologically requires patience. But, as farmer Jan Genis explained to Jay Ferreira, this holistic and
sustainable method improves soil health.
Market demand
Continuing last week’s theme of the ‘Big Five’ of fresh produce marketing, I’d like to consider a few aspects of demand.
A look at South Africa’s pomegranate production
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.
Vigilance: the best anti-virus weapon
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.
Continuity is crucial
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.
Your cucurbits will get viruses
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.
Constructive criticism
Last week, I wrote about trust between the producer and the market agent, focusing particularly on the role of the producer.
Beating drought with the help of resurrection plants
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.
If the soil comes first, the rest will follow
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.
Sandy soils in a low rainfall area can be productive
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.
Producer and market agent – Is there a trust relationship?
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.
Conserving our heritage
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.
Watching your cucurbits grow
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.
About the new draft bill
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.
