‘Goliath’ of the fynbos industry
In 2012, Jacky Goliath won many awards for Nursery which she co-owns and runs in Simondium near Franschhoek. She and business partner Elton Jefthas started a backyard business growing 1...
Controlling the African bollworm
As a tomato grower you always need to be on the lookout for the African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), no matter the season.
Market agents – will they never learn?
Recently a senior market agent was complaining to me about other market agents on the market bad-mouthing his sales staff when talking to producers. As he spoke, my hackles rose.
From fruit hawker to successful farmer
Richard Myburgh started out small, buying fruit from producers and selling it to small businesses. But his business grew quickly and when he eventually outgrew the packhouse that he was...
Doing it ourselves
Many of us are quick to find fault in the business sector where we operate, but we’re slow to implement changes.
Spray your tomatoes effectively
Everyone who knows anything about tomatoes knows that spraying and disease control are extremely important. Tomatoes have a reputation for being especially susceptible to a host of pests and diseases.
Big winners Van Loveren’s four cousins
Winners of the Agricultural Writers of South Africa’s Farmer of the Year award for 2012, the Retiefs from Van Loveren in Robertson believe in value for money and doing things...
Still too high!
Wastage of fresh fruit and vegetables is a costly part of the business. When the products you’re handling are highly perishable, then the best efforts to preserve them can only...
Fertilising tomatoes after planting
When it comes to fertilising tomatoes after planting, much will depend on what fertiliser you used in the pre-planting stages and the condition of the soil.
Investing in knowledge
We all know the Shoprite/Checkers stores, but how many people outside the fresh produce trade know of Freshmark, the company that distributes their fresh produce throughout South Africa and into...
Early pest management for tomatoes
The first consideration for those who plant in the soil is the threat of soil insects, especially cutworms.
Using horsepower to control invasive aliens
Combating invasive alien vegetation on rugged terrain can be expensive and challenging. But an ingenious solution introduced by KZN farmer Clinton Whitehead promises to be effective and affordable. Lloyd Phillips...
Top maize farmer ups profit with minimum till
Top Free State maize producers Johan (Snr) and Johan (Jnr) van Huyssteen counteracted increasing grain input costs by phasing out wheat and sunflower crops in favour of maize. This made...
Fiddling while Rome burns?
In her speech at the AGM of the African Farmers Association of South Africa, agriculture minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson spoke glowingly of the Walmart initiative to support small-scale farmers.
Why prune tomatoes?
There are instances where tomatoes have to be pruned and cases where pruning is entirely optional. We therefore need to know why we prune and when or if it’s necessary.
No success without hard work & humility
Gilly Scheepers is the unassuming 2012 Grain SA and Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year. Flourishing in rugged terrain across three districts, he attributes his success to hard work and...
Growing tomatoes without stakes
Staking tomatoes involves a lot of work and expense, and many try to avoid this by planting determinate varieties.
Keep the customer happy
In our imperfect social and business environment we frequently find that companies say one thing and make ambitious promises – especially when it comes to good service – but seldom,...
Are you legal?
Market agencies are required to register with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) before they may conduct business.
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