Israel’s land
How did Israel Motlhabane go from funeral parlour director to Grain SA’s 2012 Developing Grain Producer of the Year? Annelie Coleman visited him at his farm Annasvlei to find out.
Know your tomato seedlings’ needs
Tomato growers invariably buy their seedlings from a dedicated seedling nursery. This usually means the seedlings are produced in seedling trays with 200 cavities.
Tell it like it is
In the market agency business, the establishment of a sound working relationship between producer and market agent remains the single most crucial requirement for success.
Bringing some sanity to tomato fertilisation
Several years ago I worked for a seed company and, one day, some of South Africa’s biggest tomato growers came to view our trials.
Managing eldana the natural way
Push-pull plants can be used to control the serious sugar cane pest, eldana, while simultaneously nurturing wetlands. Robyn Joubert reports.
Farmers reap benefits of empowerment programme
Ten farmers on 55ha of communal land in Mpumalanga are reaping the benefits of an empowerment programme started by the Mineworkers’ Investment Company. Peter Mashala reports.
Potato nation
No matter their quality – or ‘health benefits’ – the products we in the fresh produce business handle must still compete for a spot in the hearts and minds of...
Choosing a tomato variety
We have about 200 tomato varieties in South Africa. This fact alone makes the value of the variety list highly questionable.
Irrigation scheduling to manage crop quality
Irrigation scheduling at one of South Africa’s largest irrigation farming enterprises has led to a saving of up to 34% in water use and possible enhanced crop performance. Robyn Joubert...
Biological control of aphids
The subject of biological control of aphids is a complex one, as different crops require different approaches, and the season plays a role as well.
Home-grown health
Growing your own vegetables is easy if you know what and when to plant. Bill Kerr shares some tips on planting, harvesting and caring for a few easy-to-grow veggies.
Answer that phone!
Businesses that practise good customer relations make sure their ‘frontline people’ – those who answer the phone – are trained, competent, friendly and helpful.
Communication complexities
Communication must be one of the most under-valued and misunderstood activities on a market floor.
Dealing with Hawaiian beet webworm the biological way
The Hawaiian beet webworm is a caterpillar that attacks beet and Swiss chard. The moth’s delta-shaped wings are brown with white stripes.
It’s all about scale, value adding & quality
Rossouw Cillié from Ceres is a dedicated farmer and canny businessman. He supplies markets and retailers with year-round, high quality fresh produce at reasonable prices. Denene Erasmus reports.
Keeping cabbages clear of pests and diseases
Cabbages are popular with South African consumers and can provide growers with sustainable short-term income. However, sound management is needed for keeping cabbages clear of pests and diseases.
Developing an IPM outlook
As we’ve said before, integrated pest management (IPM), or using the natural enemies of crop pests to help control those pests, has a long way to go in this country.
Transformation status
I recently attended a workshop on the transformation – or lack thereof – that’s taken place in market agencies since government launched its BBBEE requirements.
How tomato growers can practice IPM
When it comes to Integrated Pest Management (IPM), tomatoes have quite a complex array of requirements which will depend on the varieties planted and the region where they are grown,...
A stomping family success
World-renowned for its award-winning wines and olive products, Kloovenburg also produces table grapes and figs for export. With four sons all wanting to farm, Annalene and Pieter du Toit are...
ADVERTISEMENT
MUST READS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
