Crops

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.

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 making do with what is available. He speaks to Lindi van Rooyen about inheriting farming skills from his father and humility from his mother.

Staking tomatoes involves a lot of work and expense, and many try to avoid this by planting determinate varieties.

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, if ever, deliver on those promises.

Market agencies are required to register with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) before they may conduct business.

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.

Tomato growers invariably buy their seedlings from a dedicated seedling nursery. This usually means the seedlings are produced in seedling trays with 200 cavities.

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.

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.

Push-pull plants can be used to control the serious sugar cane pest, eldana, while simultaneously nurturing wetlands. Robyn Joubert reports.

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.

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 consumers.

We have about 200 tomato varieties in South Africa. This fact alone makes the value of the variety list highly questionable.

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 reports.

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.

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.

Businesses that practise good customer relations make sure their ‘frontline people’ – those who answer the phone – are trained, competent, friendly and helpful.

Communication must be one of the most under-valued and misunderstood activities on a market floor.

The Hawaiian beet webworm is a caterpillar that attacks beet and Swiss chard. The moth’s delta-shaped wings are brown with white stripes.

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.