All ahead for conservation agriculture
At the first annual conference of Conservation Agriculture in the Western Cape, low soil disturbance, mulching lands and crop rotation were recurring themes. Marius Swart was there.
Market agents code of conduct
A Code of Conduct (CoC) ensures stability and purpose within a sector and a measure of confidence for clients. Market agents have a CoC embodied in the constitution of the...
Getting watermelons ready for the market
To obtain high prices on the market, a watermelon grower has to produce fruit that looks good as well as tastes delicious.
The strange history of the butternut
The butternut has a most unlikely origin. It was bred by a Charles Leggett of Stow, Massachusetts, in the USA in the mid-1940s. He was not a plant breeder, but...
A guide to farming saffron in South Africa
Thousands of corns yield just a few grams of saffron. South Africa’s first saffron farmer, Renske van Zyl, explains the process of growing this delicate spice. Jay Ferreira reports.
Improving seedling production
To meet the demand for seedlings without compromising on quality requires a willingness to adopt new technologies and to implement strategic planning. Lloyd Phillips reports.
Common watermelon fungal diseases
Watermelons are generally grown in fairly dry climates as this reduces the risk of diseases considerably.
Profiting by a softer approach
This beef and vegetable farmer has successfully merged organic products into his conventional spraying programme and is building the soil with green manure crops.
Fresh produce conference season
We’re approaching the fresh produce sector’s ‘conference season’ once again.
Watermelon weeding & watering
Weed control depends on a farmer’s particular situation. For example, where weeds are rife, a weedkiller may be needed.
Producers returning to markets?
Quite a few market insiders have told me that producers have had enough of supplying supermarkets and are stepping up their deliveries to the markets.
OMET farming better than hydroponics?
The inventor of Organic Medium Enclosed Trough farming claims that his method has higher yields than hydroponics, and is simpler. Jay Ferreira visits Helmuth Rohrer to find out more.
