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...
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...
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...
Great wine with a clear conscience – Graham Beck Wines
Mossie Basson, conservation manager at Graham Beck Wines in Robertson, has developed a conservation plan that has rehabilitated poor soils and decreased chemical and water use, while increasing the natural...
All roads lead to Rhône
The local wine industry is undergoing a slow but steady revolution, with traditional thinking making way for daring new ideas. Ken Forrester spoke to Denene Erasmus about the growing popularity...
Producing award-winning potatoes
A careful expansion strategy and optimum risk management has earned Johan van Zyl the title of Free State Potato Farmer of the Year in 2007 and 2013. Lindi van Rooyen...
Looking after your Cucurbits
It’s important to get the timing right for post-planting nitrogen, cultivation and irrigation if you want to optimise Cucurbit production.
