Revitalising markets
In the past, this column carried numerous appeals for government assistance in saving South Africa’s fresh produce markets.
Selling your produce
I wonder how many farmers appreciate the work involved in selling their produce? When you walk onto a busy market floor, you’ll see agents engaged in animated debate with buyers...
Vinitaly – the world’s oldest wine exhibition
The beautiful city of Verona, situated in the northern part of Italy, plays host to the country’s largest and most important wine expo, Vinitaly. The annual event attracts almost 150...
Cutting the risks of planting early
In frosty areas, growers usually want to start planting as soon as it’s safe to do so. But due to late frosts, the timing isn’t always easy to determine.
Milling company helps with land reform sugarcane farms
While it’s well-known that the vast majority of South Africa’s land reform transfers have failed due to factors such as inadequate post-settlement support, in Mpumalanga the opposite is happening, thanks...
Making Cucurbitaceae weed-control easier
Controlling weeds has become a big issue with the increasing cost of labour. Fortunately, when it comes to the cucumber family, there are several options to reduce weed growth as...
From a security guard to a farmer
Lufuno Managa, a young farmer from Limpopo, found that big dreams don’t only come true in big cities. He left Pretoria to return home where he is now growing tomatoes...
Create a Sense of security
Readers of this column will know that I have written many times about the ‘oil’ that drives the fresh produce engine – that all-important trust between the farmer and the...
Leading barley producer innovates & improves
Quality beer needs quality barley and there’s not enough of it in South Africa. RD Erasmus, well-known Western Cape barley producer, spoke to Jacques Claassen about how he has optimised...
Doing sterling work
The challenges of agriculture and the highly competitive nature of international trade make it absolutely essential for us to have support services that supply statistics, information, research, market access, transformation,...
Soya bean processing plant growth
With an estimated R1 billion spent on expanding and building new soya bean processing facilities, the South African soya industry is poised to unlock value for farmers and processors.
Winter frosts – be prepared
Cold areas will soon get their first winter frosts. Minimise the damage by taking certain measures. Most often, a light frost will occur about a week into May in cold...
