Biodynamic preparations and compost
According to Wikus, a distinguishing feature of biodynamic farming is the use of nine biodynamic preparations which are said to enhance soil quality and stimulate plant life.
Top winery dabbles in biodynamics
Haskell Vineyards in Stellenbosch has taken a giant leap of faith by converting one of the farm’s top vineyard blocks into a biodynamic farming experiment. Wikus Pretorius, general manager, shares some biodynamic farming ideas with Denene Erasmus.
It makes sense
These days, combining one’s assets in business is common practice.
Canola – a viable alternative
One of South Africa’s most experienced canola farmers, AJ Louw of Malmesbury, tells Denene Erasmus about the benefits of canola in
a rotation system and as a cash crop in its own right.
IPM for cabbage aphids
When it comes to cabbage aphids and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), success will depend on the crop being grown, the season and other considerations.
Why we need integrated pest management
Vegetable farmers are increasingly expected to supply produce with low pesticide residues.
Think about it!
I’m not against a farmer supplying direct to a supermarket. I am, however, not in favour of a farmer giving everything to a supermarket. This can rebound on a farmer in a variety of ways.
Haute couture food garden
As a luxury art, hospitality and wine destination, Delaire Graff Estate blends many elements, but its roots are in the soil. Its gourmet restaurants are stocked with produce from its carefully landscaped, biodynamic greenhouse and gardens.
Saving labour
One of the hot topics these days with vegetable farmers is ways of reducing their dependence on labour.
Conservation farming on communal land
Crop farming on communal land is suffering from the effects of soil erosion and climate change. But KZN communal crop farmer Nicholas Madondo is using conservation farming methods to fight back. Lloyd Phillips visited him.
A valuable asset
I was most interested in Peter Mashala’s article (27 July, pg 58) about his recent trip with minister of agriculture Tina Joemat-Pettersson and others on a fact-finding junket to Costa Rica, courtesy of Walmart.
Veggies boost the bottom line
By including vegetables in their diversified farming business the Mongs have been able to make better use of machinery and labour already at their disposal, thus lowering the fixed input cost for each division. Denene Erasmus reports.
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