Planting and fertilising lettuce
When planting lettuce, it is very important to ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist to reduce transplant shock.
IT in fresh produce
The other day, I met with two young people from the subtropical fruit sector. As we settled down around the table, they brought out their smartphones.
Fresh produce: A complex business
The latest South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) crop estimate makes for interesting reading, and reminds me once again of just how complex the fresh produce business can be.
Starting a new market agency
Over the past year or so, several new market agencies have opened on some of the bigger markets.
Interesting facts about lettuce
Lettuce has its origin in the eastern Mediterranean and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is part of the daisy family Asteraceae, and the range of varieties is increasing at an astonishing rate as the world becomes more ‘salad-conscious’.
Small markets – can they survive?
As I’ve noted before, in the 1940s this country had more than 100 markets. Today, we are down to 24.
Beating cucurbit viruses
Having ignored my own advice – given to readers in a past column – I recently ended up paying the price.
Fresh produce market forecast
At this time of the year, I usually make my annual forecast of the fresh produce markets. I peer deep into my crystal ball and, with uncanny accuracy, predict that prices for fruit and veg will go up… and then come down.
Learning from the lands
Every year offers opportunities to gain more experience and understanding of how to improve production.
Nepotism at the market
The casual visitor won’t be aware of it, but for someone like me who is closely associated with markets it is amazing to see the number of people working as market agents who are related in some way or other.
Flagship market sold?
The name of this column, ‘On the Market Floor’, was chosen for a good reason: the market floor is exactly where you’ll hear all the news in the fresh produce industry.
Marketing your fruit and vegetables
Providing a steady supply of quality products when marketing your fruit and vegetables will lead to success.
Herbicide – get more bang for your buck
Crop chemicals are expensive and if herbicide spraying isn't optimised, you get poor value for money, writes Bill Kerr.
What makes cauliflower different?
We need to take certain precautions when growing cauliflower that aren't as important for cabbages or broccoli, writes Bill Kerr.
What lies ahead for the fresh produce sector?
Talking to market agents these days can be quite depressing. In the past, there were always people you could rely on to give you a more positive view of current issues on the markets or in the sector in general.
Planning for the planting season
Growing vegetables involves multi-tasking. I covered the importance of getting the timing right in my previous article.
Timing makes a big difference in farming
While working for a large seed company, I once had a chat with one of the directors, a financial fundi who contributed to steering the company in the right direction.
Lessons from Vito
Vito Rugani always used to say, “Remember the power of the brand!” A legend on the markets,
