‘Payment exchange’ – a good idea, in part
I heard a new proposal recently from a distinguished ‘market man’ whose opinion I rate highly.
No-till vegetables: how to grow them
No-till vegetable production is not practical for everyone and is more suited to the small-scale organic farmer.
Well-deserved award for Project Rebirth
Last week, I wrote about the 70th birthday celebrations of the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (Imasa) and predicted that it would be ‘an affair to remember’.
Imasa turns 70
I recently was in Bloemfontein with the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (Imasa) to celebrate its 70th birthday.
The role of earthworms in boosting soil quality
Of all soil organisms, earthworms can be by far the largest component by weight. Their benefits are generally insufficiently appreciated by farmers.
Why can’t the markets do the same?
Last week, I wrote about the impressive new markets being established in Namibia.
Nematodes: not all bad
It may surprise many farmers that not all nematodes (eelworms) are harmful to crops.
Namibia plans ahead
As I write this, I’m midway through a two-week training programme at the Ongwediva Fresh Produce Business Hub (OFPBH) in the north of Namibia, en route to Angola.
The benefits of mycorrhiza
The name ‘mycorrhiza’ (a combination of two Greek words meaning ‘fungus’ and ‘roots’) is unlikely to ring a bell with most farmers as its use has been promoted only recently.
Market prices – up, down & up again
As I write, the markets are awash with produce. Prices have tumbled in many cases. Our mild winter has resulted in extended production periods for some crops, which has meant...
The value of bacteria
Each group of organisms living in the soil has a different function and these organisims’ interaction with one another should create a balance that benefits plants.
It’s all about attitude
Fresh produce markets and their agents face a multitude of challenges and it’s inevitable that comment on the market floor will be vociferous.
Fungi and bacteria: the balancing act
Healthy ‘living’ soil can contain up to 15t/ha of bacteria, actinomycetes, protozoa, algae, fungi, nematodes, earthworms and arthropods.
Value versus cost
When a farmer decides to buy a new tractor, does he choose the shiniest, most expensive model?
Humus, soil organisms and plants
Last week, I mentioned how humus formation depended on nitrogen (N). Even when a large quantity of organic matter is present, very little humus can be created if the nitrogen...
Will the Markets last?
A highly experienced market man recently told me he reckoned fresh markets would be gone within 10 years. That comment got me thinking.
Humus – learn to appreciate it
Chemical fertilisers came into their own after the Second World War. They were convenient to use and food production became much easier, relatively speaking.
Market agents – a special breed
An agent on the Durban Market recently made an interesting remark to me.
Cations and percentages in a soil analysis
Usually, a soil analysis gives the percentage of each cation as a measure of the total cations in the soil.
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