Market agents and buyers
Market agents are taught from day one that the producer is their main client – and rightly so. It’s the producer who pays their commission. But what about the other...
Other important fungal leaf diseases in green beans
The most well-known fungal disease in beans is rust (Uromyces phaseoli). But it has become less of a problem due mainly to the emergence of resistant bean varieties.
Success for Mooketsi Market
I recently made my third visit to the relatively new Mooketsi Regional Market north-east of Polokwane in Limpopo, and came away almost in awe.
Behaviour at the markets
I often chuckle inwardly when I’m on a market floor listening to a negotiation between the salesperson and a buyer. The exchange frequently differs dramatically from what I teach about...
Avoid bacterial diseases in green beans
Bacterial diseases are a menace to all crops, because unlike the case with fungal diseases, we have few means of controlling them.
Controlling weeds in green beans
Given the high cost of labour, using chemicals is the only realistic option for weed control in most crops.
Consumer Protection Act
In the Farmer’s Weekly of 17 April 2015 there is an article on the new complaint process envisaged for consumers of agricultural products.
Bean management as it affects harvesting
Harvesting is one of the big expenses in bean production and consequently needs to be done efficiently.
Training your ‘sales manager’
The relationship between producer and market agent remains at the core of a fresh produce market.
What to do after planting your green beans
Although beans are generally a quick and easy crop to grow, problems can occur before the plant emerges.
Giving value for money
Recently, I wrote about the eight marketing options available to a fresh produce farmer and the need for these to give value for money.
Preparation and planting of green beans
Beans are a quick, easy crop – provided all the precautions are taken.
SADC markets?
A few years ago, there was a flurry of interest from Namibia, Mozambique and Botswana, among others, to establish fresh produce markets.
Getting your green beans off to a good start
Green bean farming in South Africa has changed considerably over the past twenty years or so. Not long ago, beans were planted and weeded by hand.
Selling produce: the best options
I always remind the market agents whom I train that when it comes to marketing options, they are one of eight available to a farmer.
Green beans: the basics
Green and dry beans are the same species, Phaseolus vulgaris. The scarlet runner (P.coccineus) which is still popular in many countries as a home garden variety, is a different species...
Career path in agriculture
Agriculture has never been considered a ‘sexy’ career choice for young people. So full marks must go to the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) for its initiative, launched a few years...
The Bathsheba Syndrome
Recently, I read an interesting article entitled ‘The Bathsheba Syndrome: the ethical failure of successful leaders,’ by Dean Ludwig and Clinton Longenecker.
How to grow broccoli
Many of the techniques described for cabbage and cauliflower apply to broccoli.
Can the fresh produce markets survive?
In the 1940s, there were about 135 fresh produce markets scattered around South Africa. Almost every dorp had a market.
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