Quality sells
Supplying a quality product is easier said than done. Within the farming context there are many challenges that have to be overcome before quality products can be produced.
Give your watermelons the correct nutrient mix
There are several important considerations when planning a fertiliser programme for your watermelon crop.
Project Rebirth going forward
Readers will recall my regular updates on Project Rebirth. Launched by the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (Imasa) at its 2011 AGM, it seeks to facilitate the upgrading...
An early start to the watermelon season
Watermelons command a higher price earlier in the season. Because of this, you might want to choose a variety that’s ready sooner, even if it’s lower-yielding.
The Apac brand
Following a recent meeting at the Agricultural Produce Agents’ Council (Apac) office in Boksburg, we were each presented with an attractive shopping bag, a pen and a water bottle, all...
Sharing market information
To ‘communicate’ is to impart or share knowledge. In this latter sense, communication between producer and market agent is crucial when it comes to determining price on a market floor.
Growing watermelons – part 1
Watermelons are a warm season crop, but can be started in winter in areas where conditions are milder.
Herbs and diversified farming: how to do it
Allée Bleue started growing and selling herbs on a small-scale in 2000, but driven by high consumer demand the estate is flourishing.
Some lesser cucurbit pests & diseases
There are two species of leaf miner that can cause a problem – Liriomyza huidobrensis and L. trifolii. The former prefers temperate climates, the latter warmer climates.
Language of economists
Most of us read the financial and economic news, but how many of us really understand the language of economics so fluently used by economists?
Strategies for pumpkin fly control
Pumpkin fly is a pest every cucurbit grower will know. It is similar to a fruit fly but, as its name suggests, it parasitises members of the pumpkin family.
Market demand
Continuing last week’s theme of the ‘Big Five’ of fresh produce marketing, I’d like to consider a few aspects of demand.
Vigilance: the best anti-virus weapon
The sooner you spot the first signs of infection among your cucurbits, the more effectively you’ll be able to slow down the spread of the virus.
Continuity is crucial
I often refer to the ‘Big Five’ of fresh produce marketing: supply, demand, quality, continuity and communication. This week I want to focus on continuity.
Your cucurbits will get viruses
Apart from powdery mildew (discussed in last week’s column), viruses are the next challenge that almost every cucurbit grower will face at some stage.
Constructive criticism
Last week, I wrote about trust between the producer and the market agent, focusing particularly on the role of the producer.
Producer and market agent – Is there a trust relationship?
In The Speed of Trust, Stephen Covey explains how ‘trust’ can be measured in monetary terms just like any other activity or product in a company, and can make either...
Watching your cucurbits grow
As with any crop, there’s a risk to planting cucurbits and then doing ‘bakkie’ farming – skirting the land with your head half-way out of the driver’s side window.
About the new draft bill
As I write this, the new draft Agricultural Produce Marketing Agencies Bill (APMA) is under public review. The department of agriculture, which is ‘driving’ the bill, has met with many...
Looking after your Cucurbits
It’s important to get the timing right for post-planting nitrogen, cultivation and irrigation if you want to optimise Cucurbit production.
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