Revitalising markets
In the past, this column carried numerous appeals for government assistance in saving South Africa’s fresh produce markets.
Selling your produce
I wonder how many farmers appreciate the work involved in selling their produce? When you walk onto a busy market floor, you’ll see agents engaged in animated debate with buyers...
Cutting the risks of planting early
In frosty areas, growers usually want to start planting as soon as it’s safe to do so. But due to late frosts, the timing isn’t always easy to determine.
Making Cucurbitaceae weed-control easier
Controlling weeds has become a big issue with the increasing cost of labour. Fortunately, when it comes to the cucumber family, there are several options to reduce weed growth as...
Create a Sense of security
Readers of this column will know that I have written many times about the ‘oil’ that drives the fresh produce engine – that all-important trust between the farmer and the...
Doing sterling work
The challenges of agriculture and the highly competitive nature of international trade make it absolutely essential for us to have support services that supply statistics, information, research, market access, transformation,...
Winter frosts – be prepared
Cold areas will soon get their first winter frosts. Minimise the damage by taking certain measures. Most often, a light frost will occur about a week into May in cold...
What about farmers’ markets?
The concept of a farmers’ market is probably the oldest version of agricultural marketing we know and remains a popular choice for many all over the world.
Fertilising cucurbits for crop success
You don’t fertilise cucurbits solely according to the plant’s requirements – you also have to take into account the soil’s fertility.
Spacing of Cucurbitaceae
I’ve been devoting so much time to the spacing of Cucurbitaceae because this aspect is so little understood and has been a limiting factor for countless producers over the years.
The relationship business
Last week, I provided a ‘Market Agent’s Checklist’. But, as with most things in life, it turns out this checklist is far from one-sided.
How to fine-tune pumpkin spacing
In the last issue, the importance of spacing Cucurbitaceae was discussed. Aspects other than climate will influence the spacing.
Market agent’s checklist
The list that follows is by no means complete, but should serve as a guide to any producer who wants to check if they’re getting the best value for their...
From farm labourer to an award-winning tomato producer
Starting as a farm labourer at the age of 10, with no formal education, Ntuseni Nesane became a leading black commercial farmer and an award-winning tomato producer. The University of...
Laws to look out for
Market agents, by the very nature of their occupations – they represent producers in a financial capacity – have a law especially written to regulate their activities and protect the...
Get the spacing right with these veggies
When planting any pumpkin, marrow, gem or other Cucurbitaceae, it’s important to get the spacing right. Get it wrong, and you could lose 50% or more of your yield.
Fix the basics – please!
I’m sure most readers find it perplexing if the management of a business spends precious money on ‘beautification’ when the basic infrastructure is crumbling into non-existence.
Things to think about when going under cover
It’s extremely risky to plant tomatoes in the open in areas where hail and three-day spells of rain are common.
Bacterial diseases in tomatoes
Bacterial diseases are extremely difficult to control and can be very destructive in tomatoes (and other crops).
Protecting farmers
One of the stipulations of Act 12 of the 1992 Agricultural Produce Agents Act is that a market agency must comply with the requirements of the Agricultural Produce Agents Council...
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