About bureaucracy
A bureaucracy is a “system of administration distinguished by its clear hierarchy of authority; rigid division of labour; written and inflexible rules and regulations; and impersonal relationships.
The risks of nematodes in potatoes
Nematodes are often referred to as ‘eel-’ or ‘roundworms’ because they resemble the common earthworm, but these parasites belong to a different grouping or phylum.
It’s Conference season again
On 22 and 23 August, the Produce Marketing Association of Southern Africa (PMA) will host its annual international conference, ‘Fresh Connections’, at the University of Pretoria.
Likely potato insect pests
One pest will invariably occur if provision isn’t made to deal with it. This is cutworm.
Supervision is all
In the 22 June issue of Farmer’s Weekly, Paul Lynch, chairperson of the SA Wool & Mohair Buyers Association, bemoans the lowering of wool classing standards, saying: “Farmers are not...
Controlling nitrogen application is important
Your basic fertilisation of the potato crop should have been done according to a soil analysis, leaving the main variable, nitrogen, to be managed as circumstances require.
Food safety
A market may not process food, but it can surely be classified as a ‘food distribution facility’, the food here being ‘fresh produce’.
Weed control and ridging of potatoes
Management of the potato crop after planting depends on various factors. One is weed control. The procedure you use will depend on what sort of weeds you can expect in...
Lofty objectives
A reader emailed me recently about his fruit being rejected at the market by a department of agriculture inspector because the cartons weren’t properly marked with all the information required...
Why potato irrigation is so important
As potatoes can have a confined and intense root system, together with a fairly large leaf area, it stands to reason irrigation requirements will differ from other crops.
Now’s the time!
While I’m on a roll about the positive developments taking place on markets, there’s another issue which I believe needs attention in the sector.
Potato planting procedures
Potatoes are a productive crop and as such are heavy feeders. The potato also has a rather confined root system, so make sure the fertiliser is placed where the roots...
Are you in or out?
The industry-related initiative to help improve markets launched by the Institute of Market Agents of SA (IMASA) last year seems to have gained a lot more momentum than expected.
Climate, soil and potatoes
Potatoes have to be ridged and lifted. These two operations can be troublesome with certain clay soil, especially when the weather doesn’t play along.
Potato pieces
Sports medicine expert Dr Tim Noakes caused a minor flurry recently when he referred to the exclusion of carbohydrates, which includes potatoes, in an athlete’s diet.
Herbs – a beginner’s success story
While many emerging farmers usually battle to survive, being thrown in the deep end helped organic farmer Jimmy Ka-Botha to succeed. Today he supplies Woolworths and Pick n Pay. Peter...
Starting off with potatoes
Potatoes are an amazing crop. The amount of nutrients produced on a hectare of potatoes is staggering. It’s virtually a complete food, with a high nutritional content and a good...
Doing their job?
Some market agents believe BEE agencies operating on markets are solely responsible for assisting and promoting small-scale farmers.
Use your herbicides more effectively
If you want lands free of weeds, herbicides must be used properly. The first principle is timing.
It’s happening!
I regularly attack politicians and their bedfellows, and highlight the damage they’re causing to SA’s fresh produce markets.
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