Do it yourself
Some of us have a tendency to blame the government for many of our country’s woes and then, in the same breath, expect the government to fix almost every imaginable ailment in the country.
Removing the hazards from transplanting
We’ve covered the requirements for the most suitable seedlings in the past few articles. It doesn’t stop there, though, as all this good work can be undone during transplanting – and shortly thereafter.
Markets and jobs
There’s been a lot of hype in the media recently about creating employment opportunities in SA. However, seldom is anything said about the role of agriculture in creating jobs.
Why agents should attend farmers’ days
Most good market agents make sure they attend as many farmers’ days as possible.
Marketing milk
How to do more to promote the benefits of milk to the public – and thereby improve profits all round.
Communication is essential
The huge distances between producers and markets. Perishable products. Tough competition. The lack of understanding of markets and marketing by many producers.
Square versus round plugs
In addition to seedling hardness, there’s also the matter of seedling size, which, of course, depends on the size of the cell – or plug – in the seedling tray.
The liming miracle
The results speak for themselves and it’s not for nothing that lime can be called the soil’s ‘antacid’.
Give credit where it’s due
Since it opened six or seven years ago, I have had a love-hate relationship with the Kei Fresh Produce Market (KFPM) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
How to harden seedlings
Seedlings need to be hardened to enable the plants to survive in the new environment where they are planted. But, as you will see, hardening has another advantage.
Still the best option
This week I want to discuss orderly marketing on the local fresh produce commission markets. This can be a harsh school for the unwary, but it can also be beneficial for those who understand how local markets work.
Know your seedling needs
Vegetable seedlings vary quite a bit, so make sure you tell your seedling grower what you need.
The 10 commandments of fruit marketing
I came across one of my previous columns (Farmer’s Weekly March 2002), and make no apology for repeating it, because it is sound advice that applies to all fresh produce.
Leaf miner control problems
There’s absolutely no reason for leaf miners to be a problem any longer – other than in isolated cases, that is. .
Marketing is key
A young farmer recently asked me about marketing. His two basic questions were, “How do I go about supplying the markets?” and “What about...
Dealing with leaf miners
The leaf miner, which was once so feared, should now only be a mild irritation or no problem at all. If this is not...
The challenges ahead
With all eyes on the road ahead in 2012, I would like to share a few thoughts with you. A positive ending to 2011...
Why hard times are good for vegetable producers
Many vegetable farmers are currently unhappy about the low prices they’re receiving for a wide range of vegetable products. Add increased input costs and...
The nutritional requirements of onions
"With onions, in the early stages, you need just enough nitrogen to keep the colour of the leaves right."
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