Communication is key between farmer and market agent
The early part of the year is probably a good time to remind farmers about their responsibilities when dealing with a market agent.
Spraying tips: Don’t mix chemicals
When spraying different pests at the same time, many farmers try to kill two birds with one stone by making elaborate mixtures.
Don’t forget to pay Freshmark Systems
Almost every fresh produce market in South Africa has a licensing agreement with Freshmark Systems, the providers of the industry’s dedicated IT-based sales processing system.
Getting nozzle size and pressure right
As pointed out previously, the key to successful pest and disease control is optimal penetration of the spray mixture.
Safety at markets
Occupational health and safety (OHS) play a crucial role in the workplace. So much so, that the Occupational Health and Safety Act lays down a host of precise legal requirements for employers and employees.
Making an effective spray mixture
There is more to a spray mixture than chemical product and water. You also need an adjuvant – a substance added to the water to enable the sprayed product to work optimally in the prevailing conditions.
Reasons to be proud of our farmers
So today I’m offering a general optimistic comment on South Africa’s farmers that I hope will resonate with you.
How to calibrate a spray rig
All too often, I come across farmers who are not accurate enough with their sprayer calibration.
Is the Hamilton Option still relevant today?
When Charles Hamilton left his post as CEO of Cape Town Market in the early part of the new millennium, he opened his own market using an entirely new business model: he replaced market agents with salespeople employed directly by the market authority.
Using a knapsack sprayer on a big farm
Many farmers think that using a knapsack sprayer is taking a step backwards as large spray rigs are fast and effective. However, knapsack sprayers still have their uses on big farms.
Adapting to change within the markets
Had I written this 15 or more years ago, I would have bemoaned the attitude of market agents and said that the sooner they adapted to transformation, the better, otherwise change would be forced on them.
How to ensure effective crop spraying
Non-systemic products have to be sprayed thoroughly to be effective. This applies particularly to fungicides.
High prices at the market: is it acceptable?
Walking through the Joburg Market vegetable hall recently, I came upon a senior salesman selling red peppers at R300 for a 4,5kg-carton – and he was having no problem moving them.
Can marigolds control eelworm?
When I first began planting tomatoes in soil in tunnels, the soil was infested with eelworm, which killed susceptible varieties before they could even start producing.
How technology can help the fresh produce sector
Markets and market agents throughout South Africa use Freshmark Systems (FS) software to manage their sales and administration.
Better crop spraying techniques– Part 1
Even with the correct crop chemical, efficacy will be reduced if the spraying technique is not up to scratch.
Don’t dump fresh produce!
A small-scale farmer recently told me that he supplied spinach to a client on contract, and sent his surplus spinach to the market.
Adding value to your fresh produce
If only some farmers realised that it takes remarkably little effort to improve product presentation – and get a higher price as a result.
Common onion diseases to watch out for
A number of onion diseases are highly destructive and all prospective onion growers can benefit from knowing about them.
Staying competitive at the markets
I paid an early morning visit to the Joburg Market recently. It was an icy Tuesday, and the place was hectic.
