Some handy on-farm water saving tips
With climate change intensifying the risk of droughts, and urban development putting pressure on already scarce water supplies, farmers are under increasing pressure to make every drop count.
Rabbit farming on the rise in South Africa
Rabbit farming is gaining traction in South Africa. Farmer Daisy Moleko spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the breeds, biosecurity, and market access opportunities driving growth in this niche livestock...
Growing cannabis legally: what farmers need to know
South Africa’s cannabis industry faces regulatory challenges, with medical cannabis and industrial hemp as the only legal cultivation routes. Trenton Birch, co-founder and CEO of Cheeba Africa, spoke to Octavia...
Conserve water and reduce costs with DIY irrigation
Instead of farmers incurring huge costs to install drain fields, French drains, or septic tanks in areas without municipal infrastructure, they can create their own multipurpose irrigation systems, says Shane...
Protecting farmworkers from hazards in the field
On Workers' Day, 1 May 2025, Linda Piegl takes a look at how farmers and farmworkers can protect themselves while working in one of the most hazardous industries in the...
Managing farm debt: strategies for financial stability
While adverse conditions like droughts and market volatility cannot be controlled, debt can be managed. Cobus du Plessis advises farmers on how to approach debt during difficult financial times.
Understanding cannabis and hemp regulations in South Africa
South Africa’s cannabis and hemp regulations remain a topic of debate and uncertainty, particularly when it comes to commercial use and small-scale production. Cannabis experts Shaad Vayej and Trenton Birch...
Key farming tips to help new farmers succeed
Farming requires patience, resilience, and strategic planning. Duncan Serapelwane, owner of Moalosi Bonsmara, shares essential advice for emerging farmers, focusing on sustainability, budgeting, biosecurity, and leveraging nature for long-term success.
Four key strategies to future-proof your farm
Volatile operating environments and consumer scrutiny are putting increased pressure on farming businesses. To navigate these challenges and stay the course, farmers must focus on four areas: succession planning, data...
Financial management of a farm: the basics of budgeting
Cobus du Plessis explores the fundamentals of budgeting for farm management, explaining its importance, the different types of budgets, and key concepts like fixed and variable costs.
The importance of risk management in agriculture
Rinus de Bruin, agronomist at NWK, warns that crop production on marginal soils is no longer an option. The challenges posed by ever higher input costs mean that farmers simply...
Getting to grips with carbon credit schemes
Considering carbon credit schemes to enhance sustainability and create additional revenue? Dr Justin du Toit, production scientist at the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute in Middelburg, Eastern Cape, spoke to Roelof...
Estate planning for farmers: secure your legacy
PJ Veldhuizen, managing director of specialist commercial law firm Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc, emphasises the critical role of legal expertise in unravelling the ins and outs of estate planning.
Do you have environmental authorisation to farm?
Farming’s impact on the environment is not usually front of mind when buying a piece of land, but without securing environmental authorisation, farmers could find themselves in a world of...
The right insurance cover helps you take control
Insurability within the grain storage sector is essential but can be complicated, the delegates at Agbiz Grain’s recent Grain and Oilseeds Value Chain Symposium told Magda du Toit.
The power of branding: from fields to shelves
Marketing and branding is critical to help make your product stand out, reports Cobus du Plessis.
The importance of a business plan
A business plan is critical if you need investors or financing. In this article, Janine Ryan looks at the basics of developing a sound and attractive business plan for your...
Engaging the founder and family in the succession process
Are you a consultant or other outsider trying to help a farmer hand over to the next generation? If so, you’re probably meeting with resistance! Trevor Dickinson suggests ways in...
A guide to the loan application process
Whether you an emerging farmer or looking to expand your current farm, finance is the one thing that could stand in between you and your farming success.
Upskilling helps people and boosts profits
Improving workers’ skills is essential to increasing production efficiency and improving staff morale, and lies entirely with the farmer, who is ultimately the custodian of food production. Indeed, fulfilling this...
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