Farming Basics

The recent drought has pushed the price of pig feed sky-high, and SA pork producers are reeling as a result. Unfortunately, it will be at least six months before conditions in the industry improve, according to the SA Pork Producers’ Association.

As new entrants to South Africa’s feedlot industry, entrepreneurial husband-and-wife team, Mochele and Rosemary Noge of Emfuleni Voerkrale, soon found that the key to success in this highly competitive business is efficiency, quality of livestock, and good quality infrastructure. Siyanda Sishuba visited the Noges on their farm in the eastern Free State.

Starting literally overnight and through necessity 25 years ago, the family company Darling Creamery now produces over 300 separate high-quality product lines – and is proof that success comes from putting people first. Jay Ferreira reports.

After 80 years, the family business Engelke Blomme continues to produce outstanding flowers, despite a highly competitive market. Glenneis Kriel spoke Günther Engelke about their success.

Volatility has become the norm in agricultural markets. Nico Groenwald, head of agriculture at Standard Bank, advises how farmers can keep their heads above water in uncertain times.

In a world dominated by size and scale, Bruce and Alison Gilson have found ways to make their small Western Cape farm economically viable. Glenneis Kriel visited them.

The Association for Agritourism in South Africa unites farmers and potential tourists on its website.

The journey of Themba Trees Tree Farm near Grabouw started in her backyard, says Caroline de Villiers, the Western Cape department of agriculture’s Top Commercial Female Entrepreneur for 2016. Today, the 12ha wholesale tree farm boasts more than 50 000 indigenous and ornamental trees.

Agribusiness entrepreneur, Leeko Makoene, has a grand vision for South Africa’s young farmers, but thinks a mindshift is needed to kick-start renewal in the sector. She explained to Wilma den Hartigh why the country needs more agribusinesses and fewer farming projects.

The hefty losses suffered in the agricultural sector as a result of the drought has raised questions about the relevance of agricultural insurance in today’s farming environment. Wilma den Hartigh asked agricultural insurers how farmers should be mitigating risk in the future.

Uranium mining in the Karoo poses serious threats to the environment and farming community, according to Dr Stefan Cramer, advisor to the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute. Dangers include radioactive pollution and high water consumption, he told Annelie Coleman.

While canning fruit producers were struggling to stay afloat a few years ago, prospects are again looking promising. Wiehahn Victor, CEO of the Canning Fruit Producers’ Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the opportunities facing the industry.

Edmund Oettle, South Africa’s only organic brandy producer, explains that his farming approach is a life choice. He speaks to Jay Ferreira about his business operation near Wellington in the Western Cape.

Derek Mathews is the longest-serving founding member of the Grain SA executive. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about the transition from a controlled grain production system to a free market system.

Cocoa may be the main ingredient in one of the world’s favourite confectioneries, but its production has, at times, been plagued by scandal. Efforts are underway in Côte d’Ivoire and elsewhere to bring about ethical cocoa production, says Lloyd Phillips.

Agriculture in Africa will never succeed unless governments, private businesses and farming communities learn to trust each other and work together. Klaus Eckstein, CEO of Bayer Southern Africa, spoke to Gerhard Uys about his vision for the continent.

South Africa’s fruit and vegetable industry must rethink its local and international marketing strategies. This is according to Lindie Stroebel, general manager of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) for Southern Africa. She shared her ideas on how to rejuvenate the sector with Wilma den Hartigh.

In ‘Erosion, the cancer of agriculture’ (FW, 22 Oct 2010), Lehman Lindeque, then president of the International Erosion Control Association SA, stated that the lack of soil conservation threatened SA’s limited resources.

Chicken welfare in South Africa is a hotly debated issue amongst consumers, animal rights organisations and farmers. Dr Charlotte Nkuna, a South African Poultry Association senior executive, spoke to Wilma den Hartigh about chicken welfare requirements and the cost implications of compliance.

With renewable energy becoming necessary, could wood gasification present a viable alternative?