Farming Basics

Producing above the norm is attainable with well-managed hens, says poultry and mixed farming producer Erik Naudé.

Land reform is essentially about social and economic redress. But lately government has been using the process as part of a larger socialist agenda, says Johannes Möller, Agri SA president, in a frank interview with Annelie Coleman.

A successful lease-back transformation project in Limpopo run by South Africa’s 2014 National Farmer of the Year, the Bosveld Group, proves that not all old land reform plans need to be totally discarded in favour of new models.

The drought during the past summer grain production season could result in cash flow restraints for grain producers. At the same time, livestock management has become increasingly important for mitigating the effects of the drought, Annelie Coleman reports.

The farm Lushof in the Koue Bokkeveld produces stone and pome fruit on 220ha.The operation has managed to reduce its annual electricity bill by about 20%, with the help of new irrigation technology and smart planning.

Hunger remains an everyday reality for 795 million people across the globe. The vast majority of these – 780 million – live in developing regions. This year’s Universal Expo, hosted in Milan, Italy, focuses on finding sustainable solutions to end world hunger. Denene Erasmus attended the event.

The Banking Association of South Africa has committed itself to an ambitious 15-year financing plan for SA agriculture. Luyolo Mkentane spoke to the association’s GM, Pierre Venter, about the options and practicalities.

Johan Tijssen, owner of Dicla Farm and Seed and a first-generation South African of Dutch descent, demonstrates how it’s possible to generate a multi-million rand annual turnover from just 260ha.

Leading sugarcane farmer, Charl Senekal, says land reform and a strong black agri sector are crucial. But he laments the mixed messages from government and stresses that commercial farmers must not lose out in the land reform process. Luyolo Mkentane spoke to him on this issue and the KZN drought.

Nosey Pieterse is the secretary general of the Building and Allied Workers’ Union of SA. He is also an emerging pig farmer. He entered the limelight during the violent farm worker strikes in late 2012 and early 2013 in the Western Cape.

Vusi Mlambo, enterprise development manager at fresh produce agent, RSA Group, has for the past six years helped thousands of local emerging farmers gain access to markets. Luyolo Mkentane spoke to him.

There is still confusion in the agriculture sector about the need for water-use licences, says Desmond Visser. Now the application process has been streamlined.

Hunting rifles lovingly handcrafted by Ralph Badenhorst Bespoke Rifles can compete shot-for-shot with European tailor-made rifles. Gerhard Uys visited the team for a closer look at their unique creations.

Gerhard Diedericks, head of Santam Agriculture, says that with the growing market for game in South Africa, especially for rare and exotic animals, and the high risk associated with this type of investment, insurance is becoming increasingly important.

Two sisters from the farm Kromrivier in the Cederberg are brewing up a storm with their premium-quality craft beers, and at the same time contributing to the region’s ecotourism.

Developing farmers’ lack of access to markets and facilities was highlighted by Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, in an interview with Luyolo Mkentane. The minister is also keen to ignite a passion for agriculture amongst young people.

Macadamia growers are in the pound seat, with prices at unprecedented highs. Nut processor, Mayo Macs, is helping farmers ensure that the good times last, says Myles Osborn, consultant to Mayo Macs.

Former minister of agriculture Dr Kraai van Niekerk’s honeybee hobby, which he started after quitting politics in 2009, has grown into a fully-fledged farming enterprise. It is now among the top 20 honeybee operations in the Western Cape.

Wildlife ranching continues to be a fast-growing industry with a bright future, notwithstanding recent negative press that its practices harm conservation, says Dr Peter Oberem, president of Wildlife Ranching SA.

Clover recently posted improved interim results showing a 7,9% revenue increase, a margin partly attributed to higher retail prices. Other positive news from the company was the completion of a repositioning project, Cielo Blu, followed by the acquisition of Dairybelle’s UHT plant in the Western Cape and Dairybelle’s yoghurt plant in Bloemfontein. An upbeat Johann Vorster, Clover’s CEO, spoke to Nan Smith.