Farming Basics

The government’s mechanisation programme is doomed to failure unless it is project-managed properly and regard is given to the many difficulties of operating machinery in a small-scale environment, says Peter Hittersay, a consultant in agricultural mechanisation.

Richard Tate, once a top Zimbabwean farmer, now lives in South Africa. He told Roelof Bezuidenhout about a friend still farming in that country who has been able to make a success of his business despite hardship and difficulties.

Political ideology and a need to stay in favour with voters is placing a burden on the economy and leading to job losses. Dawie Roodt from the Efficiency Group explains how minimum wages and labour laws are hurting the country. Lindi van Rooyen reports.

Anne Turner and Wessel Etzebeth’s small goat milk enterprise, De Böcke Goat Dairy, is less than a year old, but they are already finding a welcome place for their products in this niche market. Denene Erasmus reports.

Through its Integrated Demand Management programmes, Eskom helps farmers manage the rising costs of electricity by means of energy efficient solutions and better water usage. Pannetjie Rossouw, Eskom’s manager for Agricultural Intergrated Demand Management, discusses the programmes with Peter Mashala.

Nkunzi Milkyway is an Ayrshire milk processor in Pretoria. Its policy of fair payment to producers has contributed to its steady growth of 38% during the past five years, according to Robyn Joubert.

With one supermarket successfully established on the Bluff, Oxford Freshmarket is looking to ramp up turnover with four new store openings in the next two years. Even though Oxford buys off fresh produce markets throughout SA, it prefers to buy directly from farmers. Robyn Joubert reports.

Government may be recapitalising and developing failed reform projects in agriculture, but the South African sugar industry believes private sector participation is central to the success of the project. Anwhar Madhanpall, SA Sugar Association’s general manager, talks to Lloyd Phillips.

Water, coal, gas and oil. The future of these finite resources holds the key to the future of agriculture. That’s why farmers should participate in legislative processes to ensure the implementation of long- term solutions today, says Prof Kobus van der Walt, environmental lecturer at North-West University. Susan Botes reports.

Producing popcorn is a highly specialised industry that differs from conventional maize production, says Johann Kriek, CEO of the Bigfoot Trading Company. Annelie Coleman reports.

Lamb is lekker. Lekker healthy. This message should be strongly conveyed to consumers and health professionals and that is exactly what nutritionist, Nicolette Hall, plans to do. Susan Botes reports.

A small fruit factory on the Piket-Bo-Berg in the Swartland has secured major contracts in both the local and export markets. The secret to its success is surprisingly simple, as Jay Ferreira explains.

Considering the threats, bluster and irrational demands that pour out of government offices, it’s not surprising that SA farmers feel apprehensive. Writer Max du Preez puts our politics into perspective and offers comfort.

Chicken imports are a favourite whipping dog of the poultry industry and are held responsible for dragging down local prices and threatening jobs. But Russell Hanger, managing director of wholesale frozen food distributor, Merlog Foods, and an executive director of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE), sees things differently. Robyn Joubert reports.

Many farm workers enjoy perks which improve their living conditions. The new minimum wage may mean a loss of benefits and jobs in the agricultural sector. Robyn Joubert reports.

The era of mechanisation and outsourcing in the commercial agriculture sector has arrived to counter the sharp increase in labour costs, says Attie Scholtz, the 2012 Northern Cape Young Farmer of the Year. He explains to Annelie Coleman why mechanisation has become vital for a farmer’s economic survival.

Well-established vegetable grower Qutom Farms has taken out a lease on advanced greenhouses at Dube TradePort’s AgriZone, allowing the company to expand its regional supply. Robyn Joubert spoke to director Derrick Baird.

Economic - The immediate inference one might make regarding economic reasons for a retrenchment is that the business is suffering losses and needs to cut costs by reducing the number of employees.

The new minimum wage for farm workers came into effect on 1 March. While most farmers will do their utmost to hold onto their current workforce, some will have no option but to retrench. Industrial relations expert Grant Hollins explains the do’s and don’ts of retrenching staff.

With huge increases in Eskom tariffs, more and more farmers are investing in alternative energy solutions. Mike Burgess visited Eastern Cape farmer Luke Bell to learn more about his KRE hybrid system.