Farming Basics

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.

Micro mills can fill an important niche in both the food chain and rural areas, says Sé Higgins, co-founder of Kuvusa Mills and managing director of African Micro Mills.

African Fertiliser and Agribusiness Partnership plans to bolster fertiliser inputs to smallholders and so contribute to an African green revolution. The NGO has set itself the goal of increasing the number of fertiliser users by 15% and of at least doubling fertiliser use in the countries where it operates. Peter Mashala spoke to Cecilia Khupe, AFAP’s director of programmes.

Multi-national financial services provider, Rabobank, says the value of the so-called fifth quarter has increased significantly in recent years, making meat processors more competitive. Albert Vernooij, of Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory division, shares his research with Farmer’s Weekly.

South Africa’s R12 billion a year sugar industry may be one of the world’s leading cost-competitive producers of high quality sugar, but it is currently beset by challenges. Trix Trikam, executive director of the SA Sugar Association, shares his thoughts on the matter with Lloyd Phillips.

A number of illness-related deaths and low productivity in the workforce spurred poultry producer Astral to implement a wellness programme that reduced fatal illnesses and significantly improved overall health and efficiency in the workforce. Lindi van Rooyen reports.