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The Afrikaner beef cattle breed’s outstanding plasticity enables it to perform optimally despite the negative consequences of climate change. Georgette Pyoos, a junior researcher in the Animal Breeding and Genetics Department at the Agricultural Research Council, spoke to Annelie Coleman about plasticity and its value.

While production on most grape farms in the Orange River region has taken a knock this season due to adverse weather conditions, GPA Boerdery has managed to achieve a decent harvest. Lourens Maass and his son Kobus, who run GPA, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their recipe for success.

Biochar, the residue created by burning biomass, has been increasingly recognised for its remarkable ability to improve soil fertility and store carbon. Kobus Stoop, director of Cape Town-based Senfore Soil Conditioning, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the substance and its potential for agriculture.

With its implications for health, waste removal is a key aspect of management. It requires proper planning and a well-designed system that allow the task to be done quickly and efficiently, says Dr Mac.

Inga Qeja is the owner of Bhayi Holdings, a business that grows vegetables near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, and hopes to expand to include other crops and livestock. He spoke to Siyanda Sishuba about how a lack of access to finance is a major factor thwarting the growth of emerging farmers.

In a recent study, Luther Magopa of the Agricultural Research Council, along with other researchers, looked at the possibility and benefits of using sexed semen in emerging or small-scale cattle production.

Cannabis production could spur employment in South Africa, but the regulatory framework of the industry is not being formulated at the desired pace, says independent writer Shamin Chibba.

Financial literacy and intelligence are crucial life skills for personal and business success. If you believe ‘talking money’ in public is bad manners, you will hinder development of these skills, says Peter Hughes.

Silver hydrogen peroxide is a stable disinfectant with numerous purposes, says Douglas Spinas of Peroxsil Ag+ at Phend Pharmaceuticals. He spoke to Janine Ryan.

Zimbabwe’s indigenous Mashona cattle are renowned for their outstanding productivity and ability to survive under even the most extreme conditions. Maree Osborne, chairperson of the Mashona Cattle Society of Zimbabwe, spoke to Annelie Coleman about this remarkable breed of beef cattle.

Some investment groups are considering strategies that allow you to invest in various farming operations in South Africa. This is not a bad idea, so long as you only invest through reputable entities, says Shane Brody.

South Korea is one of the world’s least self-sufficient countries in terms of agricultural production. Janine Ryan looks at some of the opportunities in this East Asian country that may await South African farmers and exporters of wine and beef.