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South Africa’s avocado industry has attained the holy grail in marketing for a non-essential product: getting consumers to feel they need it rather just want it. The resulting sales growth has boosted the industry despite recent economic and supply constraints. Glynnis Branthwaite, owner of Protactic Strategic Communications, and Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop, spoke to Lindi Botha about this intensive and ongoing marketing effort.

In crushes and while being transported on trucks, cattle with sharp horns can inflict severe injuries to one another, reducing the price of such animals. Dehorning is the only effective solution, says Shane Brody.

When they are given the appropriate support and enabling environment, young people in Africa can take advantage of new opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to building sustainable and resilient agrifood systems, according to a UN report released in 2022.

If you’re a livestock farmer, you’ll know that ticks can introduce many dangerous diseases to domestic animals. But did you now that stable flies and houseflies can also be a serious threat? Shane Brody explains.

Leaf miners are a serious threat to tomato plants. Yet tiny parastic wasps are on hand to help bring their numbers down. All it requires is a bit of patience from farmers, says Bill Kerr.

Fresh Life Produce has developed a vertical growing system designed to meet the specific needs of African producers. Louis- Gillis Janse van Rensburg and Akhona Gxuluwe spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this system, which has garnered international recognition and awards.

When purchasing livestock to start a new farming enterprise or increase the size of your existing herd, you need to make sure the arrivals will thrive. So do your homework well, says Shane Brody.

Three years ago, few would have foreseen that blueberry prices would plunge by more than 50%, forcing many investors to the brink of collapse. Berry farmer Luan Swart of Mpumalanga explained his strategies for weathering the storm to Lindi Botha.

Looking for ways to save money and improve the efficacy of spray applications on field crops? Syngenta’s Jack Pickering offers some practical advice for farmers.

Cecili Doorewaard-Janse van Vuuren, a lecturer in Unisa’s Department of Criminology and Security Science, explains the results of her research into the motivating factors behind livestock theft in South Africa.

Disagreements on operational matters need not be a problem for a family agribusiness. On the contrary, if members work together to solve their problems, the solutions will be that much better, says Trevor Dickinson.

The calming effect of equine-appeasing pheromone offers benefits to horse, handler and rider, says Dr Mac.