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In the first part of this three-part series, Dr Jan du Preez, managing director of UCK Investments, discusses the contributing effect of global warming on the occurrence of heat stress in dairy cattle.

Uncontrolled weeds can rob pumpkins and other cucurbits of the nutrients they need for a good yield. Yet weeds can also protect pumpkins at a later phase in their growth, says Bill Kerr.

Effecting change in the dairy industry is not for the short-sighted or faint of heart. Simpiwe Somdyala, CEO of Amadlelo Agri, spoke to Susan Marais about the agricultural investment company’s quest to uplift rural farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and the challenges it faces in the process.

The owners of the most successful family agribusinesses understand that their enterprise is not a possession. Instead, it’s a legacy they are obliged to take care of for future generations, says Trevor Dickinson.

Use these fertilisers as a source of plant nutrition or to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and avoid over-fertilisation.

This article, the first in a series by Integrated Water Use License Application Management, is aimed at helping farmers to better understand relevant water-use legislation and regulations in South Africa.

The success of a beef cattle operation rests largely on the performance of its cows, says Dr Hentie van Rensburg, who bred the 2022 Agricultural Research Council National Best Elite Cow in the Afrisim category. He and his farming partner, Lourie van Pletzen, spoke to Annelie Coleman about their approach.

Dr Bulelani Mazizi, a poultry researcher at the ARC, shares insight into poultry production and how farmers can improve their operations, enhance feed efficiency, and ultimately, contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agriculture sector.

A study was recently conducted in China to identify the resistance levels of cherry cultivars in that country, and offers useful information for farmers in all cherry-growing regions.

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.