Africa’s quiet, but fierce, agri revolution
The well-known saying that change happens slowly at first, and then all at once, is probably a misquote from Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises, which reads: “How did you go bankrupt?” Bill asked. “Two ways,” Mike said. “Gradually and then suddenly.”
Entrepreneur empowers Eastern Cape communal sorghum farmers
By developing and establishing partnerships, Luleka Mbete’s business, LM Holdings, has initiated a system that brings sorghum producers in the Eastern Cape together to link them to funding, technical expertise, markets and training.
A century of perfecting apple growing in the Langkloof
The Zondagh family farm apples and pears in the Eastern Cape’s fertile Langkloof Valley. During a media tour to Matt Zondagh Estate, hosted by Tru-Cape, the Zondaghs spoke to Jeandré van der Walt about sustainable farming practices and the importance of family.
Forget 2050. Let’s try to survive 2019!
The future, especially in the long term, is always uncertain. Farmers would do well to focus their attention on the present and on those factors they can control.
Reviving generations of Brangus genetics
Harrismith breeder Dr Elsie Campher’s Helpmekaar Brangus herd embodies generations of top-quality genetics. She says the stud, founded by her father, is a ‘priceless genetic treasure’.
Hans Rosling’s gift to the world
In today’s world, surrounded by ‘fake news’ and hampered by our own brains, we need to know how to separate the facts from the lies.
Deer farming: a big export business in New Zealand
With large exports of deer venison and antler products worldwide, New Zealand deer farmers are at the top of their game. Gerhard Uys spoke to Bill Robinson of Raroa Red Deer Stud.
John Deere’s digital security
John Deere’s new PIN code locking system helps deter the theft of valuable GreenStar in-cab displays and StarFire satellite receivers.
Mboweni’s economic plan says all the right things
Independent power producers, an independent water regulator, formalisation of the taxi industry, and hints about a state-subsidised agricultural insurance scheme are just some of the suggestions put forward by National Treasury in a new economic plan for South Africa.
Gene editing: a precise approach to crop and animal breeding
Recent breakthroughs in gene editing technology mean that advancements in the industry can be brought to the farm faster, cheaper and more accurately than before. The result is plants and livestock that are naturally more resistant to disease, crops that are higher-yielding, and ultimately, more sustainable, profitable farms.
Solving calcium deficiency for better-quality crops
Calcium is a challenging and intricate element to manage in a crop, but if its levels are not balanced, the quality and shelf life of produce are compromised. Lindi Botha spoke to Lindi Grobler, the owner of Agri-Alchemi, about solving calcium deficiency in tunnel crops.
Biosecurity: not an afterthought, but a way of life on the farm
To be truly effective, biosecurity has to be part of the farm’s ‘culture’, so that every employee and visitor is motivated to adhere to the procedures.