Empowering the small farmer
SA smallholder farmers have access to the best research, the most comprehensive supply of inputs, and the most sophisticated financial sector in Africa. Now is the time for them to wean themselves off government support and take charge of their future. Jaco Visser looks at ways to achieve this.
Farmers – time to wake up to the future
Dr Piet Croucamp, political analyst and Namibian sheep farmer, spoke to farmers at Agri Limpopo’s annual congress on agriculture in South Africa over the next 20 years.
Let’s grow SA’s agri sector!
At the Afasa congress in Pretoria earlier this year, agriculture minister Senzeni Zokwana made a strong case for sensible, ongoing discussions between stakeholders, and the return to a good work ethic in the public sector. These, he said, are important for effective transformation in agriculture.
The merits of mentorship scheme
The mentorship of new farmers is more than mere teaching – it is about building a relationship based on commitment. Agricultural economist at the University of Pretoria, Dr Fanie Terblanche, explains the challenging relationship between the mentor and mentee, and why many programmes succeed where others fail.
The future of game ranching
Does the future of game ranching depend on pure conservation principles, pure economics, or a blend of the two? Roelof Bezuidenhout explores the issue.
Turbine turbulence
Here's a look at the pros and cons of wind energy.
How far have we strayed from Madiba’s vision?
In a letter published in a previous issue of Farmer’s Weekly, former ANC MP Salam Abram expressed concern about the current land reform process. He expanded on this viewpoint at the recent TAU SA congress in Pretoria.
Are South Africa’s property rights at risk?
Retired judge, Antonie Gildenhuys, who served in the Land Claims Court for 15 years, explains the difference between expropriation and deprivation, and the principle of ‘just and equitable’ compensation. He says the Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights needs more resources.
Why poultry farmers fail
It’s no secret that most new entrants to poultry farming go bankrupt. Jan Grobbelaar, training director at Dumela Poultry Solutions, discusses common errors and how to avoid them.
Agriculture must address supply chain challenges
Craig Roberts, CEO of DHL Supply Chain MEA, says effective supply chain integration is vital to boost Southern Africa’s agriculture exports to the EU.
Play your part to curb stock theft
Role players in the SA livestock production sector have a decisive role to play in the prevention of stock theft. This was according to the National Stock Theft Prevention Forum chairperson Jaco Maré, who spoke at the 2014 RPO congress in Bloemfontein.
Wind farm poses a threat to the birds and beauty of the Karoo
A proposed wind farm on the Sneeuberg will imperil the iconic endangered blue crane, many bird species and the entire local ecosystem, warns the Nama Karoo Foundation’s Marina Beal.
