Welcome to the drone era
If you look into a city-sky, you’ll probably see a plane or a helicopter once in a while. Fast forward to a few years from now, city slickers will be...
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...
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.
Fire has no mercy
Ouboet – I find it exceedingly difficult to wrap my head around the fact that veld fires have destroyed more than 400 000ha in the Free State so far this...
Veld fires – why we need to know more
Much more research is required to understand the effect of fire on Africa’s savannas, according to Prof Winston Trollope, a fire ecologist and Working on Fire International associate. Trollope’s recommendations,...
Citrus ban still a risk unless all stakeholders take action
The EU’s threat to ban South African citrus should serve as a wake-up call for all parties involved, says Zhann Meyer, Africa Head, Global Commodity Finance at Nedbank Capital.
How to promote effective land reform in South Africa
Michael Lyne, associate professor at New Zealand’s Lincoln University and honorary professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, recently presented the 2014 FR Tomlinson Memorial Lecture to the Agricultural Economics Association...
Land reform proposal: a disaster in the making
Minister Nkwinti’s radical 50:50 land reform proposal will put food security at risk and lead to increases in prices, interest rates and inflation, according to Grain SA chairperson Louw Steytler.
Agriculture is responsible for its own destiny
Boet, you know how much I dread the annual congress season! But so far this year I’ve been very impressed by the standard of the agricultural congresses.
Small farmer, big problem
Theoretical ideas about growing the smallholding agricultural sector sound uncomfortably like trying to re-invent the wheel, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Small-scale farmers can contribute to food security
Some commentators might believe otherwise, but SA’s policymakers need to focus on small-scale farming. It’s pivotal to the sustainability of the country’s economy, says Nico Groenewald, Standard Bank’s head of...
Grim legacy
My heart aches for every person in South Africa who has lost a child, a spouse or a loved one to farm violence.
Hunting is not poaching
Repressing hunting will only increase poaching, says Adri Kitshoff, CEO of the Professional Hunters’ Association of SA.
Farmers are tough enough
A farmer is a farmer is a farmer, irrespective of where you farm and what you farm with.
Growing communities through small-scale farms
Afasa president Mike Mlengana was educated on the proceeds of his father’s surplus produce. Deeply in touch with his roots and South Africa’s current challenges, he describes a solutions-based approach...
Accelerated land reform in the wildlife ranching industry
The wildlife industry is committed to advancing land reform through partnerships, says WRSA’s Cobus du Toit. Annelie Coleman spoke to him at Nampo.
Is SA still the gateway to the continent?
Dr Theo de Jager, a frequent visitor to Africa in his unofficial capacity as roving agricultural ambassador, says SA may not quite live up to its reputation as the obvious...
Nkwinti flying a dangerous land reform ‘kite’
The recent ANC policy proposals around land reform made by the minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti pose a constitutional dilemma that would serve no good purpose...
