GM crops: the truth will free us from hunger
When it comes to genetically modified crops, ignorance isn’t bliss, it’s downright dangerous, making the public prey to scaremongers and hampering food security, warns Dr Charlie Reinhardt.
Escaped game is not yours to shoot
The booming game industry has had an unintentional spin-off – animals escaping onto neighbouring, unfenced properties. Whom do these animals belong to now? The answer is not as simple as...
Making SA’s groundwater last
Maintaining and managing SA’s scarce water resources have become highly contentious issues, especially in rural areas, says Gert Nel, partner and principal geohydrologist in SRK Consulting, East London.
The looming dangers of land reform promises
Impending land reform legislation threatens food security and the rural economy. Dr Frans Cronje, CEO of the SA Institute of Race Relations, believes it is crucial to fight now for...
The trigger vs shutter debate
Taking pictures might sound more civilised to some people, but hunting remains the driving force behind wildlife and habitat protection under most conditions, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Creating false hopes
Can you imagine burning your grain lands and killing your livestock and then buying your food at vastly inflated prices from your neighbour?
Farmers – No more wishful thinking!
South Africa should engage urgently in a national debate on food production, and farmers should take heed of global food requirements in order to embrace production opportunities, says Prof Louise...
SA’s bright young farmers
Boeta, how I wish you could have attended this year’s Free State Young Farmer conference with me.
Going against the grain
In a country of naysayers and prophets of doom, Grain SA members are positive about the future and dedicated to transformation, says Grain SA CEO Jannie de Villiers.
Get your own house in order, South Africa!
Government’s new regulations for the importation of cattle, sheep and goats are misguided and unrealistic, says Mecki Schneider, chairperson of the Namibian Livestock Producers’ Organisation.
SA beef cattle ranchers up there with the world’s best
Jong, Ouboet, I’m telling you South Africa’s commercial cattle farmers really are world-class.
Solar systems: fixing future energy costs
Although South Africa’s electricity prices are low by international standards, they are set to increase annually by 8% over five years. Gregor Kuepper, managing director of SolarWorld Africa, believes that...
Are you a snollygoster?
Snollygoster. What a delightful new word I’ve learnt! A ‘snollygoster’ is someone, especially a politician, who is guided by a desire for personal advantage rather than by consistent, respectable principles,...
How science & technology can benefit SA agriculture
The Department of Science and Technology’s recently released Bio-Economy Strategy outlines research and development initiatives for South African agriculture. A summary follows.
The future for small-scale farmers
Josh Becker, CEO of Impele Consulting Group, offers advice on how small-scale farmers in Africa can be assisted to modernise their farming practices.
Research will put more food on SA’s table
A South African study into the benefits of research proves that research and development is vital to a robust agricultural sector. ARC economist Aart-Jan Verschoor reports.
Disdain and contempt
Jong Boet, some or other clever guy in history once said the people in a democracy deserve the government they get because they voted for it. What balderdash!! Let me...
And so the rains came…
And so the rains have come… blessings in abundance! Genadewater, as we in the Free State like to call it.
Reforming land reform
Land restitution in SA is currently concentrated on the issue of the ‘formerly dispossessed’. This is a recipe for disaster. The focus should be on food security and using land...
Open letter to President Zuma
Dear Mr Zuma: This is Annelie from the Free State. I’m writing on behalf of myself and all the farmers I deal with. In this, your last election year, I...
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