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45 Articles

Land reform: beneficiaries need support

In this issue of Farmer's Weekly, journalists Octavia Avesca Spandiel and Annelie Coleman speak to experts in agriculture about the recent signing into law of the controversial Expropriation Bill (see story on page 15). This bill has been a hot topic for at least five years, and the DA, ActionSA, and AfriForum are already reportedly gearing up to challenge it in court. Of course, the bill is particularly controversial because it allows for expropriation of land (and other property) with nil compensation in some instances, all of which could arguably be described as somewhat ambiguous and subjective. While I will leave the debate on the need for the bill (and the practicality and constitutionality thereof) to the experts, I have my own concerns about it. These concerns stem from the shockingly poor…

Land reform: beneficiaries need support

Women are ‘saviours’ or ‘victims’ in the climate change debate: why this is a problem

The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer's Weekly. This article was originally published by The Conversation. To read the original, visit bit.ly/40JoBPf. Naila Kabeer is a professor of gender and development at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Email N.Kabeer@lse.ac.uk. Chung-Ah Baek is a researcher at the University of Sussex's Institute of Development Studies (IDS). Email ids@ids.ac.uk. Deepta Chopra is a professor of gender and development at the IDS. Email d.chopra@ids.ac.uk. “Certain stereotypes about women have become commonplace in climate and development literature. One example is that women are either represented as ‘saviours’ who protect nature, or as ‘victims’ more vulnerable to climate impacts than men and less equipped to cope. Simple either/or ways of seeing women overlook the power…

Women are ‘saviours’ or ‘victims’ in the climate change debate: why this is a problem

Mad about macadamias!

The fourth edition of the AmberMacs Macadamia Expo is a must-attend for anyone in the macadamia industry. The expo has something for everyone, from seminars and presentations on macadamia farming and industry insights to live entertainment and a food court. The event will be held at the AmberMacs Processing Facility, and the first 1 000 visitors will each receive a goody bag filled with gifts from sponsors and exhibitors. Visit ambermacs.com/expo-2025. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND EXPOS 21 FEBRUARY 2025 Waste to Energy Technology Conference, Emperors Palace Convention Centre, Kempton Park. Email Chris at chris@maphosam.co.za. 26 AND 27 FEBRUARY Gauteng Undercover Farming Conference and Expo, CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria. Email Marion Oosthuizen at marion@undercoverfarmingexpo.com, or phone 071 639 9300. 27 AND 28 FEBRUARY 5th Annual Africa ESG, Impact Investing & Sustainable Finance Summit,…

Mad about macadamias!

The end of the Transnet rail monopoly and the beginning of better things?

The Road Freight Association (RFA) notes that Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has approved the publishing of the Transnet Network Statement for the rail network in South Africa. The statement is aimed at facilitating open access to South Africa's rail network by third-party operators. Are we about to see great things, or are we doomed to a cycle of arguments and squabbles between various potential third-party operators, as recently seen at the Port of Durban? For years, the RFA has been vocal about the need for “revolutionary” change in our rail operations. Despite its current challenges, South Africa's rail network, with its extensive reach and some state-of-the-art infrastructure in certain areas, has the potential to become a cornerstone of the national economy, driving growth and creating numerous jobs. SOME NAGGING…

The end of the Transnet rail monopoly and the beginning of better things?

TRENDING IN AGRICULTURE

MOST POPULAR ON FARMERSWEEKLY.CO.ZA EXTREME WEATHER AND CONFLICT DOMINATE GLOBAL RISKS REPORT The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report shows that respondents are concerned about extreme weather and conflict in the short to long terms. Read the full article at bit.ly/40yfeR3, or scan here: Posted: 27 January 2025. Follow us at @FarmersWeeklySA FROM FACEBOOK We asked our followers for their thoughts on the Expropriation Bill being signed into law, and some of them shared their opinions with us. Here's what they had to say: Posted: 26 January 2025. READERS’ COMMENTS Leon Bezuidenhout: “The land issue has been outstanding for 30 years. It needs to be solved now.” Adele Slater: “[It is] far worse than any legislation passed in Zimbabwe. The general public think it's only about agricultural land. The press…

TRENDING IN AGRICULTURE

In the pink for calving

This article showed the importance of ensuring that dairy cows have enough body reserves to draw on. One cannot emphasise enough the importance of dairy cows being in a good condition. A high-producing cow has enough body reserves to draw from in early lactation when she cannot ingest enough nutrients to meet her requirements. Peak milk production usually occurs five to eight weeks after calving, while maximum feed intake is nine to 11 weeks after calving, so there can be no high milk production where there is a lack of body reserves. BRITISH METHOD To measure condition against production, a British method is used where zero equals thin and five equals grossly overfat. It was found that cows with a score of 2,5 and 3,5 at calving respectively produced 5…

In the pink for calving

Mitigating the risks to South Africa's agriculture sector in a Trump-tariff world

The return of Donald Trump, who was inaugurated on 20 January, as US president has reignited concerns about his potential impact on global trade relations. Known for imposing import tariffs and adopting protectionist policies during his first term, Trump's stance could have significant ripple effects on trade-dependent economies, including South Africa. The agriculture sector, a cornerstone of South Africa's economy, could be particularly vulnerable. With agricultural exports reaching approximately US$13,2 billion (over R240 billion) in 2023, any disruptions to trade relations could pose risks to both agribusinesses and the broader economy. THE IMPORTANCE OF REGIONAL TRADE PARTNERSHIPS South Africa's agriculture sector relies heavily on exports, with nearly 40% of agricultural products shipped to African markets. The Southern African Customs Union (SACU), comprising South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini, represents…

Mitigating the risks to South Africa's agriculture sector in a Trump-tariff world

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP

‘The legislation needs to comply with the provisions of the Constitution and specifically the requirement that compensation must be just’ – Annelize Crosby, head of legal intelligence at Agbiz, on the need for the Expropriation Bill, recently signed into law, to adhere to the Constitution, despite allowing for expropriation without compensation (pg 15). ‘International governmental expert committees […] have condemned the use of CO2 gas as a stunning method’ – Dr Bryce Marock, consulting veterinarian for the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, on the allegations of inhumane slaughtering practices levelled at an abattoir in Gauteng (pg 16). ‘For biosecurity to be effective, [rabbit] carcasses need to be removed immediately’ – Len Coetzer, senior research technician at the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, on the biosecurity measures that…

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP

Signing of Expropriation Bill into law sparks concerns

The recent signing of the Expropriation Bill into law has reignited discussions on land reform and its potential impacts on food security, property rights and agricultural productivity. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the contentious bill into law on 23 January, concluding a two-decade-long process of reform aimed at reportedly addressing historical land injustices. At the time of writing, the effective date of the new Act was unknown, as it had not yet been gazetted. The new law repeals the Expropriation Act of 1975 and sets out specific conditions and processes for expropriating land, including provisions for awarding nil compensation in certain circumstances. While government has lauded the bill as a step forward in land reform, the agriculture sector and other stakeholders remain cautious about its implications. Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Annelize…

SA's agricultural exports at risk from US tariffs

The South African agriculture sector faces potential upheaval as key exports, including citrus, macadamia nuts, wine and table grapes remain vulnerable to shifts in US trade policy. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has long provided South African exporters with preferential access to the US market. However, recent global trade developments underline the need for strategic diversification to mitigate potential risks. Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Bernard Manganyi, smallholder market access economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, said any disruption in trade agreements like AGOA could have far-reaching consequences for South African producers. “The US market has been critical for our agricultural exports, which have consistently grown over recent years. Tariffs could severely impact producers reliant on this market, leading to reduced revenue and higher production costs,” he said.…

‘Inhumane’ pig slaughtering in the spotlight

Pig slaughtering practices have come under fire, with the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) stating that a blind eye was being turned to inhumane practices. The allegations are aimed at Molare Meats, an abattoir in Olifantsfontein, Gauteng, which uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to render pigs unconscious before slaughter. Dr Bryce Marock, consulting veterinarian for the NSPCA, said in a statement that the organisation was opposed to any form of slaughter that did not kill an animal instantly or render it unconscious and insensible to pain through pre-stunning. “International governmental expert committees, such as the European Food Safety Authority, have condemned the use of CO2 gas as a stunning method, citing severe welfare concerns, including prolonged loss of consciousness, asphyxia, and extreme respiratory distress,”…

African penguin court case to continue in March

In March 2024, non-governmental organisations BirdLife South Africa (BLSA) and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), represented by the Biodiversity Law Centre, approached the Pretoria High Court to review and set aside a 2023 decision by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on fishing closures around key African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) breeding colonies. The case is seen as a historic effort to protect this critically endangered species. Uplisted to critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in late 2024, the African penguin is the first penguin species, of the 18 globally, to meet the criteria for this classification. Upon enquiries from Farmer's Weekly, the organisations said in a joint statement the matter would be heard from 18 to 20 March…

African penguin court case to continue in March

Haemorrhagic disease still a threat to SA's rabbits

The spread of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) that ravaged rabbit and hare populations in South Africa in 2023 has subsided, but pet owners and conservationists fear a resurgence. RHDV was first detected in South Africa in December 2022, presumably having entered the country through illegal trade. As stated on government's website, the importation of rabbits into South Africa is not allowed because of the high risk of spreading RHDV. The disease spread through wild, domestic and commercial rabbit populations as the animals had no resistance to the virus. It is estimated that over 5 000 wild rabbits died during the outbreak. While the spread has been contained, conservationists fear that without a management strategy, the virus could flare up again, causing long-term damage to biodiversity. Speaking at a…

Exports steady despite lower wine consumption

South African wine exports remained relatively flat in 2024 after falling by 5% to roughly 368 million litres in 2022 and another 17% to roughly 306 million litres in 2023. According to the recently released Wines of South Africa (WoSA) South African Wine Export Report 2024, total export volumes declined by 0,1% to about 306,2 million litres, while export value in rand terms increased by 3% to R10,3 billion in 2024. Packaged wine volumes increased by 5,4% to 123,4 million litres and value by 2,6% to R7,9 billion, while bulk volumes declined by 3,4% to 182,8 million litres and value increased by 4,4% to roughly R2,4 billion. Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Maryna Calow, communications manager at WoSA, said South Africa's performance was encouraging, considering that global wine consumption declined by…

Farmers get top tips for wine production success

At the Vinpro Nedbank Producer Day 2025 held recently in Rawsonville, Western Cape, panellists shared their strategies for improving the resilience of a farming business. The theme of the day was ‘Navigating Climate Chaos: Shaping the Vineyards of the Future’. André Brink, owner of Groot Phesantekraal and the Agricultural Writers SA Farmer of the Year for 2024, said that Groot Phesantekraal had a “little of everything” production-wise when he started farming around 1996. However, he soon realised this would not give him the necessary scale to be sustainable, and he therefore started scaling up the production of some crops and ceasing others all together. Today, he produces 2 500ha of small grains, cultivates 1 500ha of pasture, tends 180ha of vineyards, supplying a 500t wine cellar, and keeps 3 500…

Archaeologists discover advanced maize farming system in the Amazon

InterestingEngineering.com reported that a recent study by a group of international researchers has revealed that the Casarabe civilisation in Bolivia's Llanos de Moxos developed an advanced agricultural system that allowed them to cultivate maize throughout the year. Due to alternating periods of intense rainfall and drought, the seasonally flooded tropical savannah known as the Llanos de Moxos region posed serious challenges to agriculture. Nonetheless, between 500 and 1 400 CE, the Casarabe people developed a water management system that guaranteed steady maize production. They built farm ponds to hold water for irrigation in the dry months and drainage channels to avoid waterlogging during the rainy season. Because of this arrangement, maize could be harvested at least twice a year, making it a staple crop. Unlike the traditional slash-and-burn methods associated…

Archaeologists discover advanced maize farming system in the Amazon

Agri product oversupply in Vietnam

Vietnam's agriculture sector faces challenges in achieving success on the global market as a result of the weak enforcement of planning regulations and uncoordinated cultivation. Despite efforts to organise crop production, a lack of oversight has led to excessive planting and market imbalances, particularly of high-value crops. According to FreshPlaza.com, Vietnam's Central Highlands Agricultural and Forestry Science Institute reported that many farmers had disregarded official planting plans, choosing instead to focus on short-term profits. This had led to overproduction, as seen in the pepper industry, where cultivation in the Dak Nong and Dak Lak provinces had far exceeded planned limits. Similarly, durian cultivation had surged across the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands, often in areas with poor soil and irrigation conditions. Higher profits from durian have made it difficult for…

GREECE In late January, farmers began rolling out their tractors across mainland Greece in protest against rising production costs and insufficient infrastructure, Ekathimerini.com reported. Earlier in the month, farmer organisation the Panhellenic Committee of Farmers at Blockades issued a statement in which it said that, “the critical issues that concern us not only remain unresolved, but we are witnessing an acceleration of policies that are driving us out of production, leading to the desertification of the countryside”. The statement also demanded that the government provide farmers with protection from natural disasters. CYPRUS FreshPlaza.com reported that banana farmers in the Paphos district are under pressure due to disruptions to their water supply in the wake of the draining of the Mavrokolympos reservoir. The reservoir was drained to allow for the repair…

The quest for more environmentally friendly wine production practices

If you think the European Commission's (EC) goals for reducing pesticide use are unachievable, think again. This was according to António Graça, head of research and development at Sogrape, a family-owned wine producer based in Portugal, who told farmers at the Vinpro Nedbank Producer Day, held recently in Rawsonville in the Western Cape, that Portugal managed to reduce its pesticide usage by almost 40% between 2011 and 2021. Other European countries that achieved a reduction of more than 30% over this time include Czechia (36,9%), Croatia (35,5%), Luxembourg (34,3%), Denmark (33,3%), Bulgaria (32,7%), and Italy (30,4%). PROMOTING INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT Graça ascribed the reduction to the EC's promotion of integrated pest management (IPM) since the 1990s, which coincided with funding to help some farmers adapt. In Portugal, specifically, IPM became…

The quest for more environmentally friendly wine production practices

SA's first regenerative viticulture verification

Hartenberg Wine Estate (Hartenberg), a family-owned farm in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, has set a new benchmark for sustainable viticulture in South Africa as the first wine farm in the country (and only the second globally) to receive regenerative verification under the Ecological Outcome Verification framework. Wilhelm Joubert, viticulturist at Hartenberg, said the key driver of regenerative viticulture on the farm was working with nature to cultivate high-quality wine. “This has changed our way of farming totally. We now use cattle and sheep to manage our cover crops, which benefits soil microbes. Our cover crops must be palatable and fit within a feed flow programme. Additionally, runner ducks are our new tool to control pests, such as snails,” he explained. According to Joubert, the estate focused on restoring its vineyard ecosystems…

New cannabis qualification available in SA

South Africa has launched a new qualification on cannabis production, the first of its kind to be accredited by the Council on Higher Education. The higher certificate, Cannabis Production and Management, is being offered by the Cheeba Africa Cannabis Academy (Cheeba Africa) at its campus in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Trenton Birch, CEO and co-founder of Cheeba Africa, highlighted the importance of formal education in the emerging cannabis sector. Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, he said: “In any emerging industry, you need to have qualifications. People get into emerging industries learning from YouTube and reading books, but there comes a point where you need to measure that individuals have properly studied structured and curated content.” He explained that the course offered a holistic view of the cannabis supply chain, covering cultivation, marketing, security,…

R50 million to boost red meat biosecurity

Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) is set to benefit from a R50 million budget from the estimated statutory funding income based on previous years. This budget is aimed at bolstering biosecurity measures and improving traceability systems. Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, Phillip Oosthuizen, chief operations officer at RMIS, said this initiative was part of the RMIS 2025 Project Portfolio, designed to improve the competitiveness of the industry while supporting job creation and rural development. “Our focus is to empower farmers, particularly small-scale and emerging farmers, by enhancing their capacity for on-farm animal processing, record-keeping, and production techniques. The aim is not just to train but also to practically assist farmers with the tools they need to succeed, thereby expanding market access and boosting overall production,” Oosthuizen said. He further mentioned that…

Bluetongue, lumpy skin disease kept at bay for now

Heavy rainfall across South Africa's northern and eastern regions has raised concerns about an increased risk of livestock diseases, such as bluetongue and lumpy skin disease. Dr Riaan du Preez, lead for technical and new business development at MSD Animal Health, told Farmer's Weekly that the excessive rain received in many parts of the country would likely have a significant effect on the occurrence of these diseases. Both these diseases are transmitted by biting insect vectors, amongst other means, which proliferate in standing water. “We have heard of some isolated increases in lumpy skin disease, but no outbreaks [have been reported] yet. However, insect populations might still be increasing dramatically, and any of these diseases can still break out,” he said. “Diligent flying insect control, with the use of pyrethroids,…

Bluetongue, lumpy skin disease kept at bay for now

‘Carnage’ on SA's roads during the festive season

South Africa had a long way to go to reduce the level of carnage on its roads, according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. In her department's recently released 2024/25 preliminary festive season statistics report, Creecy said law enforcement officers issued 711 184 fines for various traffic offences across the country. Some 23 607 fines were issued to drivers who failed to wear their seatbelts, while another 16 925 motorists were fined for using cell phones while driving. “More than 16 000 vehicles were found to be unroadworthy and [their drivers] issued with traffic fines, as well as their motor vehicle licence discs removed, particularly in areas where vehicles could not be impounded due to lack of facilities. It must, however, be emphasised that, in total, 8 917 motor vehicles were…

Stampriet Aquifer System threatened by mining

The Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System in Southern Africa (STAS), a huge underground water resource the size of Austria, is a vital freshwater resource in Southern Africa. However, it is under threat from mining activities. This was according to Surina Esterhuyse, senior lecturer in the Centre for Environmental Management at the University of the Free State (UFS), and Anton Lukas, groundwater modeller and postdoctoral researcher at the UFS. The STAS stretches for 87 000km² across Namibia, South Africa and Botswana. Esterhuyse and Lukas said in an article recently published by The Conversation that the system supplied 50 000 people with water pure enough to drink and was the only source of water in the area. They added that Namibia's government had so far awarded uranium prospecting licences to several mining companies…

Passionate about nurturing personal and professional growth in the agriculture sector

Dr Nicole Hart, CEO of Afrikelp, has risen in the fields of science and agriculture to her current position as CEO of Afrikelp, an international agricultural company based in Cape Town. Afrikelp is a proudly South African company, specialising in seaweed solutions extracted from Ecklonia maxima (sea bamboo) endemic to the Western Cape. The liquid kelp extracts, which serve as the cornerstone of Afrikelp's agricultural formulations, are used in over 45 countries worldwide, making a global impact on crop production. Throughout her career, Hart has obtained extensive experience in leading sales teams, acquisitions and integrations, driving product development, and directing research. Her technical expertise and strategic business mindset have served her well on her professional journey. AGRICULTURE IS IN HER BLOOD Hart was born on a farm in KwaZulu-Natal. She…

Passionate about nurturing personal and professional growth in the agriculture sector

‘Always look for new opportunities to learn and grow’

Dr Miekie Human, science and policy manager at the South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR), grew up on a cattle farm in the small North West farming community of Nietverdiend. Growing up, she enjoyed farm life, and spent a lot of time up trees, reading books. She confesses, however, that she currently finds herself fully converted to a city girl. Success takes hard work and dedication, and for Human, it began early on in her life and continued throughout her studies and now her career. A LIFELONG STUDENT “I studied for a very long time, longer than my primary school career! Today, I still see myself as a student of life. I will always look for new opportunities to learn and grow,” she says. When Human started her undergraduate degree…

‘Always look for new opportunities to learn and grow’

Winemaking on an old Cape Town farm

Sir De Villiers Graaff (De Villiers), Fourth Baronet of the Graaff family and De Grendel Wine Estate, is descended from three generations of impressive men: entrepreneurs, farmers, and statesmen – people who significantly shaped the Western Cape and South Africa as a whole. De Grendel has 85,25ha under vines, which is the main production focus. The farm stretches over almost 330ha on the fynbos-covered slopes of Tygerberg Hills in Panorama, Cape Town. “We can grow vine production to around 100ha, with pastures and grazing covering 150ha. We have 850 head of South African Meat Merino, 120 Angus cattle, and a herd of African goats. Free-range turkeys are a recent addition. We lease our 550 Holsteins to a farmer in Darling. “De Grendel has protected 120ha of critically endangered Renosterveld. Only…

Winemaking on an old Cape Town farm

Essential accounting concepts every farmer should know

Farming is not just about planting and harvesting or raising livestock; it's also about managing finances effectively. Many farmers focus on production but underestimate the importance of sound financial management. Yet, financial stability is essential to ensure a farm's long-term profitability and sustainability. FINANCIAL LITERACY IN FARMING Financial literacy is the ability to understand and use financial skills like budgeting, investing, and risk management. Without financial literacy, even the most productive farms can struggle with debt, poor cash flow, and unsustainable practices. Farmers who implement sound financial management practices can: • Reduce debt and improve creditworthiness; • Maximise profit margins through cost control; • Make informed decisions regarding expansion and investment; • Ensure compliance with tax regulations and avoid legal penalties; • Maintain a steady and predictable cash flow to…

Essential accounting concepts every farmer should know

HOW TO DETERMINE PROFITABILITY

‘Profit’ is realised when revenue (income) exceeds expenses. It represents the money left over after all costs have been deducted from the farm's total income. ‘Profitability’ is the farm's ability to generate profit relative to its revenue, costs, and assets. To calculate profitability, begin by calculating revenue: Revenue = Price per unit x quantity sold. For example, if a farm sells 100t of maize at R4 000/t, the revenue is: 4 000 x 100 = 400 000. Therefore, the farm's revenue is R400 000. Next, calculate the cost of production: Total cost = Fixed costs (mortgage, insurance) + variable costs (fertiliser, seed, feed, fuel, wages). If a farm has fixed costs of R100 000 and variable costs of R200 000, then the total cost of production is: R100 000 +…

Managing farm debt: strategies for financial stability

Farming in South Africa is an expensive, high-risk industry. Rising input costs, unpredictable climate conditions, and market volatility have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to maintain financial stability. As a result, effective debt management has become critical to ensuring the survival of farms. For many farmers, debt is a necessary tool for expanding their operations, purchasing inputs, and covering operational expenses. However, outstanding or carry-over debt is a serious financial burden, placing farming businesses under extreme pressure until it is settled. In agriculture, where cash flow is often unpredictable, borrowing money is sometimes unavoidable. Farmers across generations have faced this predicament, and the key to overcoming it lies in how the situation is managed. Handled correctly, debt management can preserve valuable relationships with creditors, build long-term trust, and even…

Managing farm debt: strategies for financial stability

How to manage heat stress in cattle

Heat stress in livestock poses a significant challenge for farmers, especially in regions with persistently high temperatures. As climate change exacerbates these conditions, it is becoming increasingly critical for farmers to recognise, manage and mitigate the impacts of heat stress to protect their livestock and maintain productivity. EARLY SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS Ranier van Heerden, business manager for ruminant solutions in sub-Saharan Africa at global chemicals company Evonik, says the early detection of heat stress in livestock is pivotal in mitigating its negative effects. Changes in behaviour are often the first indicators of heat stress. “Animals will actively seek shade, pant excessively, and salivate more than usual. In dairy cows, a drop in DMI [dry matter intake] and [subsequently] milk production could be a clear sign,” he explains. However, some…

How to manage heat stress in cattle

Smart strategies for conserving water on Cape fruit farms

The Western Cape is a hub of fruit production in South Africa, providing the bulk of our stone and pome fruit. But farmers are reporting drier conditions, with most seeing vast reductions in annual rainfall. Joubert Stemmet, senior production manager at Elandsrivier Farming close to Ceres, says that while the farm has traditionally been dry and they have always had to work carefully with water, the 2023 season was particularly dry. “We received 133mm less rain than the average of the previous three years. Water is absolutely a source of life for all of us. In this valley there are farms whose dams are overflowing, but we are unfortunately not in that position. At this point, I think we have just enough water to get through the season.” Further north…

Smart strategies for conserving water on Cape fruit farms

The intricacies of growing onions

Of course, if you follow the advice of someone who has been successful with growing onions, you are likely to also produce a good crop. But woe betide anyone who deviates from a successful formula without a good understanding of the intricacies of the crop and doesn't follow proven practices. One of the complexities is that some onion varieties are adapted to only initiate bulbing at certain day lengths. For instance, if you try to grow a variety adapted to perform in either the far northern or southern regions of the globe and plant these in short-day areas like those near the equator, the onions won't even attempt to make bulbs and will only grow like spring onions. In South Africa, we have varieties adapted to the north of the…

The intricacies of growing onions

The GWM P500: large and in charge

Great Wall Motors (GWM) prides itself on being the longestserving local Chinese brand. After establishing itself as a proper player in the light commercial vehicle segment with the Steed and P-Series line-ups, it rolled out the P500, one of the biggest double cabs in the business. Separating the brand's new throne bearer from its garden variety fourcylinder turbodiesel contemporaries is its hybrid powertrain reserved for the topof-the-range Ultra Luxury. It is powered by a 2,0l turbo-petrol engine and electric motor with battery pack delivering a total system power output of 255kW, making it the most powerful bakkie in the country after the beastly petrol-driven V6 Ford Ranger Raptor (292kW). The downside to all this power is the P500's portly 2 575kg kerb mass, which sees the payload reduced to 735kg.…

The GWM P500: large and in charge

The benefits of getting your show horse used to the water

It's raining hard, the grass is long and green, and the horses are chewing lazily on teff nets in the stables. They are all shiny, fat and very unfit. The lunging ring is 30cm deep in water – although it's designed to drain as it's made of sand. There is a huge debate on whether to lunge the horses on the slippery grass, or get them splashing knee-deep in the ring. THE BEST OPTION The ring is the best option. It's a good idea to get show horses used to water in the summer rainfall areas, especially as the main show is Horse of the Year, and although the date is shifting away from January towards March, it's going to be muddy. Many top riders show at this event every…

The benefits of getting your show horse used to the water

ACROSS 3. Belgian breed of large chicken usually with black-and-white herringbone-patterned plumage (7) 8. ______ weed (Salvinia molesta) is a free-floating invasive plant that infests lakes, dams, rivers, irrigation channels, etc. (6) 9. Indigenous (6) 10. Stream (7) 11. Plant with a fleshy waterstoring stem and leaves reduced to scales or spines (6) 12. Long, narrow vessel for feeding or watering animals (6) 13. Those who drive animals together and keep them grouped (7) 15. Hang down or grow weak (5) 18. Pear-based alcoholic drink (5) 21. One who provides food, entertainment, etc. for an event (7) 23. Umbelliferous plants (Pastinaca sativa) and their carrot-like edible roots (8) 24. Breed of chickens developed in Egypt, with grey-barred feathers (8) 26. Vibrations in the earth's surface (7) 27. Marsh plant with…

A small yet comfy retirement home

Dear Jonno, My wife and I send this request for you to design a small yet comfortable home on our farm on the Vaal River. We will initially go there on the weekends only, but intend to retire there in three years’ time. The house must have an en-suite bedroom on either side of a centralised common area. The one bedroom will accommodate my manager and his wife in the short term. They will be there for security and developing the farm. The central common area must have a large veranda where we can sit and enjoy coffee and the view. There is a lovely stream in front. The land slopes forward from back to front about three metres to the river's edge. We will use as much local building…

A small yet comfy retirement home

THE HITCHING POST

I am a single black woman with no children. I come from Eswatini, but now I'm based in Johannesburg. I am 58 years old, 1,6m tall and weigh 57kg. I am looking for a white, kindhearted man between the ages of 60 and 70 for friendship. If you're interested, you can contact me. TAKE A CHANCE I would like to meet a decent white man in the region of 75 years of age. I was previously married to a farmer, and my son and son-in-law farm in the Eastern Cape. I am 1,7m tall, of average weight, and I've been told that I'm still attractive and presentable. I am versatile, do not drink or smoke, and I'm in good health. I would prefer a clean-shaven gentleman who does not smoke…

THE HITCHING POST

Eco-friendly food sensors made from paper

With the world's surging human population comes a growing demand for food, putting pressure on farmers to produce more. In addition, they are under pressure to keep these larger volumes of harvested food fresh. To this end, producers often rely on smart sensors that monitor and control things like temperature and humidity. As the global climate continues to change, agriculture is facing new challenges, with extreme shifts in temperature and humidity affecting the quality and yield of crops. ECO-FRIENDLY SENSORS In a study published in Journal of Laser Applications last month, researchers at Auburn University in Alabama, US, presented the sustainable paper-based sensors they developed to monitor and measure temperature and humidity. BETTER THAN PLASTIC Developing sensors that are both efficient and environmentally friendly has been a big challenge, but…

All about the love and pleasure of reading

Parallel Summits: Mastering the Art of Money by Thys van Zyl & Robby Kojetin (Tafelberg, R320) Van Zyl admits in his introduction that he fell into a finance career by accident. At university, he was selling insurance as a side hustle while planning to become an engineer – except that he could soon see much greater wealth potential in a financial career than in a steady climb up the engineering ladder. Having grown up aware of the anxieties that financial hardship can bring, he quickly made his choice. He also made it one of his missions to enlighten the public on how to improve their finances “in a relatable and concise way”. His message is part information transfer, part motivation – and it's cleverly paired with a big motivational boost from…

All about the love and pleasure of reading

Love is in the air

Steak with red wine sauce and asparagus SERVES TWO For the steak 2 medium-sized ribeye steaks (or whichever cut you prefer) 10ml Worcestershire sauce Olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 90g butter, plus extra Half a medium-sized onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 5ml honey 125ml red wine 15ml Dijon mustard 1 sprig thyme For the asparagus 15ml olive oil 30g butter 30g fresh garlic, minced 1 bunch fresh green asparagus Salt and pepper, to taste • Heat a pan on the stove, add the olive oil and butter and allow the latter to melt. Fry the garlic for a minute or two, then add the asparagus in an even layer. Cook until browned, turn over, and season to taste. • Take the steaks out of…

Love is in the air

TO PLACE AN UPCOMING AUCTION EVENT in the Classifieds Auctions section, contact Rowena Nundkumar on 010 971 3774 or at rowenas@caxton.co.za. TO LIST AUCTION RESULTS in this section, email Janine Ryan at janiner@caxton.co.za. Market Report Barkly East Prestige Ram Auction HIGHEST: (RAM) R21 000 Barkly East – The Barkly East Prestige Ram Auction was held at the Barkly East Golf Club on 22 January. The highest price of the day was paid for a ram, which was sold by Johané and James Reeders of Cheviot Trust in Rhodes to Cronjé van der Merwe and Francois Nel of Rhodes for R21 000. Rams achieved an average price of R8 313,73, while ewes achieved an average of R1 562,20. The sale was held by BKB, with Jovaan Cloete as the auctioneer. –…

Longer, finer wools dominate auction

The 17th sale of the 2024/25 wool season saw 7 507 bales on offer, after 1 041 bales were withdrawn prior to the sale, according to Cape Wools SA. Just under 50% of the Merino wools on offer were certified as Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), with the bulk of the total offering being of longer-length, fine-micron wool. The market delivered a solid performance, taking into account that the rand traded nearly 2% stronger against the US dollar compared with the previous sale. Both indicators returned positive results in US dollar terms. The allMerino indicator closed unchanged at R168,89/kg, while the RWS indicator eased slightly by 0,2% to close at R172,71/kg. A highest price of R250,65/kg (clean) was paid for a three-bale lot of 15,6-micron Merino wool. Major buyers were BKB…

Ask Our Vet How do I make compost?

Dear Prof McCrindle, I have a lot of goat and sheep manure from my kraal. How do I turn it into compost in a way that doesn't lead to weeds popping up? Should I add anything to it? Blu Queen, Limpopo Dear Blu Queen, Compost is excellent for disposing of manure while building up fertiliser for vegetable or crop production. Regular composting decreases the number of flies. The first step is to choose a place for your compost heap that is near your kraal. Next is to decide how often to remove manure – this relates to the number of sheep or goats you own, as well as the days you are available. REGULAR ROUTINE Establishing a regular routine makes it easier. Friday afternoons may be a good time: getting…

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