53 Articles

Government, we can’t keep footing the bill!

Last week (FW, 28 February), I wrote about the sugar tax and how I hoped Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana would scrap it to help the country’s struggling sugar industry. I was planning on writing this week’s editorial on the budget for 2025, revisiting whatever Godongwana said about excise taxes, but, like the rest of South Africa, was left speechless (excuse the pun) when it was announced on the day that the Budget Speech was set to be delivered that it had been postponed until March because of a disagreement in the Government of National Unity (GNU). What was the disagreement about, you might ask? Well, Godongwana was set to announce an increase in VAT, taking the tax from 15% to a whopping 17%. The GNU could not reach consensus on…

5 min.

Green hydrogen is a clean fuel, but South Africa’s not ready to produce it: energy experts explain why

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/3CMhQTG. Craig McGregor is an associate professor in mechanical and mechatronic engineering and the director of the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group at Stellenbosch University. Bruce Douglas Young is a senior lecturer in the Africa Energy Leadership Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand. Email bruce.young@wits.ac.za. “Every day, millions of engines and factories burn fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) - a greenhouse gas that traps heat in Earth’s atmosphere and contributes to climate change. Now imagine a clean fuel that does not pollute and produces only water as waster. That’s the promise of green hydrogen, which is made by using…

2 min.

Growing table grapes

In your own time, online Agri Skills Transfer’s Table Grapes Production course covers all the essential aspects of table grape production. Attendees will explore the biology of vine development, grape crop management and what’s needed to produce high-quality table grapes. From basic plant structures to advanced techniques in pruning, irrigation, plant nutrition and more, this course ensures a holistic understanding of vineyard operations. Phone 012 460 9585, email info@agriskills.net, or visit agriskillsonline.co.za. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND EXPOS 4 TO 7 MARCH ExtruAfrica Indaba, Potchefstroom. Phone 018 185 1031, or email Jaco at jaco@cfam.co.za. 11 TO 13 MARCH CGA Citrus Summit, Summerstrand. Email Tanya at tanya@cga.co.za, phone 031 765 2514, or visit cgasummit.co.za. 13 AND 14 MARCH GTR Africa, Cape Town. Visit gtreview.com. 13 TO 15 MARCH AgriXpo, The Ranch Resort, Polokwane.…

2 min.

Thaba ’Nchu vegetable project moves closer to commercialisation

The vegetable project at the Noga’s Post settlement outside Thaba ‘Nchu in the Free State – which was undertaken by the community, Kgosi (queen) Gaboilelwe Moroka, AfriForum and the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) – produced 800kg of onions in February. This harvest was sold in nearby villages and to schools, while some of the onions were also donated to people with disabilities and the elderly in the community. The money collected through the sale of this crop was used to buy inputs for the next planting cycle, while it also produced an income for those involved. The Barolong Boo Seleka community members were proud that they were able to donate some of the onions to Gaboilelwe and Mohumagadi (queen mother) Gaongalelwe Moroka. Kgosi Gaboilelwe, the then head woman of…

1 min.

MATTER OF FACT

In ‘Using algae to treat dairy farm wastewater’ (FW, 13 December 2024), the authors’ acknowledgments and thanks to their funders were erroneously omitted from the article. Mzamo Mnikathi, technical intern, and Jon McCosh, chief scientist at the Institute of Natural Resources, wish to thank UK International Development for funding their project, and UK AID and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee for their support. Farmer’s Weekly has a high regard for factual accuracy and welcomes reader input.…

1 min.

SOMETHING IN THE WATER?

Dear Bill Kerr, I live in Botswana and when we’re blessed with great rainfall, my maize plants skyrocket in height, with some plants nearing 4m tall. And yet, if there is no rain and I have to irrigate with tap water, the plants grow much slower. Can you explain this? It always happens here. Is it due to something in the rainwater that increases the plants’ growth, or is there something in tap water that restricts it? The tap water is chlorinated. Best wishes and keep up the good work. Grahame McLeod Hi Grahame, Irrigating with tap water that has not been aerated can be a problem, as the chlorine can have an influence. The chlorine in drinking water is there to kill microbes, and it will still have this…

1 min.

TRENDING IN AGRICULTURE

4 min.

Milking, the hi-tech way

This leading dairy farmer installed the largest rotary milking unit in the Southern Hemisphere. But don’t buy expensive equipment unless it fits in with your management system, he warned. As modern dairy farming becomes increasingly sophisticated, it becomes more important for farmers to make sure they buy only the equipment that will enable them to move in the direction they want to go. “Computer control is a valuable tool in dairy management, but it must be used correctly. A farmer must think very carefully about his whole management programme before he buys expensive equipment.” So says Denton Osler of Denmar Friesland Stud, at Slabberts in the Eastern Free State, who has recently installed the largest rotary milking unit in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a 40-cow unit fitted with computerised equipment…

4 min.

Some good news on the logistics front

At the height of the summer fruit export season, industry associations representing the largest fruit exporter value chains from the western regions of the country issued a joint press release with Transnet. In the past, such a press release may have been centred on the importance of port logistics in the value chain and lamenting export opportunities that could have been realised had our logistics system not experienced challenges. This year, the headlines should rather take note of the practical solutions that industry and Transnet are undertaking in the form of a ‘special project’ to increase the plug point capacity in the Cape Town Container Terminal (see story on page 16). Through a partnership between Agbiz, the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum, the South African Table Grape Industry, Hortgro, the KAL…

4 min.

Agriculture in South Africa is thriving!

The narrative going around that South Africa’s agriculture sector is under pressure and has been failing for a while is far from the reality. Regardless of how experts and role players feel about the state’s capacity and government’s policies, the one undeniable fact is that the sector has grown tremendously over the years, and is certainly not failing. Data from the Department of Agriculture shows that domestic agricultural output in 2023/24 has more than doubled since 1994. While not all industries in the sector drove this expansion, it has been widespread, with livestock, horticulture and field crops all having grown significantly over this period. Higher production levels have mainly been underpinned by new production technologies, better farming skills, growing demand (locally and globally) and a progressive trade policy. The private…

1 min.

WEEKLY NEWS WRAP

On World Pangolin Day, celebrated on 15 February, conservation communicator Wild Africa reported that one pangolin was poached every three minutes either for illegal bushmeat or to supply scales to the traditional medicine market. All eight pangolin species around the world are threatened – see story on page 20. ‘This is a serious concern because growers are left vulnerable, and fruit is most at risk close to the harvest season when it is ripe’ – Gulu Bekker, technical adviser at Berries ZA, on the lack of registered chemical products in South Africa to combat spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), which has been detected on local farms (pg. 17). ‘The outbreak is extensive, particularly in grazing areas used by cattle farmers, feedlots and dairy farms’ – Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and…

2 min.

Cape Town port efficiencies improved by partnerships

A partnership between stakeholders in the export-orientated fruit value chain, the Western Cape government and Transnet Port Terminals has resulted in the installation of two additional 500 kVA generators at port terminals at the Port of Cape Town. The generators will increase terminal capacity during the peak deciduous fruit season and provide a separate reefer stack that can be loaded during periods of high wind. Antoinette van Heerden, logistics manager at the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), told Farmer’s Weekly that each of the generators had 40 reefer plug points, of which 30 would be used at full capacity. She said that the generators, commissioned with funding from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Agbiz, Hortgro, the South African Table Grape Industry, FPEF and the KAL…

2 min.

Maputo port expansion good news for SA exports

The expansion of the Port of Maputo in Mozambique is a welcome relief for citrus farmers in the northern region of South Africa, providing them with a viable alternative to the beleaguered Port of Durban. The full benefit of Maputo’s port will however only be seen once it is able to attract a steady and consistent number of shipping lines that service a wide range of world markets. Phase one of the construction works for the Port of Maputo’s R3 billion container terminal expansion project got under way in February and is expected to be completed in 2027. The expansion will increase the terminal’s capacity from the current 255 000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 530 000 TEUs per annum. Key developments include the expansion of the container storage yard…

2 min.

Carbon taxes could see electricity prices soar

Alternative energy investments will remain important for the agriculture sector, despite load-shedding having eased. This was according to speakers during the recent Hortgro webinar, ‘Green financing for sustainable agriculture in the pome and stone [fruit] industry’. Michael Brinkhuis, CEO of Hortfin, a loan facility directed at the fruit industry, said carbon taxes could have a huge impact on the electricity costs of businesses. According to research conducted by Discovery Green, companies could face a 60% increase in their electricity generation costs, directly tied to carbon taxes, by 2034, he said. He added that carbon tax in South Africa was anticipated to rise 143% by 2034, due to the country’s heavy reliance on coal-generated energy, and the phasing out of tax allowances that give businesses up to 85% relief depending on…

2 min.

Spotted wing drosophila confirmed on SA farms

It has been confirmed that Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), has been detected on farms in South Africa. This was according to Gulu Bekker, technical adviser at Berries ZA. SWD, native to southeast Asia, targets soft-skinned fruit, including berries and stone fruit. The pest has been detected on farms worldwide, and is a growing problem for farmers across the globe. Bekker told Farmer’s Weekly that unlike most other fruit flies that infest fruit secondarily, female SWD lay their eggs in fresh and ripening fruit. “[This, and] several [other] factors, including a high reproduction rate and short generation time, have contributed to its rapid spread in other parts of the world, where significant economic losses have been reported.” He added that SWD was a major concern…

2 min.

Misuse of chemicals leads to surge in bee deaths

The Western Cape Bee Industry Association (WCBA) has sounded the alarm over a sharp increase in honeybee poisonings across the province. This has been attributed to the often improper use of agricultural chemicals, according to the WCBA. The rising number of incidents has severe implications for food production, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of beekeepers who depend on healthy colonies for pollination services and honey production. According to Chris Nicklin, chairperson of the WCBA, the welfare of the country’s indigenous honeybees was not merely a beekeeping issue, and should concern everyone. “Without healthy and thriving honeybee populations, the agricultural output of the Western Cape will face severe challenges, potentially leading to reduced crop yields and economic losses for the province,” he said. Honeybees were responsible for pollinating over 50 different food…

2 min.

Biocontrol for macadamia trees developing rapidly

The availability of biological controls for macadamia tree pests has increased rapidly, but independent research is needed before large-scale uptake can take place. This was according to speakers at the recent AmberMacs Macadamia Expo in White River, Mpumalanga. Dr Schalk Schoeman, owner of Sonbesie Consulting, said that the biocontrols landscape had changed drastically over the past 10 years, from not having enough biological options in 2015, to having a range of options in 2025. “But the research needs to catch up. We have done a lot of laboratory testing, but now need in-field research to practically verify the efficacy of the different biocontrols,” he said. Schoeman lamented the lack of capacity and facilities at state level, which could provide research that was independent from the commercial companies selling the products.…

1 min.

USDA ‘mistakenly’ fires employees dealing with bird flu outbreak

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently admitted that it had ‘accidentally’ let go of several employees working on the H5N1 (bird flu) outbreak. This comes after the USDA earlier announced plans to streamline its workforce by cutting jobs and ending contracts. According to NBC News, this effort was influenced by billionaire Elon Musk’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’. According to a USDA spokesperson, the agency was now working quickly to reverse those decisions. The Guardian stated that, at the time of writing, the USDA had not yet responded to requests for further comment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that bird flu presented a minor threat to the general public, but that farmworkers obviously had a higher level of exposure to it. Nevertheless, the virus had a catastrophic…

1 min.

Pakistani farmers protest against government’s ‘anti-farmer’ plans

In mid-February, hundreds of farmers gathered in the small town of Bhit Shah in Pakistan’s Sindh province to launch a long-term protest against the government’s push to encourage corporate farming in the country, according to a report by Peoplesdispatch.org. The government recently announced its plans to build six new canals on the Indus River, which farmers argued would harm the environment and cost thousands of small-scale farmers their livelihoods. The farmers voiced their opposition to the government’s Pakistan Green Initiative (PGI), which was introduced just a day before. The PGI, a joint effort between the government and the Pakistan army, is an agricultural project aimed at advancing the country’s agricultural development. The farmers, however, demanded that the government withdraw the ‘anti-farmer’ project and cancel its plans for the canals. They…

1 min.

World in brief

IRELAND Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, recently formalised a three-year strategic partnership deal with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian organisation in the world. Under the agreement, Ireland would provide €105 million (about R2,45 billion) in funding to the WFP between 2025 and 2027 to help fight global hunger and food security, Agriland.ie reported. UNITED STATES In a recent exclusive interview with Breitbart News Network, newly appointed US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated that one of her top priorities would be to seek a federal solution to ban China from buying US farmland. “A lot of this farmland is around some of our military outposts,” she said. The Committee of 100, a nonprofit advocating for Chinese Americans, reported that as of…

2 min.

Healthy returns on macadamias still two years away

The macadamia industry is entering a period of recovery as prices start rising once again. However, the industry will have to endure at least another two years of slim margins before a full recovery can be realised. This was according to speakers at the recent AmberMacs Macadamia Expo held in White River, Mpumalanga. Juan Winter, managing director of Source BI, said that the macadamia industry saw three consecutive years of price decreases between 2020 and 2023. “In 2024, prices increased by 29%, but that only brought farmers R40/kg [of nut-in-shell]. At a breakeven point of R99 000/ha, farmers need at least R55/kg to cover direct on-farm costs,” he said. Winter added that the impact of the low prices was being exacerbated by the fact that many macadamia farmers had yet…

2 min.

One pangolin poached every three minutes worldwide

On World Pangolin Day, celebrated this year on 15 February, it was reported that one pangolin was poached every three minutes either for illegal bushmeat or to supply scales to the Asian market. This was according to the conservation communicator, Wild Africa. Each consuming up to 70 million ants and termites per year, pangolins play a crucial role in natural pest control. They also benefit the soil in which they burrow. By digging holes in the ground, they support the turnover of organic matter. According to a Wild Africa statement, in February, China submitted a Pangolin Conservation in China proposal to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Standing Committee regarding a reduction in pangolin scales used in traditional medicine. “The submission projected…

1 min.

Action taken to ‘save’ the African penguin

In February, legal papers were filed in the Pretoria High Court to potentially determine the fate of the critically endangered African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), according to the applicants. Farmer’s Weekly previously reported that environmental NGOs BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, represented by the Biodiversity Law Centre, first approached the Pretoria High Court in March 2024 to review and set aside former minister Barbara Creecy of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s 2023 decision on no-take fishing zones around key African penguin breeding colonies (see FW, 14 February). These zones had previously been delineated as temporary while government engaged with stakeholders, but Creecy’s decision means that these no-take fishing zones will be in effect for the next 10 years (up…

2 min.

Hortfin celebrates seventh anniversary

Hortfin, a blended-finance initiative dedicated to supporting South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry, recently celebrated its seventh anniversary. Established in 2018 by the deciduous fruit and grape industries, the initiative aims to provide crucial financial assistance to emerging growers and businesses in the value chain, and to foster industry expansion, economic participation, and job creation. Michael Brinkhuis, CEO of Hortfin, told Farmer’s Weekly that the company offered tailored debt and post-investment products, supporting emerging farmers in overcoming key financial barriers in the sector. According to Brinkhuis, the initiative has partnered with government departments, development finance institutions, commercial banks, and industry organisations to build a loan portfolio of approximately US$24,5 million (about R451 million). “Since its inception, Hortfin has assisted first-generation agribusinesses, facilitated the creation of over 2 000 jobs, supported the…

2 min.

Machinery sales outlook remains at normal level

After 21 months of negative sales, tractor sales increased by nearly 28% year-on-year (y/y) in January to 457 units, according to the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA). Combine harvester sales, however, declined by about 38% y/y to five units. Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said in a press statement that the increase in tractor sales reflected positive sentiment in the sector in combination with an ease in interest rates from last year’s levels and improved agricultural conditions, although regional differences existed. He predicted that these dynamics would likely support tractor and combine harvester sales in 2025, especially as some farmers were set to replace older machinery. Dr Jim Rankin, secretary at SAAMA, said that it was unlikely that tractor and combine harvester sales in 2025 would be higher…

1 min.

Gauteng, Mpumalanga on African armyworm alert

Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, operations and stewardship manager at CropLife South Africa, has confirmed a large outbreak of African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, he said that the infestation was widespread, covering hundreds of square kilometres. “The outbreak is extensive, particularly in grazing areas used by cattle farmers, feedlots and dairy farms. Crop farmers are largely unaffected, as the African armyworm does not typically cause much severe damage to crops,” Verdoorn said. However, he added that farmers should remain vigilant and closely monitor their fields for any signs of the armyworm. “Farmers should avoid unnecessary panic or excessive chemical spraying. This is an indigenous species, and many migratory birds naturally feed on the worms,” he explained. According to footage sent by affected farmers, Verdoorn said…

2 min.

SA sugar association pushes for diversification

At a South African Sugar Association (SASA) media tour in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, in mid-February, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to diversifying the country’s sugar industry in an effort to secure its long-term sustainability. SASA CEO Sifiso Mhlaba told Farmer’s Weekly about the importance of adapting to global trends while tailoring solutions for the domestic sector. “We have learnt internationally what has been done. We now need to do it for the domestic sector. But we need time. We need to understand what can be done, what’s possible, what’s viable, what the investment climate is like – and that requires time,” Mhlaba said. SASA’s diversification strategy has focused on bioethanol production, bioplastics and other value-added products derived from sugar cane. A key component of its plan involved partnerships with the Industrial…

2 min.

Small-scale sugar farmers upbeat on Gledhow

For the first time in more than four years, the Gledhow Sugar Company is looking forward to expansion. According to the North Coast Courier, after enduring a turbulent four years that culminated in the company entering voluntary business rescue in March 2023, management is now optimistic about expanding operations after successfully exiting business rescue. Corporate rescue expert Harry Spain said that while the business rescue process is technically ongoing until March next year, the majority of creditors have already been paid. This development followed the acquisition of Gledhow Sugar Company by the Ushukela Consortium, a partnership between Kenya’s Chatthe Sugar Company and the Sokhela sugar family, in 2024. Throughout the business rescue process, Gledhow’s 440 employees retained their jobs, and its continued operations helped preserve nearly 3 500 downstream jobs.…

2 min.

Tight ginger supply causes supermarket price rise

South Africa is experiencing a ginger supply shortage due to vessel delays affecting imports from the East, while the domestic season nears its end with significant disease pressure. According to FreshPlaza, while ginger was currently being harvested, local farmers were struggling with a high disease load. As a result, all ginger currently available in the country had been imported from China and Thailand by “speculators.” However, shipping disruptions had led to irregular arrivals, keeping market supplies tight. “Over the past six weeks, the average price of ginger in municipal markets ranged between R70 and R90 per kilogram, a typical price for this period when local supplies are scarce. However, supermarket prices were significantly higher, with per kilogram prices ranging from R189,90 for loose ginger to R300 for organic ginger in…

2 min.

Boplaas whisky wins major international award

Boplaas Family Vineyards & Distillery in Calitzdorp, Western Cape, recently received the highest honour for a South African grain whisky at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2025. Boplaas’s 10-year-old Rum Cask Whisky was named top grain whisky in its category. According to the sixth-generation Boplaas distiller, Daniel Nel, the whisky stood out among hundreds of entrants from across the globe. “The [competition] is one of the most comprehensive and highly regarded of its kind. As such, it’s an important benchmark for our style and quality. “It’s always very gratifying to be recognised for the lengths we go to in the making of truly exceptional spirits and wines. The dry Klein Karoo climate is ideal for ageing spirits and this award confirms this,” he told Farmer’s Weekly. The Rum Cask Whisky…

3 min.

Significant deviations as markets behave unpredictably

The fresh produce market experienced notable shifts in January, with supply recoveries, strong consumer demand, and seasonal trends influencing price movements. While historical patterns typically indicate lower volumes for certain vegetables at the start of the year, this season saw significant deviations. Increased supply in key categories placed downward pressure on prices in some instances, while sustained consumer demand supported price resilience in others. CABBAGES Cabbage supplies have shown a strong recovery, defying the historical trend of lower January volumes seen in recent seasons. For the week ending 31 January, the average cabbage price stood at R3,578/t, with supply reaching 1 991t. Prices declined by 4,3% month-on-month (see Graph 1), driven by a sharp 120,6% increase in average supply. Annually, average volumes supplied were down 14,4% (see Graph 2), which…

3 min.

Are you choking on complexity?

Iremember it well. As the newly appointed entomologist on a large, diversified agricultural estate, I was being shown around by the production manager, Oom Flippie Barnard While we were driving past an orchard, I commented on the good health of the avocado trees. With a bemused look on his face, Barnard glanced across at me. “Nee, boet,” he said, “hierdie is lietsjies, nie avos nie.” For the next 15 minutes I avoided any utterance that would further demonstrate my ignorance! When we reached the livestock section, I regained my confidence. I’d grown up in cattle country and knew cattle. Commenting on the Jerseys milling about the dairy, I got a nod of acknowledgement from Barnard. Next, we came across a lovely herd of Herefords, and I commented on how well…

3 min.

Turning the fruit trees in your garden into a source of income

Fruit has become very expensive. And while many small-scale farmers and even households have fruit trees like peaches, apricots and apples, they are often not considered to be sources of income or food because they are largely unproductive. They either produce very small fruit due to a lack of proper care, or are attacked by parasites and experience fungal infections. Recently I visited a farmer friend who had a massive avocado tree in his garden. The tree had about 600 beautiful avocados hanging from its branches and, considering the nutritional value and price of avocados, it is truly an asset. NUTRITION AND SOIL CARE Fruit trees require proper nutrition and soil care to produce healthy and abundant fruit. A balanced fertiliser is essential to provide the necessary nutrients for growth…

3 min.

Dismissal due to ill health or injury

What happens when an employee is incapacitated due to ill health or injury? What can and should an employer do when an employee’s health affects their ability to perform their duties? In such cases, the employer must follow specific steps to address the situation. INVESTIGATE The employer’s first step is to investigate. They must try to establish if the reason for the incapacity is due to ill health or injury, and obtain as many facts as possible regarding the employee’s ill health or injury. This is required to determine whether the extent of the employee’s ill health or injury is temporary or permanent. Obtaining medical reports from suitably qualified medical practitioners and specialists can assist in this regard. The employer must take all reasonable steps to investigate and obtain as…

3 min.

Farmer brain drain worse than export loss for agriculture

Since US President Donald Trump began his second term in office earlier this year, there has been growing diplomatic tension between Pretoria and Washington. This has sparked fears in South Africa that it could be excluded from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade deal set up by the US to allow certain African countries to export duty-free into the US market. IS AGOA IMPORTANT FOR SOUTH AFRICAN AGRICULTURE? South African agriculture is exportoriented, and its growth depends on accessing large markets like the US, China and the EU. AGOA is one of the important trade agreements that enable South African farmers to produce and export products like fruit, nuts, wine, fish and prepared foods. Without a doubt, access to the US market has been one of the…

3 min.

The origin of the Bonsmara

A PIONEER IS BORN 22 MARCH 1909 Jan Bonsma was born in Heidelberg in the then Transvaal to Klaas and Elisabeth Bonsma. He completed secondary school at Heidelberg Normaalkollege, which then became Heidelberg Teachers’ College. ARMED WITH KNOWLEDGE 1931-1932 Bonsma graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1931 with a bachelor of science degree, specialising in animal science, and received a senior teacher’s diploma from Heidelberg Teachers’ College in 1932, where his father was vice-principal. ON THE PATH TO GREATNESS 1933-1936 While completing his postgraduate studies, Bonsma taught at a secondary school in Pretoria from 1933 until mid-1935. In 1935, he received the George Farrar fellowship and, in 1936, he received a government fellowship. That same year, he graduated with a master’s degree in animal science. Thereafter, he continued his…

9 min.

From fallow land to award-winning wines: the Newstead story

Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, one of the pioneers of the Plettenberg Bay Winelands in the Western Cape, made history when it became the first wine estate outside the traditional Cape Winelands to win the Best Overall Producer Award in the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge in 2020. It solidified its position as a top Cap Classique producer by winning the award again in 2024. What makes these achievements even more impressive is that Plettenberg Bay was only named a Wine of Origin region in 2006. A WINNING TEAM After Peter and Caroline Thorpe started wine production near Plettenberg Bay in 2000, Doug and Sue Lund, owners of Newstead Lund Family Vineyards, followed suit in 2006 when they bought 11,5ha of fallow land in the region. Here, they planted 6,5ha of vineyards…

7 min.

The genetically unique Senepol: ideal for beef production in Southern Africa

Tiekie and Heleen Muller farm on the banks of the Vaal River near Bloemhof, on the Free State side. He runs a stud comprised of four bulls, 110 cows, and 35 heifers, and maintains an intercalving period of between 380 and 450 days. He also manages a 350-strong commercial herd, of which 200 of the cows belong to his son, NP. Muller considers the medium-framed Senepol as the beef cattle breed of the future because of its popular solid-red colour and the fact that it is naturally polled, among other factors. “The Senepol is an easy breed to work with because of its even temperament. The bulls’ fine, neat, and polled heads attracted me to the breed from the first time I laid my eyes on one. I strictly select…

2 min.

Global outlook for wheat in 2024/25

Wheat is an important staple crop for human consumption and animal feed across the globe. Rothamsted Research says that wheat is a primary food source for around 35% to 40% of the global population. It also says that wheat provides around 20% of the world’s daily calorie intake. Wheat is rich in carbohydrates, fibre, B vitamins and other minerals, like iron and magnesium. It is also used for the manufacturing of diverse products, such as bread and pasta. The crop can be grown in various climates around the world, is highly adaptable and can be used in crop rotation programmes to improve soil health. It is also one of the most traded agricultural commodities in the world, and while South Africa is a relatively small player in the global market,…

1 min.

Fact file of fungal diseases in wheat

LEAF RUST CAUSED BY: Puccinia triticina (fungus) SYMPTOMS: small, round, orange-brown pustules primarily on the upper leaf surfaces. Severe infections can lead to premature leaf drop, reducing grain fill. MANAGEMENT: plant resistant cultivars and apply fungicides when necessary. Regular monitoring is essential to detect and manage outbreaks early. POWDERY MILDEW CAUSED BY: Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (fungus) SYMPTOMS: white, powdery fungal growth on leaves, stems, and heads. Severe infections can cause leaf yellowing and necrosis, leading to reduced photosynthesis and yield. MANAGEMENT: plant resistant varieties and apply fungicides when necessary. Ensuring good air circulation through proper spacing and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilisation can reduce disease severity. STEM RUST CAUSED BY: Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (fungus) SYMPTOMS: elongated reddish-brown pustules on stems, leaves, and leaf sheaths. Infected tissues may become brittle, leading…

9 min.

Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals

Although there is no single soil management practice that is applicable to all cereal production areas in South Africa, some universal aspects remain important for profitable wheat production. “Successful cereal production is determined by the interaction of many factors, such as climate, soil cultivation and preparation, disease and pest prevalence and management, the use of suitable varieties for the specific area and production system, as well as management practices,” says Stephan de Groot, breeding project lead for wheat at Syngenta Seeds. He says farmers need to critically consider the different cultivation operations required to create the optimum seedbed. “Conventional tillage is recommended for wheat-on-wheat cropping cycles to reduce the chance of root diseases in the crop. However, it leaves the soil vulnerable to wind and water erosion.” De Groot adds…

3 min.

Growing onion sets

Onion sets are pickled onionsized bulbs that are planted in February in short-day areas. They can be harvested before winter when prices are at their highest in South Africa, especially for producers in cool, short-day areas like the Highveld. They also give farmers an onion crop they can sell over a very long period. Onions are conventionally harvested after winter in South Africa, which is the traditional marketing period in short-day areas. By planting early- and late-maturing short-day varieties together with sets, you can be marketing from June to December, and even longer if your onions are harvested in November and held over in storage for later marketing. To produce sets, you sow the seed in seedbeds from July to September at the normal density of 8g to 10g of…

3 min.

Phalaenopsis orchids: tips to help them survive and thrive

Growing potted Phalaenopsis orchids is not for the faint of heart, at least in my experience. Out of their natural environment, these showy tropical plants seem sensitive and challenging to maintain. Despite experts recommending the Phalaenopsis for beginners, I’ve lost count of the number of gorgeous specimens I’ve managed to kill in my lifetime, even when following online advice, much of which is contradictory. Here, Jacques Botha, general manager of Sawasdee Exotic Plants, Orchid and Bonsai Emporium in Kyalami, Gauteng, answers my questions and shares his expert advice. Q: Is it true that the number-one killer of potted orchids is incorrect watering? A: Yes, that’s 100% correct. The biggest mistake people make is to google what to do. They come across different opinions from all over the world that don’t…

3 min.

Age catches up with the Nissan Navara

The last time we drove a Nissan Navara was in 2021. The big news at the time was that the Navara was now built locally and that various updates would add some life to what then could have already been considered an ageing range of offerings. I remember the Navara Pro-2X as being right on par with just about any Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. The drive and ride quality sort of bakkie-like, the off-road ability the same, the tech thereabouts, too, and even the performance numbers were in the same ballpark. But what has happened since is that the double cab leisure bakkie market has moved on in leaps and bounds, especially with the likes of the currentgeneration Ford Ranger and its VW Amarok production sibling. These now offer…

1 min.

Microwave mango and granadilla cheesecake

SERVES 12 200g packet Tennis biscuits 80g butter, melted 15ml (1 Tbsp) golden syrup (optional) 1ℓ tub (4 cups) double-cream granadilla and mango yoghurt 385g tin condensed milk 1 mango, peeled 2 granadillas, cut in half • Blitz the biscuits in a blender until fine. Add the butter and syrup (if using) and blitz again until it all comes together. Press into the base of a deep 25cm microwave-safe dish. • Stir together the yoghurt and condensed milk, and pour it over the biscuit base. • Microwave for about eight minutes or until it is almost set. Allow it to cool and then refrigerate for at least two hours. • Cut the cheeks off the mango, close to the pip, then thinly slice each cheek through the width. Pack large…

1 min.

A granny cottage on stilts, with an upstairs deck

Dear Jonno, We have seen your designs for small homes in Farmer’s Weekly and particularly like the ones made of wood. There are some timber mills in my area, and I have an idea to use them as a source of material. Because of the sloping ground where we wish to build the house, we would like a raised floor, with walls made of timber slats. As this will be our ‘granny cottage’, the house only needs one bedroom and bathroom, with the living room and kitchen being as spacious as we can afford. Please include a leisure deck for days when the weather is good; it will be additional free living space. I hope this is enough for you to make a start. Kind regards, Harry Dear Harry, Here…

1 min.

Crossword 596

ACROSS 3. Trees and edible fruits of Malus domestica (6) 8. The cobra genus (4) 9. Desert lynx of North Africa and South Asia (7) 10. Climbing plant with bristly leaves and tendrils, its long, cylindrical fruit being eaten in salads (8) 11. Extensive landed properties (7) 13. The practice of growing only one kind of crop (11) 14. Bring to a better way of life (6) 16. Highly marbled beef of Japanese origin (5) 19. Food made from baked dough of flour or meal (5) 21. The ________ game fowl was bred in the US as a fighter but is now a show bird (8) 22. The ________ starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was introduced in South Africa in 1899 and has gradually spread eastwards from the Cape (8) 24. Small,…

2 min.

THE HITCHING POST

I’m an animal and nature lover who appreciates the little things in life. I do not need to be wrapped in cotton wool and restricted. I’m looking for a man who doesn’t drink or smoke much, a fun-loving family man whom I can talk to and laugh with and become really good friends. I love dancing, so if you do too, that’s a definite bonus. I am looking for a special person between the ages of 45 and 64 who is honest, genuine, smart, funny, principled, well-mannered, and a handyman. I am 54, very active and still young at heart. FREE SPIRIT I’m a widow in my 60s. I seek a kindhearted, trustworthy and genuine gentleman between the ages of 68 and 80. LOVE HONESTY I am a single black…

1 min.

Acidification kills bird flu virus in milk

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, in the US have discovered a costeffective way to kill H5N1, the virus that causes bird flu, in waste milk. While pasteurisation is the standard method of destroying the virus, it can be prohibitively expensive, and fewer than 50% of large dairy farms in the US pasteurise their waste milk. Waste milk includes colostrum, the first milk a cow produces after calving, and milk from cows treated with antibiotics or other drugs, thereby making it unsuitable for sale. If not properly treated, raw waste milk can spread bird flu, which has been found in dairy cattle across 16 US states. In their study, published in the Journal of Dairy Science in January, the scientists team found that adding citric acid to lower the…

3 min.

A mindset for success and spirituality

5 KEY WORDS: RAYMOND LEDWABA Raymond Ledwaba was tempted to give up on his multiplication tables as a child, but his father urged him to keep studying. That paid off, as Ledwaba went on to win a bursary to university, became a chartered accountant (CA), and got his MBA. With his combination of numeracy skills and creativity, in 2015, he founded the non-profit Diski Nine9, and in 2017, he took the leap into entrepreneurship full-time with ITTHYNK and later ITTHYNK Gaming. In The First-generation Founder (Tafelberg, R320), Ledwaba tells his moving and motivational story of growing up in a Soweto home where money was very tight. His book explains ‘how to build a start-up mindset and thrive’. His five key guiding words are: 1. Entrepreneur. To get started, you need a…

2 min.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Most writing on mental health and well-being these days will urge you to take a ‘digital detox’ – get away from the overload of work and personal information and communication pouring in through our devices. Then there are all the hordes urging caution about the risk of fake news emerging from the new artificial intelligence (AI) systems. So it stops you in your tracks to find the narrative flipped by Deepak Chopra, a clinical professor at the University of California, US, and a global best-seller for his more than 20 books on integrative medicine and well-being, usually incorporating elements of yoga and Buddhist philosophy. As Chopra explains in the introduction to his new book, Digital Dharma (Rider, R420), a techie first explained AI’s ability to remaster his YouTube videos into Hindi,…

6 min.

The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel is once a again a destination of choice

In its day, the Carlton Hotel in central Johannesburg offered the finest hospitality and, literally and figuratively, stood way above its competitors. Everything it offered was acclaimed. However, inner-city decay eroded its glamour and, ultimately, its doors were shut and its wares sold off piecemeal. Durban’s The Royal Hotel suffered a similar fate. The Southern Sun Cape Sun hotel on the Mother City’s Strand Street added high glamour to the already thriving Golden Acre precinct of the 1980s when it was built. It was connected to Cape Town’s train station and the bus depot through a series of concourses. For a time this was Cape Town’s answer to an underground railway. When financial hard times hit and the high-end boutiques moved elsewhere (to the V&A Waterfront precinct, for example), the…

2 min.

Ask Our Vet Treating your dog’s skin allergy

Dear Prof McCrindle, Up until five years ago, my now eightyear-old Staffie showed no signs of skin or food allergies, but then he had a bout of gastroenteritis. The veterinarian diagnosed an allergy to animal protein and prescribed a commercial ration that, at R2 000 per bag, is very expensive. Notwithstanding this diet, I noticed that his skin was very red and he scratched until he bled. He weighs 17kg, and the vet prescribed Apoquel at 20mg per day orally. Later, he also prescribed a cortisone tablet called Prednisone. This tablet, if given at a dose of two tablets nightly, helps prevent skin redness and itching. These tablets are also very expensive. However, my dog still tends to have severe outbreaks, particularly when its very hot and humid or after…

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Farmer's Weekly 7 March 2025 (Digital)

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