Are you choking on complexity?

A shift from conventional to no-till farming is a good example of a fundamental change that simplifies production and brings a host of other agronomic benefits, writes Peter Hughes.

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…

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Farmer's Weekly (Digital) - 1 Issue, 7 March 2025

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