CATEGORIES

Learners prompted to consider agri careers

In late January, Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Nonceba Kontsiwe launched a back-to-school campaign in the town of eMaxesibeni, part of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality.

Conservation collaboration transforms lives and catalyses meaningful change

The collaboration between the African Conservation Trust (ACT) and the Social Employment Fund (SEF) is not only transforming lives and landscapes, but is a catalyst for meaningful change.

Revised Network Statement shows clear intent to move agricultural products back to rail

POLICY PERSPECTIVE by Theo Boshoff

Protecting the world's forests

This excerpt of a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides projections on fuelwood and roundwood production, and offers some pragmatic solutions that are needed to protect the world’s forests, which are essential for the livelihoods of many people.

Cederberg frog discovery of 'extreme importance'

The identification of a new frog species, the Cederberg dainty frog (Cacosternum cederbergense), in South Africa in late 2024 is of the utmost importance for the preservation of biodiversity. This was according to herpetologist Tyrone Ping.

Farmers warned to look out for fraudsters and deals that seem too good to be true

Fraud happens everywhere, even in the agriculture sector, where many negotiations rely on relationships and goodwill. Glenneis Kriel reports on the situation and how to safeguard yourself against such crimes.

Addressing water scarcity and other agri issues through innovative irrigation

Smart irrigation helps address the challenges of water scarcity and unpredictable weather, and promotes operational efficiency, writes Eran Ossmy, president of Rivulis’ Micro Irrigation Division.

Canadian farmers expected to face trade challenges in 2025

Possible tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports have been a source of anxiety for the country since the new US government under President Donald Trump came into power in late January.

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to combat diseases in animals

When it comes to protecting your animals’ health, vaccination stands out as one of the most crucial and effective preventive measures available, writes Boehringer Ingelheim’s Dr Michelle Enslin.

New year starts with a volatile veg market

This analysis by Absa AgriBusiness outlines market trends, highlighting the factors shaping each vegetable category's performance.

Ayrshire cattle perfect for mixed farming

This article showed how Ayrshire cows are ideal for dairy production in a mixed farming enterprise.

EU Green Deal mirror clause could put many SA farmers out of business

Fruit producers exporting to the EU will face significant declines in profitability as the Green Deal reduces pest control options. Lindi Botha reports on the impacts on key commodities.

Best practices for grain farmers

Maize and wheat are the two most important staple foods in South Africa. With stable consumer demand of these grains and the continuous development of production techniques, Lindi Botha reports on how producers should approach such farming ventures.

Equine dentistry: is 'bit seating' really necessary for all horses?

While most horse owners agree that it’s a good idea for riding horses to be examined by a dentist at least once a year, the need for bit seating depends on the type of riding, says Dr Mac.

Recovery of SA agriculture sector possible in 2025

The year 2025 is expected to be one of recovery for the South African agriculture sector, according to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz.

Oilseeds: vital for crop rotation

Oilseeds play a dual role on a crop farm, providing a valuable product and a mechanism for enhancing soil health and reducing input costs. Lindi Botha reports on the key considerations to make the best of sunflower, soya bean, and canola crops.

Drought and farming: how SA women are using indigenous knowledge to cope

In a study of small-scale farmers in an impoverished area, Dr Jabulile Mzimela and Prof Inocent Moyo of the University of Zululand found that women in particular had employed traditional farming practices to adapt to drought. Now, the academics are calling for the integration of indigenous knowledge in farming programmes.

The benefits of treating seed before sowing it

Pathogens can be removed from vegetable seed by treating it with hot water at 51°C for about half an hour. Bill Kerr explains this procedure as well as using trisodium phosphate to kill seed viruses.

Charting a new course for South Africa's sugar industry

Jennashree Govender, the first female CEO of the South African Sugar Millers’ Association, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about her leadership journey, industry challenges, and vision for transformation.

South Korean company leveraging AI-driven smart farming tech

Smart farming, or precision agriculture, integrates technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and the Internet of Things to tackle agricultural challenges like labour shortages, sustainability and efficiency. This approach allows producers to boost their yields with fewer resources.

Crocodile farming: the importance of adapting to climate change

Crocodile farming is a profitable niche industry in South Africa that is focused on supplying premium skins to the global luxury goods market. However, as the effects of climate change intensify, maintaining ideal conditions for these reptiles becomes more difficult. Sinenhlanhla Mnewango spoke to two farmers about how they're tackling these challenges while supporting conservation and economic growth in the country.

Elsenburg students shine at awards ceremony for agricultural studies

At an event held in December, graduates from the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in Stellenbosch were honoured for their exceptional academic achievements in 2024.

From beer to botanicals: the surprising potential uses for hops waste

Preserve Botanica is pioneering research into upcycling hops waste. CEO Wanda du Plessis spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the company’s groundbreaking findings and their potential impact on the industry.

South Africa eyes red meat export opportunities in Algeria

As Algeria's red meat demand surges, Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on South Africa's readiness to supply world-class beef and lamb to this vital market.

Study urges new way for youth agri-involvement

The participation of young people in the South African agriculture sector remains low, despite various efforts to get the group more interested in the sector.

Agripreneur wins top award for butternut coffee

Bloemfontein-based agripreneur Chantelle de Bruyn has achieved global recognition.

Final fresh produce inquiry pins low level of transformation on farming environment

The Competition Commission released its final report on the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry in mid-January, maintaining that transformation in the industry was being impeded by a lack of support for emerging farmers.

Illegal fishing in Australia reveals market gap for farmed sea cucumber

Illegal fishing practices in Australia have revealed a large market opportunity for sea cucumber farming.

An introduction to the Ford Ranger Tremor

In December 2024, the CAR magazine team received the Ford Ranger Tremor to accompany them through the festive season and into the new year. Oliver Keohane looks at what the Tremor is all about.

A farmer's experience with bush encroachment

Farmer David Addenbrooke has worked in the Zimbabwean beef industry for around four decades. Here, he relates his experience with bush encroachment and offers farmers some advice on battling this scourge.