CATEGORIES

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.

Good rains boost SA's summer grain crop prospects

This week, Absa AgriBusiness analyses several market dynamics and shares its expectations for local grain and oilseed prices over the coming months.

A self-help tool for getting young people engaged in agriculture

The active engagement of the youth in agriculture is pivotal to the sustainability and growth of the sector. Empowering them with the necessary support is key to nurturing future farmers who are equipped to overcome future challenges like the effects of climate change.Dr Primrose Madende, researcher at the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State

Rallying to the cackle of this raucous bird

The gregarious and territorial Green Wood-hoopoe, also known as the Red-billed Wood-hoopoe, is extremely vocal and is often heard before it is seen. And for very good reason,

SA coffee lovers can expect price increase

South African coffee prices are expected to spike sharply in the foreseeable future because of failed crops in the country’s main importing countries: Brazil and Vietnam.

Paving the way for a greener dairy industry

The dairy industry is often criticised for its environmental impact, but a new innovation called DESTiny aims to empower farmers to take control of their carbon footprints. Riana Reinecke, the tool's developer, explained to Glenneis Kriel how it works and how farmers can benefit from it.

A different seedling tray for each specific purpose

Bill Kerr explains the different types of seedling trays available to vegetable producers. They vary in type of material and shape of cavities.

Production principles for hatchery success

The hatchery is the foundation of a fish farm. Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, says that by following his six hatchery principles, farmers can set a trajectory for success in the grow-out phase.

veggie Award-winning farmer: don't be afraid to ask for advice!

Vegetable farmer Sophy Litshani Musabeni doesn't miss an opportunity to broaden her knowledge on agriculture. Doing her own research and speaking to those in the know, she has catapulted herself from a small-scale emerging farmer to a commercial success in just seven years.

Laying the foundation: important insights= for emerging farmers.

Farming requires patience, resilience, and strategic planning. Speaking to Octavia Avesca Spandiel, Duncan Serapelwane, owner of Moalosi Bonsmara, shares essential advice for emerging farmers, focusing on sustainability, budgeting, biosecurity, and leveraging nature for long-term success.

The opportunities for South Africa in the G20 year

The year 2025 is going to be very different from what we experienced in 2024.

Upcycling sugar cane trash: the role of small-scale farmers

Involving small-scale farmers in the conversion of sugar cane trash to bioenergy has many benefits, write Prof Aluwani Maiwashe-Tagwi and postdoctoral fellow Unity Chipfupa, from the University of South Africa.

Free fertiliser for all crops

This article showed that South African researchers were tracking bacteria that could help maize and other non-legumes bind nitrogen from the air.