Emerging farmer support
Introduction Small-scale farming is useful and should be supported. Entry levels are lower than for commercial farming; machinery and technology is not as sophisticated, and it creates food security for the families who are farming, allowing for economic activity. As pointed out in an article listed under the “Websites & publications” heading, agriculture does not have to […]
Fibre crops
Baobab, coconut, flax, hemp, kenaf, sisal
Wheat
Introduction After maize, wheat is the second most produced food worldwide (rice is third). Wheat is mainly used for human consumption. It can also be used as seed and as animal feed. The grain is a staple food from which bread, biscuits, cake, cereal, pasta, noodles and couscous can be made. It is used for […]
Sunflower
Introduction Sunflower seed is primarily used for manufacturing sunflower oil and oilcake (what is left after the oil has been extracted). After the hull is removed the seed can be consumed or used for different oil production. Most of the seed produced is marketed locally to expressers, animal feed and for seed. The greatest importance […]
Rustler’s Valley (part VII): nurseries and a healing centre
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-17 In Blog Generally Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) has a low profile in the country, which makes the “Indigenous medicinal plants” chapter quite a task every time we update the Agri Handbook! Imagine our delight to find out that Byron Maclean and Soozi van der Linde are medicinal plants experts! Idealism without […]
Rustler’s Valley (Part IV): return to the lodge
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-17 In Blog As we descended, we caught intermittent glimpses of a figure in the distance, probably making his way towards us. We smiled to see the person whose team had given us such a welcome on the previous evening – Jappie. After greetings all around, we set off, treading […]
Rustler’s Valley (part VIII): view from a neighbour
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-17 In Blog It was Gino’s idea that we meet a neighbouring commercial farmer or two; see what they had to say about developments at Rustler’s Valley. We had met Ray Strydom briefly the day before and so I jumped at the second name offered – Christian Findlay. The road […]
Rustler’s Valley (Part III): the hike
Add Your Heading Text Here By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-17 In Blog The outlines of mountains were hinted at in the growing light of a new morning, and then there they stood, playful and confident, and with them the familiar scenery of the eastern Free State. We had been aware of the gathering mountains as we had edged […]
Rustler’s Valley (part VI): Naledi Village Farmers’ Co-operative
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-17 In Blog Jackie Zondo is clear on one point: “Everything you see is an initiative of the community”. The point is discussed in several places – how a community must be included in whatever has to do with them. In our Boreholes & windmills chapter, for example, a role player discussing water […]
Rustler’s Valley (part IX): Conversations
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-17 In Blog The facilities at EarthRise Mountain Lodge are comfortable, and conducive to conversation. Indeed, several happened during our stay. Every time we arrived at the reception, we were impressed by the warmth of those present, a warmth matched by the fireplace, a welcome attraction on cold days and cold […]