New study identifies best practice in livestock production and marketing for small emerging farmers
A comparative study exploring the challenges farmers face in two cattle-farming provinces in South Africa and Kenya shows that trader or broker market control, prevalent in Kenya, should be avoided in South Africa as market access for farmers is improved.
Agricultural shows: MACFRUT
We have written before about the valuable place occupied by agricultural shows and events. Work on our first agricultural publication was confirmed after attending South Africa’s Nampo Harvest Day in 2003 (see our account on that here), and as the years passed, we anticipated this and similar events with enthusiasm as a place to meet up with old friends and to keep our fingers on the pulse.
Westfalia Fruit achieves Carbon Measured certification from the Carbon Trust
After engaging with the global experts on climate change, the Carbon Trust, Westfalia Fruit is ensuring compliance with best practice for carbon emissions.
South Africa’s first saffron season exceeds expectations
South Africa started its first full-fledged planting of saffron this year, and the first season exceeded all expectations, with most farmers producing successful crops.
South African agriculture: looking in from outside
Wanting to know more about agriculture in South Africa? Whether you are wanting to export to this country, import from it, or are just plain curious about what happens here, you will find Agribook Digital a very useful first stop
Exporting in the Global Village
When we started the agricultural project in 2003 the term “Global village” was in vogue, perfectly capturing the immediacy and connectedness of the different countries on planet earth. What it pointed to still applies.
On Vegetables
“I would like to know, if I’m starting a vegetable crop farm, how much crops advised for 6 hectares of land? Or how do farmers calculate such? As well, please do add in any information a new farmer should keep in hand. And if starting with seeds or seedlings is advisable. And lastly, would you possibly assist with where or how can I distribute/sell vegetables to either retailers or other organizations after”.
On Sheep Feedlot Training
A query this morning was “I’d like to find out about training opportunities on sheep farming, in particular sheep feedlots”. After checking on the caller’s age and whereabouts, we asked for an email address to jot down various possibilities which came to mind.
SAB turns brewery waste into spinach for the sake of local communities
Just like the cartoon, hero and sailor man Popeye saved his beloved Olive Oyl with a healthy dose of spinach, so too is the South African Breweries (SAB) providing economic salvation to a local start-up Business near its Ibhayi Brewery in the Eastern Cape.
South African riots and food security: why there’s an urgent need to restore stability
When South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the nation on July 12 amid violence and destruction of property in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, he warned of several risks if the situation was not resolved swiftly. One of them was food security.