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Pieter de Wet purchased land in the Klein Karoo to create an ecotourism resort, but the COVID-19 pandemic led him to shift to sheep farming with Meatmasters. De Wet's hybrid system involves extensive farming in Loxton and intensive production in Oudtshoorn, resulting in high lambing and weaning percentages. He markets Landrani lamb directly to consumers, offers genetics to other farmers, and uses technology for efficient production and traceability. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Lindie-Alet van Staden's excitement and gratitude after being crowned the Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker of the Year for 2024, recognizing her achievements as garden and olive orchard manager at L'Ormarins Wine Estate. Topics include her unexpected success in the competition, the challenges she faced during the interviews, and her desire to use the platform to advocate for farmworkers and highlight their value in the agricultural industry.

The article discusses the successful livestock export business of Gerrie Ferreira, who pioneered the legal export of live ostriches from South Africa in 1996. Topics include South Africa's unique livestock genetics, such as Boer goats and Dorper sheep, which are highly sought after internationally, the economic benefits of livestock exports for local farmers and service providers, and the importance of adhering to legal standards and maintaining high-quality exports to ensure market stability.

The article discusses the creation of "Agri's Got Talent," a platform designed to empower farmworkers by allowing them to showcase their talents. Topics include the impact of the competition on participants' lives, such as Chester Fisch's journey from a seasonal worker to a winner, the role of life skills and personal development programs in enhancing participants' futures, and the broader social impact of recognizing farmworkers' value in South Africa.

The article focuses on Dean Barnard, a successful farmer who has grappled with severe anxiety and psychological struggles despite his accomplishments. Topics include his journey from contemplating suicide due to adversity in farming and personal loss to finding faith and healing, the crucial support from therapy and loved ones that helped him cope with his mental health, and his commitment to sustainable farming practices.

The article focuses on the creation of Creation Wines, a renowned winery established by Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge near Walker Bay. Topics include the farm's transition from a sheep farm to a successful winery, the couple's winemaking heritage, and the challenges and potential they saw in the South African wine industry compared to Europe.

The article presents an interview with Themba Rikhotso, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Land Bank. He discusses the bank's recovery from debt default, including the causes of its financial troubles, strategies for managing non-performing loans, and efforts to rebuild its agricultural loan portfolio. Topics include the impact of mismanagement, outsourcing, and the importance of proper loan management and insurance for farmers.

The article focuses on the revitalization and sustainable practices at Vergenoegd Löw estate, including the restoration of its historical buildings and integration of nature-focused initiatives. Topics discussed include the estate's innovative agricultural practices with ducks, cattle, and sheep, the implementation of disease-free vineyard management, and the introduction of a dedicated winemaker to enhance wine quality.

An interview with John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, is presented. Topics include the increasing pressure on farmers to adopt sustainable production practices due to environmental concerns, stricter export regulations, and climate change; the significant obstacles farmers face; and the need for better decision-making and management strategies.

The article "Paving the way for a greener dairy industry" discusses the development of a web-based tool called DESTiny to help dairy producers analyze and calculate their carbon footprints. Developed by Riana Reinecke, the tool goes beyond a simple carbon calculator to consider a farm's environmental impact holistically. It aims to provide a science-based approach to measuring sustainability and inform future policy development related to carbon emissions in the dairy industry. The tool is available for free to farmers, researchers, and technicians to assess their environmental footprints and make data-driven decisions to improve sustainability. [Extracted from the article]

Preserve Botanica is conducting research on upcycling hops waste, funded by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV. CEO Wanda du Plessis explores the various applications of hops beyond brewing, such as medicinal herbs, skincare products, and insect repellents. The research aims to reduce waste in the brewing process and unlock opportunities for the industry. Du Plessis also investigates the antimicrobial and medicinal properties of hops essential oils, with potential applications in gut health and appetite suppression. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the cautious optimism of South Africa's deciduous fruit growers for the 2024/25 season, despite challenges such as weather-related crop damage and reduced planting trends. Topics include the expected increase in apricot exports after a decline in 2023/24, the growth in nectarine plantings and exports, and the impact of frost and weather conditions on early fruit varieties like nectarines and peaches.

The article highlights effective strategies for managing calving and reproductive health in Dexter cattle, noting their generally low incidence of calving problems. Topics include the importance of proper maturity and body condition for heifers, the prevention and management of reproductive diseases, and the role of nutrition and parasite control in maintaining overall cattle health.

The article focuses on Nestlé's efforts to achieve waste-free operations and net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing the role of sustainable practices in dairy production. Topics include Nestlé's emission reduction strategies and progress, innovative water and waste management at its Mossel Bay factory, and the implementation of regenerative agriculture and renewable energy at its first carbon-neutral dairy farm, Skimmelkrans.

The article focuses on De Rustica Olive Estate's historic achievement of winning top awards at the 2023 EVOOLEUM Awards in Spain and its subsequent success in other international competitions. Topics include the estate's shift to a free bush tree architecture, the challenges of expanding export markets due to the small volume of South African EVOO production, and the collaborative efforts to create a unified premium quality brand for South African olive oil.

The article focuses on Dian Landman's success in enhancing the profitability and sustainability of Lactimar farm despite challenges from irregular rainfall and climate change. Topics include the farm's adaptation strategies, such as increasing cow numbers and switching breeds, the role of technology like AfiCollars in managing livestock, and the farm's continued reliance on strong foundations built by his father.

The article highlights the ongoing challenge of grapevine leafroll disease in South Africa, emphasizing its detrimental effects on grape production and vineyard longevity. Topics discussed include the insufficient response to the virus among grape farmers, advancements in detection and management strategies, and the potential for immune rootstocks and machine learning to improve disease control.

The article focuses on Rowan Delport and Juan Rabe's journey into hydroponic farming after switching from aquaculture studies, highlighting their practical approach to overcoming high land costs by using under-cover hydroponic methods. Topics include their initial market research, hands-on experience gained from working on a farm in Israel, and their strategy of starting small with minimal infrastructure to keep costs low, despite not drawing salaries for the first two years of their venture.

The article presents an interview with Niveshen Govender, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Wind Energy Association, about the state of wind energy in South Africa and its opportunities for agriculture. Topics discussed include the country's current wind energy capacity and potential growth, the challenges of grid expansion and policy alignment, and the environmental and economic benefits of wind energy for rural areas and farmers.

The article focuses on Barry Meijer's journey to rejuvenate Meijer's Rust farm in the Klein Karoo through regenerative agriculture practices, driven by the need to improve soil water-holding capacity amid declining rainfall due to climate change. Topics include his initial challenges with soil quality, the impact of reduced rainfall on farming operations, and his shift towards regenerative practices inspired by experts advocating for improved soil health.

The article focuses on the World Veterinary Association Congress in Cape Town, highlighting the theme "Resilience in the face of adversity" due to the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on veterinary services and the recognition of veterinarians as essential health workers. It discusses the severe shortage of veterinarians in South Africa exacerbated by emigration, the resulting challenges in animal health and biosecurity.

The article discusses herbicide resistance in Australia, emphasizing its escalation due to reduced herbicide options, threatening food security. Topics include the development of non-chemical weed control strategies like Harvest Weed Seed Control (HWSC) systems, strategic tillage, and targeted herbicide application to combat resistance effectively.

The Fairtrade movement, which focuses on social and ethical trading, was launched in the late 1980s to give smallholder coffee farmers in Mexico access to more lucrative markets. Today, Fairtrade has expanded to include a wide range of products and supports over 1.8 million farmers and farmworkers across 72 countries. Fairtrade differentiates itself from other ethical trading certifications by prioritizing producers over profit and selling products at a minimum price with a premium charged on top. The premiums generated are used for community improvements, training, and resources. Fairtrade faces challenges such as price sensitivity among consumers and new EU regulations that may make it difficult for smallholder farmers to access European markets. However, Fairtrade is diversifying its market and working to improve the climate resilience of its producers through training and education. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on farmers would succeed if they focused on the things under their control. Topics include farm management should be holistic, it should take the economy, society and ecology into account; and directly impacts the availability of oxygen and water to plant roots and soil organisms.

The article focuses on Paul Siguqa, one of the first black owners of a wine farm in the Franschhoek Valley, detailing his journey from a farmworker's son to a successful premium wine producer. Topics include Siguqa's unique path to farm ownership, his dedication to producing high-quality wines, and the challenges and achievements in establishing Klein Goederust as a boutique winery and cultural destination.

The article focuses on the adoption of subsurface irrigation in fruit and grape farming in South Africa, exploring the challenges faced and new technologies developed to overcome them. Topics discussed include the inefficiency of traditional subsurface irrigation methods, the introduction of new patented technologies by Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Irrigation, and the potential benefits of these innovations in improving water efficiency and fertiliser application in orchards and vineyards.

The article in Farmer's Weekly warns farmers to be cautious of fraudsters and deals that seem too good to be true in the agricultural sector. It highlights a case where a farmer was sentenced for selling cows falsely claimed to be in calf, resulting in a significant loss for the buyer. The article also discusses common types of fraud in the red meat and poultry industries, emphasizing the importance of dealing with reputable buyers and sellers to mitigate risks. Additionally, it mentions challenges faced in the beekeeping industry, such as theft of hives and adulterated honey being passed off as genuine. [Extracted from the article]

The 2025 wine grape harvest in South Africa is expected to yield good-quality grapes due to favorable conditions leading up to the harvest, including adequate winter rain and sufficient irrigation water. While export volumes have declined in recent years, there is optimism for growth in the wine industry, with opportunities for premiumization and expansion in markets like Africa. Challenges such as illicit trade, health concerns, and excise pressures need to be addressed to ensure industry sustainability and growth, along with a focus on farm-level efficiencies and strategic market development. Despite these challenges, there is an optimistic outlook for the South African wine industry, with a focus on wine tourism, quality improvement, and industry maturation. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Mac Mabidilala's journey into agriculture through Terrabosch Wines and Culinara olive oil brands, inspired by his family's farming heritage and career in brand marketing. It mentions despite initial challenges and skepticism, Mabidilala pursued his passion for agriculture by leasing neglected olive orchards in Stellenbosch, demonstrating his commitment to realizing his farming dreams and building a legacy for his daughters.

An interview with Dr. Louis du Pisani highlights the interconnectedness of soil health, veld health, and animal health, emphasizing the crucial role of microorganisms in rangeland ecosystems. He discusses the recent attention to soil microbiome research, the symbiotic relationship between plants and soil microorganisms, and the impact of biodiversity on soil health and agricultural productivity.

The article offers information on the Maribelle apple, identified as the most lucrative apple in Europe. Topics include its high yields, low diversion to the juice market, and benefits for South African producers. The article also discusses the variety's resistance to diseases, its use in value-adding products, and the production practices for Maribelle apples in Europe and South Africa.

The article focuses on the increasing popularity of Dexter cattle in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape, due to their suitability for regenerative farming systems and the unique quality of their meat. Discussions at a recent farmers' day highlighted the role of Dexter cattle in improving soil health, their adaptability to intensive farming systems, and the potential for farmers to diversify income streams through their management.

The article underscores the centrality of farming carbon to nitrogen in soil management, advocating for increased carbon content to enhance soil quality and crop resilience. Topics discussed include methods for building soil carbon levels, the importance of soil health for plant health, and the significance of carbon dioxide in optimizing photosynthesis and crop growth.

The article informs about Adrian and Phillip Robinson, who initially aimed for an ecotourism venture on their 1,800ha farm in the Nuy Valley but shifted to export fruit production due to cost challenges. Topic include Despite their lack of farming background, they now successfully cultivate wine grapes, plums, nectarines, peaches, and olives, and later diversified by opening a craft brewery and restaurant in 2010 to overcome financial struggles in the fruit farming industry.

The article informs about that a Cripps Red apple orchard at Dunmanway Farm won Two-a-Day's Stewart Murray Champagne Orchard Trophy by manipulating the orchard to achieve high yields with no negative impact on packouts. Topic include Owner James Downes attributes the success to cool climatic conditions, advisory services from Two-a-Day's technical support team, and family support, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between production and longevity in orchard management.

The article discusses the transformation of Numbi Valley, a farm near De Rust in the Klein Karoo, by Kathryn Eybers and Ross Dwyer, who used permaculture design to restore the depleted land. It mentions that this couple, with a background in soil science and a passion for nature, adopted permaculture principles focused on earth care, people care, and fair share to create a healthy ecosystem on their farm, emphasizing diversity,and the use of natural cycles like lunar planting phases.

The article discusses the success of Stettyn Farm in the Western Cape, which recently won the Tru-Cape Award for its exceptional apple production achievements. Topics include the collaborative and close-knit farming community, the farm's transition from wine grapes to pome fruit production, and the innovative approaches used to ensure high-quality fruit harvesting and handling.

The article focuses on the importance of using certified plant material and proper vineyard management during the planting stage to ensure the success and productivity of new vineyards. It emphasizes the need for disease-free plant material, suitable rootstocks, correct planting techniques, and soil preparation to avoid costly mistakes and potential vineyard failures.

The article focuses on the development and impact of the Combi Rough Terrain (RT) forklift in the broiler and fruit farming industries. Topics include the inefficiencies of previous broiler collection methods, the features and benefits of the Combi-RT forklift, and its successful integration into broiler and pome fruit farm operations, improving efficiencies, and worker safety.

The article focuses on the economic contributions of the wine and brandy industry to South Africa in 2022, highlighting its impact on GDP, job creation, and the challenges faced by the sector, including declining farm income and the need for urgent intervention to sustain the industry. It mentions the study also emphasizes the significance of wine tourism in generating revenue and its positive growth despite challenges.

The article offers information on Vivian Jakobs, who, despite facing skepticism due to his background as a farmworker's child, has risen to become the manager of one of Crispy Farms, where farmworkers hold a 51% stake. Jakobs recently won the Western Cape Agri-Prestige Worker of 2023 award, earning a cash prize and an educational trip overseas.

The article offers information on the combination of biochar and volcanic rock in a product called Regenr8, created by Aquagel, to enhance soil carbon content, mitigate climate change, and improve nutrient density in food. Topics include trials conducted during the 2023 winter cereal season, where Regenr8 was applied at different percentages in comparison to traditional fertilizers.

The article focuses on New Holland's development and commercialization of the world's first methane-powered tractor, highlighting its environmental benefits and growing market demand. Topics include the tractor's awards and features, the economic viability of biodigesters for farmers, and the challenges posed by high initial investment costs for methane production systems.

The article focuses on the escalating issue of succulent poaching in South Africa, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, involving rhino, abalone, and ivory poaching. The topics include the increased scale of the trade, the impact on succulent species and the efforts of conservation bodies and government agencies to combat the illegal trade.

The article discusses the role of the Eksteenskuil Agricultural Co-operative in the raisin production and empowerment of the Eksteenskuil community in the Northern Cape. It highlights the challenges faced by community members, such as the need for title deeds to access financial resources, and the efforts of the co-operative to bridge the gap by applying for grants and financing for the group as a whole.

The article presents the views of farmers on the significance of agricultural shows, specifically Nampo Harvest Day, in strengthening regional communities and showcasing agricultural expertise. Topics discussed include the economic benefits; opportunities for learning and networking; and the importance of personal interaction in agricultural shows.