Innholdsfortegnelse for 18+25 July 2025 i Farmer's Weekly

‘SOUTH AFRICA HAS BEEN PLACING EMPHASIS ON IMPROVED GENETICS FOR SOME TIME […]’ – Desmond Annandale, agricultural economist at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, on the rise in record-breaking prices being paid for stud animals (pg 15). ‘While generic marketing campaigns are good, to get maximum uptake consumers need to be shown how to incorporate avocados into their cuisines’ – Zander Ernst, marketing director at Allesbeste Boerdery, on the marketing strategies that need to be used to promote avocado consumption in countries such as India and China (pg 20). ‘In the absence of a leopard, farmers might have more problems with smaller carnivores’ – Dr Katy Williams, research and conservation director at the Cape Leopard Trust, on the importance of protecting leopard populations (pg 16–17). ‘South Africa may…

Ford Wildlife Foundation’s (FWF) support for field-based research and leopard conservation came under the spotlight at a media day recently hosted at Klipbokkop Mountain Reserve near Worcester in the Western Cape. As part of the event, journalists accompanied researchers from the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) into the field to see first-hand how a Ford Ranger, supplied by FWF, was helping the team carry out crucial conservation work in the region’s rugged and often inaccessible mountain terrain. Dr Katy Williams, research and conservation director at CLT, identified the vehicle as an essential tool in their day-to-day work. “Our research takes us deep into remote areas where normal vehicles simply cannot go. The Ford Ranger gives us the ability to access field sites, deploy and maintain camera traps, and transport equipment and…

Mention Border Collie breeders in South Africa, and Venron Border Collies (Venron) is likely to come up. Ronald and Venessa Juckes have built a reputation for their outstanding dogs, including Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) breed champions and grand champions. “There has only been one supreme champion, and that was our Glen, whom we bred, owned and showed,” says Venessa. The Venron puppies are bred from these award-winning lines, ensuring an exceptional lineage. The couple have extensive handling, training, and breeding experience, and are predominantly involved in KUSA activities. Ronald’s industry credentials are also impressive. “Ronald has handled Border Collies competitively in Europe. He is qualified to judge all herding breeds in South Africa and is recognised by various international bodies around the world,” says Venessa. “He judged at…

The South African Boer Goat Breeders’ Association (SABGBA) is the umbrella organisation for three separate goat breeds, namely the South African Boer goat, the Kalahari Red and the Savanna. What are the main goals of the association when it comes to the ongoing development and preservation of these breeds? The association’s main goals are to protect the genetic identity and history of the Boer goat, improve the breed, support breeders, expand markets and educate. This is done through the preservation of breed purity and genetic integrity. To preserve breed purity and genetic integrity, we maintain and enforce the official breed standard to ensure the Boer goat retains its distinct characteristics (for example, conformation, pigmentation, muscling and temperament). We oversee a rigorous animal registration and pedigree verification system, often via SA…

Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Chantel Arendse, lead of plant biotechnology at CropLife South Africa, says that for millennia, farmers have relied on conventional breeding techniques to enhance crop traits such as higher yields, pest resistance, and improved nutrition. “These methods involve crossing plants with desirable characteristics and selectively breeding the best offspring over multiple generations. However, this process is time-consuming and unpredictable,” she says. She adds that plant biotechnology is an advancement of these traditional methods. It enables scientists to introduce specific beneficial genes directly into a plant’s genome, creating genetically modified (GM) or biotech crops. “This allows for greater precision, ensuring that only the desired trait is incorporated without affecting other characteristics of the plant,” she says. THE GENETIC MODIFICATION PROCESS According to Arendse, genetic modification begins in a…

Although very popular in South America, where it originated, Capsicum baccatum is not planted widely in other countries. This species of chilli is also referred to as ají in Spanish, and is one of five domesticated chilli pepper species. The species comes in various colours and a wide range of shapes. Some, such as the Bishop’s Crown variety, are rather ornamental and would make interesting additions to a flower garden. Typically, C. baccatum ranges from 30 000 to 60 000 Scoville heat units. It is the dominant species grown in Brazil. The variety grown in South Africa was registered as ‘Piquanté pepper’. It has been grown in Kenya, Zimbabwe, and some other countries for decades, and is also called ‘pepperbells’. THE PEPPADEW In South Africa, Peppadew International marketed the Piquanté…

ACROSS 1. Pale-coloured, edible, carrotlike roots (Pastinaca sativa) (8) 5. Charged with water (8) 9. Grain storage chambers (5) 10. Sugar ____ peas are also known as mangetout (4) 11. Substitute officer (6) 12. North American name for swede (8) 14. Total; unmitigated (8) 17. Genus of plants with swordshaped leaves and spikes of brightly coloured flowers (9) 19. The British _____ include UK and the Republic of Ireland (5) 21. Utensil with a mesh for sifting (5) 22. Largest African lizard, also called Nile monitor (7) 23. Country, capital Nairobi (5) 25. Recurring idea in an artistic work, especially music (5) 27. Toy dog named after the Mexican state where it was first found (9) 29. Breed of cattle producing high-protein milk, originating in the second-largest of the Channel…

I am a 55-year-old single Caucasian lady who is 1,63m tall and slim. I have no dependants and reside in the Eastern Cape. I am a pet lover and enjoy the outdoors, gardening, going for walks, and living a healthy lifestyle. Caucasian men between the ages of 50 and 60, with similar interests and a desire to meet a keeper, are welcome to correspond with me. Please send a recent full-length photo of yourself with your reply letter. A KEEPER I’m a born-again Caucasian lady who loves adventure, travelling, cooking, and baking. I am seeking to meet a Caucasian gentleman of 55 years or older who shares my Christian faith and has similar interests. YOURS RESPECTFULLY I’m a 43-year-old budding new-age farmer at the start of my journey, seeking a…

During a recent webinar hosted by Hortgro, the opportunities and ongoing efforts to prepare South Africa’s pome and stone fruit industry for the EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) were discussed. Philippe Binard, general delegate of Freshfel Europe, said in a pre-recorded video that the regulation unfairly targets fresh produce, which accounts for only 1,5% of retail plastic use, and is likely to have a limited impact on the broader plastic pollution problem. He emphasised that plastic is not merely a cost, but plays a vital role in protecting quality, reducing food waste, and supporting marketing. SOME INCONSISTENCIES Binard also pointed out inconsistencies in the legislation, such as permitting plastic film on organic cucumbers to prevent contamination, while banning it on conventional ones. “We need a more coherent…

Goat production plays an important role in eradicating poverty and promoting food security in South Africa. Rural areas are dominated by indigenous veld goat (IVG) breeds and their uncharacterised crosses. These breeds are adaptable to low inputs and prevailing environmental conditions, according to a study done by the School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production at the University of Limpopo and the Agricultural Research Council’s Biotechnology Platform. The study emphasised the goats’ ability to withstand and survive harsh conditions. In this study, the natural genetic diversity and adaptability of IVGs was emphasised. The study animals showed a promising gene flow and shared genome ancestry. The motto of the South African Indigenous Veld Goat Breeders’ Society is to not spoil, transform or improve these veld…

Joubert Horn, owner of the Joubert Horn Boer Goat Stud, didn’t initially plan on becoming a farmer. “I don’t come from a farming background,” he says. “My father, a lawyer, had a small piece of land on which some Boer goats roamed when I was growing up, but he wasn’t a farmer.” Horn was born and raised in Burgersdorp in the Eastern Cape, and it was only at university that his interest in farming was piqued. “Many of my friends came from farming backgrounds, and as I interacted with them, I began to grow an interest in farming.” It was this influence that eventually led Horn to approach his father in 2010 about farming the Boer goats on his land. “When my interest in farming began, I started self-studying farming…

Transporting livestock on public roads in South Africa is regulated by the National Road Traffic Act of 1996 and other relevant legislation, including the Animals Protection Act. When transporting livestock, there are a number of key considerations, including obtaining necessary permits, ensuring animal health and welfare, using appropriate vehicles and handling practices, and adhering to specific time and distance restrictions. ANIMAL WELFARE There are times that livestock must be transported. When you buy animals, they will have to be moved to your farm. When you sell animals, they have to be moved to the buyer’s farm. Of course, animals are also transported to feedlots and abattoirs, sales and auctions. The general consensus is that transporting livestock is very stressful for the animals. This kind of stress can lead to weight…

Set in the massive Cradle Moon Conservancy north of Johannesburg, Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge offers an authentic bush getaway for the city-weary. Open to day visitors and longer-stay guests, the conservancy spans 1 600ha of farmland, owned by several landowners committed to preserving and rehabilitating local fauna and flora. Resident species include rhino, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, various antelope, hyena, jackal and aardwolf. Previously called the Heia Safari Ranch, the centrepiece is a 32ha dam on the Crocodile River, the largest stone dam in Africa. Standing 20m high and 300m wide, the cascading water can be admired from ground level and has been the backdrop to many a selfie. The property is the vision of late German tourism personality Franz Richter, reflecting his passion for Africa and the bush. By…

Dear Jonno, I’m writing to you to ask for help in designing a small cottage, or so-called granny flat, for my wife and I where we can relax in our old age. The site is on a smallholding in the Southern Drakensberg. We will need only one bedroom, which can be in an attic roof area, with a bathroom en suite as well. The main area at ground level must be open plan with lounge, dining, and kitchen facilities. Please keep the cottage as small as possible, but functional. We will be building with bricks for the main structure, with an iron roof. Kind regards, Josh and Martha Dear Josh and Martha, So nice to hear that you want to return to the country and live in the natural environment.…

Stepping into The Trade Boutique Hotel (Trade) on the Cape Town CBD’s Shortmarket Street is like stepping into a Wes Anderson dreamscape. The film director behind such classic films as The Royal Tenenbaums and The Grand Budapest Hotel has, in recent years, expanded into creating interiors, such as those for the prestigious vintage Belmond British Pullman Train. A COLLABORATIVE VISION A triad of businesses have made Trade the success it is today. Rawson Developers, Bone Studio, and TPF Hospitality were inspired by Wes Anderson’s ethos: centre-framed shots, pastel and saturated colours, a storybook or diorama-like appearance, and signature costume looks. In their homage to him, the team behind Trade and The Wes Bistro & Bar restaurant on the ground floor of the building, have created a witty and distinct hotel…

The five-day Cattle Dairy Farming Management & Production course offered by Rothman Livestock Training Services teaches the practical application and management of systems used in dairy management, including nutrition, record-keeping, the management of milking, and the installation of milking machines. Phone Rothman Livestock Training Services on 064 506 0720, email admin@rltsafrica.com , or visit rltsafrica.com. CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, AND EXPOS 5 AND 6 AUGUST Mitigating Pesticide Residue for Food Safety 2025 summit, Premier Hotel Cape Town, Sea Point. Phone Ryan on 073 946 9796, or email him at ryan@empiretraining.co.za. 12 TO 14 AUGUST South African Sugar Technologists’ Association Congress 2025, Durban ICC, Durban. Visit sasta.co.za. 10 TO 13 SEPTEMBER Nampo Cape Agricultural Expo, Bredasdorp. Phone 086 004 7246, or visit grainsa.co.za. 2 TO 4 OCTOBER Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa, Sandton…

Despite having not reached consensus after nearly three months of negotiations between Japan and the US, Japan’s top trade negotiator and Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa recently told the media that the country would not “sacrifice the agricultural sector” in negotiations, Reuters reported. President Donald Trump of the US had earlier said on Truth Social that Japan was not buying rice from the US. This was despite the fact that Japan had reportedly imported historically high volumes of rice from the US over recent months as the country struggled to ward off skyrocketing rice prices. Moreover, this apparent stand-off came as Japan was trying to convince the US to scrap a 25% tariff on Japanese cars and a 24% reciprocal tariff on other Japanese imports, Reuters said. However, Japan’s insistence on…

Tru-Cape Fruit welcomed a wave of international scientific research confirming that apples offer far more than convenience and taste. Research revealed that regular apple consumption can reduce the risk of chronic disease, while improving overall health. Conrad Fick, marketing director at Tru-Cape, told Farmer’s Weekly that recent studies have shown that apples support heart and gut health and may reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer. 'AN APPLE A DAY' “Scientific research supports Tru-Cape’s message, confirming that ‘an apple a day’ truly contributes to better health,” said Fick. According to a statement by Tru-Cape, a recent study by the University of Perugia in Italy, as reported by The Times of India, reviewed 41 earlier studies and found a strong link between regular apple consumption and a reduced risk…

In the rural heart of the Eastern Cape, near Aliwal North in the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality, Dintle Maphala runs her 287ha Angora goat enterprise on Goedehoop Farm. Through careful planning, disciplined management, and deep knowledge of animal health and nutrition, she has built a sustainable system that many aspiring and emerging goat farmers across South Africa can learn from. Since starting the operation in 2016, Maphala has built up her flock to 493 Angora goats. Her business was officially registered in 2021. Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Maphala says new farmers should base their flock size on available resources, such as land and start-up capital. She suggests beginning with around 50 breeding goats if possible, aiming for high kidding and weaning rates to grow the flock gradually and sustainably. “Start…

Christiaan Labuschagne started Hakuna Matata Stud on his farm Steenkampskraal in the Hoopstad district of the Free State in 2024. He farms in partnership with his wife Cecile and their four children: sons Christian (11), Melgaard (8), and AC (5), and daughter Jacolize (7). The stud currently consists of Boer and Savanna goats, with plans to branch out into Kalahari Reds in the near future. Although running for fewer than two years, Labuschagne’s Savannas are currently ranked number two in the country, and in the world. A LONG-TERM LOVE AFFAIR Labuschagne works in the agrochemicals industry and previously farmed exotic game on his 338ha farm, as well as running a small herd of Bonsmara cattle. He last owned goats about 30 years ago. “I was young and just thinking about…

In November 2021, Andrew Roberts, co-owner of the Maize Valley Savanna Stud, alongside Ju-mari Pretorius, placed a bid in an online auction on some Boer goat rams, but the connectivity was extremely poor. In the process of getting his bid placed, without realising it, he accidentally placed a bid on two Savanna ewes as well. These two ewes formed, in a manner of speaking, the rock on which the Maize Valley Savanna Stud was built. “It was only when the animals arrived on the farm that I realised I had accidentally bought two Savanna ewes as well. I wanted to sell them again right away. After a week they started to grow on me, so then and there I decided to start farming with them,” says Roberts. The Maize Valley…

SERVES FOUR For the filling 175g cream cheese 15ml (1 Tbsp) plain Greek-style yoghurt 15ml (2 Tbsp) castor sugar 15ml (1 Tbsp) vanilla extract 1 mango (peeled, pitted, and cubed) For the cake 150g cake flour 50g cocoa powder 5ml (1 tsp) baking powder 5ml (1 Tbsp) bicarbonate of soda Pinch of salt 70g butter, at room temperature 130g sugar 1 large egg 60ml (¼ cup) plain Greek-style yoghurt 200ml buttermilk For the topping Dry mangoes • Preheat the oven to 180°C, spray a 23cm loaf tin with a non-stick spray and set aside. • To make the filling, combine the cream cheese, yoghurt, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl and mix until well combined and smooth. • For the cake, mix the flour, cocoa, baking powder, bicarbonate of…

When the Zulus, from 1815 onwards, began to violently consolidate their empire in today’s KwaZulu-Natal, groups of refugees were dispersed as far as Lesotho and Zimbabwe. One desperate group consisting of various clans such as the Hlubi and Amazizi, fled into today’s Eastern Cape where they were eventually welcomed to settle amongst the Gcaleka Xhosa in the 1820s. In time they became known as the Mfengu, a name derived from the Xhosa phrase siyamfengusa, which means ‘we are wanderers seeking refuge’. Although welcomed by the Xhosa in the spirit of ubuntu, they nevertheless held a lowly social status in Xhosa society, which made them gravitate towards Rev John Ayliff’s Wesleyan mission station near today’s Butterworth. So, when a British mounted force entered Gcalekaland in mid-1835 in search of colonial cattle…