Field Crop farming | Farmer's Weekly

Pannar’s quality seeds ensure a prosperous future

Staff Reporter — Mon, 08 May 2023 13:03:31 +0000

At NAMPO 2023, Pannar’s team of experts will be available to help farmers determine which maize hybrid seed with PowerCore™ technology best suits their farm for the next growing season.

Preventing and controlling diseases of sunflowers

Janine Ryan — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 08:30:07 +0000

Diseases of sunflowers, such as brown rust and head rot, can cause severe economic losses for farmers. Janine Ryan looks at the signs of these and other diseases that can help farmers to identify them, as well as some control and prevention strategies.

The award-winning cucumber farmer who’s focused on the future

Magda du Toit — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 10:09:19 +0000

Planning and forward thinking are important in farming, says Kobela Mokgohloa, the owner of Korema Farm in Winterveldt near Pretoria. He spoke to Magda du Toit about how he grew his cucumber production, as well as his plans for the future.

Transform maize production with Pannar’s PowerCore™ technology

Staff Reporter — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:58:04 +0000

Farmers can reclaim their power by integrating powerful insect-resistant seed traits in their maize crop production, thanks to Pannar's PowerCore™ technology

Plant health: Protect your canola from blackleg

Glenneis Kriel — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 08:00:10 +0000

With blackleg being amongst the worst diseases of canola, South African researchers are conducting trials to find the most resistant cultivars and most effective fungicides for local conditions. Dr Gert van Coller of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture offers advice on control of the disease.

Cassava: an untapped resource in South Africa

Staff Reporter — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 08:00:26 +0000

Light Ngobeni and Zinhle Nkosi, agricultural economists and master’s students at the University of Pretoria and the University of Limpopo respectively, write about the importance of cassava production for farmers and consumers in South Africa, and how to develop the value chain.

A shorter growth cycle for higher lettuce profits

Lindi Botha — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 08:00:57 +0000

Lettuce is beholden to an inconsistent market, with demand often dependent on the weather. Sustainable production therefore requires careful management of supply and demand. Equally important, as farmer Jakkie Mellet explained to Lindi Botha, is a shorter, more productive, growth cycle.

Cactus pear: one crop, three profitable markets

Annelie Coleman — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 09:44:23 +0000

One of the most important decisions the Van der Berg brothers ever made was to include the production of cactus pear in their farming operation. Dewald van der Berg spoke to Annelie Coleman about their business.

Factors influencing maize yield

Magda du Toit — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 08:00:51 +0000

Yield potential refers to the maximum yield that a farmer can obtain from a crop in a given environment and is largely determined by a specific combination of factors. Magda du Toit spoke to industry experts about the basic principles that determine yield and profit in maize farming, and how a farmer can improve results.

Avocado production: how a trellising system can optimise yield

Magda du Toit — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 07:57:11 +0000

The Ernst family, owners of Allesbeste Boerdery in Tzaneen, are renowned for their pioneering research and development work in the avocado industry. Zander Ernst, director of marketing and production at Allesbeste, spoke to Magda du Toit about their latest project, which involves the trellising of avocado trees.