2016

Nkgono Jane says… January 2016 So many people will have taken leave over the holiday period but you, the farmers, will have worked hard to ensure that the nation has food. How blessed we are to have farmers who are prepared to give up so much for us – we salute you for your hard

Look out for these diseases in maize January 2016 Maize can be very susceptible to many different diseases. We are noticing this more and more as our cultivars and varieties are becoming more advanced. In the past maize cultivars were developed for resilience and resistance where now the biggest focus is on yield and production

What to expect from the inspector… January 2016 In previous articles regarding labour management we have discussed the management and record keeping of this aspect. Should you have employees, even if it is only one person, you are required by law to adhere to the requirements of the relevant legislation. To complicate matters, in South

Key aspects of stalk borer control January 2016 The African maize stalk borer larva or in the Latin binomial classification system is known as Busseola fusca and is indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa. The larva or caterpillar stage in the life causes major damage to maize and sorghum crops throughout the region and in particular South

SUNFLOWERS – a reliable alternative January 2016 We are well into the summer months now and still most of South Africa’s crop producing regions has received little to no rain at all. This is very concerning. We are certainly experiencing intense drought conditions. This is a difficult position for a farmer to be in as

Factors to consider when deciding on canola camps January 2016 Crop production in the Western Cape has embraced crop rotation to spread the on-farm risk, increase crop yields and increase effective weed management. Canola forms an integral part of crop rotation for many farmers in both the Swartland and southern Cape. It is very important

ARRESTED EAR SYNDROME sticks its head out in South Africa January 2016 Arrested Ear Syndrome (AES) also called Blunt Ear Syndrome, a relatively unknown phenomenon in South African maize production, has stuck its head out in isolated areas this past season. Some farmers have realised only half of their yield expectation in certain fields due

Grain SA interviews… David Mongoato January 2016 This month Ian Househam interviewed David Mongoato who farms on Hanover in the Matatiele District. David is not only dedicated and hard working, but is passionate and loves farming. He hopes to be a commercial farmer in the near future. Where and on how many hectares are you

Knowledge and skills can overcome any obstacle January 2016 The 2007 Grain SA Developing Farmer of the Year, Lepati Macaphasa, sadly passed away in August 2015. Fortunately Lepati had a succession plan in place as he thoroughly realised the importance of preparing his successors with the necessary farming knowledge and skills. Thabo and Motlalepula, his