Livestock theft is wreaking havoc on the South African economy, causing an estimated annual loss of 1.4 billion. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, with farmers living in constant fear for their lives and witnessing the brutal and savage on-site slaughtering of their cattle. The repercussions are dire, not only for individual farmers but also for the broader agricultural landscape in South Africa.
The king of the jungle is being dethroned and violated by the egotistical nature of the human race. Our Creator weeps due to the greed and arrogance that disrupt the ecosystem and the natural order of life on Earth.
We are almost 30 years into the idealistic vision that Nelson Mandela had for South Africa and the failure of Agricultural reform is tangible. Besides the Land Distribution, Land Restitution, and land Tenure Reform, 75% of all redistributed farms failed. Research shows that the reason for this failure is that these farms are given to individuals without preparing them for the management of the land. The lack of skills and lack of managerial and agricultural knowledge contribute to community conflict and that leads to the desertion of these farms, more and more farms become unproductive, and this spells disaster for food security in our country.
THEMED‘ The heat is on: the weird and the wonderful research in the ARC’
South Africa is a country with a strong history of agriculture, with corn being one of the most important crops grown in the country. Known locally as maize, this crop is a staple food in many parts of South Africa and is a vital part of the country’s economy.
In the spirit of Easter, chocolate Easter eggs and the fascination with the Easter bunny lets explore the agricultural origin of the wondrous decadence of chocolate.
South Africa is a major producer of dairy products, with a high estimated % of total national milk production being used to make dairy products. Dairy farming has become an important industry in South Africa, providing income for numerous rural households, and generating substantial economic benefits for the wider economy.
What you would need to know before planting your first orchid. by Marinda Sauerman
What is ultrasound?
An electronic instrument that sends out sound waves from a transducer. The waves pass through fluid and reflects to the probe once in contact with muscle or bone. It produces an image that will identify the relevant parts of an animal’s carcass.
Madiba would have turned 104 had he lived to celebrate his birthday on the 18th of July 2022. He was born into the Madiba clan as Rolihlahla Mandela in the village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape. By Marinda Sauerman
Floods are the overflow of large amounts of water beyond the normal limit on dry land. It is a discipline of study known as hydrology. Floods are a cause of major concern for agriculture. By Marinda Sauerman
Drought is a “prolonged period of dry spells that affects the condition and quality of the soil”. Hot temperatures can make it worse. by Marinda Sauerman
In small spaces you can cultivate mushrooms and other fungi. Cultivating fungi can yield food, medicine, construction materials and other product. A mushroom farm is the business of growing fungi. Yet again you can cultivate mushrooms in a small urban garden or even in a room in the middle of a big city.By Marinda Sauerman
Revolutionary farming is taking place globally and according to scientists this could not have come at a better time. The world population is growing rapidly in a time were water and food security are under enormous pressure.
Zoonotic disease is classified as “all diseases that can jump species”. Any disease that can be transferred from animals to people or people to animals are classified as zoonosis. It can spread through working closely with infected livestock, pets, wildlife, soil, or water contamination and contaminated and consumption of unpasteurised dairy products. In Africa the most visible sign of zoonosis is Ebola (fruit Bats) an HIV-AIDS (pathogens from primates/ chimpanzees). There are over 200 zoonotic diseases worldwide.
In honour of women’s month (and spring! we are indulging you in the stories written by Estate owner, Karin de Villiers, honouring the women in her family by replacing typical back-of-bottle-labels with truly moving letters, full of love and sincerity.
Livestock theft is costing the South African Economy about 1.4 billion every year and things are getting worse by the day. Farmers fear for their lives and are distraught at the brutal and savage onsite slaughtering of their cattle. The result is devastating to farmers and to agriculture in South Africa.
In the spirit of Easter, chocolate Easter eggs and the fascination with the Easter bunny lets explore the agricultural origin of the wondrous decadence of chocolate.
What is Agritourism? Any agriculturally based operation that brings visitors to a farm.
The entire agricultural sector benefits from using this kind of scientific information. The organisation has the support of an experienced and well-qualified team.
