Dried fruit
Introduction Dried fruit is fruit that has been dried, either naturally or through use of a machine, such as a food dehydrator. Raisins, prunes and dates are examples of popular dried fruits. Other fruits such as apples, apricots, bananas, cranberries, figs, kiwi, mangoes, nectarines, papaya, peaches, pears, persimmons, pineapples, strawberries and tomatoes may also be […]
Fruit and vegetable juices
Introduction Find information on the production process and FAQs at www.safja.co.za, website of the South African Fruit Juice Association. Fruit and vegetable juice are drinks produced by squeezing or crushing fruit and vegetables. The market can be categorised as fruits, vegetable, and mixed. Fruits are divided into mango, apple, guava, pomegranate, grape, orange, lemon, pineapple, and others. […]
Ostriches
Introduction More than seven million years ago ostriches migrated across Africa. These birds became a source of food for the San people and a popular theme for their rock paintings. The San were not the only ones who found these birds fascinating: detailed pictures of ostriches have also been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, Roman […]
Horses – the equine industry
Introduction Horses in South Africa are used in a wide array of activities. They are very effectively utilised in poorer communities as draught animals, for general transport and as an agile means of tracking stock animals in remote and rural areas where motorised vehicles are inadequate or unavailable. Horses are also extensively used in sport […]
Soybeans
Introduction This is the fourth largest crop in the world after maize, wheat and rice. Soybeans are an important source of vegetable oil and protein worldwide and there is growing interest in soy products amongst people who want to be healthy. Soy contains significant amounts of all the essential amino acids for humans. Soybean seeds […]
Sorghum
Introduction A versatile crop, sorghum can be grown as a grain, forage or sweet crop. On this page we look at grain sorghum. Sorghum is mainly cultivated on low potential, shallow soils with a high percentage clay content, not suitable for maize cultivation. Sorghum, like other grains, has two basic markets that it serves, namely […]
“Junk” status for South Africa – what happens to agriculture?
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-04-12 In Blog To our overseas readers who may not know, the South African president fired several ministers including the respected finance minister and his deputy, and as a consequence, the country’s credit status has been lowered by both Standard & Poor’s and Fitch to the level derogatively called “Junk”. Today, […]
Maize (corn)
Introduction Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important grain crop in South Africa and is produced throughout the country under diverse environments. See fuller discussion under “Local business environment” heading. Successful maize production depends on the correct application of production inputs that will sustain the environment as well as agricultural production. These inputs are, inter alia, […]
Groundnuts (peanuts)
Introduction Groundnuts (peanuts) are a high value crop that can be marketed with little processing but are extremely versatile and can be used in a wide range of products. The oil made from them can be used for cooking and they can be used to make peanut butter. Oil extracted from the groundnut can also […]
#BlackMonday for the Karoo
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-04-07 In Blog There is quite a hullabaloo in the country following a sizable cull of government ministers and deputy ministers. Today is #BlackMonday, and demonstrations are planned for Friday and beyond. Even Angus Buchan, a farmer-evangelist known and respected in agricultural circles, is uncharacteristically responding to the socio-political toxicity of […]