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How to Start Farming with Appaloosa Horses Now?

Agricultural Business, Agriculture Business Plans, Appaloosa Horse Farming, Appaloosa Horse Farming Business Plans, Business Plans, Business Profiles, Farming Business Plans, Farming Plans, Farming Profiles, Farming Proposals /

                                         

The ” Appaloosa” horse is a beautiful full – sized North America horse breed and its distinctive features are its leopard – complex spotted coat and oftentimes striped hooves. The Appaloosa has several traits which taken together are unique to the horse breed. These include mottled skin, striped hooves, white sclera around the eyes, and of course the distinctive appaloosa coat patterns. The appaloosa comes in a variety of color patterns, including snow- capped blanket, leopard, blanket with spots, varnish roan and snowflake.
The Appaloosa remains a versatile horse. It is used in working cattle and rodeo competitions, pleasure rides, long – distance trail riding, racing and a variety of other Western and English riding sports and activities. Additionally, the appaloosa breed is often featured in movies and television because of its unusual markings.
Appaloosas require a standard horse diet of fresh grass, quality hay, grains, and some fruits and vegetables, as occasional treats. They may also need some vitamin and mineral supplementation, especially if they cannot graze freely in pasture. The amount of food they need depends on their size, and activity level.
The Appaloosa breed is spreading its wings all over Africa and studs have been founded across the South African borders and even into the African region and they can only bode well for the future of the appaloosa breed in Africa.

                                                

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How to Start with Vertical Farming Operations Now?

Agricultural Business, Agriculture Business Plans, Business Plans, Farming Business Plans, Farming Plans, Farming Profiles, Farming Proposals, Vertical Farming /

                                                      

Vertical Farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers. It often incorporates controlled – environment agriculture which aims to optimize plant growth, and soil less farming techniques.

There are 4 critical areas in understanding how vertical farming works:

1. Physical Layout.

2. Lightning.

3. Growing Medium and

4. Sustainability features

Physical Layout – The primary goal of vertical farming is producing more foods per square meter. To accomplish this goal, crops are cultivated in stacked layers in a tower life structure.

Lightning – A perfect combination of natural and artificial lights is used to maintain the perfect light level in the room. Technologies such as rotating beds are used to improve lightning efficiency.

Growing Medium – Instead of soil, aeroponic, aquaponic, or hydroponic growing mediums are used. Peat moss or coconut husks and similar non – soil mediums are very common in vertical farming.

Sustainability – The vertical farming method uses various sustainability features to offset the energy cost of farming. In fact, vertical farming uses 95% less water.

Types of Vertical Farms

1. Vertical farms in buildings – Abandoned buildings are repurposed for vertical farming, but it’s not necessary that such buildings be used often. Depending on the requirements new buildings are also used to construct vertical farms.

2. Shipping Container Vertical Farms – Old or recycled shipping containers are equipped with LED lightning, vertically stacked farms, climate controls and monitoring sensors. Such types of farms can save space and get a higher yield in the process.

3. Underground Vertical Farms – Also known as “Deep Farms”, these types of vertical farms are built in underground tunnels, abandoned mine shafts or any subterranean environment. Such Farms can produce 7 to 9 times more food than a conventional farm.

                                                      

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How to Start a Sustainable Timber Farming Operation now?

Agricultural Business, Agriculture Business Plans, Building a profitable business, Business Plans, Business Profiles, Business Proposals, Commercial Forestry, Commercial Forestry Business Plans, Farming Business Plans, Farming Plans, Farming Profiles, Farming Proposals /

                                                                           

” Commercial Forestry” is much like any other farming practice. The crops are considered a renewable resource, used to make sawn timber, pulp, paper, poles, mining timber , matches, charcoal and cellulose – based  products. Specific species of trees are planted, harvested and replanted in sustainable rotation. This ensures that there are trees at various stages of growth and maturity, ready to harvest for generations to come.

Forestry is more than the science of planting, managing and caring for timber plantations. It’s also about looking after the landscape which timber share with other animal and plant species as well as the people and communities that the Foresting and Forest Products Industries touches.

LOGGING

Logging is the process of cutting down and removing trees from the forest. In forestry, the phrase is used to describe log making, which includes cutting the branches off, removing the bark and cutting trees into parts. In some cases, logging may refer to the whole logistical process of felling, processing, removing and transporting trees from the forest to the sawmill.

LOGGING IMPORTANCE

Below are reasons why logging is important:

1. Minimizes competition for resources – Logging is important because it reduces crowding in the forest. Crowded trees must compete for nutrients such as sunlight and water. The younger and shorter trees may not receive the sunlight they need because of the overcrowding of the older trees.

2. Boosts the health of the trees –  Logging can keep trees healthy. When logging, the parts of trees that have diseases are removed and the remaining trees can grow without the threat of any disease.

3. Provides necessary raw materials – Trees are a raw material and is important for our survival. They are useful in making furniture, supply materials for building homes, and are useful for making many everyday items. All of these things require logging.

4. Reduces forest fires – Logging helps to reduce forest fires. If there’s a lightning – triggered fire in a crowded forest, fire will spread rapidly, unlike when the trees have been thinned.

5. Enhances undergrowth – Selective logging is important, as it allows more sunlight and air to reach the forest floor, encouraging the growth of vegetation under larger trees.

Assistance for small – scale timber operations

The timber industry falls under the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff), and to assist small – scale timber operations, the department has established the Forestry Enterprise Development (FED) Programme. The aim of the FED programme is to create opportunities for people to utilize forests indigenous forests, woodlands and plantations and forest – based resources for economic growth, income generation/ job creation in a manner that will take people from a subsistence livelihood system into the market economy

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WHY START A SUCCESSFUL DATES FRUIT FARMING NOW?

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Commercial dates farming business is growing day by day. “Phoenix dactylifera” known as date or date palm, is actually a flowering plant species in the palm family, Arecaceae. It is cultivated for it’s edible sweet fruit. Dates are the biggest oasis and desert cash crop. They are harvested from the palm trees and dried out in the sun and stored for the wintertime when they supply food for a family and assist herds of camels, goats and sheep.
Date palm is the oldest tree cultivated on earth. They are a excellent source of calcium, sugar, iron and potassium. They are also used in many social and religious festivals. They have many health benefits like relive constipation, reduce heart disease, control diarrhea and help in pregnancy. It is also used for making different products such as chutney, pickles, jam, juice, and other bakery items.

SOIL

It can be cultivated in any soil, don’t have any specific requirement. But for good growth and yield, it required well drained, deep sandy loam soil with a pH in the range of 7-8. Avoid soils having a hard pan up to 2meter below soil layer. Saline and alkaline soils are also suitable for cultivation but yield obtained is low.

PROPAGATION

Propagation of the date palm is done with the help of suckers as propagation with seeds is impractical. Select suckers or offshoots from the mother plant. Suckers are obtained from 4 or 5th year after planting. Ideal weight of suckers should be 15 – 20kg.

DATE CULTIVARS

The most popular variety in South Africa is the “Medjool Date”. Other popular varieties are Barhi, Deglet Noor, Sayer and Zahdi.

GROWTH

It normally take a date palm almost 2 years to be ready to plant out into the field. Another 4 years to produce a reasonable crop and up to 12 years to reach full production of 80kg and more per tree. Production can go on for 100 years but does decline around 50 years.
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WHY START A CANNABIS & HEMP FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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HEMP – a low type of  Cannabis sativa with a low level of the Unnibinoid THC – is a wind – pollinated, annual broad-leaf plant with a taproot. It is cultivated for its production of long fibers for textiles, hemp seeds for oil and other uses. 

Most of Africa’s climate is favorable to cannabis cultivation. The plant likes warm and sunny weather and does not do so well in the cold. Certain cannabis strains can also thrive in extreme heat. Some growing techniques such as dry farming allows farmers to grow the crop using mostly rainfall with minimal additional watering if the climate conditions are right. Drip irrigation is also a cheap and efficient way to water cannabis crops in Africa.

The cannabis plant grows in stages. First come the initial germination and seeding. Then, the plant enters the vegetative phase and produces most of its leaves and branches. After several weeks, the plant can enter the flowering stage. If the plant is a male plant, it will grow pollen sacks. If it is a female plant, it will produce flowers (buds) that can be smoked or processed into tinctures and oils.

Up until 29/10/2021, it was illegal to grow hemp in SA. After careful consideration, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development announced the opening of the application process for Hemp and Cannabis permits. This means that Agripreneurs/farmers are now able to apply for a permit to farm hemp and cannabis as an “agricultural” crop.

ARE HEMP AND CANNABIS THE SAME THING?

Hemp and Cannabis (marijuana) are not the same things. Although they fall under the same genus, Cannabis, Hemp (Cannabis savita L) is very much for “industrial ” or agricultural use, whereas marijuana (also known as dagga) can be used for “medicinal” or recreational purposes. The following options are available for interested agripreneurs/farmers:

  • Cannabis farmer – growing and cultivating hemp.
  • CBD or Hemp manufacturer – this could include producing CBD Oils or Hemp textiles.
  • CBD or Hemp product developer – creating products using CBD Oils or Hemp textiles.
  • Hemp or CBD product distributor – selling CBD or Hemp products to consumers.

SOIL PREPARATION

Hemp and Cannabis grows best in well – drained loam soil with a pH of between 6 and 7.5 with abundant organic matter – at least 3,5%. Dense, poorly- drained clay soil is not suitable and sandy soil’s need for extra irrigation and fertilization may be uneconomical. Seedbed preparation is important; firm and fine is best in order to plant hemp/cannabis seeds between 203 cm deep. Hemp is sensitive to frost during germination and requires water during the first 6 weeks after planting.

HARVESTING

Harvesting hemp for fiber is easier than harvesting hemp for the hemp seed. To harvest hemp grown for fiber, implements used for the harvesting of forage crops can be used, which perform well without major modifications. A straight sickle mower is the most suitable for harvesting hemp for textile applications. This implement leaves cut stems intact, laid neatly and organized directly on the ground. Haybines do not work well as the long stems wrap on the reel. Cut no shorter than 10cm above the soil surface.

                                          

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How to start a Sustainable Tarragon Farming Operation Now?

Agricultural Business, Agriculture Business Plans, Building a profitable business, Business Plans, Farming Business Plans, Farming Plans, Farming Profiles, Farming Proposals, Tarragon Farming, Tarragon Farming Business Plans /

                                                          

Tarragon belongs to the sunflower family and it is species of the perennial herb. Tarragon is a much – favored culinary herb plant, with leaves have a slight anise flavor. There are mainly two types of Tarragon. The French Tarragon one is more widely available and has a stronger flavor than the Russian variety. The French Tarragon is the more popular variety and should be planted in a place where you can easily manipulate the soil and control the temperature levels and amounts of water it receives.

Tarragon provides fragrant leaves that can be harvested and preserved for cooking year – round. Grow Tarragon in well – drained, sandy loam soil. It will tolerate poor and nearly dry soil. Tarragon does not grow well in cold, wet, or compacted soil. Tarragon plants prefers a soil pH level of 6.0 to 7.3 and it does not grow well in acidic soil.

PROPAGATION

For the French variety, propagation must come from the root division or stem cuttings, as the seeds are sterile  which means they’re not viable for planting. French Tarragon plants don’t propagate by using Tarragon seeds, but rather through stem cuttings or root system division. Usually, the French Tarragon plant can only be grown by propagation or by buying an establish plant.

PLANTING

Remove the soil in an area slightly deeper than the root ball, and twice as wide. Amend the soil with plenty of organic material such as mature compost, worm castings, or well- rotted manure, some liquid – retaining material like perlite or peat moss, and a couple of tablespoons bone meal. Set the root ball in place, fill in the hole, and then cover the crown with the defamed soil, then firm in place. Water gently to settle.

WATERING

Water requirements for your Tarragon will mainly depend on the weather conditions and the maturity of the plant. These plants can cope in dry ground, and care must be taken not to over-water as this will diminish growth and flavor intensity.

It requires 5 to 6 weeks after transplant to harvesting.

                                                 

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Why Start a Successful Chickpea Farming Operation now?

Agricultural Business, Agriculture Business Plans, Building a profitable business, Business Plans, Chickpea Farming, Chickpea Farming Business Plans, Farming Business Plans, Farming Plans, Farming Profiles, Farming Proposals /

                             

Chickpea is one of the field crops which is not grown widely in our country. Unimproved chickpeas are grown as hedge plants in home gardens in few parts of some Provinces such as Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Planting

Chickpeas are usually grown as winter crops, between late April and May. The proper seeding depth is 2,5 to 5cm. Chickpeas should be sown in moist soils to provide the necessary moisture for proper germination and inoculation.

Soil

The plant requires fertile, sandy-loam soil with good internat drainage and they do not tolerate water – logged conditions. Chickpeas require a soil pH of 6.0 0 7.0. It prefers soil with good residual soil moisture content or storage.

Product Benefits

Chickpeas are high in protein, carbohydrates and fibre, low in fat and cholesterol and are considered one of the earliest cultivated vegetables. They are consumed as a dry pulse crop or  as green vegetables, Chickpeas are added to many dishes to improve their taste, e.g. desert, salads, and soup. When mixed with other pulses, they can also serve as an appetizer.

Harvesting

Chickpeas are typically straight out, meaning they are not swathed before combining. Timing is very important when harvesting chickpeas. An over ripened crop can lead to a decrease in yield while harvesting a crop too young may lead to increased chance of green seed in crop which yields a lower grade.

Watering

Chickpeas can tolerate droughts very well, being the most resistant to shortage of water. The only time there is a greater need for water is when buds form during flowering.

Harvesting

Fortunately, chickpeas ripen uniformly, so it is easy to determine when to chop, given that its pods do not shoot when ripe. Harvesting is done by machines, i.e. adapted grain bean harvesters.

                     

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Start a Sustainable and Successful Bush Bean Farming Now?

Agricultural Business, Agriculture Business Plans, Building a profitable business, Bush Beans Farming, Business Plans, Farming Business Plans, Farming Plans, Farming Profiles, Farming Proposals, Pole beans Farming /

                                            

Beans come in one of two types – bush beans and pole beans. Bush Beans differ from pole beans in the fact that bush beans don’t need any kind of support to stay upright. Pole Beans, on the other hand, need a pole or some other support to stay upright. Bush Beans are shorter beans that only grow to about 2 feet in height, while pole beans grow to about 8 – 10 feet in height.

Bush Beans can be further broken down into 3 types:

  1. snap beans – pods are eaten.

  2. green shelling beans – beans are eaten green.

  3. dry beans – beans are dried and then rehydrated before eating.

SOIL

Beans grow best in full sun, planted in well – drained and warm soil. Prepare soil ahead of time. When planting, add a mature or aged compost and this should be all the fertilizer you need if you are starting with a healthy soil. Beans will do best with a soil PH of 5,5 – 5,8. Beans are very sensitive to acidic soils.

PLANTING

Plant beans anytime between 10 – 28 days before the last frost date and 80 – 133 days before the first frost date. Sow beans where they are to grow, their supports, or, for bush types, four to 6 inches (10 – 15cm) apart with 18 inches (45cm) spacing between rows. Bush Beans should be planted in linear rows to support each other. Use a hoe to scratch out rows or dig individual planting holes with a trowel. Drop in two to three seeds per hole, so they fall about an inch (2cm) apart, and are two inches (2,5cm – 5cm) deep.

WATERING

Water in the morning so the plants can dry rapidly and avoid fungal disease. Water moderately to 1/2 inch of water per week, avoid watering the plant tops. Beans require a minimum of 400 to 500mm rain fall during its rowing season but totals of 600 – 650mm is considered ideal. 

 CROP ROTATION

After harvesting your beans, plant your cabbages on the same field, as beans leave a lot of nitrogen in the soil and this will help you harvest healthy and big cabbages.

                                             

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WHY START A SUSTAINABLE SAFFRON PRODUCTION OPERATION NOW?

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Saffron is collected from the blossoms of Crocus sativus(Iridaceae) commonly known as saffron crocus or saffron bulbs. It is propagated by bulbs called corms. Each corm forms new bulbs, and this is how the plant multiplies. The process is tedious and meticulous. This explains why saffron spice came to be so precious as to be called the “red gold”.

SOIL

The Crocus  sativus grows in many different soil types but thrives best in calcareous, humus – rich and well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 8. Saffron corms can also  grown in dry or semi-dry soil types. However, you need to keep in mind that during periods of drought in autumn and spring, you need to be able to irrigate the land. If you plant the saffron corms in wet or semi-wet soil types you must be sure that your land is well – drained to prevent corms from rotting or getting infected during periods of wet weather.

PLANTING

When planting saffron virgin patch of land, corms for the first time, choose a virgin patch of land, that is, no other tubers or saffron corms have been planted there before, if possible. Before planting, it is advisable to till the soil 20 to 50 centimetres deep to keep the planting beds loose and well – aired, incorporating organic fertilizer during the process. Saffron crocuses are sun- worshipping plants so they love to be planted in the dry open fields rather than in the shade.

WEED CONTROL

Mulching will control the weed growth to some extent. Plants should be mulched with saw dust. Weedicides can be used to check the complete weeds in the saffron field.

FERTILIZERS

Farmers should apply about 35 tonnes of well decomposed farm yard manure in the field before planting. Annual fertilizer application of 20kg “N”, 30 kg “K” and 80kg “P” per h/a is beneficial in autumn and again  immediately after flowering.

YIELD

Generally,  150 to 160 Saffron flowers are needed to make 1 gram of dried saffron. Usually, during the 1st year of plantation 60 -65% of corms will produce 1 flower each and in the subsequent years each corm will produce about 2 flowers.

BENEFITS

Saffron is being used in culinary as well as medicines. Saffron is mainly used in culinary seasoning and to get colour, cottage cheese, Biryanis, meats, liquors, cordials, cakes, confectioneries, breads and Mughlai dishes. Saffron is used commercially in perfumes  and cosmetics. When it comes to medicinal use, Saffron is used in fevers, Ayurvedic treatment to  heal arthritis, impotence and infertility. 

       

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SUSTAINABLE AND SUCCESSFUL MAIZE FARMING & PRODUCTION TO START NOW

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Maize is the most important grain crop in South Africa, being both the major feed grain and the staple food for the majority of the South Africa population. About 60% of the maize produced in South Africa is white and the other 40% is yellow maize. Yellow maize is mostly used for animal feed production while white maize is primarily produced for human consumption.

PRODUCTION

Maize is planted from October to December, after enough rain has fallen to let the seed germinate. There is a great variation in planting time between the eastern and western production regions, because of differences in temperatures, rainfall and the duration of the growing season. It can take anything between 90 to 120 days for maize to grow to its harvest period, depending on the variety and climatic conditions.

HARVESTING

Maize can be harvested by hand with a sickle, but are harvested with machines on commercial farms where farmers need to harvest hundreds of hectares within a specific time. Maize is generally left in the field until the moisture percentages reach between 12,5% to 14%, but it can be harvested with a dry matter content of 30 – 38% if it will be used to make silage.

SOIL

Maize needs a dry soil in the spring, but not a soil type that will dry out too much in late spring when the young plants are developing. Growing maize on heavy, day – type soils is probably the biggest handicap when trying to get the best out of this crop because of the difficulty in creating the correct seed – bed in the spring. Medium loams that are easy to work with in the spring, free-draining and will warm up early in the season to enable the young plants to get the best possible start are the most favoured. Very free-draining and light sandy soils can be too extreme.

CROP NUTRITION

Nitrogen is the driver and a lot of crops just don’t get enough because of an over- estimation of what  the slurry can provide.

Maize requires:

  • 180 kg/ha of potash.

  • 40 kg/ha of phosphate.

  • 150 kg/ha of Nitrogen.

Ideally, the application of nitrogen should be split with 75% in the seedbed and the remaining 25% applied at the 1-3 leaf stage. This will help the crop get through its yellow phase often seen at emergence.

                                               

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WHY SHOULD I START WITH A CLEOME FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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Cleome (Cleome gynandra) is a widespread herb that occurs in South Africa from Limpopo to Namibia. Cleome gynandra is a species of Cleome that is used as a green vegetable. It is known by many common names like Shona cabbage, African cabbage, spiderwisp, cat’s whiskers, chin saga, and stinkweed.

Cleome belongs to the Capparaceae family. This herbaceous, erect, and annual plant grows to a height of between 0,5m and 1,5m, depending on the environment. It is a branched plant, sometimes becoming woody with age.

TEMPERATURE

Cleome is sensitive to cold and does not grow well when temperatures drop below 15ºC. It grows well when the temperature is above 27ºC. Because of its tropical origin, cleome is believed to be day-length – insensitive, but some cleome species are facultative long – day species (not restricted to a particular function).

SOIL REQUIREMENTS

Cleome prefers well – drained medium – textured soils and does not grow well in poorly drained or heavy clay soils. It also prefers sandy loam soils, rich in organic matter and responds well to well – decomposed manure. Flowering is delayed when adequate manure is available, allowing more larger leaves to develop.

PLANTING

Seeds are planted at a shallow depth to ensure emergence and a good field stand. Plant seeds in seed beds or plant directly in rows in the field. Mix seeds 1:10 with sand or dry soil before planting.

IRRIGATION

Water requirements vary with the crop’s growth stage, soil type, and weather conditions (hot or cold). Frequent irrigation will be required for sandy soils as these drain quickly. Clay soils, on the other hand, drain quite slowly and hold more water than sandy soils.

HARVESTING

Harvest Maturity

Leaves: Cleome is harvested in summer during the first rains and can be harvested until autumn. Leaf harvesting starts four to six weeks after seeding emergence and it may last four to five weeks.

Seeds: Seeds can be harvested when pods are fully ripe and yellow but before they open naturally to prevent shattering.

                                                       

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How to Start a Successful Pumpkin Farming Operation Now?

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Pumpkins are grown yearly in South Africa. Pumpkins are being produced countrywide in South Africa with the main areas being: Mpumalanga, Vryburg, Western Cape, and Vereniging. About 40 000 h/a of pumpkins are grown yearly in South Africa. 

CULTIVARS

Recommended cultivars are:

  1. Carving – Autumn Gold, Gost Rider – takes 90 days to mature.

  2. Small / Pie Type – Amish Pie, small sugar – takes 90 days to mature.

  3. Giant Pumpkin – Big Max, Big Moon – takes 120 days to mature.

Growers supplying wholesale markets want heavy and uniformly sized pumpkins with strong, dark – colored stems and a deep, bright colour. Growers should keep track of the many new varieties of pumpkins available each year, consider the market, and plant varieties that are best suited to their operations.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS

Pumpkins grow well and produced excellent quality fruit in rich, light – textured soils. Sandy loam or well-drained loamy fertile soils, ideally deeper than 1000mm, are ideal for pumpkins. However, heavier soils can also be used as long as the drainage is adequate. The optimum soil pH is between 6 and 7.5.

PLANTING

Planting on a raised bed promotes drainage, so the roots do not have to deal with constant wetness, which leads to disease problems. The seeds can be planted directly in the site where they will mature. Pumpkins are usually planted in hills. Plant two to three seeds per hill about 2,5cm deep and later thin to one plant per hill.

FERTILIZATION

The plants respond to liberal dressings of manure and compost, which also help the soil to retain moisture. Pumpkins appreciate to be treated generously throughout their growth period. Good feeding for pumpkins is liquid manure applied at intervals of 2 – 3 weeks, starting when the first flower buds open.

HARVESTING

Most pumpkins reach maturity at 3 or 4 months after sowing. The fruit is harvested when the skin becomes hard and lose its shiny appearance.

                                          

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Is Starting a Biodiesel Business Viable and Sustainable Now?

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“Biodiesel” is very different from the normal diesel many of us know. The diesel we’ve used to is produced by “refining petroleum” (also known as crude oil). Crude oil can only be found deep beneath the earth’s surface, from where it is recovered and and refined into several products including – petrol (gasoline) kerosene, and diesel.

Biodiesel is not in any way related to or made from crude oil. Biodiesel is a renewable and clean burning type of diesel that is made from vegetable oils. It can be made from most types of vegetable oils including soy bean oil, canola oil, palm oil and most other popular oils.

The main reasons why the popularity of biodiesel is growing across the world include:

Reduced Waste

Individuals and businesses are looking  for more ways to reduce waste. This is why reuse and recycling have become a big deal nowadays. Millions of liters cooking oil are daily flushed down the sink or sucked into the drain. These can be recycled into a highly valued product that can power trucks and generators.

 Cleaner and Eco – friendly fuels

Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-toxic ( has a low sulphur content and doesn’t contain carcinogens), making it more sensitive and relatively harmless to the environment. As the pressure to further combat climate change increases around the world, it is expected that the volume of biodiesel that is blended with normal diesel will increase. Sometime in the near future cars and trucks could run on 100 % biodiesel.

Dependence on crude oil products

To avoid any future surprises from the unpredictability of global oil prices, more countries around the world are looking at locally accessible energy sources to up their supplies and to protect them from oil price shocks. Biodiesel is an interesting option for anyone who’s looking to diversify or compliment their energy supply sources. Both virgin and used vegetable oils are abundantly produced in South Africa, and this makes it possible for biodiesel to be produced anywhere in the world.

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HOW SUCCESSFUL AND SUSTAINABLE IS CLEMENTINE FARMING NOW?

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Citrus is divided into four groups:

  1. Oranges.

  2. Grapefruit.

  3. Lemons and

  4. Soft Citrus – Clementine / Mandarins.

Clementine is the world’s premier mandarin. They easy to peel and if grown in single blocks away from cross – pollinating varieties, the fruit is seedless. When mature, the peel turns bright orange. Clementines has a distinctive sweet taste and flavour.

Clementine trees flourish in full to partial sunlight. Even though they prefer full sun , they can tolerate shade. Sandy soil is best for Clementine trees, but they will adapt to natural soil. To make soil sandier, mix in sand or a fine potting mix. Just make sure that the soil is well- draining.

PLANTING

Early spring is the best time for transplanting. Planting holes of 0,5 x 0,5 x 0,5m are prepared ad the soil mixed well with 2 spadefuls of compost or kraal manure and 250g of super-phosphate. Once the tree has been planted, the soil must be firmly tramped down. A basin for irrigation is made around the tree which must be thoroughly irrigated immediately after planting. Irrigate again the following day to seal any cracks in the soil.

FERTILIZATION

During the first year, nitrogen may be applied every 2 months. Any of the following nitrogen fertilizers may be applied:

  • 6 Applications of 25g limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN 28%) per tree or

  • 6 Applications of 16g urea (46%) per tree per year or

  • 6 Applications of 36g ammonium sulphate (21%) per tree per year.

From the second year , nitrogen must be applied twice a year , half in July and half in March. Fertilizer should be spread evenly under the canopy of the tree and irrigated. Phosphorus may be applied at any time of the year, one application should be sufficient. Potassium should also be applied once, early in spring.

IRRIGATION

During the first 6 months the trees should be irrigated twice a week and thereafter every 7 days. The irrigation basin should be gradually enlarged as the tree grows, so that it is always slighter bigger than the drip line of the tree.

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How to set up Cherry Farming Successfully Now?

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Cherry trees can only be grown in certain areas of South Africa. They prefer cold winters and don’t like hot summers, wind and frost. In addition, cherry trees are sensitive to root phytophthora and boll-worm. Birds love cherries and can devour up to 10% of the harvest. Growing cherries under netting is a solution to this problem.

Cherries are a crop with short harvest season. The cherry harvest in South Africa starts from week 41 – the second week in October, and ends around week 51 – the end of December, but certain varieties and late harvesting in some areas can extend the season into mid January.

Cherries are used to make cherry liqueurs and wines. Other cherry products such as cherry sauces, jams, canned and glazed cherries are also produced in South Africa. Dried, powered, freeze- dried and powered cherries in capsules are also available. But cherry concentrate (for juice etc) is imported.

Cherry Cultivars

Sweet cherry farming in South Africa started with the planting of cherry cultivars such as Early River, Early Red Five, Giant Heidelfinger and Bing. There are a large number of cherry varieties planted in South Africa, these include Royal Hazel, Royal Dawn, Royal Lynn, Royal Edie and Royal Helen. The most popular one grown by an individual producer is the red flavorful newcomer Royal Hazel. This is a variety with a good shelf life, is suitable for shipping and is already making up 10% of South Africa’s total plantings, of just under 390h/a. Other cherry cultivars also planted on large scale include Royal Edie and Royal Helen.

Harvesting

Cherries are a non – climacteric fruit – this means it is picked fully ripe and does not ripen further after harvesting. Cherry – picking is labor intensive as it needs  to be hand – picked with the stems intact. An orchard will be picked up to 6 times in a season. Harvested cherries need to be cooled to 0,5°C as soon as possible; this is often done using a hydro-cooler.

                 

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How to Start a Sustainable Shallot Farming now?

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Shallots (Eschalots) are members of the alium family, closely related to onions, garlic and chives. Shallot bulbs grow in clusters, similar to cloves of garlic. The biggest distinction between shallots and other onions, besides their milder flavor, is their cellular structure. Shallots break down much more easily when cooked, allowing for a softer level of caramelization, or a more subtle touch when creating a foundation in sources etc.

Shallots are packed with micro-nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins. It increase your intake of micro – nutrients, protein and fiber. Shallot differs from the everyday onion in some fundamental ways:

Firstly – Shallots grows like garlic, in clusters rather than single bulbs.

Secondly – Shallots has a softer flavor, bringing all the essence of an onion without the punch.

Thirdly – Shallots is smaller and a little more oval – shaped.

Soil

Fertile, well – drained soil with compost dug in. In clay soil, use raised beds or rows.

Spacing

Single Plants – 15cm each way (minimum).

Rows – 10cm with 15cm row gap (minimum).

Planting

Easiest to sow as sets (tiny bulbs) which are planted direct into the soil from early winter onward. Can also be grown from seed in which case start in pots under cover in late winter before planting out mid spring.

Harvesting

It usually takes 2 months for the shallots to be ready for harvest. One signal that the bulb had reached its maturity is when the top part of the plant withers. Harvested shallots should be stored in cool places and it is advised that you put them inside a mesh or any other breathable storage,

Shallot farming is a profitable business due to the fact that it is not hard to plant and to maintain and is also in demand in the market. Shallots do not require a specific kind of climate to grow and can even grow healthy in a garden directly exposed to sunlight or shaded.

            

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How to start profitable pea farming now?

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Scientific Name – Pisum sativum L

Common Names – Matar (Hindi, Nepali) Pea, split pea, garden pea, seed pea, shelling pea. combining pea, field pea, dry pea, vining pea.

Family Name – Fabaceae

Commercially peas are grown almost in all parts of the cooler areas of South Africa, particularly in KZN, Brits and Rustenburg in North West, and in the Mpumalanga Lowveld. The pea is a green, pod-shaped vegetable, widely grown as a cool – season vegetable crop. There are generally three types of peas that are commonly eaten:

  1. Garden or Green Peas (Pisum sativum).

  2. Snow Peas (Pisum sativum var, macrocarpon).

  3. Snap Peas (Pisum sativum var, macrocarpon ser. cv).

Soil Requirements

Peas can be grown on all types of soil but it prefers well- drained sandy loam soils.The soils should be rich in organic matter as it enhances better growth by supplying nutrients at a slower rate. It does not thrive in highly acidic or alkaline soils or saline type of soils. It grows best at a pH of 6.5. If the pH is less than 6.0, then then it should be amended to improve the soil conditions.

Soil Preparation

The field should be well prepared by 2 or 3 ploughings. The soil should not be much pulverized and fine. However, it must be free from weeds and stuble of the kharif crop grown earlier. Well- decomposed farmyard manure at 25 to 30 t/ha along with 100kg dolomite per hectare should be applied during final ploughing.

Planting

Peas are normally sown directly where they are to grow to maturity, but they can also be sown early in pots, in a greenhouse, to bring on plants for planting out. Otherwise sow early March, second sowing in April, third sowing in May and late sowing using early varieties in June or even into early July.

Spacing

Garden pea is sown rather densely, with plant densities up to 80 plants per square metre. The seed should be sown 4 to 7cm deep. Approximately 60 to 200 kg/ha of seed is required. Plant peas 3 to 5cm deep and 2cm apart in single or double rows. Allow 46 to 60cm between single or pairs of rows. Allow 20 to 25cm between double rows in pairs.

Harvesting

Harvesting period: 58 to 74 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions (soil, temperature, and moisture).

     

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How to start Fennel Farming successful now?

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Fennel is an evergreen perennial which is usually grown as an annual in South Africa. However, in frost free regions fennel can be treated as a short lived perennial. In the cooler regions of South Africa, fennel seed can be sown from spring to autumn.

Because hot temperatures and humidity tend to induce bolting, in the rest of the country fennel is an excellent intermediate to cool season crop, sown in late summer or early spring before the weather gets too hot.

The fennel plants need to grow fast in order to produce the best quality bulbs and leaves so the beds need to be well prepared with lots of added compost or manure and a dressing of organic 2.3.2. Funnel crops sown in autumn may take up to 20 weeks to mature.

Planting

* Plant fennel seeds 1 to 3cm deep.

* Fennel plants can reach up to 1-5m and need some room to spread.

* Space fennel plants at least 50cm apart, with about 60cm between the rows.

* Protect fennel plants from extreme heat and wind.

* Water well until well established.

Fennel Health Benefits

* Fennel is good for digestion.

* Fennel is useful in the treatment of anemia.

* Fennel is extensively used for treating constipation, diarrhea, renal colic, respiration and menstrual disorders.

* Fennel helps in increasing iron absorption.

* Fennel is good for bone health.

* Fennel helps lowering blood pressure.

* Fennel may reduce getting cancer.

* Fennel boost immune power.

* Fennel helps in weight management.

* Fennel is good for skin health.

Type of Funnel

When it comes to selection a certain type of funnel, you can choose from the herb or bulb variety – both share a sweet aniseed flavor. Common fennel is widely available as a herb, but bronze fennel is well worth adding to your farming operation.

                              

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How Successful and Sustainable is Parsley Farming Now?

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Parsley is a biennial plant with bright green, feather- like leaves and is the same family as dill. This popular herb is used in sauces, salads, and especially soups, as it lessens the need for salt. Not only is parsley the perfect garnish, it’s also good for you: It’s rich in iron and vitamins A and C.

Soil

Parsley enjoys well – draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Pick a spot that gets full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight). Try to choose an area that is weed – free; that way you will be able to see the parsley sprouting after about 3 weeks.

Planting

Sow parsley seeds 1/4 inch deep. Sow seeds about 6 to 8 inches apart. For larger plants, sow about 8 to 10 inches apart. Be sure to keep soil moist while seeds germinate. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for seedlings to appear.

Pests / Diseases

* Stem rot.

* Leaf spots.

* Carrot fly and celery fly larvae.

Harvesting

When the leaf stems have three segments, parsley is ready to be harvested. Cut leaves from the outer portions of the plant whenever you need them. Leave the inner portions of the plant to mature. If you want fresh parsley throughout the winter, replant the parsley plant in a pot and keep it in a sunny window.

Storage

One method of storing the parsley fresh is to put the leaf stalks in water and keep them in the refrigerator. Another method of storage is drying the parsley. Cut the parsley at the base and hang it in a well- ventilated shady and warm place. Once it is completely dry, crumble it up and store it in an container.

 

                               

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HOW SUCCESSFUL IS BEETROOT FARMING NOW?

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Beetroot is generally a widely adaptable crop that can be grown under most conditions throughout South Africa. Beetroot can be planted all year round but as a rule of thumb, areas where there could be frost conditions or excessive heat around planting time these should be avoided.

Soil Preparation

As seed is sown directly, fields need to be prepared correctly and thoroughly. The soil need to be well tilled, free of old plant material and have a good crumb structure. Good soil preparation can be achieved by ploughing, harrowing, and leveling prior to sowing. The ideal pH for beetroot production is between 6.0 and 8.0. Beetroot prefer deep, friable, well drained sandy loam’s to silt loam’s.

Crop Rotation

Good crop rotation will keep the soil healthy and fertile. Beetroot can safely be rotated with the following crops:

  • Legumes.

  • Babala.

  • Cereals.

  • Tomatoes.

  • Cabbage.

  • Onions and carrots.

Transplanting

More than 90% of beetroot producers sow the seed directly in the soil, but seed can also be sown in seedbeds, and then transplanted. Seed trays or other containers can also be used to raise seedlings but this is expensive because of the high cost.

Harvesting

Soil should be slightly moist before cutting or pulling beets. If the soil is too dry, roots maybe difficult to clean and the rate of top breakage maybe too high. For the best flavor and tenderness harvesting should begin when roots are 3-4cm in diameter. Handle beets carefully after harvesting to avoid damaging the roots. Any damage reduces shelf life and increases the chances of decay and disease.

                                             

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Why Should I Start with Brinjals Farming Now?

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“Brinjals”or Eggplant” is a species of nightshade, and therefore related to the potato and tomatoes. Brinjal is a warm – season crop grown for its edible fruit. Good – quality brinjals can be grown in open lands across various parts of the country year – round.

Soil

Brinjals favor a well – drained loam to sandy loam soil. However, it will grow reasonably well in a wide range of different soil types. Certain criteria in terms of the soil structure and content must be met to make the crop commercially viable. These include nutrient composition, compaction, effective soil depth, pH, crop rotation, herbicide residue and the water- holding capacity of the soil.

Varieties

Different varieties produce fruit of different sizes shapes and colors. This varying from white to yellow or green, reddish purple and dark purple. The currently favored cultivars produce a fruit that is egg-shaped, 12cm to 25 cm long and 6cm to 9cm in diameter, and has a dark purple skin.

Harvesting

Pick Brinjals/eggplant when the skin takes on a high gloss. To test, press the skin. If the indentation doesn’t spring back, that fruit is ready for harvest. To harvest clip the eggplant of the plant with pruning shears, keeping the cap and about 1 inch of the stem intact.

“Eggplants” will keep up to two weeks of refrigerated. If you cut open an eggplant fruit and find that the seeds inside have turned brown, the fruit is past prime quality and the flavor may be bitter. The best way to avoid this is by picking fruits on the young side. This is when they are a third or two- thirds of their fully mature size.

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HOW TO START A PROFITABLE BROCCOLI FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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“Broccoli” has become a far more important crop of late due to its reported health benefits. Broccoli is also much easier to grow than before. The best months for growing broccoli in South Africa is February, March and April.

“Broccoli” is worth growing for its nutritional content alone. The crop is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of Vitamin A, Potassium, Folid Acid, Iron and Fiber.

Planting Site

* Broccoli requires a site with exposure to full sun – (6-8 hours per day).

* Plant in a bed of moist, fertile soil that drains well.

* Soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 7.0

Planting

* Outdoors – sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart.

* Indoors – plant transplants that are 4-6 weeks old, outdoors 12 – 20 inches apart. Plant in holes slightly deeper than their container depth.

* Space rows of broccoli should be 3 feet apart.

* Water well at the time of planting.

Harvesting

Broccoli grown from seed will come to harvest in 100 – 150 days. Grown from transplants broccoli will come to harvest in 55 to 80 days. Cut buds when they are still green and tight. Cut the central head with 5 to 6 inches of stem. Leave the base of the plant and some outer leaves to encourage new heads on secondary shoots.

In general, broccoli plants can be harvested two or three times and for a period up to 3 months. Broccoli should be harvested when the heads are small, tight and firm. If flower buds appear, it should be cut immediately.

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HOW TO START A CACTUS / PRICKLY PEAR FARMING NOW?

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Cactus or prickly pear farming is enjoying renewed interest in South Africa. This is because of the drought and climate change as well as the commercial potential of a crop with abundant uses.

Prickly pear is a surprising simple cactus. Its easy and undemanding to grow. It is also hardy enough to survive in most climates, and boasts a cheery, delicate flower. Prickly pears are a cactus, so they need well- draining soil first and foremost. Plant them in full sun in a sandy or gravely mix and go easy on the water.

Soil

In order for the prickly pear to thrive, it needs to be planted in well-draining soil. Your best bet is a mixture that is dry, sandy, or gravelly. It can also do well in a mixture that is primarily clay, as long as it drains very well and soil does not retain much moisture. Prickly pear isn’t especially high – maintenance and can thrive in a neutral- to -acidic mixture with a pH level of 6.0 – 7.5

Water

Prickly pear cactus is extremely drought tolerant so water it less than you think it needs. In most areas, your typical rainfall will be likely be enough for the cactus to thrive. If not, you can plan to water the plant every two to four weeks.

Fertilizer

When planted outdoors in garden soil, no fertilizer is needed. However, occasional feeding may be required indoors. Use well-balanced fertilizer and let the plant tell you when it needs food. This will be when its green color starts to pale or it doesn’t flower, it should be fed.

Plant Usage

Farmers use the cactus pear to make fodder and silage. Consumers eat the fruit, bio gas made from the plan can produce electricity. Furthermore, the fruit can be used to make oil, juice, jam, jelly, and chutney and the cladodes  can be turned into salads. The ruit is also used to make beer, wine, mampoer or liqueurs.

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How to start a Golden Kiwi Farming Operation Now?

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Kiwifruits also known as simply “kiwis” are a popular type of edible berry that grows on wines in temperature regions. If you want to grow a kiwi plant for its fruit, purchace a grafted plant from a nursery.

The three types of kiwi fruit are:

1. Common Kiwi – This is the type of kiwifruit typically found in grocery stores. It is a brown/fuzzy fruit with a thick skin and green pulp.

2. Golden Kiwi – Another popular type of kiwi. The golden kiwi is sweeter but more delicate compared to the common kiwi. It is closely related to common kiwifruit but less fuzzy and more yellow.

3. Kiwi Berry – This name usually refers to two different kiwi species, the hardy kiwi and the super-hardy kiwi. These kiwifruits are much smaller compared to common and golden kiwis and have a thinner smooth skin.

Development in the South Africa’s kiwifruit industry has been picking up pace over recent years. There are now 500 ha planted, including 200 ha of yellow varieties. South African growers produce good quality yellow kiwi. They produce it at a time when they can go into a market in Europe ahead of any other Southern Hemisphere players.

Input Costs – Hail netting for a 10 ha orchard will cost about R250 000/ha. To buy and plant young vines and maintaining through their first 3 years of growth can cost R250 000 – R300 000/ha.

The trees enter production in their fourth year. It will cost approximately R60 000/ha/year to manage a mature gold kiwifruit orchard from then on wards.

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HOW TO START PRECISION FARMING / AGRICULTURE NOW?

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Precision Farming seeks to use new technologies to increase crop yields and profitability while lowering the levels of traditional inputs. These inputs are needed to grow crops – land, water, fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides. In other words, farmers utilizing precision agriculture are using less to grow more. Precision agriculture is the latest trend in agricultural sectors around the world, because it saves time and reduces cost.

DO YOU NEED TO SWITCH TO PRECISION FARMING???

Yes. It is already profitable and will be inevitable in the future. American farmers already save between $11 000 and $39 000 a year on average. The sooner farmers begin to implement precision farming, the more competitive they will be in the future.

Precision Farming Benefits:

  • Simplified Farming Processes.
  • More cost – efficient farming.
  • More time on hands.
  • Higher yields and more profitable.
  • Better quality produce.
  • Less waste.
  • Higher quality of life.

       

Many farmers are adopting new equipment to make their farming more precise. Tractors can map fields, drives themselves, and check it’s own motion so it doesn’t waste fertilizer, seed or fuel. Farnming technology includes remote sensing with data collection on variables like nutrient levels and soil moisture.

Precision farming is about managing variations in the field accurately to grow more food using fewer resources and reducing production costs. The main goal of “precision farming” is to improve agricultural yield and reduce potential environmental risks.

Future of Precision Farming

Some of the most recently technologies available and under development are the state – of – the – art robots. They are capable of managing crops more and more accurately with the possibility of collecting important data.

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HOW TO START A SUCCESSFUL FREE RANGE CHICKEN FARM NOW?

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Free Range Chicken Farming is a method of chicken farming where the chickens are allowed to roam freely outdoors. This is done for a good part of the day rather than being confined in an enclosure for 24 hours.

In most free range chicken farms, the outdoor ranging area is fenced and therefore making the area an enclosure. Chicken meat is generally consumed in all parts of the world and is very healthy. There are many free range farms that raise chickens and making huge profits from their farming operation.

When you running your own free range chicken farming operation, it is better to produce your own chicken feed. One of the most economical  ways of feeding is to grow your own meal-worms as feeding for them. Meal – worms is the most ideal meal to feed free range chickens. It is also less stressful and inexpensive when you do it yourself.

Breed Selection

Free range chicken farmers work with various breeds like:

Meat Production – Cobb, Ross, Arbor Acres, Hubbard.

Egg Production – Lohmann, Browns, Lohman Silver, Hy-Line Silver, Hy-Line Brown, Amber – Link and Lohmann Hybrids.

Other poultry hybrids include the following chicken breeds:

  • Potch Koekoek.
  • Borschvelders.
  • Black Australorps.

With the market for “free range eggs” continuing to grow, more new players are getting into the sector.They raise chickens in a semi – intensive , free range or fully organic system. Many of the new entrants are tempted by the relatively low start up costs. Also, the potentially good margins as free range and organic products tend to fetch a higher price.

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How to be Successful in Spinach Farming?

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Spinach is not only full of flavour, but full of goodness too. Spinach is high in iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin c and low in categories. What most of us eat as spinach is usually “Swiss Chard” because it is:

  • Much more available.
  • Easier to grow.
  • Heat tolerant and
  • More productive.

Spinach and Swiss Chard are among the easiest vegetables to grow. They germinate easily, don’t take up much space and are easy to harvest. However, they are gross feeders and need regular feeding to be a great success.

Soil Requirements

Spinach seeds germinate at 2°C to 30°C. However, 7°C to 24°C is optimum. Seeds will not germinate well in warm weather. Although spinach will grow in temperatures ranging from 5° to 24°C, growth is more rapid at 15° to 18°C.

The plant requires a constant and uniform supply of water in order to obtain a good crop of high quality. During spinach production, the soil should never be allowed to dry out. Spinach requires plenty of water, although the soil should have good drainage.

Spinach grows well on a variety of soils, although fertile, sandy loams with a high organic matter content is preferred. Spinach is particularly sensitive to saturated soil conditions and to acidity. The optimum soil pH is 6.2 to 6.9.

Planting

Before planting, prepare and enrich the soil with generous amounts of organics as well as bone meal for root development.

  • Spinach and Swiss Chard can be sown in situ. Swiss Chard can also be sown in seed trays as it transplants better than spinach.
  • Keep the soil moist during germination – which takes about 5 days.
  • Seedlings should be spaced, or thinned out, to about 20cm apart.
  • Feed with a liquid fertilizer about 2 weeks after germination and at least once a month after that..

Plants should be spaced 10 – 20 cm apart in rows that are 30cm apart. This equates to about 160 000+ plants per hectare. Commercial growers that harvest mechanically plant closer together at 15cm by 25cm giving the grower 250 000+ plants per hectare.

Growth Period

Harvesting of the first outer leaves can begin at 60 to 70 days from planting. To ensure longer production periods and higher yields spinach needs Nitrogen in the soil throughout its growing period.

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HOW TO START A SUGARCANE FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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Sugarcane farming is known to be a profitable business and over the years, it evolved from uncoordinated to a global industry in most countries where it’s carried out. With the recent advancement in technology, farmers can now comfortably grow crops such as sugarcane in a country where such crops can hardly survive and in places where there are few farming lands.

Soil

Sugarcane grows on almost all classes of soil, but it needs fertile, well – drained soil. Humid soils from 100 to 150cm deep with good drainage are most suitable. It grows well in deep well-drained soils of medium fertility of sandy loam soil textures with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.7. The optimum soil pH is about 6.5 but sugarcane can tolerate a considerable degree of soil acidity and alkalinity.

Planting

There are 2 methods of planting, namely manual and mechanical. The cane setts are manually placed end to end (or overlapping) together with fertilizer in the furrow and then covered with soil. With mechanical planting, the three operations of opening the furrow, planting the setts and applying fertilizer are conducted simultaneously.

Row Spacing

Closer spacing tends to result in higher yields, provided there is adequate moisture in the soil. Row and plant spacing for manual planting is 1.0 to 1.3m x 0.5m. For normal mechanical operations, the best row spacing is between 1.4 and 1.6m. The setts are planted at a degree angle or laid horizontally in a furrow and thereafter are covered lightly with soil until they sprout then the sides of the furrow are turned inwards. Optimum cover is 50mm of soil.

Depth of Planting

Furrows for planting should be approximately 100mm deep. Sets should be cut into five bud lengths.

Utilization

Sugarcane is used for sugar production, a raw material in human food industries, as a fertilizer and as livestock fodder. The primary use for sugarcane is to process sugar, which is then used in producing an infinite number of products. The type of sugar produced by sugarcane is called sucrose. Sucrose is used as a sweetening agent for foods and in the manufacturing of cakes, candles, preservation’s, soft drinks, alcohol and numerous other foods.

IF YOU WANT TO START SUCCESSFULLY IN THIS TYPE OF FARMING OR ANY OTHER FARMING OPERATION YOU WILL NEED A BANKABLE AND WELL – STRUCTURED PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PLAN. 

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HOW TO START A VINEYARD FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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A vineyard is a plantation of grape- bearing vines, grown mainly for wine making, but also for raisins, table grapes and non – alcoholic grape juice. The science, practice and study of vineyard production is known as viticulture. A winery is a licensed property that makes wine.

So, a vineyard can have a winery that produces wine from the grapes it grows, but it can also sell its grapes to outside wineries and purely act as a grape-grower. Vineyards are often located on hillsides and planted in soils that are of only marginal value to other plants.

The wine making process includes growing and harvesting grapes, crushing and pressing grapes into unfermented wine and fermenting the wine. The industry also makes wine blends, brandies and wines from other fruit sources.

Viticulture

The wine industry is undergoing an exciting period of change, both in the vineyard and in the winery. Wine makers are experimenting with new varieties of wine, as well as new clones of existing varieties such as chardonnay and Cabernet sauvignon. Large – scale experimentation with root-stocks is taking place to establish which planting material is particularly suited to conditions In most South African vineyards harvesting is carried out by hand, although machines are used on some farms. The grapes are picked into baskets and transported in bins to the winery where vinification begins.

Soil

Wine producers are focused on identifyng and selecting sites best suited to particular  grape varieties. In addition, new clones and root – stocks which particularly well adapted to the local soil and climatic conditions are being selected.

Wines thrive in poor soils and are capable of putting down roots to a depth of several meters in search of nutrients and water. Good quality grapes, however, are not produced on badly drained or very shallow sites.

After growing the grapes, you can sell or export them to wineries who are involved in producing the wine. You can also decide to start and own a winery where you can produce the wine and distribute them to consumers. Another option is to do both by having an estate winery where you grow the grapes and produce the wine.

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SUCCESSFUL STRAWBERRY FARMING – HOW TO START

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Starting a strawberry farming business, is good news because you can’t get it wrong due to various species of strawberries that are consumed fresh by almost everybody and all over the globe.

Strawberries and strawberry flavorings are a popular addition to dairy products such as strawberry milk, strawberry ice cream, strawberry milkshakes, and yogurts to mention a few. Although farmers have been quite reluctant in participating in strawberry farming stating that the industry is not very developed, those looking into venturing into the practice are highly encouraged because of the huge income potential.

Planting

Strawberries can be grown from seeds, or using transplants (runners) from already existing strawberry plants. It is however more difficult to start with seeds and therefore runners are mostly used.

Cultural Practices

Mulching – after planting the strawberry plants, mulching the beds with pine needles, shredded leaves or straw helps to keep the soil temperature down, mitigate the weed problem, and also keeps the fruit cleaner by keeping the strawberries off of the dirt.

Irrigation – water is critically and essential when growing strawberries. The plants need a lot of water especially when the runners and flowers are developing. Drip irrigation is highly recommended as it waters at the root.

Pruning – this is majorly aimed at increasing fruit production. Flowers should be pruned off immediately they appear.

Fertilization – application fertilizers an manure boost production. However, if too much fertilizer is applied, this promotes excessive leaf growth and poor production of flower stalks. Too much nitrogen results in soft and easily – damaged strawberries.

It is important to state that strawberry farming comes its own fair share of challenges, but that does not rule out the fact that it is indeed a profitable business venture. An aspiring entrepreneur can either choose to start on a small or on a large scale depending on their financial status.

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HOW TO START A CABBAGE FARM OPERATION NOW?

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Cabbage is a kind of vegetable that is prepared and consumed in different forms. Cabbage can be eaten as a raw vegetable or steamed. Cabbage is a leafy green, (purple), or white (pale green) biennial vegetable plant grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense- leaved heads. Many shapes, colors and leaf textures are found in various cultivated varieties of cabbage.

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HOW TO START A OSTRICH FARMING BUSINESS NOW?

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There are a huge growth potential for the ostrich market, even though the industry is yet to gain a 1% share of the total meat market. Having at least a 1% share in the total meat market would mean that that more ostriches (numbering about 4 million) would need to be farmed and slaughtered to be able to meet the growing demand.

Ostrich is characterized by 3 product phases, i.e. meat, leather and feathers with the current main source of income meat and leather. The value of a slaughtered ostrich is broken down into 45% skin, 45% meat and 10% feather. This contrasts with Europe, where the breakdown is 75% meat and 25% skin. This is because of the popular healthy aspects that ostrich meat contains the lowest fat and cholesterol and is rich in protein and iron.

VALUE CHAIN

Ostrich products (leather, meat, feathers and curios) are marketed locally and exported through a free market system.The main market for ostrich meat is restaurants, wholesalers, supermarkets and food-service suppliers. The market for ostrich leather includes the clothing, fashion and upholstery industries and for the feathers the household, fashion and carnival markets.

Ostrich farming is much more profitable than raising other traditional farm animals. Ostriches are loving birds, they are quite easy to raise and require little maintenance from farmers. One of the reasons why ostrich farming is such a lucrative business is the number of valuables an ostrich has to offer; and very little ever goes to waste.

Ostrich Products

Meat – The meat is red with  lower fat and is also a good source of iron and protein.

Eggs –  The eggs are about 6 inches long, 5 inches wide and weighs 2 kg. Ostriches can lay about 15 – 45 eggs per season. 1 ostrich egg is equivalent to 5 chicken eggs.

Feathers – The feathers are extremely valuable and durable. The feathers are used to make dusters for cleaning, hat and home decorations.

Skin (leather) – Ostrich leather is of high quality being thick, soft and durable. It is used to make handbags, carpets, clothing, books etc.

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WHY A CHICKEN EGG HATCHERY NOW?

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There are loads of business opportunities in the poultry industry and a chicken egg hatchery business is one of them. A chicken egg hatchery business comes with its own fair share of challenges, but that does not rule out the fact that it is indeed a profitable business. An aspiring entrepreneur can either choose to start the business on a small scale covering a small community or on a large scale depending on their financial status.

Breed

There are more than 200 varieties of chickens available today. There are many things to consider when determining the best breed for your flock. These factors include climate, breed temperaments, egg production levels and whether you want a “dual-purpose” bird that is good for eggs and meat or purely an egg producer. There are some breeds that work out better for a smaller farm or homestead. Combining multiple breeds in one flock is fine. They will get along, and whether you have one breed or seven, they will establish their pecking order.

“Laying hen” is a common term for a female growing chicken that is kept primarily for laying eggs. Some chickens are raised for meat, while others are raise to produce eggs, and some are dual – purpose. People may use older laying hens for food, or rise roosters alongside hens but dispatch the roosters as young, plumb birds for the table. Raising laying hens is a different process than raising chickens for meat. Most laying ens will live five to seven years, laying eggs nearly daily for out three of those years.

The Poultry Raising Industry has experienced positive trends in the demand for artificially hatched chicks and eggs. Increasing health consciousness among South African meat consumers has boosted consumption of white meat such as chicken, which is also more affordable than beef or pork.

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HOW TO START AGAVE FARMING NOW?

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Blue Agave is also known as “Weber Azul” a part of the Agave Tequila species. The blue agave’s boost of numerous economic importance and is mostly cultivated in South America and South Africa. The blue agave extract is the primary raw material used for the production of the tequila drink native to the region consumer globally and other distilled beverages.

In terms of the end user, the the blue agave market is segmented into food and beverages, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and others. The food and beverage segment is further segmented into confectionery, dressings, bakery, dairy and beverage.

Agave are remarkably hardy plants. They grow in dry climates, mediocre soils, and have enough natural defenses that any large predator is usually deterred. Blue Agave should be planted in well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. While this plant is not fussy about soil conditions, it cannot tolerate wet feet. Pick a spot in the landscape to keep the plant out of cool air that accumulates in low areas. Locate your blue agave with an eye on the future. This relatively short – lived plant will reach an imposing size within a short time.

Another potential market for the South African agave is agave syrup or nectar. This is fast becoming a hot item in both the health food industry and as a possible replacement for sugar in commercial food production.

A small farm for your agave will only need five to ten acres at a minimum, but if you want to make a decent profit, you’ll want to consider 50 to 100 acres for planting purposes. Your expenses will be focused on paying for fertilizer, pest control, and harvesting.. You will also need to replace some of your trees on a regular basis to maintain the health and vitality of the entire farm. In the right climate, agave can generate an impressive income especially when used as a valuable by product.

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HOW TO START SUCCESSFUL KIWIFRUIT FARMING NOW?

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Kiwifruits, also known as simply “kiwis” are a popular type of edible berry that grows on vines in temperate regions. Large areas of South Africa’s interiors are suitable for gold kiwifruit production, as the vines can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C in midwinter. South African growers produce good quality yellow kiwi, and they produce it at a time when they can go into a market in Europe ahead of any other Southern Hemisphere player. During the 2018 season the return for New Zealand kiwi fruit growers was approximately R1,3million / ha.

KIWIFRUIT TYPES

Common Kiwi

This is the type of kiwifruit typically found in groceries stores. It is a brown, fuzzy fruit with a thick skin and green pulp. For optimal growth, it requires about a month of cool weather with temperatures ranging from 30 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 – 7°).

Golden Kiwi

Another popular type of kiwi, the golden kiwi is sweeter but more delicate compared to the common kiwi. It is closely related to common kiwifruit but is less fuzzy and more yellow.

Kiwi Berry

This name usually refers to two different kiwi species, the hardy kiwi and the super – hardy kiwi. These kiwifruits are much smaller compared to common and golden kiwis and have a thinner, smooth skin. As their names suggest, this type of kiwi is the most cold – tolerant and can be grown in areas that experience harsh winters.

Growing Requirements

Kiwi fruit vines need deep, friable, fertile, free-draining soil to thrive. They can be planted in full sun or semi shade and need to be kept moist (but not waterlogged), as this could lead to root rot. Mixing organic compost into the soil will improve growth. Vines should be protected from strong winds.

Harvesting

The fruit ripens in November , and harvesting can start when the fruit begin to soften. It can be picked off the vine by hand, or clipped off, close to the base of each fruit. Firm fruit can be kept at room temperature for up to eight weeks. Ripe fruit will last for a week or more if kept in the refrigerator.

IF YOU WANT TO START SUCCESSFULLY IN THIS TYPE OF FARMING OPERATION YOU NEED TO START WITH A PROFESSIONAL FARMING BUSINESS PLAN EVEN IF YOU DO NOT NEED FUNDING – CONTACT US NOW – (27)84 583 3143 or money@global.co.za

                 

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HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL CITRUS FARMER

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Citrus production (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) continues to grow, averaging more than 100 tons every year. More cultivated land in environmentally climates and society’s passion/demand for these fruits, drinks and medicinal uses make this a viable enterprise for anyone wishing to start and grow a new farming business.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

  • First of all you must have a “Business Plan” before starting the farming operation. Basically, a business plan provides a comprehensive guide about the input costs, projected return and profitability.
  • Citrus crops demand irrigation. So, you will need proper irrigation facilities.
  • Alike any other fruit farming business, you will not get any return before harvesting the fruits. That is why you must have the financial preparation to carry on till the cultivation.

SOIL

Citrus grows over a wide range of soils. However, the light, well-drained (sandy) soils are most ideal. For good production citrus products require well-distributed rainfall or supplementary irrigation throughout the year. Therefore, a good source of water is essential in citrus farming. Generally, water requirements vary according to weather conditions, but as a whole, the ideal range is between 450mm – 2700mm per year

Citrus trees can vary in height from 5m to 15m. They are evergreen with spiny shoots and green leaves. Depending on the variety, the flowers may occur singly or in branched clusters. Flowers are usually between 2cm and 4cm in diameter with five petals. Citrus fruit has a tough and leathery rind with a juicy interior. Citrus fruit can be eaten fresh, pressed for juice, or preserved in marmalade’s and pickles.

For marketing and production purposes in South Africa, citrus is divided into four main groups:

  1. Oranges.
  2. Grapefruit.
  3. Lemons and
  4. Soft citrus (e.g. mandarins).

All citrus contains Vitamin C, a water – soluble vitamin with immune- enhancing effects. The Eastern Cape produces the most citrus in South Africa, followed by Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Western Cape and KZN. The harvesting season is usually from May to October.

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ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION – HOW TO START NOW

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Animal feed is a kind of feed prepared for oxen, cows, sheep, goat, poultry etc reared for their milk, meat and eggs. It contains protein, minerals and other nutrients which are useful fr milk, eggs, and beef production as well as survival and growth of the animals. Animal feed can be prepared from agro-residues, cereals, molasses, minerals and vitamins etc.

With the increased demand for livestock products for domestic consumption as well as export, farmers realize the importance of maintaining the health of their animals with proper feeding and management. The proportion of crossbred animals increased over the years. This has necessitated higher demand for balanced feed. Feed supply could not keep pace with the growth in various species of cattle and other animals.

Steps to start a Feed Production Business

1. Market Research – You need to do thorough research on your local market. At, first, you should identify the demand of the livestock and other farmers in your area and then select a particular category of animal feed with which you will continue further. Also, look at your competitors who are formulating the same type of animal feed. Study their strengths and weaknesses.

2. Business Plan – Next you should craft an effective and comprehensive business plan to get success in your venture. You need to consider every aspect of your business like objectives, start-up expenses, financial and marketing plans etc.

3. Feed Formulation – There is a specific formula of animal feed for each type of animal and you have to identify the right one for the feeds you are going to produce. If it is not properly produced by mixing the raw materials in exact ratio, you will lose your customers as they would not get the expected results after using the feed.

4. Raw Materials – After generating the appropriate formula or feed, you should buy the essential raw materials that you will need to use.These ingredients may comprise of maize, wheat offal, corn, noodle wastes, minerals, common salt etc.

5. Equipment – The next step is to purchase the equipment that are necessary for the production process.The equipment might include blenders, choppers, cooker, conveyors, weighing machine, bag sewers, pulleys, packaging bags etc.

6. Advertising – The final step is to do proper advertising and promoting of your production business by following effective marketing tactics. This step is quite challenging to perform if you are a beginner. You can hire a sales representative who can help you in promoting your business. You can also make use of the internet by means of a professional website to promote your business.

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HOW PROFITABLE IS COFFEE FARMING IN AFRICA?

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Coffee farms and plantations cover approximately 9,600 square miles of the continent and roughly 25 countries in Africa benefit economically from coffee production. For nearly 10 million African households, coffee is the primary source of income.

Coffee beans grow on an attractive little plant with glossy green leaves and a compact growth habit. In their native habitat, they like to grow into medium sized trees, but the coffee plants are regularly pruned to a more manageable size by coffee plantation growers.

COFFEE PLANT VARIETIES

There are more than 120 species of plants in the genus. Arabica accounting for about 60-80 percent of all the consumed coffee in the world. Another popular coffee bean comes from the Canephora plant, which is also known as Coffee Robusta. These species comes from sub- Saharan Africa. It’s plants are more robust, however, the coffee beans are less favored because they tend to have a stronger, harsher taste. Arabica coffee beans tend to be sweeter with undertones of sugar, berries and fruit.

SOIL

A rich, peat-based potting soil with excellent drainage is beneficial. Coffee plants do not like limey soils, so if the plant is not thriving, add some organic matter like peat. Coffee plants can grow in soil that has a pH of 4 to 7. The ideal soil pH is closer to 6 – 6.5.

HARVESTING

Ripe coffee cherries are usually picked by hand. The main exception is Brazil, where the relatively flat landscape and immense size of the coffee fields allow for machinery use. Coffee trees yield an average of 2 to 4 kilos of cherries and a good picker can harvest 45-90 kilos of coffee cherries per day, and this will produce 9-18 kilos of coffee beans.

                   

COFFEE IS HARVESTED IN ONE OF 2 WAYS:

1. Strip Picked –  All the cherries are stripped off the branch at one time, either by machine or by hand.

2. Selectively Picked – Only the ripe cherries are harvested and they are picked by hand.

Coffee in Society

After water, coffee is the most popular drink worldwide with over 400 billion cups being consumed each year. It is enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet and the pleasurable experience. Coffee drinking plays a key role in many cultures around the world, providing an occasion for friends, family and colleagues to connect.

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HOW TO GROW CHILLIES- PEPPER VEGETABLES NOW

Agricultural Business, Agriculture Business Plans, Building a profitable business, Business Plans, Business Profiles, Chillie Farming, Chillie Farming Business Plans, Farming Business Plans, Farming Plans, Farming Profiles, Farming Proposals, Pepper Farming, Pepper Farming Business Plans /

                                                                

Chillie – Pepper farming is part of a fast – growing industry and pretty much active in all countries of the world. With the recent advancement in technology, farmers can now comfortably grow chillie – peppers and a variety of vegetables in a country where such crops can hardly survive.

Chillie – Peppers is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world simply because it has so many valuable medicinal properties due to the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds contained in them. Chillie- Pepper reduces LDL cholesterol levels in obese people and fresh chillie peppers, red and green, are a rich source of Vitamin C.

There are many chillie cultivars but to name a few: Anaheim, Inchanga, Long Red Cayenne, Trinidad, Long Slim Cayenne, Pendent, Scotch Bonnet, Serrano Spitfire, Habanero, Super Cayenne, Ristra, Super Chillie, Skyline. However, the four most popular types of chillie peppers include: Ghost Peppers, Habanero, Jalapeno, and Poblano peppers.

                                                                                 

Soil Requirements

They prefer a sandy soil that is well drained. The roots are concentrated in only the top 30 to 40cm of soil so irrigation needs to be very well managed to prevent moisture stress in the soil, to which the plant is very sensitive. The organic content must be high in the soil, otherwise organic material and compost must be mixed into the soil prior to planting. The ideal pH of the soil must be between 6.0 and 7.0.

Climate

Chillie is a warm climate crop that is sensitive to cold, frost and growth is severely hampered by temperatures below 15ºC but also by temperatures over 35ºC. They do best when the daytime temperatures fluctuates between 24ºC and 30ºC. Once the fruit is starting to ripen it prefers dry weather without rain, as rain creates disease and irrigation management problems. It also hampers the drying out of the chillie on the plant for those varieties that are stored dry for later sale or dry processing.

Irrigation

Chillies require about 600mm of water during the growing season in the form of rain or irrigation. During flowering and fruit, set water should be sufficient and water-logging should be avoided as the crop is sensitive.Too much water may inhibit flowering and fruit formation and too little lead to flower drop. Furrow and drip irrigation are mostly recommended. If overhead irrigation has to be used, it should not be scheduled for late in the evening because wet leaves and fruit promote diseases. Plants should be dry before nightfall.

Fertilization

In order to realize acceptable yields in peppers, fertilizers must be used and before applying fertilizers, soil tests should be conducted to determine the type and the quality of fertilizer in the soil to ensure optimum plant growth. It should be fertilized with a combination of organic and/or chemical fertilizers. 

Uses

Chillies are used as ingredients to add flavor and color to most dishes. They are high in Vitamin A and C, calcium and iron and can be used as a medication to treat asthma, coughs and sore throats.

                                                                         

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HOW TO START A MANGO FARM OPERATION NOW?

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Mangoes are grown over a wide area in South Africa. However, the main production areas are in the Northern Province with Tzaneen, Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa, Letsitele and Trichardsdal area accounting for 60% of the total production. Mango trees will grow and produce well in areas with very high temperatures (45 degrees C). However, when the maximum temperature exceeds 46 degrees C vegetative growth ceases, especially if it is accompanied by low humidity. In South Africa the average relative humidity should preferably be 55% or less, from October until the fruit is harvested.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS

Mango trees grow on a slight slope which enables runoff of excess water and prevents water-logging. Depressions or basins are poorly drained and plantings on these sites should be avoided. The roots will turn black and become desiccated in over-saturated soils as a result of a lack of aeration. Under such conditions the parts of the plant above the ground will wilt and show symptoms of chlorosis. Mango trees do not row and produce well in soils with impermeable layers and also do not thrive on very steep slopes because excessive drainage could lead to water shortages and soil erosion.

PLANTING PROCEDURE

Although mango orchards are planted throughout the year (especially in the warmer production regions) the best time is August to September after the risk of cold weather had passed. After proper soil preparation the holes for planting should be large enough for the bag containing the tree to fit inside. Cut the bags open before planting to ensure that the trees have well developed root systems and that the roots are undamaged. Irrigation systems should already be installed before planting the trees. As soon as active growth is observed after planting, each tree should receive 4 applications of 25g LAN at intervals of 6 weeks, i.e. a total of 100g for the first year.

HARVESTING

Local Market – If mango fruit is to be marketed locally, it can be allowed to mature for longer periods on the tree. This will give it a better color and flavor. However, if the fruit is left on the tree for too long, it will drop in a process known as spontaneous ripening.

Export – Only the best quality mangoes is suitable for export, as it has to undergo transport and cold storage for 28 days in order to reach foreign markets buy sea. Fruit packed too green will never ripen properly whereas overripe fruit will spoil as a result of softening and the development of various diseases. It is therefore important to start picking at the correct stage.

TREE SELECTION

When you’re buying mango trees, you’ll need to look for signs that the tree is in good health. Take a look at the signs of a quality tree:

– Green and gleaming foliage;

– Long inter-nodes;

– Healthy graft union and blossoms;

– Containers should be a minimum of 10L as a precaution against stunted root growth.

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HOW TO START A SUCCESSFUL PINEAPPLE FARMING OPERATION NOW

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Pineapples are sweet, nutritional and can be used in a variety of ways in home cooking. Moreover, pineapples are regularly purchased in bulk by food manufacturers who turn the fruit into various beverages, sweets, baked goods and other food products.

Pineapples rank second on the list of the most consumed fruits in the world and constitute up to 20% of the world’s production of all tropical fruits. Since the 1960’s, the level of pineapple farming has increased dramatically. The fruit popularity in the world can be explained by the breeding of new species, in particular one that is referred to as “Gold“. The fruit is now prepared, canned and consumed in various forms such as pineapple chunks, slices, juices, jams, marmalade, crushed and dried pineapples. Pineapples are also used in cereals and as a snack food. Pineapple fruits are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B6, Copper and Manganese.

SOIL

The soil for pineapple farming should b well drained and slightly acidic in nature with pH levels around 4.5 to 6. The soil has to be light and can be sandy, alluvial or lateritic but not heavy clayey soil. The fruit is suitable for cultivation either near the seacoast or inland areas but the minimum temperature ranges should be in between 15.5 to 32 degrees C. The plants flower from February till April and bears fruit from July till September.

                                                                     

HARVESTING

Pineapple plants get ready for harvest in 2 to 2.5 years. Flowers appear after 12 months from planting and fruits appear after 15 or 18 months. The ripening of fruits occur after 5 months from flowering. The fruits for table use are harvested when completely ripe whereas the fruits for canning are harvested at an early stage. Each variety has a different eye color in the fruit indicating its maturity or ripening level.

PINEAPPLE VARIETIES

Kew – It is a leading commercial variety valued particularly for canning. Its fruits are big sized (1.5 – 2.5 kg) oblong and tapering slightly to the crown. The fruit with broad and shallow eyes becomes yellow when fully ripe.

Gian Kew – The variety is synonymous with Kew except for the size of plant and fruit which are larger than Kew as the name signifies.

Charlotte Rothschild – The fruit is similar in taste and other characters to that of Kew.

Queen – Its fruit are rich yellow in color, weighing 0.9 – 1.3 kg each. The flesh is deep golden – yellow, less juicy than Kew, crisp textured with a pleasant aroma and flavor.

Mauritius – It comes medium in size, its fruits are deep yellow and red. Yellow fruits are oblong, fibrous and medium sweet compared with red ones.This is ideal for table purposes.

Jaldhup & Lakhat – Both are under the Queen group with fruits smaller than Queen. Lakhat is markedly sour in taste, whereas Jaldhup has its sweetness well- blended with acidity.

Generally, commercial pineapple farming demands sufficient area of land and proper irrigation facility. In addition to that, the farm must have proper arrangements for plant protection. In this business, you can expect a substantial ROI and quick payback but you will need a well-structured farming business plan to get you going.

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GROWING CROPS UNDER SOLAR PANELS NOW SUCCESSFULLY

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As countries make the switch to renewable energy, solar power is a major player. All you need is sunlight and land to use for solar panels. It’s that easy. Over the course of a year, a study in “Nature Sustainability” analyzed what is known as “Agrivoltaics”. This is a land-sharing process tat integrates agriculture and solar energy int a symbiotic system; meaning that vegetables are planted in the shade of solar panels.

The agrivoltaics system assisted crops by regulating air temperatures, reducing direct sunlight, and increasing moisture in the air. Panels also protected the crops from intense winds and sunlight. Not only did the panels help the plants, but the plants also increased the efficiency of the solar panels by cooling them via transpiration. In mixed crop solar farms, the skin temperature is 18 degrees cooler than in open fields. This can create a much safer work environment as some farm laborers are at risk of heat stroke and other heat – related dangers.

A team of French scientists lead by Christopne Dupraz were the first to use the term “Agrivoltaic”. It basically means when solar panels and food crops are combined on the same land to maximize the land use. It’s an idea to maximize the land use. It’s an idea which could bring food producing to the next level. Researchers from the University of Arizona have claimed growing crops in the shade of solar panels can lead to two or three times more vegetable and fruit production than conventional agriculture.

The scientists said that their measurements showed how shading from the panels had a positive impact on air temperature, direct sunlight and atmospheric demand for water. The shade provided by the PV panels resulted in cooler daytime and warmer nighttime temperatures than the traditional, open-sky planting system they said. There was also a lower vapor pressure deficit in the agrivoltaics system, meaning there was more moisture in the air.

                                                             

Solar farming is a field filled with hundreds or maybe thousands of solar panels oriented into the sun. Instead of potatoes, beans or tomatoes planted in the soil, solar panels cover that land, while energy is being produced. It is obvious that traditional farming is a relatively risky business because one is very much dependent on weather conditions. If there is just the right amount of sun, rain and if there no extreme storms, strong winds etc. Thus, not to worry about all these environmental factors and still get income is really uplifting and a bit too good to be true. Therefore, next to power generation, solar farms found another niche “agrivoltaics” – or in other words APV-. It is an amazing idea for a environmentally conscious world, both agribusiness and society.

METHODS

There are three types of agrivoltaics that are being actively researched:

1. solar arrays with space between for crops;

2. stilled solar array above crops; and

3. greenhouse solar array.

All three of these systems have several variables used to maximize solar energy absorbed in both the panels and the crops. The main variable taken into account for agrivoltaic systems is the angle of the solar panels – called the tilt angle. Other variables taken into account for choosing the location of the agrivoltaic system are the crops chosen, height of the panels, solar irradiation in the area and the climate of the area.

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CHICORY FARMING – IS THIS PROFITABLE NOW?

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Chicory is a woody, perennial herbaceous plant and it is a member of the daisy family of plants called “Asteracease”. Chicory produces tubes or roots in the first year and develop a flower only in the second year.

Chicory root has a lot of health benefits on the human body, because of its ingredients. Chicory is an excellent source of potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. In South Africa, Chicory is grown almost solely for the root. This is cut into cubes which are dried, roasted and milled and used for blending with coffee. Chicory is also consumed fresh, usually in salads or as a cooked potherb. The leftover parts of the root which are too small to be cubed are sold as stock feed.

Growing Chicory

Chicory prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic malter. Loams, silt loams and clay loam soil often produce higher yields than lighter textured sandy soil as the latter has lower water retention ability and the crop suffers moisture stress sooner. Chicory is a cool – season plant. It grows fastest when conditions are warm and the monthly temperature does not exceed 25 grade Celsius. The plant can survive moderate but not severe frost.

Cultivars

There are 3 main types of Chicory gown for their leaves:

1. A bitter – tasting loose – leaved form is grown as a green winter vegetable, especially in southern Italy.

2. A narrow – leaved, witloof or Belgian form has a compact, elongated head (chicon) which is blanched for use in salads or cooked dishes.

3. A broad – leaved (usually red) form produces cabbage – like hearts. These are generally less bitter than the other forms and are eaten raw or cooked. These forms are often used as a winter salad crop.

                                                                                                    

Water Requirements

Chicory requires 75 to 90 mm of water per month for 160 000 to 180 000 plants per hectare, and then increasing 120 to 140 mm per month during the last 2 months before harvesting.

Planting

The best time to plant Chicory is in the spring season. Seed should be sown in a fine-textured seed bed, at a depth of not more than 6 cm in rows spaced 45 – 60 cm apart. When the plants reach the four-leaf stage they are thinned to stand 20 to 25cm apart in the row. The plant density is about 150 000 plants  per hectare. Ideal planting time for sandy coastal regions (dry land) is from Feb. to May. Up country dry land plantings can be planted from March to middle September.

Irrigation

Chicory irrigation periods should not be longer than 4 hours at a time; 3 to 4 hours are ideal. Some more irrigation is needed for Chicory in drier areas.

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HOW TO START A SUCCESSFUL BARLEY FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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Barley is mainly produced in the Western Cape under dry land conditions. Two-thirds of our barley is produced in the areas around Caledon, Bredasdorp, Napier, Swellendam, Heidelberg and recently, patches of the Swartland region too. The remainer of the barley production is in the Northern Cape under irrigation – Vaalharts, Douglas, Barkley West and Modderrivier. Barley is also grown by some small-scale farmers at Taung in the North West Province.

The barley marketing season in South Africa commences on 1 October and ends on 30 September the following year. After wheat, barley is the most important small grain in South Africa. Its main uses includes:

* production of malt – used for the brewing of beer;

* animal feed; and

* pearl barley.

Planting

The planting equipment used for wheat is also suitable for barley. Do not plat barley seed too deep, as this can affect seedling emergence. Planting density can range from 65kg/ha to 100kg/ha depending on the state of the seedbed, planting date, irrigation method and planter used. The average recommended planting density is 80kg/ha, given a 100% germination capacity as well as a 1000 kemel weight of approximately 40kg. Aim to establish 130 to 140 plants/m2 at harvesting. Between 65kg/ha and 80kg/ha seed ought to be sufficient under centre pivot conditions with optimal seedbed preparation.

In -expensive and easy to grow, barley provides exceptional erosion control and weed suppression in semi – arid regions and light soils. It also can fill short rotation niches or serve as a topsoil protecting crop during drought y conditions in any region. It is more  salt tolerant than other small grains and can sop up excess subsoil moisture to help prevent saline seep formation. Barley prefers cool dry growing areas. As a spring cover crop, it can be grown farther north than any other cereal grain, largely because of its short growing period. It can also produce more biomass in a shorter time than any other cereal crop.

BENEFITS

Weed Suppressor

Quick to establish, barley out-competes weeds largely by absorbing soil moisture during its early growing stages. It also shades out weeds and releases allelopathic chemicals that help suppress them.

Pest Suppression

Barley can reduce incidence of leaf-hoppers, aphids, army-worms, root – knot nematodes and other pests, a number of studies suggest.

Nurse Crop

Barley has an upright posture and relatively open canopy that makes it a fine nurse crop for establishing a forage or legume stand. Less competitive than other small grains, barley also uses less water than other covers crops.

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Canola Farming – How can I start successful now.

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Canola is an oil-seed crop grown mainly in the winter rainfall regions of the Western Cape, although it is also farmed in the North West, Limpopo and Northern Cape provinces. Canola is widely grown for its high quality oil for human consumption.

Although it is among the least discussed, canola seed is a crop experiencing significant growth in South Africa. This particular crop has seen tremendous progression over the past 18 years – from just 17 000 ha in 1998 to 68 075 ha in 2016 and still growing. In line with area plantings canola seed production increased from 21000 tons in 1998 to 108 860 tons in 2016.

Canola is an organic health crop which falls below olive oil, but it is more affordable. It has various health benefits which help alleviate heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Not only is it edible, it is also used by the pharmaceutical industry in their products because it contains omega oil. Oil-seed is harvested and crushed for oil. The by – product will be used for animal feed because it is protein rich.

                                                                           

Canola should ideally be planted after the first autumn rains (15 April – 15 May) once there is sufficient moisture to ensure good germination. One of the most important factors in ensuring an optimum canola yield is to achieve a uniform sized and evenly spaced seedling stand. An evenly space stand will contribute to weed control as the canola plants rapidly shade out later germinating weeds, often a major problem in many other crops. Uniform sized plants assist in making management decisions regarding time to spray, top-dress, swath etc much easier.

Canola should be planted between 15mm and 25mm deep. Ideally a stand of 40 to 50 plants/m2 should be target.. This can be achieved by planting hybrid seed at 2kg/ha to 3kg/ha. Canola is small seeded, thus it is important that the seeds make good contact with the soil to promote germination.

It is vitally important to monitor the canola regularly (every 2 – 3 days) from planting up to the five-leaf stage. Many pests and diseases can cause severe damage in a short space of time to young canola seedlings.Make sure to correctly identify the pest causing the problem and use the chemical registered to control it.

Overall, South Africa’s canola seeds and products market is growing and increasingly becoming interlinked with the global market. It is therefore, important that domestic producers are aware of these emerging global production trends, and plan according.

Interested n starting your own successful canola farming operation?

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HOW TO START FREE – RANGE DUCK FARMING NOW?

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Duck meat is a high-value niche product in South Africa. Duck farming is part of poultry farming systems. However, there is a huge difference between duck farming and poultry especially in habits and habitats of duck farming in shelter and population.

Ducks can be raised for meat and eggs. In mos parts of the world, duck ranks next to chicken in terms of egg ad meat production. Starting a duck farming business has numerous advantages as mentioned below:

– Ducks need not only less expensive but simple and non-elaborate housing facilities.

– Ducks need less care or management as they are a very hardy bird.

– You’ll get fresh eggs from ducks as they lay eggs either at night or in the morning.

– As ducks grow faster, you need comparatively less space for raising ducks.

– Ducks are highly resistant to the common avian diseases.

– Ducks eat a wide variety of foods than other birds.

– Along with a less mortality rate, ducks have a longer life than chickens.

Duck Breeds

Duck Breeds for Egg Production:

* Indian runner;

* White and Grayish Indian runner;

* Khaki Campbell.

Duck Breeds for Meat Production:

# Maskovi;

# Aylesbury;

# Sweden ducks.

Feeding

Feeding is the main task for getting better fertile eggs in commercial egg production of a duck farming business. According to duck breeders , on your farm, you can provide nutritious feed. And usually, ducks eats large amounts of food and water than other poultry birds. As legume grain feed works very well, the quantity of feed supply depends on breed, bird age, and purpose (egg layers) or meat producers.

                                                                                                                        

Housing / Shelter

Whether its an intensive or extensive raising system, ducks need safe and secured housing. Although you can use the locally available material to build the shelter, you should ensure proper cross – ventilation of the house along with fresh air flow. Not only require a duck 2 to 3 square feet of floor area, but the house can also be built in high, low dry and wet areas.

As ducks like wet and watery areas, provide both entry and exit points of the house. If you want to keep your duck house secure then you should fence it as well. Also, your building should be floor cemented and keep it deep littering, which should be not less than 5/6 inches.

Breeding

As ducks don’t mate without water, it’s a must for breeding purposes. For 10 female ducks, 1 male duck is enough for breeding. When five months of age, a high quality and productive duck breed start laying eggs. Instead of ducks, you can use hens for hatching the eggs. Sprinkle the eggs with water occasionally (2 or 3 times per week) during the hatching period.

TO ENABLE YOU TO START A SUCCESSFUL DUCK FARMING OPERATION YOU NEED TO START PUTTING ALL YOUR PLANS/IDEAS ON PAPER WITH A WELL – STRUCTURED AND PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PLAN.

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FIG FARMING – HOW TO START NOW?

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Figs are an ancient food source and were one of the first fruit trees cultivated along with the olive and grapevine. It is known for its adaptability and high productivity whilst being easy to prune and maintain. This make the fig tree a valuable addition to farming and a rewarding long-term investment. There is almost no limit to the use of figs; figs can be eaten fresh, canned, dried, and made into an assortment of preserves. Foodies find them lovely with cheese and figs could also be roasted and added to coffee for an interesting twist.

CULTIVARS

Black Mission

This is a classic pear – shaped fruit with a purple to black skin and red flesh.

Adams

One of the oldest fig cultivars in South Africa. Large fruits, with purple skin and dark red flesh when ripe, ripen late in the season.

Cape White or Kaapse Wit

Very sweet french fig. The small flat fruits with green-yellow skin and straw – colored flesh ripen early.

Kaapse Bruin

One of South Africa’s oldest figs. It ripens early to mid-season with a uniformly brown skin and pink flesh. Resists the attentions of flies well.

 Eva

A unique South African cultivar with small, egg-shaped fruits, greenish purple skin color and straw-colored flesh.

Cape Black or Koffievry

Another unique South African cultivar and popular in domestic gardens. It is a small, black early fig with straw- colored flesh. Can be eaten with the peel.

Tiger or Tiervry

Striking yellow and green stripy fig, fun to grow in the garden. The flesh is reddish pink.

Kadota

An old Italian cultivar with a prominent, fleshy stalk and typical drop of sugar in the “ostiole” or bottom opening when ripe. The skin is greenish yellow with white flecks and the flesh yellow-pink.

White Genoa

This is an early fig that ripens end of January to early February, with an abundance of large, sweet fruits. Skin is yellow-green and the flesh pink.

Brown Turkey

These figs ripen late in the season with light brown to red skin and dark red flesh.

                                                                                                          

HEALTH BENEFITS

Figs are nutritious, calorie- dense fruit and contain high levels of potassium, calcium, vitamins B & E, as well as dietary fiber. Eaten fresh or dried, figs are an ideal food source for increasing energy, strengthening immunity and aiding the digestive system. 

SOIL

The fig can be grown on a wide range of soils; light sand, rich loan, heavy clay or limestone, providing that there is sufficient depth and food drainage. Sandy soil that is medium- dry and contains a good deal of lime is preferred when the crop is intended for drying. Highly acid soils are unsuitable.

HARVESTING

The fruits may be picked from the tree or gathered normally or by mechanical sweepers after they fall on the ground. Harvested fruits are spread out in the shade for a day or two so that the latex will dry a little. Then they are transported to processing plants in boxes.

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MORINGA FARMING – HOW PROFITABLE IS THIS NOW?

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Moringa is frequently referred to as “the miracle tree” because all of its parts – from the leaves to flowers, seeds, bark and roots – have nutritional and medicinal uses. Seed pods are oil-rich, yielding 38% to 40% of buttery yellow oil. The oil is highly sought after by cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies, and can be used in cooking, for engine lubrication, and more importantly, as biodiesel.

Even when grown for  biodiesel, Moringa adds for food security. It’s one of the top three most nutritious vegetables in the world and was identified by the World Health Organization as a famine- busting plant.

Moringa oleifera leaves contain  more Vitamin C than oranges, more potassium than bananas and more protein than eggs and milk. The plant has primarily been used for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. For example, in Africa, Moringa has been used by breastfeeding mothers as a supplement due to its ability to increase lactation and to assist them in managing childhood malnutrition, thus decreasing the mortality rate amongst young children (Saambou 2001).

Moringa oleifera is a deciduous tree which within the first year of planting can grow up to 3 meters in height and can subsequently grow as tall as 15 meters. During the first 6-12 months, the Moringa tree can produce fruit, however, on average, it takes a period of 2 years to produce seeds. The favorable conditions under which to grow Moringa oleifera are temperatures between 25 – 30 degrees C, although the plant is capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 48 degrees C.

                                                                                                                              

The Moringa pods are a good source of calcium and phosphorus. The oil extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds contains a approximately 13% saturated fatty acids and 82% unsaturated fatty acids. It is also has a particularly high level of oleic acid (70%) in comparison to other vegetable oils, which usually contain approximately 40% oleic acid.

The roots of the Moringa oleifera are characterized to have medicinal properties. However, consumption in high dosages can be fatal due to the presence of spirochinalkaloid, a fatal nerve paralyzing agent (Nellis 1997).

Several studies have been conducted in exploring the use of Moringa for various industries. The most well-studied and exploited uses of Moringa oleifera are medicinal and nutritional in nature. However, in recent years other uses of Moringa oleifera have been studied and their application explored in other industries such as water treatment and animal feed.

The Moringa oleifera leaves are harvested once a week. During harvesting, care is taken to minimize contamination and remove any residue that may have accumulated on the leaves by washing them three times with clean water. The leaves are then dried and farms employ different drying methods. When the drying process is complete, the Moringa oleifera leaves are milled and then packaged as various products such as capsules, tea and powder.

                                                                                                                            

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HOW TO SET UP AND RUN A COMMERCIAL FARM NOW

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The Agriculture industry of which “commercial farming” is a subset of, is no doubt amongst the leading industries in most countries of the world. Commercial farming is all about mass-cultivation of crops and rearing animals, fish etc for the sole aim of making profits. In most cases it is referred to as mechanized farming.

With the recent advancement in technology farmers can now comfortably grow crops in a country where such crops can hardly survive and in places where there are few farming land. People can even make use of the rooftop (basement) of their houses to cultivate crops even for commercial purposes.

One thing is certain about commercial farming. If you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies; you are more likely not going to struggle to sell your farm produce because there are always food processing companies and consumers out there who are ready to buy from you.

With commercial farming, you can afford to combine crop cultivation and animal husbandry or you can decide to only specialize in the cultivation of crops or rearing of animals. The bottom line is that if you have enough land (space) and you are interested in maximizing commercial farming, you are sure going to make huge profits from your business.

                            

Commercial farming/Agriculture, or otherwise known as agribusiness basic characteristics is that high doses of modern inputs are used for higher productivity such as high yielding varieties, fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, weed killers and so on. In commercial farming, crops that are in high demand, i.e. crops that need to be exported to  other countries or are used as raw materials in industries are produced mainly. In addition, the extent of agriculture marketing differs from region to region.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO START A COMMERCIAL FARMING BUSINESS?

After all that has been done, there will be the need to draw u a “farming business plan” . Starting your farming operation with a business plan in place is one of the best things that could possibly happen to any business. This is so because of the clear cut direction which a business plan gives. It enables you to follow a guided path that is growing and surmounting business business challenges. Writing a professional business plan might not come easy as it requires that one goes technical/financial in some sub sets of the business plan document. This is the areas where an expert comes in. There are business plan writers who are specialized in the business of helping rookies draw up business plans.

IF YOU NEED EXPERT HELP IN THIS ARE CONTACT US NOW AT – money@global.co.za OR (27)84 583 3143 FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.

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How to Grow Guavas Successfully now

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Although guavas are found throughout the country, the growing regions are in the Western Cape and Mpumalanga. The “Fan Retief” cultivar, created in the Western Cape, currently accounts for 90% of the commercial plantings.

Various Cultivars

* Fan Retief – the fruit is pink inside.

* White guava – the fruit is white inside.

* Cherry or Chinese guava – this variety grows into a small bush.

Guavas are eaten as a fresh fruit, dried fruit, are canned, or processed into pulp and concentrate, or even juiced.

Cultivation

The guava is successfully cultivated in a wide range of growing conditions. It is fairly well adjusted to different rainfall while soil pH ranging from 4.5 to 8.2 is proper for desirable plant performance. While guava trees tolerate poor soils, fruit production is substantially enhanced when grown in rich soils under proper management. As a general rule, guavas require very little attention. Nevertheless, guava trees can be grown as cordons on wire fence. Trees can be planted from 2.5 to 8m in any combination of rows and tree spacing.

Pruning & Fruit Thinning

Regular pruning of bearing guava trees are essential. Most guava trees, whether propagated from seed or grafts, produce an abundance of suckers which should be removed from trunk up to 50cm above ground. A framework of four branches representing four quarters of the tree should be established. The crotch angles between the branches and the main stem should be wide enough to facilitate adequate light penetration and provide physical strength to support fruit load at maturity.

Harvesting & Storage

Immature guavas do not ripen off the trees; fruits may soften, but never develop abundant color, and typical flavor associated with good eating enjoyment. Over-ripe fruits drop. There are no visible physical appearances or chemical indices of fruits that consistently reflect the appropriate stage of fruit maturity for harvest. Fruit harvesting should be carried out when the fruit is fully developed, matured, and began to show signs of color change from green to yellowish. Guava fruits should be packed in the natural posture (with the pedicel end of the fruit kept upward) in order to retain better quality for longer periods of time.

A clever marketing campaign for guavas has helped remind consumers about the health benefits of this unpretentious fruit, and opened new opportunities for farmers by reviving the demand for fresh guavas in supermarkets.

TO ENABLE YOU TO START AND RUN A SUCCESSFUL AND PROFITABLE GUAVA FARMING OPERATION YOU WILL NEED A PROFESSIONAL FARMING BUSINESS PLAN AND PROPER ASSISTANCE. CONTACT US TODAY IF YOU NEED HELP AT: (27)84 583 3143 or email: money@global.co.za

                                                                                            

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Sweet Potato Farming – How can I start successfully now?

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Sweet potatoes are easy to plant, need little looking after and deliver high yields. They are usually grown in sandy soil, which makes them easier to dig up. But they also do well in most soils, even heavy clay.

Production Areas

Currently, sweet potato is cultivated in more than 100 countries, mostly throughout tropical and subtropical Asia. In South Africa Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KZN and Western Cape provinces are the major production areas.

Cultivars

There are two broad categories of sweet potato:

1. The staple type with white flesh and white or purple skin has a high starch and dry-maltier content.

2. The desert type with orange flesh and orange skin with a high sugar and beta-carotene content.

Soil Requirements

A well-drained sandy loam is preferred and heavy clay soils should be avoided as they can retard root development, resulting in growth cracks and poor root shape. Lighter soils are more easily washed from the roots at harvest time. Wet season green manure cropping with sterile forage sorghum is recommended and should be thoroughly incorporated and decomposed by planting time.

Planting Period

Planting time of sweet potatoes is mainly determined by the climate of a location. Sweet potato plants are damaged by light frost  and the plants required high temperatures for a period of 4 to 5 months to yield well. In areas with mild frost , mid-November to mid – December is the best time to plant, and usually the crops get ready for harvest from April to May. Cold spells during winter can be a risk, depending on the climate of the specific area. In very hot areas, planting should be avoided from November to middle February as storage root formation is reduced by high temperatures.

Spacing

Optimum plant density depends on the cultivar, but is usually around 40 000 plants per hectare. Rows may vary from 1 to 1,25m apart; in-row spacing it is usually 25 to 30cm.

Irrigation

Requirements for water vary with soil type but can be generally estimated as 18 to 20mm per week early in the season, 40 to 45mm per week during the middle part of the season when storage roots are enlarging rapidly and a reduction to about 20mm late in the season. Excessive moisture early in the season delays storage root development and enlargement; late in the season, it induces cracking and for rotting of roots.

Health Benefits:

* Rich in complex carbohydrates, fibre, Vitamins A,C, and B6.

* Pink yellow and green varieties are high in carotene, the precursor of vitamin A.

* Dark orange flesh have more beta carotene than those with light colored flesh.

* Beneficial food for diabetes because it stabilize blood sugar levels.

NEED TO KNOW MORE OR NEED A PROFESSIONAL FARMING BUSINESS PLAN CONTACT US NOW – (27)84 583 3143 OR EMAIL – money@global.co.za

                                            

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How to start Successful Cassava Farming now.

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Cassava is grown as a secondary crop in South Africa by farmers and small holders and is utilized for the production of starch (commercial and food grade starch) as well as various other products.

Production Areas

In South Africa the crop is cultivated in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Northern KZN.It is produced on a large scale in Limpopo, mainly for industrial purposes.

Cultivars

“Bitter” and “Sweet” are the two general types of cassava. The sweet type is more commonly grown because of its greater yields.. The color and texture of the root peel are often the only factors used in separating clones in the market.

Water

The cassava plant produces best when rainfall is fairly abundant, but it can be grown where the annual rainfall is as low as 500mm but well-distributed and where it is as high as 5000mm. The cassava plant can stand prolonged periods of drought in which most other food crops would perish. This makes it valuable in regions where the annual rainfall is low or where seasonal distribution is irregular.

Soil Requirements

Cassava grows best on light, sandy loam’s or on loamy sands which are moist, fertile and deep, but also does well on soils ranging in texture from sands to clay and on soils of relatively low fertility. In practice, it is grown on a wide range of soils, provided the soil texture is friable enough to allow the development of the tubers.

                                                              

Harvesting

In regions with seasonal rains, cassava can be harvested throughout the year when the tubers reach maturity. Harvesting usually takes place in the dry season, during the dormant period of the plant. In areas where rain prevails all year round, the crop can be harvested throughout the year. Maturity differs from one variety to the next. The tubers can be harvested between 6 months and 3 years after planting, but for food purposes harvesting can take place at almost any age below 12 months. Harvesting may be delayed until market, processing, or other conditions become favorable.

Marketing

Cassava spoils easily and it is costly to transport in its raw form as it consists mainly of water. Therefore, most of the processing takes place on the farm. Processing results in products such as gari (a type of pickled vegetable), lafun (a fibrous powdery form of cassava) and fufu (a thick paste made by boiling) which all have a longer self life than cassava tubers do.. These products are consumed in the household or sold in the local market. They are sold in South Africa or traders in Swaziland and Mozambique.

Cassava has a high content of fermentable substances. This makes it appropriate for the production of alcohol. the fresh tubers contain about 30% starch and 5% sugars, and the dried tubers contain approximately 80% fermentable substances.

TO ENABLE YOU TO START AND RUN A SUCCESSFUL CASSAVA FARMING OPERATION YOU NEED TO START WITH A WELL-STRUCTURED  AND BANKABLE FARMING BUSINESS PLAN – CONTACT US NOW FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP AT:

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PROFITABLE & SUSTAINABLE BANANA FARMING – HOW TO START NOW?

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Farming with banana is an easy and simple process and you can earn good profits. However, to achieve the desired amount of banana production requires:

* dedication to your banana farm;

* good yard management skills; and

* some basic knowledge about banana farming like sit selection, irrigation, care and management.

A banana tree produces at least 20kg banana fruit minimum per each blossom of banana, in a very short time period (approximately 150 days).

Health benefits of bananas:

1. Good for weight loss.

2. Banana fruits is good for the health of heart.

3. Bananas are excellent source of energy.

4. Excellent source of fiber.

5. Bananas are good for eye health and bones.

6. Long time consumption of banana fruit helps in stopping kidney cancer.

7. Banana fruit is also an excellent source of minerals and vitamins.

8. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and potassium.

Apart from this, banana tree raw materials are also in high demand and have plenty of application in our day to day life – banana leaves are used in preparing plates, seat pads for benches, umbrellas, clothing fabric, fishing lines and as cooking material in the kitchen.

The main feature of the banana fruit plant is that it can be cultivated throughout the year. The high technology methods for banana farming can improve both the yield and profit. The price of bananas does not fluctuate much in the market , but they tend to increase during important festivals and programs. Due attention and encouragement can help banana farming produce great wealth.

Factors Limiting Production:

There are a few factors that limit production of bananas in most countries. Some include inadequate farm lands and poor maintenance. Others are:

* pests;

* droughts;

* low rainfall;

* infestation;

* low access to organic fertilizers; and

* poor farming techniques.

Marketing

There is a huge market for banana produce locally and internationally. The fruit is used in manufacturing companies, restaurants, fruit markets and stalls. It has both domestic and international demands. The amount of money you make depends on the size of your harvest, quality of produce, price and location.

Land Preparation

Land development for banana plantation is followed by land preparation. This includes: ploughing, disking, harrowing, and planting. Bananas are susceptible to wind damage. Hence, it is highly desirable to plant wind breaks surrounding the plantation blocks. The tall ducasse banana variety is excellent wind breakers for commercial banana farms.

Weeding and Pest Control

Generally, weeds suppress the growth  and reduce the total production by competing for water and nutrient. Hence, banana plants should be protected from weeds. Shallow cultivation in young plantation is advisable to control weeds. Pesticides spraying to minimize crop damage by various pests need to be carried out by daily laborers.

Irrigation

Irrigation is compulsory during dry months. Severe water stress limits the production and quality of fingers. In a hot low land area, irrigating the field in 8 – 10 days interval is accepted by growers.

Fertilization

Heavy applications of organic manures or fertilizers are considered necessary in order to get high yields and to extend the life of the banana plantation. DAP and Urea are the two most important in organic fertilizers which are commonly used in banana production.

IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED IN THIS TYPE OF FARMING OPERATION YOU NEED TO START WITH A WELL STRUCTURED AND PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PLAN – NEED HELP IN THIS AREA CONTACT US Now at: (27)84 583 3143 OR money@global.co.za

                                                             

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Sunflower Oil Production. How to start now?

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Starting a sunflower oil farming or production business is capital intensive, but it is a money spinning business if it is well located and if you are able to create a robust distribution network.

Why start a Sunflower Oil farming/production business?

It is almost certified that no entrepreneur would want to go into any business that has slim chances of making a profit, hence the need to start a business whose products or services is accepted and used by all. One such business is the production of sunflower oil. It is a fact that all homes, restaurants, hotels and related businesses make use of oil on a daily basis.

Sunflowers are large plants and are grown throughout the world because of their relatively short growing season. Sunflower plants reach various heights, but most are from 1.52-2.1m tall. The diameter of the flower heads is relatively large, typically between 7.62 and 15.24cm, although some can measure more than 30cm. A common characteristic of sunflowers is a tendency for their flowering heads to follow the movement of the sun during the day. This phenomenon, called heliotropism, has the benefit of reducing damage from birds and preventing the development of disease.

Sunflowers are used to make oil, meal and confectionery products. Oil and meal are processed from the same sunflower seed varieties. The seed variety used for confectionery products has a lower percentage of oil. The seed is usually black with white stripes and is larger than the seed cultivated for oil extraction; the hull is heavier and less firmly attached to the kernel, and its oil content rarely exceeds 35%. Sunflower oil manufacture involves cleaning the seeds, grinding them, pressing and extracting the crude oil from them, and further refining. In extracting the oil, a volatile hydrocarbon such as hexane is used as a solvent to extract the oil.

                                        

Production Areas

Sunflower seed is produced mostly in the 6 provinces out of the 9 provinces excluding Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KZN. North West and the Free State produce a significant number of approximately 85% of sunflower seed. Sunflower seed can be planted from the beginning of November to the end of December, which is almost the same time for maize plantings..

Processing

Sunflower seed provides 40-50% of oil, which is mostly processed to cooking oil. The cooking oil is used on a daily basis in households, restaurants, and various food industries. Sunflower is the basic raw material for the preparation of margarine and spreads, used daily by millions of people. Some pet food also contains oil-seed raw material. In desperate times sunflower oil can also be converted to diesel for use in diesel engines as bio-fuel.

Opportunities

Sunflower seed production is very suitable for the South African climatic conditions and is performing well for income generation to the rest of the agriculture sector. There is  a big lack of black economic empowerment in this industry and also in the seed trade industry in general. The fact that the growth season of sunflower is short, added to its drought tolerance; it can serve as an ideal alternative crop on low potential soils when it is late to plant maize.

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How to Start a Successful Lucerne Farming Operation Now?

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Lucerne’s extensive root system enables the crop to produce good yields even under relatively dry conditions. Lucerne perennial nature means that once successfully established reliable production could be expected for at least the following 3-4 years.

With a lower cell wall content than grass lucerne is highly digestible and intake tends to be high. Protein and mineral contents are also high making lucerne a valuable alternative forage. It is particularly suitable as a complementary feed when feed alongside maize silage.

Soil Preparation

When lucerne is to be established under irrigation, it is especially desirable to prepare a fine and firm seedbed. As the soil will be irrigated for a number of seasons, well laid out beds save costs and ensure high yields. As efficient weed control is practically impossible in new established lucerne lands, the preparation of the soil must be such that the seedbed is practically weed free at the time of establishment. It must always be kept in mind that lucerne usually remains on the land of a number of years and that good soil preparation before establishment is of the utmost importance because this will eliminate future problems.

Establishment

1. Choose a area that is well drained and spray out to eliminate all weeds.

2. Soil test to determine crop time and nutrient requirements.

3. Cultivate to achieve a fine, even seedbed with no compaction layers.

4. Plant high quality, certified seed.

5. Avoid sowing lucerne seed into dry soils.

6. Plant coated seed and sow at 12 – 18 kg/ha.

Planting Depth

Lucerne is a small seed with a limited supply of stored energy to support the developing seeding. Therefore, correct seeding depth is very important. Placing seed in a moist soil at a uniform relatively shallow depth maximizes germination an emergence.

Plant lucerne no deeper than 25mm with the optimal soil depth ranging from 6-12mm on clay and loam soils and 12-25mm on sand. Lucerne seedlings that do emerge from deeper than 25mm are weaker because of the energy expended during germination. Use the shallow depth for early spring seedlings when moisture is more abundant.

Lucerne Silage

Cutting fresh lucerne at the optimal stage of maturity and feeding it directly to animals year round would supply the highest quality and most palatable feed possible. In addition, field and storage losses would be minimized. However, fluctuations in seasonal growth and plant maturity as well as changing animal feed requirements may make it necessary to harvest and store the lucerne crop to maximize both quality and quantity.

Silage compared to hay:

1. Lower field losses when harvested as silage.

2. Less leaf loss resulting in more nutrients for feeding.

3. Consistent forage quality.

4. Greater ability to harvest the crop at ideal maturity as less rain-free weather is required for silage.

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How to Start A Pepper & Cucumber Farming Operation Now?

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Peppers are great fun and much easier to grow successfully than some other crops. Chili and sweet peppers are a diverse bunch; they are colorful crops and the assortment of shapes and sizes is a treat to behold in any greenhouse (tunnel) or on the open plot. The flavors are just as diverse, ranging from mild and sweet to eye-watering hot so there is sure to be something to suit everyone’s taste among the hundreds of varieties available from seed catalogues and specialists.

PROPAGATION

Peppers require a reasonably long growing season to produce best results and sowing early will give them that. Sow seeds in or cell trays (modules) using fresh multipurpose or seed compost. Since, peppers particularly the chilies, can be quite prolific, prolific, why not sow just a few seeds of each variety; each has its own unique flavor and it can be great fun to try lots of different ones to be able to pick fruit in a range of shapes and colors.

FEEDING

Although peppers are not as hungry as tomatoes, they do need regular feeding to keep them healthy and productive. Feeding with a high polash liquid fertilizer mixed at half strength watering ensures that plants always have plenty of nutrients. Feeding need not start until 3 weeks after potting on, since the compost will contain all the minerals your plants need until then.

HARVESTING

You can choose to harvest the fruit when unripe and green or fully ripe and colored up. It’s at this stage that chilli peppers are at their hottest and sweet peppers their sweetest. Peppers can be stored in a number of ways – slowly dried in a cool oven (or in sunshine), sliced, roasted and stored in oil, frozen or of course used fresh. If dried and stored in airtight jars they should last for up to a year – in time for the next harvest.

                                           

CUCUMBERS

The cucumber plant is one of the most famous and widely cultivated vegetable plants. Cucumbers belongs to a gourd family of “cucurbitaceae, genus of “Cucumis”. This is basically a creeping wine that bears cylindrical shaped fruits that are used as vegetables. Cucumber is an important summer vegetable crop grown all over the world. Cucumber seeds can be used in oil extraction – this oil are used for most peoples daily cooking’s and an be eaten raw or with salt in salad.

Throughout the world, there are three main varieties of the cucumber veggie cultivated. Out of these, other types of the cucumber family have emerged. Cucumber first originated in Southern Asia before the cultivation spread to other parts of the world. The plant can be grown in hydroponic systems, greenhouses and poly-houses as well.

A recent research shows that cucumbers ate the 8th most grown veggie crop around the globe, followed by maize, cassava, watermelons, dry onions, sweet potatoes and sugar beet.

WANT TO KNOW MORE OR NEED HELP WITH A PROFESSIONAL, BANKABLE FARMING BUSINESS PLAN CONTACT US NOW AT:

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How profitable is Bamboo Farming Now?

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Bamboos does not have a hundred uses: Studies done by IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) and other role players show over a “thousand”. Clearly there is a lot more to bamboo products and bamboo processing than than would immediately occur to the reader. Not only does bamboos have many uses, it is a non- invasive crop that can help develop agriculture and contribute towards lifting human beings out of poverty by creating jobs in rural areas.

Bamboo – the highly versatile giant grass that can grow in almost any kind of climate and thrive in the poorest of soils – has been in existence for hundreds of years in Asia, Latin America and parts of Africa. Yet, for a long time the potential of this fastest- growing plant on earth, with recorded growth rates of up to one metre per day for some species, remained largely unexploited.

Bamboo – is used to make a long list of high-value products. In fact, according to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the plant has over 2000 different uses. China reckons there are nearly 10 000 uses and can fetch even more money if processed.

“Commercially” Bamboo is used for furniture and a variety of building and roofing materials, from fencing poles to veneer, floor tiles, panels for walls and ceilings, scaffolding material, door and window frames and window blinders.

In the “paper & pulp industry”, Bamboo can be made into newsprint, toilet paper and cardboard. The textile, food and chemical industries convert bamboo into fabrics, T-Shirts, wine, vinegar, biochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Domestically bamboo is used to make mats, baskets, canoes, fishing kits, bicycles, fences, toothpicks, school desks, pencils and rulers, to name just a few products.

Bamboo is also a source of “bio-energy”. As the population in Africa increases, the massive harvesting off firewood and charcoal will be unsustainable and bamboo provides a clean and renewable energy alternative in the form of charcoal briquettes and wood for domestic and industrial use.

Bamboo Benefits

1. Can be planted as noise barriers and windbreaks.

2. Provides a habitat for wildlife and improved biodiversity.

3. Contributes to economic development and creation of jobs at a local level.

4. Can be a grower as a living fence to keep animals in or out.

5. Provides shade and creates windbreaks for food crop.

6. Creates opportunities for communities to enter the “New Green Economy” and so creates rural wealth instead of the standard poverty relief programs.

If you need help in setting up a successful and profitable bamboo farming operation or need more information contact us now at: 084 583 3143 or money@global.co.za

                   

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POULTRY – FREE RANGE EGG FARMING- HOW TO START NOW?

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Many South African consumers are beginning to factor in the welfare of animals as well as the conditions in which they were raised, when making purchasing decisions on what animal products to purchase.

On the surface, egg production from caged layers seems like a profitable and highly efficient poultry production system and it is. Farmers using this mode of production still produce most of the eggs locally at a fairly low cost of production. While the drought and feed shortages have put some pressure on the industry, it is still a highly efficient production system.

However, the conditions in which these birds produce eggs is not always humane. They are raised in an environmentally controlled environment where their only purpose is to eat and lay eggs. They are like egg laying machines. This is generally done in a very tiny space that is barely the size of an A4 paper. Some farmers use antibiotics indiscriminately in order to improve the productivity of the chickens in the cage environment.

Chickens raised in a barn environment fare slightly better depending on the farmer’s stocking density. If the conditions are good, they will have the room to move around and express a bit of their natural behavior. While most farmers consider the barn- based environment as “free range” it is not sufficiently so and with proper legislation and standards.These chickens may not be considered free range unless the farmer provides reasonable access to the outdoors for a designated number of hours per day via peepholes. Still, in some countries such as Australia, barn-raised chickens are often considered as free-range. Many SA farmers who use the barn system also label their chickens as free-range products.

However, true free-range poultry production is when the chickens are allowed access to the outdoors and given a well managed outdoor range in which the chickens can forage and feed on the grass, legumes, worms, and grubs to supplement their formulated poultry diet. 

RULES & REGULATIONS

When starting a free -range chicken egg farming operation in South Africa, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various rules and regulations governing the industry. Talk to the local authorities and determine if you will need any permissions. A static housing may require certain permissions which might not be the case with mobile chicken houses for your free-range chickens.

SET-UP COSTS

There are various initial costs that you will grapple with when launching your free-range egg farming business in South Africa. However, what you eventually get to foot will depend on the scale of your ambition as a farmer. There are the costs associated with the setting up the static building and buying various poultry equipment such as the poultry feeders, drinkers and nest boxes. Some SA poultry farmers prefer to mechanize a bit. They do that by introducing mobile sheds or “egg mobiles” which allow the free-range hens to graze over a vast piece of land and glean all the nutrients found therein.

WORKING CAPITAL

If you are rearing the commercial egg-laying varieties such as the Hayline Brown and the Hyline Silver Brown layers in SA, then it is advisable to purchase those that are ready to start laying and which are generally aged at about 16 weeks. This will help you cut down on the high cost and high-risk process of rearing your layers from about day old to 16 weeks of age. By the time you begin seeing a positive cash flow, the hens should be aged anywhere from 35 to 40 weeks. When buying your hens, you can start by placing a provisional order earlier on before the start date. Many breeders will require that you book your hens weeks in advance.

                                                                               

DO YOU NEED CAPITAL OR ADVICE IN STARTING YOUR EGG FARMING OR ANY OTHER FARMING OPERATION? YOU WILL NEED A PROFESSIONAL FARMING BUSINESS PLAN.

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HOW TO START WITH BABY CARROT FARMING NOW?

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There’s always a market for baby vegetables, and carrots are no exception. Carrots are root vegetables which originated in Asia. They belong to the same family as celery, coriander and parsley. According to Bill Kerr a vegetable specialist there are a few important steps in producing quality baby carrots

Step 1 – Fertilization – The first step is to ensure correct fertilization. Too much nitrogen will stimulate leaf growth, causing the more advanced plants to overshadow the weaker ones. The advanced plants will then form normal- sized roots, while completing suppressing the adjacent carrots, rendering them useless.

Step 2 – Planting & Spacing – The next step is to select the correct location for planting, You will need 10 to 12 times more seeds per hectare in order produce a plant density where competition for light restricts growth. Spacing is important; you need a population in which every plant produces a marketable root. Too high a population will result in unusable plants, often at the expense of the plants alongside them.

Step 3 – Irrigation – Step three is to ensure correct irrigation. While normal sized carrots need to be progressively stressed in stages, baby carrots need frequent, light irrigation, as root growth must be restricted.

Carrots can be attacked by several fungal, bacterial and nematode diseases. These diseases can cause poor plant growth, reduced yield and quality of the product. The most important carrot disease is “powdery mildew” (Erysiphe heraclei) which is the most widespread and causes significant yield and quality loss on carrots.

POWDERY MILDEW

Powdery Mildew of carrot is very common during hot and humid weather of the cropping season. It attacks the foliage of carrots by covering the leaves with fugal mass sporulations. Severe infection causes poor plant growth, reduced yield and quality of seeds and roots.

Symptoms

The disease affects foliage, stems and umbels. Patches of white, fluffy fungus appear on the lower leaves first, and then spread to the terminal growth. The fungus often covers entire leaves with its masses of white mycelium and powdery spores. Severe infection can result in loss of foliage, causing lower yields and in seed crops poor seed quality.

CONTROL MEASURES:

  • Removal of alternate hosts and carrot residues from the field;

  • Crop rotation with none host crops.

  • Avoid excess irrigation;

  • Spray with locally registered sulfur fungicides such as “Bayleton”;

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN VEGETABLE AND CARROT FARMING YOU NEED HELP WITH A PROFESSIONAL FARMING BUSINESS PLAN. WHY NOT CONTACT US NOW AT – (27) 84 583 3143 OR money@global.co.za

                                                                            

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HOW TO START AND RUN A ASPARAGUS FARMING OPERATION NOW

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Asparagus, unlike most vegetables, is a perennial; the same plants grow and produce food year after year – 15 years or more, in some cases. It’s dioecious, meaning there are both female and male plants. Female plants usually produce larger spears, male plants a greater number of smaller, more – uniform spears.

New asparagus plantings needs two years to fill out, during which time they require periodic weeding and mulching. In the third year plants produce enough spears for picking, though its still important to leave behind enough fronds so that the plants become dense with foliage by midsummer.

HOW TO GROW ASPARAGUS

Asparagus is planted in beds in a row, with enough space between each plant to allow it to grow.The spears then burst through the soil, becoming green through photosynthesis, before they harvest. You don’t need a large garden to try growing the vegetable yourself though as they will also grow in pots or containers.

They should be planted in spring, and it is easiest to plant one-year- old dormant plants than seeds. Asparagus should be planted in a manure – covered trench, with plants staggered evenly with wide spaces in between adjacent rows.

USES

Asparagus is eaten as a vegetable boiled, steamed, fried or raw in salads. It is also rich in Vitamins A,B6,C, E& K and also contains high levels of folate, calcium, iron and protein. Is said to help prevent kidney stones. Asparagus is also blanched and sold in cans.

SOIL PREPARATION

Asparagus does best on sandy and sandy loam soils. It can be planted on soils with a pH of between 6 and 7.Soil preparation is very important. A month before planting soil should be ripped to a depth of at least 600mm to loosen the soil. If soil are too acid and the pH must be adjusted, then lime should be added to bring the pH to above 6.

The soil are now deep ploughed and turned to between 400mm and 500mm. Pre-plant organic fertilizer can now be worked into the soil as well as the lime. A month later when you are ready to plant, pre-plant chemical fertilizer and mix need to be applied  into the top 20cm of soil with a disc plough. This also cleans and levels the planting area and get rid of any weeds that have taken hold. You are now ready to draw your planing furrows and start planting your asparagus crowns.

PACKAGING

Freshly cut spears are washed, graded, bundled and cut into uniform lengths. Spear length may vary from 23cm to 25 cm. Bundles weighing approximately 250g are stood upright in cartons that sometimes contain water – absorbent pads. Asparagus is usually sold on the domestic market in 6kg cartons, or on the export market in 10kg wooden boxes. Pre – cooling is essential to maintain quality. Asparagus cooled to 0 degrees C will remain saleable for approximately 2 weeks if stored at that temperature.

CONTACT US NOW IF YOU NEED HELP WITH MORE INFORMATION OR A PROFESSIONAL FARMING BUSINESS PLAN – 084 583 3143 OR money@global.co.za

                                                                                               

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How Profitable is Macadamia Nuts Now?

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Macadamia nuts are quickly becoming an important crop in South Africa and are possible the fastest growing tree crop industry in the country.

OPPORTUNITIES

The volume of Macadamia nuts exported has grown tremendously over the past few years and is expected to increase in the future. South Africa is tapping into new markets in China and Hong Kong. A number major growers have already received accreditation for Global GAP and the rest of the industry is aware of the need to follow fast in their footsteps. Worldwide demand for Macadamia nuts exceeds supply and the market is expected to even grow further. The use of Macadamia nuts in as an ingredient in confectionery and baking presents a huge opportunity.

PROFITABILITY

Macadamia nuts are hard to beat when it comes to the most lucrative crop per land area used in South Africa. According to statistics from the SA Macadamia Growers Association (SAMAC), the average export price for macadamia kernels in 2017 was R224.15/kg. The price for nuts in a shell was an average of R75.58/kg. 

A single mature macadamia tree can produce anything from 16 kilograms to 32 kilogram of nuts in the shell depending on the variety. That is a yield of R1200 per tree – at a minimum. At around 312 trees per hectare, that should deliver R374 400 per hectare.

CAPITAL NEEDED

Apart from the land and housing you will also need money for the following:-

* trees, land preparation and tree establishment;

* a shed for storage, post harvest handling and drying;

* an irrigation system including piping and under-tree sprinklers;

* a tractor – about 90hp;

* a slasher;

* a  trailer: and

* a boom sprayer for herbicides.

SOIL

Macadamias grow on a a wide range of free-draining soils but perform best on deep, well-drained soils, rich in organic matter. For successful commercial production, a minimum depth of 0,5m of friable, well-drained soil is essential. A depth of 1m is preferred, as this minimizes the risk from trunk canker disease and tree decline. However, be aware that extremely well-drained spoils may be a problem in drought years, if not irrigated. Avoid soils with heavy clay or rock bars within 1m of the surface.

WIND PROTECTION

Protection from strong winds is desirable, either through natural forest surrounds or planted windbreaks. Macadamia trees are brittle and breakages occur easily, particular during storms in highly exposed sites. Wind can also slow growth in young trees and may cause premature fall of young, immature nuts.

FIRE RISK

As macadamias are highly susceptible to fire damage, take the fire risk of surrounding bush-land into account when purchasing land. This can be minimized by preventing the build up of long grass in dry years.

CONTACT US NOW IF YOU NEED HELP IN THIS AREA OR WITH A PROFESSIONAL FARMING BUSINESS PLAN.

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HOW TO START A SOYA BEAN FARMING OPERATION NOW

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Soybean production surpassed sunflower in 2012, becoming the country’s most important oil-seed crop (BFAP 2016). Soybeans are mainly cultivated under dry-land conditions., and grown primarily in Mpumalanga and the Free State. Over two-thirds of the country’s soybeans is grown here (DAFF 2015), KZN and Limpopo are also significant soy bean growers, followed by the North West and Gauteng.

Depending upon local conditions, soybeans are typically planted in November through December. The plants react to day/night length ratios which stimulate the reproduction process. Planting in January will result in a shorter plant with lower harvest potential, as the days shorten during growth. On ripening, the leaves turn yellow and the moisture content of the seeds drops – from about 65% to 14% within 14 days – given that the weather is dry and hot

REASONS FOR SOYBEAN GROWING:

  • Diversification away from maize.

  • The growing animal – feed demand.

  • Growing production of soy-food.

  •  Bio-diesel plant from soybeans.

  • Soybeans is one of a few crops that can be planted in rotation with wheat to ensure two crops per annum.

  • Crop rotation benefits include increased yields for both crops, and simplified weed and pest control.

  • Since South Africa has to import soy, marketing is not a problem.

                                

RAINFALL REQUIREMENTS

Rainfall of 500 to 900mm is required for better yields and better seed quality, depending on growth condition. Soya beans are susceptible to drought during the flowering and pod formation stages. They can also do well in warm, dry areas under irrigation.Excessive rainfall prior to and during flowering can result in luxuriant growth and increased lodging. Water logged conditions have a negative effect on the crop yield.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS

Deep, well-drained soil with a fine but firm seedbed that is high in fertility and has good water-holding capacity is needed for good soya bean yields. Soya beans are better adapted to soil types with a lower pH lower than 5.2 impedes nitrogen fixation. Compacted soils should be avoided because the hypocotyl of the soya bean breaks easily during emergence if under pressure. It is preferable to plant in moist soil.

MARKETING

There is a growing interest in soya products in South Africa because of the health benefits attached to them. Soya bean consumption in the country is estimated at 25% for oil and oil cake, 60% for animal feed and 20% for human consumption. The marketing of soya beans has moved away from single-channel marketing to a free market system. The system complies with a free marketing economy, where the producer markets has his own product to his own advantage.

The local price of soya beans is derived from world price levels of oil seed products and if a net local deficit applies, large quantities of these products must be imported. The largest price determinant, however, is the international price level of oil and oil cake. Because of the fluctuation of world prices, one can expect the trading of locally produced oil seeds to be increasingly linked to international prices. The bio-fuel industry will also open doors for the soya bean market.

Food security concerns and the growing global population are particularly highlighted as the main soy bean development agenda. Soy beans present farmers a cover crop that could assist in reducing soil erosion, improving soil fertility as well as diversifying income opportunity and food resources.

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How profitable is Avocado Farming Now?

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The market for avocados has been growing rapidly, and many South African growers are jumping into this market. Avocados can be produced 12 months a year and because there are limited avocados available in South Africa from October  February there is a huge shortage and therefore people are prepared to pay crazy prices.

Greater levels of dispensable income, together with generic promotion and an awareness of the importance of healthy eating, have increased the demand for quality avocados. There has also been growth in the upper income group that is willing to pay high prices for value added products. Consequently, there is strong growth in the sales of avocados that are sold ripe and ready to eat.

MAJOR PRODUCTION AREAS

Avocado production in South Africa is concentrated mainly in the subtropical areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and parts of KZN. Production in these provinces are as follows:

Limpopo Province – 59% of the national production.

Mpumalanga Province – 3% of the national production.

KZN Province – 8% of the national production.

Cultivars

Fuerte

Pear shaped, small to medium or a little larger; skin slightly rough to touch, with many small yellow dots. It is an early mid-season bearer, has an excellent flavour and is susceptible to fungal diseases.

Hass

Pear shaped to ovoid; has a tendency to be undersized, except in New Zealand; skin tough, leathery, dark purple or nearly black when ripe. Mid-late season, medium sized fruit with good shipping qualities. Excellent taste and increasingly popular with the European market.

Ryan

Pear shaped; medium size, skin medium- rough; flesh of fair quality. Tree large and bears regularly but not as heavily as Fuerte or Hass. Late Season, large seed, medium vigour tree.

Pinkerton

Early crop, roundish, late, pear shaped with neck; medium size, skin medium- leathery. Rated as of good quality but inferior to Hass and Fuerte; tends to darken in the latter part of the season. Mid season, high yielding, occasionally post-harvest problems after storage.

Reed

Round; medium to large (227 – 510g) skin slightly rough; medium – thick, faintly nutty flavour; does not darken when cut and rated as excellent quality. It bears early regularly; and is sensitive to cold.

Edranol

Pear shaped; medium size; skin olive green, slightly rough, flesh of high quality, nutty flavor and rated as excellent.Cultivar is disease resistant.

TEMPERATURE

Commercial avocado cultivars are best suited to cool, subtropical conditions with average daily temperatures between 20 and 25C. Light frost can be tolerated but not during flowering and fruit set (August to September). Average temperatures during flowering and fruit set should preferably be above 18C.

RAINFALL

All avocado cultivars that are grown commercially in SA are known to be sensitive to water stress. A well distributed rainfall in excess of 1000 mm p.a. is desirable, although most avocado production regions experience a dry period during flowering. In the vast majority of cases, therefore, supplementary irrigation during this period is essential.

                                                      

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HOW TO START AND RUN A AQUAPONICS FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture in a recirculating system and hydroponics (the soil-less cultivation of plants). The plant crop utilize the waste (nutrients) released by the farmed fish to grow hydroponically and the crops in turn purify the water for reuse by the fish or other aquatic creatures. Simply put, aquaponics is growing fish and plants together.

START – UP COSTS

The aquaponic tunnel system will cost anything between R300 000 – R500000 to erect. However, the running and maintenance costs are relatively low. Only one manager and a laborer is needed. Plants and fish are produced from the same fish feed, and the system requires only 1.62kw of electricity, excluding heating costs. A 3.3kw heat pump can be installed, but will only be used during winter times. Water usage is relatively low at about 2000L per week in summer and approximately half of that in winter. Little space is needed to erect a facility.

IS AQUAPONICS APPROPRIATE TO THE SA MARKET?

The SA climate suits this type of farming, thanks to high average solar energy and appropriate mean temperatures. The challenge of relatively mild local winters can be met with low energy-requirement heat pumps to maintain aquaculture tank temperatures. The development of ever-cheaper solar power with storage for small systems will effectively benefit the agro- industry, particularly smaller-scale operations.

IS AQUAPONICS ORGANIC?

Aquaponics is totally organic. The Aquaponics process is a natural interaction between fish and the plants that produces no toxic waste, and does not use any chemical fertilizers or nutrients. Both the plants and the fish contribute to the cycling process of Aquaponics, with the grower using this interaction to their benefit – the fish provide the nutrients for the plants and the plants filter the water so that the fish are able to live.Natural chemicals and the fish food are the only additives to the aquaponics system.

DOES AQUAPONICS NEED A GREENHOUSE?

A greenhouse is not an essential part of an aquaponics system, although it provides enormous protection for the system compared to being exposed to the elements (rain, hail, wind etc). If you live in an area where it gets cold during winter, a greenhouse is needed for the protection of the fish and plants during the colder months. Aquaponics systems can also be set up indoors, using grow lights over the plants instead of using sunlight. However, this system uses more power than a greenhouse system due to the cost of running the lights.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AQUAPONICS?

  • Reduced water use.

  • Reduced chemical use.

  • Reduces pesticides use when set up in a greenhouse.

  • Reduces erosion by eliminating the need to plough the soil.

  • Reducing running costs compared to conventional horticultural farming.

  • Can produce fish and plants for the family/grower all year round, using a greenhouse.

TO ENABLE YOU TO SET UP A AQUAPONICS FARMING SYSTEM YOU WILL NEED A PROFESSIONAL AND BANKABLE FARM BUSINESS PLAN.

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How to Start a Tunnel Farming Operation Now

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Tunnel farming has been around in South Africa for almost 4 decades. In the 70’s it was found that vegetables could be successfully grown without soil by using nutrient based solutions. Furthermore, great success was achieved by covering the plants with a plastic-clad semi-circular structure, dubbed a “tunnel”.

Tunnels may also be called, high hoops, high tunnels or poly tunnels. Tunnels are some times confused with “greenhouses”. The key difference is that tunnels are not heated and provide less climate control and are also less expensive. In South Africa, heating is not as critical as other climates such as in European countries. This immediately gives tunnel farming a competitive advantage over establishment costs.

There are many advantages to using this method of cultivating plants. The plants are grown in plastic tunnels in a growth medium other than natural soil. The plants get a constant flow of nutrients as they are dissolved in the irrigated water system thus creating large and high quality crops.

ADVANTAGES OF TUNNEL FARMING:-

  • High quality products.

  • No soil is needed.

  • Plants get a constant supply of nutrients through an automatic irrigation system.

  • Able to produce larger yields of vegetables on a small area of land.

  • Soil borne diseases are reduced or eliminated.

ADVANTAGES OF VEGETABLE PRODUCTION:-

     * Soil preparation and weeding is reduced or eliminated.

      * One does not need good soil to grow vegetables.

     * Water is used efficiently.

     * Pollution of soil with unused nutrients is greatly reduced.

     * It is possible to produce very high yields of vegetables on a small area because  an environment optimal for plant growth is created. All the nutrients add water that the plants need, are available at all times.

The most important issues to consider before constructing a tunnel are the location, available budget and potential crops. When considering where to locate your first tunnel, it is wise to plan for expansion. Also consider the market area and the number of plants you expect to grow. Include space for roadways, parking lots, packaging, storage and sales.

Other considerations include orientation, airflow, shading, windbreaks,weeds, drainage and other pests. Make sure to consider how irrigation and power will be delivered to the tunnel, including during winter months if winter production is intended.

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HOW TO START YOUR OWN GARLIC BUSINESS NOW

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Garlic (Allium sativum) is a hardy crop that can survive low winter temperatures. While temperature and day length influence bulb formation, this is to a lesser extent than demonstrated by onions. Most conditions suitable for onion production also apply to garlic cultivation, with the ideal growth temperatures between 13oC and 24oC.

THE MARKET

The market is not just South Africa. Exporters can handle everything produced here for export to Germany, Australia etc, especially large cloves which travel well and have long shelf- lives. Locally, it can be sold to traders either whole, chopped, minced or flaked. Great strides have been made in the field of medicine and garlic is featuring in antiseptics and pain killing drugs. Normal garlic consumption has increased tremendously over the last few years.

PLANTING

Space the divided cloves 8cm to 15cm apart in rows 30cm to 40cm apart. Plant the cloves approximately 50mm deep in raised beds or on level ground, by hand or mechanically. While the ideal planting date varies from one area to another, the general recommendation in South Africa is from February to May.

IRRIGATION

Garlic is successful under furrow, sprinkler, or drip irrigation. Its relatively shallow root system makes it sensitive to moisture stress throughout the growing season. While soil type determines the frequency of irrigation, it does not affect the total amount of water needed, and by using mulch will reduce moisture less from the soil surface.

LAND REQUIREMENTS

Initially, in order to plant 10 000 cloves, approximately 600m2 is required. The yield from this land should be approximately 15tons/hectare, depending on the soil type, local conditions etc. Sandy soil makes for easier weeding, growth and harvesting, but any type will produce a good crop should the right additives, fertilizer etc be employed.

WATER REQUIREMENTS

This will vary according to the soil type. A reasonable borehole will suffice.

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ORGANIC FARMING- HOW TO START SUCCESSFUL NOW

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WHAT IS ORGANIC FARMING?

Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.

Examples of organic farming methods include:

* Rotating crops between fields. This helps keep pests from building up and improves soil fertility.

* Planting selected herbs and flowers to attract beneficial insects which ward off unwanted pests.

* Using biological insecticides and make use of pests natural predators to control pest populations.

Organic farming produces nutrient rich, fertile soil which nourishes the plants. Keeping chemicals off the land protects water quality and wild life.

ORGANIC MEAT

Organic animal suppliers have strict protocols that include treating their cattle humanely and allowing them to mature naturally. They are grazed naturally in a free – range environment minimizing stress and producing high quality meat that is free from contaminants. It costs more to produce as animals grow more slowly on natural grazing., hence more land is needed and higher interest costs are incurred. The certified farm has to produce 90% of the feed on the farm. “Certified Organic Meat” is a guarantee that meat has been produced free from any additions such as chemicals, antibiotics and hormones, and kept separate in the supply chain to the consumer. As only natural, biodegradable products are used, water and the environment become cleaner. Farmers and their workers enjoy healthier working conditions.

HEALTH BENEFITS

The hazards for human health of consuming products contaminated by harmful pesticides include increased risks of cancer, reproductive problems and neurological damage. Organically grown produce on the other hand is free of chemical residues, has a much higher vitamin and mineral content and is usually more flavorsome (which is why many top restaurants prefer to use organic ingredients.

CERTIFICATION

A certified organic product means that the produce and the farming process has been inspected over a period by an independent specialist certification agency to verify organic authenticity to the consumer. This process normally takes place over a time frame of about 3 years.

Look for the certification seal or name of the certification agency label. When you see this claim, it means:-

  • No harmful chemicals have been applied for at least 3 years.

  • The farmer and processor have annual certification inspections.

  • They have kept detailed records of their practices and have a recorded audit trail.

  • They use ecologically-friendly methods and substances to improve the soil and control pests. 

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TABLE GRAPES & RAISIN FARMING -IS THAT PROFITABLE NOW?

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Table grapes are grapes intended for consumption while they are fresh, as opposed to grapes grown for wine production, juice production, or for drying into raisins. Table varieties usually have lower sugar content than wine grapes and are more flavorful when eaten. The Orange River; the valleys of the Hex, Berg and Olifants Rivers; and Limpopo province are the main producers of table grapes.

Planting Tips

Follow these easy tips for growing delicious grapes:-

Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny place for your grape plant to grow, where the soil drains well. Prepare a 60cm x 60cm hole. Mix some rich, compost into the topsoil removed from the hole and put this mix back into the hole. Compost also helps soil retain water.

Plant Correctly: Plant the root and stem of the vine about 400mm deep, leaving about 50mm of stem above the ground level. Cover the exposed stem with loose soil. New shoots will force their way through the mound of soil and do not need to be covered.

During the summer, allow it to grow unchecked. Remember to fertilize regularly but try to keep soil fertility at a moderate level – too much fertilizer will cause excessive vegetative growth, while too little will decrease the plant’s productivity.

Always mulch your plants – mulch conserves soil water and is Water Wise.

Pruning

  • In the first winter, choose the strongest branch of your plant and cut it back to two eyes.

  • Remove all other branches and when the two eyes send out new shoots, choose the most vigorous one and tie it to the support fence or pergola. Cut of the other shoot.

  • As the stronger shoot grows, tie it to the support fence and pinch off side shoots at every 25cm interval.

  • When the selected shoot reaches the desired height, cut it off at this height. The two side shoots which develop are now trained to grow horizontally outward on each side of the main stem.

Grapevines are not difficult to grow- they like gravel and stony soils, where the soil drains well. They do not respond well to over- or under watering. As they are woody climbing vines you will need to provide a strong support for your grape plant, such as a pergola or strong fence.

RAISIN PRODUCTION

25 years ago, a raisin was a raisin. All raisins were made from Thompson Seedless grapevines and all were tray dried in the field. Research and Development work has now given us more than six different seedless varieties of grapes that can be made into raisins and three different commercial techniques that can be used to provide raisins.

For the last 80 years, the vast majority of raisins have been made from Thompson Seedless grapevines, using a traditional drying process where field workers manually harvest clusters of mature grapes and lay them on paper trays, between the vine rows, to dry. This traditional approach to producing raisins is very labor intensive and research efforts began in the 1950s to develop mechanized raisin harvesting.

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HOW TO START CATTLE & SHEEP FARMING SUCCESSFUL NOW?

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CATTLE FARMING

Beef farming slots in well with other agriculture enterprises, especially grain. Cattle can feed on resources that have little other use, such as crop residue and land not suitable for crops.

Before entering the cattle business, though, you should consider your resources, the land available and your level of interest and skill. You should know why you want to rear cattle, and be able to set yourself goals to achieve the most constant economic return or personal satisfaction.

A small-scale cattle enterprise can involve a growing and feeding system (calves or weaners are either raised or bought and then fattened for slaughter), breeding herds, or a combination of growing, feeding and breeding herds.

Growing/ Feeding

In a weaner operation you acquire calves after weaning at 10 to 15 months of age. They can then be fed and marketed in less than a year from the time of purchase. Thus, the investment on each calf is returned within a comparatively short time. This type of operation not require much land, but you will need adequate facilities to keep the animals comfortable and under control. Working with calves requires a good deal of patience, as they are easily excited and stressed, and a health program should be discussed with a vet.

Commercial or Registered?

Establishing a breeding herd is a long-term objective. You need to decide whether to run commercial cattle or registered purebred cattle. Income from a commercial beef herd comes mainly from the sale of calves and old or cull animals, whereas income from registered cattle comes mostly from sale of breeding stock.

Breeding registered cattle to supply breeding animals to other cattle producers usually needs a large capital investment in stock. You also will have to keep accurate records and register the purebred calves retained for breeding stock.

SHEEP FARMING      

                                                           

Sheep husbandry is mainly practiced in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga, with the other provinces having smaller numbers. The domestic sheep is produced for its wool, meat and milk. Other byproducts are:-

  • Clothes, footwear, rugs, and other products are made from sheepskin.
  • Sheep tallow can be used in candle and soap making.
  • Sheep droppings, which are high in cellulose, have even been sterilized and mixed with traditional pulp materials to make paper.
  • Of all sheep byproducts, the most valuable is lanolin: the water proof, fatty substance found naturally in sheep’s wool and use as a base for innumerable cosmetics and other products.

Small can be profitable

A small sheep farming operation calls for dedication, discipline and a genuine concern for the animals. Sheep farming is not simply about numbers. A small number of well-managed, productive animals may make you more money than a larger number of animals on poor condition.

GENERAL

Inoculation

It is crucial to follow a proper inoculation and dosing program. Keep record of the dates of dosing or inoculation and the quantity used on each sheep.

Hooves

Trim the animal’s hooves regularly, especially if they have to walk long distances to and from grazing.

Clean Wool

To ensure good clip prices, keep the wool on the sheep free from thorns and grass seed.

Keep Records

In addition to keeping records of inoculations, newborn lambs, the sale of ewes and so on, it is extremely important to keep proper records of expenses and income to determine the profitability of the operation. Without this, you cannot run a business successfully.

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HOW TO START A SUCCESSFUL PECAN NUT FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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Pecan Nut production is a lucrative industry. “Income harvested from 2 pecan nut trees is equivalent to that from 1t of maize” says Phillip Antrobus pecan nut farmer. Pecan nut trees are fast growers and can become very tall. The nut has a high nutritional value because it is rich in protein, vitamins, carbohydrates and nut oil.

Climatic Requirements

  • The pecan nut tree is well adapted to subtropical areas.
  • It also grows well in areas with short, cold winters and long very hot summers.
  • Low temperatures and even frost during June to August are required for successful budding and flower formation.
  • During the summer months (October to April) the tree requires high temperatures for fruit growth.
  • Trees are successfully established in valleys and along rivers where the winter temperature is low and frost occurs.

Soil Preparation

Examine the soil regarding depth, drainage and compacted layers.

* The soil should be at least 2m deep.

* The physical suitability of a soil can only be evaluated by digging holes in the ground and examining the soil profile.

* The soil should be prepared carefully and well in advance of planting.

Planting

The pecan nut tree is deciduous and can therefore only be transplanted during winter. The best results are obtained when establishing orchards with trees planted during July and August.

Planting in Orchards

  1. Loosen the topsoil to a depth of 1m before planting.
  2. The depth of the hole must be deeper than 1m, or at least 200mm deeper than the length of the tap root.
  3. Some loose soil should be replaced, so that the cut end of the tap root is in loose soil. This promotes vertical root growth during the first season of establishment.
  4. Well-rotted compost (plant material) can be added to the hole.
  5. Zinc fertilizer (22%Zn) should be added and mixed well with the topsoil. No other fertilizer should be applied at planting.

Aftercare

  • Newly planted trees must be irrigated immediately.There after, irrigation should be applied carefully because too much water given before the tree start growing, may cause the roots to rot.
  • They should be treated against possible termite attacks by timeously destroying all termite nests in the vicinity.
  • The trees should be white-washed to prevent sunburn damage. It is advisable to put a straw mulch around the base of the young tree for better moisture conservation and to protect the roots against high temperatures. After planting , the trees must be topped to encourage branching to form a framework. A height of 1m is recommended.
  • Inspect young trees regularly during the first season after planting.

To set up a successful pecan nut farming operation you’ll need a professional and well- written farming business plan.

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HOW TO START A POTATO & ONION FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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POTATOES

Potatoes are recognized as an important foodstuff worldwide and is seen as a key component in the worldwide fight against hunger and malnutrition and the creation of food security. Potatoes are packed with vitamin B3, B5, B6, C and fibre. They are ranked after rice, wheat and maize as the world’s 4th largest food crop.

Planting

Mid August to mid October (depending on the area) is the ideal time to plant sprouted potatoes in the open ground. Late varieties can be planted during December. Plant main crop potatoes about 35cm apart, in rows which are 75cm apart. Where you are planting more than one row, the rows should (ideally) run from North to South to allow each plant its full share of sun.

Growing

Frost damage is the first concern during the early stages. If shoots emerge above the soil level and frost threatens, draw a little soil from the bed edges over them. After the plants have grown to about 20cm, rake up some soil from in between the rows and cover the plants with it, leaving only a few cm of the top of the plant still showing. Repeat this exercise again in 2-3 weeks time.

During the growing season, ensure that the weeds are removed regularly. A month or so after planting, the dense foliage of the plant should then block out sufficient light to deter all but the most vigorous weeds.

Harvesting & Storage

Potatoes are ready for harvest when the foliage first starts to die and turn yellow. Early (new) potatoes can be lifted earlier to get the very tastiest potatoes. In this case, harvest them about a week after the potato plant flowers first appear. New potatoes only produce a couple of handfuls of potatoes per plant, so dig up the whole plant.

If you don’t need all the potatoes from a plant at one time or if you want a few early in the season, simply burrow around the roots with your hands and remove the potatoes you need. The remaining potatoes will continue to grow. Store potatoes in boxes or sacks, checking them every few days, removing all but those in good condition. Damaged or blemished potatoes should be eaten immediately. 

ONIONS

Onions are part of the Allium family which also includes garlic and shallots. They are grown world-wide and form an important part of many national diets. Onions have been cultivated since ancient times and are a commercially significant crop on all continents.

Although onions are essentially a cool season crop and in South Africa they are planted virtually all year round. In the Northern regions of the country sowing is normally from February to April. In the Central region from April to July and the Southern regions transplanted from July to October.

Soil Preparation

It is essential that soil is well-prepared for an onion crop. It should be loose to a depth of at least 75cm and if heavy rain is expected in the early stages of growth, raised beds will reduce the effect of any water-logging. Where seed is to be direct-sown a fine even seed bed is vital in order to produce an acceptable stand.

Irrigation

The soil profile should be wet to a depth of 50-60cm. The amount of water applied will vary according to soil type, irrigation system temperature and growth stage of the crop. Many growers now make use of monitoring systems in order to make the best use of available water. Dry-land production of onions is not recommended.

Harvesting & Marketing

Once the onions have fallen they are lifted and left to dry in windrows or heaps until cured. The curing process allows for development of scale leaf color and firming of the bulbs. The bulbs are then either cleaned by hand or machine and sized, sorted, graded, and packed. Most onions are marketed in 7 or 10kg bags through municipal or other markets. A medium size bulb is preferred but there is also demand for smaller and larger bulb sizes. The largest demand in South Africa is for yellow or brown onions but there is a small market for red and pink varieties.

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HOW TO START A BERRY FARMING OPERATION NOW?

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WHY GROW BERRIES?:

Berries are a high-value, nutrient – dense crop. Farmers grow them for the market to bring in extra cash. Berries are the cherished fruit of every farm, and once planted, they often produce for seasons to come. Find out which berry types will give you instant gratification and which are easy to care for.

BLACKBERRIES

They are easy to grow once you get the hang of the pruning routine, and the large, juicy berries will yield their first harvest in the second summer. Although they are delicious, they are farther down on the popularity ranking and fewer farmers are growing them.

Be aware that raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are all perennial fruits.. This means that you only get one chance to set up their site properly. You should plant them 2 1/2 feet apart in rows. Clear the planting area of weeds and work in compost and other spoil amendments before planting. Spring and fall are the best times to plant perennials.

BLUEBERRIES

Blueberry shrubs are slow-growing and usually take about three years to begin bearing fruit. If you’re busy setting up a new farm, this is one crop that you can plant right away and then get on with other tasks while they get established.

For the best harvest, choose a site that is in full sun. Blueberries will enjoy a north – facing slope or the north side of a building in order to prevent damage from late- spring frosts, and it’s essential that the site be well-drained. Blueberries have specific soil needs. The pH must be between 4.5 and 5.0, and the soil must be amended if it doesn’t meet this requirement. They grow well on slopes or in raised beds where drainage is ideal. Plant them either in spring or fall, spaced about 4 feet apart.

STRAWBERRIES

Strawberry plants will produce a heavy yield in the late spring of their second year. June – bearing strawberries should be planted in full sun for the maximum yield. They like rich, loose soil that drains well. For this reason, they are often planted on slopes or in raised beds. Plant them in the early spring, after the soil had dried a bit, spaced 12 inches apart.

In the first year, remove runners and flowers, in order to encourage the plants to put energy into developing strong root systems. Keep plants well-watered in the first year.

GROUND CHERRIES

Ground Cherries or husk cherries, strawberry tomatoes, or husk tomatoes- are an annual in the nightshade family that will produce heavy harvests like other nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes. They’re golden, tart – sweet berries with a strawberry pineapple- like flavor. They are reminiscent of cherry tomatoes except that they grow inside a paper – like husk. They can be eaten fresh and are popularly used to make jams, preserves, baked goods or salsa. Unfortunately, because they’re frost sensitive they’ll need to be replanted each year.

Try “Aunt Molly’s”, a heritage variety from Poland known to be prolific and super sweet. Practice good crop rotation, as ground cherries are susceptible to many of the same diseases as other nightshades.

RASPBERRIES

Raspberries are one of the most popular berries to grow, and some varieties produce two crops – one in spring and another in fall. This type is called ever bearing or full-bearing. Ever-bearing raspberries that are planted in the spring will usually produce a harvest in the fall of the first year. No waiting – outside of the usual growing season, that is!

Raspberries are self- pollinating, so you can grow a single plant or a whole stem of them. Site your raspberries in full sun spaced 2 feet apart in rows with good drainage. They’ll enjoy a north – facing slope or the north side of a building in order to protect them from late-spring frosts. Keep the plants well-watered in their first year, and use a trellis system to keep canes and berries off the ground and to make the canes more manageable.

ELDERBERRY

Elderberry (European Black Elder) is a truly multi-purpose plant and can be used for a hedge, wildlife attractant, landscaping and for their abundance of fruit. This Elderberry plant is easy to grow, care for and can grow up to 6m high. This variety is self pollinating, but will bear even better quality fruit when pollinated with another Elderberry plant. Elderberry fruit is a glossy dark purple to black berry, 506 mm in diameter, produced in drooping, sometimes numerous clusters in late summer.

Like most other berries, Elderberries are full of antioxidants and contain high amounts of Vitamin C which aid your immune system in preventing and fighting off colds and flu. The Elderberry is easy to grow. The plant should be placed in full sun, but tolerates party shade. A soil PH level of 5.5 – 6.5 is optimal. The plant prefers loamy to sandy soil, but will also tolerate clayey soil.

Planting any edible perennial requires patience, as they usually take from one to three years to begin producing a monthly yield. Luckily, there are a few quick-yielding crops to note that will help take you over.

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HOW TO START WITH GOAT FARMING IN SOUTH AFRICA NOW?

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Goat Farming in South Africa can be a very lucrative business if done right. Choose the right breeds of goats for your location and you could raise superior livestock. Goats are hardy animals and can survive under harsh environments. They have survived centuries of periodic drought’s and harsh temperatures. They also have the reputation of being resistant to the majority of tropical diseases and parasites.

Goats are a great source of income. Because of their small size, adaptive feed behavior and low management, goats are a viable option in improving cash flow.

Types of Goat Enterprises

Goat farming in South Africa is a diverse business. Goats produce dairy and have delicious meat, can be bread and even their skin can be used. As a business owner you need to explore these avenues where you can make the most money.

Decide on which area you want to focus:-

1. Meat Goats;

2. Dairy Goats;

3. Fibre Goats.

You can choose one type or combine all three systems in your operation. Your interest and abilities and physical resources on your farm should determine which type of enterprise you choose.

Goat Farming Products

  • Goat’s meat;
  • Goat’s milk;
  • Goat’s cheese;
  • Goat skin and fibre;
  • Goat milk soap.

Additional sources of income:-

  • Breeding Goats for sale;
  • Sales of excess males from dairy operations;
  • Leasing out goats to clear brush;
  • Goat manure for fertilization.

How big should I start?

Determine the number of goats you want to begin with. Pick a number that would be sustainable enough to get things moving, depending on the purpose of your farming in South Africa. It might be 300 or 500 depending on the size and location of your pasture and type of goat breed. Fewer than 150 is usually not enough to support one person or a small family.

Goat Breeds

There are many types of goats, but the breed you choose will depend on your enterprise and what products you want to sell. Carefully decide on the breeds of goats you want to farm.

Meat

Goat meat is in high demand. The meat is widely consumed and accepted as an edible meat by people all around the world irrespective of tribal or religious differences.

Dairy

Goat’s milk is enriched with many necessary nutrition elements and is easy to digest. Many consumer markets are currently shifting from the consumption of other dairy products in favor of goat’s milk.

Fibre

If you want to produce fibre from your farm then Cashmere and Angora goats will be most suitable.

Location and Housing

Buy a sizeable expanse of land to comfortably accommodate your goats. You will need to fence the land for security purposes. If you are near a consumer population, consider farm tourism as part of your income. If your goal is to sell milk, then there is an advantage in decreasing trucking costs when you are located close to a milk purchaser. Goats are very adaptive animals and don’t need an elaborate goat barn. A simple three-sided shed facing away from prevailing winter winds will suffice.

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SMALL SCALE DAIRY FARMING – HOW TO START NOW

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As the fifth-largest agriculture industry in South Africa, milk production provides a regular income for thousands of small and large producers. Commercial dairy farming is a demanding and complex operation. To succeed at it, you need to understand dairy cattle. Highly sophisticated equipment is used for milking, and it is essential to employ skilled well-trained workers and also adhere to strict quality control regulations.

Buying a Dairy Farm

Buying a dairy farm is not a decision you should make without talking to experts and considering various factors, as it involves investing a huge amount of money. Not only do you need enough money to buy the farm, you will need money to maintain farming activities and develop the farm in future. The neighbors, local vet, and agriculture expert at your bank can all provide valuable information and advice.

You should find out more about the following important factors:-

  • Availability of dependable electricity;
  • Existing milk facilities and equipment;
  • Distance of the farm to the nearest town;
  • Existing milk route of milk buying companies;
  • Condition of the roads to the farm;
  • Existing contract with a company that buys milk;
  • Availability of sufficient water;
  • Existing pastures and types of soil.

Getting the basics right:-

According to Milk SA preparing adequate infrastructure and establishing a market for your products are crucial for success:

1. Make sure that there is a co-op, shop, school, processor, or even a clinic that will buy your milk;

2. Find out the type of packaging your customer prefers. Some clients for example, want plastic bottles, while others may bring their own containers;

3. Refrigeration is crucial. Your customer will not want warm milk that will sour quickly;

4. If a buyer or processor collects milk from your farm ensure that the access roads are good and your reception area is up to standard;

5. A collection center will only buy milk that has been tested.

Understand the Dairy Market

Before you can sell your milk, it is necessary that you understand some basic principles. Once you understand these principles, you will be able to expand your milk sales with confidence. The production of milk follows a process that basically consists of four steps:-

1. Rearing Animals – feeding, breeding and caring for them.

2. Collecting, Chilling and Bulking – transporting your milk to the collection center or to your customers or the collection of milk on your farm.

3. Producing – milking your cows.

4. Marketing – the sales of your milk, directly to the public or to a buyer or co- operative.

Testing

Once you start selling your milk to a collection center, you will have to agree to the testing of your milk. A center will not buy milk if they are not sure that the milk is hygienic. If you are selling to a shop or to the community, it is your duty to supply safe, clean, fresh and hygienic milk.

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ROSE FARMING PRODUCTION – HOW DO I START NOW?

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There are more than a hundred species and thousands of cultivars. The flowers vary in size and shape and are usually large and showy. Colors range from white through yellows and reds. Rose plants range in size from compact, miniature roses, to climbers that can reach 7m in length. Different species hybridize easily, and this has been used in the development of the wide range of garden roses.

Temperature Requirements

The optimal temperature for spore germination is between 10 OC and 18 OC. Germination does not take place at temperatures below 5 OC and the spores are killed off when temperatures are above 27 OC. Spores survive on dried, fallen leaves for as long as one month.

Pruning

Pruning took place during July and August and De-budding whenever necessary through the summer months. The reason for De- budding is that the stems grow longer and the plant doesn’t waste nutrition on buds that cannot be cut for bunches. It is important to leave three or four branches per plant, depending on the size and strength of the plant. To ensure better growth, the branches must not lie over each other and they should encircle the base of the plant. Pencil- thick stems are cut away to stimulate growth and length.

Cutting & Bunching

Cut roses are carried directly to the sorting table and grouped according to length, as this makes it easier to put the stems through the stripping machine, which removes leaves and thorns. Stems are then sorted into colors and similar lengths, and immediately placed in buckets of fresh water in the cold room. From here, they are bunched and wrapped in paper for delivery.

Cultivation & Propagation Methods

Rose plants are mainly propagated by the seeds, layers, by budding and cuttings. Budding is considered to be one of the best methods for propagating rose plants. They can be planted in the circular pits about 60 to 90cm across and 60 to 75cm deep. Remove all the broken and bruised leaves while planting is important in rose farming. Roses require at least 8 hours of direct sunlight for the growth. The rose plants requires Organic malter which include Farm Yard Manure (FMY) and some fertilizers at the time of planting.

If you are planning to start flower farming then a Rose Farming Business is the most profitable business for farmers to start. Roses are the king of all flowers and it is a very pretty flower which is grown in all around the world. Rose flowers and Rose Oil are very popular in the local market as well as in the global market.

Selection of the right variety of Rose is an important factor in Commercial Rose Farming. Production of quality roses are important to win in the international flower market. Roses have various uses depending on the species and varieties. They may be used as garden plant-sand cut flowers. They can also used in making rose water, rose oil and gulland.

Start your Rose Farming operation in a professional way by preparing a well-planned business plan or make use of a suitable consultant to assist you in the process.

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HOW TO START A HUNTING & GAME FARM NOW?

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   A Hunting and Game Farm is normally run as a joint enterprise, the one supporting the other. Game animals are farmed for the purposes of meat, skin and horn off-take (culling) and tourist viewing. The culling is usually combined with sport- hunting. Game farming may also yield benefits in term of photographic safaris, fishing and many others.

The Game Farm business concept is critical to the future of the hunting industry because game farmers supply the animals that populate the nation’s preserves. In some cases, game farm entrepreneurs also engage in the process and sale of game meat or the delivery of bred game stock to individuals and commercial growers.

BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS  

Requirements for the efficient management of a game farm include:

  • A facility for slaughtering, processing and packing of meat;
  • Trophy processing;
  • Accommodation;
  • Vehicles for hunting;
  • A likely minimum of 1000 ha of land;
  • Wildlife Management;
  • Marketing of carcasses and live game; and
  • Research on the needs of the species of game that will survive in the area, water sources, soil type and the like.

In terms of economics, the value of game ranching can be summarized as follows:-

1. Game ranching works essentially on four levels. The first level is the “sale of hunting trips and venison”, the second level is the “sale of live game at auctions”; the third level is the “processing of animal products”; and the fourth level is the “provision of game lodges, conferences, facilities and related services”. Job opportunities open at all 4 levels.

2. The Eco- tourism industry accounts for at least R2.5 billion. There is a huge potential for future growth in Eco-tourism on game ranches, mainly because its market share of the total tourism industry is relatively small in South Africa.

3. The percentage income derived from auctions, hunting and Eco-tourism differs widely between the different regions and depends on the distance from the big cities and the availability of the Big Five.

One of the biggest mistakes aspiring farmers make is that they forget that while a farm is a lifestyle, it is also a business. Making a farm profitable requires planning and business savvy. Luckily there are professional consultants that can help writing a sound and professional business plan for you.

YOU WILL NEED A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PLAN – CONTACT 084 583 3143 or email: money@global.co.za

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RABBIT FARMING – HOW TO START NOW?

Agricultural Business, Agriculture Business Plans, Branding & Brand Equity, Building a profitable business, Business Plans, Business Profiles, Farming Business Plans, Farming Plans, Farming Profiles, Farming Proposals, Rabbit Farming, Rabbit Farming Business Plans /

                                

Rabbit meat is considered a “niche” product and as a result the producer can expect a better price than most other industries. According to Pieter Keyser, a rabbit farmer from Colicky in the North West Province, the South African market has not even started to fully experience this industry due to substantial exports to Europe, feeding the unsatisfied market.

Why Rabbit Farming?

Rabbit meat has been put in the same category as Chicken meat (Poultry). Rabbit meat has been dubbed as the most nutritional meat known to men. This emanates from the following facts about rabbit meat:-

  • Rabbit meat has the highest protein content of all meats;
  • Rabbit meat has the lowest fat content in meat as compared to other meats. In addition, 63% of rabbit meat’s fat is unsaturated fat, which is regarded as good fat.
  • Rabbit meat is also low in calories compared to all similar white meat i.e. content per gram.

Other than the aforementioned health benefits, the rabbit business itself is financially profitable when high standards are maintained in the rabbi try, which results in high meat quality being produced.

How to Raise meat Rabbits

Prepare your facilities.

Rabbits need very little space. Banks of cages can be installed in a shed, or barn. Covered hutches are all that is necessary. Decide how many rabbits you intend to keep as breeding stock, and prepare enough cages for all of them.

Raising.

You need to decide whether you want to raise pure bred rabbits or if you are more concerned with producing the most efficient rabbits.

Food.

Choose a high protein food that will sustain breeding stock, but also will lead to fast growth rates. 14% – 16% feed should be sufficient, and will cause kits to grow at their fastest rates.

Breeding.

Breed rabbits regularly. Always take the doe to the buck’s cage so that they will not be distracted by the new environment of the doc’s cage. The gestation period for rabbits is about 30 days.

Feeding.

Feed kits all that they will eat. You want the kits-to grow as quickly as possible to butchering size. You can butcher kits at 8 weeks old, and they will be “fryer” size. Typically you want your kits to reach about 4-5 pounds by the time the kits are 8 weeks old.

Health.

Always keep rabbits healthy. Watch for diseases, and watch for bad teeth. Both of these can be detrimental to your herd.

To set up a rabbit farming business doesn’t need much money like every farming do, rather it takes a lot of knowledge about the animal husbandry and how best to raise animals, You have to start with a profitable rabbit farming business plan in order to gain high profit in the short term.

YOU WILL NEED A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PLAN CONTACT 084 583 3143 or email us: money@global.co.zabbit

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HOW TO START PIG FARMING FROM SCRATCH NOW?

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A Pig Farmer has 2 options:

  1. Intensive farming; or
  2. Free – Range Farming.

Intensive – Pigs are kept in a high-density, closed housing system.

Free Range – Pigs are running in smallish camps, foraging on feed crops such as oats, barley, lucerne and even grass.

Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, but pig farmers should also consider other factors before taking the plunge.

To breed or not :

Do you plan to breed pigs, or to buy young pigs (weaners) to grow and sell? It better to start with weaners, grow them and sell them a few times before attempting to breed them. You will get to understand pigs better and be better able to develop management protocols. Your management skills should be sound when you start breeding, as this process is far more complicated and difficult than rearing pigs.

Infrastructure

Pigs are strong animals but are easily stressed by factors such s insufficient feed and water, and severe weather if not housed properly. This will decrease productivity, leading to losses. Pigs need solidly built infrastructure including housing, water troughs and fencing.

Feed

  • What feed will you use?
  • Will it be pigswill or leftovers from restaurants or supermarkets?
  • Pigs grow more slowly on a unbalanced diet, or will you feed pigs a commercial balanced pig ration, which is more expensive?

Before buying your first pigs, make sure you can afford to vaccinate and feed them until they are market ready.

Water Availability

Will you have a reliable supply of clean, cool water available? Water is often called the ” forgotten nutrient”, and an unreliable supply can lead to serious loss in productivity, disease and even mortality. A young, growing pig will require at least 10L of water a day while an adult pig can drink 25L – 50L a day.

Genetics

Buy good pigs; never purchase pigs just because they’re cheap. Poorly bred pigs may carry a disease, be genetically inferior or take longer to grow to a marketable size. They may also have poor body conformation or a poor meat-to-fat ratio. The market may not be satisfied with such pork, and this will affect your good name as a supplier.

Other Information

Other factors to consider include:

  • providing enough shade in a free range set up ( pigs are susceptible to sunburn).
  • access to straw or sawdust for bedding.
  • a reliable market for your pigs.
  • transport available to take pigs to the market.
  • do you see your pig operation as a long-term hobby, or one you plan to grow into a full-time business?

YOU WILL NEED A PROFESSIONAL FARM BUSINESS PLAN TO START CONTACT 084 583 3143 or email us: money@global.co.za

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