Shane Brody Feedlots do not purposefully discriminate against certain breeders. However, the animals may not always produce the carcasses that their market segment wants. I was recently asked by a farmer who reads Farmer’s Weekly about the concept of terminal breeding. To answer him about what this constitutes, I dedicated an article to the concept. ...
Agriculture
Farmers’ Kraal – Vital tips on caring for summer crops
Adequate crop care is fundamental for farmers aiming to achieve above-average yields that offer good-quality produce. As temperatures begin to rise due to the change in seasons, it becomes essential for crop farmers to implement strategies that enable them to care for their crops. Crop care is fundamentally associated with activities undertaken to ensure the...
Namibia imports apples worth over N$35 million
Despite ongoing efforts by both government and individual farmers to set up local apple production chains, Namibia remains a net importer after the country imported apples worth over a whopping N$35 million during the final quarter of last year alone. During the last quarter of 2024, apples were recorded as the second-highest imported horticulture product...
Farmers’ Kraal – Navigating challenges of rainy season
A good rainy season is one that starts at the anticipated time, is well- distributed throughout the season, and ultimately rehydrates the soil, refills water sources and replenishes vegetation. However, recent rainfall has been conspicuously erratic, causing concern for farmers. In addition, rainfall often comes with adverse conditions – lightning strikes, floods, mud traps, pests...
Resettled farmers want Agribank loans increased to N$1 million
Lahja Nashuuta Resettled farmers in the Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Kunene and Erongo regions are calling for an increase in funding from Agribank. They claim that the current funding arrangement of N$200 000 for resettled farmers is insufficient to expand their agricultural operations. Additionally, the farmers in the four regions are demanding a more comprehensive support. This...
Capricorn bolster food production efforts
The Capricorn Foundation has thrown its weight behind the Plot to Plate project, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to boost sustainable food production and promote permaculture practices. On Friday, employees of Capricorn Group in their role as Changemakers, visited the Plot to Plate site in Groot Aub, a community project funded by the Capricorn Foundation,...
Southern farmers embrace new ways of farming …bemoan inadequate market access, cross-border jostles
KEETMANSHOOP – For farmers in southern Namibia, farming is not just a hobby or leisure activity, but is a way of life, a vital means of survival. It has for generations been a gateway to a better life. Veteran farmer Nico Strauss, chairman of the Karasburg Streekslandbou Union, shared with AgriToday that most farmers in...
Oshikoto records nearly 200 lumpy skin cases
OMUTHIYA – An outbreak of lumpy skin disease has resulted in 196 reported cases and 43 cattle deaths in the Oshikoto region since November last year. Chief Animal Health Technician at the State veterinary office in Oshikoto Lumeta Lomboleni told Nampa on Thursday that the disease was first detected on 8 November 2024 in the...
Farmers’ Kraal with Hanks Saisai – How to successfully venture into tomato production
Tomatoes are among the most popular crops cultivated across the globe. Maximising their potential requires farmers to understand the basics of growing them successfully and profitably. As the seasons transition from winter to spring, this presents conducive weather conditions for growing tomatoes. The starting point is for a farmer to understand that tomatoes have varying...
Namibia imports cereal grains worth N$862.9m …as local production slumps
A slump in production and failure by local producers to meet domestic demand forced Namibia to import cereal grains worth over N$862.9 million. Maize, wheat and rice top the list of highest imported grains. The cereal grains were mainly imported from South Africa, which supplied about 61.1% of the country’s needs. Lithuania (20.0%) and United...