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Although phosphorous acids/phosphites (H3PO3) are registered in South Africa for the control of Phytophthora nicotianae and Phytophthora citrophthora in citrus, and Phytophthora. Cinnamomi in avocado crops, the compound is not approved for use in macadamia orchards....

South Africa’s macadamia processors are driving growth while farmers deliver a lower-than-expected harvest on the back of extreme heat during peak flowering in 2023. The industry’s representative body, SAMAC, has released its latest crop estimates which represent a...

It’s anecdotal, I know. But sometimes a story can help paint truth in such a way it makes it easier for us to see it and therefore to believe it. Long-standing SA Canegrowers board member Dave Littley and the head of Technology and Innovation at the organisation, Andy...

Mpumalanga macadamia farmer Cobus Kok has launched a Macadamia Services Management (MSM) platform that he says will revolutionise the nut trade by providing real-time and accurate data for improved marketing and sales decisions by registered users. The platform is...

Pictured Above: Siphelele Vumisa on his farm in the deep rural area of Macambini on the northern KwaZulu-Natal coast. When Covid-19 resulted in the lockdown of the world’s economies, young mechanical engineer Siphelele Vumisa began realising his dream to plant...

In the rapidly evolving landscape of macadamia trade, the presence of sudden supply surges looms large, presenting both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders across the value chain. Cobus Kok, MD of Macadamia Sales Market (MSM), underscores the critical...

It is not every day that you implement a new irrigation system, but everyday technology and options for optimal irrigation evolve to suit the changing needs of climate, farmers, and consumers alike. Rivulis knows this, and how to make sure irrigation professionals are...

Pictured Above: Marlene Louw, senior agricultural economist at the Absa Group As the world teeters on the brink of World War III and foreign policy tensions between South Africa and the United States add impetus to worsening trade relations between the two countries,...

Nelspruit Mpumalanga, South Africa - In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the macadamia nut trading arena, the MSM platform offers a seamless digital marketplace for buyers and sellers Worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to quality, transparency, and...

Pictured Above: In pear orchards in the Western Cape, Matthew Addison is leading research into the shot hole borer. Scientists warn that the deadly polyphagous shot hole borer beetle has the potential to decimate the country’s indigenous and agriculture tree...

Thousands of farmers from Delhi to Paris and Athens have taken their tractors and in some instances their livestock, to the streets in protest. They say bureaucracy and overbearing government regulations, particularly linked to climate change, are putting them out of...

Pictured Above: In this orchard of 788s one line was selected as a trial. Every second tree was cut back post-harvest. Some trees will be left as 788s to rejuvenate them, to see how long they will take to come back into production. The remainder of the 788s that were...

Founder and director at DryMac, Adrian Padt spells out the impact of soaring energy costs on the macadamia sector while at the same time offers some practical solutions for farmers to cut down on their energy bills. Following articles in previous editions of The...

1: OPTIMISE sizes of your electrical and mechanical equipment First and foremost, this has a direct impact on line charges.  It is also of utmost importance that all electrical and mechanical machinery, as well as fans, need to be accurately specified. I often walk...

Experts are urging macadamia farmers to bring their orchards up to standard in expectation of better times to come, to look beyond the prevailing conditions, and to use the current downturn in the sector as an opportunity to secure future stability. In a panel...

Pictured Above: An irrigation strategy that takes the weather forecast into account should be developed to guard against tree stress during hotter days. Experts agree that while El Niño is expected to make landfall in South Africa mid-summer, if macadamia farmers...

Pictured Above: Howard Blight, second generation farmer and owner of Amorentia Estate & Nursery, urges farmers to plant young trees in preparation for the market upswing he believes is on its way. While the world’s macadamia industry has suffered as a direct...

Pictured Above: Desire Lesele, Nedbank Agriculture states the importance of moving forward with technology to ensure your business thrives In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, one thing remains constant: the importance of staying ahead of the curve,...

Pictured above: Cover crops are not planted in the Neethling orchards, but natural grasses are prolific and quick to grow back after being cut. Moisture is retained in the soil and the tree roots remain cool as a result. Mpumalanga citrus and macadamia farmer...

Experts agree that while El Niño is expected to make landfall in South Africa mid-summer, if macadamia farmers prepare now, they could mitigate the impact of the drier weather in their orchards. The last time South Africa experienced an El Niño, macadamia yields...

In a groundbreaking move that promises to reshape the landscape of the South African macadamia industry, Macadamia Services Management (MSM) proudly announces the launch of its revolutionary online trading platform scheduled for 15 February 2024. The event will take...

While South Africa’s national agriculture debt is now pegged at R200 billion – a 6% increase since 2019 – economists say it is too soon to panic as the number is well balanced against the value generated from the country’s agricultural assets. At the same time,...

The Macadamia would like to take this opportunity to congratulate South Africa’s macadamia industry body, SAMAC, on successfully hosting the International Macadamia Symposium in September in KwaZulu-Natal. The event was headlined by macadamia experts from all over the...

Beehive standards for commercial pollination services similar to those already in existence in the Western Cape topped the agenda at a recent bee farmer day in KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Hannelie Human, who addressed delegates at the KZN Bee Farmers’ Association Symposium in...