Articles

Dragon fruit farming in South Africa is emerging as a viable horticultural opportunity. However, effective pest and disease management is essential to maintain yield quality and sustainability. RealIPM South Africa supports producers through science-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems tailored for dragon fruit. Common Pests & IPM Recommendations Thrips (Thrips palmi): Use of Real Metarhizium … Read More

In fruit production, effective pest management is not only about spraying or trapping—it starts from the ground up. One of the most essential, yet sometimes overlooked, components of pest control in fruit orchards is sanitation. This is particularly crucial in managing pests such as Fruit flies and False Codling Moth (FCM), whose life cycles are … Read More

Having the status of being a Biodiversity and Wine Champion is not easy to achieve, yet the team at Gabriëlskloof have managed to truly set themselves apart through their dedicated approach to creating a sustainable vineyard and olive farm that produces quality yields without impacting the natural environment. Dean Leppan, Gabriëlskloof’s farm manager and viticulturalist … Read More

In-field results showing Thrips management and bee health Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) occur worldwide and reportedly feed on over 300 plant species while being recognised as the most abundant thrips species on vegetable crops (Visser, 2015). It attacks nearly all vegetables, with the most prominent problems occurring in onions, cabbages, and beans (Visser, 2015). Severe … Read More

Farming is a challenging, stimulating occupation and lifestyle. For Carl Jordaan, farming is in his blood and no other job could compete with the pleasure of walking out into the freshness of a new day in nature. After exploring the commercial working world, under the guidance of a few excellent mentors, Carl returned to the … Read More

Most people will agree that they have had an ‘Ah ha’ moment at some point in their lives. In most cases, we often have the opportunity to have multiple ‘Ah ha’ moments. The important thing to take away from one of these break throughs, is that we change something in our behaviour or perception, ideally … Read More

Stacey and Simon Miller are dairy farmers on Sherwood Farm in the Kamberg area of KwaZulu-Natal. Stacey, who is a veterinary nurse, is passionate about animal health and wellbeing. Simon, who is a dairy farmer, is passionate about soil health. This combination has led them to pursue a dairy farming system that is healthy, resilient, … Read More

It seems there is no greater delight for a farmer, than showing a city slicker what it really takes to be a farmer. And Boeta Gelderbloem is no exception. At realIPM, we ensure every single member of our staff understands what being a farmer truly means and there is no better way to experience this … Read More

Since South African legislation has changed, and growers are now able to farm cannabis, there are many who think that growing cannabis indoors is easy. Turns out, this definitely isn’t the case. For farmers to have a sustainable and profitable cannabis growing business, they are first required to outlay many millions for the facility, plus … Read More

Working at Boschendal as a young intern, Craig Clowes was exposed to regenerative agricultural practices and alternative methodologies to traditional farming. This sparked his interest and curiosity in sustainable farming methodologies and when he returned home to Scotston Farm (third generation) in Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal, he decided to undertake a journey that would lead to improved … Read More