By Rawlings Kofi | Agribusiness Media

Rattray Arnold Research Station, Zimbabwe – 6 March 2025 – Seed Co, one of Africa’s leading seed companies, marked its 85th anniversary with a grand Field Day event at the Rattray Arnold Research Station (RARS) on 6 March 2025. The event, attended by government officials, farmers, and industry stakeholders, showcased the company’s latest innovations in seed technology and celebrated its enduring contribution to agricultural development in Zimbabwe and across the African continent.

Onion farming is a cornerstone of agriculture, offering both nutritional benefits and economic opportunities. This article delves into the key aspects of onion production, drawing from Syngenta’s comprehensive training program. We’ll explore agronomic practices, pest management, and innovative technologies to help farmers optimize yields and profitability.

Beekeeping, or apiculture, is a sustainable and lucrative agricultural venture that focuses on the production of honey and bee wax. With rising demand for natural products, this business offers significant revenue potential while contributing to environmental conservation through pollination. This article provides a detailed overview of starting a beekeeping enterprise, including costs, processes, market insights, and risks.

HARARE, ZIMBABWE |  9 February 2025 — In a landmark move to bolster food security and strengthen land tenure, the Government of Zimbabwe has rolled out a nationwide initiative to issue Title Deeds to farmers holding valid land tenure documents. The program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, aims to formalize land ownership and unlock economic opportunities for farmers.

Sunflowers are one of the most important oilseed crops in Southern Africa, valued for their high oil content, which is used in cooking oil and margarine production. The by-product, sunflower cake, is also an excellent livestock feed. Sunflowers are a low-input crop, making them ideal for marginal areas and small-scale farmers. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow sunflowers, from soil preparation to harvesting.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of livelihoods and economies worldwide, and selecting the right crops is essential for maximising productivity and profitability. Farmers must evaluate several factors to make informed decisions about crop selection and cropping systems. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choices for your farm.

by Rawlings Kofi

Harare, Zimbabwe – In a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility, SeedCo, a leading agricultural company, has donated a total of US$EachorganizationreceivedUS$4,530 to support their ongoing efforts to care for vulnerable members of the community.

In a peculiar case of stock theft, Shylock Zulu (28) of Themba Ndlovu Homestead in Mashala Village, Hwange, has been convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment for stealing a goat and selling its meat back to its owner.

The selection of bulls is a critical decision for beef ranchers, as bulls contribute 50% of the genetic potential to their offspring. A well-chosen bull can significantly enhance meat production and overall herd quality. This article provides detailed insights into the characteristics to look for and management practices to adopt when selecting a breeding bull.

In many agricultural sectors, farmers face a daunting challenge—having little to no control over market prices. As "price-takers," individual farmers often sell their produce at prevailing market rates, unable to demand higher prices. This dynamic underscores a pressing issue: the need for farmers to find strategies that increase their market influence and profitability.

The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has released the pre-planting prices for the 2024/25 summer season, covering key commodities such as maize, traditional grains, soya bean, and sunflower. This announcement is crucial for farmers and stakeholders for planning purposes.

Dairy farming thrives on balanced nutrition, and integrating by-products and processed feeds into rations can significantly improve milk yields and overall herd health. These feed options provide essential nutrients and reduce reliance on traditional fodder, offering a cost-effective way to optimise production. Here is a detailed look at commonly used feeds, their advantages, and best practices for their use.

Efficient beef production is not only about raising cattle but also about managing herds effectively to achieve maximum productivity. One of the critical aspects is designing a sound production strategy, especially concerning the timing of calving. This article explores the benefits and considerations of calving just before the rainy season, emphasizing key goals such as stabilizing herd numbers, optimizing weight management, improving reproductive performance, minimizing mortality, and preserving grazing quality.

Water is a critical resource for agriculture, yet its availability is increasingly threatened by climate change and erratic rainfall patterns. To address these challenges, water harvesting has emerged as a vital solution, allowing farmers to optimize water use, increase crop yields, and enhance resilience. This article explores various water harvesting techniques and their practical applications in sustainable farming.

Did you know that a significant number of new farm businesses fail within the first ten years? While there are many factors that contribute to this, a major reason is a lack of understanding of the farm's financial health.

Dear Farmer,

In the rhythm of farming life, trees might seem like an obstacle or just another source of firewood. But before you reach for that axe or chainsaw, let’s pause for a moment to think beyond the immediate benefit. Cutting down a tree isn’t just removing wood from the landscape—it’s removing life, stability, and a connection to the ecosystem that supports your farm and your future.

Choosing the most suitable tillage system for a specific farming operation is a critical management decision. Historically, the intensive use of mouldboard ploughs, discs, harrows, and cultivators was the dominant method for crop establishment and weed control. However, advances in herbicides and tillage equipment have expanded the options available to farmers.

When calves are weaned, they face a critical period of adjustment. Weaning marks the end of milk consumption and often involves separation from the dam. This sudden change in diet and loss of maternal security can lead to post-weaning stress, affecting the calf's growth, health, and productivity. Here’s how farmers can minimize stress and ensure calves develop into strong, productive animals.

Moisture stress is one of the leading challenges farmers face, impacting crop productivity and profitability. When crops experience water deficiency, it can result in either temporary wilting or permanent wilting, depending on the severity and duration of the stress.

Climatic Requirements

• Sorghum thrives in areas with rainfall between 300 and 900 mm annually.

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