Episode 2 of 23: Nematodes in soybean production

In this episode of ‘We’ve bean around the block’, we catch up with world renowned nematologist Prof Driekie Fourie and discuss the nematodes that are problematic to soybean production in South Africa. The root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are considered the biggest nematode problem in South Africa, but the lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) are very widely distributed across all the soybean production areas in the country. The cyst nematode (Heterodera) is not currently found in the country, but Prof Fourie sounded the warning that it had recently been detected in neighbouring Zambia. Control of nematode numbers in our soils and population dynamics are discussed and the conclusion is drawn that an integrated strategy involving poor host plant species in rotation, resistant cultivars, cultural practices and new era chemical active ingredients are required to build soil health and suppress nematode populations in our soybean production.

Episode 1 of 23

Cane in pain

In this episode of ‘We’ve bean around the block’, we re-visit the topic of dry beans in rotation with sugarcane. This episode follows a previous podcast (Episode 5 of 21) with advanced thinking of how to incorporate beans into a rotation with sugarcane. Host Antony Jarvie discusses rotation ideas and practicalities with forward thinking cane farmer, Deon Schröder. The problem with incorporating dry beans into a sugarcane rotation is always going to be the herbicide residues from the cane component. The shrinking crushing capacity in the industry is forcing a reduction in sugarcane output, which for the first time, provides an incentive for a multi-year and or a multi-crop rotation strategy. The idea to bring in glyphosate tolerant hybrid maize as a first rotation crop and then to follow this with beans in the second season, as a way to avoid the effects of sugarcane herbicide residues, is discussed at length.  The practical aspects of turning a sugarcane operation into a more diverse farming unit is also discussed. The podcast was recorded with Deon Schröder, but it followed a workshop discussion that included input from Dave Wilkinson, Shaun Carroll, Marcel Ortmann and Andrew Braithwaite.

Episode 6 of 22

Adopting Success: Zamukele

In this episode of ‘We’ve bean around the block’, host Antony Jarvie discusses the Zamukele project with Success Mdluli of the Schoeman Group. Zamukele is a Zulu word that means ‘adopt’, and it is a platform that the Schoeman Group have developed to adopt small-scale farmers into their canning bean enterprise. After an initial screening process, successful applicants to the scheme are assisted with agronomic support, seed and fertilizer inputs to begin their small white canning bean production. Once the harvested crop is delivered back to the Schoeman Group, the costs of the inputs are paid off and the profit is returned to the farmer. It is in essence a private sector initiative to assist small-scale farmers to access finance for their production. Without land ownership, small-scale farmers have no access to the formal banking sector for production loans. This remains a hurdle that the government has been unable to address adequately. Agribusinesses wishing to support the Schoeman Group by carrying some of the risk related to inputs in this project, can get in contact with Success Mdluli via email (success@witklip.co.za) for details.