Posts by Brian Berkman
The magical mystery of an apple’s sleep
It might have been an apple that Snow White bit into that sent her into a death-like sleep but, this notion of suspended-animation is not the stuff of fairy tales nor science-fiction stories. Apples, one of the most popular fruit commodities on earth, and a R6.3 billion industry in South Africa, are nowadays available throughout…
Read MoreCompany’s Garden reclaims a piece of its history
The return of the first apple tree planted in the iconic Company’s Garden in the late 1650s is a remarkable story, made possible through a partnership between Tru-Cape, Hortgro and the Cape Heritage Fund. More than a decade ago, Tru-Cape Quality Assurance Manager, Henk Griessel and his colleague, Buks Nel who is the company’s New…
Read MoreMilitary vet becomes a Farmer of the Year
South Africa in the late 1980’s was a powder-keg. A nationwide state-of-emergency was in place which increased the apartheid government’s already over-reaching powers to detain people indefinitely without trial. There was hardly a more dangerous time to be politically active and, for Errol April and others who joined the banned military force, Umkhonto we Sizwe,…
Read MoreShared model of B-BEE farming a proven success in Ceres
With a successful 15-year track record, the Denou Farming (Pty) Ltd is a stand-out success story. Established in 2003 as a partnership between fifth generation Prince Alfred’s Hamlet growers of the Goosen Family, Denou Farming (Pty) Ltd which owns the land is held by The Den Haag Werknemers Trust (51%) and The Goosen Boerdery Trust,…
Read MoreFire-fighting as a community brings out the best in the people
The devastation of fire notwithstanding, the late January fires in the Groenberg area of the Elgin, Grabouw, Villiersdorp and Vyeboom valleys has helped galvanise the community and brought out the best in the people. “I have no recollection of the timing, or who helped and when, it was a complete war zone”, says Richard Cherry…
Read MoreLooking ahead to 2019
based on the trends and lessons of the past Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing is looking ahead to 2019 based on the trends and lessons of the past. It was Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, today the largest exporter of South African apples and pears, that first decided that future success in the deciduous industry depended on two things:…
Read MoreKeep your apples chilled for the best quality fruit
With hot summer temperatures expected for the next few months, here are some tips from Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing’s Quality Assurance Manager, Henk Griessel for how to keep your fruit fresh for longer. “Keep apples and pears chilled. They soften 10 times faster at room temperature than in the fridge. Ideally, store your apples and pears…
Read MoreNational Farmer of the Year 2018: Pieter Graaff
At a gala event held in Stellenbosch on Friday evening, November 16, 2018 the Agricultural Writers SA announced the winners of the 2018 National Farmer, New Entrant into Commercial Agriculture and Agriculturist of the Year. The main sponsors of the event were Bayer, Santam Agriculture, Sanlam and Rovic Leers. The three national winners are: The…
Read MoreChristel Fortuin is a star in the making
Now that the rains have returned to the Boland, the farm road leading to the office at Lakeview Farm is muddy and the previously scorched and thirsty earth is now ready for the next crop of fruit. The nearby Theewaterskloof Dam, so depleted just a few months ago, is more than 56% full. Lakeview, a…
Read MoreWhen growers want to offer a place to stay
Agri tourism or farm stays is a growing hospitality sector and the reasons why are clear: better bang for the Buck and an opportunity to be nearer to nature. When growers want to offer a place to stay on a working farm it is also educational as guests see first-hand the elements that contribute to…
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