CATEGORIES
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BRICS, geopolitics and agriculture
South Africa has been in the global media over the past two months for all the wrong reasons. Most of it falls in the category of scoring own goals! August will be dominated by the BRICS summit that will take place in South Africa, and it is necessary to consider the context of the summit as well as the possible advantages it may have for South Africa and for agriculture specifically.
The lowdown on livestock medicines
While over-medication can be a problem, sometimes leading to poisoning, medications play an important role in functional and profitable farming
Cannabis and mental health
Understanding the endocannabinoid system is essential to understanding how cannabis may affect mental health, says Thomas Walker. Never self-medicate, but rather always consult a doctor first.
Best strategy and management practices
Business books provide a wealth of guidelines for business success, but are often too complicated. Raynor and Ahmed boil it down to three essential rules
How to cope with blackleg on cabbages
This fungus might be pretty rare these days, but it’s still worth knowing how to deal with it
Growing tall fescue
Tall fescue is a species with a relatively high water requirement, but does particularly well with irrigation, since it is a very important species used in fodder flow programmes. It has the ability to grow in dryland conditions in relatively wet areas such as wetlands.
A family success, thanks to Massey Ferguson
Rene de Schmid and his two sons, Jean and Chris, run Frumentum Farming in Namibia, which operates in the maize triangle near Grootfontein, the Otavi region, and the Otjiwarongo area.
New planter unleashes agricultural efficiency
The John Deere 1725C planter offers unique solutions that enable farmers to sow their lands with more precision and consistency.
Ford Ranger Platinum
Give the Ford Ranger chrome treatment, a silky smooth V6 engine and a comprehensive offroading package and you get the Ranger Platinum, the most premium offering within the Ranger family, bar the Raptor. While the Platinum option remains unavailable in South Africa, Oliver Keohane of CAR magazine got behind the wheel to drive it in the icy mountains of Queenstown, New Zealand.
Isuzu adds value-oriented 1.9 LS
Isuzu Motors South Africa has launched a new value-oriented version of its mu-X seven-seater sport utility vehicle in the form of the all-new 1.9 LS 4x2 AT.
Top-of-the-range seeders
Piket has a wide range of seeders available to meet any farmer's needs when it comes to planting grain and fine seed.
Get ready for your own green revolution
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green journey, Husqvarna has the perfect tiller to meet your needs.
Using sexed semen to get more value from cattle
Breeding using sexed semen can help your bottom line by creating cattle the market demands, says Dr Ken Odde, professor and department head emeritus of the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University.
Good teamwork makes this farm tops!
Stettyn Farm in the Western Cape recently won the Tru-Cape Award for the highest number of class-one pack-outs and income per hectare for apples. Hendrik Botha, the owner, shared his formula for success with Glenneis Kriel.
Could reptiles fill the food supply gaps?
Dr Patrick Aust, conservation scientist for People for Wildlife, looks at how reptiles can help improve food security in Africa.
The cowboy: a history of the American icon
In this article, we look at the history and rise of the cowboy as a modern cultural icon.
Polo is popular and spectators with riders in South Africa
This exciting sport probably originated in Persia and was used for training cavalry. Today, players compete internationally, writes Dr Mac.
Farmtrac scores with Massey Ferguson
A local forestry operation in northern KwaZulu-Natal has seen great success with its newly acquired Massey Ferguson, says the manufacturer.
How to counter club root
Club root is a common disease of cabbages, broccoli, cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts, turnips, and other plants of the Brassicaceae family, says Bill Kerr.
CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE Growing vetches
Vetch has enormous potential as an annual legume species, especially if rotated between two summer-growing grain crops.
Boerperd breeder sets her sights ever higher
Liezelle Whitehead, award-winning SA Boerperd breeder from the eastern Free State, believes the Boerperd has a bright future as probably the most multi-purpose horse in the country. She describes the Boerperd as a genetic treasure trove in the equine world.
The secret that makes this no-till farmer a success
No-till crop cultivation is hardly a novel movement, yet learning curves are still steep as farmers navigate the intricacies of what makes healthy soil. Lindi Botha speaks to Hendrik Odendaal about how a change in his compost regime is making all the difference.
Making a success of aquaculture: Part 1
In this first part of a two-part series, we look at the basics of aquaculture production in South Africa, including the best systems to use and the type of research needed before starting.
Grow African foods to combat food insecurity
Researchers at Stellenbosch University look at the reasons why the consumption of indigenous foods in South Africa is on the decline, and what can be done to help promote their use.
High fertiliser prices behind food shortages
Prof Simon Roberts and economist Ntombifuthi Tshabalala of the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development at the University of Johannesburg, consider the implications of an increase in global fertiliser prices for food security on the African continent.
The basics of growing radishes: Part 2
Radishes grow quickly, and should be ready to harvest within three to five weeks, depending on the season and the variety sown.
Basque burnt cheesecake
This delicious creation is also known as the anti-cheesecake, thanks to its heavily caramelised top. Whatever the name, it’s certainly worth adding to your repertoire.
Experience all the creature comforts at beautiful De Zeekoe in Oudtshoorn
Surviving recent drought and COVID-19, Oudtshoorn’s farmers and accommodation establishments are looking ahead to better times. Brian Berkman stayed at a fine example of Klein Karoo hospitality outside the town.
Game ranching - the 'improbable' industry
Roelof Bezuidenhout reviews a paper dealing with the rise of game ranching in South Africa, and discovers that the industry developed despite prevailing beliefs that it would destroy the farming of livestock.
The amazing return of the fossil fish
Eighty-five years ago, a trawler docked in the East London harbour with a prehistoric-looking fish on board. The specimen would spark global interest, as these fish were thought to have been extinct for 65 million years. Many more have since then been found alive. Mike Burgess tells the remarkable story of the coelacanth.