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Angus: renowned for its marbling and maternal abilities
Basie Bezuidenhout is the president of the Angus Society of South Africa and owner of the Vredenheim Angus stud. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the advantages of this extraordinary cattle breed and its progress in South Africa.
A virus that can be deadly for potatoes
Potato virus Y can infect a healthy plant within a very short period of time, and is easily transmitted by aphids, says Bill Kerr.
Pretty Views, Pears, and a Painting Pig
A picturesque pear farm in the Franschhoek Valley offers a number of accommodation options, including a barn where an artistic pig and other rescue animals spend the night! Brian Berkman reports.
Tech and Expert Advice Help This Dairyman Weather Price Storms
JK Basson is a three-time winner of the ARC's National Master Dairyman of the Year Award. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he manages to survive in an industry plagued by rising production costs.
How Iron Levels in Maize Have Changed Over 2000 Years
According to a study by Ale Vidal Elgueta et al, researchers from Chile and France, the intensification of agricultural production over the past two millennia has led to a reduction in the level of iron in maize.
Early Blight: A Serious Threat to Older Plants
This fungal disease damages potato plants later in their growth phase. It can destroy an entire crop if not treated in time, says Bill Kerr.
Chocolate Cake
This delicious recipe is the ideal way to serve up any leftover Easter eggs. If you have no leftover eggs, it’s the perfect excuse to buy a few more!
Growing Bambara
Vigna subterranea pods can be eaten fresh or boiled after drying, and can be ground to make puddings.
Education is the key to succession preparedness
For many families, succession planning seems too treacherous a journey to undertake, so they simply opt not to set off on it. As a result, they forgo a critical opportunity to shape their future for the better.
Raise weaning weights through good nutrition and fertility
Top-quality heifers and well-balanced nutrition form two of the most important cornerstones of effective red meat production, writes Henco Leicester, technical manager at Telwiedre, an animal feed manufacturer, in Heilbron. He explains the principles of heifer management and the role of lick supplementation.
Management and control strategies for fall armyworm
Fall armyworm can cause serious damage to crops, and is a growing threat across the world. This report looks at ways in which governments and farmers can respond in order to control an outbreak of the pest.
The pros of integrated pest management
Integrated pest management (IPM) helps farmers reduce their dependence on chemicals to fend off pests, while improving biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Industry experts Andrew Bennett and Rodney Bell spoke to Magda du Toit about the factors involved in implementing an IPM programme.
The beauty of a water pump
If your home and other buildings are badly damaged by flooding, follow Husqvarna's six steps to remove any excess water from these structures.
The development of the modern tomato
With tomatoes a major crop worldwide, it should come as no surprise that there are so many varieties, says Bill Kerr.
Top prices paid for Angus
As part of our Breed of the Month segment, we take a look at some of the highest prices paid for Angus cattle across the globe, and we include the auction calendar for Angus sales in South Africa from May to July.
An Overview of Namibia's Agri Sector
In a recent report, the Namibia Agricultural Union outlined the state of that country’s agriculture sector, and how it has been affected by COVID-19 and other factors.
A Bright Future for Drones on Farms
Research conducted by Dr Lauren Meiring of Stellenbosch University on the collision-avoidance systems of unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones could help boost the use of these machines on farms.
Using livestock for healthier soil
Angus McIntosh, a livestock farmer at Spier, recently hosted an information day during which he discussed the importance of ‘outdoor’ livestock production for the future of food security.
Exploring the traits of the Angus
While the Aberdeen-Angus may have its roots in Scotland, it is thriving in South Africa due to its meat quality and maternal abilities, amongst other traits, according to the Angus Society of South Africa.
Growing the flamingo flower
Anthurium growers can be assured of a ready market, with these flowers being popular as decorations for weddings and other special events.
Seven secrets of success for small farmers
Farming is like running any other business: you need to be realistic and practical in how you go about it. Roelof Bezuidenhout lists some crucial pointers to help you out.
How Angus cattle add value to a fruit farm
The production of Angus cattle enables Western Cape farmer Gielie Geldenhuys to make use of land unsuitable for fruit or onion production. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his diversification enterprise.
The benefits of conservation agriculture
Erosion and climate change have created a food insecurity time bomb for Africa. Palesa Motaung, a soil scientist working for Asset Research, and Themakholo Mathebula, a field officer with the Mahlatini Development Foundation, explained at a recent research symposium how conservation agriculture is helping smallholder farmers face these daunting challenges. Susan Marais reports.
Animal Agriculture Is Key to Food Systems
According to a recently published paper, food products derived from animals offer a wide selection of nutrients that humans need for cell tissue development, function, health and survival.
Groundwater: key to Africa's agri potential
Groundwater is an essential tool in agricultural production. However, it remains an untapped resource in Africa, as this recently published report shows.
What GPS trackers reveal about Cape Town's baboon troop movements
In this study, Anna Bracken, who recently completed her PhD at Swansea University in Wales, used GPS technology to research the collective behaviour of chacma baboons in an urban area.
Marketing and animal welfare: key to success
Innovative marketing and customer relationships are essential to a modern piggery, says Shaun Mockford of Mockford Farms in Limpopo. He spoke to Magda du Toit about running a superior pig production operation.
Waging war against Tuta absoluta in Pongola
In Pongola, the tomato leaf miner is threatening the sustainability of family-run Basaki Boerdery, one of the last tomato producers in the area. Brothers Sakkie and André Terblanche spoke to Lindi Botha about their strategy for fighting this pest.
How to identify and control eelworm
Potatoes are vulnerable to eelworm, which can significantly reduce yield and create unsightly marks on tubers.
Performance testing for the commercial farmer
Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling of the Agricultural Research Council write about the important role that performance testing plays in increasing a commercial herd's fertility and profitability.