Politics, princesses, and high-flying drama

Patricia McCracken reviews a political and historical satire on our country, Lady Anne Glenconner's second memoir, a jet-speed thriller of confusion and betrayal, and a lively children's book that teaches a love of nature.

A sturdy tree house overlooking a dam

Jonno Smith is a registered architect.

Five-ingredient chunky guacamole

Guacamole is a firm favourite the world over. It is used as a side, meal topper, dip, sauce and filler, and even as an entire meal in its own right.

SHEEP: Bapedi sheep - the basics

Pedi sheep arrived in what is now Limpopo in about 1500 CE with the Bapedi (Northern Sotho) people, who migrated southwards from Central Africa.

FLOCK MANAGEMENT: Dealing with seed problems in Angoras

There is no quick or cheap way to remove seed from mohair, but good management helps, according to Pierre van der Vyver, general manager of The House of Fibre. He outlined his tips to Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Western flower thrip: a major seasonal threat to brassicas

This important pest damages brassicas by sucking sap from the leaves. Its population can grow rapidly, so scouting is essential, says Bill Kerr.

Pest control: using both old and new methods

Magda du Toit looks at the interconnectedness of more traditional pest control and the newer integrated pest management. Some experts also give advice on how to keep pests and diseases down to acceptable levels.

Securing the future of meat production in SA

A Feedlot Information Day at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research's Convention Centre in Pretoria saw industry experts, including farmers, nutritionists and veterinarians, gather to discuss meat production in South Africa. Magda du Toit reports.

The Land Bank can be fixed: here's how

Johann Kirsten, director of the Bureau for Economic Research at Stellenbosch University, and Wandile Sihlobo, a senior fellow at the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University, look at the gains and losses of the Land Bank over the decades, and what can be done to turn the institution around.

Choosing a tractor

In this article, Janine Ryan looks at some smaller tractors that may be good options for smaller farmers.

Game-changing technology for small-scale farmers

Digital farming technology has come a long way, and costs have dropped. Janine Ryan looks at drones and mobile apps that can help Africa's emerging farmers improve their production at an affordable price.

Make sure that more lambs survive to adulthood

In many communal areas, weaning percentage amongst sheep flocks hovers between 10% and 30% (compared with 80% to 90% for commercial farmers). This is unsustainable for a breeding operation, says Shane Brody.

It's not just about ego: job titles do matter

Accurate job titles provide a professional image and give credibility to customers, suppliers and other stakeholders, even if you are a small owner-managed business, says Peter Hughes.

Elsenbug wins Agricultural Colleges Rugby Cup

After seven days of tough competitive rugby at Elsenburg Agricultural College Sports Grounds, Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute won the South African Agricultural Colleges' Rugby Week trophy with a score of 14-6 against Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute.

Adverse weather calls for greater orchard care

Famers in subtropical regions have been cautioned to protect their trees from adverse weather this winter.

Potato research symposium promotes innovation

Potatoes South Africa (PSA) hosted its annual research symposium in July in Parys, Free State.

Strategies to fight fall armyworm

Research by the United Nations shows that pest management and technology can effectively combat fall armyworm, one of the world's most destructive agricultural pests, writes Jeff Kapembwa.

Blueberry production set to expand in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's farmers are planning to invest more than R363 million to develop blueberry production.

A way forward for trade between India and US will benefit agri sector

After months of dispute, India and the US have finally reached an agreement with regard to ongoing disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR). It added that this move could create new agricultural opportunities for both countries.

North West farmers encouraged to grow cotton

Cotton production in North West is a viable alternative to maize and soya bean production, according to Louis Olivier, CEO of Vaalharts Katoenprodusente in Hartswater. He said the profitability of cotton production exceeded that of maize and soya beans by far, despite extremely high input costs.

Agricultural expos as a as a key to rural development

POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE - There is a great deal of debate about the need to stimulate sustainable rural development in South Africa, especially in terms of keeping small towns and rural agricultural hubs going. Elaborate policy plans and master plans are being developed and discussed.

What are risks to feed prices for the South African livestock and poultry industries?

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Feeding methods for beef cows and calves

This article offered suggestions on how to solve problems with the feeding of beef cows and calves. Most beef herds in the eastern areas of South Africa are in the throes of calving in spring, a time when farmers are hard pressed to provide sufficient feed.

The implications of a BRICS bank for South African agriculture

Rearabetswe Phokontsi, a trainee economist at the Agricultural Research Council, considers the role of the New Development Bank as it sets about fostering collaboration and development among BRICS members.

Apple and Cheddar cheese rolls

With their simple and satisfying flavour combination, these easy-to-make cheese rolls are an anytime treat that will delight family and friends.

Babcock and BULL: a dream team

Babcock has partnered with BULL to become the exclusive supplier of BULL tractor-loader-backhoes and skid-steer loaders in Southern Africa.

The fascinating tale of 'unicorns' in Africa

David M Witelson, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand, tells how the mixing of foreign beliefs with local ones in colonial South Africa hid the identity of a mysterious indigenous animal.

Sleep over in charming Eendracht, one of the top small hotels in the country

Dorp Street, the historical heart of Stellenbosch, is quieter than some other parts of the town, yet offers many attractions close by. And it's here that you'll find the delightful Eendracht Hotel, says Brian Berkman.

The horse: integral to Native American culture for 500 years

It is well known that the Spanish introduced horses to North America. Little did the settlers realise that the local inhabitants would adopt the feral horses into their traditions, says Dr Mac.

CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE: The basics of growing stooling rye

Besides improving the physical, chemical, hydrological and biological properties of the soil, this pasture crop can be used as animal feed.