Using training aids to build balance and muscle

Designing a programme based on the principles of physiotherapy can improve performance in sport horses, says Dr Mac.

Protecting the predators of leaf miner and other pests

Swiss chard is targeted by many pests. But these in turn are targeted by predators. So let these 'good guys' do their job, urges Bill Kerr.

Organic phosphorus and plant nutrition

In organic farming systems, phosphorus is supplied mainly through recycling of materials such as compost and manure; it is not readily available to plants. Beware of depleting this element from your soil.

Get to know dragon fruit

Dragon fruit production in South Africa is growing, thanks to increasing demand from Northern Hemisphere countries.

How natural fertilisers can benefit farmers

Viktor Sukau, CSO of natural fertiliser manfacturer Manaseer Natural Green, and Anton Prysiazhniuk, the company's CEO, spoke to Janine Ryan about the deleterious effects of synthetic fertilisers on the environment and why farmers worldwide need to shift to more organic and sustainable products.

Morija: 160 years of hurt and healing

In the western Lesotho town of Morija is the Mountain Kingdom's oldest church, which dates back to the 1850s. Mike Burgess provides context to its historical significance within the landlocked Southern African country.

Analysis: water intake of young Afrikaner and Nauni bulls

A study by Georgette Pyoos, junior researcher, and Prof Michiel Scholtz, specialist researcher in animal breeding and genetics, both at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Institute, counters the popular argument that the water intake of beef cattle is so high that it is harmful to the environment.

Full-circle restoration of subtropical thicket

It takes more than just planting some seeds in the veld to restore subtropical thicket that has been degraded by erosion, overgrazing and bush clearing. Marion Whitehead reports on a project designed by the Rhodes Restoration Research Group that has yielded valuable new insights into the process.

Diversification: careful planning hedges risk

With so many variables in the farming landscape, diversification is a useful strategy to hedge one's risk and ensure a steady cash flow. However, managing multiple divisions comes with its own challenges. Jan Grey, who farms in Mpumalanga's Bethal region, spoke to Lindi Botha about his winning strategies.

'Regenerative farming will grow once society as a whole buys into the concept'

Retailers, consumers, the supply chain and financial institutions should all play a more active role in promoting regenerative agriculture, according to panellists at a recent event in Stellenbosch. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Agriculture urged to lead the way in keeping South Africa food-secure

Grain producers make a significant contribution to South Africa's food security, but greater effort should go towards creating a more sustainable future for the industry, according to speakers at the recent 2023 Grain SA Congress. Annelie Coleman reports.

Common fungal diseases of Swiss chard

This week, Bill Kerr looks at Cercospera leaf spot, beet mosaic virus, and the two types of mildew that target Swiss chard.

The link between drought and disease

Gina Charnley, a research postgraduate in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London, looks at the ways that drought brings disease.

SA's Dorper sheep flourish in Kenya

Dorper sheep are increasingly making inroads in Kenya's mutton and lamb production industry. The breed is particularly popular among farmers in the more arid areas of the country because of its hardiness, adaptability and profitability. Annelie Coleman reports.

Style, luxury - and tips for your BnB!

A perfect stay in the finest award-winning accommodation can teach us a great deal about how to create something special ourselves. Brian Berkman looks to The Royal Portfolio for tips on improving farm-stay accommodation and, indeed, adding a touch of class to our own homes.

Grape farming: stick to the basics to succeed!

While production on most grape farms in the Orange River region has taken a knock this season due to adverse weather conditions, GPA Boerdery has managed to achieve a decent harvest. Lourens Maass and his son Kobus, who run GPA, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their recipe for success.

Irrigation technology is making production cheaper

Recent advances in irrigation technology are making it easier for farmers to produce more food, while remaining environmentally friendly. Janine Ryan reports.

Choosing hydroponics or aquaponics

While similar in theory, hydroponic and aquaponic systems differ significantly in terms of capital outlay, input costs and method of operation. Janine Ryan provides an overview of the differences between these systems to help aspiring growers choose the right one in terms of their production goals.

The dawn of a new era for Orange River Cellars

Orange River Cellars, located in Upington in the Northern Cape, is in the process of converting from a co-operative to a company. CEO Charl du Plessis spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this development.

Dumping, feed costs, load-shedding threaten SA poultry industry

South Africa's poultry industry is well positioned for long-term growth, but it is currently in distress due to a raft of local and global challenges. Glenneis Kriel describes the impact of these threats on producers.

Showring skills that can be used in cattle farming

Ranch sorting and team penning are two Western show disciplines that can also be used to rapidly sort rangeland cattle, writes Dr Mac.

How to feed 25 million more people in Niger

Kayenat Kabir, research and teaching associate at Purdue University in Indiana, US, writes that three key interventions are needed to help Niger feed its fast-growing and desperately poor population.

A nationalist on the wrong side of history

JBM Hertzog's Afrikaner nationalism and economic policies gained him many allies amongst his people, but his lifelong antipathy towards Britain and sympathy for Germany were ultimately his demise, says Graham Jooste.

New Isuzu engine slashes fuel costs

Isuzu's 1.9 Ddi D-MAX range is clearly aimed at lowering drivers' fuel costs, and it does so while delivering solid performance and reliability.

Managing a Swiss chard crop for a high, ongoing yield

This leafy vegetable is a voracious feeder that requires plenty of nitrogen, and must be protected from frost and eelworm, says Bill Kerr.

Growing cowpeas: Part 3

Cowpeas are grown for their seed and leaves, and both are targeted by insect pests and disease. Farmers need to scout for these threats and manage the problem in good time in order to ensure a healthy crop.

Producing olives and dates in Tunisia

Despite Tunisia's variable climate, the agriculture sector there remains vital to the country's economy. Tunisia is also a leading producer of dates and olive oil. Janine Ryan reports.

Birds, bees and blissful days in the tranquil Vredefort Dome

The Shallow Pig, a family cottage nestling in the Vredefort Dome, offers the perfect place to unwind, says Riaan Hattingh. And if you want a diversion, the nearby town of Parys offers good food and fun activities.

Making the case for robotic cotton pickers

Despite the fact that robotic machinery is currently being used in many other industries, robotic cotton pickers remain an unexplored technology that could substantially improve cotton yields and profit, says Janine Ryan.

Pooling resources leads to progress

Inga Qeja is the owner of Bhayi Holdings, a business that grows vegetables near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, and hopes to expand to include other crops and livestock. He spoke to Siyanda Sishuba about how a lack of access to finance is a major factor thwarting the growth of emerging farmers.