Egg production basics

How does one start and run a successful egg production enterprise? Magda du Toit spoke to two egg producers, who shared valuable insights on how a beginner can maximise efficiency and profits.

CROPS: Compost problems, and how to fix them

A poorly managed compost pile will take a long time to decompose. Here are the signs of trouble to look out for.

Veld Management: Reading the Veld

The types of grasses or shrubs that grow on any particular piece of veld will give you an idea of what phase of plant succession that veld is in. This will guide you on how to manage it, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.

A Plough to Improve Carbon Storage

With farmers under increasing pressure to improve practices to offset global warming, LEMKEN has developed a plough that aims for better soil health and fertility.

Young Stud Manager Strives to Be an Icon

Jessica Phathela is the stud manager for Ntaba Nyoni Cattle, and is responsible for the care, breeding and administration of five herds. She aspires to be a role model for other women in the sector. Janine Ryan reports.

How red tape is tying up SA's cannabis growers

Legal expert Shaad Vayej, an associate in dispute resolution practice at law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, says that South Africa’s legal cannabis industry has the potential to thrive. However, high capital costs and legislative hurdles make it almost impossible for smaller-scale growers to take part in this industry to any meaningful extent.

Rum brings rewards for KZN cane producer

Heart, soul and spirit: all of these can be found in spades on Seafield Farm, a family-run sugar cane concern in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Owner Brad O’Neill spoke to Susan Marais about how innovation in the form of rum distillation is helping his business rise above the sugar cane crisis, while regenerative farming methods are keeping the farm’s already fertile, high-quality soil in peak condition.

Rediscovering tranquillity and open vistas at a mountain lodge in the Langkloof

Driving through the mists of the Outeniqua Pass to explore where to stay and what to do in the Langkloof, Brian Berkman returns to an old favourite.

Beware of Oak Poisoning!

"It can be very difficult to diagnose chronic poisoning in horses caused by the consumption of acorns, says Dr Mac."

The rise and rise of smart-irrigation companies

Investment in smart-irrigation companies has been on the increase over the past few years, and this trend shows no signs of abating. Janine Ryan and Glenneis Kriel look at some of the companies in the industry, both local and international, that are likely to make headlines in the near future.

Seawater-farmed tilapia

Fish is a healthy source of protein, but is becoming increasingly unaffordable for South Africans. Ramon Kourie and Vuyani Somyo of Thapi AquaKulcha look at why marine tilapia may be the perfect alternative to other white fish.

PIGS Producing piglets

Feed is the biggest contributor to input costs in pig production, accounting for 60% to 80% of total expenses.

Second-hand machinery to the rescue amid global tractor shortage

A range of problems, including weak commodity prices many years before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to the worldwide dearth of new tractors on the market. As a result, some farmers have had little choice but to turn to second-hand machines for their operations. Susan Marais reports.

Soil conditions that favour potatoes

Despite some common misconceptions, potatoes can be grown successfully in a number of soil types, says Bill Kerr.

Flood-damaged roads must be rehabilitated – FSA

The near-destruction of the road network in the flood-damaged areas of the Free State has made it virtually impossible for affected farmers to continue their activities.

How to treat emergencies in livestock

Any animal can suffer a sudden traumatic injury or other medical emergency. In this first part of a four-part series, Prof Cheryl McCrindle, a practising veterinarian and professor at the University of Pretoria, details how to treat cattle, sheep and goats in emergencies.

Drones: boosting yield and beating erosion

Farmers are continually required to do more with less: in other words, improve yield without boosting inputs. Optimising orchard health is therefore crucial, and it starts with the correct diagnosis. This is where drone technology is showing increasing promise, as it reveals what is invisible to the naked (and earthbound) eye. Lindi Botha reports.

Design your own Massey Ferguson tractor at the push of a button!

The AGCO ASK feature enables farmers to ‘design’ their tractors according to their own needs and requirements.

Are You a ‘People-Pleaser' or an ‘Injustice Collector'?

"‘People-pleasers’ and ‘injustice collectors’ tend to suffer from the same basic problem: a lack of self-esteem. Trevor Dickinson explains these different personality types and how they fit into the larger family business."

Ensuring Sustainable Food Systems in Africa

"It is imperative that Africa’s policies, regulations and infrastructure support the global solutions proposed to improve food security on the continent, the authors of this article argue."

How technology can improve sustainability

A soil analysis app developed in Chile enables the user to measure a wide range of soil health indicators conveniently and rapidly.

Working towards a sustainable future for agriculture

Theo Boshoff, the new CEO of Agbiz, says that despite the many challenges facing South Africa’s agriculture sector in 2022, opportunities for growth abound. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.

How to manage a lambing pen system effectively

Lambing pens offer a multitude of benefits for farmers. Regina Harmse, who breeds Ile de France sheep in Mpumalanga, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the ways in which these pens can add value to any type of sheep production concern.

Planting and harvesting potatoes

Potatoes are grown from disease-free seed potatoes, require a lot of fertiliser, and are labour-intensive. All of this costs plenty, warns Bill Kerr.

PIGS Producing piglets

To ensure a decent turnover and good profits, a farmer needs to maximise the number of healthy piglets produced per sow. This requires careful management.

Mesquite: a silent but deadly invasion

Ken Coetzee, founder of Conservation Management Services, says that the spread of the invasive alien Prosopis in South Africa is a serious threat to livestock and indigenous plants, and needs urgent attention from farmers and landowners.

Kiwifruit: South Africa's golden opportunity

After the failure of local green kiwifruit production in the 1980s, a new group of farmers is hopeful that golden kiwis will become a South African success story. One such producer, Peter Nicholson, spoke to Susan Marais about the sector and its ambitions.

Dairy cows flourish on natural pasture

A total mixed ration has become the predominant feeding system of dairy cows in South Africa. But Rob Visser, owner of Dalewood Fromage, has bucked this trend, focusing instead on pastures planted to many species of grass. His approach has contributed in no small way to his internationally acclaimed cheeses, says Lindi Botha.

Why humidity is crucial in climate control

By manipulating environmental conditions, and paying equal attention to temperature and humidity, greenhouse growers can improve the quality of their crops and maximise yields. Glenneis Kriel reports

What you need to know before getting started with cattle production

The aim of any well-managed commercial cattle farm is to produce high-quality beef for the market at a profitable level. Magda du Toit provides emerging and aspiring beef cattle farmers with a guideline of the elements they need to consider when embarking on such a venture.