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Feedlot Management Basics

To ensure a profitable operation, a feedlot manager must keep a close eye on price and feed margins, as well as the health of the animals. This involves constant, hands-on management.

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 6

Nitrogen plays a key role in the formation of organic matter. When I changed to no-till production, I was amazed at how rapidly the soil gained organic matter, and how quickly plant health and crop performance improved.

Ripping And Cultivating

Nampo showed that rippers are ripping deeper than ever and cultivators have become even wider, says Joe Spencer.

Concern About Declining Cape Buffalo Trophy Quality

The Cape buffalo occupies a top spot on hunters’ wish lists, but studies show a decrease in the quality of buffalo trophies, according to Dr Johan Rabie, buffalo breeder and owner of Chimoyo Wildlife. Annelie Coleman asked him about the reasons behind this worrying trend.

Making Every Drop Pay

The improvements that Israeli companies have made to drip irrigation have seen them emerge as world leaders in irrigation efficiency. Inventors from all parts of the world take inspiration from them to offer an entire spectrum of innovations that help farmers farm better. Denene Erasmus reports.

Exporting Pork To Bring Home The Bacon For SA

South Africa’s pork industry is particularly interested in exporting to Asia’s fast-growing markets. However, it will need to target countries that accept our present regulatory systems, according to Ezra Steenkamp, research manager and economist at DAFF’s Directorate International Trade. Gerhard Uys reports.

Mutton Curry With Delicious Coconut Rice

In a normal curry and rice dish, the rice is the poor relation. Cook with this combination of flavours to give it the status it deserves.

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 7

Humus contains about 10% nitrogen (N). As the humus content builds up in the soil, so does the N reserve stored in it. However, this N is locked into the humus and released only when the humus breaks down.

Successful, sustainable dairy farming on the Garden Route

For 15 years, the Muller family, near George, has been using biological farming methods and no-till practices. Their pasturereared dairy herd is thriving and can be directly traced to the operation’s original 17 cows.

How to Catch a Stock Thief

Every animal is unique, and stock handling can leave distinct marks on individual animals. These two facts can be used by law enforcement officers to prosecute stock thieves effectively. Gerhard Uys spoke to expert witness Mort Mortassagne.

New Propagation Methods Boost Production

In 2014, the Cederberg Tree Nursery produced 100 000 citrus trees a year. Two years later, after its acquisition by ANB Investments, the nursery produces more than 550 000 citrus trees annually. General manager Scott McKenzie spoke to Jeandré du Preez.

How To Ensure Safe Translocation Of Game

South Africa’s game industry has boomed over the past decade, and vehicles transporting game are often seen on the roads. Ryan Clark outlines the regulations to be adhered to when catching and translocating game. 

Setting The Merino Benchmark

The Fairworld Merino Stud in the Eastern Cape has been at the forefront of genetic fine wool production in South Africa for over a century. It holds the current South African record price of R250 000 for a Merino ram. Mike Burgess assesses the legacy, achievements and future of this 1 000-ewe stud.

Transforming The Wildlife Industry High On The Agenda

Newly-elected president of Wildlife Ranching SA, Tebogo Mogashoa, says transformation of the game industry and advocating for the legal trade in rhino horn will be among the top focal points for the organisation this year.

Zoonotic Tuberculosis

The consumption of unpasteurised bovine milk and raw milk by-products infected with Mycobacteruim bovis are the main sources of infection that cause bovine tuberculosis in humans.

Cottoning On To A Good Thing

It’s been four years since the Department of Trade and Industry launched an initiative to increase capacity and competitiveness in South Africa’s textile and apparel industries. CEO of Cotton SA Hennie Bruwer spoke to Robyn Joubert about the programme’s achievements so far.

Producing Baby Carrots

There’s always a market for baby vegetables, and carrots are no exception. In the past, top-shaped baby carrots were the most popular in the frozen range.

Tilapia Invasion Study: How You Can Help

Researchers conducting a study on the extent to which Nile tilapia have invaded South African rivers need farmers’ help.

Marketing Your Carrots

For long-term sustainability, a farmer has to provide carrots of consistently high quality so that customers can buy their produce with confidence.

Cattle - Dealing With Acaricide Resistance

Do you still find many ticks active on your cattle after dipping? You may have a resistance problem.

EU Commission Bans Pesticides Harmful To Bees

The European Commission’s proposal to ban three key neonicotinoids from use on all outdoor crops was recently endorsed by EU member states, following research by the European Food Safety Authority that showed that most uses of these three neonicotinoid pesticides presented a risk to wild bees and honeybees.

Doing It Their Way: A Unique Farm-To-Fork Nguni Operation

Johan and Danita de Swardt, who became farmers after retiring from corporate careers, ensure profitably by supplying value-added beef directly to their clients. Chris Nel visited them on their farm, Damplaas, near Paul Roux in the eastern Free State.

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 1

You can’t say nitrogen is the most important nutrient, as a deficiency of any of the essential nutrients will have a serious effect on your crop. However, the ‘temporary’ nature of the element and the many forms it takes do make it necessary to develop a good understanding of nitrogen.

Prescription Or Participation?

Uncertainty over environmental management policy and a heavy-handed government approach are adversely affecting people and biodiversity.

Severing The Umbilical Cord

As a rule, you should avoid tying off the umbilical cord after birth. However, if very heavy bleeding occurs, it’s time to act, advises Dr Mac.

From Our Archives

Give them all a good start.

Virtual Irrigation Academy Aims to Teach Water Management Online

A website and visualised data make up the Virtual Irrigation Academy, which teaches farmers to develop effective irrigation infrastructure through soil monitoring. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Grain Sellers Must Learn The 'pitch' To Close The Deal

According to Dr Dirk Strydom, Grain SA’s manager for grain economy and marketing, South Africa’s producers are technologically advanced, but lack marketing prowess. However, marketing opportunities abound, particularly in the volatile free market system. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.

Supplementary Feed in Dry Times

Ritlee has introduced an optional grinding attachment for the 225 model chipper.

New Landini Tractor Models On Show At Nampo 2017

Argo Tractors in Italy has redesigned its medium- and low-kilowatt Landini tractor ranges, replacing some of the old models already available from Argo Industrial in South Africa.