CATEGORIES

A Horse Fit For A King

With its proud bearing, powerful yet compact body, agility and intelligence, the Lusitano was, for centuries, the favourite of warriors and nobility. Kim Dyson takes a look at this renowned breed.

A Closer Look At Brakes And Braking

There is more than one way of bringing a modern car or truck to a halt. Jake Venter discusses the various brake systems used in today’s vehicles.

How To Control Cucurbit Viruses

Last week, I mentioned the need to control broad-leaved weeds near cucurbit lands during winter to prevent virus carry-over.

Sound Management Key To Laparoscopy Success

Elnora Crous explains to Glenneis Kriel how laparoscopic insemination has helped to accelerate genetic progress in the Dohne Merino stud on their family farm, Jongensklip, near Caledon.

Ambrosia beetle control

Avocado growers in Florida in the US may soon be able to prevent ambrosia beetles from destroying avocado trees, according to a study by researchers at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). 

Keep Accurate Records for Maximum Economic Impact

Derick le Roux and his father, Carl, own the only 5-Star Breedplan accredited stud in South Africa. Derick explains to Gerhard Uys how record-keeping can optimise profit in any production environment.

Dry Spell Should Cue A Rethink On Farming In SA

Increasing incidences of drought and worsening environmental conditions, including soil infertility and higher than average temperatures, raise serious questions about South Africa’s ability to farm sustainably in the long term. Oxfam SA argues that South Africa can only continue to produce enough food if it addresses societal inequalities.

The Future Of The Red Meat Industry

The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation and other key players agree that the industry must take ownership of its future and provide its own funding accordingly.

Success With Sweet Piquante Peppers

Sweet piquanté peppers, popularly known as peppadews, require all the attention a farmer can spare to produce good results. Limpopo farmer, Jaco Kriel, spoke to Gerhard Uys about producing this challenging but rewarding crop.

Looking After a Breeding Boar

Boars are usually culled or sent for slaughter at 30 to 36 months of age.

Spacing, Competition & Yield

We sometimes tend to make assumptions about how a crop will react without considering the survival mechanisms inherited from its wild ancestors.

The Brightest Ideas Yet

Modern headlamps are slim and compact, yet use advanced lighting and reflector technology to produce extremely powerful illumination.

Dressage: A Must For All Riders

Even if you’ve ridden for years, a regular dressage lesson will open up a new world for you.

The Royal Drakensbergers Of Lesotho

Lesotho’s royal grazing land is remote and harsh, at an elevation of 2 275m and with temperatures sometimes dropping to -12°C. Despite these unforgiving conditions, the 580 Drakensberger cattle that run on this land thrive. Annelie Coleman spoke to Lesotho’s King Letsie III about this remarkable herd.

First-Time Baking: Polenta Cake With Orange Syrup

Demanding only the most basic kitchen skills, this delicious, classic polenta cake is the best way to start your personal experiments in baking.

Exhaust Gas Recycling

This technology lowers combustion temperature and thereby decreases fuel consumption. But it can cause engine problems.

Dealing With Spotted Wilt Virus

Growing Swiss Chard

Growing Swiss Chard

This vegetable has a place in every home garden, says vegetable specialist

Dealing With Downer Cows

With good preparation, this phenomenon can be prevented in communal areas

2020 & Beyond: A Vision For The SA Beef Industry

If South Africa’s beef industry wants to become a serious competitor on the world stage, it must replace exports of ‘cheap meat’ with higher-value cuts, says livestock genetics consultant, Dr Michael Bradfield. He spoke to Lloyd Phillips about the way forward for the industry.

Are South African Farms Over-Valued?

Farm values depend on multiple variables and the decision to invest in farmland is determined, in part, by the prevailing political and policy environment.

Are Rhinos Becoming Too Expensive To Keep?

It is becoming increasingly expensive for the majority of private and state-run parks in South Africa to protect their rhinos effectively from poaching, according to Anthony Minnaar, of the Department of Criminology and Security Science at the School of Criminal Justice, College of Law at the University of South Africa. He was speaking at the recent International Rural Crime Conference in Pretoria.The views expressed in our weekly opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Farmer’s Weekly.

Agri SA: New President, New Energy, New Strategy

Free State farmer, Dan Kriek, was elected Agri SA’s new president during its congress in October. He spoke to Sabrina Dean about the association’s new strategy, and its vision to achieve ‘unity about agriculture’, a scenario in which all authorities agree on agriculture’s critical role.

Technology Without Tantrums

The latest tractor technology may be complex, but it’s remarkably easy to operate, says Joe Spencer.

Bringing Your Puppy Home

A badly brought-up dog can end up dysfunctional and even a threat to people. Ensure that your puppy is securely housed and properly socialised from the start, urges Shane Brody.

Bacterial Disease Control

Bacterial Disease Control

The Basics Of Subdividing: Part 1

The assistance of a land surveyor is key to ensuring lawful procedure. Altus Strydom, chairperson of the South African Geomatics Institute, spoke to Gerhard Uys.

Townie - Some Good News Would Be Nice

Eskom CEO Phakamani Hadebe recently promised that there would be no load-shedding this winter.

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 2

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 2

Only Private Sector Can Boost Rural Development

While rural development is supposed to be a key focus of the South African government, the state is failing in this obligation. Veteran rural development expert Jimmy Lonsdale believes the private sector should take over this responsibility to ensure that meaningful rural development is achieved as soon as possible.