CATEGORIES

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 6

The importance of building up humus in vegetable fields cannot be overstated. Without achieving this, the soil will not become self-sustainable, writes Bill Kerr.

Sowing seeds for the future: unravelling estate planning challenges for farmers

PJ Veldhuizen, managing director of specialist commercial law firm Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc, emphasises the critical role of legal expertise in unravelling the ins and outs of estate planning.

Visiting olive oil producers in Spain

A group of agricultural journalists representing 15 member countries of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists recently visited the south of Spain to explore the agricultural operations and opportunities unique to that region.

Local company serves farmers and communities

Magda du Toit writes about how a company in Limpopo is training and empowering agricultural workers.

SA genetics ready to take on the world

The South African Braunvieh has all it takes to become a serious contender in the international red meat production arena, says Gawie Naudé, owner of the award-winning Eduan Braunvieh Stud near Rhodes in the Eastern Cape.

Care of newborn lambs and goat kids

It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a lamb or kid is a crucial period in livestock farming.

Don't ignore ChatGPT for one more day

If you are not using the free artificial intelligence app you’re missing out on assistance from the most potent personal assistant you could ever have.

Afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson

Brian Berkman says there’s not much to beat afternoon drinks and snacks served in the gardens at the newly refurbished Mount Nelson.

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 4

Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.

Luxurious and powerful workhorse at a great price

The new JAC T9 is certainly great value for money by offering features and driver comforts that compare with brands twice its retail price.

Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance, or are we running out of time to find new antibiotics?

Free State regional sales manager for Alltech, discusses how farmers can mitigate the use of antibiotics in cattle.

Dream stud Merinos

This stud was winning awards and attracting top prices, thanks to a quality sire imported from Australia eight years ago.

Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle

Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.

Wheat production in South Africa

Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.

Sorghum essential for South Africa

Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.

Why is there a shortage of cocoa beans?

Dr Michael Odijie, a research associate at University College London, explains the reasons for the drop in cocoa-bean production, and what this means for farmers, businesses and chocolate lovers.

Green financing: rewarding those who measure

The race to Net Zero has increased the burden of compliance for farmers, as in addition to administrative tasks, carbon footprints need to be tracked and reported.

Pigs on pasture

Farming pigs on pasture is not commonly practised in South Africa, yet provides multiple benefits to farmers and the environment.

Irish Tech Challenge 2024 launch ignites innovation in South Africa

The Irish Tech Challenge 2024 was officially launched by Irish Government Minister Darragh O’Brien in March as part of a visit to South Africa to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Stay in romantic cabins and commune with nature at the foot of the Outeniqua

Brian Berkman says this forested hideaway feels very remote but ArendsRus is close enough to George to also enjoy the many other nearby attractions.

Brood parasites of the bird world

About 1% of bird species on earth are brood parasites that lay eggs in the nests of other species and outsource their parenting duties. Mike Burgess unpacks the dynamics of this exploitative breeding technique.

Egg-in-a-hole bagel stuffed with avo and bolognaise

Continue celebrating the beginning of the avocado season with this avocado and bolognaise bagel!

Are you deworming your horse too often?

Recent research reveals emerging anthelminthic resistance in equines and intenstinal parasite mutation

The battle of the blades

In this article, Husqvarna explains the difference between automowers, ride-on mowers and traditional mowers to determine which is best for you.

Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 3

Bill Kerr addresses nutrient deficiency and some common vegetable pests.

Fodder flow planning for success

In order for beef farmers to remain profitable in terms of cow calf operations, it is critical to manage costs on farm level, says Henco Leicester of Cargill Animal Nutrition.

Measures to protect trade and food security

Although there has been extensive planting of staple crops, dry conditions have been increasing in many parts of SA, necessitating some precautionary steps to ensure the food supply chain.

Frequently asked questions about warnings to staff

It is vital for employers to grasp the nature of warnings and the impact they can have on employees' behaviour, as well as the consequences of issued warnings in the workplace.

SA economy not (yet?) in a recession

While the country narrowly missed a recession in the fourth quarter of 2023, the agriculture sector, although hampered by load-shedding, among other factors, has shown limited growth.

Partnership to boost emerging farmers

A new initiative aims to empower developing farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal and help them transition into small-scale commercial farms.