CATEGORIES

New Breeding Techniques: Effective And Affordable

New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) are a broad range of methods used for the modifying of genomes and gene expression. Hennie Groenewald, executive manager of Biosafety SA, says that NBTs have an important role to play in developing countries such as South Africa, where the lower costs of the technology make it a viable solution in a competitive market.

Land expropriation fears unfounded – Prof Ruth Hall

The motion recently adopted by the National Assembly, in Parliament, to establish an ad hoc Constitutional Review Committee to review and amend Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for the expropriation of land without compensation has been met with both great anxiety and elation by South Africans.

A 27% Decline In Maize Production Expected For 2017/2018 Season

The Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) has released an estimate of about 12,2 million tons for South Africa’s commercial maize crop for the current season, down 27% on the 16,8 million tons produced in 2016/2017.

The Divide Between Knowledge And Experience

Many experts have the theoretical knowledge, but fail to put themselves in the shoes of the rural, small-scale fish farmer.

Wireless Technology: Effortless Irrigation Control At Your Fingertips

A powerful, easy-to-use management tool that saves time, effort and water.

LEPA Close Spacing Irrigation

Thanks to new advances in sprinkler technology, a well-managed centre pivot can be nearly as water- and energy-efficient as a drip system. Senninger offers a proven, award-winning system.

Solar Pumps: Get Expert Help!

Solar panels, a variable-speed drive and a borehole pump are the ideal combination for extracting water on the farm. But to get the most out of it, leave the design up to the professionals.

Dealing With Wheelspin

Jake Venter explores the logic of torque, and how to use a differential lock properly.

Conservation Farming - The Basics Of Agro-ecology

Climate-smart agro-ecology includes proven, practical techniques such as mulching, intercropping and zero-tillage to promote sustainability.

The Global Impact Of Zoonoses

Statistics indicate that more than 15% of the human population will pick up a zoonotic infection at some stage of their lives. Veterinary specialist in public health Dr Jan H du Preez takes a closer look at the threats presented by some of the more common zoonoses across the world.

DowDuPont Repositions Its Agricultural Services

DowDuPont is restructuring to enhance efficiencies and improve product offerings in the agriculture sector. Glenneis Kriel asked James Collins, the chief operating officer of the company’s Agricultural Division, about these changes.

The 13th Annual Cleaver Awards

Over 30 000 public nominations were received for this year’s 13th Cleaver Awards, according to Rudi van der Westhuizen, executive director of the South African Meat Industry Company, who was speaking at the annual awards ceremony held in Johannesburg recently.

Becoming A Motorcyclist: Part 2

Getting used to a bike can be tricky because the controls are in different positions, but it’s worth it for the mobility and fun offered, says Jake Venter.

How To Work Out Reproduction Parameters

Recording the reproduction of your ewe flocks during each breeding season will help you identify potential fertility problems.

Getting Started With Bananas (2)

In order to ensure good yield, growers must fertilise and irrigate their crops appropriately.

Performance Testing: Not Only for Stud Farmers

The perception that only stud breeders benefit from performance testing is unfounded. Commercial farmers can significantly improve the productivity of their herds using this system, says Frans Jordaan, chief research technician at the Agricultural Research Council.

Understanding Semi-Hydroponic Systems

Prof Gert Venter explains the benefits and disadvantages of semi-hydroponic structures.

Low-Input Dairy Production In Ireland

In Ireland, low-input dairy production on pasture with limited labour resources can be viable. On a recent visit to Ireland, Gerhard Uys spoke to farmer Pat Hennessy about how thorough infrastructure planning, good pastures and the correct breed can ensure success.

Diversification Beats Poor Wine Grape Prices - Part 1

Wine grape prices have remained unchanged for the past decade, and producers in the Olifants River Valley have started to investigate alternative avenues for generating income. Local farmer, Willem van Zyl, explains these to Glenneis Kriel in a two-part series.

Increased Demand For NZ Boer Goats

Increased Demand For NZ Boer Goats

Contaminated Honey Still At Storage Facility After Nine Years

Contaminated Honey Still At Storage Facility After Nine Years

Assessing The Impact Of Carrot Cyst Nematode On SA Production

The impact of carrot cyst nematodes on local production was studied by North-West University MSc student, Adoration Shubane. Her co-supervisor, Dr Antoinette Swart of the Agricultural Research Council’s Plant Protection Research Institute, reports on the research findings.

Bass: An Easy-To-Breed Alternative In Aquaculture

With its wide temperature tolerance, the humble bass may be a good option for commercial production.

Gauteng Racing: East Vs West

In a pigeon race in this province, some fanciers will invariably be at a disadvantage due to the location of their lofts, says Thomas Smit.

From Our Archives

Cash In On Game Hunting

Not All Shade Nets Are Created Equal

Avocado producers are increasingly opting for shade nets to protect their fruit from various climatic and environmental conditions. Research conducted by the Department of Crop Sciences at the Tshwane University of Technology, under the leadership of Prof Dharini Sivakumar, has shown the effect that different coloured net shading has on fruit quality.

Lower Prices Bring Relief For Oilseed Crushers

South African oilseed prices are set to come down from the highs of last year, when the drought seriously affected production, leading to high prices.

Understanding The Role Of The Boar In Breeding

Novice pig farmers should start with highly marketable and popular breeds such as the landrace or large white, says shane brody.

Farmers Give Kubota High Praise

Three commercial farmers tell joe spencer why kubota products check all the right boxes.

from our archives

rhodesia’s indigenous pigs compare well with exotics.