CATEGORIES

Meet Toyota's updated Fortuner

It's here! Braam Peens of CAR magazine reviews the second-generation must-have 150kW GD-6 Toyota Fortuner.

Cabbage: an ancient, nutritious crop more popular than ever

Cabbage, which is native to western Europe, has been cultivated for at least 3 000 years and is today a major crop worldwide

Performance testing of small stock: Part 1

This set of scientifically proven procedures is a producer's most important tool for selecting replacement rams and ewes.

Growing poor man's lucerne

Lespedeza cuneata is a drought-tolerant, perennial, non-bloating legume that delivers high-quality grazing and hay and is a prolific seed producer.

Farm security: it's time to get an eye in the sky!

Modern drones have come a long way from their clunky forebears; they're also more affordable. One key use for them is as 'eyes in the sky' to help maintain security, and this makes them ideal for farmers. Security consultant Laurence Palmer gives a brief history of the drone and explains what it takes to operate one.

Top pig farmer takes full advantage of tech

New technologies, big data and top-of-the-range genetics are becoming increasingly important aspects of profitable pig farming. However, these advancements don't come cheap, placing them out of reach of many small-scale producers. Pig farmer CP Kriek spoke to Lindi Botha about tech solutions suited to Africa.

Grain and oilseed markets under increasing pressure

Production prospects in South America and developments in the Black Sea region continue to shape grain and oilseed markets. Absa AgriBusiness looks at the trends that will affect prices over the coming months.

An aggressive grass as cattle feed

In this article, farmer VS Gilbey wrote about the good results he achieved by using rescue grass as cattle feed.

Using training aids to build balance and muscle

Designing a programme based on the principles of physiotherapy can improve performance in sport horses, says Dr Mac.

Protecting the predators of leaf miner and other pests

Swiss chard is targeted by many pests. But these in turn are targeted by predators. So let these 'good guys' do their job, urges Bill Kerr.

Organic phosphorus and plant nutrition

In organic farming systems, phosphorus is supplied mainly through recycling of materials such as compost and manure; it is not readily available to plants. Beware of depleting this element from your soil.

Get to know dragon fruit

Dragon fruit production in South Africa is growing, thanks to increasing demand from Northern Hemisphere countries.

How natural fertilisers can benefit farmers

Viktor Sukau, CSO of natural fertiliser manfacturer Manaseer Natural Green, and Anton Prysiazhniuk, the company's CEO, spoke to Janine Ryan about the deleterious effects of synthetic fertilisers on the environment and why farmers worldwide need to shift to more organic and sustainable products.

Morija: 160 years of hurt and healing

In the western Lesotho town of Morija is the Mountain Kingdom's oldest church, which dates back to the 1850s. Mike Burgess provides context to its historical significance within the landlocked Southern African country.

Analysis: water intake of young Afrikaner and Nauni bulls

A study by Georgette Pyoos, junior researcher, and Prof Michiel Scholtz, specialist researcher in animal breeding and genetics, both at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Institute, counters the popular argument that the water intake of beef cattle is so high that it is harmful to the environment.

Full-circle restoration of subtropical thicket

It takes more than just planting some seeds in the veld to restore subtropical thicket that has been degraded by erosion, overgrazing and bush clearing. Marion Whitehead reports on a project designed by the Rhodes Restoration Research Group that has yielded valuable new insights into the process.

Diversification: careful planning hedges risk

With so many variables in the farming landscape, diversification is a useful strategy to hedge one's risk and ensure a steady cash flow. However, managing multiple divisions comes with its own challenges. Jan Grey, who farms in Mpumalanga's Bethal region, spoke to Lindi Botha about his winning strategies.

'Regenerative farming will grow once society as a whole buys into the concept'

Retailers, consumers, the supply chain and financial institutions should all play a more active role in promoting regenerative agriculture, according to panellists at a recent event in Stellenbosch. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Agriculture urged to lead the way in keeping South Africa food-secure

Grain producers make a significant contribution to South Africa's food security, but greater effort should go towards creating a more sustainable future for the industry, according to speakers at the recent 2023 Grain SA Congress. Annelie Coleman reports.

Common fungal diseases of Swiss chard

This week, Bill Kerr looks at Cercospera leaf spot, beet mosaic virus, and the two types of mildew that target Swiss chard.

The link between drought and disease

Gina Charnley, a research postgraduate in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London, looks at the ways that drought brings disease.

SA's Dorper sheep flourish in Kenya

Dorper sheep are increasingly making inroads in Kenya's mutton and lamb production industry. The breed is particularly popular among farmers in the more arid areas of the country because of its hardiness, adaptability and profitability. Annelie Coleman reports.

Style, luxury - and tips for your BnB!

A perfect stay in the finest award-winning accommodation can teach us a great deal about how to create something special ourselves. Brian Berkman looks to The Royal Portfolio for tips on improving farm-stay accommodation and, indeed, adding a touch of class to our own homes.

Grape farming: stick to the basics to succeed!

While production on most grape farms in the Orange River region has taken a knock this season due to adverse weather conditions, GPA Boerdery has managed to achieve a decent harvest. Lourens Maass and his son Kobus, who run GPA, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their recipe for success.

Irrigation technology is making production cheaper

Recent advances in irrigation technology are making it easier for farmers to produce more food, while remaining environmentally friendly. Janine Ryan reports.

Choosing hydroponics or aquaponics

While similar in theory, hydroponic and aquaponic systems differ significantly in terms of capital outlay, input costs and method of operation. Janine Ryan provides an overview of the differences between these systems to help aspiring growers choose the right one in terms of their production goals.

The dawn of a new era for Orange River Cellars

Orange River Cellars, located in Upington in the Northern Cape, is in the process of converting from a co-operative to a company. CEO Charl du Plessis spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this development.

Dumping, feed costs, load-shedding threaten SA poultry industry

South Africa's poultry industry is well positioned for long-term growth, but it is currently in distress due to a raft of local and global challenges. Glenneis Kriel describes the impact of these threats on producers.

Showring skills that can be used in cattle farming

Ranch sorting and team penning are two Western show disciplines that can also be used to rapidly sort rangeland cattle, writes Dr Mac.

How to feed 25 million more people in Niger

Kayenat Kabir, research and teaching associate at Purdue University in Indiana, US, writes that three key interventions are needed to help Niger feed its fast-growing and desperately poor population.