CATEGORIES

Research findings on pollination of Hass avocados

At the 2017 SA Avocado Growers’ Association research symposium, University of Pretoria researcher, Mart-Mari Nieuwenhuizen, presented new findings on the best pollinisers for Hass avocados. She also explored the effectiveness of bees as pollinators. Alita van der Walt reports.

Fodder Beet – A Technical But Top-yielding Livestock Fodder Crop

To remain sustainably profitable, modern farming operations need to continually evolve their production systems for optimal returns on investment. For SA’s dairy farmers, fodder beet presents an intriguing opportunity to do just this. Lloyd Phillips spoke to Dave Sharpe of the international seed company Barenbrug.

The Vital Role That Mentoring Can Play In Agriculture

Successful mentorship in agriculture depends on building a relationship of mutual trust and understanding between mentor and mentee.

Diversification Success For Eastern Cape Farmer

Former extension officer, Sithembele Malgas, started farming in the Idutywa area of the former Transkei in 1990. Today, he produces cabbages, spinach and butternut in rotation on 3,5ha under irrigation and farms more than 500 beef cows near Cathcart in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess reports.

Unravelling The Myths Of Moordenaar's Kop

On 13 November 1847, during the 7th Frontier War, five British officers were attacked and killed by Xhosa warriors on a hill, still known as Moordenaar’s Kop, in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited the site and asked amateur historian Dr Patrick Hutchison how his research had corrected some of the misconceptions, long held to be true, about the skirmish.

The Electric Car: Not Squeaky Clean

An electric car is environmentally expensive to manufacture, and its ‘fuel’ is only as clean as the nearest power station.

An Opportunity To Glimpse Into The Future

Farmers contemplating a trip to Europe later this year might want to time their visit to include DLG Feldtage 2018,

Drought Remains Biggest Risk To Maize Crop

Any reports of good rainfall over the next few weeks are welcome as there are still some regions where maize crops are under stress due to dry conditions, according to Grain SA CEO, Jannie de Villiers.

XTractor Around The World Expedition To Hit SA In April

In the second stage of the XTractor Around The World expedition, four of the latest generation McCormick tractors will cover 6 000km of South Africa’s toughest terrain in 48 days.

How To Prevent And Control The Spread Of Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a highly infectious bacterial zoonosis. People contract the disease through direct contact with the infected animal, or its secretions and excretions. Veterinary specialist in public health Dr Jan H du Preez explains the science, symptoms and treatment of the disease.

R35 Million Needed For Matzikama Water Project

The Matzikama Municipality in the northern Western Cape, which includes the towns of Vredendal, Vanrhynsdorp, Klawer and Lutzville, has been particularly hard hit by the drought. Wilfred Stephan, chairperson of the Agricultural Development Association in the region, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the impact on farmers and plans to address the water shortage.

Keep It simple!

Multi-award-winning Limousin stud breeder John Devonport says that a simple and practical approach makes business sense when breeding top cattle. He spoke to Gerhard Uys.

Lamb And Mutton Rally, But Profits Are Not Guaranteed

Low sheep supply, coupled with low feed prices, have led to a welcome recovery in the profitability of lamb and mutton, but consumer resistance to high prices remains a major risk.

How To Extend Your Onion Harvest

It’s possible to have onions from your home garden available almost year-round, says Bill Kerr.

More Carrot Leaf Diseases

A number of diseases target the leaves of the carrot plant. Here are the three most important ones found in South Africa, as well as how to prevent or treat them.

The Electric Tractor Is Almost Here!

The Fendt e100 Vario is the first practical battery-powered tractor that can be used in a normal operation for a full working day without the need for recharging

The Basics Of Pearl Millet Production: Part 2

Pearl millet is a useful low-input, dryland crop that does not require particularly fertile soil. At the same time, fertiliser can help increase yield, while irrigation can improve stand establishment.

Using ‘cow power' to make your dairy farm self-sufficient: Part 2

Anaerobic digestion of feedstock produces biogas and digestate. The former can be used to produce on-farm power; the latter is a superb fertiliser, with many advantages over untreated slurry.

SA's First Commercial Cashmere Success Story

Not only is indigenous iMbuzi goats’ hair used to produce cashmere at the Ivili Loboya production unit near Butterwoth, but local smallholders are also empowered. Siyanda Sishuba reports.

Tapping Into Bees' Bounty

Kola le Roux has loved bees ever since seeing his grandfather’s hives in the eastern Free State more than 60 years ago. Today he manages more than 2 000 hives, from the Karoo to the Transkei, that produce an assortment of honey, including an organic variety derived from the cat-thorn or drogie bush. Mike Burgess reports.

How To Fertilise A Crop Correctly

Readers frequently ask me for specific fertiliser programmes for their crops. I would happily oblige if all crops were the same! Unfortunately, each crop is different because each land is unique. ‘One-size-fits-all’ programmes are always risky. 

SA Scoops 35th Gold Medal At The Chelsea Flower Show

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) team, at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, won SA’s 35th gold medal in 42 years of exhibiting at the prestigious show, recently held in London in the UK.

Platinum For Orange River Cellars' Muscadel Wines

Muscadel SA recently announced the winners of the 15th Muscadel SA awards ceremony held in Paarl in the Western Cape.

Israel Showcases Its 'simple' Irrigation Solutions

Israel, a world leader in irrigation and hi-tech agricultural innovations, was on hand at Nampo 2017 to showcase the country’s best solutions to water utilisation, amongst others.

Combating Leafroll Virus In The Vineyard

The South African wine industry has made huge strides in halting the spread of leafroll virus through focused research, trial sites and a formalised Leafroll Control Protocol.

Starting Up A Car 100 Years Ago

Before the invention of the electric starter, getting a car in motion was a demanding exercise, with emphasis on the word, ‘exercise’. Jake Venter recalls the days of hand cranking.

Young Farmer Cuts Costs By Focusing On Bonsmaras

Cornel van Heerden is the Eastern Cape’s 2016 TAU SA’s Young Farmer of the Year. Mike Burgess visited him recently on the farm Wildefontein in the Lady Grey district to learn how he established an award-winning livestock enterprise while saving money, and why his extensive Bonsmara beef operation has proved such a success.

What To Do Until The Vet Arrives

Your vet may not be able to respond immediately to an emergency. That means it’s up to you to help your horse as best you can. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do.

Giant Schnauzer: Pet And Protector

This is an excellent all-round breed: good-natured, but a fierce family guardian. However, it can be boisterous and requires an owner willing to walk it daily.

Controlling Bacterial Wilt

Bacterial wilt can wipe out a tomato crop if a susceptible variety is planted in infected soil at a time when the bacteria are active.