CATEGORIES

Beating challenges with good veld management

Father-and-son team Robert and Sanele Khumalo constantly strive to maximise carcass weight in their commercial beef production enterprise. But with heavy recent rains and ever more unpredictable weather patterns, this requires careful and ongoing management of grazing and herd health.

Letelle sheep: SA's most undervalued breed

The Letelle is a proudly South African dual-purpose sheep, but despite its exceptional qualities, it remains one of the most underestimated sheep breeds in the country. Theo Oosthuizen, who breeds Letelle on his Free State farm, spoke to Annelie Coleman about these remarkable animals.

Shining fluorescent light on bee sperm could help explain colony survival

Christina Kotze, a researcher in invertebrate reproductive biology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and Gerhard van der Horst, emeritus professor at UWC, describe how pioneering methods of analysis developed by UWC's comparative spermatology group may ultimately be used to save the world's honeybees.

Three-day stiff sickness: low mortality, yet high morbidity

While the mortality rate of three-day stiff sickness is usually less than 1%, morbidity is high, with most animals never reaching the same level of production after recovery.

Growing freesias

Freesias are renowned for their bright colours, elegant shape and rich fragrance. They make a cheerful display in a garden and are also in demand as cut flowers. They are highly popular for wedding bouquets.

Subdued elegance comes to Orange Street

The Capital 15 on Orange in Cape Town is a stylish presence in a well-preserved quarter that dates back more than 350 years. And the dramatic mountain views only add to its allure, says Brian Berkman.

Harvesting the products of the bountiful marula

For thousands of years, Southern African communities have used the bark, leaves, fruit and kernels of the marula tree for their medicinal and nutritional properties. Martin Rust spoke to Magda du Toit about how his family is exploiting this multi-faceted resource, which occurs naturally on their farm in northern Namibia.

Percivale South Devons: a stud built on a solid legacy

The Roets family of the Eastern Cape's Barkly East district has been associated with South Devon cattle for approximately 90 years. Yet it was only in 2017 that PD Roets registered a stud. Mike Burgess visited him to find out more about his commitment to the selective breeding of South Devons in this cold, mountainous area.

An artisanal dairy that makes both lifestyle and financial sense

Running a boutique dairy comes with certain benefits: a smaller herd to manage, and the opportunity to hone your craft and make high-quality products. However, with a business this size, staying viable requires hard work and careful bookkeeping. Grant Warren spoke to Lindi Botha about how he runs his artisanal dairy.

Finding cherry leaf spot resistant varieties

A study was recently conducted in China to identify the resistance levels of cherry cultivars in that country, and offers useful information for farmers in all cherry-growing regions.

Nigeria's most important crops

Cashew nuts, sesame seeds and cocoa beans represent more than 50% of Nigeria's agricultural exports. However, there are many challenges to these industries that hamper future expansion. Janine Ryan explores the agriculture sector in this West Africa country.

The Beefmaster: adaptable and hardy

Cows of this tough, dual-purpose breed from Texas are renowned for their strong maternal traits, their fertility and their easy calving. What's more, the Beefmaster's famours 'Six Essentials' guide simplifies breeding.

Are we heading for another Great Depression?

The COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and a corrupt government have combined to put South Africa's economy under the lash. Peter Hughes considers whether we'll see a rerun of the 1930s and 1940s.

The importance of sorghum for South Africa

Sorghum is indigenous to Africa's savannahs and there is archaeological evidence in the Sahara of its use 8 000 years ago. Dr Laura Pereira, associate professor at the Global Change Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, argues that sorghum should be reinvigorated as a crop and a key foodstuff.

Western Cape farmers cautioned to be on high alert for livestock diseases

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has issued warnings about foot-and-mouth disease, as well as vaccination and movement requirements for African horse sickness in control areas.

‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030: a goal becomes a mirage

The number of people affected by hunger and undernourishment around the world is expected to remain high even up to 2030, largely due to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Innovations in soya bean crop production

New varieties and technology are ensuring that local soya bean producers are now better equipped to compete with farmers in other production areas around the world

Ostriches prove their worth in harsh drought

While earnings from ostrich production have declined following the fresh meat export ban caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, the birds remain a valuable income contributor. Glenneis Kriel spoke to farmer Jolian du Preez, who survived the tough times and is now expanding his operation.

An enchanting hideaway in the folds of a mountain and river

With its serenity and beautiful scenery, Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway in the Western Cape offers a soul-restoring breakaway. You can relax and unwind, or explore the mountains on foot or by bike

How to grow okra in South Africa

Originating in Africa, okra is a popular vegetable cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm, temperate regions.

Small-scale farmers and post-harvest losses

With the relentless growth in population, countries can no longer afford to waste food. Manoshi Mothapo, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Natural Resources and Engineering division, examines how post-harvest losses affect smallholder farmers, and how they can be reduced with correct handling and storage.

Ostriches prove their worth in harsh drought

While earnings from ostrich production have declined following the fresh meat export ban caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, the birds remain a valuable income contributor. Glenneis Kriel spoke to farmer Jolian du Preez, who survived the tough times and is now expanding his operation.

Going organic - with care

Wine producers that switch to organic production risk suffering a severe financial knock. Glenneis Kriel reports on how Western Cape-based producer Bosman Adama has managed this risk successfully.

A step towards better aeroponics

A robot designed to operate in CleanGreens Solutions SA's mobile aeroponics systems lowers phytosanitary risks.

John Deere launches combine with ‘mammoth’ capacity

John Deere has just launched its X9 Series Combine, which it says is currently the largest grain-handling harvester in Africa.

Regenerative medicine for horses

Stem cells, platelets and serum can be reinjected into an injured joint or ligament to improve healing in horses, says Dr Mac.

Preventing tomato spotted wilt

Once this disease arrives on a tomato land, it is very difficult to get rid of. The problem is made worse if weeds are nearby, as many weed species are susceptible to attack by the virus, says Bill Kerr.

Growing kikuyu

This grass type is resilient, rewarding and ideal for many applications. It is also widely adaptable, performing well in most parts of Southern Africa.

At the cutting edge of avocado cultivar and rootstock research

Allesbeste Boerdery in Limpopo is well known for its research and development in the avocado industry. Zander Ernst, director of marketing and production, spoke to Magda du Toit about its breeding programme.

Drakensbergers: shiny black mothers of Africa

Drakensberger cattle pulled the Voortrekkers’ wagons on their epic journeys to South Africa’s inland regions in the 19th century. Susan Marais visited Petrus Taljaard of Talman Drakensbergers in Mpumalanga to find out more about his love for this breed, and how he deals with cattle diseases and the area’s harsh winters.