CATEGORIES

Economic & Ecological Benefits Of Hunting In Namibia

In Namibia, hunting is a vital part of conservation and contributes to the economic sustainability of mixed farming operations, private game farms, and more importantly, communal conservancies. Gerhard Uys spoke to Tanja Dahl, CEO of the Namibia Professional Hunting Association.

The Origin Of Tomatoes

A clever man, it’s said, knows tomatoes are fruit, but a wise one will never use them in a fruit salad.

Resolving Agriculture's Transformation Deadlock

James Martin, an independent agricultural transformation consultant and facilitator, says that transformation is a critical goal, but expecting power imbalances and prejudice to simply disappear is unreasonable. He believes that real change will only happen once we start changing human behaviour to shift perceptions, so that we can meet as equals.

Protecting The Lappet-Faced Vulture – A Matter Of Survival

The endangered lappet-faced vulture, which was selected as BirdLife South Africa’s 2017 Bird of the Year, faces many threats, with poisoning being at the forefront. Conservationists are urging farmers to join in the fight to save it from extinction, while various initiatives seek to educate the public about the bird’s important role in nature. By SANParks Times reporter, René de Klerk.

Tips For Successful Poultry Farming

Glenneis Kriel spoke to poultry industry experts about the challenges facing small-scale producers and ways in which these can be overcome.

At Home On The (Free) Range

As a small but significant addition to an intensive operation, Thorntree Farm’s free-range eggs are quietly making a name in this niche market. Ryan Stegmann spoke to Chris Nel.

Farewell To General Motors

Jake Venter takes a walk down memory lane in a tribute to ‘The General’, as GM pulls out of SA.

Global Grain Production Down, But Expected To Recover Next Year

The International Grains Council’s (IGC) May estimate for global grain production has been adjusted downwards by nearly two million tons month-on-month.

Choosing The Right Ventilation System For Your Poultry House

In this final article of a three-part series on the basic principles of chicken housing, independent poultry consultant Jan Grobbelaar discusses natural and environmentally controlled ventilation.

Biosecurity: Your First Line Of Defence Against Disease

Dr Fambies van Biljon, veterinarian at Sovereign Foods, talks to Glenneis Kriel about the crucial need to establish a well-run biosecurity programme at a poultry production facility.

Using Nitrogen Smartly

I often come across a farmer who thinks his land might have a nitrogen deficiency, but then rules this out as he has fertilised with nitrogen at the usual rate and no leaching rain has fallen. 

Planting And Caring For Peas

Peas are not unduly sensitive to pH, and can easily be grown in a garden vegetable patch. They do require protection from birds, however.

Beefmasters: A Winning Breed

After being introduced to the Beefmaster in 2001, North West cattle farmer Connie van Vuuren developed a passion for this hardy, beefy breed. He established the Cona Beefmaster Stud in 2017, and selects for adaptability and good milk production, amongst other traits.

Caring For Cucurbits

Caring For Cucurbits

Dealing With The Shying Horse

A horse that gets into the habit of shying at every perceived danger can be both irritating and dangerous. Fortunately, there are ways of teaching it to become more confident.

Waste Management Fundamentals

By law, you are required to store or dispose of waste responsibly. Failure to do so may result in a fine. More seriously, it harms the environment.

Resurrecting The Pietperd From Genetic Remnants

Boerperd breeder, Dirk Odendaal, has spent over 40 years trying to recreate a true-to-type Pietperd, a legendary but now-extinct horse breed. Mike Burgess spoke to Dirk on his farm near Barkly East about his relentless quest.

Electronic Eyes For The Operator

Many of the innovations at the Agritechnica 2017 awards were aimed at making the work of the machine operator easier. Joe Spencer reports on two examples.

Biological Control Of The Chain-Fruit Cholla: Part 2

The cochineal insect is a highly effective biocontrol method for dealing with this invasive cactus; it can kill a large cactus in a relatively short time.

Adult Mohair Demand Up, Kid Mohair Demand Drops

Mohair gained 1,7% at the second sale of the 2017 winter season in Port Elizabeth, with 144 821kg on offer. The average market indicator closed on R191,44/kg.

KZN Agriculture Staps In To Help Drought-Stricken EC Farmers

Farmers, agribusinesses and even private citizens in KwaZulu-Natal have rallied to provide emergency livestock feed desperately needed by Eastern Cape farmers affected by drought and wildfires.

Waste Management: How Spier Estate Turns Trash Into Cash

Worldwide, waste generation is fast overtaking landfill availability. Heidi Newton-King, sustainability and human resources director at Spier Wine Estate, recently shared how the estate has succeeded in reducing its proportion of landfill waste to total recycled waste to less than 2%. Jeandré du Preez reports.

Help Veld Recover With Good Management

Following a drought, farmers should sow seed to help grasses become re-established, as well as follow a sound grazing management programme. This combination will improve grazing and create a sustainable fodder bank. Pasture consultant Frits van Oudtshoorn spoke to Gerhard Uys.

Controlling Leaf Miners- Part 2

As if we don’t have enough tomato pests already, a new one recently arrived in South Africa: the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta). The pest originated in South America, and has worked its way down Africa to South Africa.

Preparing To Plant Carrots

Vegetable Prodution

Dealing With Blight In Sunflowers

Severe brown blight infection in sunflowers results in smaller seeds, a reduced yield, and lower oil content.

Dog Training: Why And How

37 years ago A dog can be a farmer’s best friend. It can be trained to herd livestock, be a formidable watchdog and protect your family. But all dogs need careful and consistent training to reach these goals.

Concern About KZN's Water Supply

Despite the nationwide drought being broken more than a year ago, farmers in KwaZulu-Natal remain deeply concerned about the future of the province’s water supply.

Prudent Use Of Antimicrobials Crucial In Livestock Farming

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a global problem in both human and animal medicine. Veterinarian Dr David Gerber, the chief technical officer at South African animal health company V-Tech, explains the problem, and highlights the potential benefits of a surveillance programme.

Performance Testing For The Commercial Breeder: Part 1

This selection, breeding and management tool can improve the efficiency and profitability of any beef operation, says Thokozani Ndonga, senior research technician at the Agricultural Research Council, Irene. He begins this series by exploring the prejudices against performance testing.