CATEGORIES

Drought Takes Its Toll On Honey Production In The Western Cape

Drought Takes Its Toll On Honey Production In The Western Cape

SA's Animal Health Status Must Be Jealously Guarded

Animal health was one of the critical drivers of the South African red meat industry, according to Koos van der Ryst, chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO).

Tilapia Strains

Nile tilapia has become the species of choice for global commercial aquaculture after years of selective breeding.

Getting The Best Out Of Beans

Beans are a versatile, easy-to-grow and highly productive vegetable. All of this makes them a handy crop for the home garden. Bill Kerr explains how to grow and care for them.

More Examples Of Cucurbit Pests

Two leaf miner species, namely Liriomyza trifolii and L. huidobrensis, can cause damage in cucurbits. Both are about the size of the vinegar flies that hang around overripe fruit in the kitchen. Females lay their eggs in the plant tissue after making openings with their ovipositors and drinking the sap. The larvae hatch and make serpentine tunnels within the leaf. As a result of their rapid life cycle, they breed very quickly.

Tips For Stress-Free Live Stock Trucking

Live stock transportation should result in as little stress to the animals as possible, whether they are being transported to the abattoir or other farms.

Light And Its Effects On Plant Growth

The most important variable affecting plant growth is light exposure, and it is therefore important to measure the amount of light your plants receive. Prof Gert Venter explains how this is done.

Always Manage Grazing With Drought In Mind

The only insurance against drought is a sound, scientifically based grazing management programme, coupled with a reasonable stocking rate even in times of plenty. So says Dr Mias van der Westhuizen, Free State rangeland specialist. Annelie Coleman spoke to him about the practical implications of good grazing management.

Tackling SA Farmers' Image Problem

South Africans must join hands and look beyond political differences to take the agriculture sector forward through one of the most challenging times it has ever faced, according to Gerhard Kriel, CEO of Free State Agriculture.

Here To Stay: Understanding Lumpy Skin Disease

Lumpy skin disease, first described in Zambia in 1929, now persists in all the countries in which it has occurred. It has proved impossible to eradicate.

Enjoy The Taste Of Fresh Garden Peas!

These days, most people opt for frozen peas for convenience. They don’t know what they’re missing, says Bill Kerr. Fresh peas are far tastier and sweeter.

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 4

Applying the correct amount of nitrogen is crucial for plant growth

Meet The New Valtra S374

The powerful, versatile and fuel-efficient S374 tractor was the centre of attention at Valtrac’s Nampo stand. Joe Spencer reports.

Townie - In Winter's Grip

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – is history, long to be remembered by the thousands who lined the streets of Windsor, and the millions who watched it on television.

Preparing For A Profitable Market Day

Studies show some communal farmers may be losing as much as 40% in value when selling livestock.

All Wrapped Up

Fellow kitchen mechanics, it’s time to return to the wrap for easy cooking, splendid eating, and minimal washing up.

Taking Irrigation To The Next Level

To ensure truly accurate irrigation scheduling, you need more than soil probes. IrriCheck provides an array of additional technology, from on-farm forecasting to advanced water-usage meters.

Decline In SA Timber Sales

Forestry South Africa, which represents the interests of over 21 000 timber growers at all production levels, recently held its 16th annual general meeting in KwaZulu-Natal. Lloyd Phillips reports.

Good Interim Results For Astral Interim Despite Tough Conditions

Despite facing a number of major challenges, Astral Foods Limited has been able to post a strong set of interim financial results for the six months ended 31 March 2018.

Strong Performance For Mohair, Despite Negative Publicity

Despite the recent release of controversial video footage by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which was taken by undercover activists on visits to South African Angora goat farms, the mohair market continued its strong performance.

From Our Archives

Teat-Washing Dangers

Livestock ID & Traceability System

The SA government has proposed launching a public-private committee to develop a national livestock identification and traceability system. This will greatly benefit all red meat producers.

Sustainability In Pasture-Based Dairy Farming

One of the questions modern farmers face is whether they can farm in an environmentally sustainable, yet profitable, way. Craig Galloway provided the answer in his PhD thesis on the sustainability of pasture-based dairy farms.

Fungal Wilt Diseases In Tomatoes

Fungal diseases are generally easier to control than bacterial diseases, as there are several effective fungicides available and many of these are systemic. On the other hand, the disease cannot be cured once it has infected the tomato plant.

Welcome To The Year Of The Wok!

Add a wok to your outdoor cooking and bring drama, high heat and fine flavours to your menus. Here’s a prawn extravaganza to get you going

The New All-Rounder

The Pöttinger Multiline concept is a combination of either a compact disc harrow or a stubble cultivator, and a seed drill.

Why Can't That Cow Stand Up? (Part 1)

A number of diseases and conditions can result in cattle and other ruminants being unable to stand up

Maize Farmers Likely To Switch To Sunflower In 2018

A late start to the rainfall season in parts of the summer grain production region should result in farmers decreasing maize production in favour of sunflower

A 5-star Country Cradle

A 5-star Country Cradle

Mazavaroo - A Mauritian Veld Fire In Your Mouth

I have known grown men to drink Tabasco straight from the bottle, while others in brave response chewed maniacally on raw chillies. But if you are a chilli fan, one of the most complex ways to enjoy this curious combination of flavour and pain is mazavaroo.