CATEGORIES

Harvesting the ‘Hands-free Hectare'

The ground-breaking Hands-free Hectare project (see FW issue of 24 March 2017), which sought to grow a crop using only autonomous vehicles, has come to an end with a successful harvest.

Why Can't That Cow Stand Up? (Part 2)

There are several reasons why an animal may be unable to stand up on its own. If you discover it in time, you may be able to save its life. Here are tips on preventing and treating this condition.

Water-use "Tattoos"for Plants

Water-use "Tattoos" for Plants

SA Wine Industry Struggling To Cope With Drought

SA Wine Industry Struggling To Cope With Drought

Ethical chicken farming a win-win Formula

Red Barn free - range chicken and egg farm started from necessity but grew into a passion. In addition to eggs and whole chickens, it also produces speciality products Jay Ferreira reports.

The Many Rewards of Game Farming in the Karoo

Game animals have brought a new dimension to farm life in the arid Karoo. Roelof Bezuidenhout spoke to Neil Dodds and Rob Hobson, two farmers from Jansenville, who have combined game with small stock.

A Concise History of Hydroponics

While hydroponic farming has been around since the Middle Ages, many developments over the years have made it far more efficient and affordable. Prof Gert Venter explains.

Global Food Demand And Prices To Decrease Over Next Decade

The “Agricultural outlook 2017-2026” report, compiled by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, as well as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, forecasts that over the next decade, demand for agricultural products will slow considerably, causing real prices of most agricultural and fish commodities to follow a slightly declining trend, thereby keeping them below previous peaks.

Townie Sport, Politics & Sharks

After golf, my next-best event to watch on TV is F1 Grand Prix.

Getting Started With Bananas (1)

To turn banana farming into a profitable venture, production must be well planned.

Dairy BLUP Basics

Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) brings together many aspects of animal breeding, and provides the most accurate and precise genetic evaluations possible.

Hippo Mills Turns 90!

The Hippo hammer mill was launched at the 1928 Pietermaritzburg Royal Show. Joe Spencer takes a closer look at the company.

Consider This Before Investing In Desalination

Desalination is an increasingly attractive tool to mitigate drought-associated risks. Gerrit van der Merwe and Hermias Nieuwoudt spoke to Glenneis Kriel about some important factors to take into consideration before installing a filtering plant.

Becoming A Motorcyclist: Part 1

On a farm, a motorcycle is a substitute for a horse. There is no doubt that motorcycling is dangerous, but you have certain advantages over driving a car.

Townie - Jacky Penny's obituary

Tragically, my much-loved Jack Russell, Penny, died a few days ago.

Irrigating Your Crop

The water-holding capacity of the growing medium determines how often and how much to irrigate.

SA Hunting Poised For Growth

Arthur Rudman, veteran game rancher and member of the Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa and Wildlife Ranching South Africa, speaks to Roelof Bezuidenhout about the future of the hunting industry in this country and across the continent.

Wheat Industry Plan Gains Momentum

In 2012, South Africa’s wheat industry launched the Wheat Industry Plan to alleviate the country’s dependence on grain imports. Andries Theron, chairperson of Grain SA’s winter cereals working group, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about progress made with implementing the plan.

A Call For Integrated Research

54 YEARS AGO In this report, Prof H.O. Monnig, former chairperson of the South African Science Advisory Council, explained the importance of co-operation between universities and research councils.

The R5 Million Racing Pigeon

Golden Prince, currently the most expensive pigeon in the world, is owned by two South African fanciers. Thomas Smit reports.

Grain & Oilseed: Too Much In The Silo, Too Little In The Bank

The Rabobank agricultural commodity report is a useful tool for helping farmers plan production around expected global commodity prices. According to the 2018 report, commodity prices for grains and oilseeds are likely to remain under pressure due to continued global oversupply of these commodities, and other factors.

No Quick Recovery For Game Prices

High supply, low demand and the impact of the drought on income and production costs has resulted in the recent downward trend in the prices for game animals. Denene Erasmus reports.

Aquaponics: How To Get Plumper, Healthier Fish

If you want to grow plants and decent-sized fish, the first step is to get rid of those plastic circular bins.

Small-Herd Stud Farming Is BIG Business In Canada

Small commercial beef producers and stud breeders make up a large and valuable part of Canada’s cattle value chain. While in Alberta, Gerhard Uys, who recently visited Farmfair International, a Canadian agricultural show, visited three farming families that run small, profitable commercial herds.

More About African Horse Sickness

Thanks to medical advances, the prognosis of this feared disease has improved, says Dr Mac.

Fine Arabian Horses Need Lots Of Loving Attention

Fine Arabian Horses Need Lots Of Loving Attention

Climate Change Has No Benefits

Climate Change Has No Benefits

Growing Global Appetite Boosts Animal Protein Production

According to Rabobank’s 2018 Animal Protein Outlook, animal production is growing globally, while local production and demand echoes international trends.

Politicians And Jan Are Both Burning Me Up!

Politicians And Jan Are Both Burning Me Up!

Pay A Bit Extra, Get A Lot More

Pay A Bit Extra, Get A Lot More