CATEGORIES

The Basics Of Wheat Production

South African wheat growers have to compete with imports of the grain, which puts them under pressure to maximise production efficiency. Decisions on which cultivar to plant and the seeding density at planting have a major influence on yield, and ultimately profitability. Magda du Toit reports.

Growing papayas: Part 1

Papaya trees are fast-growing and have an upright growth pattern. Under the right conditions, they flower within six months after planting and will continue flowering throughout the year.

Fendt brings new tracked tractors to South Africa

The Fendt 900 Vario and Fendt 1100 Vario are the latest additions to the German agriculture machinery manufacturer’s range of high-power, tracked tractors available in South Africa.

Growing onions: Part 14

When growing onions, keep a sharp lookout for fungal diseases such as downy mildew, as these represent a major threat to a crop, says Bill Kerr.

Regenerative farming: can producers afford not to make the change?

Switching from conventional farming to a regenerative agriculture system is certainly expensive. But according to a number of experts, failing to do so could end up costing you your farm. Susan Marais reports.

Regenerative grazing management

Although ultra-high-density grazing is still quite controversial in some circles, many farmers have had good results when using it as a means to restore veld and increase carrying capacity. Susan Marais reports.

Swainson's francolin

The Swainson’s francolin is considered a pest by some farmers and a boon by hunters, as this article showed.

The rise of Dutch Warmbloods

The Dutch Warmblood has become a familiar sight at high-level equestrian events. Dr Mac looks at the breed’s fascinating history.

Breathing New Life Into The Guava Industry

The Agricultural Research Council is undertaking various trials aimed at making guava production more profitable. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Salomie Willemse and Chris Smith, experts involved in the programme.

The Future Of Farm Robots

Robots are predicted to play an ever-increasing role in agriculture, but there is much debate about whether these will be large or small machines. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Data Show Dire Climate Outlook For Africa

Recent climate change projections by the UN confirm that most parts of Africa will likely experience drier, hotter conditions, while also being prone to more frequent heavy rainfall events. All of which, writes Victor Ongoma, an assistant professor at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco, will have an overwhelming impact on millions of people in Africa whose livelihoods depend on dryland agriculture.

Drones Are Leading The Way In Crop Spraying

To Tim Wise, whose sugar cane-growing family had always battled with the quality of crop spraying delivered by aeroplane, drones seemed to be a workable alternative. This led to research into drone technology in 2016, and the subsequent creation of Precision Agricultural Systems. The company has since been the driving force in having crop-spraying drones approved for commercial use in South Africa. Wouter Kriel reports.

How To Prevent A Family Feud

Most volatile family agribusiness disputes have deep-rooted causes that stem from secrecy, distrust and avoidance. By confronting these issues early on, conflict can be avoided, says Trevor Dickinson.

Fire and regenerative rangeland management

Fire is a management tool and, like a hammer, it can have good or bad consequences, depending on how and when it is used. This requires careful consideration of a farm’s conditions, writes Colin Nott, a regenerative agricultural consultant based in Namibia.

Watch out for glyphosate contamination

The repeated use of the herbicide glyphosate has been found to compromise fruit production. James Dick, co-owner of production consultancy DNS Crop Institute, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this problem.

Meet the ‘Barbarians'

A display of part of farmer Herman Dewing‘s huge collection of barbed wire. FW ARCHIVE

Tennis tapestry

There was a period in South Africa’s past when a well-kept tennis court was as much a part of a prosperous farm as a vegetable garden or a tractor. And this applied in the dusty Karoo as well as in the lush Lowveld, says Graham Jooste.

Saving Southern Africa's smallest wild cat

Marion and Richard Holmes, who live near Cradock in the Eastern Cape, have made it their life’s ambition to conserve the vulnerable black-footed cat and African wildcat. They spoke to Annelie Coleman about the methods they employ.

Increasing sugar tax will cost more jobs – industry

With the ending of the moratorium on increases to the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), or so-called sugar tax, in 2022, renewed calls to double the levy could cost the sugar industry millions of rands.

Improving seed import/export regulations in Rwanda

GLOBAL INSIGHT

Higher milk production, lower carbon footprint

Pressure is mounting on dairy farmers to reduce their carbon footprint. The good news is that research shows it is not only possible, but can be done in a way that increases productivity. Lindi Botha reports.

Growing onions

Cutworms and thrips are major threats to onion plants, and must be dealt with timeously to save your crop, says Bill Kerr.

Growing Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts attract their fair share of pests. Here’s how to identify and control the important species.

Droughtmaster: the ticket to breeding more uniform calves

Now semi-retired from farming, Adriaan Odendaal of Villiers in the Free State is able to devote most of his time to the improvement of his almost 10-year old Rocky Droughtmaster stud. With the use of a new breeding method, he is confident that he will achieve his goal of breeding a uniform herd that is true to type within a few short years. Denene Erasmus reports.

Embryo flushing: a sure way to accelerate genetic progress

To stay ahead of their competitors in the breeding game, livestock farmers have to continually improve the genetics of their animals. Nollie and Pieter Stofberg, owners of Platdrif Sussex Stud in the Western Cape, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how they make use of embryo flushing to achieve this goal.

Growing Brussels sprouts: Part 2

Irrigation, fertilization, and weed control all play a crucial role in the success of this crop. It’s also important to harvest at the right time when the heads are bright green, firm, and large enough.

Exploring the beauty of a small seaside town on SA's West Coast

Yzerfontein is home to stretches of beautiful fynbos. Atlantica, with its panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, is the ideal place to stay while visiting this tranquil harbour town, says Brian Berkman.

Preventing and fighting veld fires

Fire protection associations play an integral part in managing fire risk during the dry winter season. Pieter Dempsey spoke to Johann Breytenbach, general manager of the Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Association, about the importance of these organisations and how they can grow their capacity and capability.

New feed waste solution for dairy farmers

The UK-based agriculture solutions company, JF Hudson, has designed a first for the dairy industry: an attachment that can help to greatly reduce feed wastage in dairy sheds and save farmers money.

Training a yearling

Your horse doesn’t have to be a racehorse to follow the training programme employed for starting Thoroughbred yearlings, says Dr Mac.