'Go-to tractors' for dairy farmers

Nick Stubbs owns and runs a large dairy in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, and says a reliable tractor is vital to his operation's success.

Jamaican farmworker exploitation controversy in Canada

Complaints about mistreatment on farms in Canada by migrant workers from Jamaica have been rejected by the latter country’s labour minister, Karl Samuda.

Pear and blue cheese pizza

If you think the combination of pear, blue cheese and tomato sounds strange, think again. This gourmet pizza brings together sweet and savoury flavours, making it the best of both worlds.

Isuzu makes a splash in the Eastern Cape

In the Wild Coast region, where very poor roads and rough conditions are the norm, Isuzu trucks are valued for their ruggedness and reliability.

Obstacles to succession planning, and how to overcome them

It is critically important to address common problems before you get down to the business of succession planning. Addressing these challenges proactively and in a positive way will enhance a family agribusiness’s chances of enjoying continued success and prosperity, says Trevor Dickinson.

Cost-saving tips for horse owners

Prices are skyrocketing in South Africa, so it’s worth keeping a monthly budget to make timely decisions on cost-cutting, says Dr Mac.

Controlling tomato leaf miner

Tuta absoluta is capable of causing a yield loss of 100%, but biological ways to thwart this pest are in the works. Bill Kerr provides an update.

HORTICULTURE Growing chrysanthemums

These plants are highly suitable for container gardening on patios. Chrysanthemums produce flowers in a wide variety of colours. They are used as cut flowers for special occasions and for pot plants.

Weeds in maize and wheat crops (Part 6): fleabane

This winter weed is widespread throughout Southern Africa. It has small seeds, is a shallow germinator, and is a problem in no-tillage systems.

From mining to breeding awardwinning sheep

Faced with the grim reality of retrenchment, Larry Snyders refused to give in to despair. Instead, he poured all his energy into his sideline business, a small White Dorper stud. A few years later, he reached the pinnacle of his new career, becoming a champion breeder. He shared his story with Susan Marais.

Soil health: crucial for future food production

Healthy soil is a key driver of farm productivity, profits, and sustainable food production. Dr Hendrik Smith explained to Magda du Toit how farmers can improve the health and fertility of their soils.

Management: the key to improving soil health

Healthy soil is a crop farmer’s most important asset. Farmers Danie Bester and Tyson Zunckel, both of whom produce maize, soya bean and wheat, spoke to Magda du Toit about their soil-management practices.

Opportunities in Sudan, despite the conflict

While farmers in Sudan are facing economic hardships, the country’s groundnut production remains a significant foreign-exchange earner.

Beefmaster stands out!

The Beefmaster, which was developed in the US, is a popular beef breed in South Africa due to its adaptability, short intercalving period, and other key traits. Gerrie Jansen van Rensburg, president of the Beefmaster Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa (Beefmaster SA), told Susan Marais more about this hardy all-rounder.

Grain-storage pests nailed

This article looked at a new insecticide that, at the time, was expected to revolutionise the protection of grain in stacks and silos.

The lack of storage for cattle feed in Africa

Mulubrhan Gebremikael, a researcher at the University of Florida in the US, looks at why Africa’s farmers struggle to store feed, and the techniques that could help them overcome this obstacle.

'Climate targets could force Irish farmers into bankruptcy'

Ireland has the highest per capita methane emissions of all EU countries, with much of this ascribed to the country's beef production.

Breeding cattle for a tough life

As this article revealed, a stud farm near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal Laimed to produce disease-resistant cattle able to thrive in harsh conditions.

Breakthrough for industrial hemp production in SA

The first-ever licence for the wholesale importation, distribution and marketing of hemp seed for the production of hemp fibre in South Africa was recently awarded to local company Hemp Seed Solutions.

Mac and cheese - with avo!

Just when you thought you couldn't improve on the classic that is mac and cheese, avocado sweeps in and makes everything better.

The safest ways to control bollworm in tomatoes

Unless you grow your tomato crop under a moth-proof net, you'll have to contend with bollworm at some stage. Fortunately, there are effective methods of control, provided you act quickly, says Bill Kerr.

Getting started with kooigoed

Kooigoed is an ndigenous plant is grown for its foliage and as groundcover in mild or coastal areas where temperatures don't fall below freezing for extended periods. It can be used for medicinal purposes.

Maximise dairy profits with beef semen

Improved breeding technologies and practices have resulted in many dairies ending up with more replacement heifers than they need. To add value to surplus animals, farmers can use beef semen on some of their cows. Glenneis Kriel explains what this process entails, and how it should be approached and implemented.

Pioneering study of tuberculosis in rhino

Ilse Bigalke of Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences describes a recent detailed study of the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in rhinoceros populations in the Kruger National Park.

Agtech Innovation Awards 2022: Part 1

In the farm-management solutions category this year, the focus was on recording, analysing and integrating information into a single dataset that can be used by farmers in decision-making. Janine Ryan reports.

Grain price hikes squeeze red meat producers' margins

Absa AgriBusiness explores the current price dynamics in the red meat industry, why both producers and consumers are under pressure, and the part that historical third-quarter price trends play.

Smallholders' role in protecting our forests

According to a new report, smallholders and indigenous peoples can be effective forest managers, as they occupy nearly half of the world's forest and farm landscapes and are often invested in these areas.

Making magic with button mushrooms

Marietjie Kruger of Heidelberg grows and sells fresh mushrooms and processed food in Gauteng. She spoke to Annelie Coleman about the complex growing process that is required before harvesting.

What does the future hold for agricolleges?

Education is vital to the transformation of South Africa's agriculture industry, as well as the country's economic growth. However, many agricultural colleges are in disarray. Magda du Toit reports on this crucial issue.

A look at the Africa Agriculture Status Report for 2022

At the time of writing, Rwanda was due to host the African Green Revolution Forum from 5 to 9 September, an annual event bringing together the continent’s political and opinion leaders to reflect on the state of Africa’s food security and its agricultural transformation.