Why some horses are ‘bleeders'

Some racehorses bleed copiously from their nostrils after racing. Recent research has shown that a promising drug may prevent this condition, says Dr Mac.

Luxurious safaris in the Cape Floral Kingdom

The Gondwana Game Reserve between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges offers luxurious accommodation for visitors, and an opportunity for guests to become residents. Brian Berkman reports.

The value of informal record-keeping

If you record your production and general farming notes in a diary, you’ll have ready access to a wealth of information in a few years, says Bill Kerr.

Specialist equipment for small farms

To better meet the needs of small-scale farmers, Husqvarna, a Swedish manufacturer of outdoor power products, has engineered a range of equipment specifically for this market, which the company believes can be a game changer for Africa’s small-scale farmers.

Ginger scene hots up

At the time of this article’s writing, ginger production was starting to become popular in the Mpumalanga Lowveld, thanks to the rhizomes made available to farmers there.

Managing early growth stages in maize

This second article in a two-part series on production management of maize during the early growth phases focuses on water and disease management. Three top South African maize producers also provide advice on what farmers should look out for during this period. Magda du Toit reports.

Conservation alliances protect natural heritage

In 1984, when Charl van der Merwe purchased Brakfontein in the Northern Cape for sheep production, he could never have guessed that his farm would one day become a key element in the creation of a 240 000ha interprovincial protected area. Wouter Kriel spoke to two people involved in this far-reaching development.

Avocados continue to gain market share

The avocado industry has continued its upward trajectory of increasing its market share.

The value of pollinators for seed production

In a study to provide a global estimate of the importance of pollinators for plants in natural ecosystems, researchers from Stellenbosch University, led by Dr James Rodger, a postdoctoral fellow in mathematical sciences, found that, without pollinators, one-third of flowering plant species wouldn’t produce seeds at all.

The cost of labour

Bill Kerr suggests some labour-saving methods and a way of ensuring that your workers are more productive.

Simplifying work

How much money you make from your farm depends on how profitable it is, and this is often the result of efficiency and productivity. In short, you need to get more out of every hour, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Preventing a sugar crash

The future of the country’s sugar cane sector has never been more uncertain and, as a result, the livelihoods of many thousands of people hang in the balance. Could the South African Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan be the lifeline that the industry has been waiting for? Susan Marais reports.

Nissan Navara single cab: a capable, well-priced workhorse

Nissan has introduced a new range of South African-built Navara single cabs that are sure to prove popular. These robust bakkies are a fine match of functionality, handling and comfort. Pieter Dempsey reports.

Maize production: the first 40 days

In this article, the first in a two-part series, Magda du Toit speaks to experts about the different growth stages of a maize plant in the vegetative phase, as well as the crucial management practices to follow during this time to achieve optimal yield. Advice on weed control is also included.

Getting the work done with TGB's quad bikes

TGB recently launched its Blade 600 range of all-terrain vehicles in South Africa. The range includes models for recreational and commercial use, and could be a wonderful on-farm helper. Janine Ryan reports.

Cows and cars should not be conflated in climate change debate

Discussions about, and analyses of, the impact of livestock as emission polluters often fail to distinguish between different farming systems. According to Ian Scoones, professorial fellow at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex in the UK, intensive and extensive production systems have different effects on the environment.

Fruit burn

This week’s article in the series looks at factors that cause sunburn and ways to reduce the problem, such as the use of irrigation and shade nets.

Attention to detail: the key to broiler production

Poultry production has significant challenges, with high input costs and narrow margins being near the top of the list. However, Dale Shepherd, owner of Plaston Chicken Farms in Mpumalanga, has found that meticulous management and keeping a close eye on finances can bring business success. Lindi Botha reports.

Working together to tackle agro-crime

Agricultural crime is a global problem, and collaboration across the sector is crucial in the battle against this issue.

A popular breed for all the right reasons

Don McHardy says his interest in Droughtmasters was a natural progression in his quest to breed more efficient beef cattle that are able to realise optimal financial returns. Denene Erasmus reports.

Simplifying work

Better planning can save you a great deal of money in the long run. And it need not cost your business a cent, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Grading lucerne: good for animals, good for your pocket

The uniform quality and grading of lucerne hay is important to ensure that animals are as productive as possible, according to Dr Gerrie Scholtz, consultant to the National Lucerne Trust and a lucerne specialist.

Fruit burn

Sunburn is the damage caused to fruit by too much exposure to the sun. It tends to occur on fruit that is at least 45mm in diameter.

How best to help farmers

In this article, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN calls for urgent reform of government support to farmers so that more sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly food systems can be brought about.

Looking after your horse's heart

The health of your horse’s heart can be affected by pathogens, worm load or toxins, says Dr Mac.

Deneys Reitz: soldier, lawyer, politician, ambassador, and author

Deneys Reitz is known to generations of South Africans for Commando, his thrilling first-hand account of action during the Anglo-Boer War. But his achievements went far beyond his books, explains Graham Jooste.

A better hive for easier beekeeping

Beekeeper Ryno Barnes recently replaced his wooden hives with hives made of polyvinyl chloride foam board, a unique lightweight, eco-friendly material. So impressed was he with the results that he launched a separate company to manufacture these hives for other beekeepers. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Dung beetles, nature's recycling experts, benefit farmers too

The beneficial role of insects in agriculture should not be underestimated, and this is equally true of dung beetles. As these fascinating recycling experts go about their daily business of breaking up and distributing dung in nature, they also offer a variety of benefits to the agriculture sector. Magda du Toit reports.

Hunting on the southern slopes of the Magaliesberg

At this guest house on a game farm in North West, visitors are provided with a comfortable stay and plenty of things to see and do, including hunting exotic game species, says Riaan Hattingh.

African horse sickness: controlling biting midges

With the rainy season upon us in the African horse sickness-infected zone, it is crucial that horse owners keep a close eye on their animals’ behavior and implement strict control of flying insects, says Dr Mac. This is especially important due to the apparent vaccine shortage.