Feed conversion testing brings greater profits

More meat per herd per year is the golden thread that runs through a profitable cattle enterprise, and genetics play a crucial role in the herd’s advancement. While DNA testing is useful for genetic selection, it can’t determine feed conversion rates. This is where Phase D performance testing comes in. Lindi Botha reports.

How SA farmers can benefit from Israeli tech

Israeli technology in agricultural production can be hugely useful to South African farmers. These technologies range from decreasing water usage to improving propagation. Wouter Kriel and Susan Marais report.

Riding with hounds

Training your dog and horse to accept each other is vitally important for them to co-exist and work together on the farm, says Dr Mac.

Growing onions: Part 10

Keep an eye on the potassium, nitrogen and zinc levels of your crop to ensure optimal yield, says Bill Kerr.

Chicken diseases: Part 2

Newcastle disease is very serious. However, you can prevent it by vaccinating your chickens and using good management practices.

A rooftop hops farm in the city

Hops are traditionally grown in the Western Cape, but on a rooftop in Johannesburg, Khaya Maloney has shown it is possible to grow hops in the city using a hydroponic system. Pieter Dempsey reports.

A Winning Combination Of Yellow Hybrids

Grant Pringle, product agronomist at Pannar Seed, says choosing the right cultivar is one of the most important decisions a farmer makes every year. That is why Pannar provides farmers with a variety of high-performing hybrid platforms to choose from.

Basics Of Hoof Health Management In Cattle

Hoof health is essential for a beef or dairy cattle herd to perform optimally, and nutrition and good hoof care should form part of any animal health programme. Pieter Dempsey spoke to animal health experts Gert van Zyl, Dr Klaas-Jan Leeuw and Dr Magdaleen Wepener about common problems faced in hoof health.

Invest wisely to weather wildlife industry storms

The local wildlife ranching industry has had its share of ups and downs over the past few years, and drought, a boom-bust cycle and COVID-19 have seen many farmers exit the sector. Lindi Botha spoke to Limpopo rancher Jaco Sullivan about the resilience and sound business decisions that have kept his family in the game.

A proactive approach to udder excellence

Mastitis can cause devastating economic losses for a dairy farmer. Yet a long-term vaccination programme can be an effective weapon in the fight to control it, writes Robyn Joubert. She spoke to Prof Inge-Marié Petzer, an udder health specialist at Onderstepoort.

New survey indicates SA consumers are ready to try cultivated meat products

South Africans are generally open to experimenting with their food and would buy meat cultivated from animal cells on a regular basis. Many are also willing to pay more for these products than their conventionally produced counterparts, according to a new survey.

Bobby Locke: the triumph and the tragedy

This prolific tournament winner graced the great golf courses of the world in his distinctive style of dress with great charm. But there was tragedy in the offing.

Is SA doing enough to avert a water crisis?

As the Eastern Cape faces the prospect of taps running dry, South Africa needs to urgently and proactively address a looming water crisis and finalise the establishment of a National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency, writes Raymond Obermeyer, managing director of engineering company SEW-Eurodrive, which provides drive technology and drive automation services and solutions.

Skinny chips baked seafood ‘paella'

While this is about as far from a traditional paella as it can get, the flavours in this dish will delight. Add extra chilli if you like things spicy! Recipe and photo: Potato Nation.

Smart, connected agriculture

New Holland’s award-winning NutriSense system is now integrated into the brand’s MyPLM Connect portal, enabling farmers to visualise crop nutrient data collected by their machines in the MyPLM Connect Farm application.

Pig welfare 101

Raising stress-free pigs makes business sense, as it results in better growth of animals and fewer problems caused by disease. Dr Peter Evans of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

Great Canola Yields Begin With Healthy Soil

By investing in soil health, Swartland canola farmer Sakkie Rust has attained higher yields and made his crops more drought-resistant. He explained his methods to Wouter Kriel.

The Future Of Packaging

Digitalisation, in combination with growing concern over pollution, wastage and food safety, is resulting in smarter, more functional packaging with a smaller environmental footprint. Alwyn van Jaarsveld, head of sales at Tessara, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the latest packaging trends.

Climatic And Soil Requirements For Wheat

There are three types of wheat production in South Africa: dryland summer wheat, dryland winter wheat, and irrigated wheat. Producers must make sure to plant cultivars suited to the area in which they farm.

An Affordable Way To Fix Poor Drainage

Slow water seepage in a field can adversely affect yield, profit, and the land’s long-term sustainability. Lindi Botha spoke to two experts about how to identify and rectify drainage problems.

Smallholder farmer has big aspirations

Jonathan Carlson started working on his dream of becoming a farmer straight after he finished school: he made and sold neck clamps for cattle to raise the funds he would need to turn his aspirations into reality. Today, he runs a small yet successful Boer goat and cattle operation. Pieter Dempsey reports.

Growing onions: Part 8

Plant population is more important than many growers may think, and getting it wrong can result in major crop problems, such as small sizes and strange shapes, says Bill Kerr.

Pöttinger celebrates 150 years in business

Agricultural machinery manufacturer Pöttinger started in 1871 with a fodder-cutting machine. With the launch of its rotary hoes, row crop cultivators and tine harrows in August this year, the company closed the last gaps in its range to cover the whole mechanical crop care segment.

Droughtmaster is making its mark in South Africa

The Durow family from Clocolan in the eastern Free State has been breeding Droughtmasters for only five years, but has been impressed by the breed’s performance from the outset and believes that there is a good future for these hardy, medium-framed cattle in South Africa. Denene Erasmus reports.

Family meetings: learning to plan productively together

Give each person an opportunity to voice their disagreement in your family business, suggests Trevor Dickinson. Doing so will not only reduce resentment, but will help define the role of the next generation.

Bio-Wheat: A Brand Built On Soil And Plant Health

Bio-Wheat has established itself over the years as a wholesome, stoneground flour brand produced by a family business in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Owner Heinie Fourie spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how the family found success in the milling industry.

Why SA's Grain Sector Must Invest In Research

Ongoing research plays a key role in maintaining the viability of South Africa’s grain industry. Sadly, capacity in this regard has diminished over time, and farmers are paying the price, says Dr Miekie Human, research and policy officer at Grain SA. She spoke to Annelie Coleman about her organisation’s steps to rectify the situation.

Why Are Some Horses So Pricey?

Horse prices currently vary from R2 000 to several millions, says Dr Mac, depending on the animal’s breeding and training.

Unwind at the foot of an ancient mountain pass in the Western Cape

The Oudekloof Pass near Tulbagh may be one of the oldest and steepest mountain passes in South Africa, but thanks to a new road, reaching the peak is easy. Oudekloof Wine Estate & Luxury Guest Farm at the base of the pass offers visitors a fine wine experience and comfy accommodation, writes Brian Berkman.

New combination cultivators for seedbed preparation

According to Amazone, its new Ceus 3000-TX and 4000-TX disc and tine combination cultivators offer shallow, intensive lifting and crumbling, as well as deep loosening and mixing.