CATEGORIES

from our archives

rhodesia’s indigenous pigs compare well with exotics.

new holland at eima

the company’s latest specialist tractors, equipment and systems recently revealed in italy offer many advanced features, enhancing new holland’s reputation for innovation.

Great Returns With Tobacco, The Ideal Cash Crop

Tobacco producer, Peter Kok, says that tobacco is a cash crop that can assist diversification and expansion.

Hydroponic Water Requirements

About 70% of the earth is covered with surface water, but 97% of this is seawater. With only 3% consisting of freshwater, and less than 1% available to living organisms, hydroponic production can play an important role in reducing agricultural water usage, says Prof Gert Venter.

A Business Built On The Versatility Of Olives

When Roleen Basson started Darling Olives about 10 years ago, she didn’t even eat olives. However, today her business produces about 30 product lines, and the Darling Olives footprint will soon extend to supermarkets beyond the Western Cape. Jay Ferreira reports.

Addressing The Risk Of Polluted Irrigation Water

A recent study published by the Water Research Commission highlights the urgent need for identifying on-farm treatment options to help reduce the high levels of microbial contamination in irrigation waters, thereby reducing the associated food safety hazards for consumers. Denene Erasmus summarises some of the report’s key findings.

Breeding Your Mare

Eager to hear the clatter of little hooves? Kim Dyson discusses the basics of putting your mare in foal.

Tractors From India

Two leading tractor manufacturers in India are expanding their operations.

Stormberg-Tough Beefmasters

Benchmark Beefmasters in the Eastern Cape’s Stormberg is a combination of the old and new generation of Beefmaster breeders. It seeks to produce a versatile animal that thrives in a harsh climate and resists tick-borne diseases, according to stud owner Justin Stretton.

Dealing With Laminitis

After colic, this is the second-highest cause of death among horses and ponies, warns Kim Dyson.

Smart Farming In South Africa

A South African farmer was amongst a number of producers selected by the German Agricultural Society to highlight the success that smart farming can achieve.

Don't Let'em Get A Foothold!

Pumpkin flies, which are slightly larger than houseflies, are similar to the fruit flies so well-known to fruit farmers. Their brown markings make them difficult to spot, and the first indication of their presence is usually puncture marks on the fruit.

Growing Black Nightshade

Black nightshade can be grown almost anywhere in South Africa, even under marginal conditions. The young leaves and shoots are used as fresh vegetables, and the fruit is edible and tasty.

Basic Care Of Goats

Good feed and plenty of clean water will help ensure that your goats stay healthy.

Ramaphosa: New Hope For A Cynical, Depressed Nation

Political analyst Max du Preez believes a new era of modern leadership has dawned in South Africa. The election of Cyril Ramaphosa as the new leader of the ANC is a critical turning point in the country’s history.

How Agriculture Can Ease The Global Urban Water Shortage

A new study that looks at the water competition between cities and agriculture has found that urban water demand in 482 of the world’s largest cities will increase by 80% by 2050, leading to an acute urban surface-water deficit. However, the study also discovered that in certain instances, even a 10% increase in irrigation water-use efficiency can help to overcome urban surface-water deficits.

Eye And Other Diseases

Eye And Other Diseases

Drought Takes Its Toll On Honey Production In The Western Cape

Drought Takes Its Toll On Honey Production In The Western Cape

SA's Animal Health Status Must Be Jealously Guarded

Animal health was one of the critical drivers of the South African red meat industry, according to Koos van der Ryst, chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO).

Tilapia Strains

Nile tilapia has become the species of choice for global commercial aquaculture after years of selective breeding.

Getting The Best Out Of Beans

Beans are a versatile, easy-to-grow and highly productive vegetable. All of this makes them a handy crop for the home garden. Bill Kerr explains how to grow and care for them.

More Examples Of Cucurbit Pests

Two leaf miner species, namely Liriomyza trifolii and L. huidobrensis, can cause damage in cucurbits. Both are about the size of the vinegar flies that hang around overripe fruit in the kitchen. Females lay their eggs in the plant tissue after making openings with their ovipositors and drinking the sap. The larvae hatch and make serpentine tunnels within the leaf. As a result of their rapid life cycle, they breed very quickly.

Tips For Stress-Free Live Stock Trucking

Live stock transportation should result in as little stress to the animals as possible, whether they are being transported to the abattoir or other farms.

Light And Its Effects On Plant Growth

The most important variable affecting plant growth is light exposure, and it is therefore important to measure the amount of light your plants receive. Prof Gert Venter explains how this is done.

Always Manage Grazing With Drought In Mind

The only insurance against drought is a sound, scientifically based grazing management programme, coupled with a reasonable stocking rate even in times of plenty. So says Dr Mias van der Westhuizen, Free State rangeland specialist. Annelie Coleman spoke to him about the practical implications of good grazing management.

Tackling SA Farmers' Image Problem

South Africans must join hands and look beyond political differences to take the agriculture sector forward through one of the most challenging times it has ever faced, according to Gerhard Kriel, CEO of Free State Agriculture.

Here To Stay: Understanding Lumpy Skin Disease

Lumpy skin disease, first described in Zambia in 1929, now persists in all the countries in which it has occurred. It has proved impossible to eradicate.

Enjoy The Taste Of Fresh Garden Peas!

These days, most people opt for frozen peas for convenience. They don’t know what they’re missing, says Bill Kerr. Fresh peas are far tastier and sweeter.

Using Nitrogen Smartly: Part 4

Applying the correct amount of nitrogen is crucial for plant growth

Meet The New Valtra S374

The powerful, versatile and fuel-efficient S374 tractor was the centre of attention at Valtrac’s Nampo stand. Joe Spencer reports.