CATEGORIES

An adventure in the Kia Sorento: Part 1

Graham Eagle tests this all-wheel-drive SUV with moderate ground clearance, coping with two of South Africa’s High 5 gravel passes.

Powdery mildew: a threat to most cucurbit species

This widespread disease, which grows well in environments with high humidity, can reduce yield significantly, warns Bill Kerr.

CROPS Going the no-till way: Part 2

Humus, mulch and legume cover crops can save you money and greatly improve the quality of your yields, says Bill Kerr.

Using top genetics and good management to boost dairy profitability

Looking for ways to enhance your dairy's profits? Better cow health and improved liveability might be the solution, according to Rebekah Mast, a US-based dairy genetics expert.

Termites: a proven way to reduce food insecurity and poverty

Edible insects can help feed the populations of developing countries, says Ntokozo Blessing Zitha, an agricultural economist involved with the Agricultural Research's Council Professional Development Programme.

Reaping the benefits transformation of in the grain sector

In order to continue improving its food security, South Africa must rely on the contribution of all farmers, both commercial and emerging. A project that's making great strides in both food production and transformation in the local grain sector is Grain SA's Farmer Development Programme. Magda du Toit reports.

SA-designed tower system offers growanywhere flexibility

Fresh Life Produce has developed a vertical growing system designed to meet the specific needs of African producers. Louis- Gillis Janse van Rensburg and Akhona Gxuluwe spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this system, which has garned international recognition and awards.

More than food needed to counter inequality

Chris Desmond and Agnes Erzse, researchers at the South African Medical Research Council/University of the Witwatersrand Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science, write that scaling up nutrition interventions will yield productivity returns if children's schooling, health and employment prospects are also addressed.

Plant citrus to supplement your income

Citrus fruits, which are rich in vitamin C, fetch a good price. Consider starting a co-operative system in your community, planting trees in a number of yards and buying inputs in bulk to save money, says Shane Brody.

Make 2023 your own 'good to great' year

There’s no management problem that hasn’t been faced before. Lessons from these issues are at your fingertips on the Internet and in many publications; use them and have your best year yet, says Peter Hughes.

Realising the agricultural potential of rural areas

A new approach and collaboration are needed from government and commodity associations to raise the agricultural output of the former homelands, says Dr Sifiso Ntombela.

The employment contract, and why it's so crucial

If used effectively, an employment contract is an extremely helpful asset to guide the relationship between employer and employee. Abrie Bronkhorst provides valuable advice on this crucial management tool.

A garden paradise of the grandest design

A stay at Bosjes working farm in the Western Cape brings one closer to heaven, says Brian Berkman.

Blockhouses: symbols of a fearsome war

The dogged determination of the British to win the Anglo-Boer War of 1899–1902 resulted in the construction of thousands of blockhouses across the South African veld, writes Mike Burgess.

Savoury Dutch baby

A Dutch baby is a puffed pancake. It’s delicious with a variety of savoury toppings such as crispy bacon, shaved ham and grated cheese.

What to expect from the S-Presso 2023

South Africa’s most affordable car has just been given a nip and tuck, says Alex Shahini of CAR magazine about the new Suzuki S-Presso.

Identifying lower-back and treating chronic pain in horses

It is important to be able to recognise the source of back pain in a horse in order to treat and manage it successfully, says Dr Mac.

Minor cucurbit pests

Bill Kerr looks at the leaf miner, cucurbit ladybird beetle and African bollworm, all of which, despite being minor pests, can cause damage.

ANIMAL HEALTH Beware of hydatid disease

Hydatid disease or echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm. It affects livestock, dogs and humans, and can be very dangerous to people living in close contact with animals.

CROPS Going the no-till way: Part 1

Practising no-till farming will ensure better crops and boost your profits. The process starts with improving the quality of your soil, says Bill Kerr.

Preventing and controlling diseases of sunflowers

Diseases of sunflowers, such as brown rust and head rot, can cause severe economic losses for farmers. Janine Ryan looks at the signs of these and other diseases that can help farmers to identify them, as well as some control and prevention strategies.

What feedlots expect in the ideal weaner

The South African feedlot industry produces about 75% of all beef eaten in the country. Annelie Coleman spoke to Lynette van Rooyen, group director at Sparta Beef, and Charles Mathewson, Sparta’s head of cattle procurement, about their company’s weaner requirements and how farmers can satisfy these.

Shedding light on DDT and the threat it poses to raptor populations

Kailen Padayachee, a doctoral candidate at the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town and a research fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand, Arjun Amar, an associate professor at the institute, and Chevonne Reynolds, a senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, write about the threat that the pesticide DDT poses to birds of prey around the world.

Helping women to become part of livestock value chains

Noluthando Ngcobo and Mamakie Lungwana, intern agricultural economists at the Agricultural Research Council, explore the challenges that women face in the South African livestock value chain.

Insect predators and the upskilling of a rural community in Letsitele

New industries require new expertise, and this gives people a chance to expand their skills. Karel van Heerden, CEO of Insectec, spoke to Lindi Botha about how the niche insect-breeding industry is creating fulfilling employment for the people of a small town in Limpopo, and changing their lives for the better.

CITRUS Cautious outlook for citrus industry in 2023

There is cautious optimism in South Africa’s citrus industry, but stakeholders are reluctant to commit to any specific predictions for the upcoming season.

POME AND STONE FRUIT A somewhat better season for SA's fruit industry

Pome and stone fruit farmers see the easing of logistical problems and improved quality offsetting the pressure from rolling blackouts and tight consumer spending.

WINE Smaller, but healthy wine grape crop forecast

South Africa’s wine industry is showing signs of bouncing back from the effects of the COVID- 19-related trade restrictions, but new challenges are looming.

POULTRY Hopes for poultry sector growth, despite challenges

Significant investments in South Africa’s poultry sector are expected to accelerate its transformation, thereby creating a significant number of jobs. Susan Marais reports.

RED MEAT 'Poor economy a threat to SA's red meat producers'

In addition to the current political volatility and uncertainty in South Africa, high-interest rates and inflation will put pressure on consumer spending.