CATEGORIES

Technology To Turn You Into A Truly Smart Farmer

Production data is invaluable for enhancing farm management and improving profitability. However, collecting and analysing this information efficiently can be daunting. Western Cape farmer Wolfgang von Loeper explains why this need not be the case.

Why you can't beat beetroot

This vegetable is ideal for the home garden. It’s easy to grow, tasty, and highly nutritious

Safety On The Slopes

A tractor-mounted slope alarm that improves operator safety and prevents expensive accidents is now available.

African Horse Sickness – Part 1: Time Is Of The Essence

Midges and biting flies can spread this deadly disease during summer. Learn to recognise the symptoms early on so that your vet can treat the horse in time.

Welpic Dormers: Breeding For Exceptional Genetics

At the recent 2016 National Dormer Sale in Bloemfontein, a Welpic Dormer ram achieved the second-best price of R51 000. Mike Burgess visited JP Potgieter (26) to see how and why he is making an impact in the Dormer stud industry just three years after settling on the farm, Oude Woning, in the Lady Grey district of the Eastern Cape.

Data Is The Future

Futurist Craig Wing says big data, the Internet of things and blockchain technology will play a key role in business in the future. Those in agriculture definitely stand to benefit from keeping up with the changes. 

Small Stud On Urban Fringe Takes On The Country's Best

The size of an operation counts less than dedication, persistence, insight and quality genetics. Operating on a modestly-sized parcel of land minutes from suburban Pretoria, the performance of Hans Franck’s Macarara Simmentaler Stud is proof of this.

Inherited Night Blindness In Horses

Reduced vision at night and a reluctance to enter dark stables in the daytime may be associated with night blindness.

Let's hope It Rains Soon!

We’re suffering from a heatwave, and have had hardly a drop of rain in weeks. A sweating neighbour Jan arrived on my stoep.

A Horse Fit For A King

With its proud bearing, powerful yet compact body, agility and intelligence, the Lusitano was, for centuries, the favourite of warriors and nobility. Kim Dyson takes a look at this renowned breed.

A Closer Look At Brakes And Braking

There is more than one way of bringing a modern car or truck to a halt. Jake Venter discusses the various brake systems used in today’s vehicles.

How To Control Cucurbit Viruses

Last week, I mentioned the need to control broad-leaved weeds near cucurbit lands during winter to prevent virus carry-over.

Sound Management Key To Laparoscopy Success

Elnora Crous explains to Glenneis Kriel how laparoscopic insemination has helped to accelerate genetic progress in the Dohne Merino stud on their family farm, Jongensklip, near Caledon.

Ambrosia beetle control

Avocado growers in Florida in the US may soon be able to prevent ambrosia beetles from destroying avocado trees, according to a study by researchers at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). 

Keep Accurate Records for Maximum Economic Impact

Derick le Roux and his father, Carl, own the only 5-Star Breedplan accredited stud in South Africa. Derick explains to Gerhard Uys how record-keeping can optimise profit in any production environment.

Dry Spell Should Cue A Rethink On Farming In SA

Increasing incidences of drought and worsening environmental conditions, including soil infertility and higher than average temperatures, raise serious questions about South Africa’s ability to farm sustainably in the long term. Oxfam SA argues that South Africa can only continue to produce enough food if it addresses societal inequalities.

The Future Of The Red Meat Industry

The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation and other key players agree that the industry must take ownership of its future and provide its own funding accordingly.

Success With Sweet Piquante Peppers

Sweet piquanté peppers, popularly known as peppadews, require all the attention a farmer can spare to produce good results. Limpopo farmer, Jaco Kriel, spoke to Gerhard Uys about producing this challenging but rewarding crop.

Looking After a Breeding Boar

Boars are usually culled or sent for slaughter at 30 to 36 months of age.

Spacing, Competition & Yield

We sometimes tend to make assumptions about how a crop will react without considering the survival mechanisms inherited from its wild ancestors.

The Brightest Ideas Yet

Modern headlamps are slim and compact, yet use advanced lighting and reflector technology to produce extremely powerful illumination.

Dressage: A Must For All Riders

Even if you’ve ridden for years, a regular dressage lesson will open up a new world for you.

The Royal Drakensbergers Of Lesotho

Lesotho’s royal grazing land is remote and harsh, at an elevation of 2 275m and with temperatures sometimes dropping to -12°C. Despite these unforgiving conditions, the 580 Drakensberger cattle that run on this land thrive. Annelie Coleman spoke to Lesotho’s King Letsie III about this remarkable herd.

First-Time Baking: Polenta Cake With Orange Syrup

Demanding only the most basic kitchen skills, this delicious, classic polenta cake is the best way to start your personal experiments in baking.

Exhaust Gas Recycling

This technology lowers combustion temperature and thereby decreases fuel consumption. But it can cause engine problems.

Dealing With Spotted Wilt Virus

Growing Swiss Chard

Growing Swiss Chard

This vegetable has a place in every home garden, says vegetable specialist

Dealing With Downer Cows

With good preparation, this phenomenon can be prevented in communal areas

2020 & Beyond: A Vision For The SA Beef Industry

If South Africa’s beef industry wants to become a serious competitor on the world stage, it must replace exports of ‘cheap meat’ with higher-value cuts, says livestock genetics consultant, Dr Michael Bradfield. He spoke to Lloyd Phillips about the way forward for the industry.

Are South African Farms Over-Valued?

Farm values depend on multiple variables and the decision to invest in farmland is determined, in part, by the prevailing political and policy environment.