CATEGORIES

Conservation Farming - The Basics Of Agro-ecology

Climate-smart agro-ecology includes proven, practical techniques such as mulching, intercropping and zero-tillage to promote sustainability.

The Global Impact Of Zoonoses

Statistics indicate that more than 15% of the human population will pick up a zoonotic infection at some stage of their lives. Veterinary specialist in public health Dr Jan H du Preez takes a closer look at the threats presented by some of the more common zoonoses across the world.

DowDuPont Repositions Its Agricultural Services

DowDuPont is restructuring to enhance efficiencies and improve product offerings in the agriculture sector. Glenneis Kriel asked James Collins, the chief operating officer of the company’s Agricultural Division, about these changes.

The 13th Annual Cleaver Awards

Over 30 000 public nominations were received for this year’s 13th Cleaver Awards, according to Rudi van der Westhuizen, executive director of the South African Meat Industry Company, who was speaking at the annual awards ceremony held in Johannesburg recently.

Becoming A Motorcyclist: Part 2

Getting used to a bike can be tricky because the controls are in different positions, but it’s worth it for the mobility and fun offered, says Jake Venter.

How To Work Out Reproduction Parameters

Recording the reproduction of your ewe flocks during each breeding season will help you identify potential fertility problems.

Getting Started With Bananas (2)

In order to ensure good yield, growers must fertilise and irrigate their crops appropriately.

Performance Testing: Not Only for Stud Farmers

The perception that only stud breeders benefit from performance testing is unfounded. Commercial farmers can significantly improve the productivity of their herds using this system, says Frans Jordaan, chief research technician at the Agricultural Research Council.

Understanding Semi-Hydroponic Systems

Prof Gert Venter explains the benefits and disadvantages of semi-hydroponic structures.

Low-Input Dairy Production In Ireland

In Ireland, low-input dairy production on pasture with limited labour resources can be viable. On a recent visit to Ireland, Gerhard Uys spoke to farmer Pat Hennessy about how thorough infrastructure planning, good pastures and the correct breed can ensure success.

Diversification Beats Poor Wine Grape Prices - Part 1

Wine grape prices have remained unchanged for the past decade, and producers in the Olifants River Valley have started to investigate alternative avenues for generating income. Local farmer, Willem van Zyl, explains these to Glenneis Kriel in a two-part series.

Increased Demand For NZ Boer Goats

Increased Demand For NZ Boer Goats

Contaminated Honey Still At Storage Facility After Nine Years

Contaminated Honey Still At Storage Facility After Nine Years

Assessing The Impact Of Carrot Cyst Nematode On SA Production

The impact of carrot cyst nematodes on local production was studied by North-West University MSc student, Adoration Shubane. Her co-supervisor, Dr Antoinette Swart of the Agricultural Research Council’s Plant Protection Research Institute, reports on the research findings.

Bass: An Easy-To-Breed Alternative In Aquaculture

With its wide temperature tolerance, the humble bass may be a good option for commercial production.

Gauteng Racing: East Vs West

In a pigeon race in this province, some fanciers will invariably be at a disadvantage due to the location of their lofts, says Thomas Smit.

From Our Archives

Cash In On Game Hunting

Not All Shade Nets Are Created Equal

Avocado producers are increasingly opting for shade nets to protect their fruit from various climatic and environmental conditions. Research conducted by the Department of Crop Sciences at the Tshwane University of Technology, under the leadership of Prof Dharini Sivakumar, has shown the effect that different coloured net shading has on fruit quality.

Lower Prices Bring Relief For Oilseed Crushers

South African oilseed prices are set to come down from the highs of last year, when the drought seriously affected production, leading to high prices.

Understanding The Role Of The Boar In Breeding

Novice pig farmers should start with highly marketable and popular breeds such as the landrace or large white, says shane brody.

Farmers Give Kubota High Praise

Three commercial farmers tell joe spencer why kubota products check all the right boxes.

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.