CATEGORIES

Chicken curry rotis

This load-shedding-friendly chicken curry recipe will be sure to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night!

Where have all the horse vets gone?

Faced with an emergency with one of her own horses, Dr Mac experienced South Africa’s shortage of equine veterinarians for herself.

New JAC Motors double-cab series on its way!

From electric to diesel, these big, beefy vehicles will come in several versions, each showing that, when it comes to bakkies at least, size really does matter to customers.

Biological control of diamondback moth

Biocontrol of this ubiquitous brassica pest is highly effective, and can save you a considerable sum as well as much effort, says Bill Kerr.

Agrochemicals are not the villains of agriculture or the environment

Agrochemicals are often used as a scapegoat for agriculture’s impact on the environment, yet these chemicals do not by definition harm the environment, and they play an important part in food production, according to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn of CropLife South Africa. Magda du Toit reports.

Succulent poaching 'out of control'

The illegal trade of wild succulents, particularly Conophytum species, has left some on the brink of extinction. Glenneis Kriel reports on the situation and what farmers can do to help.

This is how carbon policies can prevent food insecurity

The race to net-zero carbon emissions has implications for agriculture and food security. Whether the outcome will be positive or negative for society, the environment and farmers, depends largely on how government formulates emissions policies. Lindi Botha reports on why agriculture’s role should not be confused.

African horse sickness vaccines replenished in time for vaccination season

Some good news for horse owners as African horse sickness vaccine stock is replenished, according to Onderstepoort Biological Products.

Black harrier in great danger

With only 1 300 black harriers left in the world, this raptor is Southern Africa’s scarcest endemic bird of prey, moving from Vulnerable to the Endangered list almost a decade ago. It is predicted to go extinct within the next 75 years if drastic action is not taken.

A short history of the cultivation of bonsai

The art of growing miniature trees is mostly associated with Japan, but bonsai actually dates back to China. Janine Ryan takes a look at its fascinating history.

Dealing with the diamondback moth

Not for nothing is this species also called the cabbage moth. Just about every cabbage grower has encountered it at some point

Raising gilts and sows: Part 3

The first month after mating is a critical time during production. Stress or incorrect nutrition at this stage may lead to the deaths of embryos.

Secret world of moss, ancestor of plants and vital for planet health

Katie Field, professor in Plant-Soil Processes at the University of Sheffield in the UK, and Silvia Pressel, senior researcher lead in Life Sciences at the Natural History Museum in the UK, write about the resilience of mosses, and their importance for the sustainability of habitats around the world.

A small farm that's big on service, cuisine and sheer luxury

La Petite Ferme is a boutique hotel in Franschhoek in the Western Cape Winelands. Brian Berkman sings its praises, highlighting its stunning views, deluxe accommodation, and delicious dining.

Unlocking value for smallholder raisin producers

Eksteenskuil Agricultural Co-operative has helped to empower a community and improve lives, demonstrating the true value of the co-operative concept. Filomaine Schwartz, office manager of the co-operative, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the entity’s role in raisin production in this part of the Northern Cape.

Identifying lameness in livestock and treating

Lameness can lead to a loss of productivity, and has a negative impact on animal welfare

Empowerment farm drowns in debt

What started as a dream come true has turned into a massive disappointment for a farmer and his workers on a vineyard in the Orange River Region.

Know your soil

To make the best of their land and remain financially viable, farmers need to know the potential of their soil. Karabo Puswe, agricultural specialist at FarmSol, explains how this knowledge is gained.

The Household Cavalry and the Coronation

These soldiers who participate in parades on horseback are on active duty, and also drive tanks in war zones

How to control weeds effectively in cabbage

These days, using herbicide makes far more sense than hand-hoeing or mechanical cultivation. But application rate is crucial

Raising gilts and sows: Part 2

This week, we look at mating your pigs. Oestrus normally lasts 21 days and occurs regularly until the sow or gilt becomes pregnant. Gilts tend to have a shorter cycle of 18 to 20 days

Top new apple variety available to SA growers

Magic Star, a new bicoloured red apple that has taken the European market by storm, is now available for production in South Africa. Glenneis Kriel reports on its introduction to Western Cape farmers

Risk mitigation in farming: Part 2

In this second part of our series on risk mitigation for sheep producers in South Africa, freelance strategist and writer PJ Mommsen looks at the riskiest periods that both mutton and wool farmers have to contend with

A step-by-step guide to the process of artificial insemination

There are many benefits to using artificial insemination of a commercial or stud herd or flock, but the process is complicated and requires knowledge and practice

Leadership and vision ensure success for community company

Since 2000, the government has invested more than R74 million in the Blocuso community in the Northern Cape. Dirk Claassen, financial manager of the Blocuso company, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how the community has managed these funds to establish and run a thriving wine grape and raisin farm

Nampo 2023 wrap-up

From exciting new launches to plenty of boerekos, Nampo 2023 ended with a bang on 19 May. We take a look at some of the highlights of the 55th presentation of this much-loved agricultural show. Nampo is not only about business, with its huge number of exhibitors, but provides a great outing for the family

Cotton SA's new leadership to focus on expansion

The cotton industry in South Africa has gone through monumental changes over the past few decades. Witnessing these changes front and centre has been Cotton SA CEO Hennie Bruwer. Now retired, he spoke to Lindi Botha about the lessons learnt, while acting CEO Dr Annette Bennett shared the way forward

Why cholera continues to threaten many African countries

Samuel Kariuki, chief research scientist and director of the Centre for Microbiology Research at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, explains why the scourge of cholera is still prevalent across much of Africa

The Mitsubishi Triton prototype breaks cover

The Mitsubishi Triton Halo AT35 prototype has been extensively modified with an Arctic Trucks AT35 kit

How spacing affects cabbage head size and yield

Intra-row spacing in conjunction with variety will influence the health of the cabbage, its head size, and the overall yield