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Companies in China are being encouraged to set up pig farms overseas to address a severe domestic pork shortage.
Fears about potential disruptions to global supply chains due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak have raised questions about whether...
For many of my generation, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which is bringing everyday life to a grinding halt, will...
‘New broom’ for Western Cape department of agriculture
Dr Mogale Sebopetsa will assume the position of new head of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture on 1 April. He takes over from Joyene Isaacs.
Zimbabwean tobacco auctions expected to be delayed
The Zimbabwean tobacco industry is being hard hit by the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has resulted in President Emmerson Mnangagwa closing the country’s borders and banning gatherings of...
Chinese farmers adapt to coronavirus with online buying
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic has prompted many Chinese farmers to source vital supplies online in preparation for the spring planting season in that country.
Understand cattle behaviour to achieve low-stress handling
Stress in cattle can cause these animals and their handlers numerous problems, and ultimately lose money for the cattle farming business. Dr Johan Cloete, a ruminant technical veterinarian with MSD...
African Horse Sickness: the great vaccine debate
African horse sickness is endemic to Southern Africa, and the disease is often fatal. As it is caused by a virus, there is no treatment, and horse owners have to...
A grass-based approach to beef stud farming
The Arwin Farms Bonsmara Stud, founded in 1982 in the Dordrecht district of the Eastern Cape, is run entirely off the veld. Mike Burgess visited Johan and Michael-John Greyling to...
Strict selection: the key to award-winning Brahmans
Producing world-class stud cattle is a challenging endeavour, but judging by the stacked-up ribbons at the RiHugo farming enterprise, Rian Maree has found the winning recipe. He spoke to Lindi...
Growing pains of a young North West ostrich farmer
New ostrich farmer Kabelo Lekalakala says the industry in North West can be returned to its former glory through the participation of young aspiring farmers.
Twin foals are not a good idea!
About 80% of twin foals are aborted by the eighth month of pregnancy, sometimes with negative consequences for the mare, says Dr Mac.
Latest research: Macadamias need less water than you think!
With a looming water crisis and an expanding macadamia industry, the obvious question arises: where will the water for the new orchards come from? A recent groundbreaking study shows that...
The crucial nitrogen-humus link
Humus contains approximately 10% nitrogen, and thus acts as a storage facility in the soil for this element.
Top female farmer makes neglected orchards bloom again
Marilyn Siegels was recently named the Western Cape’s best female commercial farmer after just two years in the industry. Along with her father, Edward van Niekerk, and sister, Yolande van...
Compañía de Variedades Vegetales Protegidas launches new campaign
The Compañía de Variedades Vegetales Protegidas A.I.E. (CVVP) launched a new logo and slogan: ‘Join us. Grow with us’.
Investing in lucerne pays off for western Free State farmer
Lucerne under irrigation provides Free State farmer Boeboe Louw with an ideal alternative to grain. Annelie Coleman visited him on his farm in the Wesselsbron district to find out how...
Butternuts: know your market and maintain quality
Butternuts are a reasonably easy crop to grow, with few in soluble problems. The real challenge is to match the cultivar with the market. Mpumalanga-based producer Francois Steyn spoke to...
Elegant country living for all ages
St John’s Village, set on 160ha of lush countryside in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), is renowned for its active outdoor lifestyle with secure homes and retirement opportunities.
Harvesting power: John Deere C120
The C120 combine is versatile enough to meet the most diverse harvesting requirements, and powerful enough to ensure consistent high-speed operation under the toughest conditions.
A vaccine against wireworm has become a vital tool in helping to control the disease and thereby reduce contamination of...
The Boer goat, which is bred primarily for meat, is farmed very effectively in combination with cattle due to its...
This locally developed, dual-purpose meat and white wool breed thrives in semi-arid regions.
This breed matures early, producing meat with a high ratio of lean meat to fat. This makes it an attractive...
Ngunis have excellent breeding potential, renowned resistance to tick-borne livestock diseases, and outstanding maternal ability. But feedlots often offer unattractive...
The Kalahari Red breed has a fine head, lob ears, round horns that are bent backwards, and tender meat.
In most developing countries, salmonella is a major cause of illness and death in children under the age of five,...
Diseases can result in huge financial losses for a livestock farmer. Any potential problems should therefore be treated as soon...
Special focus
Research shows benefits of protein-rich pigeon pea
Unlike other legumes, the pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) has been largely neglected by science. This was according to Dr Alina Mofokeng, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) -...
Ever considered sorghum?
Grain sorghum is not just for making soft porridge; it has many other uses. Climate change has sparked renewed interest in the crop in South Africa, says Prof John Taylor...
Producing pulses: the benefits do outweigh the costs
Many SA farmers are unaware of the profitability and other benefits of pulses such as cowpea, groundnut and soya bean. As a result, these plants are neglected as crop alternatives,...
Legal evictions: landowners need to know their rights
Media reports and public debate often simplify and blur the sensitive issue of evictions. Typically, evictions are seen solely from the perspective of the landowner or from that of landless...
Farm shop with food and entertainment
Jonno designs a farm shop that includes a shisa nyama/braai area; an entertainment hall/restaurant, a car wash and filling station.
How a Klein Karoo wine and fruit farm became a tourist mecca
Instead of competing with the giant wine brands, Jacques and Saretha Conradie take advantage of the location of Vogelsang farm to put their wines and estate on the map.
Videos
Demonstration: Artificial insemination (AI) of a cow
10:09
Potato farming: Award-winning farmer, Zama Buthelezi, shows us how
01:59
Message to young women in agriculture: "be innovative"
01:05
Taltec systems for cattle handling ease
04:02
Firefighting demonstration
01:52
Livestock production series: How to dehorn cattle
02:15
KZN farmer demonstrates cattle dipping process
01:19
Drought conditions affecting SA’s bee population
00:44
iSimangaliso hippos sparring
01:37
Pinzgauer bull scoops ARC award
01:01
Making barbed wire at The Royal Show
02:03
Harvesting soya beans in KZN's Kamberg Valley
01:27
Agri minister calls on farmers to engage with government
01:29
Farm workers sing for change
02:18
The advantages of traceability systems
01:52
SA no-till legend, Ant Muirhead explains the value of soil cover
14:41
Cat and cow play
00:18
Do you have conversations with your animals?
00:40
