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Vaccinate your horse!
You have to vaccinate your horse annually against African horse sickness using a registered product, but this alone is not enough to keep the horse safe, warns Dr Mac.
Choosing Afrikaners for extensive beef production
Jacquies Steenkamp produced the 2019 Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Afrikaner National Performance Test Class bull. Mike Burgess visited him on his farm near Rouxville to see why he believes this...
Poultry litter to biogas: adding more value to farm waste
The benefits of using chicken litter as fertiliser are well known. As the poultry industry grows, however, other uses for it must be found. Dr Idan Chiyanzu and Primrose Magama...
Breeding a resistant and resilient Sussex stud herd
John Viedge of the Lehana’s Pass Sussex Stud has been breeding cattle that survive in some of the harshest redwater disease areas in South Africa. Wayne Southwood spoke to him...
How Beefmaster Group helps cattle farmers
In these times of uncertainty, cattle farmers can rely on the Beefmaster Group to help them overcome short-term challenges and access markets, says Roelie van Reenen, supply chain executive at...
Angular limb deformities in foals
Angular limb deformities can be treated in various ways, depending on the severity of the deformity, says Dr Mac.
Nature-friendly farming reduces costs for potato farmer
Managing plant health and strict water monitoring have paved the way to success for AL 3 Boerdery in Dendron, Limpopo. CT van der Merwe spoke to Lindi Botha about the...
Latest technology improves macadamia quality output
Achieving the near impossible, Dian Pretorius reduced unsound kernel recovery in his macadamia crop from 6% to 1,7% over just one season, adding R1,7 million to his profit in the...
Growth mediums for greenhouse production
Greenhouse farming is an intensive, high-yielding operation. Using the correct growth medium forms the basis of the operation, and mistakes in this area can cost a farmer dearly, according to...
Russian wheat aphid: sustainable solutions to fight resistance
Russian wheat aphid is showing increased cultivar and pesticide resistance, according to entomologist Dr Astrid Jankielsohn of the Agricultural Research Council. She has identified a new biotype, bringing to five...
Don’t take shortcuts with seedlings
When I mention seedlings in my articles, you may take it for granted that I’m referring to professionally grown seedlings in cavity seedling trays. The reason is that it is...
Higher temperatures increase risk of apple scab infection
The dramatic increase in South Africa’s average winter temperature over the past 40 years has altered the susceptibility of apples to fungal disease, with fungi showing a much faster adaptation...
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Special Focus
Coping strategies to deal with uncertainty
South African agriculture is a uniquely risky environment, yet its farmers are well-known for meeting challenges with courage and resilience. Glenneis Kriel spoke to four prominent farmers to discover how...
Tips for running a farm’s finances in tough times
Unfavourable climatic conditions, poor commodity prices and rising production costs are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to stay productive and run profitable enterprises on their farms. Glenneis Kriel asked...
A drought action plan for livestock farmers
Drought seems to have become a permanent part of Southern Africa’s weather patterns, but many farmers are still caught unaware, and suffer accordingly.
Megatrends in the global nut industry
Demand for nuts is set to continue growing strongly worldwide, but this does not mean the industry can grow complacent about improving production efficiencies. This is the opinion of Axel...
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.
Using land for recreation
Recreation in natural areas is an excellent way of reconnecting people with the environment. Besides the educational function, it is also a possible income stream for farmers.
Meat-free pie
To assist in the annual struggle against cold weather, make and serve this hearty, warming, comforting and fine-tasting meat-free pie.
Rosemary koeksisters with cinnamon syrup
This recipe is slightly different to the classical recipe, as it contains rosemary, cinnamon, lemon and cloves. These ingredients not only give the koeksisters a wonderful aroma, but also skyrocket...
How to make gluten-free seeded bread
This seed bread is healthy and delicious. Use it to make your lunch sandwiches, or spread your favourite jam on it for a real treat. You can also eat the...
Slow-cooked, ultra-spicy shredded beef
This slow-cooked shredded beef is the perfect stuffer for a roti, flatbread or sandwich. It’s even a delight on a bed of white rice!
Pasta with asparagus and gorgonzola
This classic recipe can best be described astagliatelle Alfredo’s rich uncle. It is a joyous salute to excess, a luxurious combination of ingredients,flavours, textures and aromas.
