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Genetics-based guidelines to buying a bull at an auction
Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council, write about the importance of choosing bulls based on breeding and performance indices, rather than their visual appearance.
How stress influences the health and behaviour of horses
Recent research has highlighted the causes, diagnosis and management of stress to improve health and performance in horses, says Dr Mac.
Performance testing for the commercial farmer
Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling of the Agricultural Research Council write about the important role that performance testing plays in increasing a commercial herd’s fertility and profitability.
Choosing the right feed for your chickens
The best-quality meat demands the best-quality feed, according to Dr Elsje Pieterse, senior lecturer in the Department of Animal Science at Stellenbosch University, and Brett Roosendaal, head nutritionist at Epol....
Top emerging beef farmer’s journey to success with Bonsmara
Desmond Siteti was named the Agricultural Research Council’s Eastern Cape Emerging Beef Farmer for 2021. Mike Burgess visited him and his Bonsmaras near Makhanda to better understand his journey to...
The benefits of polled Merinos for SA’s sheep industry
Earlier this year, a number of Merino stud breeders from Middelburg in the Eastern Cape formed the Nu Poll Merino Group, whose aim it is to breed polled sheep exclusively....
Healthy soil helps ensure 98% packout rate of broccoli on KZN farm
They are notoriously tricky crops to grow in summer, but broccoli and cauliflower flourish on Southern Block farm in KwaZulu-Natal. By focusing on optimal soil and vigorous plants, this farm...
Truffles: black gold for South African farmers
Growing black winter truffles can be a highly lucrative undertaking for farmers looking to diversify their enterprises. Volker and Paul Miros, who run Woodford Truffles SA, spoke to Marinda Louw...
Kiwifruit: South Africa’s golden opportunity
After the failure of local green kiwifruit production in the 1980s, a new group of farmers is hopeful that golden kiwis will become a South African success story. One such...
Give your orchards the health coverage they deserve
Cover crops are the gifts that keep on giving. Not only do they maintain soil moisture and improve soil health, but they are a valuable tool for reducing pest loads...
Planting and harvesting potatoes
Potatoes are grown from disease-free seed potatoes, require a lot of fertiliser, and are labour-intensive. All of this costs plenty, warns Bill Kerr.
Getting to the root of declining pecan yields
The yields of mature pecan nut orchards are failing to reach optimal levels, and concerned producers have been searching high and low to find answers, investigating everything from foliar applications...
Captive breeding and wildlife trafficking
According to a UN report, there is evidence that captive breeding is being used in some instances as a guise for the illegal trafficking of wildlife and their body parts.
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.
Chalets with views of the vast Langkloof Mountains
Driving through the mists of the Outeniqua Pass to explore where to stay and what to do in the Langkloof, Brian Berkman returns to an old favourite.
Farmer’s raspberry jam
There are few things in life as satisfying as whipping up a jar of home-made jam. This batch is easy to prepare, and is made entirely from natural ingredients, says...
A taste of spring!
Spring has arrived, and to celebrate, here are two delicious recipes that combine colour, freshness and taste. Both make good use of appetising Sweet Palermo peppers.
Double-chocolate brownies
These are the best brownies in the world, and will have your family coming back for more, says Janine Ryan. They have a fudge-like texture and are packed with chocolate!
Nigella’s chicken and peas traybake
This surprisingly delicious and simple one-pan dish by English food celebrity Nigella Lawson has become my go-to recipe for easy and tasty dinners, says Denene Erasmus. She adds that it’s...
Table Mountain tiramisu
Dominique Marchand says her recipe for tiramisu was inspired by Table Mountain. This tiramisu needs only a few ingredients, requires no baking and can be made in a jiffy!
