No sterilisation needed with this growing system

A versatile hydroponic system developed in Spain is slowly making inroads in the South African fresh produce sector, thanks to a strong advantage.

Rise of the techno farmer

Digital technology and innovative machinery is enabling producers to run their operations more efficiently and quickly, while cutting costs. Christi van den Heever and Danie Viljoen, production managers at Graaff...

Save water through plant nutrition

The need to save water is so urgent that it is no longer enough to fix leaks and prevent over-irrigation. Haifa SA agronomist Gerrit Burger says that saving water today...

New malting barley varieties for the southern Cape

The South African Barley Breeding Institute promotes sustainable barley production. Francois Smit, barley breeder and plant pathologist at the institute, reports on two new varieties.

Efficient, solar-assisted macadamia processing

No macadamia processor in the world employs this method. In fact, as far as is known, no other processor of any kind uses stored solar energy on this scale, says...

Crisper, sweeter Forelle pears

The pear industry is saving millions, thanks to research by Dr Ian Crouch and the introduction of his Forelle Early Market Access programme.

Fence-sitter warning system, how it works

Farmers are often soft targets for attacks and other forms of crime. The newly developed fence-sitter warning system alerts farmers to possible fence tampering.

Controlling flies on dairy farms

Flies boost stress among cattle, which could reduce milk production. Dr Paul Burden, a veterinarian at Novartis, looks at other ways in which these pests could be harmful.

Alternative uses for sugarcane

Sugar industry body, SA Cane Growers’ Association, is to set up a plant to explore the feasibility of on-farm biogas and biofertiliser production.

Veld management systems that are sustainable

Researchers have developed techniques that will assist a farmer in implementing a successful veld management system.

Increasing the value of timber plantations

New eucalyptus hybrids have been introduced to the South African paper and pulping industry in an effort to become more competitive. CSIR environment science researcher, Karen Eatwell, explains.

Making money out of popcorn

Thanks to new hybrids under trial at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, popcorn production in South Africa is set to explode.

Leaving enough food in the pantry

On a game ranch, animal numbers must match available browse during winter, not summer, says Dr Beanélri Janecke, wildlife researcher at the University of the Free State.

Slangbos – from invasive plant to valuable feed?

Slangbos, the plant that has drastically reduced the grazing capacity of millions of hectares in South Africa, can be turned into valuable winter fodder. This was discovered following years of...

Mixed strategy farming helps beat climate change

Subsistence farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Dr Byela Tibesigwa, a post-doctoral research fellow with the Environmental Policy Research Unit at the University of Cape Town, looked into how...

Why you need breeding objectives – Part 2

Whether they like it or not, commercial beef farmers are ‘breeders’ and taking this into account will boost profitability, SA Stud Book’s Dr Japie van der Westhuizen told Lloyd Phillips.

Why breeding objectives? – Part 1

South Africa’s commercial beef producers often underestimate the importance of having clear breeding objectives. SA Stud Book’s Dr Japie van der Westhuizen spoke to Lloyd Phillips about ways to remedy...