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 work on Willem and Christine Cronje’s farm in the Zastron District.
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 these farmers can limit their losses when farming conditions change.
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 this situation.
Gall fly infestation in mangoes
Active metabolites may be effective in curbing gall fly infestations in mangoes, a study suggests. Fidelis Zvomuya reports.
Fungal disease threatens SA mango industry
Spread rapidly by fungus, mango malformation disease is a growing problem in SA, reports Fidelis Zvomuya.
An efficient grain storage solution
The tentsilo combines the functionality of a conventional silo with a more permanent structure than that of a grain bunker.
Better wood!
Decoding of the Eucalyptus tree genome unlocks new possibilities for renewable fibre, fuel and biomaterials.
Honeybees provide ‘cost-free service’
A recent study shows that honeybees play a vital role in onion hybrid seed production.
Controlling Pereskia aculeata
A biological control agent has at last been found to remove this invasive cactus from indigenous vegetation, says Dr Iain Paterson.
Using flies and maggot protein as animal feed
Insects are a promising, economically viable alternative source of high-quality protein for livestock and fish feed, reports Fidelis Zvomuya.
The way to profitable livestock production
Implementing precision farming practices in livestock farming is extremely important for ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability. In fact, it could make the difference between financial survival or ruin, SA Stud Book CEO Dr Pierre van Rooyen told Annelie Coleman.
The farmhouse of tomorrow?
There’s more to green building than merely sun and wind. Roelof Bezuidenhout investigates the latest option for comfortable, sustainable country living.
Sheep and goat productivity – progress report
An ongoing study shows that smallstock farmers are more successful on individually owned land than on commonage.
Biological crop protection
Pathogen resistance to conventional chemicals, political and ecological pressure and alternative methods of pest control has made biocontrols increasingly sought after.
Lethal vs non-lethal control: the economic comparison
Guardian animals offer far better livestock protection than lethal methods, according to new research. They’re more effective, need less work, and are cheaper.
Cosmic probe sheds light on soil moisture
A proposed network of soil moisture probes in SA could have important consequences for food security and disaster mitigation.
Controlling the ‘famine weed’
Integrated management is needed to control parthenium, a member of the Asteraceae family and a noxious weed that threatens food security, biodiversity and human and animal health.
Digging up African treasure
Plant breeder Mohammed Mohammed, a PhD student at UKZN, is researching the Bambara groundnut, a high-protein legume.
Improving young pig performance
Dr Lia Hoving emphasises the significance of weight loss in sows during lactation. Her research shows that this can compromise a sow’s reproductive performance.
