Farming for Tomorrow

Australian researchers have identified a set of genetic markers that allows highly accurate parentage testing across all breeds of sheep.

US researchers have developed a control for this devastating intestinal disease.

US scientists may have found how ‘super weeds’ develop resistance to glyphosate.

Farmers are custodians of these vital ecosystems.

A new survey of crop rotation systems in the battered Cape wheat industry demonstrates the advantages of canola as a financially viable cash crop. Kobus van Tonder reports.

Modern hybrid maize varieties use nitrogen more efficiently to produce more grain.

Mushroom farming is going green by replacing peat casing with sugar cane pith substrate. Linda Meyer spoke to Lindi van Rooyen at Mabu Casing Soils about how pith is saving peatlands.

n an effort to save on vaccine costs, and time, farmer Graeme Brown experimented with making his own blood vaccine to combat heartwater.

International scientists are close to launching ground-breaking technology that will revolutionise disease control in crops.

Hepro Cape irradiator could help South Africa’s table grape producers to once again satisfy the phytosanitary requirements of the US.

Dwarf maize plants: same yield but cheaper to grow.

Local fruit farmers will soon be able to select from several superior new stone fruit and table grape varieties. Denene Erasmus reports.

Liver fluke infestation in cattle appears to be spreading. At the North West RPO Congress, Potchefstroom vet Dr Martin Ferreira explained that blood samples analysed during the past two years have shown that fluke is more widely distributed than previously thought. Annelie Coleman reports.

 It is not always appreciated that fertilisers have to be applied with precision in order to provide crops with the macro- and micro-nutrients they...

South African researchers, in co-operation with scientists overseas, are using the latest breeding techniques in the endless war against wheat rust. Wynand van der Walt reports.

SA’s top 50 producers are performing well despite grim economic conditions. Robyn Joubert studies the 2012 VinPro/Winetech report and finds out why these producers are so successful.

In Costa Rica, farmers are paid to provide environmental services. This has helped to place the country in top spot in the ‘Happy Planet Index’, which measures environmental efficiency and people’s well-being. Can we learn any lessons, ask Roelof Bezuidenhout and Luke Metelerkamp.

Discovery may lead to new crops with extra-high levels of the vitamin.

Producers may soon have a tool to detect sub-fertile heifers and cows, allowing them to manage reproduction more efficiently.

A multi-disciplinary research team from the Institute of Natural Resources in Pietermaritzburg is experimenting with ways to improve banana production among small-scale growers in the Eastern Cape.