Farming for Tomorrow

Confronted by declining yields and rising input costs, Limpopo farming giant ZZ2 developed and implemented a system it termed natuurboerdery. Ecologist Erik Holm gave a progress report at the PestBiz Convention in Durban in August. Robyn Joubert was there.

Increased profits, exact management of land variability and enhanced environmental protection through better use of inputs – these are just some of the benefits of precision farming, according to US agricultural expert Dr Don Tyler. Peter Hittersay reports.

This relatively unknown infectious retrovirus can go undetected for years. There is no effective treatment or efficient commercial vaccine but good biosecurity and management can play a role in prevention. Dr Jan du Preez explains.

Participate in a research project studying South Africa’s unique black-seed grass – and stand a chance of being rewarded for your efforts.

The yield potential of commercial forestry hybrids is all for naught if they aren’t transplanted properly. Dr Keith Little of the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR) shared his tips with Lloyd Phillips.

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.