Genetics fit for the environment
Professor Frikkie Neser, of the University of the Free State’s department of animal, wildlife and grassland sciences, says that breeders should aim for livestock suited to particular production environments. Lloyd Phillips reports.
A new way of controlling pom pom weed
This invasive alien plant is difficult to destroy, but trials at Nyoka Wildlife Conservation have shown good results, writes Dave Vanderspuy.
Satellites assist with water use
Scientists are going to space to help farmers monitor drought and irrigate their crops.
CLA supplementation for healthier pork
Research by two doctoral students the University of the Free State has shown that supplementing pig feed with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) could add considerable value to the pork industry. Annelie Coleman spoke to Cobus Ferreira and Carina Bothma.
21st century predator control
Predation can cause huge stock losses, yet farmers are under pressure to avoid methods such as gin traps and poison. A Karoo farmer’s invention might satisfy both farmers and environmentalists.
Using antibiotics wisely
Farmers must use antibiotics more prudently to prolong their efficacy. Dr Maryke Henton, an Idexx Laboratories specialist veterinarian and Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership member, tells Robyn Joubert why.
Stocking rates and Karoo veld
Trials by Free State University’s Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences question the ecological sustainability of high stocking rates on Karoo veld. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Revolutionary new maize on the way?
The promise of drought tolerant maize may be just a few years from becoming a reality.
Snake bites! First aid tips for livestock
They might be an occupational hazard for farmers, but little thought is given to snake bites in livestock.
Targeting gerbils
Following a report in Farmer’s Weekly of 27 January on gerbil damage to grain in Free State, North West and Mpumalanga, Annelie Coleman interviewed Dr Gerhard Verdoorn on the best way to get rid of these rodents. His advice? Get to them before they get to the crops.
Nguni project opens opportunities for rural communal farmers
A farmer development project involving collaboration between universities, the department of agriculture and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is starting to prove successful for...
Mealybug hopes pinned on parasitic wasp
An Israeli company has cracked the code for mass-rearing a predatory wasp which could help control the destructive mealybug. Trials are underway in Eastern Cape in conjunction with Citrus Research International. Robyn Joubert reports.
