Termites increase soil fertility
Hazyview farmer Isak Fick lost the battle against termites - only to find that his mango and macadamia nut orchard boomed. Termites create superior compost right where the tree needs it most, boosting yields and soil fertility. Lindi van Rooyen reports.
New facility to expand bio-control of codling moths
A new production facility to rear and release sterile codling moths is geared to produce more than 2 million moths a week and currently supplies at least 3% of the local pome fruit industry. It's a new era in bio-control, writes Denene Erasmus.
Breed for efficiency, not size
Dr Roger Hunsley, former animal science professor at Purdue University in the US, told cattlemen how they can breed for feed efficiency without producing over-sized animals that burn through expensive feed. Annelie Coleman reports.
Merinos that don’t ‘slim for summer’
Summer weight loss in sheep can be a major problem for sheep farmers in hot climates. Alan Harman looks at new research.
A cross-border collaboration
A collaboration between a research geneticist from the US Department of Agriculture and South African animal scientists could take the benefits of the Nguni cattle breed global. Robyn Joubert reports.
Why biosecurity systems are a must-have
New livestock can bring disease as well as new genetics into your herd. That's why a good biosecurity system is vital, Pfizer's Dr Chris van Dijk explains to Annelie Coleman.
Can a ley crop be profitable?
Planting a pasture ley crop is good for your soil – but is it good or bad for your bank balance? Robyn Joubert finds out.
Catching foot-and-mouth disease early will mean fewer cattle culled
A new study indicates that if FMD-affected cattle are promptly identified and removed from the herd, there may be no need for pre-emptive culling in the immediate area of an infected farm.
Beating wild lucerne in groundnuts
A new herbicide is proving more than a match for weeds in groundnuts.
Stopping salmonella
A new test for salmonella in poultry and eggs will produce faster and more accurate results.
SA veldfires contribute little to global warming
The effects of veldfires on the atmosphere and climate aren't straightforward - and a recent study of South Africa's veldfires yields some surprising results, writes.
Quantifying what nature gives for free
The World Bank has launched a new programme that aims to put a value on a country's ecosystems in the same way GDP is measured.
