Livestock STD crisis: Northern Cape farmers fight back
The Northern Cape Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO NC) works proactively to improve the province’s livestock reproductive status, and has initiated a bull and ram testing project to combat sexually...
Managing weather risk
Insuring against weather volatility is the norm in countries such as the US, but is not common practice in South Africa. Hans Smit of BVG, a risk management company, says...
Microbial-enhanced cotton seeds can increase profitability
A US company, Indigo Agriculture, has developed microbial-enhanced cotton seed that can thrive in hot conditions and boost production without genetic modification. Koot Louw, secretary of Cotton SA, tells Wilma...
Investigating the water-use characteristics of biofuel crops
Biofuels are an important sustainable alternative to fossil-based fuels. However, caution is needed to ensure that water-efficient feedstocks are selected in water-scarce South Africa, says hydrologist Richard Kunz of the...
Low-tech solution for predation
The Botswana Predator Conservation Trust is working with researchers to determine whether livestock predation can be prevented simply by painting ‘eyes’ on cattle’s rumps.
Harnessing the power of innovation
Through its ‘Enough’ movement, Elanco Animal Health aims to prove how innovation can help farmers produce more food without using more resources.
Using smart technology to improve animal profitability
The University of the Free State’s meat traceability platform will enable farmers to track the growth and measurements of their animals from birth to slaughter. Glenneis Kriel reports.
Assisted reproduction techniques for ostriches
The long-term objective of breeding ostriches according to scientific principles has been given a boost, thanks to research by Dr Marna Smith.
Using nuclear irradiation to kill two bugs with one zap
Nuclear energy has many beneficial applications. One is the potential, through the sterile insect technique, to suppress Eldana, a pest that causes significant economic losses to sugarcane farmers, as well...
Sweeter dragon fruit varieties for SA growers
Dragon fruit has the potential to provide South African farmers with an easily propagated, fast-ripening alternative to fruit such as avocados.
South Africa builds its own vineyard robot
Although still in its infancy, the Robot X project aims to boost production efficiency, says Glenneis Kriel.
Ultrasound: how to get an inside view of genetic carcass traits
The ARC’s Dr Ben Greyling and Frans Jordaan explain how ultrasound scanning allows a beef producer to select the best breeding animals to improve genetic carcass traits.
Using tannins to control parasites in smallstock
Dr Erika van Zyl discusses alternative manners in which to deal with parasites in smallstock.
The importance of risk management
Daan Hugo, managing director of CertiSure, says that while avoiding risk in the South African agricultural sector is out of the question, various risk management tools are available to help...
SA orange juice types: research finds qualitative differences
Research by food scientist Dr Cindy Hunlun suggests that legislation about fruit juice labelling should be revised to reflect true nutritional value and health properties.
Edible, biodegradable bale wrap a world-first
This innovative product could improve animal health and benefit the environment.
New soil analysis kit could improve production
Farmers can use the Solvita test’s rapid testing technology to analyse biological soil health on their farms to determine whether their land can adequately support sustainable and profitable production. Wilma...
How to achieve profitable hydroponic production
Greenhouse farming can become expensive if improvements are not made continually to achieve greater production efficiency. Hydroponic consultant, Herbert Stolker, highlights three strategies to accomplish this.
Retractable roofs for increased production and profitability
Greenhouse crop farmers are increasingly making use of retractable roof technology to create optimal growing conditions, and to reduce exposure to extreme climates.
Holistic Management Literature Review: Part 1
[Examining the global opinions] A research group led by Dr Heidi Hawkins, research director at Conservation South Africa, conducted a study into the differing views on holistic planned grazing across...
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