Biodiversity: a valuable ally for the farmer
Caring for the indigenous vegetation on a farm not only helps protect plant species from extinction, but benefits the production of crops in several crucial ways. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Cape Nature botanist Rupert Koopman and Stellenbosch University researcher Rhoda Malgas.
Viticulture equipment from Italy
A farmers’ day in Paarl afforded wine farmers the chance to look at some of the best viticulture equipment from Italy.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class double-cab review
Mercedes-Benz’s X-Class double cabs are perfect for city-based CEOs who dream of one day retiring to the family farm, or for those mega farmers who find themselves spending more time in the boardroom than on the farm. Denene Erasmus carefully test drove one.
No-till expertise from Argentina
Several Argentinian implements were showcased at a farmers’ day that focused on no-till and conservation farming.
Dealing with the data produced by precision farming
Erik de Vries, a director at precision farming consultancy Agri Technovation, says the number and diversity of data points generated by precision agriculture technologies require capable central platforms to allow the information to add value to farming businesses.
Mini-infrared camera system promises better irrigation
A new camera system that combines a regular digital camera with a miniature infrared camera could provide a cost-effective way to monitor crop temperatures and help irrigate crops.
Improve fertiliser placement with strip-tillage
According to Michael Petersen, lead agronomist at US-based Orthman Manufacturing, the main pillars of success for strip-tillage are vertical tillage, residue management, seedbed preparation and fertiliser placement. Stehan Cloete explains the technical aspects of these factors.
GWM Steed 5: Affordable reliability and power
Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motors released a new version of its Steed 5 bakkie late last year. Pieter Dempsey put the vehicle through its paces on tar and dirt.
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The perfect gift for your future farmer
The Husqvarna toy collection makes great gifts for young and old and are great collector’s items.
Fendt’s beautiful beast wins big
By winning a platinum award in the world’s biggest international design competition, the Fendt IDEAL combine harvester has proved that it’s both beautiful and brawny.
Corteva Agriscience: Relentless innovation, bold leadership
In tackling the problems that affect the lives and the livelihoods of millions of people, there is no room for mediocrity and no time to be timid.
Kubota South Africa launches new L1 Series
Kubota’s new L-series of compact tractors, with their simplified operation and smoother performance, enables a farmer to be more productive as well as more comfortable. The tractors also offer improved fuel efficiency, thanks to greater air flow into the combustion chamber.
A brief history of combines
The combine harvester is a very old invention, first appearing over 180 years ago. Yet more than a century passed before the unwieldy early machines gave way to the self-propelled combines we know today. In this article, we explore the history of one of farming’s greatest labour savers.
Total’s proven quality products
Total South Africa provides clean, high-performing petroleum and diesel, liquid petroleum gas, greases and lubricants for any application.
Tips for buying a good second-hand bakkie
After months of searching for a second-hand bakkie, you suddenly find yourself in someone’s yard looking at a potential buy. It’s gleaming in the sun, the price is tempting, and it seems a great buy, but is it? Jake Venter can help you decide.
How to keep Africa growing in the face of climate change
No continent will be struck as severely by climate change as Africa. Due to the continent’s limited adaptive capacity, exacerbated by widespread poverty, climate change is a grave threat to economic growth and the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
The Stihl 230 range: designed and built specifically for farmers
This well-known German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld equipment offers brushcutters, augers, water pumps, cultivators and other essential tools in its new range.
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The latest Case IH Austoft cane harvesters
Case IH has launched its Austoft 8010 and 8810 sugar cane harvesters on the Africa and Middle Eastern markets.
How to service your JMC
A bike’s tyre pressure and condition are even more important than on a car. Jake Venter explains the different chain types and how to maintain them.
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The MZ54 lawnmower is ideal for property maintenance
Husqvarna is known the world over for the toughness of its zero-turn lawnmowers.
