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...
New machinery at Nampo 2016
Last week, it was the turn of tractors. This series, we look at some of the other machinery that caught our eye at Nampo 2016, says Joe Spencer.
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.
Tractors at Nampo
The new John Deere 9570RX had an auspicious SA debut at Nampo when the first model in the country sold almost as soon as the show opened.
South Africa builds its own vineyard robot
Although still in its infancy, the Robot X project aims to boost production efficiency, says Glenneis Kriel.
New harvesting solutions by Geringhoff
Geringhoff has introduced two new maize headers and a flex draper that make it easier to handle multiple planting configurations and harvesting on hillsides.
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.
Boerepatente Competition 2016
This year’s Boerepatente Kompetisie at Nampo Harvest Day was dominated by the Goosen family of Matlakeng, Botswana. Bertus and his daughters won 12 prizes.
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...
X Concept tractor by Fendt
The idea of driving implements by electricity generated by the tractor engine, rather than the power take-off, is decades old. Now, at last, a small number of implements are available...
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.
A training session with Case IH
Case IH recently organised a training camp for its dealers from Africa and the Middle East, followed by a Customer Day that attracted 400 visitors. Joe Spencer reports.
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...
A new workhorse from Massey Ferguson
Massey Ferguson staged the most impressive display of its products in Africa for years at the recent ‘Vision of the Future’ mechanisation event at the AGCO Future Farm in Lusaka....
Mechanising pecan production
Pecan production mechanisation has seen steady improvement in efficiency. Joe Spencer examines some of the latest equipment on offer locally.
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.
New from Great Plains
Joe Spencer takes a closer look at this international company’s latest tillage and seeding solutions.
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.
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