Investing in farming technology: how much is too much?
Advanced new farming technology is changing the way farmers produce food and manage their businesses. But how do producers know if they’re spending too much on technology and if the new equipment will ultimately yield the promised financial returns?
The ox wagon resurrected
The world’s first ‘flat-pack’ truck, the OX can be shipped in pieces and assembled in just 12 hours. It is specifially designed to provide all-terrain mobility in rough, remote areas.
SA scientists lend a hand to control Australian wheat pest
The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), a pest well known to South African farmers, recently surfaced in Australia, and SA scientists are assisting with the development of RWA-resistant cultivars.
All-terrain vehicles at the Nedbank Eston Show
With the variety of all-terrain vehicles available today, driving around the farm has become effortless, affordable and fun.
The driverless tractor is here
The farm machinery of the future has arrived, offering every conceivable digital, telemetric and mechanical feature. In fact, the designers have left out only one detail: the driver.
Study on origin of grassy savannas
The loss of Africa’s browsing antelope may threaten the future of savannas, a new study has found.
Impressive line-up of tractors at the Nedbank Eston Show
The recent annual Nedbank Eston Show was blessed with a spell of good weather and the local farming community turned out in force to see what was on display.
New low-chill apple varieties
The new Afri apple varieties could potentially extend the local season by two months.
Trelleborg Road Show visits KZN
The Trelleborg Road Show is traversing the world to demonstrate the value of using the right tyres at the correct inflation pressure. It visited KwaZulu-Natal recently.
The practicalities of effective greenhouse hygiene
The intensive but highly productive practice of growing crops in greenhouse environments lends itself to significant pest and disease threats. Paddy de Vries of Intense Agri Hydro provides valuable insights on dealing effectively with these.
Computer vision technology set to improve crop health
The latest crop monitoring technology developed in Israel could soon be available in South Africa. Wilma den Hartigh spoke to Daniel Koppel of Prospera about its applications.
Massey Ferguson’s big baler
Massey Ferguson’s latest large square balers are now available locally through SA distributors Barloworld Agriculture.
Claas Lexion celebrates milestone
The company’s 50 000th Lexion combine harvester rolled off the assembly line in Harsewinkel, Germany, earlier this year.
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 transmitted livestock diseases.
The Krone Premos 5000: like no other
The first public demonstration of the revolutionary mobile pelleter was held recently at a field day in Hungary. The machine eliminates the entire baling process.
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 a new weather derivative product could help crop producers hedge against erratic weather.
Ferguson TE20 turns 70
The TE20 gave the world the Ferguson System, a major advance in production efficiency. Joe Spencer recalls the history of this legendary tractor.
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 den Hartigh how this could benefit the South African cotton industry.
Equipment makes composting easier
Locally manufactured and imported equipment is improving the ease of operation, efficiency and profitability of composting enterprises.
The MF WR9800 series Windrower
The 100 000th Massey Ferguson windrower rolled off the production line in Hesston, Kansas, earlier this year, marking another milestone in the history of a unit known for efficiency and productivity.
