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 University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Dezzi equipment made in SA, for Africa
Desmond Equipment designs and manufactures a wide variety of machinery and equipment specifically for the African market. Products include timber trucks, haulers and trailers. Joe Spencer reports.
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.
Polaris Ranger power!
Deelkraal Wildlife Reserve has chosen Polaris Ranger utility vehicles for various operations. They certainly meet the challenge, says Joe Spencer.
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.
Jupidex & Mascor at the Royal Show
These companies, which are part of the Plennegy Group, had impressive stands at this year’s Pietermaritzburg Royal Show. Joe Spencer reports.
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.
As always, a right Royal display!
For many decades, the Royal Show has provided a comprehensive display of agricultural machinery and implements. This year was no different, and included amongst the exhibits were several locally manufactured implements. Joe Spencer reports.
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 as eradicate malaria from South Africa. Lloyd Phillips reports.
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 in the assessment and prioritisation of risks. Annelie Coleman reports.
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 to match the concept, says Joe Spencer.
