Save water through plant nutrition
The need to save water is so urgent that it is no longer enough to fix leaks and prevent over-irrigation. Haifa SA agronomist Gerrit Burger says that saving water today...
New malting barley varieties for the southern Cape
The South African Barley Breeding Institute promotes sustainable barley production. Francois Smit, barley breeder and plant pathologist at the institute, reports on two new varieties.
Efficient, solar-assisted macadamia processing
No macadamia processor in the world employs this method. In fact, as far as is known, no other processor of any kind uses stored solar energy on this scale, says...
Rotating auto-aligning flotation tracks (RAAFT)
Designed for pivot irrigation systems, these tracks pay for themselves in a season by preventing broken or bogged down equipment.
Crisper, sweeter Forelle pears
The pear industry is saving millions, thanks to research by Dr Ian Crouch and the introduction of his Forelle Early Market Access programme.
Fence-sitter warning system, how it works
Farmers are often soft targets for attacks and other forms of crime. The newly developed fence-sitter warning system alerts farmers to possible fence tampering.
Controlling flies on dairy farms
Flies boost stress among cattle, which could reduce milk production. Dr Paul Burden, a veterinarian at Novartis, looks at other ways in which these pests could be harmful.
Alternative uses for sugarcane
Sugar industry body, SA Cane Growers’ Association, is to set up a plant to explore the feasibility of on-farm biogas and biofertiliser production.
Veld management systems that are sustainable
Researchers have developed techniques that will assist a farmer in implementing a successful veld management system.
Increasing the value of timber plantations
New eucalyptus hybrids have been introduced to the South African paper and pulping industry in an effort to become more competitive. CSIR environment science researcher, Karen Eatwell, explains.
Starting from scratch – the Valtra T-series
The fourth generation of the Valtra T-series is an entirely new tractor.
Kubota: A safe cab
An imported cab built to international standards may cost more, but there are advantages in terms of productivity and safety. Joe Spencer reports.
New Holland Guinness world record!
New Holland has reclaimed the Guinness world record for the most wheat harvested in eight hours.
Cost-saving combo
Narrow profit margins on maize crops mean that farmers are forced to reduce input costs. One way of doing this is to combine operations when planting.
Making money out of popcorn
Thanks to new hybrids under trial at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, popcorn production in South Africa is set to explode.
Leaving enough food in the pantry
On a game ranch, animal numbers must match available browse during winter, not summer, says Dr Beanélri Janecke, wildlife researcher at the University of the Free State.
Slangbos – from invasive plant to valuable feed?
Slangbos, the plant that has drastically reduced the grazing capacity of millions of hectares in South Africa, can be turned into valuable winter fodder. This was discovered following years of...
Mixed strategy farming helps beat climate change
Subsistence farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Dr Byela Tibesigwa, a post-doctoral research fellow with the Environmental Policy Research Unit at the University of Cape Town, looked into how...
Why you need breeding objectives – Part 2
Whether they like it or not, commercial beef farmers are ‘breeders’ and taking this into account will boost profitability, SA Stud Book’s Dr Japie van der Westhuizen told Lloyd Phillips.
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