One man’s hunt for the cereal killers
In a study by researcher Dr Paul Williams, chemical imaging has been shown to be a fast, effective means of detecting fungus-infected maize.
Small-calf syndrome gene isolated
In a breakthrough, New Zealand researchers have identified a gene that will allow them to breed out small-calf syndrome, which mainly affects Holstein-Friesian crossbreeds.
Planters for all
This year’s Nampo featured a plethora of planters for all levels of farming. Joe Spencer reports.
Agri equipment – big bucks vs better value
Every year, Nampo sees the prices of agricultural equipment climbing steeply, which makes South African-manufactured products that much more attractive. Joe Spencer reports.
New research exposes distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) myth
Producers who feed pigs with saturated fats to undo the fat-softening effect of a diet that includes distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are wasting their time and money, according...
Netting flies boosts milk yields
The use of treated mosquito nets in cow sheds has more than doubled the milk yields of small-scale farmers in Kenya. Robyn Joubert reports.
Feedlot & cropland in one
Researchers in Argentina believe they have found the ideal stocking rate for an ecological feedlot system, which allows for optimal land use. In winter, the land is used as a...
Seen at Nampo
Forage harvesters, fertiliser wagons and a proven design that’s making a comeback. Joe Spencer reports.
Land Rover Freelander 2 – performance & comfort
Land Rover’s Freelander 2 combines everything you need to be able to travel South Africa’s highways and byways in comfort and safety. And there’s plenty of power and driving performance...
Boerepatente competition gets a new look
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, this year’s Boerepatente competition introduced a change in its rules to encourage entries from young farmers.
The Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab tough & capable
If the 2,4l petrol model is anything to go by, Mitsubishi’s new 4x2 Triton Single Cab bakkies have the potential to make a name for themselves as highly efficient workhorses....
Locomotive collector and his toys
Swopping model trains and tractors for the real thing so entranced Wilfred Mole that he has dedicated himself to preserving Southern Africa’s transportation heritage. And the 1 000 visitors to...
Palmiet wetland conservation
It’s not too late to restore damaged palmiet wetlands, says Alanna Rebelo of Stellenbosch University’s Department of Conservation and Entomology. Roelof Bezuidenhout spoke to her about the value of these...
Safer food with cold plasma technology
Ionised gases are being used to kill food pathogens on packaged food. This method could bypass current heat treatment and chemical sanitising methods.
Protection against potato scab
Plants of the brassica family can act as natural biofumigants when chopped up and worked into the soil, says plant pathologist Dr Reinette Gouws of the Agriculture Research Council.
Bell at the Royal Show
The Royal Show, SA’s oldest and largest mixed exhibition, took place in Pietermaritzburg from 24 May to 2 June. Joe Spencer describes some of the vehicles that Bell Equipment had...
Precision farming – a global perspective
Precision agriculture (PA) allows farmers to operate more efficiently and become better decision-makers. Australian Tim Neale and Sharon Clay from the US took part in a PA conference in Potchefstroom....
Challenger RoGator RG1100
The new Challenger RoGator RG1100 high-clearance self-propelled sprayer offers more power and boom-to-boom benefits to cut fuel consumption, emissions, maintenance and operator fatigue.
Bumblebees: should SA put them to work?
The use of bees as crop pollinators is well-known, but a group of scientists warns against confusing the European bumblebee with the South African carpenter bee.
Bumblebees fly to the rescue
Bumblebees have been used worldwide since the mid-80s to deliver pollen to flowers. Now they’ve become ‘flying doctors’. Robyn Joubert reports.
