Coming soon: hot weather lettuce production
‘Switching off’ a gene that slows germination in high temperatures will allow farmers to grow lettuce all year round.
Making strides in Striga control
A novel approach to controlling a destructive root parasite has produced good results with sorghum in Ethiopia, according to Robyn Joubert.
Massey Ferguson celebrates its’ 75th anniversary
At the SIMA Paris Show, Massey Ferguson celebrated the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the first self-propelled combine harvester. Joe Spencer reports.
China’s agricultural machinery industry in SA
China is now the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery and a number of makes are popular in South Africa.
Amazone focuses on SA
Falcon Agricultural Equipment’s sales of Amazone implements in SA are growing at a steady rate. Joe Spencer reports.
John Deere’s Remote Display Access system
John Deere received a SIMA 2013 silver medal in Paris in February for its new Remote Display Access system.
Joe Spencer reports.
Tractor parts, why getting to know them is important
Peter Hittersay continues his overview of various tractor parts in the fourth part of this series.
Breakthrough with red blotch disease in grapes
Scientists have identified a virus found in US vineyards as the culprit, and are certain it will be found worldwide.
African leafy vegetables: easy and sustainable
‘African leafy vegetables’ is a term used to describe indigenous, indigenised and recently introduced plant species collected by African women as a source of food for their families for centuries.
Seed & fertiliser planter for small-scale users
Winner of three Nampo Boerepatente competitions, Michris Janse van Rensburg is back with a manually propelled combination seed and fertiliser planter. Joe Spencer reports.
Clean, green image of biofuels questioned
UK researchers find that crop fuels produce more pollution than the plants they replace.
Flaxseed-fed cows have healthier milk – study
Scientists have discovered that supplementing cattle feed with flaxseed results in
less saturated fats.
Simple soil test promises to predict yields
An inexpensive new test may soon allow farmers to manage crops better and ascertain crop sizes accurately.
The tiny terror that’s a farmer’s best friend
Research has shown that spiders are the first predators to colonise newly planted lands. Best of all, they are pest control specialists, says Dr Ansie Dippenaar-Schoeman, specialist scientist at the ARC’s Plant Protection Research Institute.
‘Bug’ benefits weanling pigs
A bacterium provides energy to pigs during weaning which helps boost their immune systems and reduce infections.
Crab mini-excavator
This mini-excavator competes favourably with far more expensive imported units. Joe Spencer reports.
100 years of Claas
The LAMMA Show at Newark in the UK in January marked the start of a special year for Claas. Joe Spencer reports.
GWM C10: get it all without breaking the bank
Crammed with features, yet highly affordable, this handsome hatchback is good value for money. Just a pity about the lack of vooma. Lloyd Phillips reports.
AgriCAD – Increasing productivity
This father and son are masters of the art of optimising operations in order to get maximum productivity from their equipment. Joe Spencer reports.
The GWM Steed 5
GWM’s new double-cabs are ready for any task and should appeal to SA’s cost-conscious bakkie-lovers. Lloyd Phillips reports.
