Mascor struts its stuff in Eston
Mascor held its John Deere demonstration on Masonite's Mount Desire farm, attracting almost 100 farmers, many from the Wartburg/Dalton area. Proceedings opened with an address by Prof Peter Lynne from...
Can camels solve the sweet thorn problem?
A new trial found that camels could help control and possibly eradicate sweet thorn encroachment, which may be a far better solution than Boer Goat browsing or fire control.
Practical research looks at better caracal control
Current research into caracal control, conducted on nature reserves or game reserves, isn't always the best measure of effectiveness on a farm. A new study, conducted under practical farming conditions,...
Satellite can help improve veld production estimates
Satellite images could soon be used in South Africa to quantify veld production, estimate livestock carrying capacity and help farmers plan fodder flow, reports Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Using cane residue to cogenerate powe
The sugar industry is under pressure to reduce cane burning before harvesting – creating new possibilities for cane residue to cogenerate electricity. Joe Spencer reports.
Predator management – a lesson from the US
When it comes to predator management, South African agricultural and environmental authorities look more like the farmer's foe than friend in comparison with the US's wildlife service.
Decline in parks’ large mammal numbers
Numbers of large mammals are dropping in national parks all over Africa - except in the continent's southern countries, where good management shows what can be achieved.
Bringing the war to the bitter bush
Bitter bush veld is a sign of overgrazing and veld degradation. Eradicating this invader will allow palatable, perennial grasses to flourish again, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Cape parrot population Stalked by killer virus
In the Amatola Mountains in the Eastern Cape, Cape parrots are as iconic as the giant yellowwood trees they feed on and nest in. But as Mike Burgess reports, initial...
Gadgets galore to explore
The annual Boerepatente Kompetisie always showcases great ideas to improve and simplify the farming experience, including devices to conquer load shedding and the dangers it brings. Joe Spencer reports.
Improvement in broilers
Physiological improvements in broilers haven’t changed negative consumer perception of the poultry industry. Dr Marc de Beer says the industry has to set the record straight.
Effective management key to parasite control
Parasites’ growing resistance to anthelmintic remedies is a serious problem for smallstock farming. Field expert Dr Dave Midgley explains that the problem should be tackled through an integrated management system...
Krone: EasyCollect 753, easy to transport
German company Krone began making forage harvesters in 1977, selling 5 000 “Corn Chopper” tractor mounted units. In the 1980s Krone introduced its first self-propelled harvesters. The latest range of...
Red meat biodiversity plan
SANBI is starting pilot projects to develop biodiversity in the red meat industry, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Getting over the winter slump on planted pasture
The selection of an appropriate base crop is vital for livestock farming on planted pasture. It forms a solid foundation for an ongoing fodder flow to ensure optimal production and...
A cutting edge agricultural information system for KwaZulu-Natal
The KZN Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development’s Bioresource Programme lays a firm foundation for improved farm decision making, reports Lloyd Phillips.
A green revolution launched at ZZ2
One of South Africa's largest farming operations, ZZ2, needed dramatic production changes to stay sustainable. They formulated natuurboerdery, which gave them all the benefits of organic farming without a major...
Measuring how much water a plant needs
Rather than measuring the water content in the soil, Watermark soil water-potential sensors help farmers determine how much water the crop needs, says SASRI researcher Ashiel Jumman. Glenneis Erasmus reports.
How to simplify farming – the Bien Donné Expo
The annual Bien Donné Agricultural Expo in the Western Cape, hosted by the Agricultural Research Centre, is known for showcasing the latest and the best machinery and equipment, intended to...
Nitrogen fertilisation: when to count on soil organic matter
Last week, soil scientist Neil Miles discussed the role animals play in the nitrogen fertilisation of pasture. This week, he tells farmers how to get the most out of soil...
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