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...
The ups and downs of vertical hydroponics
Hydroponic production only really came into existence in the 1930s, making a name for itself during the Second World War when it was used in the Pacific Islands to grow...
Making the rain, and making it better
'Minute molecules go right to where they're needed, giving impressive results.'
Morningdew Farms and Afgri, together at Delmas
Morningdew Farms and Afgri's Delmas branch held a well-attended joint demonstration at one of Jannie Neuhoff's farms, Hadeda's Garden Estates.
Saving farmers’ little helpers
Dung beetles can restore the health of farming ecosystems, reports Cornelia du Plooy. But their survival is threatened by toxic anti-parasitics. A toxicity rating system for animal health products now...
Ultimate green all-terrain vehicle
Bruce McLeod first saw the Ecorider when a friend ordered one over the internet from the manufacturers in Nairn, Scotland. “It was love at first sight,” says Bruce. “After putting...
Don’t blame springhares for chicory losses
Farmers who blame the southern springhare for destroying their chicory crops often hunt it as pest. However, a recent study indicates that the springhare is an innocent victim - the...
A harvester is only as good as its operator
Recently the UK Farmer's Weekly reported on the UK National Combine Driver of the Year Award. The occasion proved that correct setting and efficient driving can hugely improve combine performance...
Natural plant growth stimulants and pesticides
At a recent course on sustainable farming, Graeme Sait, CEO of Australian company Nutri-Tech Solutions, promoted natural growth stimulants and pesticides such as triacontanol and aloe vera, and more effective...
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