Technology

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.

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 feedlot and in summer for crop cultivation.

Forage harvesters, fertiliser wagons and a proven design that’s making a comeback. Joe Spencer reports.

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 in the package too. Lloyd Phillips was in the driving seat.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, this year’s Boerepatente competition introduced a change in its rules to encourage entries from young farmers.

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. Lloyd Phillips took it for a test drive.

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 the annual Stars of Sandstone Steam Heritage Festival in Ficksburg could not be more pleased. Lindi van Rooyen reports.

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 remarkable wetlands.

Ionised gases are being used to kill food pathogens on packaged food. This method could bypass current heat treatment and chemical sanitising methods.

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.

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 displayed.

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. Annelie Coleman compiled this report.