Dealing with Anthia beetles in your paddocks
The Anthia beetle squirts a highly irritant fluid into the eyes of animals. This substance can cause redness, inflammation and swelling. Dr Mac explains how to manage these insects on...
Dealing with external parasites on chickens
External parasites such as mites can be a major financial threat to a poultry operation. Control is essential.
Aquaponics: get it right, or grow veggies on their own!
Many aquaponics operations focus only on plant yield and ignore fish production. These are merely hydroponic systems that use expensive means to fertilise their plants.
Extending artificial insemination to beef cattle
One of the reproductive tools for the beef industry discussed in depth at the 10th annual Aldam Stockman School last year was the use of fixed-time artificial insemination. Sabrina Dean...
Debate about humane killing of fish rages on
Compared with most other agricultural industries in South Africa, the farmed fish industry is in its infancy. With no legal framework yet in place, fish farmers and animal welfare organisations...
Managing high nitrate levels in paddocks
High nitrate levels acidify the soil, leading to an abundance of weeds. Dr Mac explains how to manage this, and prevent it from occurring.
Beefing up cattle using the continuous grazing system
While intensive and fast-rotation beef grazing systems are becoming more popular in South Africa, the Duminies of Duminy Boerdery in Vryheid have stuck by their extensive continuous grazing system. They...
Emerging pig farmer’s commitment to learning pays off
At the time she was awarded a piggery by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Betty Nyambi knew little or nothing about pig farming. But she refused to...
Shortcomings of modern water pumps
Choose the best pump you can afford for your system. A cheap purchase will end up costing you money.
SA’s cannabis legislation and horses
Remedies derived from cannabis have been used to treat injury in horses since the days of Alexander the Great. But what effect does marijuana have on horses? Dr Mac explains.
Grass-fed beef: the trend that favours communal farmers
Joseph Kau, an agricultural economist at the Agricultural Research Council, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the grass-fed beef movement in South Africa and the opportunities it presents for communal farmers,...
The desert: hot, dry, and perfect for fish production
Groundwater extracted from arid areas is often unsuitable for irrigation, but it would be ideal for aquaculture.
