Caxton Magazines
Maize micro mills stake their claim
Micro mills can fill an important niche in both the food chain
and rural areas, says Sé Higgins, co-founder of Kuvusa Mills and
managing director of African Micro Mills.
About pond aquaculture
Good husbandry, economically viable feeding and correct system design are the key to pond farming.
Youth push for change in agriculture
The number of youth at the recent Afasa conference is a good sign. Let’s hope it means positive changes.
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.
Strategies for smallholders
How big is big? And just how does one measure the completion of a task? Some might say day to day activities are all small steps towards the achievement of the overall objective.
GM maize experiments
I am writing in response to the article by Wynand van der Walt entitled ‘GM maize at risk of rejection again’ (28 December, pg 29).
SA food safety in jeopardy
Gareth Lloyd-Jones, MD of Ecowize, a health and sanitation company that services the food and beverage sector, believes South Africa needs a dedicated food control agency to ensure that regulations for imported food are adequately monitored.
Livestock Disease Trends – February 2013
Due to severe drought conditions in certain parts of the country now is the time to get rid of all unproductive and old animals.
Bringing the farm to the consumer
Consumers need a better understanding of agriculture for them to fully appreciate farmers.
Grain transport differential ‘will be phased out’ in future
he South African grain production market is increasingly becoming more sophisticated and that will eventually lead to the phasing out of the Safex transport differential, said Grain SA Maize Working Group vice-chairperson Chris Schoonwinkel.
African army worm outbreak may be over
Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, head of the Griffon Poison Information Centre, said that the recent outbreak of African army worm was the worst experienced in 20 years.
Live tax-free
Can the dream of living without the hassle of recording every transaction and paying tax on everything earned be achieved in South Africa by a person who enjoys a reasonable standard of living?
Trials for the tilapia industry
The tilapia industry is still in its infancy in South Africa, but is a lucrative investment with potential as a quality source of protein. Until markets are properly developed, the industry remains stagnant, but markets will not grow if supply is not assured. Lindi van Rooyen reports.
Cutting tools- Mankind ultimate tool
Cutting tools, especially knives, are mankind’s ultimate tool, writes Abré J Steyn. This week he looks at various folding knives, including one of his favourites – Leatherman’s Klamath.
Hard hats save lives
The South African Equestrian Federation doesn’t allow any rider to compete unless they’re wearing approved headgear –
and for good reason, says Dr Mac.
The Dexter breed
A hardy, docile breed, the tiny Dexter is often favoured by smallholder farmers.
What you need to know as a farmer
You need textbook knowledge, practical experience and creative thinking to make it as a farmer, says Susan Pletts.
