Caxton Magazines

Caught snuffling in the trough, our leaders plead ignorance. And they want us to believe them!

Soil mineralisation is a capital cost worth every cent and one of the best investments a farmer can make.

Big timber companies may not consider porcini mushrooms to be worth much effort, but an Italian mushroom picker has made a meaty business out of this gourmet food. Robyn Joubert reports.

In the political dust cloud kicked up in the wake of the farm strikes in the Western Cape, it has been difficult to see exactly why the strikes took place in the first place. Now that the various parties are locked in negotiations, it is even more difficult to see what the outcomes of the negotiations are likely to be, and beyond this, what consequences the country should brace for. Professor Mohammad Karaan of Stellenbosch University has observed these historic events from a ringside seat (when he hasn’t been participating directly). Sean Christie caught up with him.

Commercial agriculture’s survival amid political uncertainty depends on South Africa’s people. If we keep our stories to ourselves, we won’t win the public’s sympathy and support.

Care needs to be taken when involving a family trust in any business transaction, including the acquiring of shares.

Atholl Trollip, DA spokesperson for rural development, believes that President Jacob Zuma might be using the Masibambisane initiative to garner support for his upcoming party leadership battle.

In Lunyaweni near Ugie in the former Transkei, a group of 42 determined communal farmers is generating significant income from its 5 000-plus flock of Merino-type sheep. Mike Burgess reports.

A radical redesign and some innovative features characterise Case IH’s new large square balers. Joe Spencer reports.

When it comes to breeding quality racers, Mother Nature can be stingy, but there are ways of helping her along, says Thomas Smit.

Wastage of fresh fruit and vegetables is a costly part of the business. When the products you’re handling are highly perishable, then the best efforts to preserve them can only have limited success

When it comes to fertilising tomatoes after planting, much will depend on what fertiliser you used in the pre-planting stages and the condition of the soil.

The climatic, soil and water requirements of citrus trees.

Denham’s bustard (Neotis denhami) is a species that deserves more attention than it currently receives. Males can weigh up to 8kg, making this bustard one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.

The grasslands of the African savannah depend on defoliation processes like fire and grazing to maintain plant vigour, increase cover and reduce rainfall-runoff. Prof Winston Trollope talks to Heather Dugmore about grazing and burning in managed rangelands.

A cause of sudden lameness in equine athletes, sheared heals is a painful condition that may require the services of a specialist veterinary farrier, says Dr Mac.

Daleen & Hennie from Lydenburg wrote in response to a house design in Farmer’s Weekly on 21 September 2012.

STEP 5: Ecological corridors

Jerked chicken, for the inexperienced, means coal-black, Caribbean-style, spicy chicken that’s usually cooked on an open fire. Here’s a way to produce a braai-style finish without the smoke, dust and flames.

A record number of vetinarary practices (50) reported this month, as well as three veterinary laboratories.