Caxton Magazines
Extension officers
As a newcomer to the Underberg area a decade ago, it interested me to know what our veld herbage consisted of and what available nutritional benefit could be enhanced by any alteration to habitual practice.
Eastern Cape farmers in search of the optimum cow
Alwyn Marx, who farms with his father near Burgersdorp, started a small Tuli herd a decade ago. Impressed with the Tuli’s performance, they have expanded the operation to 300 stud cows.
Mike Burgess reports.
Rewarding productivity lifts performance
Training and performance monitoring are key to encouraging productivity in the workforce. Labour consultant Walter Blore shifts the paradigm and puts farming businesses on track. Robyn Joubert reports.
Uncertain future for farmers on hired land
Farmers hiring land from government are allegedly too scared to make any improvements in case the land is taken back and given to people with political connections.
Mining set to send maize price soaring
A 14% increase in the price of maize is on the cards if mining in Mpumalanga continues to take agricultural land out of production.
Joemat-Pettersson berated for underperformance
The Auditor-General (AG) has given the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) an unqualified audit report, but has noted wasteful and irregular spending to the tune of R18,3 million.
EC gets new piggery training facility
Amadlelo Agri (Pty) Ltd, in partnership with the University of Fort Hare and Number Two Piggeries, is currently establishing a piggery training facility near Alice, Eastern Cape.
Head space
Jonno sketches a starter home for FW reader Andre.
Fishing for gold in the Kraai River Basin
Each summer, smallmouth yellowfish migrate up the Kraai River Basin to spawn. Although they make for excellent fly-fishing, we should respect their spawning habits and the river basin, writes Mike Burgess.
Farmers not uniquely targeted by criminals
Farmers are not more vulnerable to attacks on their farms than people living in the city, according to research by the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR).
As easy as (apple) pie
Apple pie is the beginning of all fruit-based pies. American songs and movies are full of it. So here, in partial salute to apple pie, we have an apple tart, a tart being a pie without a lid. The pastry is a cinch and the caramelised sugar a new skill
just waiting to be mastered.
Dealing with PSSM
This genetic condition occurs in several draught breeds, Quarter Horses and warmbloods, as well as Appaloosas, says Dr Mac.
Top pigeons from Plett
He says he has been in pigeon lofts since the age of two – a good start that’s seen Roger Harris become one of SA’s top fanciers. Thomas Smit spoke to him.
From the Karoo to the catwalk: The journey of the Charmac Merino
The wool of the Charmac Merino, which is bred in the Karoo
by the McNaughton family, was recently developed into an exclusive fashion fabric in Australia to meet the demand for wool from sheep that have not been mulesed. Heather Dugmore reports.
Spotlight on enzootic bovine leukaemia
This relatively unknown infectious retrovirus can go undetected for years. There is no effective treatment or efficient commercial vaccine but good biosecurity and management can play a role in prevention. Dr Jan du Preez explains.
KZN crime dips but farmers’ woes continue
According to police statistics for the period April 2011 to March 2012, crime levels in KwaZulu-Natal have declined.
How tomato growers can practice IPM
When it comes to Integrated Pest Management (IPM), tomatoes have quite a complex array of requirements which will depend on the varieties planted and the region where they are grown, as some diseases and pests only occur in certain areas.
Sponsored
New Holland in Lusaka
Danatrac is now New Holland’s official distributor in Zambia. Joe Spencer reports.
Who’s educating consumers?
Ill-informed consumers who demand less crop protection chemicals and have irrational fears of genetically modified food are a risk to farmer’s survival. Who is taking responsibility to ensure that the truth about food is getting to the consumer, asks Lindi van Rooyen.
It’s a right royal disgrace
Government has no money for small-scale farmers, but millions to spare for King Zwelithini’s sixth wife.
