Should meat be on the menu?

Australian agricultural journalist David Mason-Jones addresses what every farmer and environmentalist needs to know about livestock and global warming in his recently published book, Should Meat Be on the Menu?

A hint of the US in RSA

Gershom contacted me with regard to an old dilapidated farm house that he had bought just outside the town of Estcourt in KZN.

Leek, spinach & feta crustless quiche

The magic word here is ‘crustless’ – it promises the beginner cook the capacity to make a killer quiche that will knock the socks off their guests. Quick, tasty and good for you, this dish is a meal on its own for some, and a stunning side dish for my fellow carnivores.

Farmers need more tariff support

Members of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries expressed dismay at the perceived advantage farmers in trading countries have over South African farmers due to the subsidies and tariff protection their governments provide.

Your readers should be told the truth about Zim

It was with great concern that I read the ‘misinformation’ portrayed in the article entitled ‘There is no alternative’ (17 August, pg 36), in which Kallie Kriel answered questions from Sean Christie.

More goods & better production

I refer to Prof Andre Jooste’s report outlined in ‘How agri-food value chains work’ (20 July, pg 42).

It makes sense

These days, combining one’s assets in business is common practice.

Canola – a viable alternative

One of South Africa’s most experienced canola farmers, AJ Louw of Malmesbury, tells Denene Erasmus about the benefits of canola in a rotation system and as a cash crop in its own right.

IPM for cabbage aphids

When it comes to cabbage aphids and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), success will depend on the crop being grown, the season and other considerations.

The danger of empty promises

People without hope may be prepared to sacrifice everything, even their lives and those of others.

Restoring the renosterveld

With no previous farming experience but with a love of conservation and wildlife and a large dose of business and common sense, the Bhorat family has turned an undeveloped and overgrazed piece of land into a successful game farm in only four years. Denene Erasmus reports.

Tilapia: why quality seed counts

Tilapia farming is now well established in Asia, but will only succeed in SA if good quality stock is used in an economically viable culture environment.

Hot branding of equines continues in SA

Despite hot branding of equines having largely been discontinued in Europe, the practice is still used by some horse owners in South Africa.

How to protect the land – 2

In our 17 August issue, we studied the value of mixed farming and biodiversity. In this instalment, the second of 12, we look at using poisons responsibly.

Dealing with milkweed

These plants grow almost anywhere, and can be deadly if your animals eat too many of them, warns Paul Donovan.

An answer to African poverty?

According to Johnny Morrison, chairperson of the SA Indigenous Veld Goat Club, a millenia-long migration through Africa has honed the breed into a superbly functional animal. Annelie Coleman reports.

Alternative energy: Throwing caution to the wind?

Clean renewable energy or an imperfect solution? Are wind turbines the magic bullet for energy problems? Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.

Body condition scoring

Scoring body condition (BCS) in dairy cows is an economically important management tool to check the body reserves and energy status of cattle.

Farmers throw away ‘good’ food – Food Bank

Instead of farmers throwing away or destroying unmarketable produce, the food should be donated to the poor, said Mohamed Kajee, Food Bank South Africa managing director, at a meeting held with minister of agriculture Tina Joemat-Pettersson and TAU SA.

SA’s dairy producers face a tough 12 months

Having to counteract the effects of high input costs and decreased milk prices means South Africa’s dairy farmers face a difficult 12 months

Caxton Magazines