Caxton Magazines
How to harden seedlings
Seedlings need to be hardened to enable the plants to survive in the new environment where they are planted. But, as you will see, hardening has another advantage.
The green ‘guardians’
Are those who are supposed to protect us the ones hurting us, asks Abré J Steyn.
Improving the ‘Zulu chicken’
Increasing the productivity of traditional chickens is an easy way of providing food and income for rural families. Dr Ed Wethli spoke to Robyn Joubert about the success of the Umzimkhulu village chicken improvement project.
No more ‘forced’ farming!
Government is wasting time trying to encourage youngsters to stay in rural areas and farm. Instead, they should focus on those who are already working the land.
Building with stones
Jono helps a reader design her dream home on a farm.
How to do a soil test
Before you plant any type of crop, make sure you understand the soil. Here's a simple soil test to try out.
Healthy udders mean more milk
A farmer has to treat skin problems in cattle such as frostbite, warts and blue udder disease before they lead to a lower milk yield.
Speed up conservation
SA National Parks (SANParks), which is responsible for managing SA’s conservation treasures, came under criticism from organised agriculture recently.
Labour laws put the squeeze on farmers
SA farmers naturally have to operate within the confines of labour law. Yet our legislation is onerous and erodes our international competitiveness, says Pieter Breytenbach, general manager of LWO, an employers’ organisation that offers labour advice to farmers. Peter Mashala spoke to him.
Is intra-African trade the only answer?
Bonani Nyhodo, researcher at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, says EU-Africa trade liberalisation will be of little benefit to the continent. Africa must build its infrastructure and trade internally.
Improved engines, better controls
Case IH showcased two new Axial-Flow combine series at Agritechnica. Major improvements include new, more efficient engines and better control of the grain tank augers. Joe Spencer reports.
Agribusiness confidence recovering steadily
The agribusiness confidence index for the first quarter of the year jumped by 25% since the last quarter of 2011.
Home-made marmalade
On a hot, humid Durban Saturday, the last thing any normal person would want to do is spend a couple of sweaty hours in the kitchen, but when the purple grapefruit season arrives, that’s what you have to do.
Mentors, not freebies, drive this agri project
Much agricultural potential lies locked into the livestock and homestead gardens of the Eastern Cape’s former homelands – potential the Mngcunube Development is seeking to unlock via mentorship. Mike Burgess reports.
Legislation out of step with SA’s free market
Real or perceived fears about competition legislation in South Africa inhibit the free flow of information and limit interaction within industries. This affects competition in the marketplace.
The difference between success and failure
What’s the difference between a successful company and one that battles? I searched my files to find enterprises that fall into both categories.
Maximum yield with rainfed soya beans
A wise farmer adapts his production methods to his farm’s environment. Gerhard Keeve, an award-winning soya bean producer, shares his approach to obtaining the maximum yield under rainfed conditions with Lloyd Phillips.
Still the best option
This week I want to discuss orderly marketing on the local fresh produce commission markets. This can be a harsh school for the unwary, but it can also be beneficial for those who understand how local markets work.
Know your seedling needs
Vegetable seedlings vary quite a bit, so make sure you tell your seedling grower what you need.
Why we need more ubuntu
Instead of competing against each other, small-scale farmers should work together to earn more.
