Caxton Magazines
Merinos that don’t ‘slim for summer’
Summer weight loss in sheep can be a major problem for sheep farmers in hot climates. Alan Harman looks at new research.
A cross-border collaboration
A collaboration between a research geneticist from the US Department of Agriculture and South African animal scientists could take the benefits of the Nguni cattle breed global. Robyn Joubert reports.
Surge in tractor sales continues unabated
Tractor sales for the first 10 months of the year rose by 45,7% compared to the same period last year.
Rail and ports could receive welcome shot in the arm
State-owned freight and logistics company Transnet has been asked to nearly triple its capital expenditure plans to R330 billion, in order to increase the capacity of rail and ports.
Can South Africa run on sugar power?
The sugar industry is ready to generate renewable electricity for the national grid from sugar cane bagasse, a by-product of the sugar milling process. The SA Sugar Association's executive director, Trix Trikam, explains the potential and the pitfalls to Lloyd Phillips
Research farm invests in a TD tractor
New Holland TD series tractors are now available in South Africa, and staff at The University of KZN's Ukulinga Research Farm are particularly impressed by the engine power.
Life is dirt cheap
Grids on dirt roads in Eastern Cape are increasingly resembling the deadly pits the ancient San used to trap large animals.
No relief from high diesel price until February
The price of fuel continues its upward march with diesel increasing 36c/â„“ and petrol 23c/â„“ in November.
Let’s work with farmers for a change
South Africa's commercial farmers provide 50 million people with quality food. The government has to create conditions that will keep as many farmers as possible on the land and encourage investment in agriculture
Skin conditions in pigs and how to treat them
Some skin conditions in pigs can lead to loss of production or even death, and need rapid treatment.
The importance of side dressing
Many vegetable crops fail due to a lack of nitrogen. Side dressing is a safe way of ensuring that plants get enough of this element, says Bill Kerr.
Farmers still wait for tractor services
A government programme which makes tractor services available free of charge to small-scale farmers has stalled, apparently because a service provider has not been appointed.
Court orders Water Affairs to give water rights to white farmer
A recent North Gauteng High Court judgment overturned a decision by the Water Tribunal to withhold a water licence from a white farmer based on his race.
BRICS agri platform to counter speculation
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa plan to build an agricultural information and digital agriculture platform.
Tractor maintenance: Save fuel, and stay safe, when operating your tractor
In the second-last part of this series, Peter Hittersay looks at fuel conservation, storage and refuelling, as well as safety standards.
A desire to succeed
Zabion de Wee graduated from the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute last year and is doing an internship with the National Wool Growers' Association. An ambitious young man, he has plans to one day farm Angoras in the Free State. He spoke to Heather Dugmore.
Secret to farming success: Close family ties
The Nohari family of the Tongaat area in KwaZulu-Natal has been farming succesfully for five generations. They share some of the highs and lows of fresh produce farming with Lloyd Phillips.
Ansoria Gelbvieh impresses once again
Ansoria Geldenhuys has won her second Farmer's Weekly-ARC Best Elite Gelbvieh Cow award with ANS 00 0016. Chris Nel reports.
Where using bagasse for green energy production works
In Mauritius, the sugar industry co-generates a significant proportion of the country's electricity needs, using bagasse as feedstock.
Seed industry loses out
The rejection of a merger between Pioneer Hi-Bred and SA's Pannar Seed is based on fallacious assumptions and will deprive South Africa of affordable seed technology, thus affecting food security, contends the former chief executive officer of Grain SA, Dr Kobus Laubscher
