Caxton Magazines
Keeping it simple
The current economic situation remains unstable, but by applying a few common-sense measures we can better weather whatever storms lie ahead.
New Biopesticide targets ticks
Concerns over long-term use of chemical pest control has popularised biopesticides. But none targeted ticks, until now, writes Alan Harman.
Farmers should fear frog losses
As frogs are reliable bio-indicators of the health of an environment or ecosystem, farmers should be worried about a decline in frog populations on their farms. Lindi van Rooyen investigates.
Show me the money!
The current allocation for agriculture accounts for just 0,4% of the national budget. But the real reason why so little money is being sent farmers' way might just surprise some, writes New on the Land editor Peter Mashala.
Securing a solid footing for farmers
In September Farmsecure Technologies, a division of the Farmsecure Group, bought Yara South Africa's fertiliser retail marketing business, including the Kynoch brand.
Coffee-time scones
Let's start with a short blast of theory. Baking boffins, regardless of origin, insist that dry ingredients, like flour, be sifted before mixing.
A cozy retirement
Dear Jonno,
I am looking to put up a small house on my brother-in-law's farm outside Lusaka.
Harvesting olives with Manitou & Topavi
Manitou Southern Africa, in conjunction with French parent company Manitou, recently hosted a group of South African olive farmers in Spain.
Two-day races: when night falls
Night falls and suddenly it's a two-day race. How will your birds cope? Is their fighting spirit up to the challenge? Thomas Smit takes us through the ins and outs of these marathon events.
Newcastle disease (NCD)
is a serious poultry disease and can affect any kind of poultry operation, from backyard production to large commercial poultry farms.
Caring for cabbages
Cabbages are heavy feeders and need plenty of food to grow. Without enough water, the heads will dry out and taste bitter, so fertilising and watering the plants is important.
Is this the future of farming in SA?
An often overlooked threat to food security in South Africa is the fact that many farmers are nearing retirement age, while fewer youngsters enter the sector. This trend isn’t only prevalent among commercial and small farmers. Peter Mashala visited the Itumeleng Food Project near Pretoria, a once successful initiative, now struggling to stay afloat as its members become too old to work the land.
Johan’s Drakensbergers win again
Johan Rautenbach has won the Farmer's Weekly-ARC Best Elite Drankensberger cow award for the third time, and lets Wayne Southwood in on his secret.
Animal improvement ‘needs a rethink’
Kevin Watermeyer, president of the Nguni Cattle Breeders' Society of South Africa, shares his views about the way forward for animal improvement and the future of the Nguni. Heather Dugmore reports.
The fight over Gas in the Karoo
Since an Australian company applied for gas exploration rights in the southern Karoo, the local community has taken a stand to protect the environment against international fortune seekers. Heather Dugmore investigates.
Feeding rules – Part 2
Last issue Kim Dyson covered the basics of feeding your horse. This week, she looks at how much to feed your equine sidekick.
I told you so!
it gives me no pleasure TO REMIND South African market agents that "I told them so" a few years ago, but it must be said.
Long-term success with no-till
In 2007 Farmer's Weekly reported on the success of father and son Dirk and Frik van Sittert's no-till practices. Peter Hittersay looks at the continuing no-till success Frik has enjoyed in the three years since then.
Big Hopes for Biserrula
Extremely drought-tolerant, this amazing legume might be a great way of growing your own nitrogen in areas where dryland winter wheat can grow, saving you money in the process, writes John Fair.
Finding food for Africa
South Africa's commercial farmers can help contribute to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa where half the population faces starvation.
