Caxton Magazines
Bombproofing your horse
Here’s how you can teach your horse to get used to strange objects and loud noises, provided you treat your horse sympathetically.
Save the land keep more animals!
Forget everything you know about stocking rates, says Holistic Management pioneer Allan Savory. The way forward is running more animals on your land. The recent winner of the Buckminster Fuller Challenge tells Heather Dugmore how increasing livestock numbers on your farm can increase your bank balance, rehabilitate the veld and help save the planet.
Finance terms you need to know
Bankers and people involved in finance use many fancy words, and knowing what they mean is necessary if you want to make money, writes Susan Pletts.
Preparing your soil – part 2
Manure will do more than just fertilise and feed soil, it will loosen it to help the roots grow better and prevent diseases.Issue date: 13 August 2010
Kitchenbrand pigeon secrets
The performances of Kitchenbrand family are unequalled in the history of South African pigeon racing.
The old professor, Ben Engelbrecht
Careful observation and experimentation made theology professor Ben Engelbrecht an expert lure fisherman at a time when nobody knew very much about the art, writes Abré J Steyn.
Farm-style favourite
Barry and Carol called in to see me. They have a newly-acquired game farm in the Thabazimbi area, and require a new homestead there. issue date: 13 August 2010
Are you a criminal?
It seems people can come on your land and kill you with impunity these days, but woe betide the farmer who fiddles with a watercourse or indulges in a “listed activity” without the proper permission. A host of legislation now determines what you can and can’t do on your land. And failure to comply, even through omission, can lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment. Advocate Douw Venter takes us through the fine print.
Preparing your soil – part 1
You don't need fancy tests to check your soil to see how much fertiliser you need.
How to make a profit
Many emerging farmers struggle when working out how much to charge for their produce to cover costs and make some money too. Susan Plett's lends a hand.
Lovely lavender
Lavender has healing properties and is an effective fly-repellent, writes Kim Dyson.
Nitrates versus ammonia: get nitrogen your veg can use
Many farmers apply nitrogen in the form of ammonia and can’t figure out why the crop doesn’t respond. It’s important to understand that, while plants can take up ammonia, most ammonia will be unavailable because of its position in the soil.
When a racer can’t find its way home
With a high percentage of pigeon losses in race and training events, and irregular returning times after races, Thomas Smit discusses the possible reasons why pigeons battle to find their way home.
Castrating your beef calves – part 2
This issue we look at three more ways to castrate your beef calves – rubber rings, open wound and the short-scrotum method.
Farming hydroponically – part 4
Hydroponics is becoming a popular way to produce vegetables in South Africa because of the high quality of the produce. This week: keeping your plants disease-free.
Wolf teeth can affect performance
Is your horse avoiding the bit or ducking to one side? It might be having teeth problems, writes Dr Mac.
Understanding nitrogen fertilisation in vegetables – part 1
Of all the plant nutrients, nitrogen has the greatest influence on the success of any crop. While a shortage of any element will be a limiting factor, its effect on crop performance will be related to its function, importance and shortage.
Taking your sweet potatoes through to maturity
Even though sweet POTATOES are a generally low-care crop, some pests can cause a complete wipe-out. You need to do regular inspections and know what to look for.
Castrating your beef calves
Castration stops a bull calf’s testicles working so that it can’t reproduce, and also prevents the production of male hormones.
Culling latecomers? Think again!
Many frustrated fanciers get rid of their under-performing pigeons. But is culling the best option? There are certain factors to consider before deciding to cull a weak pigeon, writes Thomas Smit.
