Caxton Magazines
Keeping bridles & saddles clean
A regular cleaning regime is the best way to keep your tack clear of mildew. Dr Mac discusses an effective step-by-step routine.
New bird species boosts ecotourism potential of stock farm
The Garingboom Guest Farm near Springfontein in the southern Free State has had 15 000 guests pass through it in the past 14 years, many of whom came to catch a glimpse of two new bird species discovered as late as the 1990s. Mike Burgess visited the farm.
SA pear producers get cheeky
Cheeky, the newest blushed-pear variety to be released to the South African industry, is the result of 16 years of hard work by renowned plant breeder Taaibos Human. Industry sources see it as the first significant new addition to South Africa's range of pear varieties in two decades, an early ripening variety that can be marketed before the highly profitable and popular Forelle.
Using radish to control cyst eelworm
A fodder radish crop can exterminate up to 95% of a cyst eelworm population and be used for biofumigation, writes Bill Kerr.
Selling seedlings to communal markets
After producing vegetable seedlings for almost 40 years, Dux Meintjes knows how to adapt to market demands. These days, that may mean less reliance on commercial farmers and more attention to the hawker, communal and emerging sectors.
Improvement in broilers
Physiological improvements in broilers haven’t changed negative consumer perception of the poultry industry. Dr Marc de Beer says the industry has to set the record straight.
Effective management key to parasite control
Parasites’ growing resistance to anthelmintic remedies is a serious problem for smallstock farming. Field expert Dr Dave Midgley explains that the problem should be tackled through an integrated management system rather than by blanket dosing.
Protecting a meaningful way of life
Nobuntu Mazeka is an organic subsistence farmer and a staunch defender of her community’s way of life. But living in the vicinity of the proposed mine at Xolobeni, she finds herself up against two exceedingly tough opponents, an Australian mining company, and her very own government. Robyn Joubert visited her.
Not all bad:The political environment for agriculture in South Africa
Many concerns, such as immigration and unemployment, affect the environment in which the ANC will have to make critical choices. But, speaking at the 2010 Agricultural Business Chamber Congress, emeritus professor of political science Willie Breytenbach said there are still reasons to stay positive and opportunities for constructive contributions by agriculture. One such opportunity will be the Green Paper on land reform.
A no-fuss, farm-bred, dual-purpose chicken
While a fast-paced urban lifestyle is behind the need for commercial high-producing poultry breeds, a market exists in rural areas for a no-fuss, dual-purpose chicken. Husband-and-wife team Jaap and Shirley Schoeman believe they've bred the answer to this demand.
Dehorning beef cattle
Dehorned cattle are easier to work with, house and transport. The chance of bad bruising is lessened, as is the danger of injury to udders, flanks and eyes, as well as to labourers working with the animals.
How to use water wisely
Maintain a healthy kitchen garden by irrigating at the right time and giving plants the right amount of water, says Bill Kerr.
Boost immunity, treat canker
With many pigeon disease-causing organisms becoming increasingly resistant to standard treatments, Dr Ockert Botha recommends maintaining a high immunity with natural products. It's better to prevent than treat diseases like crop canker.
Does your pigeon have candidiasis?
Renowned South African veterinarian Dr Ockert Botha discusses the yeast infection candidiasis, in a follow up on his advice in last week's issue on pigeon parasites and malaria.
Trust, training & tricks with horses
If you’ve ever owned a horse that can open a locked stable door you’ll know how quickly they pick up a new trick! Horses love to learn tricks and there’s no better way to improve communication between the two of you.
Preventing disease in goats and sheep
Preventing disease requires good management and a programme for vaccination, deworming and dipping, explains Peter Mashala.
Green peppers: how to grow them
Green peppers like plenty of sunlight and moist, warm soil. If using seed, plant under a shelter about eight weeks before you anticipate the last frost in your area, then transplant.
Pigeon parasites & malaria
Renowned South African veterinarian Dr Ockert Botha gives advice on prevention and treatment of pigeon diseases.
How to grow sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are easy to plant, need little looking after and deliver high yields. They are usually grown in sandy soil, which makes them easier to dig up. But they also do well in most soils, even heavy clay.
Beef cattle breeding – all year, or in a season?
Breeding in a beef herd can take place all year, or in a short breeding season. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Use the best one for your needs.
