Caxton Magazines

Noted Australian cattleman Anthony Coates presented a stimulating paper at the Free State University in Bloemfontein, which gives an overview of the technology used by Australia's cattlemen. Chris Nel was there.
Issue date 14 December 2007

Babiana purpurea photographed on a road verge near Caledon, Western Cape. There are many species of these brilliant spring-flowering plants – some cover...

A stream of life - the unpolluted water of the Upper Zambezi. With an abundance of aquatic life it provides most of the needs of this boy and his dog.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

The chocolate chip cookie

When considering home remedies for a cough, it is very important to first identify the cause of the cough. Ask your veterinarian to make a diagnosis...
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

It's been called many names: outhouse, privy, jakes, little boys' or girls' room, cloakroom, restroom, powder room, bog, john, even the thunderbowl. Yet it's “WC” - the water closet - that gets to the heart of the matter.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

Leaves should be regularly inspected to avoid heavy infection with whitefly.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

Land reform in SA might be struggling, but Andrew Cunningham and his family have a successful chicken-producing business employing 260 rural families in neighbouring Mozambique. How has he done it?
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

There are various categories of points champions in pigeon racing, which are awarded at club, union/federation or combined level. Participating fanciers are automatically included in all categories.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

South African farmers should take the possibility of a stronger rand and higher interest rates into account in their plans for 2008.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

Local agriculture has faced some of its most tumultuous times in recent years, with sectors like livestock growing by up to R25 billion, while others have declined significantly. Dr John Purchase of the Agricultural Business Chamber reviews the role of agriculture in the local economy, and explains what it needs to do to become more competitive.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

The Bien Donné estate at Simondium provides a typical Western Cape Winelands backdrop for this annual expo, aimed at vineyard and orchard farmers. Bien Donné is all about the mechanisation of vineyards and orchards. The latest model New Holland Braud VL6060 grape harvester epitomises the extent to which a previously highly labour-intensive operation can now be handled by machines.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

Midlands herb farmers Linda and Derek Martin discovered that the demand for their culinary, medicinal and muti herbs took off after they established personal realtions with their clients - everyone from top chefs to traditional healers. Robyn Joubert reports.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

Grain SA Developing Grain Producer of the Year, Lepati Macaphasa, has made the jump to commercial farming. He told Annelie Coleman a successful farmer must love his work and stay clear of debt.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

By setting long-term breeding goals and with careful selection, aimed at exploiting the potential of the Dohne breed, Bobsey Hart has built a sheep enterprise with an enviable record. Cameron McMaster reports.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

With the European market saturated, South Africa needs to explore other export markets. Charles Hughes, chief executive officer of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, believes the Far East, and China in particular, present local producers with opportunities. He shared these insights at the recent Agri Outlook conference. Cornelia du Plooy reports.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

Jeffrey Skermand was crowned the Farmworker of the Year and has the important task of overseeing an innovative in-vineyard packing scheme on La Ferme Derik grape farm. Glenneis Erasmus finds out what makes Jeffrey a born leader.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

Last week, soil scientist Neil Miles discussed the role animals play in the nitrogen fertilisation of pasture. This week, he tells farmers how to get the most out of soil organic matter.

The first clinical trial investigating the health benefits of rooibos is under way in Cape Town. The first rooibos Science Café was held recently in the MTN Café in Canal Walk, Cape Town. A ccording to Dr Jeanine Marnewick, a senior researcher in the Antioxidant Research Group at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, speaking at the function, says there is significant evidence of the health benefits of rooibos in animals: from delaying the ageing process to fighting cancer.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007

The production of pure wool has declined so much in SA and Australia that processors fear long-term shortages. “The increase in wool prices over the last 16 months is (currency considerations apart) the direct result of this shortage, and is set to continue unless the availability of good Merino wool changes,” says John Lapersonne of SBL Wools in Port Elizabeth.
Issue Date: 30 November 2007