Sharing information on nematode studies will have mutual benefits
At the 25th Nematological Society of Southern Africa Symposium in Mpumalanga, Hans Helder, associate professor at the Laboratory of Nematology at Wageningen University & Research, highlighted soil health and how...
How to use insurance as a tool for success
Farming is a risky business that’s not for the faint-hearted, says Paul du Plessis, manager of Hollard Agri. He adds that although we are made to toil the earth and...
Building strong biosecurity protocols in communal livestock farming
A proper biosecurity strategy should be in every South African farmer’s toolkit, and Dr Sello Maboe, veterinary services manager at Ceva Animal Health in Midrand, Gauteng, believes it is the...
How winning livestock shows can boost an animal’s value
Genetics, performance data, and breeding values are powerful tools for marketing animals, but a championship show title carries a lot of weight, often translating into tangible price premiums and stronger...
A five-point-check system for smart parasite control in livestock
In the 1990s, three South African vets developed FAMACHA, a tool that has since evolved into the Five Point Check to help livestock farmers fight parasite resistance in their animals....
Orizon helps farmers make the move to regenerative agriculture
Regenerative agriculture offers a strategic alternative to input-heavy conventional farming. It is a biologically driven, systems-based approach that rebuilds soil health and functioning to support long-term productivity, profitability, and environmental...
Bloodlines, training, and trust: the story of a top sheepdog
At this year’s South African Sheepdog Association Nampo Cape exhibition, dogs herded with precision, reflecting years of training, trust, and patience. Jurie van der Vyver, owner of border collie Cap,...
How biotech crops are created
Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on how biotechnology has revolutionised agriculture, offering innovative solutions to challenges such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and food security.
Unusual plants with strange names and how to grow them
From living stones to wandering dudes, Linda Piegl looks at strangely named plants and how to grow them in your garden.
How to set up a small-scale hydroponic vegetable farm
Hydroponic production offers an alternative for small-scale vegetable growers who without access to arable land or sufficient space. While upfront costs tend to be high, hydroponic farming can be a...
Some handy on-farm water saving tips
With climate change intensifying the risk of droughts, and urban development putting pressure on already scarce water supplies, farmers are under increasing pressure to make every drop count.
Getting started with lettuce
Lettuce has a relatively short growth cycle and can be harvested multiple times a year, providing farmers with a consistent income stream. However, successful production depends on careful cultivar selection,...
Rabbit farming on the rise in South Africa
Rabbit farming is gaining traction in South Africa. Farmer Daisy Moleko spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the breeds, biosecurity, and market access opportunities driving growth in this niche livestock...
A drought-proofing how-to for South African farmers
As droughts become more frequent and severe across South Africa, farmers are under increasing pressure to adapt their practices to protect their livelihoods.
The role of cover crops in regenerative farming
As global human populations surge and climate volatility intensifies, the pressure on South Africa’s agriculture sector continues to mount. The demand for more food, produced more sustainably, has never been...
Feeding garden birds to help them survive the winter
During the warmer months, birds have access to plentiful seeds, fruit, and insects, so supplementary feeding is unnecessary. It’s also an important time for fledglings to learn how to forage....
What makes good feed … good?
Feed quality is influenced by many factors. Magda du Toit spoke to feed manufacturers to find out how they ensure quality, from the handling and storage of raw materials to...
Bonsai: combining horticulture with artistic expression
Bonsai, the traditional Japanese art form of cultivating miniature trees in containers, involves the careful pruning, pinching, and wiring of trees to train them into various shapes.
Renewed interest in egg yolk antibodies
It is well known that feeding newborn mammals sufficient volumes of good-quality colostrum in the first hours after birth sets them up for a productive life. This is especially true...
Growing cannabis legally: what farmers need to know
South Africa’s cannabis industry faces regulatory challenges, with medical cannabis and industrial hemp as the only legal cultivation routes. Trenton Birch, co-founder and CEO of Cheeba Africa, spoke to Octavia...
