Farming Basics

Livestock health management has evolved over the decades to include disease prevention and growing farm revenue. The most effective health management strategies are those that include dipping, deworming, and vaccinating animals. Prof Cheryl McCrindle takes a closer look at these practices.

Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm’s uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.

Dr Nandipha Ndudane, president of the South African Veterinary Council, explains how you can help prevent diseases spreading from animals to humans, and vice versa.

Animals injured in a veld fire can be classed into three categories of severity, depending on the symptoms they display. Appropriate treatment should be given under the guidance of veterinarians.

Balancing a short- and a long-term payoff in crop farming requires careful consideration of inputs. Johann Pistorius, who farms maize and soya bean in the Nigel area, spoke to Lindi Botha about how he doubled his yield by reducing his inputs.

The symptoms of plant poisoning in livestock in South Africa can vary depending on the specific plant and type of toxin involved, writes Shane Brody.

Whether you’re a big or small producer, knowing how to grade your livestock is essential for the profitability of your business, writes Shane Brody.

As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the role of soil health in enhancing agricultural resilience cannot be overstated. Dr Hendrik Smith, conservation agriculture facilitator at ASSET Research, and Prof Gerhard du Preez, associate professor at North-West University, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the basics of soil health and how it can be improved.

People often perceive soil as a vast reservoir containing water, nutrients, microbes, and organic matter, assuming plants will simply draw upon these resources as required.

Research, genetic selection, machine learning and drones are being investigated as possible means to strengthen the fight against grapevine leafroll disease. Glenneis Kriel spoke to the experts.

Off-season farming activities are essential for a successful harvest, says Magda du Toit. She spoke to experts about the importance of soil management, pest control and other actions that producers should take between winter harvesting and summer planting.

Many communal farmers are not aware of prevailing market dynamics and livestock pricing structures, and this can cost them dearly when selling their animals, says Shane Brody.