How to keep livestock calm and stress-free

Over and above their physical needs, animals have emotional needs, and these are often overlooked. Stress in livestock should be avoided at all costs, Leon Kruger, a lecturer at the...

How to recognise the ticks plaguing your livestock

Prof Maxime Madder, Prof Ivan Horak and Dr Hein Stoltsz look at three important tick species in South Africa and their effects on livestock, and offer tips for farmers on how...

How to make a simple, sturdy plastic tunnel at minimal cost

Tunnels ensure faster growth and healthier plants. Bill Kerr explains how to construct a basic tunnel out of plastic sheeting draped over steel hoops. You’ll need a few basic tools...

Guard dogs: which breed is best?

Many experts will tell you that it’s essential to have a mixture of dog breeds on a farm. Some farmers, for example, have terriers that stay inside their houses at...

Get the basics right, and you’ll make a lot more money

To compete successfully against commercial farmers, communal farmers need to upgrade their infrastructure, manage grazing properly and implement proper health protocols, says Shane Brody.

Pest and disease control in pearl millet production

Chinch bugs, nematodes, mildew, seed rot, rust and other pests and diseases are all threats to pearl millet. Here’s how to deal with them.

How to choose a guard dog for your farm

When it comes to protecting your life and belongings, dogs can be highly valuable assets. But since there are hundreds of breeds out there, selecting the right one to guard...

All you need to know about three-day stiff sickness

While the mortality rate of three-day stiff sickness is usually less than 1%, morbidity is high, with most animals never reaching the same level of production after recovery.

How agri insurance can help protect your business

With more diversification comes more risk, says Andries Wiese, national business development manager and head of agri insurance at Hollard. Producers need to work on a risk management strategy tailored...

Marrying into a family agribusiness

It stands to reason that without marriages, family businesses cannot continue. But the integration of in-laws into the business introduces complex dynamics. Trevor Dickinson suggests ways in which new spouses...

Give your farm security a high-tech boost

Rural crime, including stock theft, can be fought or prevented by working together as a community and employing high-tech security systems. Willie Clack, vice-chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation,...

Biosecurity protocols to combat livestock diseases

Communal farmers need to work together to devise biosecurity protocols and make sure they apply to everyone. This is the only way to keep the communal herd free of diseases,...

The fascinating history of the Drakensberger

The Drakensberger has a centuries-old history, and was initially bred for pulling wagons and ploughs. However, it has since evolved into an efficient meat-producing animal.

How to grow okra in South Africa

Originating in Africa, okra is a popular vegetable cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm, temperate regions.

Obstacles to succession planning, and how to overcome them

It is critically important to address common problems before you get down to the business of succession planning. Addressing these challenges proactively and in a positive way will enhance a...

How to make money from egg production

Inflation is rising steeply, jobs are scarcer than ever, and food insecurity is an increasing problem in many communities. Now is the time to create small food enterprises, says Shane...

Providing high-quality feed for your animals

Good-quality feed is not cheap. Yet farmers should think twice before buying a substandard product and possibly compromising the productivity of their animals, say Dr Naudé Rossouw, director at Rossgro...

Treating seedy mohair

Seed contamination can result in a lower selling price for your mohair, even though mohair sells relatively well, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Call up your soil microbe army and win the battle for profit!

The return on investment for conventional farms has declined by an average of 1,4% per year in real terms since 1986. But every farmer has a microbe army that can...

Working together to control parasites in livestock

Communal farmers in an area should work as a team to implement parasite control protocols for their animals. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and, potentially, huge...

Farming Basics