Want easier, better farming? Add humus and earthworms
The commercial vermicasts sold to farmers and gardeners are an excellent fertiliser, but very expensive. Earthworms give us this for free exactly where it is needed. They also provide many...
Choose the right hydroponics system for your operation
There are a number of farming systems available to producers that involve the growing of plants in water. Magda du Toit looks at the fundamentals of these methods, as well as...
Why humidity is crucial in climate control
By manipulating environmental conditions, and paying equal attention to temperature and humidity, greenhouse growers can improve the quality of their crops and maximise yields.
Growing your own livestock feed
With a little planning and a lot of care, you can cultivate your own grazing pastures that will feed your livestock for a number of years. In this way, you’ll...
Compost problems, and how to fix them
A poorly managed compost pile will take a long time to decompose. Here are the signs of trouble to look out for.
Know your cattle: Angus
The Angus breed was first bred in Scotland in the 1700s. the high quality of its beef was important right from the start. the first importation of angus into South...
Animal health: putting together a first-aid kit for livestock
Any animal can suffer a sudden traumatic injury or other medical emergency. In this first part of a four-part series, Prof Cheryl McCrindle, a practising veterinarian and professor at the...
Are you a ‘people-pleaser’ or an ‘injustice collector’?
‘People-pleasers’ and ‘injustice collectors’ tend to suffer from the same basic problem: a lack of self-esteem. Trevor Dickinson explains these different personality types and how they fit into the larger...
Assessing veld condition
Taking a good look at every camp on your farm will reveal if your veld management system is on the right track, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
The value of pollinators for seed production
In a study to provide a global estimate of the importance of pollinators for plants in natural ecosystems, researchers from Stellenbosch University, led by Dr James Rodger, a postdoctoral fellow...
Papaya diseases and viruses
Diseases and viruses of papayas include damping off, powdery mildew, black spot and root rot. All can be treated or prevented.
How to earn more from hides and skins
When an animal is slaughtered on the farm, the skin should be salted immediately. Many farmers don’t bother to do this, thinking the cost of the salt is more than...
Controlling sexually transmitted diseases in cattle
Wandering cattle from unknown places and of unknown health status can wreak havoc in communal herds if animals from the two groups mate with each other, says Shane Brody.
How ticks can harm animals
Ticks are external parasites that live on the skin or the fleece of livestock. It’s important to know about their effects on your animals.
Sheep selection: the basics
Before selecting sheep, decide on your breeding goals and which type of sheep will adapt best to your conditions and provide maximum income.
Grasping the economics around succession
A critical juncture in the life of the family agribusiness is the transition from one generation to the next. One of the reasons for this, explains Trevor Dickinson, is that the...
Water-wise plants for your garden
Many South African gardens contain exotic species that originate from regions with far higher rainfall than occurs here. As a result, gardeners have to water them frequently. The answer? Beautiful...
A herd health and production management plan
Dr Danie Odendaal, director of the Veterinarian Network, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about what to consider when drawing up a herd health and production management plan for sheep and cattle....
The value of informal record-keeping
If you record your production and general farming notes in a diary, you’ll have ready access to a wealth of information in a few years, says Bill Kerr.
Using common sense to be successful
It takes time and effort to know how to control pests and fertilise crops. There is no simple one-size-fits-all solution, says Bill Kerr.
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