Getting to know earthworms
More than 2 000 species of earthworm have been identified worldwide and there are 300 known species in South Africa.
Beware of these avocado diseases
Phytophthora root rot, stem canker, anthracnose and Cercospora spot are the diseases most likely to attack avocado trees in South Africa.
Growing cucumbers
Cucumbers make an excellent and refreshing addition to salads, especially during summer months. So why not grow your own?
The importance of breeding seasons and good male genetics
Two factors are crucial to successful livestock production: choosing the right rams or bulls, and planning breeding so that offspring are born at the optimal time of the year.
Health and safety do’s and don’ts for farmers
Navigating your way through the numerous rules and regulations of workplace health and safety can seem a daunting prospect, but labour consultants are there to guide you. Jeandré van der...
Soil management basics
Erosion is a symptom of poor soil management and a cue to assess and modify your grazing practices.
Livestock marketing tips
Informal sales may be a convenient way to improve cash flow in the short term, but they make it difficult to budget, and you won’t be able to take advantage...
Game handling basics
Providing feed and water for game animals can be challenging, as some methods may cause injury. Here are some helpful tips for setting up feed and water troughs, as well...
The building blocks of irrigation scheduling
Having a top-quality irrigation system is all very well, but without accurate irrigation scheduling you will never achieve optimal results, says irrigation expert and agronomist Robbie Childs.
Soil health: farming with nature, guided by science
Changing to a healthier production system may pose new challenges, but is worthwhile in the long run. Glenneis Kriel spoke to a number of influencers and pioneers about making the...
The Meatmaster: locally developed for low input costs
This composite breed, with its predominantly Damara genetics, is hardy and highly functional.
How to keep the family business in business
Very few family farming operations transition effortlessly from one generation to another. The process requires careful planning, hard work and a lot of patience. Annelie Coleman spoke to several experts...
Budgeting basics: Every successful farm has one
A comprehensive and all-inclusive budget is critical to the success of any production operation, according to Anche Suurd, an agricultural economist at NWK. Without this basic financial tool, it is...
Using allelopathy in a weed management strategy
Cover crop residue leaches allelochemicals, which help control weeds. But to achieve good, prolonged results, you will still need to implement effective weed control.
All about the Namaqua Afrikaner
This long-legged breed has a smooth, white hair coat with a black or red head.
Breeding seasons in summer rainfall areas
The following guidelines and recommendations for cattle breeding seasons are applicable to a summer rainfall region and should be adapted accordingly for a winter rainfall region.
The basics of wheat
Wheat is an important grain crop in South Africa, ranking second after maize in terms of area planted and production. This article explores the structure and growth of the wheat...
Look after those earthworms!
Earthworms play a crucial role in improving soil quality, and every farmer should try to maintain a healthy population of these remarkable creatures.
Planning for precision irrigation
Precision irrigation requires a system designed with all your resources and production goals in mind, with the aim of ensuring optimal production.
Stress in cattle
As part of an animal’s stress response, its body releases cortisol, a hormone that provides energy to help the animal escape the stressor. If the stress persists, however, the animal’s...
