Growing a pecan tree in your garden
Pecans are not only delicious; they are amongst the healthiest nuts available, says vegetable specialist Bill Kerr.
The advantages of sweet thorn
The sweet thorn tree has been appearing in increasing numbers. Yet this ‘invader’ should be welcomed by farmers, as it provides year-round feed and shelter, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Assessing grazing capacity
The number of grazing camps on a farm should be weighed against the escalating cost of fencing material, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Basic chicken care: how to breed and feed
This article examines how to breed and feed chickens properly, as well as how to maintain good hygiene in order to keep the birds healthy and productive.
Preparing a good seedbed for tomatoes
Tomato seedlings grow best in a well-drained seedbed under full sun and protected from strong wind. Irrigation should be frequent but light.
The basics of the Persian breed
This indigenous fat-rumped meat breed does well in arid semi-desert, savanna bushveld and coastal spekboom veld. The lambs mature early.
Controlling fleabane in wheat and maize
This winter weed is widespread throughout Southern Africa. It has small seeds and is a shallow germinator.
An animal health plan for the year from Dr Faffa Malan
Keeping sheep and cattle in top shape requires careful management and a balancing act between eliminating vectors and avoiding resistance build-up to medication. Lindi Botha spoke to veterinarian and MD...
Tomato pests to look out for
This crop is targeted by a wide range of pests. Infestation will vary from place to place, and from season to season, but some form of pest control will invariably...
When your child returns to the farm
Roelof Bezuidenhout, who farmed with his father for 20 years, explores what is needed for a healthy and productive parent-child partnership.
Watch out for epididymitis
This sexually transmitted disease could be the reason your lamb crop is smaller than expected. Roelof Bezuidenhout offers advice on prevention.
Some cattle fencing basics
At the start, it’s better to erect less fencing than what is indicated by the initial farm plan.
Using manure as fertiliser: Mistakes to avoid
Livestock manure is a popular form of fertiliser, particularly when budgets do not allow for commercial fertiliser. But Dr Gerhardus Nortjé, a senior lecturer at Unisa, says that because manure...
Basic chicken care
Chickens must be provided with a warm, dry sleeping area, and plenty of fresh, clean water.
Managing wireworm
A vaccine against wireworm has become a vital tool in helping to control the disease and thereby reduce contamination of pasture by the eggs of the parasite.
Irrigating your home garden
If you apply too much water, you’re in danger of leaching nitrogen out of reach of the plant roots, says vegetable expert Bill Kerr.
Boer goat facts and figures
The Boer goat, which is bred primarily for meat, is farmed very effectively in combination with cattle due to its browsing ability and its limited impact on the grass cover.
Advice on how to start a broiler business
Chicken farming is the only type of animal production that can provide an income in the short as well as the long term.
Tips for running a farm’s finances in tough times
Unfavourable climatic conditions, poor commodity prices and rising production costs are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to stay productive and run profitable enterprises on their farms. Glenneis Kriel asked...
Learn about the SA Mutton Merino sheep breed
This locally developed, dual-purpose meat and white wool breed thrives in semi-arid regions.
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