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.
A drought action plan for livestock farmers
Drought seems to have become a permanent part of Southern Africa’s weather patterns, but many farmers are still caught unaware, and suffer accordingly.
The basics of the Suffolk breed
This breed matures early, producing meat with a high ratio of lean meat to fat. This makes it an attractive proposition to the modern consumer.
Harnessing the traits of the resilient Nguni
Ngunis have excellent breeding potential, renowned resistance to tick-borne livestock diseases, and outstanding maternal ability. But feedlots often offer unattractive prices for them. Crossbreeding may solve the problem.
Legal advice on fighting false labour tenancy claims
Based on his extensive experience in representing mostly KwaZulu-Natal landowners in labour tenancy claims lodged against them, attorney Rob McCarthy of McCarthy and Associates believes the process is inherently biased...
Wind farms: a massive opportunity for SA’s farmers
Fickle power supply and ever-increasing tariffs are spurring South Africa’s agriculture sector to look at alternative sources of electricity. Jacobus Treurnich, the land rights manager of G7 Renewable Energies, spoke...
Water problems: why SA’s farmers face multiple risks
There are many signs that both the supply and quality of water in South Africa are likely to decrease. This poses a host of challenges for the country’s farmers.
