Farming Basics

Master farming basics with practical tips on crop growth, livestock care, irrigation, soil management, and effective farm operations.

Farm dams

Water management: rainwater harvesting and better storage

The message is clear: in terms of both quantity and quality, water is a declining resource, and dedicated management is required to make the most out of every drop. Dr...
NASA plant physiologist Ray Wheeler checks onions being grown using hydroponic techniques.

Getting started with hydroponics

This new series will outline the basics of growing nutritious vegetables without the use of soil.
Balloon vine

Know your invasive species

This article looks at the beefwood, balloon vine and other species that, by law, have to be controlled or eradicated.
Vital tips for stepping up security on your farm

Vital tips for stepping up security on your farm

Despite being continually under the spotlight, rural crime in South Africa continues to plague farmers. Some respond by leaving the sector; others struggle on after having lost property or even...
Brucellosis can bankrupt you. Don't let it!

How to manage brucellosis on your farm – tips from top vets

A widespread problem in sub-Saharan Africa, bovine brucellosis can cripple a cattle or dairy farming operation. As no cure is available, all infected animals are required by law to be...
Treating internal parasites in sheep

Treating internal parasites in sheep

Intestinal worms are a serious problem for communal farmers, and community management protocols have therefore become increasingly important.
Keep earthworms to improve soil quality

Keep earthworms to improve soil quality

Earthworms play a crucial role in improving soil quality, and every farmer should try to maintain a healthy population of these remarkable creatures.
Get intercropping right to achieve the highest yield

Get intercropping right to achieve the highest yield

Careful plant selection and good process management will help ensure success.
Include your spouse in your will – for your kids’ sake

Include your spouse in your will – for your kids’ sake

For many people, the yearning to spite their spouses by excluding them from their wills is irresistible. They see this as a way this as a way of settling long-standing...
A testator's last wishes - what to expect

A testator’s last wish – what to expect

When drafting a will, the focus is often only on compliance with the formalities of drafting it, and sometimes we fail to consider the practical aspects involved.
The importance of having a well-drafted and valid will

The importance of having a well-drafted, valid will

A will is a legal document that contains the free and independent wishes of the testator regarding the distribution of the assets in his or her estate at the time...
Growing tomatoes: know the varieties

Growing tomatoes: know the varieties

Tomatoes are an important part of our diet, as well as being highly nutritious. Bill Kerr tells us more about this versatile fruit, and the varieties that are most suitable...
Nguni hide

Make money from cattle hides

Selling hides can add to your overall profit margin, so it pays to protect them.
Syringa Tree

Syringa berries are highly toxic

Syringa berries are highly toxic to livestock as well as children and dogs, warns Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria. No specific treatment is available, so caution is...
How to inject your livestock properly

How to inject your livestock properly

Animal health is a cornerstone of successful farming, and at some point all livestock farmers need to inject their animals. Here are some valuable tips.
Good communication crucial for achieving profit

Good communication crucial for achieving profit

Farmers must spell out to workers what their duties are and regularly review their performance against set goals.
Home gardens: irrigate sensibly and economically

Home gardens: irrigate sensibly and economically

Most home vegetable gardens are irrigated incorrectly. Here’s how to get it right, says Bill Kerr.
Find the right market for your community

Find the right market for your community

It’s important to learn as much as you can about the marketing of livestock and other agricultural commodities.
Soya bean crop

The nitrogen replacement value of soya bean

Maize following this leguminous crop usually shows no nitrogen deficiency symptoms.
A more profitable way of running livestock

A more profitable way of running livestock

Breeding is not always the best way to make money in livestock farming. You might profit more by buying young animals and rounding them off.
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