Cultivating cleome
Also known as oorpeultjie, lerotho and mazonde, this herb is a rich source of nutrients, especially vitamins A and C and the minerals calcium and iron.
An app for every farming task
Mobile applications make life more convenient for farmers while enabling them to be more productive. Glenneis Kriel reports on a number of apps that are changing the way farms are run.
When performance fails to live up to breeding values
Discrepancies between estimated breeding values and livestock performance have led some farmers to doubt the accuracy of these values. They are, in fact, excellent indicators, but animals may not be able to reach their genetic potential.
Rebuilding a livestock enterprise after a drought
In this article, Dr Louis du Pisani, national manager for production advice and development at the National Wool Growers’ Association, explains how to carry out post-drought recovery and reconstruction of a livestock enterprise to achieve optimal, lasting results.
Don’t allow change to catch you napping
At times, new developments might seem to come like a bolt out of the blue. But if you keep up with trends, you’ll be forewarned of change and have time to adapt, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Plum production: an overview
Most plums are consumed fresh. The remainder are processed and used as canned or dried fruit.
Common cabbage diseases
Cabbage is vulnerable to several diseases. All can be controlled to a greater or lesser extent, but in some cases the only solution is to plant a resistant variety.
Preventing hybridisation to protect natural resources
Some farming enterprises, such as wild harvesting, require particular care to ensure long-term sustainability and protect the environment.
The basics of foot-and-mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease has drastically reduced South Africa beef exports, as importing countries buy animals and animal by-products only from FMD-free countries.
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 of RuVASA Dr Faffa Malan about how to maintain a healthy livestock enterprise.
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 be necessary.
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.
