What you need to know about better cow management
Rest and nutrition are both key to ensuring conception, good health and maximum profit.
Growing leeks in your garden
No garden is complete without this underrated and versatile vegetable, says Bill Kerr.
Succession: are you and your farming business ready?
Succession planning of the family farm is often taken for granted as the transition to the next generation is assumed to be an uncomplicated process. Little or no thought is...
Cattle branding: how to get it right every time
If branding is carried out poorly, it can lead to infection, muscle damage, and brands that are difficult to read. Shane Brody explains how to ensure safe, effective branding.
Dealing with anthracnose
This fungal disease can wipe out a dry bean crop. Here’s how to prevent, and treat, this problem.
Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act 70 of 1970
In South Africa, a testator or testatrix has the freedom to leave their assets to whoever they please. But certain statutory limitations affect the freedom of testation. One is the...
Vaccinate your animals: it’ll pay you in the long run
Administering a vaccine to your animals will cost you money. But not vaccinating them will cost you much more.
Growing out and fattening cattle in a feedlot
Most cattle sold through abattoirs are feedlotted. This article looks at the basics of feedlotting and how an operator can increase profit margins.
What butchers and abattoirs look for
To increase your profit, you need to know the age and body condition of your animals and what prices to expect from the markets. Remember, a heavier carcass may not...
Maize cultural practices
Soil tillage, particularly primary tillage, is the foundation of every crop production system and the main cost factor in maize production.
Learn about beef BLUP basics
Producers use breeding values to determine the long-term value of certain animals to their herds.
Enjoy the taste of fresh garden peas!
These days, most people opt for frozen peas for convenience. They don’t know what they’re missing, says Bill Kerr. Fresh peas are far tastier and sweeter.
Some bacterial and parasitical pig diseases to look out for
An overview of eperythrozoonosis, Clostridium perfringens Type C, ascariosis and Glasser’s disease.
How recording ewes reproduction boosts fertility
Recording the reproduction of your ewe flocks during each breeding season will help you identify potential fertility problems.
The basics of groundwater recharge
Recharge may be impeded by farming activities, leading to loss of topsoil and reduced water infiltration.
The basics of maize production
Also known as corn, maize was first domesticated in southern Mexico nearly 10 000 years ago. Many varieties have been bred to suit a range of conditions.
Ever considered sorghum?
Grain sorghum is not just for making soft porridge; it has many other uses. Climate change has sparked renewed interest in the crop in South Africa, says Prof John Taylor...
Dealing with abortions in sheep and goats
Enzootic abortion, brucellosis and other conditions can seriously reduce the lambing rate. It’s crucial to act swiftly to bring these diseases under control.
Dealing with liver fluke in cattle
Fasciolosis, also known as liver fluke, occurs throughout South Africa, can cause many problems in cattle.
The main types of irrigation
Overhead irrigation is commonly used for pasture irrigation, while drip irrigation can be used for feed crops such as maize.
