Farming Basics

Administering a vaccine to your animals will cost you money. But not vaccinating them will cost you much more.

Most cattle sold through abattoirs are feedlotted. This article looks at the basics of feedlotting and how an operator can increase profit margins.

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...

Soil tillage, particularly primary tillage, is the foundation of every crop production system and the main cost factor in maize production.

Producers use breeding values to determine the long-term value of certain animals to their herds.

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.

An overview of eperythrozoonosis, Clostridium perfringens Type C, ascariosis and Glasser’s disease.

Recording the reproduction of your ewe flocks during each breeding season will help you identify potential fertility problems.

Recharge may be impeded by farming activities, leading to loss of topsoil and reduced water infiltration.

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.

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...

Enzootic abortion, brucellosis and other conditions can seriously reduce the lambing rate. It’s crucial to act swiftly to bring these diseases under control.

Fasciolosis, also known as liver fluke, occurs throughout South Africa, can cause many problems in cattle.

Overhead irrigation is commonly used for pasture irrigation, while drip irrigation can be used for feed crops such as maize.

With the development of new, customised technology, a smartphone can function as a highly effective crime prevention and safety device.

Estate Duty is a tax which is payable by every person who dies and who was ordinarily resident* in South Africa at the date of death or who was not...

To be profitable, a dairy herd must be in good shape. It’s therefore crucial to be able to recognise a healthy dairy cow, and know when things are not right.

This plant yields juice and gel which are used for processing in the cosmetics industry.

Fresh water is becoming an ever-scarcer resource. This places all forms of agriculture, including livestock farming, under increasing pressure, warns Shane Brody.

Beans are a versatile, easy-to-grow and highly productive vegetable. All of this makes them a handy crop for the home garden. Bill Kerr explains how to grow and care for...