Renewed interest in egg yolk antibodies
It is well known that feeding newborn mammals sufficient volumes of good-quality colostrum in the first hours after birth sets them up for a productive life. This is especially true...
Growing cannabis legally: what farmers need to know
South Africa’s cannabis industry faces regulatory challenges, with medical cannabis and industrial hemp as the only legal cultivation routes. Trenton Birch, co-founder and CEO of Cheeba Africa, spoke to Octavia...
Conserve water and reduce costs with DIY irrigation
Instead of farmers incurring huge costs to install drain fields, French drains, or septic tanks in areas without municipal infrastructure, they can create their own multipurpose irrigation systems, says Shane...
Growing onions as a market gardener or small-scale producer
When choosing which vegetables to plant, factors like demand, shelf life, and pest resistance should be considered. Shane Brody says onions are a good option in this regard, and explains...
Getting started with dry beans
Dry beans are highly water efficient, making them an ideal crop for drier production areas. They are advantageous in crop rotation systems, helping to reduce input costs and manage risk.
Swiss chard: a simple crop for large and small scale farmers
Growing Swiss chard is simple, making it an easy crop for new and small-scale farmers. With its ability to withstand cooler temperatures, it can be cultivated across South Africa.
Choosing the right cultivar for profitable potato production
Before planting, it is essential to consider the market, as well as climatic and overall farming conditions. South Africa has over 80 potato cultivars available, although commercial producers primary focus...
Get your cattle through winter with these strategies
The challenges facing small-scale farmers during winter are significant, and there seems to be very little government support for these farmers. Cattle farming plays an important role in South Africa’s...
A beginner’s guide to planting potatoes in South Africa
Potatoes are a high value crop that requires a well-thought-out production strategy. With high demands for moisture, fertiliser and crop protection, farmers considering this crop need to pay attention to...
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter...
Advice for aspiring farmers
Louis Steyl, CEO of Bonsmara SA, offers some advice to prospective farmers about how to go about setting up a cattle farm for future success, and stresses the importance of...
Soil health 101: a guide to sustainable production
Whether you’re growing winter crops or raising livestock, healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. Sheila Storey, co-founder and consultant at the Soil Health Support Centre, spoke to Glenneis...
