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 of the Department of Food Science at the University of Pretoria.
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.
Smartphone apps – a clever weapon against intruders
With the development of new, customised technology, a smartphone can function as a highly effective crime prevention and safety device.
Estate Duty and Donations Tax increase
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 ordinarily resident but owned assets in South Africa at date of death.
Signs of a healthy dairy cow
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.
Tips on how to grow aloe
This plant yields juice and gel which are used for processing in the cosmetics industry.
Water availability: crucial to profitable livestock production
Fresh water is becoming an ever-scarcer resource. This places all forms of agriculture, including livestock farming, under increasing pressure, warns Shane Brody.
Getting the best out of beans
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 them.
Feeding cattle: learn the basics
When rounding off cattle for slaughter, you can either grow and mix feed on the farm or buy ready-mixed feed. If you have only a few animals, buying a mixed ration may be cheaper and more practical.
Diversifying your income with UK retirement investments
The repo rate in South Africa has been slashed from 6.75% to 6.5%. Typically, a decrease in interest rates causes house price growth, so it’s great news for the property market.
Waste management fundamentals
By law, you are required to store or dispose of waste responsibly. Failure to do so may result in a fine. More seriously, it harms the environment.
Learn how to grow carrots
So many home gardeners find it difficult to grow these vegetables, but there’s no need to give up on carrots, says Bill Kerr.
