Farming Basics

Master farming basics with practical tips on crop growth, livestock care, irrigation, soil management, and effective farm operations.

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...

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...

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.

Watch out for epididymitis

This sexually transmitted disease could be the reason your lamb crop is smaller than expected. Roelof Bezuidenhout offers advice on prevention.

Some cattle fencing basics

At the start, it’s better to erect less fencing than what is indicated by the initial farm plan.

Using manure as fertiliser: Mistakes to avoid

Livestock manure is a popular form of fertiliser, particularly when budgets do not allow for commercial fertiliser. But Dr Gerhardus Nortjé, a senior lecturer at Unisa, says that because manure...

Basic chicken care

Chickens must be provided with a warm, dry sleeping area, and plenty of fresh, clean water.

Managing wireworm

A vaccine against wireworm has become a vital tool in helping to control the disease and thereby reduce contamination of pasture by the eggs of the parasite.

Irrigating your home garden

If you apply too much water, you’re in danger of leaching nitrogen out of reach of the plant roots, says vegetable expert Bill Kerr.
boer goats

Boer goat facts and figures

The Boer goat, which is bred primarily for meat, is farmed very effectively in combination with cattle due to its browsing ability and its limited impact on the grass cover.
ADVERTISEMENT

MUST READS

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT