Farming Basics

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

Understanding herbicides – Part 1

Herbicides were developed in the 1940s. Here is a brief overview of their history and how they work.
Enforcing a disciplinary code in the workplace

Enforcing a disciplinary code in the workplace

Employers must take great care to deal with workplace misconduct according to the set procedures.
Hoof management guidelines

Hoof management guidelines

Although an animal with hoof problems may be able to function normally, malformed hooves can have an impact on production and performance. Annelie Coleman spoke to cattle farrier and hoof specialist, Johan Combrink, about problems encountered and how to deal with these.
Bacterial cells of Staphylococcus aureus,

Good vaccination practices

According to the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa, vaccination is crucial in preventing illness in animals.
What are the objects of your business plan?

What are the objectives of your business plan?

The objectives outlined in your business plan must be realistic and achievable, with the strengths and weaknesses properly identified and analysed.
Follow these steps when drafting a business plan

Follow these steps when drafting a business plan

A business plan will help you access funding and serve as a working document to guide your managerial decisions. But, before you write up that plan, do your research properly!
How to catch a stock thief

How to catch a stock thief

Every animal is unique, and stock handling can leave distinct marks on individual animals. These two facts can be used by law enforcement officers to prosecute stock thieves effectively. Gerhard Uys spoke to expert witness Mort Mortassagne.
The importance of a business plan

The importance of a business plan for farming

You wouldn’t drive a car without a steering wheel. So why run a farm without a business plan?
Advice on growing pecan nuts

Advice on growing pecan nuts

There are a number of factors that should be taken into account before planting pecan nut trees.
Employee incapacity in the workplace

Employee incapacity in the workplace

Few employers can afford to employ staff members who are unable to perform their duties to their full capacity.
Beef cattle herd: getting the infrastructure right

Beef cattle farming: get the infrastructure right

Ensure that you have the right facilities: a crush pen, a neck clamp and a squeeze chute.
Beware of Congo fever!

Beware of Congo fever!

Spread by ticks, Congo fever can be fatal for humans if left untreated.
Tips on selecting heifers

Tips on selecting heifers

Correct selection is crucial for a high reproduction rate, high weaning weight and low calf mortality in a beef cattle herd, says the ARC’s Leslie Bergh.
learn how to brix it

Learn how to Brix it

This unit of measurement is invaluable for both crop farmers and livestock producers.
Dealing with Gibberella ear rot

Dealing with Gibberella ear rot

Also known as red ear rot, this disease appears to be on the increase in South Africa’s maize-producing areas.
Growing pepper: simple steps to follow

Growing pepper: simple steps to follow

Pepper is a tropical plant that prefers hot, humid areas such as the Lowveld and the northern coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
Feeding dairy cows roughage

Feeding dairy cows roughage

Before putting together a feeding schedule, confirm the properties of the available feed.
Buy cattle from a reputable breeder

Buy cattle from a reputable breeder

There are many sources of good cattle, both registered (stud) and commercial. It is best to purchase from a successful and reputable breeder who sells only sound cattle as breeding stock; this person will be happy to give you advice.
Barley: insect and fungal control, regulation and irrigation

Barley: insect and fungal control, regulation and irrigation

Barley is highly sensitive to competition from weeds, especially in the initial stages. Early control measures will therefore enhance yield potential.

Dealing with Fusarium ear rot

The incidence of ear rot in South Africa’s maize-producing areas can vary greatly from year to year and from land to land within the same season.
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