Farming Basics

A cover crop is a fundamental and sustainable tool used to manage various functions of soil health. It is defined as any type of plant grown to improve any number of conditions associated with sustainable agriculture.

Raising cattle properly requires money, land and skill. Do you have enough of each to enter this business? Equally importantly, do you have a genuine interest in cattle?

It is time once more for our annual warning about this deadly disease. Rabies can strike any warm-blooded animal and it is rightfully a feared zoonosis.

As with any crop, fertilisation can be successful only when the minimum acidity requirements are met.

It’s crucial for livestock health and economic efficiency to bring herd size in line with the fodder production of the farm, so that sufficient quality dry matter is provided on an uninterrupted basis.

Security advisor Henk Boshoff says that farmers should avoid becoming soft targets for potential farm attackers. He spoke to Gerhard Uys about making a farm and its surrounding communities safer.

Habitual abortions can cause devastating financial losses, and culling will be required to bring it under control.

Rift Valley Fever causes abortions and death of lambs, and can be fatal to humans. Vaccination is crucial.

Taking crops off the land without returning nutrients to the soil is called ‘mining’ the soil. If you do this for some years, your crops may grow slowly, have a stunted appearance (small plants with thin stems and small leaves), have pale green or yellowish leaves, and produce a poor yield.

Research programmes since 1991 have identified barley cultivars that ensure an economical, optimal yield and grain conforming to SAB Maltings’ quality specifications. This is an overview of the research.

Suggested application rates for some common crops, including tomatoes and potatoes.

It’s easy to calculate the size of your plot. All it takes is a bit of patience and simple arithmetic. Here’s how to do it.

This infectious condition is one of the most common causes of abortion and death in sheep and goats.

Shepherd’s purse and sow thistle are weeds that are hard to eradicate once established, says Bill Kerr.

Before the introduction of chemical fertilisers, farmers all over the world, including those in South Africa, used manure to restore the fertility of their lands.

Whether you’re farming in the semi-desert or on pasture, you will benefit from having a practised eye, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Dealing with powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, aphids and other threats to your crop.

Livestock can suffer stress even during normal handling, increasing their susceptibility to a number of serious diseases.

Follow these useful tips on fertilising, irrigating, harvesting and storing your crop.

The Bonsmara is an outstanding beef breed, developed in South Africa.