Farming Basics

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

Syringa Tree

Syringa berries are highly toxic

Syringa berries are highly toxic to livestock as well as children and dogs, warns Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria. No specific treatment is available, so caution is...
How to inject your livestock properly

How to inject your livestock properly

Animal health is a cornerstone of successful farming, and at some point all livestock farmers need to inject their animals. Here are some valuable tips.
Good communication crucial for achieving profit

Good communication crucial for achieving profit

Farmers must spell out to workers what their duties are and regularly review their performance against set goals.
Home gardens: irrigate sensibly and economically

Home gardens: irrigate sensibly and economically

Most home vegetable gardens are irrigated incorrectly. Here’s how to get it right, says Bill Kerr.
Find the right market for your community

Find the right market for your community

It’s important to learn as much as you can about the marketing of livestock and other agricultural commodities.
Soya bean crop

The nitrogen replacement value of soya bean

Maize following this leguminous crop usually shows no nitrogen deficiency symptoms.
A more profitable way of running livestock

A more profitable way of running livestock

Breeding is not always the best way to make money in livestock farming. You might profit more by buying young animals and rounding them off.
Better cow management

What you need to know about better cow management

Rest and nutrition are both key to ensuring conception, good health and maximum profit.
Growing leeks in your garden

Growing leeks in your garden

No garden is complete without this underrated and versatile vegetable, says Bill Kerr.
Succession: are you and your farming business ready?

Succession: are you and your farming business ready?

Succession planning of the family farm is often taken for granted as the transition to the next generation is assumed to be an uncomplicated process. Little or no thought is...
Cattle branding

Cattle branding: how to get it right every time

If branding is carried out poorly, it can lead to infection, muscle damage, and brands that are difficult to read. Shane Brody explains how to ensure safe, effective branding.
Dealing with anthracnose

Dealing with anthracnose

This fungal disease can wipe out a dry bean crop. Here’s how to prevent, and treat, this problem.
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