A beginner’s guide to planting potatoes in South Africa
Potatoes are a high value crop that requires a well-thought-out production strategy. With high demands for moisture, fertiliser and crop protection, farmers considering this crop need to pay attention to...
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter...
Advice for aspiring farmers
Louis Steyl, CEO of Bonsmara SA, offers some advice to prospective farmers about how to go about setting up a cattle farm for future success, and stresses the importance of...
Soil health 101: a guide to sustainable production
Whether you’re growing winter crops or raising livestock, healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. Sheila Storey, co-founder and consultant at the Soil Health Support Centre, spoke to Glenneis...
Small-scale broiler production essentials and possible profits
Competing with ‘the big guys’ as a small-scale broiler farmer is possible if you keep the importance of fiscal discipline, cash flow, infrastructure, and biosecurity – among other factors –...
Protecting farmworkers from hazards in the field
On Workers' Day, 1 May 2025, Linda Piegl takes a look at how farmers and farmworkers can protect themselves while working in one of the most hazardous industries in the...
Breaking down the principles of regenerative farming
Jean Hugo, a post-graduate student at the Tshwane University of Technology, and Leon Hugo, author on environmental matters and former professor of geography at the University of Pretoria, write about...
Understanding the F94L gene in Limousin cattle
Limousin breeder Manjo Stiglingh and biomedical scientist Ilinde du Plessis explain the role of the F94L variant of the myostatin protein when crossbreeding with Limousin bulls, as well as the...
Phalaenopsis orchids: tips to help them survive and thrive
Orchid expert Jacques Botha spoke to Linda Piegl about how to nurture the Phalaenopsis orchid, which requires precise watering and needs to be kept in a temperature-controlled environment.
Managing farm debt: strategies for financial stability
While adverse conditions like droughts and market volatility cannot be controlled, debt can be managed. Cobus du Plessis advises farmers on how to approach debt during difficult financial times.
Understanding cannabis and hemp regulations in South Africa
South Africa’s cannabis and hemp regulations remain a topic of debate and uncertainty, particularly when it comes to commercial use and small-scale production. Cannabis experts Shaad Vayej and Trenton Birch...
Key farming tips to help new farmers succeed
Farming requires patience, resilience, and strategic planning. Duncan Serapelwane, owner of Moalosi Bonsmara, shares essential advice for emerging farmers, focusing on sustainability, budgeting, biosecurity, and leveraging nature for long-term success.
Tips for relieving heat stress in cattle
With rising global temperatures due to climate change, heat stress in livestock is a growing concern. Ranier van Heerden, Evonik’s business manager for ruminant solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, shared insights...
What farmers need to know about Oilseeds in crop
Oilseeds play a dual role on a crop farm, providing a valuable product and a mechanism for enhancing soil health and reducing input costs. Lindi Botha reports on the key...
Getting to grips with foot-and-mouth disease
There are numerous outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease still active in South Africa. This article takes a look at signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as the vaccine that...
Four key strategies to future-proof your farm
Volatile operating environments and consumer scrutiny are putting increased pressure on farming businesses. To navigate these challenges and stay the course, farmers must focus on four areas: succession planning, data...
Brucellosis: managing livestock health and protecting farmers
Brucellosis poses threats to animal and human health and has severe economic implications. Dr Didi Claassen, general manager of Afrivet Technical and Training Services, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about...
How to win the battle to control poultry mites
Preventing mite infestation is a constant struggle for poultry farmers, with the poultry red mite and scaly leg mite posing the greatest threats in South Africa. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports...
Bicarbonates: the silent crop killer
Irrigation water high in bicarbonates can wreak havoc on crops, causing soil compaction, blocking plants’ nutrient uptake and eventually killing them. Identifying and treating bicarbonates isn’t easy, but there are...
Best practices for grain farmers
Maize and wheat are the two most important staple foods in South Africa. With stable consumer demand of these grains and the continuous development of production techniques, Lindi Botha reports...
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