Farming Basics

Many farmers have tried growing this crop but have given up due to germination problems. Fortunately, these can be overcome, says Bill Kerr.

Earthworms have been around for approximately 120 million years, and it’s fair to say that without them, the soil we farm would be a very different entity, says Paul Donovan.

It’s important to wean kids so ewes can regain the condition they lost during pregnancy and be ready to breed again.

When purchasing land for farming purposes, climatic factors such as hail and wind must be considered.

The upswing in the Mohair market has again got many farmers interested in Angora goats. But they should do their homework before venturing into this branch of smallstock farming, warns...

Rather than forming a tight bulb like the onion, the leek produces a long cylinder of bundled leaf sheaths. Bill Kerr takes us through the basics of growing this vegetable.

Rodents can cut into your profits – and spread disease. Paul Donovan discusses ways of preventing this from happening.

Spiders are regarded as apex predators in biopest control, but assassin bugs are jostling for an equal share of recognition, says Paul Donovan.

Deciding to sell the ol’ homestead is a tough call, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.

This highly contagious zoonotic disease of cattle continues to be of great concern, says Dr Sewellyn Davey, State Veterinarian, Western Cape.

Buying a farm in South Africa calls for careful consideration and in-depth investigation. The purchase of high-potential agricultural land is a costly affair which should be approached with sound knowledge...

Using anti-venom has its disadvantages, but in the right hands, and at the right time, it is life-saving.

Cotton stainers resemble assassin bugs and may be up to 2cm in length, with males being smaller than females.

Director at TG Kruger Real Estate, Rumpff Krüger, advises us what to consider when buying a farm.

Bill Kerr discusses factors to take into account when growing peas.

Genetic markers, selection and cross-breeding play a role in improving profitability in pigs, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.

A wide variety of cattle breeds are seen in South Africa today, says Theo Oosthuizen.

Selecting for disease and parasite resistance in cattle can help improve production, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.

The pests on sorghum are many and varied, from aphids, beetles and locusts to flies, grasshoppers and spider mites. Bio-control works well against many of these, notes Paul Donovan.

Water is an important nutrient in weaning piglets. Piglets have to drink 800ml per day as it improves digestibility, reduces diarrhoea and lowers down the pH in the gut.