Farming Basics

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

Dealing with abortions in sheep and goats

Dealing with abortions in sheep and goats

Enzootic abortion, brucellosis and other conditions can seriously reduce the lambing rate. It’s crucial to act swiftly to bring these diseases under control.
F. hepatica’s tegument (skin) hepatica’s tegument (skin)

Dealing with liver fluke in cattle

Fasciolosis, also known as liver fluke, occurs throughout South Africa, can cause many problems in cattle.
Drip irrigation

The main types of irrigation

Overhead irrigation is commonly used for pasture irrigation, while drip irrigation can be used for feed crops such as maize.
Smartphone apps – a clever weapon against intruders

Smartphone apps – a clever weapon against intruders

With the development of new, customised technology, a smartphone can function as a highly effective crime prevention and safety device.
Estate Duty and Donations Tax increase

Estate Duty and Donations Tax increase

Estate Duty is a tax which is payable by every person who dies and who was ordinarily resident* in South Africa at the date of death or who was not...
Signs of a healthy dairy cow

Signs of a healthy dairy cow

To be profitable, a dairy herd must be in good shape. It’s therefore crucial to be able to recognise a healthy dairy cow, and know when things are not right.
Tips on how to grow aloe

Tips on how to grow aloe

This plant yields juice and gel which are used for processing in the cosmetics industry.
Water availability: crucial to profitable livestock production

Water availability: crucial to profitable livestock production

Fresh water is becoming an ever-scarcer resource. This places all forms of agriculture, including livestock farming, under increasing pressure, warns Shane Brody.
Getting the best out of beans

Getting the best out of beans

Beans are a versatile, easy-to-grow and highly productive vegetable. All of this makes them a handy crop for the home garden. Bill Kerr explains how to grow and care for...
Feeding cattle: the basics

Feeding cattle: learn the basics

When rounding off cattle for slaughter, you can either grow and mix feed on the farm or buy ready-mixed feed. If you have only a few animals, buying a mixed...
Diversifying your income with UK retirement investments

Diversifying your income with UK retirement investments

The repo rate in South Africa has been slashed from 6.75% to 6.5%. Typically, a decrease in interest rates causes house price growth, so it’s great news for the property...
Waste management fundamentals

Waste management fundamentals

By law, you are required to store or dispose of waste responsibly. Failure to do so may result in a fine. More seriously, it harms the environment.
ADVERTISEMENT

MUST READS

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT