Using draft animals to plough the fields
Animal draft power still has an important role to play in agricultural development, says Bruce Joubert.
The advantages of liming
There are many advantages to using lime. It neutralises acid soil and rectifies the pH so that the highest yield can be obtained.
Protect your cattle against brucellosis
All involved with cattle farming and milk processing must work together to control and eradicate this disease.
Advice on how to mark your livestock
Marking your livestock proves ownership, and it's part of the record keeping that's essential if your farming enterprise is to survive and do well.
Cleaning your borehole
Regularly checking for tree roots that grow into a borehole, usually just above the water level but as far down as 15m, can save you a lot of trouble.
How snakes can help farmers
Most people know about the destructive effect of insects on crops, but rodents can be equally destructive. This is where snakes enter the picture, says Paul Donovan.
Get the best value from your abattoir
A misunderstanding about how prices are determined can leave a farmer seething at the abattoir. Here are some guidelines from Estelle van Reenen of Sparta Beef in Welkom, where 700 to 1 100 animals are slaughtered daily.
Valuing irrigation lands on a farm
The value of irrigation land is based on type, soil, distance from water source and orientation.
Safe slaughtering
The formal red meat sector is structured and organised in such a manner that the consumer is guaranteed a good product.
Getting flood irrigation right
Although this is a simple form of irrigation said to be ideal for smallholders, it’s actually a lot more difficult to get flood irrigation right than drip irrigation or the various sprinkler systems, writes Bill Kerr.
When to water your plants
Whether you’re starting a new garden from scratch, or have an existing one, always look for ways to save water.
Preparing the soil for litchi production
If your soil is suitable for litchi production, it must be prepared well in advance.
What is lumpy-skin disease?
Lumpy-skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle typically characterised by nodules or lumps on the skin.
Maintenance for energy efficiency
Regular maintenance of systems is key to a profitable farm. Such maintenance should aim to ensure that all systems run as efficiently as possible at all times.
How to apply mulch
Mulch is nature’s way of preventing water loss and helping plants grow strong and healthy. We look at mulch application.
Dealing with diseases in goats
As livestock farming becomes more intensive, greater health problems will inevitably occur, increasing animal health costs on farms, warns Johan Steyn from Boer Goats SA.
Water rights, what you should know
The Water Act serves to protect, conserve and control the resource for the benefit of the country.
The basics of Johne’s disease
Also called paratuberculosis, this is a contagious, chronic and sometimes fatal infection that affects cattle, sheep, goats and certain game species.
