Farming Basics

This week we focus on sheep and goat farming, where genetic markers are now being used to select for production.

Knowing what type of farmer you are, which has nothing to do with what you produce – could mean the difference between success and failure.

Establishing a good relationship with your vet will pay off in the long run and in an emergency, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle.

Many pests are easily spotted or leave evidence of their presence, enabling us to identify and deal with them. Pests such as the mole cricket, however, are more difficult to...

Depending on the breed of chicken, most eggs are uniform in colour, ranging from white, pink and green, through to dark brown and blue.

This year has been designated the International Year of Soils by the United Nations, so it’s a fitting time to learn more about the properties of soil and how to...

The UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation suggests that if we could farm insects on a commercial scale, food insecurity in many developing nations would be a thing of the past.

Plans are underway to curb imports and revive the industry in South Africa.

Ulcerative balanoposthitis is a contagious disease that occurs in sheep.

Some basic precautions to keep you safe and your sprayer in good working order.

Understanding the make-up of soil is fundamental to achieving the best crop yield. The advent of a simple-to-use soil test kit has made this a great deal easier, says Paul...

As an animal health technician, your chief task will be to help look after farm animals, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle of the University of Pretoria.

There are a number of simple, relatively inexpensive changes farmers can implement to decrease their electricity usage. Prof Alan Brent of the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies at...

Ventilation control is one of the most important aspects in the planning and design of a piggery.

Backyard chickens can be a highly successful source of eggs and meat – as long as you look after them, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle.

The road to becoming a successful poultry farmer is littered with obstacles, but it is possible.

Parasitoids employ remarkable strategies to attack their hosts, many of which are crop pests. Paul Donovan looks at why these insects are allies of farmers.

Veterinary nurses assist veterinarians in caring for animals. Prof Cheryl McCrindle discusses how to enter this profession.

Fungicides are an effective weapon against fungal diseases. But care should be taken to apply them correctly, says Paul Donovan.

It’s very difficult to enter this field of study, but it can be extremely rewarding, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle.