Seasoned farmer’s tips on keeping livestock in shape
Herd health should focus on prevention rather than cure. Chris Nel spoke to Piet Wolmarans about his practical, down-to-earth animal health management programme based on solid scientific principles and four...
Counting the cost of your farm
Farm input costs include items such as feed, labour and machinery. The following general cost input terms are useful in calculating precisely how much your farm costs you to run.
Never compromise on shearing shed hygiene
Jan Louis Venter, production advisor for the National Wool Growers’ Association, discusses how farmers can prevent wool and mohair clip contamination.
The last harvest – guidelines to retiring
According to Stats SA, only 6% of South Africans can afford to retire comfortably, while retirement planning was highlighted as the biggest financial planning concern amongst commercial farmers in a...
Dealing with downer cows
With good preparation, this phenomenon can be prevented in communal areas, says Prof Cheryl McCrindle.
Groundnuts: a useful rotation crop
In South Africa, groundnuts are grown in the summer rainfall areas under irrigation or dryland conditions. Farmers with limited resources, particularly those in the northern and eastern parts of South...
Community of property or antenuptial? Which option is best
Many of us look forward to the day when the ‘question is popped’ and preparations for the big day begin. However deciding to get married entails far more than planning...
Better heifers, bigger profits
Heifers form the future of any beef cattle breeding concern, and should therefore be selected with care, says animal scientist, Danie Bosman. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about how to...
Can a trust be party to a contract?
(Standard Bank v Johannes Gerhardus Swanepoel NO [2015) ZASCA 71). Standard Bank provided an agricultural produce loan and a business cheque account to the Harne Trust represented by the trustee,...
Tips on growing Swiss chard
Dark green vegetables help strengthen bones and are generally excellent for health, especially in older people.
Growing apricots: a brief overview
A brief overview on cultivating this versatile fruit, which arrived in South Africa in the 17th century.
Beef cattle conformation basics
When performing a visual evaluation of the animal, note the following features in particular: frame size, muscle and body structure, and breed character.
