Farming Basics

In South Africa, there are many toxic plants that can be fatal to livestock, or make them extremely ill.

Vegetable expert Bill Kerr takes us through the steps of planting a beetroot crop.

Toxic plants can cause disease and death in livestock, and must be vigorously controlled.

This crop is ideal for small-scale farmers, says veggie expert Bill Kerr.

A brief guide to sowing seed and planting seedlings in the correct way.

It is not good practice to plant the same crop on the same land year after year. Don’t plant any crop on a land more often than once every three...

Hand milking can be as hygienic as milking machines, and is more gentle to the udder. But precautions must be taken.

A borehole is an expensive investment. Good construction is therefore crucial. Here are some helpful tips from earth science and groundwater consultants, Umvoto Africa.

Corridor disease and turning sickness are the two most common forms of theileriosis found in South Africa.

Controlling this cactus can be hard work, cautions Roelof Bezuidenhout.

This is a large butterfly with a wingspan of 8cm (females are slightly bigger than males).

Bill Kerr takes us through ridging and harvesting.

Bill Kerr discusses fertilisation and pest control.

Anthrax is a highly contagious disease of domestic and wild animals that can also affect humans.

Small farmers in rural areas can make a profit selling potatoes directly to the community, says Bill Kerr.

Preventing exposure to disease in the first place is the fourth and final step in disease prevention.

Sometimes, your crops will be ‘allergic’ to certain chemicals, warns Paul Donovan.

Four main approaches are used to prevent disease in livestock.

A good crop scout can be a valuable asset to the farmer, says Paul Donovan.

Sows and boars should be paired only when they are about eight months old, even though they reach sexual maturity before this.