Dealing with Fusarium ear rot
The incidence of ear rot in South Africa’s maize-producing areas can vary greatly from year to year and from land to land within the same season.
The benefits of cover crops for CA smallholder farmers
A cover crop is a fundamental and sustainable tool used to manage various functions of soil health. It is defined as any type of plant grown to improve any number...
How to develop and manage a small beef cattle herd
Raising cattle properly requires money, land and skill. Do you have enough of each to enter this business? Equally importantly, do you have a genuine interest in cattle?
Animal health: Rabies
It is time once more for our annual warning about this deadly disease. Rabies can strike any warm-blooded animal and it is rightfully a feared zoonosis.
Compiling a fertilisation programme for a barley crop
As with any crop, fertilisation can be successful only when the minimum acidity requirements are met.
Understanding fodder flow
It’s crucial for livestock health and economic efficiency to bring herd size in line with the fodder production of the farm, so that sufficient quality dry matter is provided on...
Farm security: crucial tips to improve safety
Security advisor Henk Boshoff says that farmers should avoid becoming soft targets for potential farm attackers. He spoke to Gerhard Uys about making a farm and its surrounding communities safer.
Habitual abortions in goats
Habitual abortions can cause devastating financial losses, and culling will be required to bring it under control.
Rift Valley Fever in sheep and goats
Rift Valley Fever causes abortions and death of lambs, and can be fatal to humans. Vaccination is crucial.
How to cure your soil after years of nutrient depletion
Taking crops off the land without returning nutrients to the soil is called ‘mining’ the soil. If you do this for some years, your crops may grow slowly, have a...
Considering growing malting barley? Here’s a useful guide
Research programmes since 1991 have identified barley cultivars that ensure an economical, optimal yield and grain conforming to SAB Maltings’ quality specifications. This is an overview of the research.
The need for manure to be broken down
Suggested application rates for some common crops, including tomatoes and potatoes.
