Redwater (Tick-borne disease)
Redwater is a disease affecting cattle and is transmitted by infected blue ticks occuring in the higher rainfall regions of South Africa, such as the Western and Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Bluetongue (Midge-borne disease)
“Bluetongue is transmitted by the Culicoides midge, which breeds in moist, warm conditions,” says Dr Leask.
Careful with those licks!
Indiscriminate use of licks can do more harm than good, cautions Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Starting with tomatoes – Part 1
This is an expensive crop to grow, so do your homework before you start, cautions Bill Kerr.
Dealing with fig pests and diseases
SA’s fig-growing industry, although relatively small, produces a significant harvest for export. Here are useful tips to treat diseases and pests on this plant.
Get the grazing right!
Roelof Bezuidenhout discusses the main grazing system types, from fodder banks to controlled selective grazing.
Milkweed bug: a seed-eating nuisance
This is a medium-sized (1,5cm long) red and black insect with long antennae. The eyes are large and bulging.
Fixing the veld
Which grazing system is the best? It’s a question that evokes much debate, but the answer is really quite simple, suggests Roelof Bezuidenhout.
About pyrethrum
This is a handy biodegradable organic insecticide you can make yourself, says Paul Donovan.
Taking the eina out of EIAs
In addition to proper plans, building may require an environmental impact assessment, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Beetroot for beginners: pests and diseases
Vegetable expert Bill Kerr explains how to deal with pests and diseases, and discusses two popular beetroot cultivars.
Yes, you do need building plans
Building is expensive, so it pays to spend a bit more to get proper plans approved.
Signs of plant toxicity
In South Africa, there are many toxic plants that can be fatal to livestock, or make them extremely ill.
Beetroot for beginners – Part 2
Vegetable expert Bill Kerr takes us through the steps of planting a beetroot crop.
When the veld turns toxic
Toxic plants can cause disease and death in livestock, and must be vigorously controlled.
Beetroot for beginners (1)
This crop is ideal for small-scale farmers, says veggie expert Bill Kerr.
Getting your crop into the ground
A brief guide to sowing seed and planting seedlings in the correct way.
Crop rotation basics explained
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 years.
Hand milking: how to keep it hygienic
Hand milking can be as hygienic as milking machines, and is more gentle to the udder. But precautions must be taken.
Constructing a borehole, a step-by-step guide
A borehole is an expensive investment. Good construction is therefore crucial. Here are some helpful tips from earth science and groundwater consultants, Umvoto Africa.
