Farming Basics

Master farming basics with practical tips on crop growth, livestock care, irrigation, soil management, and effective farm operations.

Animal health: about theileriosis

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

Imbricate cactus: the devil to destroy

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

Know your crop pests: Citrus swallowtail

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

Getting started with potatoes – Part 3

Bill Kerr takes us through ridging and harvesting.

Getting started with potatoes – Part 2

Bill Kerr discusses fertilisation and pest control.

About anthrax

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

Getting started with potatoes -Part 1

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

Dealing with disease – Part 2

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

About phytotoxicity

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

Dealing with disease – 1

Four main approaches are used to prevent disease in livestock.

Get a crop scout to check your lands

A good crop scout can be a valuable asset to the farmer, says Paul Donovan.
Sows on heat: all you need to know

Sows on heat: guidelines to follow

Sows and boars should be paired only when they are about eight months old, even though they reach sexual maturity before this.
5 signs your cattle are on heat

5 signs your cattle are on heat

For the most profitable results, get to know the basics of cattle reproduction and herd management.

Know your crop pests: Red scale

Red scale, a sap-sucking insect, is one of the most disruptive pests in the citrus industry.
Starting with pumpkins – Part 3

Starting with pumpkins – Part 3

If a few simple precautions are taken, this crop is easy to grow, explains Bill Kerr.
when your sheep are on heat

When your sheep are on heat

Reproductive potential can be impaired if ewes are used for breeding too early.
Feeding replacement dairy heifers up to first calving

Feeding replacement dairy heifers up to first calving

Heifers must come into production as soon as possible, but care must be taken to prevent them from getting fat.
Starting with pumpkins – Part 2

Starting with pumpkins – Part 2

Having attended to land preparation, the next consideration is which pumpkin variety to choose.

Small-scale farmers – preparing for unity

Small-scale farmers have a role to play in the modern economy, but they must first get their act together.
Starting with pumpkins - Part 1

Starting with pumpkins – Part 1

Get the basics right for pumpkin production: start with a soil analysis, and then use cattle and poultry manure, says Bill Kerr.
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