The importance of knowing how to grade slaughter livestock
Whether you’re a big or small producer, knowing how to grade your livestock is essential for the profitability of your business, writes Shane Brody.
The importance of soil health in sustainable agriculture
As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the role of soil health in enhancing agricultural resilience cannot be overstated. Dr Hendrik Smith, conservation agriculture facilitator at ASSET Research,...
Understand soil and plant interactions for improved crop efficiency
People often perceive soil as a vast reservoir containing water, nutrients, microbes, and organic matter, assuming plants will simply draw upon these resources as required.
New weapons in the fight against grapevine leafroll disease
Research, genetic selection, machine learning and drones are being investigated as possible means to strengthen the fight against grapevine leafroll disease. Glenneis Kriel spoke to the experts.
Off-season activities: importance of planning and management
Off-season farming activities are essential for a successful harvest, says Magda du Toit. She spoke to experts about the importance of soil management, pest control and other actions that producers...
Understand livestock pricing structures to avoid financial losses
Many communal farmers are not aware of prevailing market dynamics and livestock pricing structures, and this can cost them dearly when selling their animals, says Shane Brody.
The dos and don’ts of drought feeding
South African farmers are no strangers to droughts, but livestock producers often fail to plan ahead for them, leading to high costs from animal loss and feeding. Prof HO de...
The ins and outs of irrigation: a basic guide for crop farmers
Climate change intensifies and water resources dwindle, innovative irrigation techniques and sustainable water management become increasingly vital. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to industry experts about the importance of irrigation for crop...
Everything you need to know about fungicides
Fungicides are indispensable tools in disease management, offering protection against fungal pathogens and ensuring the health and productivity of crops and plants. In this guide, Zunel van Eeden aims to...
Factors to bear in mind when dipping livestock
It is important to consider the intervals at which you dip livestock in relation to the specific season in which ticks become more or less, writes Shane Brody.
Plan fodder flow for optimal cattle production
In order for beef farmers to remain profitable in terms of cow calf operations, it is critical to manage costs on farm level, says Henco Leicester of Cargill Animal Nutrition.
Solutions to common cannabis cultivation challenges
Cultivators can improve output, quality and profitability while supporting the sustainability and prosperity of the cannabis industry by implementing best practices in pest management, environmental control, nutrition management, genetic selection,...
Dispelling five myths you thought were true about dogs
Contrary to some ingrained beliefs about dogs, Jarred Hodgson provides information that will help make you a better owner and trainer, and help you understand these domesticated animals’ behaviour.
Practical guidelines to prevent stock theft
Laurence Palmer, a security consultant, lists some practical advice that farmers can follow to prevent stock theft.
Fix soil health for regenerative agriculture to succeed
Regenerative farming relies on restoring soil to its optimum health so it can sustain food crops without the use of synthetic inputs. But does that mean fertilisers have no place...
Blind teats and other udder defects in goat ewes
Before purchasing livestock for breeding, it's crucial to identify and understand troublesome or disqualifying traits, such as blind teats and other udder defects. This knowledge will also help you determine...
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance in livestock, fuelled by overuse, is a critical issue. Enhancing gut health with microbial diversity and MRFs offers a promising alternative to combat this growing threat. Alretha Naudé,...
Estate planning for farmers: secure your legacy
PJ Veldhuizen, managing director of specialist commercial law firm Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc, emphasises the critical role of legal expertise in unravelling the ins and outs of estate planning.
Choose the right dog breed for security, versatility and compatibility
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also...
Understanding the age of common livestock species
Looking at teeth in common livestock species such as sheep, goats and cattle in order to judge their age can be quite tricky for the novice farmer, says Shane Brody.
