The effective monitoring of body temperature in cattle

Accurate monitoring of cattle’s body temperatures is crucial for ensuring optimal herd health and productivity. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to animal health experts for tips on precise temperature readings, early...

How irrigation can help small-scale farmers

Irrigation has resulted in significant crop yield improvement across the globe. In some regions, irrigation is essential for successful crop production; however, it remains out of reach for many small-scale...

Financial management of a farm: the basics of budgeting

Cobus du Plessis explores the fundamentals of budgeting for farm management, explaining its importance, the different types of budgets, and key concepts like fixed and variable costs.

Livestock production strategies for formal vs informal market

Feedlots do not purposefully discriminate against certain breeders, but the animals may not always produce the carcasses that their market segment want.

Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!

Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop...

The importance of risk management in agriculture

Rinus de Bruin, agronomist at NWK, warns that crop production on marginal soils is no longer an option. The challenges posed by ever higher input costs mean that farmers simply...

Getting to grips with carbon credit schemes

Considering carbon credit schemes to enhance sustainability and create additional revenue? Dr Justin du Toit, production scientist at the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute in Middelburg, Eastern Cape, spoke to Roelof...

Developing a good knowledge of feed and supplements

Many of the larger manufacturers of livestock feed and supplements offer helpful advice booklets, which can sometimes be found at farmer supply stores and co-operatives. Take advantage of them, says...

How and when to dip, deworm and vaccinate your cattle

Livestock health management has evolved over the decades to include disease prevention and growing farm revenue. The most effective health management strategies are those that include dipping, deworming, and vaccinating...

Biological crop protection: it’s tricky but possible

Integrated pest management is a complex process that takes each farm’s uniqueness into consideration. With growing support from all spheres, biological solutions are gaining traction.

Here’s how to curb the spread of zoonotic diseases

Dr Nandipha Ndudane, president of the South African Veterinary Council, explains how you can help prevent diseases spreading from animals to humans, and vice versa.

How to assess and treat animals after a veld fire

Animals injured in a veld fire can be classed into three categories of severity, depending on the symptoms they display. Appropriate treatment should be given under the guidance of veterinarians.

Taking the guesswork out of crop production

Balancing a short- and a long-term payoff in crop farming requires careful consideration of inputs. Johann Pistorius, who farms maize and soya bean in the Nigel area, spoke to Lindi...

Plant poisoning in livestock

The symptoms of plant poisoning in livestock in South Africa can vary depending on the specific plant and type of toxin involved, writes Shane Brody.

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.

Farming Basics