Farming Basics

In 2009, the Gagela family expanded their livestock initiative from the communal areas of the Eastern Cape to include a commercial farm near Dordrecht. Mike Burgess reports on the family’s unique agricultural journey, driven by the late George Gagela.

Foot rot in livestock is presently manifesting in many regions of South Africa that are experiencing ongoing heavy rains or humid weather conditions.

As farmers we need to make ourselves conversant with the proper use of medications and other aids such as dips that counteract ectoparasites and doses that control internal parasites.

This guide unlocks the secrets to successful pig farming. Learn how to feed your pigs for optimal growth, avoid costly mistakes, and choose the right genetics to build a thriving farm.

The types of grasses or shrubs that grow on any particular piece of veld will give you an idea of what phase of plant succession that veld is in. This will guide you on how to manage it.

Choosing a breed to farm depends on various factors, including the environment in which you plan to farm. Janine Ryan reports.

For Cynthia Sekgobela, retirement in 2016 brought a bold new beginning. After 21 years as an accountant and tax consultant, she swapped her ledgers for her true passion in farming and started Gung’s Boerdry in Zuurbekom, a 2,5ha farm on the West Rand.

Dog trainer Jarred Hodgson says a well-trained dog can be a game changer for farmers in the country.

Electro-ejaculation, a method for collecting semen from rams, is vital for sheep breeding but raises animal welfare concerns. This article explores a study on minimising stress during the procedure, while ensuring semen quality for breeding success.

Dr Cyril Pilane, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council, explains why plant extracts are becoming the gold standard as supplements for semen cryopreservation.

Fencing in many communal areas has become dilapidated or dysfunctional due to poor erection and maintenance. Shane Brody explains how a sturdy fence should be constructed.

There are many different opinions when it comes to training puppies. Some people say only start at six months, while others say eight months. Well, they are wrong.

When it comes to protecting your irrigation system, few things are more important than effective filtration. The correct choice of filtration method to protect your system against blockages is not a mere financial decision, numerous other factors must be kept in mind.

Dr Asive Luningo from the Department of Paraclinical Science at the University of Pretoria discusses the wild sunflower’s impact on livestock.

Good but not excessive fat covering is generally the most important factor to consider as a farmer involved in the production of slaughter livestock, as heavier animals return more money, says Shane Brody.

Bats and owls have a significant contribution to make to controlling pests on farms. Provide them with adequate housing, and these insect and rodent eaters will offer a cost-effective, consistent pest-control service. Lindi Botha looks at best practices for building and erecting owl and bat boxes.

Farming’s impact on the environment is not usually front of mind when buying a piece of land, but without securing environmental authorisation, farmers could find themselves in a world of trouble. Lindi Botha speaks to Ngwanarachuene Mampane, director of Westleigh Environmental Services, about remaining on the right side of the law, how to apply for authorisation and the time frame involved.

Insurability within the grain storage sector is essential but can be complicated, the delegates at Agbiz Grain’s recent Grain and Oilseeds Value Chain Symposium told Magda du Toit.

Marketing and branding is critical to help make your product stand out, reports Cobus du Plessis.

Jarred Hodgson, a dog trainer, offers some good advice on how farmers can keep their best friends’ tails wagging while helping them to retain their position in the pack.