Farming Basics

Farming is a hazardous profession, and it is important for farmers to ensure the safety of their workers.

The soil in your garden is a living organism that needs air, water and nourishment. That’s why tilling, or soil cultivation, is imperative for a healthy garden.

If you’re an aspiring cattle farmer wanting to gain access to the lucrative feedlot market, it’s best to start off with a proper beef breed and ensure that the cows are serviced by good-quality bulls, says Shane Brody.

To be a successful cannabis producer requires a disciplined, business-oriented approach. Fortunately, lessons learnt by seasoned professionals can provide guidance to prospective entrepreneurs, says Thomas Walker.

While seedy mohair inevitably fetches less on the market, there are ways of increasing the price. Broker Pierre van der Vyver of The House of Fibre explained these to Roelof Bezuidenhout.

Lice infestation can be a serious problem for livestock owners, as it reduces the value of wool, mohair, and even meat. It is also highly distressing for animals. Dipping is the most effective control, says Shane Brody.

Are you a consultant or other outsider trying to help a farmer hand over to the next generation? If so, you’re probably meeting with resistance! Trevor Dickinson suggests ways in which to bring about change.

Arslan Hassan looks at how farmers can provide their farm dogs with the basic necessities, as well as some added extras that will help you raise and keep a happy and healthy canine.

In this article, we speak to auctioneers about the importance of auctions for the livestock and property markets. The experts also provide some bidding tips for those who are new to the game.

Frans Jordaan, Prof Michiel Scholtz and Dr Ben Greyling from Agricultural Research Council-Animal Production and Martin Ras from the Afric Afrikaners Stud compiled these useful recommendations to assist cattle breeders in making the most of the information contained in the catalogue when they attend auctions.

The effective extraction of cannabinoids, terpenes and other components is crucial in the production of cannabis products. Thomas Walker discusses various extraction techniques, and how they affect the end product.

Safe lambs are only a stone’s throw away, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout, recommending a stone barrier to keep predators away from flocks.

Peter Craven, seed supply and quality lead at Syngenta, and Kobus van Huyssteen, technical manager at the South African National Seed Organisation, spoke to Magda du Toit about the importance of proper seed storage.

While there are numerous illnesses that can affect livestock and animals such as chickens and pigs, in this article, Shane Brody concentrates on sheep, cattle and goats.

Some species of nematodes, or roundworms, can become a serious problem, says Dr Driekie Fourie, technical product lead for Syngenta Seedcare in Africa and the Middle East.

Magda du Toit looks at the interconnectedness of more traditional pest control and the newer integrated pest management. Some experts also give advice on how to keep pests and diseases down to acceptable levels.

There is no quick or cheap way to remove seed from mohair, but good management helps, according to Pierre van der Vyver, general manager of The House of Fibre. He outlined his tips to Roelof Bezuidenhout.

There is good evidence that a tail docked at the third or fourth joint is better than a very short tail. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.

If you understand the essential nutrients that your cattle need, and how to provide these, you will end up with a profitable livestock business, says Shane Brody. Here’s how to ensure that the animals get enough to thrive.

PJ Mommsen, a freelance risk mitigation strategist, speaks about the importance of managing risk as it relates to predators.