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Mashona: small in stature, big in value

Zimbabwe’s indigenous Mashona cattle are renowned for their outstanding productivity and ability to survive under even the most extreme conditions. Maree Osborne, chairperson of the Mashona Cattle Society of Zimbabwe, spoke to Annelie Coleman about this remarkable breed of beef cattle.

Investing in agricultural schemes

Some investment groups are considering strategies that allow you to invest in various farming operations in South Africa. This is not a bad idea, so long as you only invest through reputable entities, says Shane Brody.

Beef and wine in South Korea: big opportunities for SA exporters

South Korea is one of the world’s least self-sufficient countries in terms of agricultural production. Janine Ryan looks at some of the opportunities in this East Asian country that may await South African farmers and exporters of wine and beef.

Slugs and snails: why numbers are soaring, and how to fight the scourge

Arnold du Preez, owner of Snail and Slug Solutions, warns that the surge in slug and snail populations will prove a major threat to agriculture unless farmers tackle the problem proactively.

Boosting dairy profitability: it’s not all in the genes!

Looking for ways to enhance your dairy’s profits? Better cow health and improved liveability might be the solution, according to Rebekah Mast, a US-based dairy genetics expert.

Production tips from a top pome fruit farm

Attention to detail has helped Welgemeen Boerdery achieve top honours for its Golden Delicious and Kanzi apples, and Abate Fetel pears. Hannes and Sakkie Hanekom explained their approach to Glenneis Kriel.

How to develop an effective disease management programme

In this video, we speak with Dr Mirinda van Kleef, a specialist researcher at the Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, about the importance of disease management in livestock, including the development of a vaccine and dipping programme.

Farmers’ strategies for weathering the flower market storm

Carol Sutherland, a florist for almost 30 years, has seen many changes in South Africa’s flower industry. For this first article of a three-part series, she spoke to Leon Pretorius, manager of Pretorius Blomme near Delmas in Mpumalanga, about how he has adapted his business to an increasingly demanding market.

Why many first-generation family agribusinesses don’t survive their founders

Lack of succession planning is one of the key reasons why so many family agribusinesses fail to last, writes Trevor Dickinson. Very few businesses that are simply ‘handed over’ in an informal manner will survive.

Plant citrus to supplement your income

Citrus fruits, which are rich in vitamin C, fetch a good price. Consider starting a co-operative system in your community, planting trees in a number of yards and buying inputs in bulk to save money, says Shane Brody.

The pre-purchase veterinary examination

Before you buy a horse, ask your veterinarian to give it a thorough examination, advises Dr Mac.

From communal to commercial: a Bonsmara farmer’s success story

Mthobeli Dintsi was a 2022 provincial winner in the National Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo Farmer of the Year competition, a category of the Agricultural Research Council’s National Beef Performers Awards. Mike Burgess visited him recently on his farm in the Eastern Cape to better understand his journey to commercial beef production with Bonsmaras.
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