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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 disease detection, and maintaining biosecurity in a herd.

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 farmers.

Brian Berkman visited Klein Botrivier Farm, on Karwyderskraal Road in the Overberg’s Bot River, to learn about Melissa Genevieve Nelsen’s Méthode Cap Classique winemaking.

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.

Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry’s humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country’s avocado production.

A germination chamber set at about 25°C leads to a high germination percentage and shortens the time span before seedlings are placed out in the nursery, saving the grower money.

Dean Barnard, the Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of Year for 2024, grows hops and plums near Waboomskraal in the Western Cape. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the ongoing refinement of his production techniques, and how he overcame his struggles with anxiety to achieve remarkable success.

Lindie-Alet van Staden from L’Ormarins Wine Estate in Franschhoek was named the 2024 Prestige Agri Worker of the Year. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel at her vegetable garden in Somerset West.

The Majeje Citrus Farm can be seen as a landmark project that boosts the agriculture sector’s transformation efforts in Limpopo, benefits the local community, and accelerates inclusivity.

Healthy soil plays an important role in cattle health and production. Dr Jan Myburgh from the Department of Paraclinical Sciences in the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science spoke to Annelie Coleman about the numerous benefits of healthy soil in improving farm profitability.

Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.

Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead, advises Bill Kerr.