Go low-tech: get an evaporation pan!
Irrigation water in South Africa is at a premium. Instead of investing in hugely expensive digital technology or relying on inaccurate intuition, use this old-fashioned, yet accurate, method to schedule your irrigation.
The real cost of progress
Over the past couple of decades, we have enjoyed plenty of benefits because of the progress made in farming. More people than ever before are now able to access sufficient food that can help them live longer and healthier lives.
Afrikaner cattle thrive in Namibia’s arid regions
The Afrikaner, once the most popular breed in Southern African, is ideally suited to today’s uncertain climatic conditions, says Namibia-based breeder Jan Blaauw, co-owner of the Salztal Afrikaner stud.
Ensuring that seed is disease-free
Planting seed infected by a bacterial disease could lead to complete crop failure. Rather pay more for the seed, if necessary, to ensure that it is clean. Consider the extra cost as a form of insurance.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class double-cab review
Mercedes-Benz’s X-Class double cabs are perfect for city-based CEOs who dream of one day retiring to the family farm, or for those mega farmers who find themselves spending more time in the boardroom than on the farm. Denene Erasmus carefully test drove one.
Insects: know your friends from your foes
Hannelene Badenhorst, a PhD candidate in entomology at the University of the Free State, explains the value of differentiating beneficial insects and other arthropods from harmful ones before resorting to blanket chemical control.
How traditional leaders undermine women’s land rights
In theory, South Africa has strong laws to protect the property ownership and inheritance rights of all women. However, a 2018 study conducted by Bongi Owusu for her master’s dissertation in social science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal found that these laws are often not implemented in rural Zulu-speaking communities. She explains how this prejudices widows in particular.
No-till expertise from Argentina
Several Argentinian implements were showcased at a farmers’ day that focused on no-till and conservation farming.
The rules of etiquette in the warm-up arena at a show
To avoid collisions in the warm-up area, riders are expected to follow a set of internationally accepted regulations. Dr Mac takes a closer look at these.
The writing’s on the (Twitter) wall
If you had hoped to start the year off on a positive note by doing something good for your health and well-being, giving up social media for January might have been a much better option than giving up drink. (This would also have been a much better option for the local wine industry, which reportedly suffered a 23% reduction in wine exports, as well as a decline in local sales.)
12 basic principles of scientific livestock breeding
Respected show judge and Simbra and Simmentaler breeder Llewellyn Angus has received many awards for his animals and his contribution to the industry. Here he shares his 12 fundamental principles of accurate performance testing and the use of estimated breeding values.
Hmong-American co-op proves the power of collective farming
Adding vibrancy and diversity to the local food scene in Minnesota in the US, the Hmong-American farmers have earned their place on the agricultural landscape. But they have not been spared the challenges that face small-scale farmers everywhere. Lindi Botha spoke to Pakou Hang about the structures in place to uplift their community
