SA hunting poised for growth
Arthur Rudman, veteran game rancher and member of the Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa and Wildlife Ranching South Africa, speaks to Roelof Bezuidenhout about the future of the hunting industry in this country and across the continent.
Why a farmer has to be realistic
A farm can only produce according to its potential and what’s invested in it, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Watch out for wasps in the stable
These aggressive insects can cause painful stings in humans and horses. Dr Mac provides some useful tips on treating your horse if it gets stung.
Big food waste while people go hungry
South Africa’s food poverty line, also known as the extreme poverty line, which refers to the amount of money that an individual will need to afford the minimum required daily energy intake, has increased from R547 (figures adjusted for inflation) in 2018 to R561 this year.
Free-range duck farming in KZN: Why less is more
Duck meat is a high-value niche product in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal farmer Vanessa Collocott supplies this market with certified free-range ducks, and has combined shrewd business sense with compassion in her high-risk enterprise.
Expert tips to get the most from irrigated wheat
Irrigated wheat is grown by many South African grain farmers in rotation with summer grains such as maize and soya bean. André du Toit, a senior wheat breeder with Pannar Seed SA, shares his knowledge and experience on how farmers can maximise the productivity, and therefore profitability, of these wheat crops.
Electric tractor powered by a cable
The GridCON research project and its electric cable powered tractor are part of John Deere’s continued efforts to electrify agricultural machinery, and offers new opportunities for farms to supply their own energy.
Cash is a fact. Profit is an opinion!
The accounts of a business must reflect all transactions, whether physical or cash, that take place during the accounting period. If
they don’t, beware, especially if someone assures you the company is profitable!
Honeybush tea: Small industry, big potential
Although honeybush has long been used in parts of South Africa to brew a caffeine-free tea, it has remained a small-scale activity. However, the industry has potential to grow and thus create jobs for poor communities in the Western and Eastern Cape. Annabel Horn and Albert Ackhurst of the Western Cape’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning explain.
Farming smarter can reduce methane emissions from livestock
The argument against beef production is gaining momentum, with the industry being accused, often inaccurately, of significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions. However, climate-smart farming and improving productivity can reduce emissions.
Working equitation: a new equestrian discipline in SA
The skills learnt in working equitation teach riders and horses the basics of competition, as well as how to sort out cattle in the veld on horseback, says Dr Mac.
High demand for smart machine operators
New technological developments have triggered a demand for more sophisticated machine operators as well as improved training.