In this issue

How a dairy concern adds value to a diversified operation. An analysis of the water intake of Afrikaner and Nguni bulls in summer. Local project sheds new light on the restoration of subtropical thicket. The implications of greylisting, and what SA can do to have this status lifted.

An aggressive grass as cattle feed

In this article, farmer VS Gilbey wrote about the good results he achieved by using rescue grass as cattle feed.

2 mins

Grain and oilseed markets under increasing pressure

Production prospects in South America and developments in the Black Sea region continue to shape grain and oilseed markets. Absa AgriBusiness looks at the trends that will affect prices over the coming months.

3 mins

How natural fertilisers can benefit farmers

Viktor Sukau, CSO of natural fertiliser manfacturer Manaseer Natural Green, and Anton Prysiazhniuk, the company's CEO, spoke to Janine Ryan about the deleterious effects of synthetic fertilisers on the environment and why farmers worldwide need to shift to more organic and sustainable products.

7 mins

Full-circle restoration of subtropical thicket

It takes more than just planting some seeds in the veld to restore subtropical thicket that has been degraded by erosion, overgrazing and bush clearing. Marion Whitehead reports on a project designed by the Rhodes Restoration Research Group that has yielded valuable new insights into the process.

5 mins

Diversification: careful planning hedges risk

With so many variables in the farming landscape, diversification is a useful strategy to hedge one's risk and ensure a steady cash flow. However, managing multiple divisions comes with its own challenges. Jan Grey, who farms in Mpumalanga's Bethal region, spoke to Lindi Botha about his winning strategies.

9 mins

Analysis: water intake of young Afrikaner and Nauni bulls

A study by Georgette Pyoos, junior researcher, and Prof Michiel Scholtz, specialist researcher in animal breeding and genetics, both at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Institute, counters the popular argument that the water intake of beef cattle is so high that it is harmful to the environment.

4 mins

Get to know dragon fruit

Dragon fruit production in South Africa is growing, thanks to increasing demand from Northern Hemisphere countries.

3 mins

Organic phosphorus and plant nutrition

In organic farming systems, phosphorus is supplied mainly through recycling of materials such as compost and manure; it is not readily available to plants. Beware of depleting this element from your soil.

1 min

Protecting the predators of leaf miner and other pests

Swiss chard is targeted by many pests. But these in turn are targeted by predators. So let these 'good guys' do their job, urges Bill Kerr.

2 mins

Using training aids to build balance and muscle

Designing a programme based on the principles of physiotherapy can improve performance in sport horses, says Dr Mac.

2 mins

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Farmer's Weekly Magazine Description:

Farmer’s Weekly is an agricultural magazine based in South Africa, targeting the whole of Southern Africa. The magazine is committed to advancing the interests of the region’s farmers and its agricultural industry by serving as a mouthpiece for the industry and by keeping its readers informed of the latest developments in the agricultural sector.