Business
Farmer's Weekly
Education is the key to succession preparedness
For many families, succession planning seems too treacherous a journey to undertake, so they simply opt not to set off on it. As a result, they forgo a critical opportunity to shape their future for the better.
4 min |
May 20, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Raise weaning weights through good nutrition and fertility
Top-quality heifers and well-balanced nutrition form two of the most important cornerstones of effective red meat production, writes Henco Leicester, technical manager at Telwiedre, an animal feed manufacturer, in Heilbron. He explains the principles of heifer management and the role of lick supplementation.
7 min |
May 20, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Management and control strategies for fall armyworm
Fall armyworm can cause serious damage to crops, and is a growing threat across the world. This report looks at ways in which governments and farmers can respond in order to control an outbreak of the pest.
4 min |
May 20, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
The pros of integrated pest management
Integrated pest management (IPM) helps farmers reduce their dependence on chemicals to fend off pests, while improving biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Industry experts Andrew Bennett and Rodney Bell spoke to Magda du Toit about the factors involved in implementing an IPM programme.
5 min |
May 20, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
The beauty of a water pump
If your home and other buildings are badly damaged by flooding, follow Husqvarna's six steps to remove any excess water from these structures.
2 min |
May 20, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
The development of the modern tomato
With tomatoes a major crop worldwide, it should come as no surprise that there are so many varieties, says Bill Kerr.
2 min |
May 20, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Top prices paid for Angus
As part of our Breed of the Month segment, we take a look at some of the highest prices paid for Angus cattle across the globe, and we include the auction calendar for Angus sales in South Africa from May to July.
2 min |
May 20, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
An Overview of Namibia's Agri Sector
In a recent report, the Namibia Agricultural Union outlined the state of that country’s agriculture sector, and how it has been affected by COVID-19 and other factors.
5 min |
May 06, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
A Bright Future for Drones on Farms
Research conducted by Dr Lauren Meiring of Stellenbosch University on the collision-avoidance systems of unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones could help boost the use of these machines on farms.
2 min |
May 06, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Using livestock for healthier soil
Angus McIntosh, a livestock farmer at Spier, recently hosted an information day during which he discussed the importance of ‘outdoor’ livestock production for the future of food security.
6 min |
May 06, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Exploring the traits of the Angus
While the Aberdeen-Angus may have its roots in Scotland, it is thriving in South Africa due to its meat quality and maternal abilities, amongst other traits, according to the Angus Society of South Africa.
2 min |
May 06, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Growing the flamingo flower
Anthurium growers can be assured of a ready market, with these flowers being popular as decorations for weddings and other special events.
3 min |
May 06, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Seven secrets of success for small farmers
Farming is like running any other business: you need to be realistic and practical in how you go about it. Roelof Bezuidenhout lists some crucial pointers to help you out.
3 min |
May 06, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
How Angus cattle add value to a fruit farm
The production of Angus cattle enables Western Cape farmer Gielie Geldenhuys to make use of land unsuitable for fruit or onion production. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his diversification enterprise.
7 min |
May 06, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
The benefits of conservation agriculture
Erosion and climate change have created a food insecurity time bomb for Africa. Palesa Motaung, a soil scientist working for Asset Research, and Themakholo Mathebula, a field officer with the Mahlatini Development Foundation, explained at a recent research symposium how conservation agriculture is helping smallholder farmers face these daunting challenges. Susan Marais reports.
7 min |
May 06, 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Animal Agriculture Is Key to Food Systems
According to a recently published paper, food products derived from animals offer a wide selection of nutrients that humans need for cell tissue development, function, health and survival.
3 min |
April 22 & 29, 2022 - Double Issue
Farmer's Weekly
Groundwater: key to Africa's agri potential
Groundwater is an essential tool in agricultural production. However, it remains an untapped resource in Africa, as this recently published report shows.
5 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
What GPS trackers reveal about Cape Town's baboon troop movements
In this study, Anna Bracken, who recently completed her PhD at Swansea University in Wales, used GPS technology to research the collective behaviour of chacma baboons in an urban area.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Marketing and animal welfare: key to success
Innovative marketing and customer relationships are essential to a modern piggery, says Shaun Mockford of Mockford Farms in Limpopo. He spoke to Magda du Toit about running a superior pig production operation.
7 min |
April 22 & 29, 2022 - Double Issue
Farmer's Weekly
Waging war against Tuta absoluta in Pongola
In Pongola, the tomato leaf miner is threatening the sustainability of family-run Basaki Boerdery, one of the last tomato producers in the area. Brothers Sakkie and André Terblanche spoke to Lindi Botha about their strategy for fighting this pest.
7 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
How to identify and control eelworm
Potatoes are vulnerable to eelworm, which can significantly reduce yield and create unsightly marks on tubers.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Performance testing for the commercial farmer
Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling of the Agricultural Research Council write about the important role that performance testing plays in increasing a commercial herd's fertility and profitability.
7 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Comfort and relaxation in Worcester
The Habit is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a break away from the city.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Improve soil for healthy fruit trees
In this article, an expert looked at ways to improve the soil’s ability to supply more water and nutrients to fruit trees.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Factors hampering SA's sugar industry
Thabile Nkunjana, an agricultural economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), and Dr Sifiso Ntombela, chief economist at the NAMC, examine the decline in South Africa’s sugar production and the factors threatening future growth.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Dealing with barber's pole worm in sheep and goats
The resistance of internal parasite species to worm remedies affects all small-stock farmers. In some areas, farming with animals resistant to nematode infestation seems to be the only long-term solution.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Achieving good growth with superior genetics
A successful commercial beef cattle enterprise is one that keeps cow mortalities to a minimum, while achieving maximum weaner growth. Rian van Wyk, who farms Brangus in Mpumalanga, spoke to Lindi Botha about his breeding philosophy.
8 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
A basic checklist to keep sheep healthy and productive
The price of replacement livestock has increased dramatically in recent years, so it's important to obtain the highest possible lamb weaning rate. Shane Brody explains how to achieve this.
3 min |
Farmer's Weekly 15 April 2022
Farmer's Weekly
Grazing horses and sheep together
Recent behavioural research conducted in Poland has confirmed that the grazing patterns of sheep and horses are compatible.
2 min |
April 22 & 29, 2022 - Double Issue
Farmer's Weekly
Earthworms: natural soil monitors
Earthworms are indicators of soil health. Because they feed on decaying matter, analysing the contents of their digestive tracts gives us insight into the soil’s overall condition. And the healthier the soil, the more earthworms there are.
3 min |