Prevention is better than cure: SA's most common pig diseases

In this article, we discuss some of the most common viral pig diseases in South Africa, and what farmers should do to prevent and/or treat these diseases to ensure a happy and healthy herd.

Wine industry struggles to remain sustainable

Dark clouds hovering over the wine industry pose threat to job creation, rural development and economic growth

Cowboys, cattlemen and blue jeans in the Old West

Historically, half overalls’ that lacked a bib and were dyed dark blue to hide the dirt have always been used as durable working clothes by cowboys and cattle farmers in the US

Wuhlf mulchers: stewards of the land

In the face of bush encroachment with invasive species threatening the natural flora, Wuhlf Equipment’s innovative machines come into play.

John Deere's 5080E and 5080EN revolutionising farming in SA

John Deere proudly introduces its latest power-packed duo on African soil for the first time, the 5080E and the 5080EN tractors. Their versatility extends over various tasks on your farm.

ORV upgrades Loadall Telehandler

Fourth generation of Karoo livestock farmers make hay while the sun shines partnering with Bell Equipment to boost their productivity.

SALMONELLA Zoonotic diseases: Part 4

Salmonella is a genus of gram-negative bacteria. The two known species of Salmonella are Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori.

Producing baby carrots

Baby carrots can take various forms, and these change over time due to marketing and customer response

You are what your food ate: the health connection in the soil

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, goes the saying about the role of diet in overall health. New research however suggests that good health is less about the quantity of produce we ingest, and more about quality. Soil health makes all the difference in growing food that fills versus food that nourishes. Lindi Botha reports.

Farmworker's son realises his farming dream

In 2019, Paul Siguqa became one of the first black owners of a wine farm in the Franschhoek Valley and established himself as a producer of premium wine. He talked to Glenneis Kriel about his journey to success.

How history has shaped our use of bits and bridles

Bits and bridles have been used for millennia to control and communicate with horses. In this article, Janine Ryan looks at the history of the equipment, as well as the most common types used today.

A passion for poultry

Clinton du Preez has approximately 600 chickens of various breeds neatly housed in the backyard of his Stutterheim home in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited him recently to better understand his life-long passion for breeding and showing top-quality poultry.

Wine export value increases despite a decline in export volumes

While South African wine exports declined in 2023, export value increased, according to the recent South African Wine Export Report, writes Glenneis Kriel.

A unique opportunity to go back in time

Brian Berkman visits Earthbox at Lourensford Wine Estate and ventures 5m down into the earth.

BRUCELLOSIS: Zoonotic diseases

In this week's article, we look at the dangers of brucellosis.

New subsurface irrigation technologies: will they work in South Africa?

DNA Irrigation recently registered various patents that the company believes will revolutionise irrigation in fruit and grape production. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Why getting your dog trained is important in South Africa

Having a well-trained dog in South Africa is becoming more and more important for a variety of reasons. Jarred Hodgson explores some of these reasons here.

Agri-services provider goes from zero to hero

Chief Financial Officer of the Year finalist Eddie Fivaz has taken TWK Agri from the brink of collapse to expansion and success. He speaks to Lindi Botha about leadership charting a course in challenging times.

The concept of 'terminal' breeding and outcrossing

Along with the proper nutrition, grazing management and livestock healthcare, genetics or 'proper functional breeding' forms one of the cornerstones of successful livestock production, writes Shane Brody.

Safeguard your optimism at all costs

Pessimism is bad for business. If you find your level of positivity waning, take immediate action to restore it.

A 'sub-lime' boost for farmers

Local lime farmers get a boost with South African breweries, writes Jyothi Laldas.

SA vets appeal to owners not to skimp on veterinary care

Veterinary care is expensive but much needed for proper animal care, writes Jyothi Laldas.

Ghana's plan to hike import tariffs may hit pockets and stomachs

The state wants to make importing food like rice and tomatoes more costly. Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor, a University of Guelph associate professor of Agri-Food Trade and Policy, explains why this is a bad idea.

How wildlife vets play a vital role in advancing conservation

Besides treating animals that live in the wild for diseases and injuries, wildlife veterinarians such as Dr Johan Marais also assist in introducing animals to new sanctuaries and doing genetic swaps to enhance genetic diversity in provincial and national parks.

Which beef breed is best for you?

Choosing a breed to farm depends on various factors, including the environment in which you plan to farm. Janine Ryan reports.

A brief history of the wild Mustang

The Mustang descended from French and English horse breeds, and was introduced to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors in the mid-1600s.

Zoonotic diseases: Part 2

In the second part of this series on zoonosis, we look at the world's most notorious zoonotic disease: rabies.

Get the most from your irrigation system

Water is a big determinant of the success of a crop. But far more than just availability, how water is applied, when, and how much, is nothing short of a science. Lindi Botha spoke to experts about how an irrigation system should be approached for best results.

Former seasonal worker wins top farming award

Vivian Jakobs of Crispy Farming recently won the Western Cape Agri Prestige Awards Competition of 2023. Glenneis Kriel went to find out more about this inspiring farm manager.

Branded fruit has ever more value in a high-volume market

In 2023, mandarin brand ClemenGold celebrated its 20th anniversary, quashing sceptics and proving that fruit branding does provide good returns. Lindi Botha spoke to Nico van Schalkwyk, marketing executive at Fruitalyst, the company behind the marketing of ClemenGold, about why this brand continues to be successful in a crowded citrus market.