Animals-and-Pets
Farmer's Weekly
Small Stud On Urban Fringe Takes On The Country's Best
The size of an operation counts less than dedication, persistence, insight and quality genetics. Operating on a modestly-sized parcel of land minutes from suburban Pretoria, the performance of Hans Franck’s Macarara Simmentaler Stud is proof of this.
5 min |
Farmers Weekly 1 June 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Inherited Night Blindness In Horses
Reduced vision at night and a reluctance to enter dark stables in the daytime may be associated with night blindness.
2 min |
Farmers Weekly 1 June 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Let's hope It Rains Soon!
We’re suffering from a heatwave, and have had hardly a drop of rain in weeks. A sweating neighbour Jan arrived on my stoep.
1 min |
26 January 2018
Farmer's Weekly
A Horse Fit For A King
With its proud bearing, powerful yet compact body, agility and intelligence, the Lusitano was, for centuries, the favourite of warriors and nobility. Kim Dyson takes a look at this renowned breed.
2 min |
26 January 2018
Farmer's Weekly
A Closer Look At Brakes And Braking
There is more than one way of bringing a modern car or truck to a halt. Jake Venter discusses the various brake systems used in today’s vehicles.
2 min |
26 January 2018
Farmer's Weekly
How To Control Cucurbit Viruses
Last week, I mentioned the need to control broad-leaved weeds near cucurbit lands during winter to prevent virus carry-over.
2 min |
26 January 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Sound Management Key To Laparoscopy Success
Elnora Crous explains to Glenneis Kriel how laparoscopic insemination has helped to accelerate genetic progress in the Dohne Merino stud on their family farm, Jongensklip, near Caledon.
6 min |
19 August 2016
Farmer's Weekly
Ambrosia beetle control
Avocado growers in Florida in the US may soon be able to prevent ambrosia beetles from destroying avocado trees, according to a study by researchers at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
1 min |
24 March 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Keep Accurate Records for Maximum Economic Impact
Derick le Roux and his father, Carl, own the only 5-Star Breedplan accredited stud in South Africa. Derick explains to Gerhard Uys how record-keeping can optimise profit in any production environment.
6 min |
24 March 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Weakness Of Willing-Seller, Willing-Buyer Principle
The willing-seller, willingbuyer principle has been blamed for delays and other failings in South Africa’s land reform programme. Veteran attorney and land matters expert, Bertus van der Merwe, says this is a fallacy, and that government ineffectiveness is largely to blame for these problems.
5 min |
Farmer's Weekly 24 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Agri Equipment On Tap, Online
The cost of farm machinery is a major challenge for small-scale and commercial farmers. Nick Hoffman, general manager at Linebooker, and Jehiel Oliver, creator of Hello Tractor, explain how new digital platforms are being used to source equipment with ease.
5 min |
Farmer's Weekly 24 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Technology To Turn You Into A Truly Smart Farmer
Production data is invaluable for enhancing farm management and improving profitability. However, collecting and analysing this information efficiently can be daunting. Western Cape farmer Wolfgang von Loeper explains why this need not be the case.
4 min |
Farmer's Weekly 24 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Why you can't beat beetroot
This vegetable is ideal for the home garden. It’s easy to grow, tasty, and highly nutritious
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 24 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Safety On The Slopes
A tractor-mounted slope alarm that improves operator safety and prevents expensive accidents is now available.
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 24 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
African Horse Sickness – Part 1: Time Is Of The Essence
Midges and biting flies can spread this deadly disease during summer. Learn to recognise the symptoms early on so that your vet can treat the horse in time.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 24 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Global Grain Production Down, But Expected To Recover Next Year
The International Grains Council’s (IGC) May estimate for global grain production has been adjusted downwards by nearly two million tons month-on-month.
1 min |
June 15, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Choosing The Right Ventilation System For Your Poultry House
In this final article of a three-part series on the basic principles of chicken housing, independent poultry consultant Jan Grobbelaar discusses natural and environmentally controlled ventilation.
5 min |
June 15, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Biosecurity: Your First Line Of Defence Against Disease
Dr Fambies van Biljon, veterinarian at Sovereign Foods, talks to Glenneis Kriel about the crucial need to establish a well-run biosecurity programme at a poultry production facility.
4 min |
June 15, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Using Nitrogen Smartly
I often come across a farmer who thinks his land might have a nitrogen deficiency, but then rules this out as he has fertilised with nitrogen at the usual rate and no leaching rain has fallen.
2 min |
June 15, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Planting And Caring For Peas
Peas are not unduly sensitive to pH, and can easily be grown in a garden vegetable patch. They do require protection from birds, however.
2 min |
June 15, 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Beefmasters: A Winning Breed
After being introduced to the Beefmaster in 2001, North West cattle farmer Connie van Vuuren developed a passion for this hardy, beefy breed. He established the Cona Beefmaster Stud in 2017, and selects for adaptability and good milk production, amongst other traits.
3 min |
5-12 January 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Caring For Cucurbits
Caring For Cucurbits
2 min |
5-12 January 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Dealing With The Shying Horse
A horse that gets into the habit of shying at every perceived danger can be both irritating and dangerous. Fortunately, there are ways of teaching it to become more confident.
2 min |
5-12 January 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Waste Management Fundamentals
By law, you are required to store or dispose of waste responsibly. Failure to do so may result in a fine. More seriously, it harms the environment.
2 min |
5-12 January 2018
Farmer's Weekly
Resurrecting The Pietperd From Genetic Remnants
Boerperd breeder, Dirk Odendaal, has spent over 40 years trying to recreate a true-to-type Pietperd, a legendary but now-extinct horse breed. Mike Burgess spoke to Dirk on his farm near Barkly East about his relentless quest.
6 min |
17 March 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Electronic Eyes For The Operator
Many of the innovations at the Agritechnica 2017 awards were aimed at making the work of the machine operator easier. Joe Spencer reports on two examples.
1 min |
Farmer's Weekly 3 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Biological Control Of The Chain-Fruit Cholla: Part 2
The cochineal insect is a highly effective biocontrol method for dealing with this invasive cactus; it can kill a large cactus in a relatively short time.
2 min |
Farmer's Weekly 3 November 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Adult Mohair Demand Up, Kid Mohair Demand Drops
Mohair gained 1,7% at the second sale of the 2017 winter season in Port Elizabeth, with 144 821kg on offer. The average market indicator closed on R191,44/kg.
1 min |
13 October 2017
Farmer's Weekly
KZN Agriculture Staps In To Help Drought-Stricken EC Farmers
Farmers, agribusinesses and even private citizens in KwaZulu-Natal have rallied to provide emergency livestock feed desperately needed by Eastern Cape farmers affected by drought and wildfires.
1 min |
13 October 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Waste Management: How Spier Estate Turns Trash Into Cash
Worldwide, waste generation is fast overtaking landfill availability. Heidi Newton-King, sustainability and human resources director at Spier Wine Estate, recently shared how the estate has succeeded in reducing its proportion of landfill waste to total recycled waste to less than 2%. Jeandré du Preez reports.
3 min |