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.

COP28 less anti-animal than previous meetings

The role of agriculture, including the livestock sector as part of the solution to climate change, was clearly recognised at COP28.

KZN floods put pressure on farmers

Agriculture was not spared during the recent flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, which left large parts of the province devastated last month, writes Jyothi Laldas.

ABC of highveld lucerne

It can be one of the most profitable of crops if you know what you are doing.

Getting the full picture of the KZN floods

Prof Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an expert in urban planning explains why the KZN floods are so devastating and what can be done to deal with damaging weather events.

What 2024 has in store for global cotton and wool production

While the outlook for cotton and wool in terms of global trade and production is not looking very promising in terms of growth, a large decline is also not expected.

Why alpaca is a good choice for South Africa

While most commonly produced in South America, the alpaca's grazing habits and adaptability to diverse climates make it an attractive option for farmers wishing to diversify production, reports Janine Ryan.

The case for increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere

The past 70 years have been a golden time for the human race. It has grown exponentially in numbers and health.

From green savannah to great desert

a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Helsinki in Finland, explores research into a period 6 000 to 11 000 years ago called the Green Sahara or North African Humid Period.

Domed homes seem to be coming back into fashion

This week I thought that as so many of our human population seek a secure and comfortable home to reside in, I would turn back the clock thousands of years to when building a domed home was the order of the day.

Not easy to get best of both worlds farming in communal areas

The stakes are high so it is important to select your cattle according to the type of environment that you are farming in,