Animals-and-Pets
Farmer's Weekly
Digital Security
John Deere’s new PIN code locking system helps deter the theft of valuable GreenStar in-cab displays and StarFire satellite receivers. Joe Spencer reports.
2 min |
May 03, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Kalahari Red Basics
This breed has a fine head, lob ears, round horns that are bent backwards, and tender meat.
1 min |
May 03, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Resolving Agriculture's Transformation Deadlock
James Martin, an independent agricultural transformation consultant and facilitator, says that transformation is a critical goal, but expecting power imbalances and prejudice to simply disappear is unreasonable. He believes that real change will only happen once we start changing human behaviour to shift perceptions, so that we can meet as equals.
5 min |
23 June 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Protecting The Lappet-Faced Vulture – A Matter Of Survival
The endangered lappet-faced vulture, which was selected as BirdLife South Africa’s 2017 Bird of the Year, faces many threats, with poisoning being at the forefront. Conservationists are urging farmers to join in the fight to save it from extinction, while various initiatives seek to educate the public about the bird’s important role in nature. By SANParks Times reporter, René de Klerk.
3 min |
23 June 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Tips For Successful Poultry Farming
Glenneis Kriel spoke to poultry industry experts about the challenges facing small-scale producers and ways in which these can be overcome.
5 min |
23 June 2017
Farmer's Weekly
At Home On The (Free) Range
As a small but significant addition to an intensive operation, Thorntree Farm’s free-range eggs are quietly making a name in this niche market. Ryan Stegmann spoke to Chris Nel.
4 min |
23 June 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Farewell To General Motors
Jake Venter takes a walk down memory lane in a tribute to ‘The General’, as GM pulls out of SA.
3 min |
23 June 2017
Farmer's Weekly
Conditions Imposed On Approval Of Simplified Mondi Corporate Structure
While the Competition Tribunal of South Africa has given its approval for the Mondi Group to proceed with the simplification of its corporate structure, it is conditional on a number of commitments to be undertaken by the group.
2 min |
July 26, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Industry And Government Help Emerging Tobacco Farmers
The tobacco farming industry is faced with challenges such as the regulation of the use of tobacco by the Department of Health, as well the ongoing threat of an illicit market. Despite this, Limpopo tobacco farmer Erasmus Sefoloshe says there is opportunity for growth as the sector offers sustainable solutions and support. Siyanda Sishuba reports.
5 min |
July 26, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Going The Extra Mile For A New Generation Of Farmers
Springfield Farm has invested in learnerships for its workers, has an open-door policy for agriculture students, and offers mentorships to emerging farmers. Lindi Botha reports.
6 min |
July 26, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Growing Chillies: Part 2
There’s a wonderful and stimulating interest in chillies worldwide. Home growers are now tempted to try variations that differ from the commercial norm.
2 min |
July 26, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
How To Treat Epiphysitis
This joint disease is common in rapidly growing, large-breed foals, and is linked to diet, says Dr Mac. Treatment includes exercise restriction and stable rest.
2 min |
July 26, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Dairy Goats: Secure Your Market Before You Start
Three years ago, WA Hugo started farming dairy goats on 8ha just outside Lambert’s Bay. Today, he has a herd of 150 goats and produces various cheese products. Jeandré van der Walt visited him on his farm, Bettiesville, to learn more about the dos and don’ts of dairy goat farming.
5 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Growing Anything, Anywhere In High-tech Greenhouses
The designs and purposes of greenhouses have come a long way. Lloyd Phillips speaks to Shaul Rabin about the greenhouse technologies currently available, and what the future holds.
4 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Beginner's Guide To Fertilisation
Achieving optimal yields is greatly dependent on providing crops with the right nutrition at the right time. Understanding the role of fertilisers and ensuring the correct application can make the difference between profit and loss. Lindi Botha reports
6 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Fish Production: Simplicity Or Sophistication?
A recirculating system and a pond farm are at opposite ends of the aquaculture spectrum. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
2 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
New Guinea – Garden Of Eden
The ceremonial use of animal skins and bird feathers in Papua New Guinea threatened the indigenous wildlife, according to this article by Vincent Wager.
3 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Know Your Invasive Species
This issue looks at the blue-leaf cactus, the bramble, and other alien plant species that require eradication.
3 min |
February 22, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Well-Managed Soil: The Key To High-Yielding Gold Kiwifruit
Production of the long-term, high-yielding and high-value gold kiwifruit is still in its infancy in South Africa. An important lesson learned by local pioneering grower Peter Nicholson is to have healthy soils for strong vine growth and fruit set. He shares his tips with Lloyd Phillips.
6 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
New Regulations A Headache For Fertiliser Industry
A proposed new Fertilizer Bill will, if implemented, affect the fertiliser and related industries in several ways, including adding to the administrative burden of the registration of product. Increased regulation may also result in fertiliser cost increases. Theo Boshoff and Ingrid Boshoff outline their concerns.
4 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Farmworker's Son Becomes Brangus Stud Breeder
Nkosemntu Nika, who farms in the Winterberg near Tarkastad in the Eastern Cape, is the first black Eastern Cape farmer to become a Brangus stud breeder. Mike Burgess spoke to him about his journey from farmworker’s son to the sale of his first ZK Brangus stud bull for R50 000 at the 2018 East Cape Brangus Sale.
5 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Hampshire – Producer Of Super Crossbred Lambs
21 YEARS AGO According to this article, the Hampshire Down breed’s most important economic attributes are its outstanding hindquarters and rapid growth to maturity.
3 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Nutrients For Watermelons
Many farmers ask for a fertiliser programme for each crop. As I’ve said before, this is an unrealistic request, as the organic and mineral content, texture and structure of soil varies from land to land. A soil analysis is the only way to determine fertiliser requirements.
2 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Making A Difference, One Hoof At A Time
The Highveld Horse Care Unit cares for neglected equines. Farryn Day of the unit says that a lack of education is the main reason for the mistreatment of these animals. Janine Ryan reports.
6 min |
March 1, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Prudent Use Of Antimicrobials Crucial In Livestock Farming
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a global problem in both human and animal medicine. Veterinarian Dr David Gerber, the chief technical officer at South African animal health company V-Tech, explains the problem, and highlights the potential benefits of a surveillance programme.
4 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Performance Testing For The Commercial Breeder: Part 1
This selection, breeding and management tool can improve the efficiency and profitability of any beef operation, says Thokozani Ndonga, senior research technician at the Agricultural Research Council, Irene. He begins this series by exploring the prejudices against performance testing.
2 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Renewables Will Soon Be Cheaper Than Eskom Power
Without decisive intervention, Eskom’s unsustainable debt levels will plunge the entire economy into darkness. But the rising prominence of renewable energy is providing hope.
2 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Lessons Learnt On A Wine Farm
Reyneke Wines was among the first organic wineries in South Africa to receive a five-star rating in Platter’s Wine Guide. Owner Johan Reyneke spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his long and often challenging journey to establish a successful chemical-free wine grape operation.
6 min |
July 12, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Wheat Producers, Treat Fungicides With Caution!
South African wheat producers should guard against over-application of fungicide, according to Dr Tarekegn Terefe, senior researcher at ARC-Small Grain, Bethlehem. The unnecessary use of fungicides can harm the environment and result in the emergence of fungicide-resistant strains. Farmers should also rotate between fungicides from different chemical groups, he writes.
4 min |
July 19, 2019
Farmer's Weekly
Feeding Cattle During And After A Drought
During a cattle information day hosted by the Berg Farmers’ Association in Barkly West, Johan Mouton, manager of research and development for ruminants at RCL Foods, shared some advice on how to manage feeding for livestock after a drought. Sabrina Dean reports.
5 min |