Farmtrac scores with Massey Ferguson

A local forestry operation in northern KwaZulu-Natal has seen great success with its newly acquired Massey Ferguson, says the manufacturer.

How to counter club root

Club root is a common disease of cabbages, broccoli, cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts, turnips, and other plants of the Brassicaceae family, says Bill Kerr.

CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE Growing vetches

Vetch has enormous potential as an annual legume species, especially if rotated between two summer-growing grain crops.

Boerperd breeder sets her sights ever higher

Liezelle Whitehead, award-winning SA Boerperd breeder from the eastern Free State, believes the Boerperd has a bright future as probably the most multi-purpose horse in the country. She describes the Boerperd as a genetic treasure trove in the equine world.

The secret that makes this no-till farmer a success

No-till crop cultivation is hardly a novel movement, yet learning curves are still steep as farmers navigate the intricacies of what makes healthy soil. Lindi Botha speaks to Hendrik Odendaal about how a change in his compost regime is making all the difference.

Making a success of aquaculture: Part 1

In this first part of a two-part series, we look at the basics of aquaculture production in South Africa, including the best systems to use and the type of research needed before starting.

Grow African foods to combat food insecurity

Researchers at Stellenbosch University look at the reasons why the consumption of indigenous foods in South Africa is on the decline, and what can be done to help promote their use.

High fertiliser prices behind food shortages

Prof Simon Roberts and economist Ntombifuthi Tshabalala of the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development at the University of Johannesburg, consider the implications of an increase in global fertiliser prices for food security on the African continent.

The basics of growing radishes: Part 2

Radishes grow quickly, and should be ready to harvest within three to five weeks, depending on the season and the variety sown.

Basque burnt cheesecake

This delicious creation is also known as the anti-cheesecake, thanks to its heavily caramelised top. Whatever the name, it’s certainly worth adding to your repertoire.

Experience all the creature comforts at beautiful De Zeekoe in Oudtshoorn

Surviving recent drought and COVID-19, Oudtshoorn’s farmers and accommodation establishments are looking ahead to better times. Brian Berkman stayed at a fine example of Klein Karoo hospitality outside the town.

Game ranching - the 'improbable' industry

Roelof Bezuidenhout reviews a paper dealing with the rise of game ranching in South Africa, and discovers that the industry developed despite prevailing beliefs that it would destroy the farming of livestock.

The amazing return of the fossil fish

Eighty-five years ago, a trawler docked in the East London harbour with a prehistoric-looking fish on board. The specimen would spark global interest, as these fish were thought to have been extinct for 65 million years. Many more have since then been found alive. Mike Burgess tells the remarkable story of the coelacanth.

The new ISUZU D-MAX Arctic AT35

With exceptional off-road capabilities, the D-MAX Arctic is the second iteration of ISUZU’s specially developed ultimate double cab bakkie.

Bahia grass: a dual-purpose crop

This perennial pasture improves the condition of the soil and provides good grazing for sheep, in particular, and cattle.

Controlling the spread of white mould in cabbages

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the fungus responsible for white mould, spreads via the soil and airborne spores. Speedy action is required

A learnership to empower youth

Country Bird Holdings, in partnership with government, is a participant in the Yes4Youth programme, which is aimed at giving young South Africans practical experience in the workplace. Theunis Eloff explained to Melinda Shaw how CBH works with Amphi SA to mentor trainees.

Essentials for housing poultry

Chickens and other poultry are generally delicate creatures, and need careful attention. Amongst their requirements is secure, dry, warm shelter. In this article, we look at the essentials you need for a chicken house.

Get the best out of good seed - practise good seed storage!

Peter Craven, seed supply and quality lead at Syngenta, and Kobus van Huyssteen, technical manager at the South African National Seed Organisation, spoke to Magda du Toit about the importance of proper seed storage.

Living up to its name, Siyavuna is harvesting growth

Started in 2008 to help ensure food security for a charity, the Siyavuna programme has expanded to focus on farming, training and growing its value chains.

Get to know your livestock's nutritional requirements

If you understand the essential nutrients that your cattle need, and how to provide these, you will end up with a profitable livestock business, says Shane Brody. Here's how to ensure that the animals get enough to thrive.

Relationships are the basis of good business

Personal relationships are the rails on which your business runs. Don't leave them to chance. Work on them consciously, with sincerity, professionalism and deep respect

Hybrid maize brings massive yields

This article reported on the tremendous strides made in maize production in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in the early 1970s.

These Irish farmers influence public opinion

Public opinion on farming practices has taken a negative slant the world over as social media perpetuate stereotypes of farmers who only seek profit, to the detriment of the environment. Irish farmers Pete and Paula Hynes are challenging those views by placing their farm firmly in the spotlight. Lindi Botha reports

Black rot: take care to prevent this destructive disease

Xanthomonas campestris can destroy a cabbage plant. It can also occur on dead organic matter under the proper conditions, warns Bill Kerr

Kissing spine can be inherited

Scientists have found a gene that predicts kissing spine, a disease affecting mainly Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds

The reality of livestock and climate change

Livestock are often said to be unfriendly to the environment, costing a huge amount of feed and water to produce. However, these statements are largely inaccurate

Five ways to make sure fermented food is safe for eating

A typical West African menu is not complete without a fermented food or drink, which are foods transformed by natural processes involving ‘friendly’ micro-organisms such as bacteria or yeast

Guideline to the most popular cannabis extraction methods

The effective extraction of cannabinoids, terpenes and other components is crucial in the production of cannabis products. Thomas Walker discusses various extraction techniques, and how they affect the end product

It's time for SA to rethink its food security strategies

In these trying times of high food prices, we need to reconsider how all South Africans can be afforded access to safe, nutritional diets that enable them to live healthy lives