Using nematodes for biological control of crop pests

Mankaba Matshidiso Whitney Matli, an agricultural economist part of the Agricultural Research Council Professional Development Programme, discusses the importance of biological control to decrease the damage caused by various crop pests without harming the environment.

Land reform: what still needs to be done?

The lack of accurate data about who owns what land is seriously hampering the land reform process in South Africa, says Peter Setou of the non-profit Vumelana Advisory Fund.

Nigeria's bird flu burden

The Conversation Africa asked Clement Meseko, an animal influenza expert and a virologist at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Jos, Nigeria, to explain the re-occurrences of avian influenza in that country.

Is financial literacy your weakest link? Rectify that right now!

You might be able to stumble through your private life without financial literacy. But if you're a business manager, it's a must-have competency. So, if this is a gap in your skill set, fill it soon

Macadamias: optimise inputs to beat low prices

South Africa's relatively young macadamia industry has a long way to go to establish optimal farming practices and efficiencies. However, with nut prices falling, producers need to focus on cost savings that will balance inputs with output. Lindi Botha reports on key areas that macadamia farmers should be paying attention to.

Diets, political turmoil, and page-turners

This week, Patricia McCracken looks at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Chris Hani's murder; making good health a habit; a tense whodunit in Botswana; and a tale of two women amidst the turmoil of war.

Avoid confusion with this quick guide to pig diseases

In order to ensure proper treatment for and management of pig diseases, farmers must know the differences between African swine fever, classical swine fever and swine flu

Many opportunities await SA's pork industry

Johann Kotzé, CEO of the South African Pork Producers' Organisation, speaks to Janine Ryan about the importance of the informal pig sector in South Africa, as well as the high calibre of the country's formal producers.

Meet Toyota's updated Fortuner

It's here! Braam Peens of CAR magazine reviews the second-generation must-have 150kW GD-6 Toyota Fortuner.

Cabbage: an ancient, nutritious crop more popular than ever

Cabbage, which is native to western Europe, has been cultivated for at least 3 000 years and is today a major crop worldwide

Performance testing of small stock: Part 1

This set of scientifically proven procedures is a producer's most important tool for selecting replacement rams and ewes.

Growing poor man's lucerne

Lespedeza cuneata is a drought-tolerant, perennial, non-bloating legume that delivers high-quality grazing and hay and is a prolific seed producer.

Farm security: it's time to get an eye in the sky!

Modern drones have come a long way from their clunky forebears; they're also more affordable. One key use for them is as 'eyes in the sky' to help maintain security, and this makes them ideal for farmers. Security consultant Laurence Palmer gives a brief history of the drone and explains what it takes to operate one.

Top pig farmer takes full advantage of tech

New technologies, big data and top-of-the-range genetics are becoming increasingly important aspects of profitable pig farming. However, these advancements don't come cheap, placing them out of reach of many small-scale producers. Pig farmer CP Kriek spoke to Lindi Botha about tech solutions suited to Africa.

Grain and oilseed markets under increasing pressure

Production prospects in South America and developments in the Black Sea region continue to shape grain and oilseed markets. Absa AgriBusiness looks at the trends that will affect prices over the coming months.

An aggressive grass as cattle feed

In this article, farmer VS Gilbey wrote about the good results he achieved by using rescue grass as cattle feed.

Using training aids to build balance and muscle

Designing a programme based on the principles of physiotherapy can improve performance in sport horses, says Dr Mac.

Protecting the predators of leaf miner and other pests

Swiss chard is targeted by many pests. But these in turn are targeted by predators. So let these 'good guys' do their job, urges Bill Kerr.

Organic phosphorus and plant nutrition

In organic farming systems, phosphorus is supplied mainly through recycling of materials such as compost and manure; it is not readily available to plants. Beware of depleting this element from your soil.

Get to know dragon fruit

Dragon fruit production in South Africa is growing, thanks to increasing demand from Northern Hemisphere countries.

How natural fertilisers can benefit farmers

Viktor Sukau, CSO of natural fertiliser manfacturer Manaseer Natural Green, and Anton Prysiazhniuk, the company's CEO, spoke to Janine Ryan about the deleterious effects of synthetic fertilisers on the environment and why farmers worldwide need to shift to more organic and sustainable products.

Morija: 160 years of hurt and healing

In the western Lesotho town of Morija is the Mountain Kingdom's oldest church, which dates back to the 1850s. Mike Burgess provides context to its historical significance within the landlocked Southern African country.

Analysis: water intake of young Afrikaner and Nauni bulls

A study by Georgette Pyoos, junior researcher, and Prof Michiel Scholtz, specialist researcher in animal breeding and genetics, both at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Institute, counters the popular argument that the water intake of beef cattle is so high that it is harmful to the environment.

Full-circle restoration of subtropical thicket

It takes more than just planting some seeds in the veld to restore subtropical thicket that has been degraded by erosion, overgrazing and bush clearing. Marion Whitehead reports on a project designed by the Rhodes Restoration Research Group that has yielded valuable new insights into the process.

Diversification: careful planning hedges risk

With so many variables in the farming landscape, diversification is a useful strategy to hedge one's risk and ensure a steady cash flow. However, managing multiple divisions comes with its own challenges. Jan Grey, who farms in Mpumalanga's Bethal region, spoke to Lindi Botha about his winning strategies.

'Regenerative farming will grow once society as a whole buys into the concept'

Retailers, consumers, the supply chain and financial institutions should all play a more active role in promoting regenerative agriculture, according to panellists at a recent event in Stellenbosch. Glenneis Kriel reports.

Agriculture urged to lead the way in keeping South Africa food-secure

Grain producers make a significant contribution to South Africa's food security, but greater effort should go towards creating a more sustainable future for the industry, according to speakers at the recent 2023 Grain SA Congress. Annelie Coleman reports.

Common fungal diseases of Swiss chard

This week, Bill Kerr looks at Cercospera leaf spot, beet mosaic virus, and the two types of mildew that target Swiss chard.

The link between drought and disease

Gina Charnley, a research postgraduate in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London, looks at the ways that drought brings disease.

SA's Dorper sheep flourish in Kenya

Dorper sheep are increasingly making inroads in Kenya's mutton and lamb production industry. The breed is particularly popular among farmers in the more arid areas of the country because of its hardiness, adaptability and profitability. Annelie Coleman reports.