Zambia sets budget to improve agriculture sector

Lusaka will be investing funds in smaller, up-and-coming farms to grow the languishing sector

Hops farmers need to adapt methods for beer production, says study

There is bad news for beer lovers as the taste could deteriorate due to climate change, say a group of scientists from the Czech Academy of Sciences and Cambridge University.

Search is on for SA's best school food garden

Food & Trees for Africa recently announced the upcoming EduPlant finals competition, which will recognise and reward the best efforts in nurturing school permaculture food gardens within the EduPlant community.

The big changes before elections, must come not after

Elections are often preceded by promises of change, but in our current scenario, the most important changes must come before the elections.

Mini-horses beat the big 'uns

Miniature horses took top honours in competition with ‘normal’ horses. Miniature horses are beginning to take their rightful place in the horse world.

Can further growth be uncovered from SA's agriculture sector?

South Africa's agriculture industry could be propelled by the implementation of technological innovation and diversification, says Nomqhele Dube, analyst at strategic research, advisory and investment services company Birguid.

Are we already in election mode?

NEW PARTIES SUCH AS ACTION SA, RISE MZANSI AND BUILD ONE SOUTH AFRICA COULD ATTRACT ANC VOTERS

Individual tiramisu and caramel trifles

This classic egg-and-coffee custard makes a stunning summer dessert

Don't horse about when it comes to being COVID-positive

This remains a notifiable disease but the lockdown no longer exists. Although it is not much more severe then a common cold, make sure you have contingency plans in place should you need someone else to take care of your horses, says Dr Mac.

Mitsubishi's limited edition double cab

The Mitsubishi Triton GLX offers everything bakkie owners will ever need from a work or leisure vehicle, says the manufacturer.

Dealing with bovine Johne's disease

There is no treatment for bovine Johne's disease. While certain antibiotics may provide some temporary relief, infected cattle will inevitably die.

Hardening tomato seedlings

Hardening off seedlings results in stronger, healthier plants with higher yields.

New targeted therapeutics herald a medical revolution

As the knowledge of the subtleties of cannabis compounds and the complex functions of the endocannabinoid system advances, targeted therapeutics is positioned to transform patient care.

Outlook for the red meat industry

Livestock product prices will remain at current levels, with some upwards movement possible for lamb, while expected lower grain prices will improve profitability of intensive livestock.

Farmers brought peace, prosperity

During the 1840s, the frontier of the Eastern Cape was a dangerous place to farm, but the intrepid spirit of some farmers brought prosperity and peace to the region, says Graham Jooste.

Be aware of cauliflower's special requirements

Cauliflower is very sensitive to a boron deficiency, much more so than other cruciferous crops, writes Bill Kerr

A more holistic way of farming

In this article, Zunel van Eeden, a master's student at North-West University, explains why integrated pest management provides short as well as long-term, sustainable benefits.

The ARC's farm assessment toolkit

The Agricultural Research Council's Farm Assessment Toolkit has been developed to allow for the evaluation of a farm in a scientific manner, using the natural resource base of the farm as a foundation.

Permaculture nurtures life into barren soil

Kathryn Eybers and Ross Dwyer have transformed a degraded ostrich farm into an economically viable, vibrant healthy ecosystem. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel.

Changeable decade ahead for agriculture

Agriculture is South Africa has faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years, yet, for the most part, has survived the storms. In the latest Baseline Outlook for the agriculture sector, compiled by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, the next decade is purported to hold the key to future success.

Boost profit by using available genetic resources

Dr Japie van der Westhuizen, general manager of SA Stud Book, describes how to make use of animal genetic resources to select for sustainable profit in beef cattle from a stud and commercial perspective.

KZN residents urged to vaccinate their animals against rabies

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is urging animal owners to vaccinate their animals to prevent the spread of rabies and reduce the risk of human infection and death.

Calls for support after devastating veld fires

The agriculture sector in the North West had to overcome numerous severe challenges during the past year, of which the loss of more than a million hectares to veld fires was probably the worst, said Willem de Chavonnes Vrucht, Agri North West chairperson. The large-scale foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks also added to the woes of the sector, he said.

Association says UK government must act fast on artificial fertilisers

UK-based charity The Soil Association has started a petition urging government to put a plan in place to reduce the use of fossilbased artificial fertilisers on local farms. The association said if the government did not do something urgently, they risked missing its climate goals.

AGL'S locally blended lubricants to benefit the agriculture sector

An extension of the localisation partnership between global brand ExxonMobil and African Group Lubricants (AGL) holds the promise of an abundant harvest for South Africa's agriculture sector.

Farm accidents: be very careful

Agriculture is a big employer and is also one of the deadliest professions, ranking alongside construction and mining as the most dangerous industry.

Some physiological disorders of cabbages

Oedema, bursting cabbages, tip burn and cold damage may cause concern but they can be prevented and managed

Set up marketing facilities and community structures

Avoid the situation where buyers are expected to struggle while processing and later loading your livestock because of poor or non-existent facilities

Charity always begins at home

We all know the expression 'charity begins at home', but why then do so many people make a mess of it in their own lives and businesses?

Egg and chicken meat shortages loom as bird flu gains momentum

Continuous outbreaks of bird flu may lead to egg and chicken meat shortages in South Africa.