The ins and outs of beef feedlot economics
A decision faced by producers every year is whether to add value to their grain and livestock: Are they going to sell their grain and weaner calves or add value to both by feeding...
When is it too late to plant?
In major maize production regions of South Africa, the optimal planting date for maize is considered to be around late October to mid-December for Mpumalanga (22%), the Free State (43%) and North West (17%),...
What to do when input quality falls short
When the quality of seed or any other agricultural input falls short, it can have significant financial consequences. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and know how to handle the situation correctly. Below...
Local sorghum industry deserves better recognition in SA
How many South Africans can identify sorghum in their everyday meals? For most modern households, the answer is likely ‘very few’. Despite being one of the most drought-tolerant and versatile crops in the country,...
FERTILISER INDUSTRY IN SA: This is what it looks like
Fertilisers are crucial for improving soil fertility and maintaining agricultural productivity, especially in nutrient-limited soils commonly found in key grain-production regions of South Africa. The South African fertiliser industry is largely influenced by global...
Belê in presisietegnologie vir beter grond, hoër opbrengs en groter wins
In die wêreld van moderne landbou is presisietegnologie nie meer ’n luukse nie maar ’n gegewe. Dit is ’n hulpmiddel waarmee produsente hul wins kan verhoog deur insetkoste meer doeltreffend te bestuur. Dié tegnologie...
SA CLIMATE SHIFTS: past, PRESENT and BEYOND
Climate change due to increased carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases was first described in the Charney report of 1979. This first report sparked much debate, research, and political rivalry over the last 46 years...
Planting time and hybrid choice: keys to successful sunflower production
Sunflower is one of South Africa’s top oilseed crops, valued for both its yield and oil quality. However, climate change associated with hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and unpredictable rainfall poses new challenges. Recent...
Employing foreign nationals: legal duties and risks for SA agri employers
As South Africa grapples with tightening immigration controls and rising pressure to prioritise local employment, the agricultural sector must pay close attention to the legal framework governing the employment of foreign nationals. For many...
Testing cover crop mixtures as pastures
The use of cover crops as part of a conservation agriculture (CA) approach holds numerous benefits to a production system and may provide unique opportunities for grazing livestock. With only four to five suitable...
