Experts

relationships

Marketing tips: The value of good relationships

  17th July 2019

Business is about relationships. Each one is different and has its own specific requirements. For a farmer, the most important relationship is the one with the people who sell his produce: They play a key role in the success of his marketing plans. In simpler times, it was said that…

crush pen; cattle

Cattle production: Prevent injuries with good planning

  27th June 2019

One of the greatest constraints veterinarians find when trying to treat cattle is the lack or inadequacy of handling facilities. If it is too difficult to constrain cattle, the owner won’t be able to examine or treat sick animals in time. The handling facilities on a cattle farm are a…

people; discipline

Farm management: Human resources – discipline is key (...

  19th June 2019

For a business to run smoothly and without unnecessary conflict, it is important to maintain discipline day by day. While busy carrying out any of his tasks – planning, organising, implementing or controlling – a manager must also pay attention to certain other management activities, such as leadership, communicating, coordinating,…

swaziland; grains; maize; inputs

Crop production: How to get an a-maize-ing harvest

  18th June 2019

To choose the best planting time for their maize farmers should consider the available heat units on their farms, in other words determine how warm or cool the area is where they farm. Also keep in mind long-term rainfall patterns. The maize plant should have enough time to develop fully…

market; fresh; produce; storage; exporting; quality

Fresh produce: Success doesn’t come easy

  14th June 2019

The fresh produce market as a channel offers producers several options and opportunities. These benefits drastically decrease, however, in the absence of careful planning. This article was written by Prof. A. Leonard and Dr. J. Range. Planning around marketing options realise a higher level of success, provided it’s done in…

pigs

Pork production: Buying pigs

  7th June 2019

Question: I’ve decided to take up pig farming to supplement my pension when I retire. I want to start with two females and a male and to aim for quality rather than quantity. Where should I buy the pigs and what should I look out for to make sure they’re…

houses; poultry; Zimbabwe; rodents; broilers; feathering; broiler

Poultry production: Broiler basics

  6th June 2019

Question: I would like to start a broiler operation on my cattle farm. I have 4 broiler houses measuring 120 m x 12 m, with a slope of 1.5 m down the side of each. The size of your broiler houses leaves you with 1 440 m², which can accommodate…

bats

Organic farming: Let bats fight for you

  3rd June 2019

These small mammals have a massive appetite for insects and can consume more than their body weight in a single night. They should be part of every integrated pest management system. A colony of bats can devour more than a million insects a night. This makes them an invaluable partner…