News

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…

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…

weeds; tillage; soil

Crop production: Take a good look at your soil

  27th May 2019

Managing the soil on your farm is just like stocking a grocery cupboard – so before you set off to buy fertilisers, you should know what your soil already contains. Otherwise, you could use the incorrect fertiliser which will lead to poor crops and could cost you a lot of…

cow

Cattle production: A layman’s guide to helping a cow g...

  24th May 2019

Many farmers have had to help out when a cow is unable, or struggling, to deliver a calf. Here are some tips. Resolving some cases of difficult calving can only be attempted by an experienced veterinarian, but the average farmer can tackle some simple cases and assess when veterinary help…