Clik here to view.
The psychology of retirement
Retirement is not a single event; it involves both emotional and financial considerations, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to earn more from hides and skins
When an animal is slaughtered on the farm, the skin should be salted immediately. Many farmers don’t bother to do this, thinking the cost of the salt is more than what they can get for the skin. This...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Assessing veld condition
Taking a good look at every camp on your farm will reveal if your veld management system is on the right track, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout.
View ArticleClik here to view.
How clever kraaling can restore bare patches
A veld management strategy, based on an old animal husbandry practice, can benefit both communal farmers and holistic resource managers.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Seven secrets of success for small farmers
Farming is like running any other business: you need to be realistic and practical in how you go about it. Roelof Bezuidenhout lists some crucial pointers to help you out.
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to make the most of farmers’ days
You’re never too experienced to learn. Roelof Bezuidenhout explains why farmers’ days and other get-togethers are such a valuable resource.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Treating seedy mohair
Seed contamination can result in a lower selling price for your mohair, even though mohair sells relatively well, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Study reveals the motives behind stock theft
Cecili Doorewaard-Janse van Vuuren, a lecturer in Unisa’s Department of Criminology and Security Science, explains the results of her research into the motivating factors behind livestock theft in...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Struggling smallholder wool farmers need more support – study
An analysis of smallholder wool farmers in the Thaba ‘Nchu and Botshabelo districts of the Free State shows that not only are 93% of the farmers inefficient, but that poor extension services and poorly...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to recognise stress – and manage it
Stress can have a serious effect on your health, which is why it’s so important to address the problem sooner rather than later. Fortunately, there are well-established strategies for this, writes...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The long and the short of tail docking
There is good evidence that a tail docked at the third or fourth joint is better than a very short tail. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dealing with seed problems in Angoras
There is no quick or cheap way to remove seed from mohair, but good management helps, according to Pierre van der Vyver, general manager of The House of Fibre. He outlined his tips to Roelof Bezuidenhout.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Eco-friendly predator management
Safe lambs are only a stone’s throw away, writes Roelof Bezuidenhout, recommending a stone barrier to keep predators away from flocks.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Wool market improves
A total of 6 077 bales were on offer at the 10th auction of the wool season. The market delivered positive results, with all micron categories ending positive, assisted by a weaker rand against the US...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The quest for healthy food
The global food system is not broken but its resilience is threatened, according to researchers looking for answers to the problems around nutritional quality and inequalities in the food chains.
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to get better prices for seedy mohair
While seedy mohair inevitably fetches less on the market, there are ways of increasing the price. Broker Pierre van der Vyver of The House of Fibre explained these to Roelof Bezuidenhout.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Farm accidents: be very careful
Farming is a hazardous profession, and it is important for farmers to ensure the safety of their workers.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Community involvement in conservation and tourism
Local communities should be treated as valued stakeholders and sustainability partners in conservation and tourism, say Ian Gordon-Cumming and Prof Kevin Mearns of Unisa’s Department of Environmental...
View ArticleClik here to view.
New book explores the Karoo’s environmental history
Prof William Beinart shares insight into his fascinating book, 'The Rise of Conservation in South Africa, Settlers, Livestock, and the Environment 1770-1950', and the current state of the Karoo.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Understand the veld: three stages to optimal grazing management
The types of grasses or shrubs that grow on any particular piece of veld will give you an idea of what phase of plant succession that veld is in. This will guide you on how to manage it.
View Article