Animal traction: the use of draught animal power
Introduction On commercial agriculture farms, animal traction can be used to supplement tractor operations and reduce operating costs. Typical activities are transporting of farming inputs, produce and fodder; spreading fertiliser and manure; and weeds control. Animal power plays a role in the development of emerging farmers entering commercial agriculture. The initial capital investment is about one third what it […]
Water storage
Introduction Rain does not always fall where humans want it to fall, but we work with it to our own advantage. On a national level, dams such as the Gariep Dam, Vanderkloof Dam, Midmar Dam, Pongolapoort Dam, Vaal Dam or Theewaterskoof Dam have been constructed to collect and store rain water on a large scale. […]
Rainwater harvesting
Above: Rainwater harvesting on a commercial farming shed. Picture used courtesy of Helen Gordon, WWF-SA. Rain water harvesting (RWH) is increasingly being accepted as a practical method of providing both irrigation and potable water in agricultural and development projects throughout the world. Enough rain falls on the African continent to supply the water needs for […]
Packaging and handling systems
This article deals with that part of the supply chain where the product is got ready for marketing. It includes cold storage, packaging (includes wood-, biodegradable packaging and recycling), scales and weighing equipment, general handling systems and services.
Natural building
Introduction Find the Construction subheading on the Permaculture page. Houses built with traditional earth technologies using indigenous knowledge make up the largest number of houses in the informal housing sector in South Africa. Natural building is any building system which places the highest value on social and environmental sustainability. It assumes the need to minimise the […]
Irrigation
Introduction Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil usually for assisting in growing crops. Agriculture that relies only on direct rainfall is referred to as rain-fed farming. Sources of irrigation water can be groundwater extracted from springs or by using wells, surface water withdrawn from rivers or dams, or non-conventional sources like […]
Grain storage and handling
Introduction A farmer has the following storage options: Deliver the crop immediately to the miller/processor Use silo bags Erect your own silos Make use of commercial silos off-farm. The commercial silo owners offer producers, traders, buyers and processors a range of facilities such as: A time solution (by extended storage periods) A choice of locations (extensive geographic distribution) […]
General farm equipment
Role players View the Premium Listings below (scroll down or click on “Premium Listings” on the Table of Contents to the right). Batteries See the “Renewable & alternative energy” page. Canvas & tents Army Surplus Stores Bundutop Bushtec Adventure Camp Master Canvas & Tent Cristys Tent & Canvas SA Marquee and Tent Tentco The Job […]
Fencing
Introduction Conventional fencing It is essential to have good fences for your stock. If you are working with sheep or goats, it can be expensive to put up fences that are capable of keeping them in. Wire mesh is certainly the most effective type of fencing, because it not only stops newborn lambs and kids […]
Building supplies and structures
Role players View the Premium Listings below (scroll down or click on “Premium Listings” on the Table of Contents to the right). Further reference: Training and research Read details of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)-accredited qualification “Apply elementary farm layout and infrastructure” at https://allqs.saqa.org.za/showUnitStandard.php?id=116172 Companies Find the directory of brick suppliers on the website www.claybrick.org.za. Government […]