Animal husbandry
Issues and important matters in the livestock sector e.g. animal identification, animal welfare, stock theft, transporting animals, female reproductive data of our main farm animals, and estimating the water required for livestock.
Speciality fertilisers
Introduction “Group 3 fertiliser” is a natural or synthetic substance or organism/s that improve/s the growth or yield of plants or the physical, chemical or biological conditions of the soil and does not qualify for registration as a group 1 or 2 fertiliser. This includes: Biofertiliser (Fungi, Mycorrhizae, bacteria) Soil enhancers (water retention) Fulvic and […]
Seeds and seedlings
Introduction ASPECTS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING WHAT TO PLANT Environment Make sure the soil is suitable for the proposed crops. Take into account soil depth, texture, acidity and salinity. Study the rainfall and temperature pattern over the various seasons when deciding which crop can be grown successfully at different times of the year. Planting dates […]
Fuels and lubricants
A fuel-tax rebate exists for farmers, who can claim money back on their diesel purchases. Find “Diesel Refund Scheme” on www.sars.gov.za. Introduction What kind of engine oil should I use in my farm equipment? The equipment owner should always select and use oil that at least meets the minimum API Engine Service Classification recommended by […]
Animal health
Introduction Animal health includes the use of measures like vaccinations, dosing and dips to safeguard farming enterprises. These precautions amount to less than 7% of the farmer’s total expenditure. To avoid essential preventative treatment and spending is to act unwisely. Animal diseases and parasites are bad news for the economy, to say nothing of human […]
Vehicles – other
Bakkies and 4x4s, Cars and SUVs, ATVs and Other
Tyres
Radial Ply Imported tractors are normally fitted with Radial Ply tyres. These tyres are all marked with a Load Index and Speed Symbol on the sidewall. A copy of the Speed Symbol table is below. However, these merely indicate the tyres maximum carrying capacity and speed at the maximum speed. When it comes to recommended […]
Trucks and heavy machinery
Introduction This page is weighted towards the “trucks”. Readers wishing for a database of heavy machinery providers should consult a copy of the Plant & Equipment magazine (or its website). Many categories are covered e.g. bulldozers, crawler excavators, backhoe loaders, landfill compactors etc. Role players Further reference: Manufacturers Contact details of dealers can be found on most […]
Trailers
Role players Further reference: Be aware that some companies mentioned on the “Tractors, combines and balers”, “Trucks and heavy machinery” and “Implements” pages also supply trailers. Key points for livestock farmers Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) It is common practice amongst farmers to compare trailers prices by looking at size and GVM, and then buying the […]
Supply Chain Management
Introduction Farming is only one part of the process which gets food onto people’s plates. Agricultural production leads on to packaging, transporting and marketing/selling. There are many places for inefficiencies and wastage. Supply chain management takes a look at all the links in this process. Dr Tobias Doyer makes the case for co-operation and co-ordination […]