Pork and Pig Farming
Introduction There is much ignorance about pigs, and so we open this page with some basics. Many people think pigs like to be in dirty pens with only mud to stand in. Pigs roll in mud to protect themselves against the sun and extreme temperatures and against parasites such as flies. It is not necessary for pigs […]
Animal husbandry
Introduction In addition to the pages in the “Livestock” section, the reader is also referred to pages elsewhere on this website like “Animal feeds”, “Animal health” and “Precision livestock farming”. The livestock sector accounts for nearly 50% of the total value of agriculture (Sihlobo, 2024; BFAP, 2021). From a food and income security point of […]
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 VAT registered farmers, who can claim money back on their diesel purchases — 40% from the fuel levy and 100% from the Road Accident Fund levy. Find the Diesel Refund Guide, downloadable in pdf format, on www.sars.gov.za. Introduction What kind of engine oil should I use in my farm equipment? The equipment owner […]
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 View the Premium Listings below (scroll down or click on “Premium Listings” […]
Trailers
Role players View the Premium Listings below (scroll down or click on “Premium Listings” on the Table of Contents to the right). 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) […]