Tiger Heart Calf Deaths Surge as FMD Outbreaks Deepen Crisis for South African Farmers
South African livestock producers are reporting a sharp increase in sudden calf deaths linked to a condition known as tiger heart. The surge is closely associated with active foot-and-mouth disease…
Sustainable Feed Alternatives for Cattle During Drought
Drought conditions pose a serious challenge for cattle farmers, reducing pasture availability and increasing feed costs. Finding sustainable alternatives to traditional forage is essential to maintain herd health and productivity.…
Managing Fusarium Wilt TR4 Threat to the Cavendish Banana Industry
Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4) poses a serious threat to the global Cavendish banana industry, including South Africa’s banana farms. TR4 is a soil-borne fungus that attacks banana plants’…
Growing Avocados in Limpopo: A Complete Guide from Planting to Export
Limpopo is one of South Africa’s prime regions for avocado production, thanks to its warm climate, well-drained soils, and access to export markets. Avocados have become a high-value crop for…
How to Build a Keyhole Garden for High-Yield Vegetable Production
A keyhole garden is a practical method for growing vegetables in limited space while using less water and organic waste. It consists of a raised circular bed with a narrow…
South Africa’s Fight Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease Enters Critical Phase
South Africa’s response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has reached a pivotal stage as the government moves to protect the national livestock herd. Minister John Steenhuisen is set to provide a…
Wayne Porter on the Legacy and Impact of Brahman Cattle in South Africa
Brahman cattle have earned a reputation as one of South Africa’s most resilient and economically valuable breeds. Wayne Porter, president of the Brahman Breeders’ Society of South Africa, explains that…
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Engages Red Meat Industry on Foot and Mouth Disease Control
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC, Ms Nonceba Kontsiwe, recently convened a strategic meeting with key representatives from the red meat industry, including national and provincial leadership, alongside the SAPS head of…
Vhutolo Khangale: Champion of Nguni Goats in Tswinga Village
In Tswinga village, Vhembe District of Limpopo, Vhutolo Khangale has turned his passion for goats into a model of indigenous livestock farming. Through his venture, Rumanne Genetics, he demonstrates that…
Understanding the Expropriation Bill and Its Implications for Farmers
The Expropriation Bill has become a key topic in South Africa, particularly for the agricultural sector. It seeks to regulate the government’s ability to expropriate land for public purposes, including…
Best Farm Management Software for South African Conditions
Efficient farm management is critical for profitability, sustainability, and growth in South Africa’s diverse agricultural sector. Farm management software (FMS) helps farmers track production, manage resources, monitor finances, and make…
Four Pumpkins per Plant: How Charles Smith’s Nelson F1 Crop Defied Expectations
When Charles Smith, a farmer from Schweizer-Reneke, planted his pumpkin fields in 2025, the odds were not in his favour. Rainfall was unpredictable, conditions were tough, and the crop was…
