Moisture stress is one of the leading challenges farmers face, impacting crop productivity and profitability. When crops experience water deficiency, it can result in either temporary wilting or permanent wilting, depending on the severity and duration of the stress.
Climatic Requirements
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Sorghum thrives in areas with rainfall between 300 and 900 mm annually.
Rabbit breeding is a fascinating yet intricate process that requires an in-depth understanding of reproductive cycles, gestation periods, and practical management practices. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rabbit farmer, mastering these elements is key to maximizing productivity and maintaining healthy breeding stock.
When you spend as much time with livestock as most keepers do, you develop an innate sense of what’s normal—and what’s not. Recognizing the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of health and disease in your animals is critical to ensuring their wellbeing and productivity. Whether you're managing a herd of cows, a flock of goats, or a small poultry farm, understanding these indicators can save you time, money, and heartache.
By Learnmore Chiposo | Supra Feeds
High environmental temperatures, often coupled with high relative humidity, are common during the summer season. These conditions can lead to heat stress in layers, which profoundly affects overall flock performance. Significant losses, including high mortality and reduced egg production, are observed when temperatures exceed 33°C. Even mild heat stress, often overlooked, can subtly impact flock performance, leading to losses in egg production and shell quality.
The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the Department of Civil Protection, has issued an advisory on Severe Tropical Storm Chido, the third tropical system of the 2024/2025 cyclone season.
Farm management is the backbone of agricultural success. It blends economics, finance, and practical skills to ensure farming operations are efficient, sustainable, and profitable. From planning and resource allocation to marketing and risk management, effective farm management relies on several foundational pillars. This guide dives into these essential elements, providing actionable insights for farmers seeking long-term success.
Purchasing feeder cattle is a crucial step for any cattle feeding operation. To maximize profitability, you must carefully consider where to buy, when to buy, and how to calculate costs. Here’s a simplified guide to help you make informed decisions.
By Learnmore Chiposo | Supra Feeds
Summer brings high temperatures, which can cause broilers to suffer from heat or summer stress. This condition arises when there is an imbalance between heat production and heat loss in the birds' bodies. If left unchecked, heat stress can lead to significant losses, including poor growth, low feed consumption, high feed conversion ratios (FCR), and increased mortality. These challenges are exacerbated in high-humidity environments.
Feather pecking and cannibalism are persistent issues in laying hen production systems, often leading to significant losses. Cannibalism typically begins with pecking at fresh wounds on a hen’s body, such as those on the back or excretory channels. Initially, this behavior may seem non-aggressive, appearing as part of the normal feeding behavior.
Choosing the right farm enterprise is a critical decision that impacts the profitability and sustainability of your agricultural venture. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting, evaluating the following factors ensures you make an informed choice.
Dear Farmer,
Every season, we sow our seeds with hope. We toil under the sun, water the crops with care, and dream of a better harvest—a better life. But have you ever paused to ask yourself: What does “better” mean? And when is it enough?
Zero tillage, also known as no-tillage or chemical tillage, is a revolutionary agricultural technique that minimizes soil disturbance, offering significant benefits to farmers and the environment. This advanced farming method is gaining traction worldwide, especially in areas prone to soil erosion and where the cost of traditional tillage is prohibitive. But what exactly is zero tillage, and how does it work? Let’s delve into the details.
Harare, December 4, 2024 – Zimbabwean farmers are grappling with relentless dry weather and intense heat, as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warns of continued hot conditions in the days ahead.
Soil Organic Matter (SOM) is a vital component of soil, influencing its physical structure, nutrient availability, and capacity to support plant life. Derived from plant and animal residues at various stages of decomposition, SOM is integral to maintaining soil fertility and sustainability. This article explores its components, benefits, and strategies for effective management.
Maize farming is a cornerstone of food security and income generation for many farmers. By implementing the right practices at every stage—land preparation, planting, fertilizing, and management—you can achieve high yields and improve your livelihood. Here’s an essential guide to thriving maize production.
Harare, Zimbabwe - November 21, 2024
Zimbabwe has taken a significant step toward combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by signing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Charter for the establishment of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC). The landmark ceremony, held at Rainbow Towers in Harare, cements Zimbabwe's position as the 13th SADC Member State to accede to the Charter, showcasing its commitment to sustainable fisheries management.
10 November 2024 | As the rainy season begins to sweep across the nation, farmers are encouraged to start planting. According to Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, farmers should take immediate action to begin planting in areas where rainfall has been adequate.
In the poultry industry, every stage of a bird’s life matters, and successful poultry enterprises prioritize careful chick management from day one. Proper chick management ensures that young birds grow into healthy, productive adults, optimizing production outcomes. Errors made during this critical stage are often irreversible, impacting productivity and profitability. Here, we outline essential practices for effective chick management, covering all critical phases from preparation to early brooding.
Harare, Zimbabwe — November 6, 2024
Today, TSL and Agricura unveiled a newly upgraded animal health manufacturing plant in Harare, signifying a major step forward for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. The USD 600,000 upgrade enables the plant to produce high-quality veterinary medicines targeting common livestock parasites, including roundworms, tapeworms, and liver flukes, with an annual capacity of 240,000 to 360,000 litres.