Ager-Tech

29/04/2018

Farming

27/03/2016

Includes: how to have the best producing winter vegetable garden, extend the season, and reap the benefits.

11/02/2016

WANT TO GO COMMERCIAL for Poultry? CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS BEFORE STARTING A COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARM
If you are planning to or you are already into poultry farming and you seriously wish to grow it big in the nearest future there are some factors you need to consider.
Some of the major factors includes;
1. Housing system: this is a very important factor you need to put into consideration, no matter the number of birds you are keeping the housing can make and mar your success in poultry farming. If you have successfully work on the housing system more than 40% of problems would have been solved.
2. Feed and feeding: you need to map out a feasibility studies on poultry farming before you kick-start anything this will go a long way to help you acheive your goals and succeed, feeds and feeding carries larger part of the expenses in a poultry farm and adequate plan towards feeding can help make the journey easier. You can choose either to produce your own feeds yourself or buy various stages feeds from feed mills. Proper feeding makes the birds grow well and to a larger extend their health is secured.
3. Record keeping: this is another very important factor in poultry system management. A proper record keeping can foster your poultry business development, record keeping will help you determines your success and failures flaws and where amendment is needed, keep a proper record for your poultry farm in order to increase your production level always.
4. Changes and differences: you need to be sensitive to changes and differences in your poultry farm, which includes the growth, feeding, their droppings, the laying capacities, number of birds, sound amongst others. This will help yo as a stock man to be sensitive to changes in the system. For instances: when layers are about to start laying, they makes a lot of noise, feeding rate and body weight increases, and sometimes when there is disease outbreak you can quickly take note of this happenings by their droppings, if it changes from what it use to be when they are healthy then something is wrong, you can call on your vet doctor for inspection. Be sensitive to regular changes in your poultry farm always.
5. Types of birds: this is another important factor you should
in a poultry farming business what are the types of birds you want to raise? Chicken? (Layers or Broilers as applicable to other birds)
Quail? Turkey? Goose? Duck? I shared a post earlier on this Page about
various https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?st
ory_fbid=935426769876791&id=164818223604320
6. Areas of concentration: this is a very important factor to consider in a poultry farming business, alot of people (readers of this Blog) have been contacting me both on phone calls and via the contact box below, asking me to share more about other farming business apart from poultry surely i will do that but poultry encompass alot of areas and specialisation and thats why i have been writing on various apects of poultry. As a poultry farmer you should sit down, take a sheet of paper, pen and cup of tea, write down the lists of various aspect of poultry and which one precisely you want to venture into. Its possible to establish business in all but its advisable to start with one after which you now extend your business,, some major areas youi can focus on includes:
# Egg production, meat production,breeding (hatching of eggs into chicks), feed processing and production, packaging of poultry products, marketing and lots more.
7. Capital: perhaps i should have make this number one factor to consider as we all know in any business production the four major factors are
"Capital, land, labour and enterprenuer"
capital is one of the major factor that determine what happens and what goes on in the system. Since record keeping and feasibility study is part of the steps to be taking before starting your poultry business, they include capital which is the fund (total amount of money you are investing into a business) the main reason why poultry needs enough fund is that you can't be managing poultry birds you have to provide the best for the min order for you to get the required products at the end of your production.
8. Poultry Equipments and facilities: It is very important to get adequate equipment ready and set before starting a poultry farm so that you don't get stocked on the way. Some of the necessary equipments includes:
# feeders , drinkers, egg crates, heat source, waste disposal, incubator, culling cage (for keeping sick birds), clean water, feeds, and so on.
Base on the areas you choose you can list out the necessary equipment and get them ready before starting the poultry farm.
9. Poultry Location: we have talked about housing system another important and crucial factor is the location of the poultry house. most often when we go to rural areas or areas that have less settlement and more of bush and grass we find different category of poultry farm that is suitable there, perhaps you have seen something of this nature before. well, the reason is simple most people situate their poultry farm in the bush so that the smell can not affect people living around them and disposal of waste is easy, actually you can run a poultry farm at home as well in your backyard but in a situation where you are considering thousands of birds, try and locate the house in an environment with less population of people and settlement so that you can run your business without any interference and disturbance of the residence.
I wish you best of luck in your poultry
Culled from: http://www.greenhealthyfarm.com

13/12/2015

Fast vegetable crops are good to grow because they provide some food on the table in the shortest period of time. They are a good jump-start to the growing season after a winter of grocery store produce.

If you have a limited season (colder climate zones), then you can help maximize your garden’s output by growing fast-growing vegetables.

Also, in a post SHTF world, these vegetables will provide quick food from the garden…

(UPDATED)



Radishes

Days to harvest: 20-30. They grow very quickly! They might be a little spicy-hot, but they are one of the fastest-growing root vegetables. They’re one of just a few vegetables that you can plant from seed at the beginning of a month and enjoy a harvest by the end of the month.

When sowing radish seeds, plant some about a half-inch deep and the rest a little deeper. Those close to the surface will germinate more quickly, extending the harvest by a few days. The deeper roots will be later, but larger, than the shallow ones.



Turnips

Days to harvest: 40 – 60. Turnips grow very fast. Plant in rich, loose soil with lots of organic matter and compost. Mulch heavily and water at a rate of 1 inch per week to prevent the roots from becoming tough and bitter. Fully mature turnip roots are generally ready after 60 days, when they measure up to 3 inches in diameter – although can be harvested smaller.



Spinach

Days to harvest: 45-50. Spinach is one of the fastest-growing leaf vegetables. Plant in the spring and start harvesting the leaves in four to six weeks, beginning with the older, larger ones. The spinach plant will keep growing and producing new leaves well into the summer.



Loose Leaf lettuce

Days to harvest: 45-55. Leaf lettuce such as Romaine, can be harvested in less than 2 months after planting. Lettuce is a heavy feeder and prefers a rich, well cultivated soil with good drainage. Loose-leaf types can be picked as soon as leaves are large enough to eat.



Kale

Days to harvest: 50-60. Kale grows well in nearly any kind of soil, has few problems associated with it and will give you a quick tasty harvest.



Beets

Days to harvest: 50-70. Beets are a cool season vegetable crop and do not like heat. They can survive frost and almost freezing temperatures. Plant seeds 1/2-inch deep and 1-2 inches apart. Pick beets when their shoulders protrude from the soil.



Bush (Snap) Beans

Days to harvest: 50-70. Bush beans provide a fast and high yield. In about six weeks after planting, you can start harvesting thin, tender bush beans from your garden. To keep the plants productive, harvest when the beans are small.



Peas

Days to harvest: 50-70. English, Snap, and Snow peas are a great addition to a fast paced garden. Pick the pods when the lumps are filled out and feel defined.



Broccoli

Days to harvest: 70-100. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, and space your plants 12 to 24 inches apart. Once the main head has been harvested, the broccoli plants will still produce smaller heads from side shoots throughout the season.

30/11/2015

Before A Drought
Strategies for drought preparedness focus mainly on water conservation. Make these practices a part of your daily life and help preserve this essential resource.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips Prior to a Drought

GENERAL

Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. For example, use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year.
Check all plumbing for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber.
Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.
Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.
BATHROOM

Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.
KITCHEN

Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips Prior to a Drought

GENERAL

Check your well pump periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.
Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Once established, plants adapted to your local climate do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use, such as micro and drip irrigation, and soaker hoses.
Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use re-circulated water.
Consider rainwater harvesting where practical.
Contact your local water provider for information and assistance.
LAWN CARE

Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.
Repair sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Most misting issues result from a pressure problem, properly regulating pressure in an irrigation system will prevent misting.
Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.
Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.
Plant drought-resistant lawn seed. Reduce or eliminate lawn areas that are not used frequently.
Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
Choose a water-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Turn irrigation down in fall and off in winter. Water manually in winter only if needed.
Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weeds.
Invest in a weather-based irrigation controller—or a smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust the watering time and frequency based on soil moisture, rain, wind, and evaporation and transpiration rates. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller.
POOL

Install a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of water.
This section is Expanded. Click to CollapseDuring A Drought
Always observe state and local restrictions on water use during a drought. If restricted, for example, do not water your lawn, wash your car, or other non-essential uses, to help ensure there is enough water for essential uses. Contact your state or local government for current information and suggestions.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips While in a Drought

BATHROOM

Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
Avoid taking baths—take short showers—turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.
Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
KITCHEN

Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the "light wash" feature, if available, to use less water.
Hand wash dishes by filling two containers—one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove large particles of food. (Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing)
Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.
LAUNDRY

Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips While in a Drought

CAR WASHING

Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
If you wash your own car, use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.
LAWN CARE

Avoid over watering your lawn and water only when needed:
A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.
Check the soil moisture levels with a soil probe, spade or large screwdriver. You don't need to water if the soil is still moist. If your grass springs back when you step on it, it doesn't need water yet.
If your lawn does require watering, do so early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff.
Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.
Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.
In extreme drought, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs

30/11/2015

Woodlots. Suitable species include silver wattle (Acacia dealbata), green wattle (Acacia decurrens), Robinia pseudoacacia, Gleditsia triacanthos, Ulmus parvifolia, Eucalyptus stellulata, E. nitens, E. rubida and other eucalypts. Densely planted hybrid poplars and willows could also be planted in wet…

08/10/2015

The reason why our lifes never change financially, is because We usually make a good approach and strict targets of making money, but never do strict targets of using money.

07/10/2015

It is not promising no rain at all till 15 november.

Get Maseru, Lesotho typical November Weather including average and record temperatures from AccuWeather.com

06/10/2015

Tomato production

The best times to plant and grow Tomato in South Africa - Humid sub-tropical regions

03/09/2015

TURKEY FARMING
Turkey farming in Africa can be a profitable venture for
an African farmer. Turkey farming is done for both
eggs and meat and the nutrient level of both is very
high in turkey eggs and meat. The meat is rich in
protein, minerals and vitamins.
Commercial turkey farming is a profitable business
idea. Turkey grows faster like broiler chickens and
become suitable for slaughter purpose within a very
short time. Turkey farming for meat production is very
popular than egg production from turkey. Although
some people keep a or several tom (a mature male
turkey) as a pet. Turkey farming is similar to other
poultry birds farming like chickens, ducks, quails etc.
Turkeys are also very social with humans and raising
turkeys is really very fun and enjoyable
Turkey farming in Africa is better when they are bred
using the intensive method of raring as opposed to the
free range system. The advantage of using the
intensive method where the turkeys are reared in an
enclosed space is easy production monitoring and also
reduction in disease occurrences. The main
disadvantage of this method is that the turkeys will
have to be given adequate food since they do not have
a chance to forage for food. A fenced open space
would create good room for intensive rising of turkey
but the enclosure should be away from a lot of
disturbance since turkeys are known to be very tense
birds and slight variations in the environment can cause
them stress..
BREEDS
There are several turkey breeds available around the
globe. But all those breeds are not suitable enough for
commercial meat production. You can raise only a few
of those breeds in your farm for profitable meat
production. For profitable meat production you have to
use some modern turkey breeds that are raised for
commercial production. This type of turkey breeds has
a maximum feed to meat conversion rate. They
consume less feed and convert this feed to meat within
a very short time. Broad-breasted White is such a
modern turkey breed for commercial production. The
meat produced by raising this breed on pasture on a
small farm, it will be more tasty and favorful than the
meat produced from commercial farm. White Holland
and Standard Bronze are other two popular meat
producing turkey breed. This two breeds are not actual
breed. Broad-Breasted Bronze and Whites are just non-
standardized commercial strain used for meat
production (they are not actual breed). Along with this
there are some other breeds available that are
beautiful and different looking birds. Bourbon Reds,
Narragansetts, Royal Palm etc. are such turkey breed.
For commercial meat production, you should go with
Broad-Breasted Whites, Standard Bronze and White,
White Hollands etc.
HOUSING AND FENCING
Good housing with all types of essential facilities
available is very necessary for commercial turkey
production. In this regard, you have to make a
permanent house like chicken house and ensure
availability of all necessary facilities. For fencing, make
the fence as high as possible. Turkeys are large in size
and become very strong. So, the fencing must have to
strong enough to protect the birds. You can use
electric poultry netting, woven wire fencing, metal T-
posts or wooden posts. However, while making housing
and fencing for turkeys, keep in mind the followings.
1. You must have to make proper protection from all
types of predators and harmful animals.
2. Ensure availability of sufficient space inside the
house. Generally, 75 feet * 75 feet space is suitable for
accommodating for up to 12 birds.
3. Never let the turkeys to graze in the pasture until
they reach grazing age.
4. Using wooden litter is very effective for turkey
farming.
5. Make sure sufficient flow of fresh air and light inside
the house.
6. Make proper ventilation system.
7. Make the house suitable enough for cleaning it
regularly.
8. In case of fencing, make it as high as possible. The
fencing must have to be at least four feet above the
ground.
9. The turkeys far very strong and big than other birds.
So, make the fencing with strong materials.
FEEDING AND WATERING
Good and nutritious feed keeps the bird healthy and
productive. So, it would be better to learn how to feed
the turkey birds and this will help you to prevent
problems in turkey farming and reducing feeding costs.
Turkey needs more protein in their food for first few
weeks than other domestic birds. The protein in poultry
feed should be at least 28 percent. You can go with
chick starter which contain about 28 percent of
protein. Feed the turkey, chick starter for first six
weeks and after that period you can feed them grower
feed. Grower feed should contain 20 percent protein.
The amount of protein in turkey feed is higher than
chickens or other poultry birds feed. Along with
providing nutritious food, always serve them sufficient
amount of fresh and clean water. Generally, 2 gallons
of fresh water is necessary for one dozen of turkeys.
CARE AND MANAGEMENT
Always try to keep your birds in healthy environment
and learn more about turkey farming and how to
prevent health problems. Never feed your birds
contaminated or outdated food. Always provide them
clean and fresh water. Keep sufficient space inside the
house. And lastly, take good care of your birds.
MARKETING
In commercial turkey farming, the birds become
suitable for marketing within 12 to 20 weeks. Sell all
the birds when they reach the slaughtering age.
Turkey farming business is really very lucrative and
enjoyable. If you are thinking about setting up
commercial turkey farming business, then try to learn
more about them and visit many turkey farms.
http://www.roysfarm.com/turkey-farming/

08/08/2015

Agrotourism can creat markert for agricultural products, and also make agriculture a smarter option for youths.

tourism industry can provide an important export market for a host of agricultural products where hotels and restaurants demand diverse agricultural inputs, and tourists demand agri tourism experiences and destination-branded specialty crops to bring home as souvenirs. Agritourism is often a feasible strategy for local economic development and to promote traditional sustainable agriculture practices. The development of agritourism tours and demonstrations as attractions in rural areas provides the potential for creating or expanding micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise core and supply chain businesses, including transport, food service and products, and handicrafts.

Agriculture and Tourism Programs can help kto forge initial partnerships between the tourism and agriculture sectors, while catalyzing the development of agritourism services and specialty products that can be sold at premium prices. The Agriculture and Tourism program results in increased revenues and profitability for small scale farmers by helping them diversify from low value commodities to high-value specialty products and services. Solimar does this through developing partnerships that link tourism demand with agriculture supply; creating and disseminating pilot branding, marketing and packaging for high-potential specialty products; and demonstrating potential agritourism activities.

01/08/2015

The majority of the severest food crises after the second half of the 20th century were caused by a combination of several factors. The most common causes of food insecurity in African and other Third World countries were:

Drought and other extreme weather events. The comparison of the severest food crises in the later history reveals that all were preceded by drought or other extreme weather events. They resulted in poor or failed harvests which in turn resulted food scarcity and high prices of the available food.

Pests, livestock diseases and other agricultural problems. In addition to extreme weather events, many failed harvests in African and other Third World countries were also caused by pests such as desert locusts. Cattle diseases and other agricultural problems such as erosion, soil infertility, etc. also play a role in food insecurity.

Climate change. Some experts suggest, that drought and extreme weather in regions affected by food crises in the recent decades could be a result of climate change, especially in the West and East Africa which have problems with recurrent extreme droughts.

Military conflicts. Wars and military conflicts worsen food insecurity in African and other Third World countries. They may not be directly responsible for food crises but they exacerbate scarcity of food and often prevent the aid workers from reaching the most affected people.

Lack of emergency plans. History of the severest food crises shows that many countries were completely unprepared for a crisis and unable to resolve the situation without international aid.

Corruption and political instability. In spite of criticism lately, the international community has always send help in the form of food supplies and other means which saved millions of lives in the affected regions. However, the international aid often did not reach the most vulnerable populations due to a high level of corruption and political instability in many Third World countries.

Cash crops dependence. Many African and Third World governments encourage production of the so-called cash crops, the income from which is used to import food. As a result, countries which depend on cash crops are at high risk of food crisis because they do not produce enough food to feed the population.

AIDS. The disease which is a serious public health concern in the sub-Saharan Africa worsens food insecurity in two ways. Firstly, it reduces the available workforce in agriculture and secondly, it puts an additional burden on poor households.

Rapid population growth. Poor African and Third World countries have the highest growth rate in the world which puts them at increased risk of food crises. For example, the population of Niger increased from 2.5 million to 15 million from 1950 to 2010. According to some estimations, Africa will produce enough food for only about a quarter population by 2025 if the current growth rate will continue.