Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. There is no cure for FMD so control relies on vaccination, movement restrictions & biosecurity. FMD spreads very quickly through direct contact.
#FMD#farming#Agriculture
In parts of Limpopo and Kruger, elephant dung helps replant forests naturally because when elephants eat fruit, the seeds pass through their stomach unharmed then the dung acts like compost, creating perfect soil for new trees to sprout. A natural reforestation system.
#FunFact
In the early 1900s, prickly pear (cactus fruit) nearly destroyed farmland across the Karoo.
Farmers eventually imported insects from South America known as cochineal bugs to control them, making them one of SAโs earliest natural pest control methods.
#FunFact#Agriculture
About 78% of ๐ atmosphere is nitrogen gas (Nโ), but plants canโt use it directly. Fertilizer production (the famous HaberโBosch process) takes that nitrogen from the air and converts it into ammonia (NHโ), which can then be used to make nitrogen fertilizers.
#FunFact#Farming
As a farmer in South Africa, you need to know your climate, soil, water, markets, regulations, animal/crop care, finance and sustainability practices. Farming is not only planting but itโs managing a whole business system.
#FunFact#SouthAfrica#Agriculture#Farming#Farmers101
Did you kmow that most countries have established Maximum Residue Limits (#MRLs) for pesticides used in the control of pest and diseases not only to safeguard consumer health but also to minimize the presence of these residues in the environment.
#FunFact#Farming#Agriculture
South Africa has about 35,000 commercial farms, but some are massive. In the Karoo, one farm can be bigger than a small European country.
#FunFact#Agriculture#SouthAfrica#Farming
Did you know that in South Africa, Fruit exports are worth tens of billions of rand annually. They create jobs for hundreds of thousands of people, especially in rural areas.
#Funfact#Farming#Agriculture#SouthAfrica#Fruits
South Africa is among the worldโs top 10 table grape exporters. Vineyards in the Western Cape (Hex River, Orange River, Olifants River regions) supply global markets. #Grapes are exported mostly between December & May, when Europe is in winter.
#FunFact#SouthAfrica#Farming ๐ฟ๐ฆ
Aloe ferox is the most farmed aloe & it grows naturally in the Eastern Cape & KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa has over 150 aloe species but only a few are harvested commercially. Aloe plants can live for over 50 years and still produce harvestable leaves.
#Funfact#Farming#Aloe#ZA
Spinach ๐ฅฆ takes 7-14 days to germinate after sowing. Baby leaves are ready to harvest after 3-4 weeks after planting. Mature spinach are ready to harvest after 6-8 weeks.
Note that this will vary depending on variety and conditions.
#Farming#Spinach#SouthAfrica#Agriculture
Did you know that Sunflower farms in North West and Free State often become tourist attractions during blooming season. People stop by to see and take photos.
#funfact#farming#SouthAfrica#Agriculture#Sunflower