Latest Articles
Koala Park’s beef production and dual backgrounding system
At the Zimbabwe Herd Book‘s 13th Beef School recently held in Bulawayo, cattle producers and industry stakeholders gathered to explore innovative approaches to cattle production that are transforming the local…
Zimbabwe National Sheepdog Trials showcase heritage and skill
The Zimbabwe National Sheepdog Trials, held at Bramber Farm in Ruwa over the last weekend of September, delivered an entertaining and educational showcase of the remarkable partnership between handlers and…
Zimbabwe faces challenging 2025-26 rainfall season
Delayed start, regional variations expected The Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department has released its national climate outlook for the upcoming 2025-26 rainfall season, painting a picture of significant challenges and regional…
Planting indoors
By Ross G. Cooper Indoor plant hobbies are extremely varying, satisfying and rewarding. I collect seeds from fruits, vegetables and wild trees and sow them in indoor pots. The seeds…
Zimbabwe Herd Book announces exciting small stock addition to upcoming Beef School
From September 16-18, the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) will host its annual Beef School in Bulawayo. The choice of Bulawayo as the venue reflects the city’s central role in Zimbabwe’s…
Dirk Odendaal receives CFU Farming Oscar Award 2025
The Commercial Farmers’ Union has announced Dirk Odendaal as the recipient of the 2025 Farming Oscar Award, recognising his outstanding service to Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector spanning over four decades. The…
Growing chilli
By Ross G. Cooper Capsicum (chilli) is normally sown in rows in September-December in Zimbabwe and takes 7-12 days to germinate and 16-17 weeks to reach crop maturity. The return…
Aquaponics shows promise for African agriculture
Africa faces mounting food security challenges, and innovative agricultural solutions are becoming increasingly necessary. One technology gaining attention is aquaponics, a system that combines fish farming with crop production. Martin…
Brahmans maintain dominance as Zimbabwe’s breed of choice
Zimbabwe’s cattlemen continue to show their preference for Brahman cattle, as demonstrated at the 57th National Breed Sale that concluded in late July. The numbers tell the story of the…
Apodemus sylvaticus, a potential threat to seed crops
Ross G. Cooper, D.Phil. The wood mouse (A. sylvaticus, Family: Muridae, Order: Rodentia), a common sighting in North-West Africa and Europe, is, like most rodents, often associated with post-harvest threats…