Desert cattle operation reaps rewards of regenerative agriculture
Kalahari farmer Willie Storm has used regenerative agriculture practices to improve his cattle stocking capacity from the area norm of around 21ha per large stock unit (LSU) to 5ha/LSU.
Hampshire Down: mutton sheep fast gaining in popularity
Hennie Jonker, an award-winning Hampshire Down stud breeder from Kroonstad, describes this sheep breed as a topmost mutton producer that provides sterling terminal sires for commercial and crossbred flocks. Annelie...
Afrikaner – a hardy breed making its mark in feedlots
The Afrikaner cattle breed is prized for its indigenous hardiness, natural resistance, high fertility and ease of calving. Sabrina Dean found out more about the breed from Julian Balt, who...
The financial realities of showing livestock
Despite rising costs and stricter disease control, Moorreesburg stud breeder Franco Koch of Kochbo Santas believes livestock shows remain an essential part of South Africa’s stud industry.
Genetics and breeding pave the way for Bessiesfontein’s success
Dohne Merino sheep are renowned for their dual-purpose capabilities, excelling in both wool and meat production. In addition, the breed is known for its adaptability to a variety of climates...
Nguni: the legacy of the land
In South Africa’s diverse and often unforgiving landscapes, one cattle breed continues to prove its worth: the Nguni. Known for its adaptability, resilience, and cultural heritage, the breed has stood...
Dormer sheep: proven performer in SA’s meat market
Dormer sheep continue to dominate commercial meat systems with their fast growth, high weaning weights and impressive carcass yields. Agricultural economics lecturer and Dormer breeder Dr Mariëtte Geyser spoke to...
Pigs of the future: genetics shaping a more resilient herd
Advances in pig genetics are rapidly changing breeding and herd management. With digital phenotyping and artificial intelligence, breeders can now select pigs not just for growth and efficiency but also...
A top horse stud’s breeding philosophy
The Bridgewater Stud in Hekpoort, owned and run by Garland Poil, has gone from strength to strength since its establishment more than 40 years ago, and offers horse owners and...
Cape Lob Ears flourish under exacting conditions in the Northern Cape’s Sneeuberg
Ronel Retief, a Cape Lob Ear indigenous veld goat stud breeder, runs her top-performing Klawervlei flock high in the Sneeuberg mountains near Richmond. The flock flourishes under extreme conditions, with...
Bird flu then and now: the ongoing battle against avian influenza
Highly pathogenic avian influenza strains, such as H5N1, are threatening poultry and even mammals, forcing industries and governments to rethink biosecurity and vaccination.
CRE Brahmans: where structure meets performance
Since its inception in 2004, the CRE Brahmans stud’s motto has been ‘performance meats integrity’. Studmaster Ampie Rossouw told Annelie Coleman that one of the cornerstones of the operation is...
Maize Valley Savanna Goat Stud rises to record-breaking success
The award-winning, top-performing Maize Valley Savanna Goat Stud, run by Andrew Roberts and Ju-mari Pretorius, came about by accident due to broken communications and poor Internet connectivity, writes Annelie Coleman.
Boer goat farming: a simple recipe for prosperity
Nestled in the heart of the Vredefort Dome, surrounded by the Dome Bergland mountain range, you will find Marius Smit and Heinrich Hamman, co-owners of the Aegagrus Boer Goat Stud.
Enviable Dormer traits: exceptional growth rates and early maturity
The Dormer is one of South Africa’s most prolific sheep breeds and exhibits many highly profitable traits. Over the years, selective breeding of the Dormer has led to the development...
Dormer breeders’ society is dedicated to improving the breed
Despite the Dormer’s rapid growth rates and excellent carcass quality, the Dormer Sheep Breeders’ Society of South Africa is actively working to further improve the breed.
Thinking of farming Afrikaners? Here’s what you should know
Free State cattle farmer Jannie Visagie spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the resilience, adaptability, and economic benefits of the Afrikaner cattle breed. He shares valuable insights and practical advice...
Why sheep farmers should consider the Dormer for crossbreeding
The Dormer’s ability to pass on its economic traits to its offspring makes it the ideal breed for crossbreeding programmes. The Dormer has many exceptional traits, say Liezel Grobler, secretary...
Development of the Dormer, a purely South African breed
The Dormer is a truly South African sheep, purpose bred to perform locally and compete internationally. Sabrina Dean spoke to Liezel Grobler, secretary of the Dormer Breeders’ Society of South...
Mohair wins: practical tips from an Eastern Cape emerging farmer
Dintle Maphala has been farming Angora goats for the past nine years. Her hands-on approach, from breeding and grazing to mohair handling and marketing, offers a practical roadmap that emerging...
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