Animals

Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys are growing in popularity as pets in South Africa due to their sweet, affectionate nature, says Free State breeder Angelique du Preez, who runs her donkey herd as part of the family-run Collett Farming business.

Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to Wayne Porter, former president of the Brahman Breeders’ Society of South Africa, about the history of Brahman cattle in the country and their role in commercial and communal farming.

Dorper breeder Christo van Deventer believes the breed has a bright future, with growing interest in the ‘veld rams’ produced by him and a select group of breeders in the Northern Cape. He spoke to Sabrina Dean about the importance of selecting based on performance data.

The trend towards cage-free eggs presents an opportunity for farmers to tap into a valuable niche market. But with higher production costs and limited scope for market growth, the business requires a delicate balance to remain viable.

VEA Stud Breeders made headlines in the past two years for paying the highest prices at various auctions for top Boer goats. William Smit, general manager of VEA Agri and Tourism, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how these strategic purchases are helping them build a stud that excels both on the farm and in the show ring.

The race concept of the AfrikaPro Premier One Loft series is to crown ‘genius-level fanciership and strategy’ in breeding world-class racing pigeon genetics.

Michau Nortjé, an Angora farmer who was this year named among the top two in the world, says successes came following small shifts in how he was managing the quality of his end product.

The Kinko Dormers stud near Swellendam in the Western Cape is proving that precision breeding, backed by performance data, can deliver measurable financial advantages. Johan Swart, the owner of the stud, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his breeding philosophy and the performance-driven approach behind his success.

When Cecilia Prinsloo-Van der Linde started exploring the idea of cattle farming, she was advised to farm animals that are suited to the land, so she decided on Nguni. Annelie Coleman spoke to her about the pros and cons of setting up and developing a stud in a relatively short period of time.

Joubert Horn, owner of the Joubert Horn Boer Goat Stud, has high hopes for the future of the breed in South Africa and abroad.

Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are transforming pig production across the world, rendering production more efficient, less labour intensive and friendlier to animals while improving traceability and food safety. Glenneis Kriel highlights some of the latest technologies.

The Van Rooy sheep breed, developed by South Africans for South African producers, is a treasure trove of genetics and has proven itself time and time again as a decidedly economic choice. Pieter Wiese, owner of the Kasteel stud in the Northern Cape, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the value of the breed.

Quentin de Bruyn, who farms cattle in the eastern Free State, has spent over 15 years refining his beef production system around the Boran. He spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about how the Boran’s resilience, fertility, and low input needs are reshaping commercial beef production in South Africa.

Dr Dorothea Mostert, veterinarian at CSVet, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about practical strategies for managing pigs from weaning to finisher phases, highlighting nutrition, environment, and welfare as key drivers of efficiency and profitability.

The Dorper breed is valued for its adaptability, fertility, and meat quality. Eastern Cape farmer Shane Scorgie spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about why this South African success story is thriving worldwide.

This annual AfrikaPro Premier One Loft Series, owned by President Cyril Ramaphosa, wrapped up its fourth season with Race 10, the grand finale, held on 10 October at his Phala Phala Wildlife farm in Limpopo.

Breaking into the poultry industry doesn’t have to mean millions in start-up costs. While large-scale commercial operations remain out of reach for most beginners, small-scale farmers are showing that it’s possible to start with limited resources, turn a profit and expand over time.

There are over 650 registered members with the South African Boer Goat Breeders’ Association focusing on three distinct breeds: the Boer goat, the Savanna and the Kalahari Red. Association secretary Chantelle Smit spoke to Sabrina Dean about these breeds.

How would you describe a Saddlebred horse in terms of the breed standard? The American Saddlebred is known for its refined beauty, proud presence, and...

Johannes and Marijke Botha’s herd of the Australian Murray Grey cattle is the only one of its kind in South Africa.