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Farmer’s Weekly brings you the latest animal farming news and updates from South Africa and the rest of Africa.

Challenges and opportunities expected for dairy production

The US Department of Agriculture recently released its latest report on dairy production in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and the trends driving trading.
Lubabalo Ngcwembe farmer cabbages

From a DJ to a successful farmer in the Eastern Cape

Lubabalo Ngcwembe (43), from Zwelitsha near Qonce, shares his remarkable journey into farming, overcoming challenges to build Ikhasilethu, a thriving livestock and vegetable enterprise.

The oldest SA Beef Shorthorn herd excels in the coldest place

The Beef Shorthorn is probably as close to a perfect beef cattle breed as you can get, Barry Stretton, owner of the Brotherlea stud in Molteno, told Annelie Coleman.

Basic vaccination and health protocols for pigs

Unlike farming or production programs where livestock species such as sheep, cattle, and goats are farmed extensively on wide-open spaces comprised of pastures or grazing rangelands, pigs are usually produced in intensive environments such as purpose-built piggeries, sties, or even enclosed sheds.

Don’t horse about when it comes to being COVID-positive

This remains a notifiable disease but the lockdown no longer exists. Although it is not much more severe then a common cold, make sure you have contingency plans in place should you need someone else to take care of your horses, says Dr Mac.

Study sheds light on global risk of heat stress to cattle

Research shows climate change may have a negative impact on cattle farming in some regions, says Jorisna Bonthuys. Farmers must do more to secure their herd’s welfare and their own bottom line.

Global warming and heat stress in horses

The maximum daily temperatures are climbing globally, and stable management approaches may have to be changed, says Dr Mac.
Tuli cattle, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Tuli cattle make financial sense and are easy to farm

The Tuli is an iconic beef breed of Zimbabwe that will make any breeder proud, according to Kerry Stewart, Tuli stud breeder and chairperson of the Zimbabwe Tuli Breeders’ Society. Annelie Coleman spoke to her and other breeders about the advantages of farming Tuli cattle.

Following the herd to help reduce emissions

Identifying and including a low-methane trait in livestock breeding programmes could be the answer to the methane problem faced by animal farmers globally. But how conclusive is the research and will it impact production traits? Lindi Botha reports.

Boost profit by using available genetic resources

Dr Japie van der Westhuizen, general manager of SA Stud Book, describes how to make use of animal genetic resources to select for sustainable profit in beef cattle from a stud and commercial perspective.

The ARC’s farm assessment toolkit

The Agricultural Research Council’s Farm Assessment Toolkit has been developed to allow for the evaluation of a farm in a scientific manner, using the natural resource base of the farm as a foundation.

Why this Durbanville dairy keeps on winning awards

Fair Cape Dairies won the ARC National Master Dairyman of the Year Award for the fourth time in 2022. Johannes Loubser spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the drivers of the dairy’s success.

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