Droughtmasters prove their worth in stud and commercial herds
Johan Kemp, Chris van Niekerk and Riaan Venter started the Elandsberg Droughtmaster stud seven years ago. Impressed by the breed’s ability to excel under their extensive farming conditions in a...
Santa Gertrudis bulls show their value in extended veld tests
Extensive veld tests by the Bosveld Santa Gertrudis Study Group have made a valuable contribution to establishing the breed’s reputation amongst other beef cattle in South Africa.
Turning young bulls into productive herd sires
All beef cattle producers want their young bulls to develop into productive sires, but for this to happen, they need to manage these animals carefully. Annelie Coleman spoke to livestock...
On the fast track to top genetics with no-fuss Droughtmasters
Carol and Charlie Gould started breeding Droughtmasters three years ago and have only been farming full time for one year, but they have ambitious plans and say that even though...
Embryo flushing: ‘Fast-tracking herd genetics is worth every cent’
To stay ahead of their competitors in the breeding game, livestock farmers have to continually improve the genetics of their animals. Nollie and Pieter Stofberg, owners of Platdrif Sussex Stud...
Feed conversion testing brings greater profits
More meat per herd per year is the golden thread that runs through a profitable cattle enterprise, and genetics play a crucial role in the herd’s advancement. While DNA testing...
Higher milk production, lower carbon footprint
Pressure is mounting on dairy farmers to reduce their carbon footprint. The good news is that research shows it is not only possible, but can be done in a way...
Bull breeding and selection for profitable beef production
The money-maker in the herd is the bull, says eastern Free State Simbra breeder Rick Dell. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about the management and selection of breeding bulls for...
Droughtmaster: A popular breed for all the right reasons
Don McHardy says his interest in Droughtmasters was a natural progression in his quest to breed more efficient beef cattle that are able to realise optimal financial returns.
Cattle remain key to sustainable food systems
The cattle industry is one of the chief targets of climate activists who propose plant-based diets as a way of reducing global warming and moving towards sustainable food production. Sara...
Livestock basics: Planning and implementing a breeding season
One of the basic principles of successful livestock farming is the implementation of a seasonal breeding strategy. Prof Frikkie Neser of the University of the Free State spoke to Wouter...
A new answer to SA’s high demand for red cattle
The demand for red cattle has always been high in South Africa. To enter this market and offer breeders an alternative to the traditional options, the Du Plessis family, who...
