Imported genetics: a winning strategy for top Angus breeder
The Sid Knott Red and Black Angus studs in the Eastern Cape were founded on top genetics sourced from the US and New Zealand. Over the years, their progeny have...
Implementing a holistic grazing management plan
Sandy Speedy is regarded as one of the pioneers of holistic beef cattle production in South Africa. Annelie Coleman visited him and his daughter, Jennifer, on their cattle ranch between...
South Devons: hardy, fertile, and adapted to Africa
Brothers Barrie and Gielie van Zyl, South Devon stud breeders from Windsorton in the Northern Cape, are also commercial cattle producers. They spoke to Annelie Coleman about Johstep stud’s tough,...
How to prevent gut problems in your dairy herd
Inaccurate feeding practices and poorly formulated diets in dairy herds can lead to subacute rumen acidosis, and result in decreased milk yields, higher than normal cull rates and profit losses...
A better Charolais herd with in vitro fertilisation
Clara Bruwer, a Charolais stud breeder from Vryburg, is convinced that technology is the optimal way to provide the best possible gene base for her clients. She spoke to Annelie...
How to select a top-performing beef cow
Breeding cows form the mainstay of the beef industry, according to animal scientist, Danie Bosman. Speaking at a Drakensberger information day in Potchefstroom, he said that the ideal breeding cow...
Boran: A no-fuss, no-hassle breed
Almost 20 years ago, Chris Webb introduced Borans to his crossbreeding programme on the 1 500ha farm, Tharfield, in the Eastern Cape.
Beef production: commercial Nguni success on leased land
Kragga Kamma Ngunis on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth is a successful stud and commercial operation that proves creative thinking and ongoing marketing are more important than owning the land...
Boran crosses produce fine weaners for the feedlot industry
Quentin and Marisa de Bruyn from Ladybrand in the Free State have ‘fallen head-over-heels in love’ with Boran cattle, and see the breed as a top contender in South Africa’s...
Lack of land hampers top developing farmers
Zolani Tyali and his son Mandange recently won the 2017 Unistel SA Stud Book Elite Developing Farmer award. Mike Burgess visited them on their farm in the Eastern Cape to...
Namibia’s top Santa Gertrudis stud
Ingo Rix’s Black Nossob Santa Gertrudis stud near Witvlei in Namibia, is the only stud in Southern Africa with a Breedplan 5-Star Completeness of Performance accreditation. He told Annelie Coleman how...
Bovine respiratory disease complex
Bovine respiratory disease is caused by several pathogenic organisms. It can lead to substantial economic loss in feedlots.
Namibian Simmentaler stud going from strength to strength
Simmentaler stud breeder, René Krafft from Dordabis in Namibia, maintains stringent selection criteria for fertility and productivity. Wayne Southwood visited him on his farm, Ibenstein.
Ankole Longhorn: Cyril Ramaphosa’s passion and pride
The Ugandan Ankole breed could offer many advantages for the local market. SA deputy president and Ankole stud breeder, Cyril Ramaphosa, farm manager and animal scientist Kobus Rall, and embryologist...
Sussex management: Keep it pure and simple
Dallas Phillips has been managing Sussex cattle on the same farm for the past 40 years. He says that simple management practices and keeping the herd pure form the foundation...
Jacre Limousins: founded on French genetics
From the start of his enterprise, Pierre van Niekerk has sourced Limousin genetics from France to build his Jacre Limousin Stud near Bedford in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited...
Performance testing: not only for stud farmers
The perception that only stud breeders benefit from performance testing is unfounded. Commercial farmers can significantly improve the productivity of their herds using this system, says Frans Jordaan, chief research...
Low-input dairy production in Ireland
In Ireland, low-input dairy production on pasture with limited labour resources can be viable. On a recent visit to Ireland, Gerhard Uys spoke to farmer Pat Hennessy about how thorough...
Keep accurate records for maximum economic impact
Derick le Roux and his father, Carl, own the only 5-Star Breedplan accredited stud in South Africa. Derick explains to Gerhard Uys how record-keeping can optimise profit in any production...
Always manage grazing with drought in mind
The only insurance against drought is a sound, scientifically based grazing management programme, coupled with a reasonable stocking rate even in times of plenty. So says Dr Mias van der...
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