The adaptable Afrisim: ideal for feedlot and veld
Afrisim cattle consultant Lynton Vermaak explains to Annelie Coleman that no breeder can afford animals that need unnecessary attention in the economic reality of sustainable and profitable red meat production...
Preparing cattle for summer production
Winterfeeding, according to Free State commercial cattle farmer Johan Dannhauser, should not be seen as a separate operation. Rather, it is part of a year-round system that involves all aspects...
‘EBVs are not negotiable’ – top Sussex breeder
Using estimated breeding values has dramatically improved the stud genetics of Free State breeders Chris Nel Snr and Chris Nel Jnr of Eversar Sussex stud. Yet they continue to take...
How to supplement this winter
In preparation for winter, most farmers in summer rainfall areas are supplementing their livestock feed. However, agricultural researcher, Jan Hoon, explains that normal winterfeed supplementation is not enough for animals...
Twee Plus Brangus pushes the breed to new heights
In 2015, Flippie Kotze and his son, Walter, sold a Brangus bull for a SA record price of R500 000 at the National Brangus Sale in the Free State. Mike...
Bonsmara-infused Afrikaners: enhancing performance
Bothaville Stud breeder, Herbert Bruinette, has succeeded in breeding Afrikaner cattle with excellent breeding values and muscling through the introduction of Bonsmara genetics into his herd. He started in 2008...
Locheim Herefords: bred for balance
Philip de Waal, owner of the Locheim studs in the Swartland and on the West Coast, has won regional, national and international awards for his top-performing Hereford cattle. He spoke...
Three-way crossbreeding for optimal production
Crossbreeding two beef breeds is a popular practice among South Africa’s commercial beef producers. A KwaZulu-Natal family that has been in the beef farming business for several decades believes it...
Achieving shorter ICP
Fertility and a short intercalving period (ICP) are more heritable than experts suggest, says cattle farmer Peter Schultz. He explains to Gerhard Uys that cattle well-adapted to their environment and...
Technology – a resource to drive profit in beef operations
Breeding and associated genetic technologies can make a difference to the bottom line in beef cattle herds, says Japie van der Westhuizen of SA Stud Book.
One family, four livestock enterprises
When Cornelius van Niekerk passed away, he left his sons, Jan and Bertie, a commercial beef cattle herd. He also left his daughters-in-law, Marizelle and Annie, a cattle stud each.
Dexter cattle: Ideal for meat and dairy
The Dexter cattle breed is hardy and well-adapted to South Africa's harsh farming conditions.
The first Malawi Brangus stud makes its mark
Brangus cattle are making an indelible impression on the Malawian beef industry. The breed is well-adapted to farming conditions in Malawi, says Peter Tselingas, Brangus breeder and owner of the...
Bonsmaras: Offering great returns on investment
Holomo Lebona believes that Bonsmaras' adaptability makes them exceptional investments.
Why synthetic mattresses make a real difference
Dairy farmers have used sand and straw as bedding in dairy cow housing sheds for some time, but recently there has been a change to alternatives such as recycled manure...
Farming hardy Nguni cattle in the Swartland
Michael Duckitt says that farming Nguni cattle in the Swartland has decreased his farming risks.
The Vaalharts beef cattle crossbreeding project
Crossbreeding beef cattle is gaining ground, as SA farmers increasingly value high productivity and low production costs. Prof Michiel Scholtz, head of the Vaalharts Crossbreeding Programme, tells Wilma den Hartigh...
Buying a bull at an auction
Chief technician at the Agricultural Research Council’s Beef Cattle Improvement Scheme, Frans Jordaan, discusses the genetic-based guidelines for ensuring the best purchase at an auction.
Only use the best genetics – Hennie Viljoen
Top stud breeder Hennie Viljoen says farmers must use top genetics to increase productivity and profitability.
How to get the best from ryegrass pasture
New Zealand may be thousands of kilometres away from South Africa, but the dairy industries of both countries share similar challenges. Will Henson, agronomist from Agriseeds New Zealand, visited KZN...
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