Running a successful livestock study group
During the drought of 2006, Paul Bester, head of ZZ2’s transformation initiative was approached by civil engineer Element Mashai and his partner Elvis Ramolo, who owned a herd outside Polokwane....
Keeping Sussex cattle healthy
The Sussex breed’s strong prepotency in terms of muscling, fertility and adaptability makes it the ideal beef breed choice for Namibia’s extensive farming conditions, says Cobus van der Merwe, a...
Grass-fed beef: proven by block test
Cattlemen constantly debate how to market cattle off the veld in addition to through feedlots. A recent block test set out to address this.
The basics of hands-on dairy training
Your Future Dairy Training offers aspiring farmers hands-on and practical training.
Excellent genetics ensures profit on this Namibian farm
Commercial beef production, small and exclusive Limousin and Brahman studs, and large-scale bush clearance have changed Sigi and Heide Baas’s farming enterprise from high-risk to low-risk. Annelie Coleman visited their...
Broilers: SA vs Argentina
Argentina is, of course, one of the world’s top beef-eating countries, with an annual per capita consumption of about 60kg. However, an increase in red meat prices has opened a...
Progress and innovation in the ZZ2 herds
In the beautiful Mooketsi Valley of northern Limpopo, ZZ2’s cattle division manager Paul Bester is getting on with the business of raising cattle profitably and efficiently in an environment relatively...
The smallest part of the ruminant diet
Ruminants need mineral trace elements to maintain health and to achieve desired levels of production and reproduction. Trace elements help combat disease challenges and stress-induced problems and support a good...
Grasmunt Drakensbergers – money from grass
Carel Nel and his family pioneered breeding Drakensberger cattle in the western and central Free State. His Drakensberger stud’s Afrikaans name, Grasmunt, refers to the breed’s ability to generate good...
Breeding Bonsmara for tough production environments
The Bonsmara is a breed par excellence in any beef production system, especially when selected over a quarter of a century in an environment that’s tough on the slightest weakness....
Dairying in Argentina – making small farms work
While some South African dairy farms can number more than a thousand cows in milk, the average dairy herd in Argentina is far smaller. But dairy farmers in Argentina share...
Dexter stud invests in rare genetics
Klerksdorp Dexter cattle breeders, sisters Kelpie Oosthuizen and Bienkie du Preez, recently imported new genetics for polledness and the dun colour for their Marso Uthando Farming herd.
Free-range and carbon credits pay off for Farmer Angus
Angus McIntosh and his wife Mariota returned to SA from London 10 years ago. In 2009, they took the plunge and began farming on rented land. Since then, they have...
Working together for better beef
Ten farmers developed and adapted the genetics of their beef cattle to their environment and now produce profitable progeny.
Livestock Disease Trends – May 2014
Roundworms: Although conditions in the summer rainfall area are not so conducive for new wireworm infestations, there were still numerous reports of losses due to this parasite.
The Hugenoot makes its mark in the Waterberg
Mike Burgess recently visited Franci-Mari van Heerden, owner of the Witrots Hugenoot stud, and secretary and board member of Hugenoot SA, to find out why she chose the breed.
Livestock Disease Trends – April 2014
Due to late rains that fell in many parts of the country infestations of roundworm and especially wireworm were widespread, leading to production losses and mortalities. Lambs were the most...
Choosing the future with Simbras
When Krisjan Kruger returned to the family farm near Elliot in the Eastern Cape in 2004, Simbra cattle would become central to his operation. Mike Burgess recently visited him on...
Warm reception in Chile
Dohne Merino sheep are improving wool production profits in Chile, with a reduction in fibre diameter already evident. Dohne Merino consultant Cameron McMaster reports.
Veld test: Santa Gertrudis proves its worth
The North West Veld Santa Breeders’ Study Group has demonstrated the breed’s efficiency and ability under extensive conditions, confirming its value as a beef breed.
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