Livestock Disease Trends – March 2014
Wireworms: Late continuous rainfall, especially in the summer rainfall areas, led to severe wireworm infestations in smallstock
Strict selection is key, says top Dohne breeder
Michael Swart of Swartriver Esate near Caledon believes there is no better investment than a good sheep. He should know – his Swarco Dohne Merino stud has, over the past...
Hard work and dedication pay off for female farmer
Rachel Mamonare Mathabathe, the 2013 ARC National Emerging Beef Farmer of the Year Limpopo finalist, farms near Mookgophong on the farm Klipfontein with 300 cattle, 150 goats and 300 sheep....
Livestock Disease Trends – February 2014
For the month of February 2014, 104 reports were received from veterinarians belonging to the Livestock Health and Production Group of the South African Veterinary Association. In addition reports were...
Huntersvlei Sussex: introducing polled English genetics to SA
A Sussex stud herd near Viljoenskroon has imported polled genetics from the UK to capitalise on the advantages offered by the polled gene and to develop its own world-class polled...
Stray dogs in perspective
The growing stray dog problem calls for greater co-operation between municipalities, animal welfare groups and farmers before it escalates out of control.
The best dairy breed: A comparative study
In her informal study, Jane Holliday investigates the differences between Holsteins and Jerseys.
Tattooing and ear notching techniques
Here are two tried-and-tested alternative permanent marking techniques that are suitable for both large and small livestock. Each has its distinctive advantages and disadvantages.
Petana Beefmaster, fit and work-ready
Petana Beefmaster Stud’s success is ascribed to strict adherence to the six principles of Tom Lasater, father of the Beefmaster breed. Annelie Coleman visited the stud in the Wolmaransstad district.
Nothing beats good teamwork
The Mequatling Angus Stud is one of the top large Angus herds in South Africa. Annelie Coleman talks to husband-and-wife team Philip and Vicky Barnard about farming these cattle and...
Making grass silage while the sun shines
Although not commonly practised in South African dairy farming, grass silage production is likely to take off as dairy enterprises expand. Wim Hofman, cattle specialist at De Heus Animal Nutrition...
Making the most of grass silage
In the second part of this series, Wim Hofman, cattle specialist for De Heus Animal Nutrition in the Netherlands, continues his discussion on managing pasture for production.
Hot or cold branding: both demand good technique
The quality and clarity of a brand determine how well it will stand up in court. Good branding technique and the proper equipment also reduces stress for animals.
Grass Silage: what you put in is what you get out
Pasture grass is regarded as the cheapest feed for SA dairy cattle. In the first of a four- part series, Wim Hofman, cattle specialist for De Heus Animal Nutrition, of...
Livestock Disease Trends – January 2014
After good rainfall in many parts of the country, reports of severe wireworm infestations in smallstock were received.
Effective veld management brings success
Diligent grazing management is paying off for Jannie Struis. He has been farming for only four years, but working closely with his mentor, Johan van der Walt, has enabled him...
Linking a mark to its rightful owner
The ability to identify an animal in a way that will stand up in court is crucial for any livestock owner. Backed up by legislation and government support, it ensures...
Machine-shearing skill can pave way to success
Developing machine-shearing skills in the South African wool industry could arm shearers with the expertise to pursue potentially lucrative careers in countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
Holistic farming could boost profits
The H-word might cause sceptics to cringe, but changing grazing and other practices is working wonders on this KwaZulu-Natal beef farm.
Kamab simbras: performance off the veld
Fertility and optimum meat production are the two pillars of Diethelm and Katja Metzger’s Kamab Simbra Stud. The second-largest Simbra stud herd in Southern Africa, it produces about 370 weaners...
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