Livestock Disease Trends – August 2013
Introduction and summary of diseases and other conditions during August 2013.
A head for figures, a heart for farming
Karel-Günther Jordaan began his working career in big business. But this chartered management accountant chose to farm Merinos and Bovelders in the Karoo instead, and is doing so well he...
Full-time mine worker & commercial farmer
Desmond Siteti farms in a communal area of the former Ciskei as well as on a 500ha commercial farm with Boer- and Savannah-type goats and a small, but impressive herd...
Parasitic wasps to the rescue
Implementing an integrated fly control programme can prevent overwintering fly populations from exploding in spring and help to improve udder health and reduce somatic cell counts. Robyn Joubert reports.
Unravelling the double helix
The science of genomics allows livestock breeders to predict the genetic merit of an animal. Dr Japie van der Westhuizen of SA Stud Book explains the basic principles to Annelie...
Fighting mortality with indigenous knowledge
For many years, Frekkie Sentsho had very little option but to accept the deadly effects of poison leaf on his cattle and goats. He explains to Peter Mashala how he...
Stud farmer with youth experience
Agri North West’s 2013 Young Farmer of the Year, Heinrich Bruwer believes that it makes economic sense to increase individual animal productivity as this will be reflected in optimum income...
How to stop your hens from eating their own eggs
Fairly common, especially among free-range layers, this can be a hard habit to break – so prevention is better than cure.
Dairying on the cutting edge
Genomic testing and the ability to transfer embryos gives dairy company Inovula an edge in the industry. Dr Kobus Hendriks, the company’s managing director is also a vet and the...
From Cabinet to courtroom to cattle
Former Cabinet minister Dr Penuell Maduna has been out of politics for some time and is now building a name for himself in cattle-breeding circles. Peter Mashala visited him.
Proactive strategies for drought
Veld management has more to do with the season of rest than the system of grazing. Izak du Plessis discusses strategy and action for managing stock on veld during drought.
Ranching in Argentina: Herefords on the Pampas
Second-generation Argentinian farmer Ricardo Mendizabal runs 4 100 cattle in the Entre Ríos province of Argentina and owns a cattle transport and cattle auction business. Anneli Groenewald spoke to him...
Livestock Disease Trends – May 2013
In many parts of the country a shortage of roughage is going to be problematic in the months that lie ahead. Protein and energy supplements should be in place to...
Australian Droughtmaster thrives in tough SA conditions
The Australian Droughtmaster will be a serious new player in the South African beef cattle arena, says Droughtmaster breeder Johan van der Nest. Annelie Coleman reports on the potential impact...
Nu Dawn Eggs: production tips and secrets
Seo Mtetwa, MD of Nu Dawn Eggs, talks about the company's beginning, success and future.
High-volume Holsteins on the West Coast
Dairy farming is difficult, with high overheads and tight margins. Dairyman JK Basson believes that focusing on detail and personal supervision is key to survival in this demanding industry.
Developing farmers feel the scourge of stock theft
Stock theft is a major problem which costs the livestock industry millions of rand every year. Chief Samuel Ramugondo spoke to Peter Mashala about his personal battle with stock theft,...
Livestock Disease Trends – April 2013
As a result of late summer rains during the first half of April there was an increase in parasite numbers (wireworm, long-necked bankrupt worm and brown stomach worm).
The irresistible attraction of trout
Anglers and food connoisseurs worldwide agree that trout makes exciting fishing and excellent eating. But what goes into farming these iconic fish? Lloyd Phillips visits Simon Bunn of Peak Trout...
ADVERTISEMENT
MUST READS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
