Farm with the breed you love
Being a part-time farmer on land surrounded by residential estates hasn’t stopped Piet van der Merwe from producing champion Dexters. Lindi van Rooyen spoke to him about breeding a uniform...
How to produce a competition-winning carcass
At a carcass competition, a livestock producer can test his production methods and standards through the expert eyes of the judges. Producers and consumers also benefit from top quality meat....
Livestock disease trends (as informally reported by vets in South Africa) March 2013
In the summer rainfall area numerous reports were received of wireworm infestations. This internal parasite sucks blood and symptoms in sheep and goats are anaemia (pale mucous membranes) and bottle...
Improving milk production in Nguni cattle
Nguni stud breeder, Dr Paul Meulenbeld, explains how to improve the breed’s milk production.
Careful calf rearing makes a difference
Improved heifer rearing at Byron and Ronelda Orpwood’s dairy farm in Creighton has given their enterprise a vital boost. They talk to Robyn Joubert about heifer management and the value...
For the love of Brahman
The Osterloh Grey Brahman Stud is making a name for itself beyond the borders of the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited Eugene Osterloh on the family farm, Mimosa Park, near...
Perseverance pays off at High Heaven farm
In 2003, Nomthunzi Nduzulwana swapped nursing for agriculture. Her perseverance has guided her through many challenges to a new future on High Heaven farm near East London. Mike Burgess spoke...
Livestock Disease Trends – February 2013
Due to severe drought conditions in certain parts of the country now is the time to get rid of all unproductive and old animals.
Dexters pack a big punch
Large-framed breeds are generally the norm on cattle farms in northern Namibia, but the dual purpose Dexter is making its mark in the area. From his farm between Kamanjab and...
Manage the breeding season for profitable production
The timing of breeding is an important technique to optimise reproductive performance, and impacts directly on the profit margin of beef cattle production. Leslie Bergh, senior researcher, Beef Cattle Recording...
Dr Dung’s lessons
Dung is an important indicator of the nutritional status of a cow. So it’s useful to know what different ‘types’ mean.
Communal farmer sets his sights higher with Brahman
Mike Ramagofu says small-scale farmers need the right breed for their specific conditions. He believes a breed can make or break an enterprise, especially in the case of communal farming....
Livestock Disease Trends (as informally reported by vets in South Africa) January 2013
Due to good rainfall in the summer rainfall areas and hot weather, numerous reports of internal parasites were received. Infestations were reported at:
Boran’s rising popularity in the Eastern Cape
Boran farmer, Johannes van Rensburg, says that the commitment of individuals advances the breed.
Breeding indigenous Ngunis in the Piketberg
Passionate about the Nguni, Hannes Eksteen runs three stud herds and maintains four Nguni ecotypes. He calves seasonally to coincide with fodder flow and keep stress factors down. Jay Ferreira...
Shepherding her flock to greener pastures
Renowned Dormer breeder Erika Hanekom’s ewes are known for their excellent maternal abilities. She spoke to Denene Erasmus about breeding sheep and farming in a profession dominated by men.
Livestock Disease Trends (as informally reported by vets in South Africa) December 2012
As a result of good rains and high summer temperatures, problems due to intestinal roundworms are increasing. Infestations were reported at:
Afrikaner cattle breed: Origins and future role
The Afrikaner cattle breed is a genetic gold mine for beef production in SA, says Pierre Fouché.
Taking the cream – Cappuccino men & their cows
Well-known farming company ZZ2 has taken the Pinzgauer breed to new heights. Part of its ethos is to support and educate new and emerging breeders. Chris Nel reports.
Wool profits for communal farmers
In Lunyaweni near Ugie in the former Transkei, a group of 42 determined communal farmers is generating significant income from its 5 000-plus flock of Merino-type sheep. Mike Burgess reports.
