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.
Blazing or grazing – the great fire debate
The grasslands of the African savannah depend on defoliation processes like fire and grazing to maintain plant vigour, increase cover and reduce rainfall-runoff. Prof Winston Trollope talks to Heather Dugmore...
Livestock Disease Trends (as informally reported by vets in South Africa) November 2012
A record number of vetinarary practices (50) reported this month, as well as three veterinary laboratories.
Tree lucerne: marvellous, but not miraculous!
The pioneer of tree lucerne in South Africa, Gavin Armstrong, warns that as the interest in this high-yield fodder crop grows, many suppliers are overcharging farmers for inferior plant material....
Namibian Simmentalers survive & thrive
Stephan Voigts, owner of the historic Voigtland Simmentaler herd in Namibia bases his breeding objectives on the commercial cattleman’s requirements. The commercial sector determines the value of any cattle breed,...
Livestock Disease Trends (as informally reported by vets in SA) October 2012
The number of practices reporting are increasing – hopefully Limpopo will get on board in future. Thank you to all who participated.
From herdboy to commercial cattle farmer
It has taken Zandisile Maswana a lifetime to become an independent commercial beef producer. Mike Burgess spoke to him on his farm Kingscote near the former Ciskei town of Hamburg...
A standard of excellence
Technology has brought rapid advances in the dairy industry, but record keeping is still crucial as a guide to dairy farmers.
Dairyman: A master at his craft
An unwavering focus on genetics and attention to detail has paid off for master dairyman Charlie MacGillivray. Robyn Joubert visited his farm in the Karkloof.
Between a rock & a hard place
Dairy farmers need to maintain profitable businesses despite being squeezed between high input costs and powerful milk buyers.
The East African Boran – ‘the world’s hardiest breed’
Steeped in history and rooted in the African soil, the rugged Boran is receiving more and more accolades. Tanzanian Boran breeder Mark Myatt-Taylor tells Lloyd Phillips why.
Good neighbours make good business
Eastern Cape’s Young Farmer of the Year, Richard Morgan, has built on his family’s agricultural legacy, which started in 1895 in the Mankazana Valley near Adelaide. Mike Burgess reports.
Farmers finding common ground
By forming a good working relationship, nine farmers from Mmakgabetlwane village in North West have found a way to farm on communal land. Peter Mashala visited them.
Pioneer farming in Africa – in the 21st century
These days, it’s rare to hear stories of a family establishing, from scratch, a commercial farm in virgin African bushveld. But this is what one family has done in just...
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