Cattle

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 Khorixas, Danie Jansen van Vuuren spoke to Annelie Coleman about the growth of this breed in Namibia.

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 and Improvement at the ARC, explains why.

Dung is an important indicator of the nutritional status of a cow. So it’s useful to know what different ‘types’ mean.

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. Peter Mashala reports.

Due to good rainfall in the summer rainfall areas and hot weather, numerous reports of internal parasites were received. Infestations were reported at:

Boran farmer, Johannes van Rensburg, says that the commitment of individuals advances the breed.

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 reports.

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.

As a result of good rains and high summer temperatures, problems due to intestinal roundworms are increasing. Infestations were reported at:

The Afrikaner cattle breed is a genetic gold mine for beef production in SA, says Pierre Fouché.

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.

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.

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 about grazing and burning in managed rangelands.

A record number of vetinarary practices (50) reported this month, as well as three veterinary laboratories.

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. The result may be disappointed buyers. Denene Erasmus reports.

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, and that is why the Simmentaler is doing so well in Namibia, he told Annelie Coleman.

The number of practices reporting are increasing – hopefully Limpopo will get on board in future. Thank you to all who participated.

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 in the Eastern Cape and discovered a man with an energetic entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to learn from others.

Technology has brought rapid advances in the dairy industry, but record keeping is still crucial as a guide to dairy farmers.

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.