Cattle

Kevin Lang began a milk processing plant to improve the profitability of his dairy cow herds.

The grazing, defecating, stomping and salivating of moving herds can build soil, restore vegetation and reverse the effects of desertification, a major cause of climate change, says holistic management pioneer Allan Savory who recently ran a three-day workshop in Graaff-Reinet. Heather Dugmore was there.

Silage eases fodder flow and bridges the hungry gap between the first frosts and the first flush.

The new Bioboost feeding system makes it possible to produce the equivalent of up to 30ha grazing under irrigation in a small 'container'. This means a farmer can increase productivity while reducing input costs, have a constant supply of fresh and highly nutritious feed available for livestock, and 'drought-proof' the farm, says Vivian Beukes, who developed the system. Denene Erasmus spoke to him

Taxi boss and communal land cattle farmer Jonathan Lefakgomo, of Mmametlhake, in Mpumalanga, has been trying to build a commercial beef herd since 1991. He spoke to Peter Mashala about his difficulties.

Buying feed from a reputable feed company is often cheaper and less stressful than mixing your own.

Four years ago Clive Webster and his wife moved to a farm near Kei Mouth in the Eastern Cape. Today Mkulu Kei Farm is home to almost 300 Ngunis and 70 Friesian/Boerperd crosses, the foundation of a new farming enterprise that has redefined the Websters’ lives. Mike Burgess reports.

Today’s high cost of living sometimes means that a single income source just doesn’t cut it. Sigrid Lemmer turned to part-time meat rabbit production. She talks to Lloyd Phillips.

A cow’s needs can be determined through sound basic observations.

Puleng Ndlovu left a career in aviation to start farming with Brangus cattle on a land reform farm. He strongly feels that emerging farmers should align themselves with successful commercial farmers. Peter Mashala spoke to him.

Wool production cannot be achieved without flock security. Farmer BP Greyling has successfully targeted crime and predators in Wakkerstroom to keep his farming running smoothly.

Flexibility is key to breeding cows and managing livestock guardian dogs on his mountain sourveld farm, David Stern tells Heather Dugmore.

Barry King of Bottelgat Brangus is the father of Farmer’s Weekly cover girl Meggan King. In 2010 he and his son Llwelleyn won the Brangus Breeder of the Year award and in 2011 the herd achieved the best Brangus intercalving period in South Africa with an average of 378 days. Heather Dugmore visited their farm.

Finding niche milk markets has allowed this small-scale dairyman to operate a thriving business at a time when many small producers are being forced out of business. Robyn Joubert reports.

Keith Clubb, drawn by low land prices and the favourable climate, moved to Zambia in 1997.

To increase production and profit in a commercial beef enterprise, it’s essential to stick to tried-and tested management procedures.

Soaring land prices in Limpopo’s Thabazimbi district forced Callie Lee to expand his irrigated pastures. Thanks to careful management, he achieves optimal land use and good weaning weights.

Agri Northern Cape Young Farmer of the Year finalist Johann Bekker says a reliable water supply is crucial for successful commercial sheep farming in the western Kalahari. Annelie Coleman visited his farms in the Mier district to see how he gets it right.

South Africans consume a mere 145ml of milk per person per day – so there’s room for expansion. But how? In fact, farmers have several options.

Backed up by 40 years’ experience in sustainable cattle production, Johann Zietsman consults with South African cattlemen on how to double, treble or quadruple their cattle numbers on the same land while improving the quality of the veld.