Cattle

Ruminants need mineral trace elements to maintain health and to achieve desired levels of production and reproduction. Trace elements help combat disease challenges and stress-induced problems and support a good return on investment for the producer, says Dr Jasper Coetzee.

Carel Nel and his family pioneered breeding Drakensberger cattle in the western and central Free State. His Drakensberger stud’s Afrikaans name, Grasmunt, refers to the breed’s ability to generate good profits under extensive conditions.

The Bonsmara is a breed par excellence in any beef production system, especially when selected over a quarter of a century in an environment that’s tough on the slightest weakness. Johan and Michiel Geldenhuys told Chris Nel how they do it.

While some South African dairy farms can number more than a thousand cows in milk, the average dairy herd in Argentina is far smaller. But dairy farmers in Argentina share a major obstacle with their SA counterparts: unfavourable agricultural policies.

Klerksdorp Dexter cattle breeders, sisters Kelpie Oosthuizen and Bienkie du Preez, recently imported new genetics for polledness and the dun colour for their Marso Uthando Farming herd.

Angus McIntosh and his wife Mariota returned to SA from London 10 years ago. In 2009, they took the plunge and began farming on rented land. Since then, they have concentrated on diversification, biodynamic production, and value-adding.

Ten farmers developed and adapted the genetics of their beef cattle to their environment and now produce profitable progeny.

Roundworms: Although conditions in the summer rainfall area are not so conducive for new wireworm infestations, there were still numerous reports of losses due to this parasite.

Mike Burgess recently visited Franci-Mari van Heerden, owner of the Witrots Hugenoot stud, and secretary and board member of Hugenoot SA, to find out why she chose the breed.

Due to late rains that fell in many parts of the country infestations of roundworm and especially wireworm were widespread, leading to production losses and mortalities. Lambs were the most susceptible.

When Krisjan Kruger returned to the family farm near Elliot in the Eastern Cape in 2004, Simbra cattle would become central to his operation. Mike Burgess recently visited him on his farm Oransay to see how his Beide Simbra Stud and cropping complement each other.

Dohne Merino sheep are improving wool production profits in Chile, with a reduction in fibre diameter already evident. Dohne Merino consultant Cameron McMaster reports.