Regenerative farming: from ‘lifeless dust’ to productive farm

The use of regenerative farming practices has enabled Barry Meijer to restore the ‘lifeless dust’ on his farm and turn it into productive pastures for his cattle. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the transformation.

The WOAH addresses four major animal health challenges

The World Organisation for Animal Health’s 2024 general session addressed global animal health challenges, including foot-and-mouth disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza, and African swine fever.

The role of reproduction in profitable beef cattle farming

Reproduction is vital for beef production, boosting income, genetic improvement, and reducing overheads. Hennie du Toit, animal and pasture scientist at Agropedo Armenta, writes about the importance of reproduction in beef cattle profitability.

Why performance testing in livestock is important

Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production Institute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.

RPO advises on FMD outbreak control and biosecurity measures

The Eastern Cape Red Meat Producers’ Organisation confirms that more than 140 animals have tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease in the province, and movement control is in place in certain areas.

South African Braunvieh set for global beef market success

The South African Braunvieh has all it takes to become a serious contender in the international red meat production arena, says Gawie Naudé, owner of the award-winning Eduan Braunvieh Stud near Rhodes in the Eastern Cape.

Zimbabwe’s Nkone cattle breed recovers from near extinction

Zimbabwe’s quintessential Nkone cattle breed is back from the brink of extinction, says Annelie Coleman. She spoke to George Hulme, a Nkone farmer and breeding society vice-chairperson, who jointly runs the Pungeni stud near Harare.

Success story of a Brangus stud on an Eastern Cape dairy farm

In 2001, Steve Kretzmann, introduced a beef component to his dairy farm, Edendale, in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited him recently to better understand the impact that the Panorama Brangus stud has had on his agricultural venture near East London.

Challenges and opportunities expected for dairy production

The US Department of Agriculture recently released its latest report on dairy production in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and the trends driving trading.

From a DJ to a successful farmer in the Eastern Cape

Lubabalo Ngcwembe (43), from Zwelitsha near Qonce, shares his remarkable journey into farming, overcoming challenges to build Ikhasilethu, a thriving livestock and vegetable enterprise.

The oldest SA Beef Shorthorn herd excels in the coldest place

The Beef Shorthorn is probably as close to a perfect beef cattle breed as you can get, Barry Stretton, owner of the Brotherlea stud in Molteno, told Annelie Coleman.

Study sheds light on global risk of heat stress to cattle

Research shows climate change may have a negative impact on cattle farming in some regions, says Jorisna Bonthuys. Farmers must do more to secure their herd’s welfare and their own bottom line.

Zimbabwe’s Tuli cattle make financial sense and are easy to farm

The Tuli is an iconic beef breed of Zimbabwe that will make any breeder proud, according to Kerry Stewart, Tuli stud breeder and chairperson of the Zimbabwe Tuli Breeders’ Society. Annelie Coleman spoke to her and other breeders about the advantages of farming Tuli cattle.

Following the herd to help reduce emissions

Identifying and including a low-methane trait in livestock breeding programmes could be the answer to the methane problem faced by animal farmers globally. But how conclusive is the research and will it impact production traits? Lindi Botha reports.

Boost profit by using available genetic resources

Dr Japie van der Westhuizen, general manager of SA Stud Book, describes how to make use of animal genetic resources to select for sustainable profit in beef cattle from a stud and commercial perspective.

The ARC’s farm assessment toolkit

The Agricultural Research Council’s Farm Assessment Toolkit has been developed to allow for the evaluation of a farm in a scientific manner, using the natural resource base of the farm as a foundation.

Why this Durbanville dairy keeps on winning awards

Fair Cape Dairies won the ARC National Master Dairyman of the Year Award for the fourth time in 2022. Johannes Loubser spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the drivers of the dairy’s success.

The pioneering history of Barkly East’s Avoca cattle and sheep studs

The Orpen family has been farming near Barkly East in the Eastern Cape since 1866. Gavin Isted looks at the history of the farm and the current production methods used for running the Avoca cattle and sheep studs.

Ireland’s dairy farmers wrestle with harsh environmental policies

A peek over the farm gate into an Irish dairy farm reveals that although the grass is certainly greener, farmers are facing unprecedented challenges that are placing their survival at risk. The O’Connor family spoke to Lindi Botha about countering the headwinds and sustaining production.

Using sexed semen to get more value from cattle

Breeding using sexed semen can help your bottom line by creating cattle the market demands, says Dr Ken Odde, professor and department head emeritus of the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University.

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