Cattle

Michiel van Niekerk runs a stud Nguni herd in the arid region of the western Free State between Petrusburg and Kimberley. For him, the economic realities of livestock farming mean that he cannot afford animals that underperform. The Ganna Stud benefits from recording, measuring and modelling.

Argentinian dairy farmer Francisco Mihura keeps his operation profitable by practising economies of scale and using home-grown food to lower his costs. Denene Erasmus was there.

The Agricultural Research Council’s Free State Emerging Beef Farmer for 2013, Robert Thekiso, farms more than 100 commercial Bonsmara cows on 669ha. Mike Burgess visited him.

In many parts of the country the drought took its toll, with reports of protein and energy deficiencies being received.

SA cattlemen increasingly recognise the Afrikaner’s competitive advantage, says Barry Steenkamp, co-owner of the Palmietkuil Afrikaner herd in the Vredefort area of the Free State. Annelie Coleman paid him a visit.

Dries and Minnie de Klerk produce fine, hardy Beefmasters at an altitude of between 1 883m and 1 950m in the Stormberg, with a severe winter climate. Heather Dugmore visited them.

Age has not prevented a group of elderly communal sheep farmers in the former Transkei from embracing change and improving their flocks. The result has been better sheep, finer wool – and improved profits. Mike Burgess investigates.

Merino breeder Johan Hoffman of Bothaville in the Free State has virtually eradicated wireworm (Haemonchus contortus) from his 800-strong stud flock. He spoke to Annelie Coleman.

Running a successful shisa nyama in the busy township of Mamelodi near Pretoria, Jerry Boshoga realised that buying meat was eroding his profit. Last year, he established a feedlot to supply his business. Peter Mashala visited him.

Angora rabbits need a patient approach before their wool can be harvested. But the end-product is sought after by discerning consumers worldwide.

Johannes Uys of Cohanma Jerseys in the Overberg bred McIvor, the 2013 Taurus Jersey Bull of the Year. Denene Erasmus looks at the man and the herd behind this bull.

According to Alfred Maabelo, keeping a large herd of cattle on communal land is not always a good idea. It’s far better, he argues, to choose the breed carefully, keep a small herd and ensure tight management at all times. He spoke to Peter Mashala about his approach.