Shepherding her flock to greener pastures
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.
Livestock Disease Trends (as informally reported by vets in South Africa) December 2012
As a result of good rains and high summer temperatures, problems due to intestinal roundworms are increasing. Infestations were reported at:
Afrikaner cattle breed: Origins and future role
The Afrikaner cattle breed is a genetic gold mine for beef production in SA, says Pierre Fouché.
Taking the cream – Cappuccino men & their cows
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.
Wool profits for communal farmers
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.
Blazing or grazing – the great fire debate
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.
Livestock Disease Trends (as informally reported by vets in South Africa) November 2012
A record number of vetinarary practices (50) reported this month, as well as three veterinary laboratories.
Tree lucerne: marvellous, but not miraculous!
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.
Namibian Simmentalers survive & thrive
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.
Livestock Disease Trends (as informally reported by vets in SA) October 2012
The number of practices reporting are increasing – hopefully Limpopo will get on board in future. Thank you to all who participated.
From herdboy to commercial cattle farmer
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.
A standard of excellence
Technology has brought rapid advances in the dairy industry, but record keeping is still crucial as a guide to dairy farmers.
