Feeding guidelines for various stages of production
Tara Felix, an extension beef specialist, and Nathan Briggs, a former beef extension educator, both from Pennsylvania State University in the US, provide guidelines as hypothetical scenarios that show dietary...
Hugenoot: SA’s beef cattle genetic treasure
The award-winning Koperkop Hugenoot stud has proved the breed’s economic value in the exacting farming conditions south of the Soutpansberg. Owners Henk and Gerda van Rensburg told Annelie Coleman how...
Uphill road from small to commercial farming
Driven by passion and a dream to develop his business to its full potential, livestock farmer Petros Sibanyoniis persevering despite trials and tribulations. He spoke to Lindi Botha about the...
Sourveld and rocks no obstacles to this Simbra producer
Rocco Botha runs a commercial herd of Simbra cattle on North West’s Klipveld, an aptly named area noted for its rocks and sourveld. Annelie Coleman spoke to him about his...
Analysis: water intake of young Afrikaner and Nguni bulls
A study by Georgette Pyoos, junior researcher, and Prof Michiel Scholtz, specialist researcher in animal breeding and genetics, both at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production Institute, counters the popular...
Perseverance: the key to stud-farming success
Bonsmara stud manager Sizo Tshabalala believes there is a lesson to be learnt from every challenge. He spoke to Lindi Botha about how his passion for farming and determination to...
Boran cattle: perfect fit for diversified farmer
As a diversified farmer whose primary focus is grain, Leon van Tonder doesn’t have much time to worry about his cattle. He spoke to Lindi Botha about why introducing Boran cattle...
The Afrikaner: equipped to beat climate change
The Afrikaner beef cattle breed’s outstanding plasticity enables it to perform optimally despite the negative consequences of climate change. Georgette Pyoos, a junior researcher in the Animal Breeding and Genetics...
Why sexed semen is ideal for emerging cattle farmers
In a recent study, Luther Magopa of the Agricultural Research Council, along with other researchers, looked at the possibility and benefits of using sexed semen in emerging or small-scale cattle...
Mashona: small in stature, big in value
Zimbabwe’s indigenous Mashona cattle are renowned for their outstanding productivity and ability to survive under even the most extreme conditions. Maree Osborne, chairperson of the Mashona Cattle Society of Zimbabwe,...
Boosting dairy profitability: it’s not all in the genes!
Looking for ways to enhance your dairy’s profits? Better cow health and improved liveability might be the solution, according to Rebekah Mast, a US-based dairy genetics expert.
From communal to commercial: a Bonsmara farmer’s success story
Mthobeli Dintsi was a 2022 provincial winner in the National Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo Farmer of the Year competition, a category of the Agricultural Research Council’s National Beef Performers Awards. Mike...
The impact of climate change on dairy cows
In the first part of this three-part series, Dr Jan du Preez, managing director of UCK Investments, discusses the contributing effect of global warming on the occurrence of heat stress...
A top Afrisim stud built with award-winning cows
The success of a beef cattle operation rests largely on the performance of its cows, says Dr Hentie van Rensburg, who bred the 2022 Agricultural Research Council National Best Elite...
What feedlots expect in the ideal weaner
The South African feedlot industry produces about 75% of all beef eaten in the country. Annelie Coleman spoke to Lynette van Rooyen, group director at Sparta Beef, and Charles Mathewson,...
Santa Gertrudis bulls: tested for two decades
Melville Ferreira, senior researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production unit in Vryburg, and Yolanda Venter, breed manager of the Santa Gertrudis Cattle Breeders’ Society in Bloemfontein, reveal the...
The challenges facing Namibia’s cattle producers
Despite the fact that Namibia is an arid country, farmers there continue to run profitable beef operations. However, profitability margins are decreasing.
Nguni x Brahman: an exceptional, feedlot-friendly cross
Theo Maqashalala runs approximately 100 commercial Nguni breeding female animals near the town of Seymour in the Eastern Cape. He spoke to Mike Burgess about his appreciation for the Nguni...
Beef Shorthorn: a breed made for crossbreeding!
The Beef Shorthorn has a long and successful history in South Africa. Stud owners Hendrik, Henco and Johann Strydom spoke to Annelie Coleman about this adaptable animal that shines at...
Beefmaster: ‘Perfectly bred for the beef producer’
The Beefmaster, which was developed in the US, is a popular beef breed in South Africa due to its adaptability, short intercalving period, and other key traits. Gerrie Jansen van Rensburg,...
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