Cattle

In South Africa’s diverse and often unforgiving landscapes, one cattle breed continues to prove its worth: the Nguni. Known for its adaptability, resilience, and cultural heritage, the breed has stood the test of time.

Since its inception in 2004, the CRE Brahmans stud’s motto has been ‘performance meats integrity’. Studmaster Ampie Rossouw told Annelie Coleman that one of the cornerstones of the operation is its commitment to Phase C testing for young bulls to evaluate growth and feed efficiency.

Free State cattle farmer Jannie Visagie spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about the resilience, adaptability, and economic benefits of the Afrikaner cattle breed. He shares valuable insights and practical advice for farmers considering this hardy breed for South African conditions.

The Olifantsberg Boran stud may only have been established three years ago, but it’s already showing promise of becoming a name to watch in the industry. Farm managers Johan Geldenhuys and Ruanda Brink spoke to Glenneis Kriel about their breeding strategy, and why they believe the Boran is the breed of the future.

Known as the mother cow of Africa, the Boran has been developed over more than 1 000 years to provide modern farmers with a hardy, cost-effective animal. Sabrina Dean spoke to Gerrit Potgieter from Komga in the Eastern Cape, a council member of the Boran Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa who oversees the society’s marketing portfolio, to find out more about the breed.

At the 2024 Champion of the World Competition, the top Simbra cow and third-placed bull came from the Joshlin Simbra stud, located near Komga in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess spoke to the co-owner, Linley Jones, about how this stud of just 80 cows managed to win such a prestigious award.

Looking for a breed to maximise returns on animals and land? Garren Coetzee, who runs a Chianina stud near Uniondale in the Western Cape, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about why this breed is the answer.

AgriCulture Mpumalanga’s Young Farmer of the Year 2025, Hendy-Hein Mathews, does not mince his words when it comes to the challenges the youth face in the agriculture sector. But he is certain that farmers will overcome and continue to provide food for the nation.

In 2024, Blackpool Senepol sold a bull for a new South African record price of R165 000. Owner Chris Sheard spoke to Mike Burgess about how he built a stud capable of producing one of the best Senepol bulls the country has ever seen.

The Boran is renowned for its ability to maintain body condition despite extreme weather and difficult circumstances.

According to Guy Rensburg, the Beefmaster is a good investment due to its ability to thrive under harsh conditions.

With its outstanding feed conversion rates and high dressing percentages, the Chianina is the ideal breed for feedlots and beef production.

Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country’s beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke to Annelie Coleman about how the growing number of Senepol stud breeders underpins the value of the breed under exacting African conditions.

John and Tracey Devonport, owners of the Devlan Limousin stud, offer some important information for farmers hoping to embark on a journey of stud breeding.

The Helmeringhausen Farmers’ Association’s Dexter cattle project was honoured by the Namibia Agricultural Union as the 2024 NAU-Feedmaster Community Project of the Year. Association chairperson Jörg Gaugler spoke to Annelie Coleman about this unique project and the difference it makes in the farming community.

The dairy industry is often criticised for its environmental impact, but a new innovation called DESTiny aims to empower farmers to take control of their carbon footprints. Riana Reinecke, the tool’s developer, explained to Glenneis Kriel how it works and how farmers can benefit from it.

Healthy soil plays an important role in cattle health and production. Dr Jan Myburgh from the Department of Paraclinical Sciences in the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science spoke to Annelie Coleman about the numerous benefits of healthy soil in improving farm profitability.

Nutrient circularity in cattle farming can help improve soil health and reduce farming costs. Ernest Makua, livestock technical adviser at Red Meat Industry Services, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about practical strategies for farmers to achieve sustainability and profitability in the industry.

Hurwitz Farming has become synonymous with Boran cattle in South Africa. But it hasn’t always been plain sailing. Simeon Hurwitz spoke to Janine Ryan about the increasing popularity of this breed.

The Brahman has played a pivotal role in the development of Namibia’s beef cattle industry. During the Namibia Brahman Breeders Society’s 70th anniversary, seasoned Brahman breeder Ryno van der Merwe spoke to Annelie Coleman about the breed’s influence on the country’s beef production.