Chianina cattle: The gentle white Italian giant
Chianina cattle are in a class of their own with high value for beef farmers. Chris Nel went to Italy with breeder Christiaan de Jager to learn more about these remarkable animals.
Farming Ayrshire and Holstein dairy herds in KZN
Kevin Lang began a milk processing plant to improve the profitability of his dairy cow herds.
Large herds on the move revitalise degraded veld
The grazing, defecating, stomping and salivating of moving herds can build soil, restore vegetation and reverse the effects of desertification, a major cause of climate change, says holistic management pioneer Allan Savory who recently ran a three-day workshop in Graaff-Reinet. Heather Dugmore was there.
Banking feed in the silage pit
Silage eases fodder flow and bridges the hungry gap between the first frosts and the first flush.
‘Drought-proofing’ your farm
The new Bioboost feeding system makes it possible to produce the equivalent of up to 30ha grazing under irrigation in a small 'container'. This means a farmer can increase productivity while reducing input costs, have a constant supply of fresh and highly nutritious feed available for livestock, and 'drought-proof' the farm, says Vivian Beukes, who developed the system. Denene Erasmus spoke to him
Realising a commercial dream
Taxi boss and communal land cattle farmer Jonathan Lefakgomo, of Mmametlhake, in Mpumalanga, has been trying to build a commercial beef herd since 1991. He spoke to Peter Mashala about his difficulties.
Feed smart in dairy systems
Buying feed from a reputable feed company is often cheaper and less stressful than mixing your own.
Joburgers transform E Cape farm
Four years ago Clive Webster and his wife moved to a farm near Kei Mouth in the Eastern Cape. Today Mkulu Kei Farm is home to almost 300 Ngunis and 70 Friesian/Boerperd crosses, the foundation of a new farming enterprise that has redefined the Websters’ lives. Mike Burgess reports.
Meat rabbits good for the bottom line
Today’s high cost of living sometimes means that a single income source just doesn’t cut it. Sigrid Lemmer turned to part-time meat rabbit production. She talks to Lloyd Phillips.
Common sense beats technology
A cow’s needs can be determined through sound basic observations.
Success, thanks to hard work and mentoring
Puleng Ndlovu left a career in aviation to start farming with Brangus cattle on a land reform farm. He strongly feels that emerging farmers should align themselves with successful commercial farmers. Peter Mashala spoke to him.
Farmer shares success in wool production
Wool production cannot be achieved without flock security. Farmer BP Greyling has successfully targeted crime and predators in Wakkerstroom to keep his farming running smoothly.
