How to reduce tortoise electrocution mortalities
Thousands of tortoises are inadvertently killed by electric fences in South Africa each year. Yet there are simple, practical steps that farmers can take to stop this. Dr Luke Arnot of the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, and Steven Molteno of the global network, Local Governments for Sustainability, explain the extent of the problem, and provide solutions.
Is rhino breeding a potential gold mine for cattle farmers?
The socio-economic dynamics of an ever-growing and increasingly globalised human population are placing increasing demands on the world’s livestock producers. German Agricultural Society president, Carl-Albrecht Bartmer, explored these issues at the opening of EuroTier 2016.
Dr Dave Cooper at the frontline of rhino poaching
In a candid and sometimes emotional interview, Dr Dave Cooper, an award-winning wildlife veterinarian with Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, reveals the toll that the rhino poaching scourge is taking on him and his colleagues.
Adding value to game ranches
Aspiring and current game farmers must carefully consider the factors that influence a ranch’s value.
How to manage your consultant
Your consultant might not be your employee, but if you’re expecting excellent results, you need to apply sound management skills to the relationship.
If you’re serious about safety, get NOSA
The NOSA Five Star Safety System goes beyond safety issues. It offers a proven way of ensuring excellence in your operation and increasing profits.
Unlocking the Western Cape’s game farming potential
Game farms may be uncommon in the Western Cape, but Fernando Rueda, a rare-game breeder on Arc-en-ciel, near Wellington, is convinced that the province has great potential
for aspiring game farmers. Fernando and farm manager Schutz Marais spoke to Jeandré du Preez about unlocking the industry’s potential.
Hunting & the law
Landowners and trophy and biltong hunters should ensure they are up to date with the legal requirements for carrying ammunition and transporting meat as well as the environmental conservation ordinances.
Saving the geometric tortoise
The geometric tortoise is thought to be one of the most endangered species of tortoise on earth. It occurs only in the Western Cape, where over 90% of its habitat has been lost due to agricultural conversion of land. Jay Ferreira reports on efforts to save the species from extinction.
Eastern Cape farmer earns big with blesbok variants
In 2009, Petri Snyman introduced game breeding to his Somerset East livestock operation in an attempt at vertical development. Mike Burgess visited him recently to see how the game component, spearheaded by blesbok colour variants, has transformed the earning potential of Kroonkop Farms in the Eastern Cape.
Problem animal control must be based on evidence
Managing human-wildlife conflict should be based on science rather than hearsay, as this failed attempt at controlling baboons with prisms in the Western Cape shows.
Breeding high-value game species in North West
Klein Buisfontein Ranch is an intensive game-breeding enterprise run on relatively small land.
