Dormer: using line breeding to set record-high auction prices
Johanri Dormers stud near Lindley in the Free State is known for outstanding animals that achieve record prices. Owner Johan Barnard credits the success of his operation to the careful...
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...
What you need to know about horse insurance
There are several types of horse insurance. It’s important to decide which best suits your horse and your situation, says Dr Mac.
How to create the ‘perfect’ racehorse
Horse racing is a very lucrative sport, and much research and money have been spent on breeding the ‘ideal’ racehorse. Janine Ryan reports on the aspects of conformation and breeding...
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...
Using horses to manage large herds of cattle
With fuel costs being so high, using horses to manage extensive beef cattle herds makes increasing financial sense, says Dr Mac.
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,...
Why nutrition is crucial for dairy cow fertility
While genetic improvement can go a long way towards improving dairy profitability, cows and calves will not reach their full potential if they suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
Maximise dairy profits with beef semen
Improved breeding technologies and practices have resulted in many dairies ending up with more replacement heifers than they need. To add value to surplus animals, farmers can use beef semen...
Small-scale and subsistence farmers: ‘The backbone of India’s mega dairy industry’
In a move that is being called production by the masses rather than mass production, India has successfully mobilised 100 million subsistence and small-scale dairy farmers to make that country...
How a Simmentaler stud thrives on mountainous veld
The dual-purpose Simmentaler is known for its adaptability and good temperament. Tjokkie Nel, who runs a stud near Barkly East, spoke to Gavin Isted about the success he has had...
SA’s ostrich industry gets serious about animal welfare
South Africa’s ostrich industry unveiled its Ostrich Production Standard in 2021, and 85% of farms are currently participating in the programme. Dr Adriaan Olivier, industry veterinarian at the South African...
Hardy, dual-purpose Dexters make sound business sense
Twenty years ago, Gauteng livestock producer Kobus van der Linde bought a handful of Dexter cattle as a hobby for his children. Today, Van der Linde’s 100-head Lundi Dexter stud...
Read this before buying a bull for your beef herd!
Sechaba Majola, a researcher in the Animal Unit at the University of the Free State, gives advice to small-scale beef cattle farmers on how to buy a quality bull and...
Drakensberger cattle: ‘An all-rounder like no other’
Drakensberger cattle pulled the Voortrekkers’ wagons on their epic journeys to South Africa’s inland regions in the 19th century. Susan Marais visited Petrus Taljaard of Talman Drakensbergers in Mpumalanga to...
SA’s top beef producers shine at ARC awards
The Agricultural Research Council recently presented its 44th instalment of the annual National Beef Performers Awards, which recognises outstanding achievements across seven categories of beef cattle performance and production. Farmer’s...
Should you start handling foals early?
When is the right time to begin training a foal? Some trainers believe you should start when the animal is old enough to be ridden, says Dr Mac.
From mining to breeding award-winning White Dorper sheep
Faced with the grim reality of retrenchment, Larry Snyders refused to give in to despair. Instead, he poured all his energy into his sideline business, a small White Dorper stud....
Mastitis: prevention is better than cure
Mastitis can be devastating to a dairy’s profitability. Dr Chantelle Erwee, technical manager of ruminants at Zoetis, describes strategies that a farmer can implement to prevent cows from developing the...
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