Young stud manager strives to be an icon
Jessica Phathela is the stud manager for Ntaba Nyoni Cattle, and is responsible for the care, breeding and administration of five herds. She aspires to be a role model for...
Beware of oak poisoning!
It can be very difficult to diagnose chronic poisoning in horses caused by the consumption of acorns, says Dr Mac.
Dairy cows flourish on natural pasture
A total mixed ration has become the predominant feeding system of dairy cows in South Africa. But Rob Visser, owner of Dalewood Fromage, has bucked this trend, focusing instead on...
Why small-scale beef cattle farmers struggle to improve their animals
While genomic selection is a mainstay of commercial cattle breeding, the accurate record-keeping and data analysis it requires are often unaffordable for, or inaccessible to, smallholder and communal farmers. This...
The reality of twins in beef cattle
While the incidence of twins in beef cattle is very low, there is the possibility that it could improve the rate of their reproduction, says the Agricultural Research Council.
How intensive sheep farmers can improve traceability and profit
Intensive sheep farming has given eastern Free State farmer Gareth Angus the opportunity to increase his lambs’ survival rate, boost profits and ensure traceability from birth to farm gate, while...
Know the basics: Starting a commercial beef herd from scratch
The aim of any well-managed commercial cattle farm is to produce high-quality beef for the market at a profitable level. Magda du Toit provides emerging and aspiring beef cattle farmers...
Commercialising communal goat farming in KwaZulu-Natal
Since 1975, a rural development project in KwaZulu-Natal has been helping communal farmers improve their production of indigenous goats. Today, these farmers are focused on herd health and adopting technology...
Horses and puff adders
When grazing, horses accidently disturb this highly venomous snake, and are often bitten on the face, says Dr Mac.
Regenerative grazing: realising maximum sustainable profit/ha
Although ultra-high-density grazing is still quite controversial in some circles, many farmers have had good results when using it as a means to restore veld and increase carrying capacity.
Using the drought to up your game
The Northern Cape’s Williston district is sheep country through and through, but six years of drought have made extensive sheep farming here desperately difficult. Wouter Kriel spoke to producer Hannes...
Becoming a jockey
If you have a small body frame, are athletic and enjoy riding, this may the career for you, says Dr Mac.
Hard work brings free-range success for farmer
When Einstein Sibanda came to South Africa 15 years ago, it was with the intention of working in a restaurant. Today, however, he has a flourishing farming business in the...
Sexed semen: a game changer for Damara stud
Using sexed semen in an artificial insemination programme carries a 90% assurance that the surrogate animal will deliver offspring of the desired sex. Annelie Coleman spoke to Damara farmer Stan...
Looking after your horse’s heart
The health of your horse’s heart can be affected by pathogens, worm load or toxins, says Dr Mac.
Broiler production: Cashing in on the huge demand for live birds
Poultry production has significant challenges, with high input costs and narrow margins being near the top of the list. However, Dale Shepherd, owner of Plaston Chicken Farms in Mpumalanga, has...
Farming successfully on communal land
Juhillin van Wyk grew up on a Northern Cape farm, and today runs a flock of Dorper sheep on communal land near Williston. He spoke to Wouter Kriel about what...
Droughtmasters prove their worth in stud and commercial herds
Johan Kemp, Chris van Niekerk and Riaan Venter started the Elandsberg Droughtmaster stud seven years ago. Impressed by the breed’s ability to excel under their extensive farming conditions in a...
Santa Gertrudis bulls show their value in extended veld tests
Extensive veld tests by the Bosveld Santa Gertrudis Study Group have made a valuable contribution to establishing the breed’s reputation amongst other beef cattle in South Africa.
Starting a Boer goat stud on a 10ha farm
Jonathan Carlson started working on his dream of becoming a farmer straight after he finished school: he made and sold neck clamps for cattle to raise the funds he would...
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