Partnerships prove a winner for new mohair producer
Going from a part-time communal farmer to a full-time commercial producer is easier said than done. Eastern Cape farmer Sindile Lloyd James spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he overcame...
Getting started with egg production
From small beginnings and facing many challenges in poultry production, Kobedi Pilane, who farms near Parys in North West, has grown his egg farm into a 5 000-layer commercial operation....
Using homeopathy to treat your horse
A wide range of homeopathic remedies is available for treating competition horses, according to Dr Mac.
From subsistence to commercial success for Meatmaster breeder
Ga-Mothapo farmer Thabana Mokgohloa grew up looking after his family’s livestock, and in 2009 took over the running of his parents’ farm. With his focus on maize and sheep, he...
Breeding world-champion Charolais
When his cattle business was hit hard by drought, fifth-generation North West farmer Loutjie Campher started breeding Charolais as a means of rebuilding his herd.
Controlling biting flies
Biting flies are not only a nuisance, but can also transmit diseases and deliver painful bites, says Dr Mac.
Droughtmaster: the ticket to breeding more uniform calves
Now semi-retired from farming, Adriaan Odendaal of Villiers in the Free State is able to devote most of his time to the improvement of his almost 10-year old Rocky Droughtmaster...
Care and caution keep poultry disease-free
As every chicken producer can attest, keeping the birds in optimal health is a finicky task, and failure can lead to serious losses. This means that a meticulous biosecurity plan...
Breeding for efficiency adds value for this cattle farmer
Anneri Otto, who farms near Coligny in North West, never planned on becoming a farmer. However, when unfortunate circumstances forced her to take charge of her husband’s operation, she rose...
Different licks for different seasons
Voermol’s wide product range of licks means that farmers can provide their animals with optimal nutrition year round.
The Boer goat mentor who’s changing lives
Stud Boer goat breeder Desré Ferreira from Vryburg in North West provides a valuable support network to developing and commercial Boer goat farmers. She started mentoring a group of about...
Biosecurity on a budget for small-scale pig producers
In this article Dr Peter Evans, veterinary liaison officer of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, shares affordable and practical tips that small-scale pig farmers can implement to improve biosecurity...
Empowerment through education
Young Bonsmara farmer Keneilwe Raphesu knew the path to achieving her dreams lay in further training, so she joined a development programme for emerging farmers. She spoke to Siyanda Sishuba...
Droughtmaster is making its mark in South Africa
The Durow family from Clocolan in the eastern Free State has been breeding Droughtmasters for only five years, but has been impressed by the breed’s performance from the outset and...
Painted Persian sheep demand a handsome profit
The demand for multicoloured Persian sheep in the Middle East has helped Northern Cape breeder Koenie Kotzé endure the drought. Annelie Coleman reports on how he discovered this market.
Selecting the right pig breed for your farm
Dr Danie Visser, an agricultural adviser and strategic analyst, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the factors that a farmer should consider when choosing which pig breed to farm.
Wagyu beef: ‘It’s worth the extra work’
The Wagyu beef breed is growing in popularity among consumers and producers, and for good reason. It offers high-quality, marbled meat, and farmers can benefit from a good return on...
Genetics forged in the Alps help Braunvieh excel in SA
Since its introduction to South Africa 114 years ago, the Braunvieh, with its good walking ability and non-selective grazing habits, has adapted well and can thrive under some of the harshest...
Northern Cape sheep farmer’s lessons from the drought
The devastating drought in the Northern Cape that lasted from 2018 to 2020 taught award-winning new sheep farmer Etienne van Wyk many lessons about sustainable farming. Annelie Coleman visited him...
Free-range pigs: lessons learnt on the way to commercial success
Start small and grow with the results. This is the principle followed by young pig farmer Jason Buys of Ocean View Piggery in the Western Cape. Jeandré van der Walt...
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