Productive ewes: the bedrock of the Jordaan Merino stud
Andrew Jordaan Jr of Spekboomberg farm in Cradock in the Eastern Cape was named the Voermol National Sheep Farmer of the Year in 2018. Mike Burgess spoke to him about...
Alcohol-free beer for riders
Alcohol-free beer is a perfect alternative to fizzy drinks, and is increasing in popularity amongst professional riders around the world, says Dr Mac.
Calf health: the foundation of a productive cattle herd
Prevention is better than cure, and this mindset is especially applicable when it comes to preparing calves for their productive adult lives. Dr Schabort Froneman, technical manager for ruminants at...
Beef cattle basics: Choose the right breed for your farm
Bos indicus, B. taurus or Sanga cattle: which do you choose? Dr Michiel Scholtz and Prof Japie van der Westhuizen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about these breeds.
Committed to improving the productivity of livestock farmers
As seasons change, so do the feeding requirements of your animals. Voermol has a range of products to keep your animals performing at their best during any time of the...
Inbreeding, outcrossing, line breeding and hybrid vigour
Horse breeding is a complicated matter, with many variables to consider, says Dr Mac.
Improving heat stress management in beef cattle
Anette Theunissen, an animal scientist based at the Vaalharts Research Station, explains the results of a study conducted by researchers at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production Institute, in collaboration...
Prevexxion RN: The next generation Marek’s disease vaccine
Marek’s disease in poultry can cause farmers huge economic losses. This is why Boehringer Ingelheim has invested in the development of a vaccine for Marek’s disease, which has proven effective...
Mentorship: lessons from a pioneering Boran breeder
Johan Erasmus, who farms near Derby in North West, is one of the pioneers of the Boran cattle breed in South Africa. He uses his experience as a stud breeder...
Intra-articular injections for joint trouble
There are advantages and disadvantages to using intra-articular injections, says Dr Mac.
Breeding wireworm-resistant Meatmasters
Through rigorous selection, Meatmaster stud breeder Nico Grobler from North West has succeeded in significantly reducing wireworm infestation in his Kern Meatmaster flock. This has enabled him to run the...
Keep bulls fit and fertile: advice from a Bonsmara breeder
The 2020 Unistel/SA Stud Book Developing Breeder of the Year, Bookholane Mokoena of Boggie Bonsmaras in Nigel, Gauteng, says that one of his most important breeding aims is to maintain...
Producing cowboy-style workhorses naturally
Pierre and Carine Kleinhans breed horses capable of patrolling large areas of land with minimal inputs, much like the animals used by cowboys in the American Wild West. The couple...
How trusting her instincts has paid off for Brahman breeder
From small beginnings, Lizemari de Klerk, who farms just outside Pretoria in Gauteng, has expanded her Brahman cattle operation from only three cattle to a breeding herd of around 200...
Treating gastric ulcers
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is influenced mainly by feeding and management, says Dr Mac.
Measuring and improving the performance of cattle in feedlots
An Agricultural Research Council study of the performance of Brahman bulls in feedlots across South Africa has highlighted the non-genetic traits, such as environment and herd of origin, that affect...
Onions to the rescue of a sheep farmer!
Diversifying to vegetable seed production has enabled Karoo sheep farmer PF Theron to reduce his climatic and production risks while greatly improving profitability. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how he...
Top Santa Gertrudis breeder’s endless search for perfection
Having farmed Santa Gertrudis cattle for nearly half a century, Amy Williams is sought after for her professional advice, and many farmers credit her for their success. Moreover, her stud...
Balancing with your seat and legs
Developing an independent seat is crucial for horse riding, says Dr Mac. This means you need to learn to balance without using your hands, and relying only on your legs...
Weighing your cattle: a crucial step towards profitable livestock production
Technological advances are making it easier to weigh livestock and use this information to influence herd management decisions. Glenneis Kriel spoke to a number of experts about the advantages of...
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