Producing well-balanced animals for maximum profit
Well-balanced stud animals are crucial to the profitability of a commercial beef cattle enterprise, say Jean van der Merwe and Willie Landman, owners of the Black Hills Drakensberger stud near...
Choosing the best time to breed your mare
There are pros and cons to breeding your mare at different times of the year, says Dr Mac.
Uncompromising standards pay off for Bonsmara farmer
Award-winning cattle farmer Tian Kruger does not believe in shortcuts or compromising on the principles that brought him success. This has earned him a solid reputation for his commercial Bonsmara...
Be wary of the lantana
The consumption of the lantana bush can result in severe liver failure and death, warns Dr Mac.
Harnessing the dual-purpose potential of Merino ewes
Matthew Morgan of Tarkastad has developed his family farms vertically by establishing permanent mixed pastures for his 3 000 Merino ewes to lamb on. The excellence of his farming won...
Understanding immune-mediated myositis
This recently described syndrome, which affects mainly American Quarter Horses, can be confirmed using genetic tests, says Dr Mac.
Small-scale pig farmer implements commercial practices
Buti Malinga, a small-scale pig farmer near Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng, has built up his business, Vukani Piggery, from nothing. Intent on progress, he aims to become a fully fledged commercial...
‘Never give up on your farming dreams’ – SA’s top dairy producer
Over almost three decades, Foundation Farm in KwaZulu-Natal has evolved from a small dairy operation to winner of the Agricultural Research Council’s 2019 Master Dairyman of the Year. The farm’s...
How to start a pig farming business
A misperception exists that pig farming is a quick cash activity due to the short lifespan of a pig. The costs are often ignored.
Using treats to train horses
There are various methods used to train horses, but the use of treats remains controversial, says Dr Mac.
Breeding for optimal efficiency yields greener dairy herds
A recent report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations shows that the global dairy industry is already part of the solution to address climate change....
Free State farmer shares lessons on ultra-high-density grazing
There are a number of tools that can contribute to successful sustainable agriculture, provided farmers use them strategically. Danie Slabbert, one such South African farmer, explains how he is using...
Improving beef yield through crossbreeding
David Rakgase of Rakgase Farms in Limpopo makes use of crossbreeding to improve carcass weight. He explained to Siyanda Sishuba how animal nutrition is managed on the farm in order...
Reduce heat stress in poultry with vitamin C supplementation
High environmental temperature is the most common stressor of chickens in South Africa.
Feeding your sheep sorghum
Sorghum makes excellent fodder for livestock and can cope with dry conditions better than most other grain crops.
Beefmaster breeder’s quest for optimal returns on investment
The success of a livestock breeding concern depends on choosing a breed that makes economic sense and optimises return on investment. For a part-time farmer, an additional requirement is that...
A new approach to facial nerve paralysis
Electro-acupuncture is now being used as a therapeutic aid to assist in facial nerve regeneration. Dr Mac takes a closer look at the technique.
Wool and maize: perfect partners on marginal lands
While wool accounts for only about 30% of his income, Free State farmer Le Roux Fourie views it as a crucial element in his cropping and livestock operation. He spoke...
Free-range pigs: Working the soil and bringing home the bacon
Western Cape farmer Angus McIntosh is showing that pigs can earn their keep through the eco-services they contribute, as well as the bacon they provide. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel...
Feed and water requirements for horses
You need to plan your horse’s diet during the dry months to prevent digestion issues, says Dr Mac.
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