A grass-based approach to beef stud farming
The Arwin Farms Bonsmara Stud, founded in 1982 in the Dordrecht district of the Eastern Cape, is run entirely off the veld. Mike Burgess visited Johan and Michael-John Greyling to...
Strict selection: the key to award-winning Brahmans
Producing world-class stud cattle is a challenging endeavour, but judging by the stacked-up ribbons at the RiHugo farming enterprise, Rian Maree has found the winning recipe. He spoke to Lindi...
Growing pains of a young North West ostrich farmer
New ostrich farmer Kabelo Lekalakala says the industry in North West can be returned to its former glory through the participation of young aspiring farmers.
Twin foals are not a good idea!
About 80% of twin foals are aborted by the eighth month of pregnancy, sometimes with negative consequences for the mare, says Dr Mac.
Rewards and pitfalls of communal wool production
Volumes of formally marketed communal wool in the Eastern Cape have increased from 222 610kg in the 1997/1998 season to more than five million kilograms in 2017/2018. Mike Burgess spoke...
Make money with free-range chickens
Free-range chickens take longer to raise than birds kept in a poultry house and given factory-made feed. On the other hand, they cost very little to produce and customers are...
Free State breeders use strict selection to produce top bulls
Dr Enslin Coetzee and Issie Liebenberg, the owners of the ZEC Angus stud, breed for efficiency and functionality. They produced the bull Match, which took top honours at the Interbreed...
Strict selection criteria are vital to Boerperd breeding
This popular indigenous breed is a hardy and muscular all-rounder that excels in many equestrian sports, says Dr Mac.
Afrikaner cattle thrive in Namibia’s arid regions
The Afrikaner, once the most popular breed in Southern African, is ideally suited to today’s uncertain climatic conditions, says Namibia-based breeder Jan Blaauw, co-owner of the Salztal Afrikaner stud.
Karoo sheep farmer outwits predators with his nail collar
In a desperate attempt to limit livestock losses due to predation, Karoo farmer Eddie Steenkamp devised a plan to protect his livestock, and has achieved remarkable success. Jeandré van der...
The rules of etiquette in the warm-up arena at a show
To avoid collisions in the warm-up area, riders are expected to follow a set of internationally accepted regulations. Dr Mac takes a closer look at these.
12 basic principles of scientific livestock breeding
Respected show judge and Simbra and Simmentaler breeder Llewellyn Angus has received many awards for his animals and his contribution to the industry. Here he shares his 12 fundamental principles...
Award-winning goat’s cheese from Clarens
After teaching herself cheesemaking, Estee van Aswegen entered her Baris cheeses at the South African Dairy Championships and won top of class.
World-class operation profits from ethically produced pigs
In response to ever-more consumers demanding ethically produced food, Butt Farming, a large commercial pig operation in KwaZulu-Natal, is incorporating improved animal welfare practices into its processes while maximising productivity.
Breeding fuss-free Mutton Merino sheep
The changing climate and rising input costs are forcing farmers to find innovative ways to remain economically viable. Hugo Wiehahn, owner of Hugo Wiehahn en Seuns Mutton Merino stud near...
Breeding a million-dollar bird
Pigeon breeding and racing remains a popular pursuit, with some fanciers aiming for the ultimate goal of turning their hobby into a career. Sabrina Dean visited brothers Daniel and Justin...
What to look for when buying beef breeding stock
Breeding with structurally faulty animals can set a herd’s quality, productivity and profitability back several years. Knowledgeable breeders Ting Braithwaite, Tim Hempson and Ndumiso Gule, all based in KwaZulu-Natal, share...
Glanders: what you should know
While glanders is no longer present in South Africa, it is still found in other regions and can be brought back into the country through the importation of equines, says...
Tough times need tougher cattle
Cattle farmers in Southern Africa have had a difficult year, with ongoing drought and foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. Louis Steyl, CEO of the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa, says...
How award-winning broiler producer stayed the course
Bhefika Matshenja of Inhlakanipho Projects and Farms, winner of the Star of Buhle Award for 2019, says that by implementing sound management principles, such as reinvesting profits, he has been...
ADVERTISEMENT
MUST READS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
