Farmworker’s son becomes Brangus stud breeder
Nkosemntu Nika, who farms in the Winterberg near Tarkastad in the Eastern Cape, is the first black Eastern Cape farmer to become a Brangus stud breeder. Mike Burgess spoke to...
Innovative event is a learning opportunity for breeders
Access to the latest information and the opportunuity to compare with peers are both crucial for the cattle breeder. This is what the Simmentaler/Simbra Hoogland Study Group aims to achieve...
How to distinguish similar-looking juvenile cichlids
Approximately 15 cichlid species occur in South Africa. To the untrained eye, several appear confusingly alike, especially as juveniles. So make sure you get the right tilapia species for your...
Better results with a single-breed herd on the Highveld
After suffering the effects of a trichomoniasis outbreak in 2010, Afrikan Farms, winner of the ARC’s National Commercial Beef Producer of the Year award for 2018, decided to switch from...
Getting started with dairy goats: practical tips from a farmer
Three years ago, WA Hugo started farming dairy goats on 8ha just outside Lambert’s Bay. Today, he has a herd of 150 goats and produces various cheese products. Jeandré van...
How to treat your horse’s wounds
Horses are prone to injury, and all horse owners or carers should therefore know how to clean and disinfect a wound, says Dr Mac.
Laying the foundations for commercial farming
Although she is a qualified engineer, Tracy Marobobo has traded her corporate suits for khaki and boots as she pursues her true passion in life: farming. Sabrina Dean recently visited...
The care unit that treats neglected horses and donkeys
The Highveld Horse Care Unit cares for neglected equines. Farryn Day of the unit says that a lack of education is the main reason for the mistreatment of these animals.
Fish production: simplicity or sophistication?
A recirculating system and a pond farm are at opposite ends of the aquaculture spectrum. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
Why Bonsmara cows should be your first choice
Maternal ability is an important trait in female animals of any breed. Cows must be fertile,and able to support, protect and grow their calves into healthy weaners. Bonsmara cows are...
How best to feed lambs and ewes
The first phases of a lamb’s life are crucial for future growth. Kenneth Hamlett of Tau Mills spoke to Gerhard Uys about correct feeding practices for lambs and in-lamb ewes.
Award-winning Brangus breeder’s formula for success
Christopher Sparks can be counted as one of the top cattle stud producers in South Africa after having claimed two prestigious national titles last year. Sabrina Dean visited him at...
Dealing with Anthia beetles in your paddocks
The Anthia beetle squirts a highly irritant fluid into the eyes of animals. This substance can cause redness, inflammation and swelling. Dr Mac explains how to manage these insects on...
Dealing with external parasites on chickens
External parasites such as mites can be a major financial threat to a poultry operation. Control is essential.
Aquaponics: get it right, or grow veggies on their own!
Many aquaponics operations focus only on plant yield and ignore fish production. These are merely hydroponic systems that use expensive means to fertilise their plants.
Extending artificial insemination to beef cattle
One of the reproductive tools for the beef industry discussed in depth at the 10th annual Aldam Stockman School last year was the use of fixed-time artificial insemination. Sabrina Dean...
Debate about humane killing of fish rages on
Compared with most other agricultural industries in South Africa, the farmed fish industry is in its infancy. With no legal framework yet in place, fish farmers and animal welfare organisations...
Managing high nitrate levels in paddocks
High nitrate levels acidify the soil, leading to an abundance of weeds. Dr Mac explains how to manage this, and prevent it from occurring.
Beefing up cattle using the continuous grazing system
While intensive and fast-rotation beef grazing systems are becoming more popular in South Africa, the Duminies of Duminy Boerdery in Vryheid have stuck by their extensive continuous grazing system. They...
Emerging pig farmer’s commitment to learning pays off
At the time she was awarded a piggery by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Betty Nyambi knew little or nothing about pig farming. But she refused to...
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