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...
Shortcomings of modern water pumps
Choose the best pump you can afford for your system. A cheap purchase will end up costing you money.
SA’s cannabis legislation and horses
Remedies derived from cannabis have been used to treat injury in horses since the days of Alexander the Great. But what effect does marijuana have on horses? Dr Mac explains.
Grass-fed beef: the trend that favours communal farmers
Joseph Kau, an agricultural economist at the Agricultural Research Council, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the grass-fed beef movement in South Africa and the opportunities it presents for communal farmers,...
The desert: hot, dry, and perfect for fish production
Groundwater extracted from arid areas is often unsuitable for irrigation, but it would be ideal for aquaculture.
The Bateleurs: Flying animals to safety for 20 years
The Bateleurs, a non-profit company, provides a flight support programme for conservation and the environment. In operation for 20 years, this unique organisation has a membership of about 220 pilots...
How to build a horse crush
The routine handling of horses is simplified if you own a crush pen, says Dr Mac.
Merino sheep: sacrificing size for superior wool
By producing medium-framed Merino sheep with ultra-fine wool, Johan Müller can run more animals and generate as much income as producers of larger-framed animals. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about...
Strict selection the key to Boer goat meat production
Award-winning stud breeder Gerald Calitz runs a 200-strong Boer goat stud on his 70ha farm near Ventersdorp in North West. He spoke to Annelie Coleman about his breeding techniques.
Beef farming as part of a broader business
Napoleon Holborn of Komga is the 2018 Agricultural Research Council’s Emerging Beef Farmer for the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited him to learn about his beef operation and how he...
The benefits of feeding dairy calves milk only once a day
The myth that calves are better off receiving milk twice daily was recently dispelled in a study by Animal Sciences master’s student Bertus Myburgh.
Which fish should be farmed in SA, and where?
Our climate varies dramatically from season to season, limiting the fish species that can be used in aquaculture, and the locations where it can take place.
Equine hydrotherapy for leg injuries
Spa therapy is now easily available in South Africa to treat injuries in sport horses, says Dr Mac.
How top small-scale farmer reduces risk
Western Cape pig farmer Leandre Mitchley was named Top Smallholder Farming Entrepreneur 2018 at the annual Female Entrepreneur Awards. Her success came after a slow start and a recent major...
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