Biosecurity on a budget for small-scale pig producers
In this article Dr Peter Evans, veterinary liaison officer of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, shares affordable and practical tips that small-scale pig farmers can implement to improve biosecurity...
Empowerment through education
Young Bonsmara farmer Keneilwe Raphesu knew the path to achieving her dreams lay in further training, so she joined a development programme for emerging farmers. She spoke to Siyanda Sishuba...
Droughtmaster is making its mark in South Africa
The Durow family from Clocolan in the eastern Free State has been breeding Droughtmasters for only five years, but has been impressed by the breed’s performance from the outset and...
Painted Persian sheep demand a handsome profit
The demand for multicoloured Persian sheep in the Middle East has helped Northern Cape breeder Koenie Kotzé endure the drought. Annelie Coleman reports on how he discovered this market.
Selecting the right pig breed for your farm
Dr Danie Visser, an agricultural adviser and strategic analyst, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the factors that a farmer should consider when choosing which pig breed to farm.
Wagyu beef: ‘It’s worth the extra work’
The Wagyu beef breed is growing in popularity among consumers and producers, and for good reason. It offers high-quality, marbled meat, and farmers can benefit from a good return on...
Genetics forged in the Alps help Braunvieh excel in SA
Since its introduction to South Africa 114 years ago, the Braunvieh, with its good walking ability and non-selective grazing habits, has adapted well and can thrive under some of the harshest...
Northern Cape sheep farmer’s lessons from the drought
The devastating drought in the Northern Cape that lasted from 2018 to 2020 taught award-winning new sheep farmer Etienne van Wyk many lessons about sustainable farming. Annelie Coleman visited him...
Free-range pigs: lessons learnt on the way to commercial success
Start small and grow with the results. This is the principle followed by young pig farmer Jason Buys of Ocean View Piggery in the Western Cape. Jeandré van der Walt...
Making wildlife part of your horse business
Like many industries, the horse industry is suffering due to COVID-19 regulations. If you own a farm, bringing in some game could offer you another income stream, says Dr Mac.
Backgrounding beef animals for higher profit
Most South African beef producers sell their weaners straight to feedlots for finishing. Chéri-Lynn Steyn, a master’s student in agricultural economics, explains how backgrounding these animals can increase the income...
Understanding thermal imaging
This non-invasive diagnostic tool can identify ‘hotspots’ that are linked to unsoundness, says Dr Mac.
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