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...
Frontier Bonsmaras’ strategy for sold-out auctions
Due to its insistence on uncompromising quality, Frontier Bonsmaras in the Eastern Cape has sold every one of the bulls on offer at its annual sale over the past 12...
Beware the peddlers of fake news in aquaculture!
It’s time to expose the urban legend that South Africa is too cold for tilapia farming, even in outdoor ponds.
Mixed farming: key to livestock success for Free State farmer
Nelius Ferreira, the Free State’s Top Young Farmer for 2018, focuses on quality production in a global marketplace. Sabrina Dean visited him on his farm near Harrismith to learn more.
Fitting a McClellan saddle
This American cavalry saddle has been in use for 159 years. It was employed in the American Civil war and the Second Anglo-Boer War, and is still used for stock...
Finding value in cattle shows in an era of modern breeding
The showing of cattle is often used by stud breeders to market their animals. However, as genetic values become more prominent as a tool to improve the performance of herds,...
Bonsmaras bring success for small-scale farming couple
The Barui-Driehoek Co-op was the ARC’s 2017 National Small-Scale Commercial Livestock Producer of the Year. Annelie Coleman visited the owners, husband-and-wife team Kabelo and Matshidiso Mooketsi, to learn more about...
Farmers can help save endangered fish species
The populations of many indigenous fish are in decline. Here’s an easy and practical solution to boost their numbers.
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