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.
Afrino sheep excels in producing mutton and wool on the veld
Hendré Calitz, the chairperson of the Afrino Sheep Breeders’ Association of South Africa, manages the Koppiesfontein Afrino Stud near Smithfield for Piet and Theo Delport of Wesselsbron. Mike Burgess visited...
Pasture-based dairy: lower cost and more lactations
In an area where feeding total mixed rations is the norm for dairy production, Jurie and John Hartley milk 1 200 cows off pasture – with impressive results.
Indigenous livestock perfect for small-scale farmers
Ross Rayner and his father, Roger, farm 40 Nguni cows and 35 Bosvelder-type ewes on 250ha in the Mankazana Valley near Adelaide in the Eastern Cape. Their operation is an...
White horses and black bulls
Camargue horses are used to manage the feral black cattle herds in the salty marshes of the Rhône River Delta as it enters the Mediterranean Sea, says Dr Mac.
Aquaculture in Africa: the successes and failures
Developments such as cage culture of tilapia and small, privately owned pond systems signal a positive trend.
A practical software solution for wildlife data management
Data from species and environmental monitoring is often hard to translate into real-world management solutions. Conservationists Dr Pieter Olivier, Andrew Purdon and Michael Mole are solving this challenge with practical...
Want a more profitable dairy? Take care of your calves!
Three key factors can reduce calf mortalities and boost milk yield: correct hygienic practice in calf cages, control of Cryptosporidium parvum, and implementing a colostrum programme. Specialist veterinarian Dr Chris...
Lipizzaner stallions in South Africa
Lipizzaners, well known for their high-level dressage displays, originated more than four centuries ago. However, the breed continues to amaze, says Dr Mac.
Afrigus: Breeding the ideal beef cattle for a drier future
Free State stud breeder Martiens le Roux believes the Afrigus breed is a promising new contestant in the South African beef cattle arena. Annelie Coleman called on him on his...
Free-range chickens: Part-time farmer’s success on rented land
Robert Patson of Happy Land Farm in Kyalami believes free-range chickens not only hold the answer to healthy food, but that his model of farming could help alleviate poverty for...
Indigenous species: let’s widen the net for aquaculture
A number of indigenous Southern African fish species would be ideal for aquaculture operations. It’s time for serious research into their potential.
For the love of Mohair
In an industry with a history of sustainability and ethics, one thing stands out more than anything else: love.
Treating nosebleeds in horses
Horses that suffer from pouring nosebleeds after exercise should be examined by a vet, says Dr Mac.
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