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Animal farming covers livestock breeding, dairy, and meat production. Explore methods, challenges, and innovations shaping modern agriculture.

Producers can’t keep up with global demand for goat meat

Global demand for goat meat is increasing, with health, cultural, and religious practices driving the surge. Trade data company the Observatory of Economic Complexity reported that, over the past five...

Joshlin Simbra Stud: Small herd, strong genetics, big results

At the 2024 Champion of the World Competition, the top Simbra cow and third-placed bull came from the Joshlin Simbra stud, located near Komga in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess...

Breeding top racehorses

The world reflected through the eye of a horse is at the centre of the ethos of a boutique racehorse stud set in the Breede Valley in the Western Cape....

Chianina cattle: the gentle white giants giving high meat yield and quality

Looking for a breed to maximise returns on animals and land? Garren Coetzee, who runs a Chianina stud near Uniondale in the Western Cape, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about why...

Expert tips for emerging sheep farmers

Emerging sheep farmers can boost their production and profitability by focusing on quality over quantity. Willem Goosen, production adviser at the National Wool Growers’ Association, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel...

AgriCulture Mpumalanga’s 2025 young farmer talks challenges, hope, growth

AgriCulture Mpumalanga’s Young Farmer of the Year 2025, Hendy-Hein Mathews, does not mince his words when it comes to the challenges the youth face in the agriculture sector. But he...
Senepol

Senepols: low-maintenance, high-performance cattle

In 2024, Blackpool Senepol sold a bull for a new South African record price of R165 000. Owner Chris Sheard spoke to Mike Burgess about how he built a stud...

Poultry: obstacles and possibilities for small-scale producers

Kobedi Pilane, CEO of African Poultry Producers and a commercial poultry farmer in Brakfontein, near Parys in North West, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the first steps that small-scale farmers...

‘Choose the SA Suffolk for lucrative sheep farming’

According to RC Malherbe, the SA Suffolk sheep breed has all the characteristics needed for profitable sheep farming.

Boran: the ideal choice for the commercial farming sector

The Boran is renowned for its ability to maintain body condition despite extreme weather and difficult circumstances.

An integrated approach is required for fly control in stables

Whether they’re a general nuisance or disease carriers, it’s essential that flies are controlled throughout their life cycle.

‘The Beefmaster is a smart investment’

According to Guy Rensburg, the Beefmaster is a good investment due to its ability to thrive under harsh conditions.

‘SA’s Ile de France sheep is the ideal choice for crossbreeding’

The Ile de France is a dual-purpose breed that improves the carcass quality of its crossbred progeny.

‘Chianina: the feedlot industry’s dream’

With its outstanding feed conversion rates and high dressing percentages, the Chianina is the ideal breed for feedlots and beef production.

Setting straight public misconceptions of the Boerboel

The Boerboel is a truly South African breed around which there are many misconceptions.

Senepol: a genetically unique beef powerhouse

Since its arrival in South Africa in 2001, the Senepol has become a strong contender in the country’s beef cattle arena. Tiekie Muller, owner of the Nooitgedacht Senepol stud, spoke...

Brothers’ journey from communal farming to mohair success

Through strategic partnerships and perseverance, brothers Simphiwe, Thembinkosi, and Linda Fani have built Doornrivier Farm in Somerset East, Eastern Cape, into a thriving livestock operation. Simphiwe and Thembinkosi spoke to...

Tuna fishing under pressure as global demand increases

The rising global demand for tuna has placed it under significant threat of overfishing. World Tuna Day, 2 May, was established by the United Nations (UN) to highlight the importance...

Equine dentistry: is ‘bit seating’ really necessary for all horses?

While most horse owners agree that it’s a good idea for riding horses to be examined by a dentist at least once a year, the need for bit seating depends...

Production principles for hatchery success

The hatchery is the foundation of a fish farm. Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, says that by following his six hatchery principles, farmers can set a trajectory for...
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