Animals

Western mounted games is the fastest-growing equestrian sport in South Africa. Barrel racing, which attracts large audiences and generous prizes in the US, is...

Kragga Kamma Ngunis on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth is a successful stud and commercial operation that proves creative thinking and ongoing marketing are more important than owning the land on which you farm. Keri Harvey spoke to owner Neil Dawson.

With its wide temperature tolerance, the humble bass may be a good option for commercial production.

Quentin and Marisa de Bruyn from Ladybrand in the Free State have ‘fallen head-over-heels in love’ with Boran cattle, and see the breed as a top contender in South Africa’s red meat production industry, especially when used in a crossbreeding system.

It’s possible to mitigate the risks without taking the fun out of riding, says Dr Mac.

A good deal of supportive treatment is required to treat a physical injury, such as a tendon strain and soft tissue damage. Kim Dyson explains how to go about this properly.

Zolani Tyali and his son Mandange recently won the 2017 Unistel SA Stud Book Elite Developing Farmer award. Mike Burgess visited them on their farm in the Eastern Cape to gain a better understanding of the ups and downs experienced in their stud and commercial Nguni operations.

As a small but significant addition to an intensive operation, Thorntree Farm’s free-range eggs are quietly making a name in this niche market. Ryan Stegmann spoke to Chris Nel.

Lack of the dark skin pigment, melanin, on some parts of a horse’s body can lead to sunburn or skin cancer. Horses should have access to shade at all times of the day, advises Dr Mac.

The World Aquaculture Society held its first-ever conference in Africa, in Cape Town from 27 June to 30 June, along with the biannual conference of the Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa.

Adél van der Merwe’s Plusline Dorper Stud was a 2016 Stud Book Elite Awards finalist. Mike Burgess visited her on Pinegrove, in the Eastern Cape, to find out how she achieved this.

Whether you manage a riding stable, stud, or herd of trail horses, a wash bay is very useful, says Dr Mac.

Ingo Rix’s Black Nossob Santa Gertrudis stud near Witvlei in Namibia, is the only stud in Southern Africa with a Breedplan 5-Star Completeness of Performance accreditation. He told Annelie Coleman how this hardy, adaptable breed has proven itself to be the ultimate breed for extensive farming conditions.

Legislative control of the aquaculture industry in South Africa is so restrictive that it impedes any development.

It’s not unusual for Gauteng pigeon fanciers to experience a fast-paced start in the first six races of the season. With the races being from south to north, the prevailing south-westerly winds all but blow the birds home. This year has been no different.

Bovine respiratory disease is caused by several pathogenic organisms. It can lead to substantial economic loss in feedlots.

Glenneis Kriel spoke to poultry industry experts about the challenges facing small-scale producers and ways in which these can be overcome.

With the welfare of farm animals under close scrutiny in Europe, farmers there are increasingly utilising technologies and systems that balance animals’ well-being with profitability. Lloyd Phillips recently toured a modern sow unit near Magdeburg in Germany to witness this approach first-hand.

Mike Burgess recently visited Warren Rieger, Wildlife Ranching SA’s (WRSA) 2016 Eastern Cape Best Newcomer, on Benghoil Private Reserve near Cathcart to see how he has managed to establish an award-winning game enterprise in just over 10 years.

The Southey family of Middelburg in the Eastern Cape has a long legacy of Merino sheep farming. Generations of dedication paid off last year when Julian Southey was named the 2016 Voermol Sheep Farmer of the Year.