Keep accurate records for maximum economic impact
Derick le Roux and his father, Carl, own the only 5-Star Breedplan accredited stud in South Africa. Derick explains to Gerhard Uys how record-keeping can optimise profit in any production...
Always manage grazing with drought in mind
The only insurance against drought is a sound, scientifically based grazing management programme, coupled with a reasonable stocking rate even in times of plenty. So says Dr Mias van der...
Ovulation and fertility
To make sure a mare conceives, you have to get the timing precisely right, so planning is crucial. Dr Mac explains.
Farming chickens ethically and profitably
Red Barn free-range chicken and egg farm started from necessity but grew into a passion. In addition to eggs and whole chickens, it also produces speciality products.
The many rewards of game farming in the Karoo
Game animals have brought a new dimension to farm life in the arid Karoo. Roelof Bezuidenhout spoke to Neil Dodds and Rob Hobson, two farmers from Jansenville, who have combined...
The finest Merinos in SA bred using genetic extremes
The Fairworld Merino Stud in the Eastern Cape has been at the forefront of genetic fine wool production in South Africa for over a century. It holds the current South...
SA government failing commercial aquaculture
SA has the potential to become a successful producer of Nile tilapia, yet government’s latest efforts aimed at supporting commercial aquaculture are counterproductive.
Maggots in a horse’s ears: prevention is easier than cure
Flystrike can be just as problematic in horses as in sheep, says Dr Mac.
Pigeon club competitiveness
With careful management and good quality birds, any fancier with the right attitude can become a contender, says Thomas Smit.
Tips for stress-free livestock transporting
Livestock transportation should result in as little stress to the animals as possible, whether they are being transported to the abattoir or other farms. Glenneis Kriel spoke to Dr Dirk...
How to fix a ‘show sour’ horse
When a horse that has previously done well starts to misbehave at shows, you can be fairly certain that it’s nervous and needs habituation, says Dr Mac.
How to reduce tortoise electrocution mortalities
Thousands of tortoises are inadvertently killed by electric fences in South Africa each year. Yet there are simple, practical steps that farmers can take to stop this. Dr Luke Arnot...
Biological farming ensures dairy farm’s success
For 15 years, the Muller family, near George, has been using biological farming methods and no-till practices. Their pasture-reared dairy herd is thriving and can be directly traced to the...
The rise and fall of ornamental fish culture
The hobby of keeping exotic ornamental fish in a home aquarium is nowhere near as popular as it once was.
Use a curry comb to groom your horse
Get the sweat out of your horse, as well as dirt and loose hairs. Dr Mac shows how.
Poultry: choose the right bedding for better broilers
It’s crucial for a broiler producer to get floor management right. This will improve the birds’ physical environment, reduce disease and result in better quality broilers. So says free-range poultry...
Does your horse suffer from thrush? Follow these guidelines
The frog acts as a shock absorber for the foot as it strikes the ground. If the frog is infected with thrush, your horse will be reluctant to walk and...
South Africa’s potential pond farming bonanza
Pond aquaculture systems may be the answer to producing bulk quantities of tilapia simply and affordably.
Is rhino breeding a potential gold mine for cattle farmers?
The socio-economic dynamics of an ever-growing and increasingly globalised human population are placing increasing demands on the world’s livestock producers. German Agricultural Society president, Carl-Albrecht Bartmer, explored these issues at...
How much should a horse cost?
Breed, conformation and supply and demand are among the factors that affect the price of a horse, explains Dr Mac.
