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.
Selecting Beefmasters for functional efficiency
Selecting breeding stock using economically important criteria over many years has enabled Tony Spolidoro to build up a stud herd of hardy, productive, no-nonsense Beefmaster cattle second to none. Chris...
Damara sheep: No environment too tough
Since importing his first Damaras from Namibia in the late 1980s, stud breeder Frank Blumenthal has firmly believed in the integrity of the breed. The Free State farmer says that...
A healthy profit from pasture-raised eggs
As a technician specialising in the installation and repair of gates, Rico Vergotine had little reason to be interested in agriculture. His life changed, however, after a chance meeting, and...
World champion Savanna goat breeder’s winning formula
World champion Savanna goat breeder Koenie Kotzé believes in strict selection, the best possible genetics, and top conformation and type. Annelie Coleman visited him on his farm Niekerkshoop in the...
Why arthritis treatments are controversial
There are various treatments available for equine osteoarthritis. However, these are mainly palliative and do not promote healing, says Dr Mac.
Concern about declining Cape buffalo trophy quality
The Cape buffalo occupies a top spot on hunters’ wish lists, but studies show a decrease in the quality of buffalo trophies, according to Dr Johan Rabie, buffalo breeder and...
Why fish farming is booming in Zambia, and not in SA
Private fish farms and government are working together to breed tilapia and grow aquaculture production in Zambia.
