Animals

A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.

Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that’s better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.

Healthy soil plays an important role in cattle health and production. Dr Jan Myburgh from the Department of Paraclinical Sciences in the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science spoke to Annelie Coleman about the numerous benefits of healthy soil in improving farm profitability.

Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.

Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.

Nutrient circularity in cattle farming can help improve soil health and reduce farming costs. Ernest Makua, livestock technical adviser at Red Meat Industry Services, spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about practical strategies for farmers to achieve sustainability and profitability in the industry.

Hurwitz Farming has become synonymous with Boran cattle in South Africa. But it hasn’t always been plain sailing. Simeon Hurwitz spoke to Janine Ryan about the increasing popularity of this breed.

This report focuses on the production and trade of aquaculture and farmed fish over the next decade, and projects where the industry is likely to end up in 2032.

The Brahman has played a pivotal role in the development of Namibia’s beef cattle industry. During the Namibia Brahman Breeders Society’s 70th anniversary, seasoned Brahman breeder Ryno van der Merwe spoke to Annelie Coleman about the breed’s influence on the country’s beef production.

Proper nutrition is vital for the health and productivity of pigs and poultry. Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and JD Mostert spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about exploring essential nutrients, common feeding mistakes, and best practices for feed safety to optimise livestock growth and reproductive health.

From the bustling streets of Pretoria, Gauteng, to the serene pastures of eNtokozweni in Mpumalanga, Colin Morodi’s journey from government bureaucrat to dedicated cattle breeder is a story of determination and the pursuit of a lifelong dream.

Pieter Jordaan runs Angora goats and Merinos on 16 000ha near Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape. The 2024 Agri Eastern Cape Young Farmer of the Year finalist spoke to Mike Burgess about how his stud, Legacy Angora, has added value to his farming enterprise by consistently producing a quality product for the market.

Stud breeder Lianne Herbst has high praise for her Simbra cattle, a versatile breed known for its good fertility, adaptability to market demands, and performance in feedlots.

Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.

Aquaculture specialist Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, designs and builds fish farms and aquaponics systems across sub-Saharan Africa and trains farmers to manage them optimally. He shares his expertise on the practice of size sorting in fish farming.

In this article, we discuss some of the most common viral pig diseases in South Africa, and what farmers should do to prevent and/or treat these diseases to ensure a happy and healthy herd.

At a regenerative farming day held earlier this year in Paarl, Western Cape, Willie du Plessis, chairperson of the Southern Dexter Club, shed some light on ways to treat calving and reproductive emergencies.

Simbra farmer Kobus Bester spoke to Zunel van Eeden about the advantages of high-density grazing, which entails the grouping of high numbers of livestock to graze small areas of land over short periods.

In this article, the final in a three-part series on pigeon racing, Thomas Smit looks at ways to help your birds settle in a loft, as well as the best nutrition to enhance their health and stamina during long races.

To grow an aquaculture concern efficiently and profitably, the quality of feed and the price point need to be correct, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.