Preserving the indigenous Mbuzi veld goat
With the advent of industrial agriculture, Southern Africa’s indigenous goat breeds faced extinction. However, some farmers such as Hilton Sanders of RH Ranching Mbuzi Stud, are dedicated to ensuring that these ecotypes remain relevant, and they are doing so profitably.
More on species and strains
What characteristics are sought for improvement in a strain development programme? How far beyond simple growth improvement must one go?
Unique merino stud thrives in harsh conditions
Father-and-son team Hansie and Johan Sauer’s Droogfontein Merino Stud is doing exceptionally well in one of the harshest areas in the northern
Eastern Cape. Gavin Isted paid them a visit.
Limousin stud: starting well and getting better
At 23, Limousin breeder Rehan van Niekerk has already made a name for himself. This young Bothaville farmer established the Eran Limousin herd while still at school and has since built it into an award-winning stud.
Teaching the young horse to steer
Longlining is the next step after lunging when training a colt, says Dr Mac.
Selecting fish species and strains
The correct choice of fish species or strain can determine success or failure. Beware of breeders claiming to have developed a superior ‘strain’ of tilapia. Chances are they have done no such thing.
Securing a future for endangered fynbos fish
Through a partnership involving five organisations, efforts to save SA’s endangered fynbos fish continue. The recent project focuses on the Biedouw River in the Cederberg.
A list of plants that are a danger to horses
Horses in the wild seem to know what to avoid, but domestication has dulled this instinct, says Kim Dyson.
Survey: Dairy producers get the basics right
A benchmarking exercise involving SA dairy producers showed few similarities between top producers. In fact, getting the basics right was the only common factor. Dairy consultants Chris Fourie and Justin Moolman spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the findings of the exercise.
South Africa’s first mounted archery show
Remember those ‘Cowboy and Indian’ films where feather-clad braves galloped on handsome Appaloosa horses firing off arrows?
Dual-purpose Braunvieh for meat and dairy
Cois Harman believes that the Braunvieh breed is ideal for both beef and milk production.
SAMDPR pre-final results update
More than 30 countries entered the 19th SA Million Dollar Pigeon Race, notes Thomas Smit.
Is your horse too skinny?
Fattening a thin horse starts with a good diagnosis, involving a detailed examination of its history, checking the amount of feed it eats and a thorough clinical examination, says Dr Mac.
Loriza Brahman: where excellence is a given
The Meyer family has been farming Brahmans since the 1960s – and it shows.
In 2014, the stud had the top performance herd in the country and the best cow of the breed.
Aquaculture success stories in Southern Africa
There are not too many successful commercial aquaculture enterprises in Southern Africa, but these two are worth mentioning.
A legendary cattleman’s insight
Cattle consultant Erwin Church is one of South Africa’s greatest stockmen. In this interview with Heather Dugmore, he shares some of his knowledge gained from a lifetime of working with cattle.
Foreign, yes. Feral, no.
The racing pigeon is fully domesticated, the result of two centuries of experimental breeding, and they are certainly not an invasive threat, as some claim.
Buffalo breeders urged to reduce disease risk
Buffalo are known to carry several harmful diseases that can also be fatal in cattle. To address this subject, the Free State Buffalo Breeders’ Association recently organised a workshop in Aldam near Winburg.
When things go amiss with aquaculture systems
An intensive aquaculture system can fail for several reasons. A producer should always be prepared.
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