Western Cape farmer’s model for running pigs on pasture
Farming pigs on pasture is not commonly practised in South Africa, yet provides multiple benefits to farmers and the environment. Nan Smith spoke to Swellendam farmer Simon Goble about how...
Zimbabwe’s Nkone cattle breed recovers from near extinction
Zimbabwe’s quintessential Nkone cattle breed is back from the brink of extinction, says Annelie Coleman. She spoke to George Hulme, a Nkone farmer and breeding society vice-chairperson, who jointly runs...
Are nosebands really necessary?
Recent research has found evidence of bone and tissue damage in parade horses wearing nosebands, says Dr Mac.
Fish farming: a goldfish or red herring?
Leslie Ter Morshuizen explains the potential for aquaculture in South Africa.
Broodmares and foals on the veld need enough clean water
Horses are herbivores and can survive on natural grazing, but what about the water?
Saving the vultures
A much-needed addition to the Southern Drakensberg, the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide, created to support vulture conservation through a Vulture Safe Feeding Zone, is a hub of activity and a bird-lover’s...
Success story of a Brangus stud on an Eastern Cape dairy farm
In 2001, Steve Kretzmann, introduced a beef component to his dairy farm, Edendale, in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited him recently to better understand the impact that the Panorama...
Want to start a pig farm? Read this first!
There is a lot to consider when embarking on any farming operation, and the same is true for starting a piggery. Janine Ryan reports on some of the things you...
Sidebone in horses: is it unsoundness?
Sidebone is the ossification of the collateral cartilages. It is found mainly in the hooves of heavy Warmbloods, writes Dr Mac.
From backyard chicks to top show poultry breeder
Clinton du Preez has approximately 600 chickens of various breeds neatly housed in the backyard of his Stutterheim home in the Eastern Cape. Mike Burgess visited him recently to better...
How wildlife vets play a vital role in advancing conservation
Besides treating animals that live in the wild for diseases and injuries, wildlife veterinarians such as Dr Johan Marais also assist in introducing animals to new sanctuaries and doing genetic...
Young sheep farmer builds thriving business despite challenges
Luvo Kiyane is not only at the helm of a profitable livestock initiative on a shared state land reform farm in the Elliot district of the Eastern Cape, but also...
Trying to tip the scales in favour of further protection for pangolin
Brian Berkman asks Tswalu Foundation researcher Daniel Rossouw why his study into the positive impact of the pangolin matters and what he’ll learn from it.
Challenges and opportunities expected for dairy production
The US Department of Agriculture recently released its latest report on dairy production in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and the trends driving trading.
From a DJ to a successful farmer in the Eastern Cape
Lubabalo Ngcwembe (43), from Zwelitsha near Qonce, shares his remarkable journey into farming, overcoming challenges to build Ikhasilethu, a thriving livestock and vegetable enterprise.
The oldest SA Beef Shorthorn herd excels in the coldest place
The Beef Shorthorn is probably as close to a perfect beef cattle breed as you can get, Barry Stretton, owner of the Brotherlea stud in Molteno, told Annelie Coleman.
Basic vaccination and health protocols for pigs
Unlike farming or production programs where livestock species such as sheep, cattle, and goats are farmed extensively on wide-open spaces comprised of pastures or grazing rangelands, pigs are usually produced...
Study sheds light on global risk of heat stress to cattle
Research shows climate change may have a negative impact on cattle farming in some regions, says Jorisna Bonthuys. Farmers must do more to secure their herd’s welfare and their own...
Global warming and heat stress in horses
The maximum daily temperatures are climbing globally, and stable management approaches may have to be changed, says Dr Mac.
Zimbabwe’s Tuli cattle make financial sense and are easy to farm
The Tuli is an iconic beef breed of Zimbabwe that will make any breeder proud, according to Kerry Stewart, Tuli stud breeder and chairperson of the Zimbabwe Tuli Breeders’ Society....
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