A piggery against all odds
Former factory workers Pleasure Molaudzi and Nomsa Mlangeni are at last following their true interest – running a piggery. Despite hardships, they are determined to succeed. Peter Mashala reports.
Eastern Cape farmers in search of the optimum cow
Alwyn Marx, who farms with his father near Burgersdorp, started a small Tuli herd a decade ago. Impressed with the Tuli’s performance, they have expanded the operation to 300 stud...
Dealing with PSSM
This genetic condition occurs in several draught breeds, Quarter Horses and warmbloods, as well as Appaloosas, says Dr Mac.
Top pigeons from Plett
He says he has been in pigeon lofts since the age of two – a good start that’s seen Roger Harris become one of SA’s top fanciers. Thomas Smit spoke...
From the Karoo to the catwalk: The journey of the Charmac Merino
The wool of the Charmac Merino, which is bred in the Karoo by the McNaughton family, was recently developed into an exclusive fashion fabric in Australia to meet the demand...
Not all fish are born equal
Prospective fish farmers take the risk of using poor quality breeding stock when they buy fingerlings of unknown ancestry. Such fish will not grow rapidly to market size, despite good...
Building a family business
After completing agricultural studies and gaining work experience, Ananias and Mphai Rapholo returned home to Limpopo to start a family business, the Mohloma Agricultural Co-operative, with their father. The brothers...
Game on for Kruger Park Wildlife Services
Every year, hundreds of wild animals are moved from SA’s national parks to other parks, reserves and game farms within the region. Game capture and translocation is a highly specialised...
Selecting for quality in a Braford stud herd
Pieter Schulenburg of Leeuwfontein Braford Stud has established an acclaimed stud herd through a tough selection regime. His animals thrive under the harsh conditions of the semi-arid bushveld, says Peter...
Eating disorders
Having a fussy nibbler or greedy gobbler can be frustrating – but there are ways of dealing with such behaviour, says Kim Dyson.
The price of prevention
It’s time to go shopping for African horse sickness vaccine again, but you’ll find it’s in a new package and more expensive this year, says Dr Mac.
Go green!
Experienced pigeon fancier Dr Bertus Praeg takes the practical use of pigeon manure to a scientific level. Thomas Smit spoke to him.
Restoring the renosterveld
With no previous farming experience but with a love of conservation and wildlife and a large dose of business and common sense, the Bhorat family has turned an undeveloped and...
Tilapia: why quality seed counts
Tilapia farming is now well established in Asia, but will only succeed in SA if good quality stock is used in an economically viable culture environment.
Dealing with milkweed
These plants grow almost anywhere, and can be deadly if your animals eat too many of them, warns Paul Donovan.
An answer to African poverty?
According to Johnny Morrison, chairperson of the SA Indigenous Veld Goat Club, a millenia-long migration through Africa has honed the breed into a superbly functional animal. Annelie Coleman reports.
Body condition scoring
Scoring body condition (BCS) in dairy cows is an economically important management tool to check the body reserves and energy status of cattle.
Understanding bit issues
Before you run out and buy an expensive new bit, it’s essential that you understand why your horse is resisting, says Kim Dyson.
Brahmans come in from the cold
Brahman stud breeder James Prinsloo runs a thriving cattle enterprise on the Mpumalanga highveld where winter temperatures can fall to -12°C. Known for their resilience to heat and drought, the...
