Bee farming – liquid gold, but hard work
South Africa’s beekeeping industry may still have room for newcomers, but this unusual type of agricultural production is far more challenging than it may appear. Lloyd Phillips reports.
The year of the hens
The Transvaal Racing Pigeon Federation’s 12 short distance races have been extremely fast-paced, says Thomas Smit.
Bringing back the Afrino
This easy-care, dual purpose breed thrives in the harshest conditions, offers high net profits and is a pleasure to farm. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Avoid dehydration
Your horse relies on you to make sure it gets enough liquids to replace those lost while sweating during competitions, cautions Kim Dyson.
Supporting a family, week by lonely week
Malekaleke Maila farms with Pedi sheep on communal land in Limpopo. Unable to run his flock near his village, he is forced to spend each week away from home. Yet,...
Mastitis in a dairy herd
Udder health problems, especially mastitis, can significantly limit profitable dairy farming, says vet Dr Vincent Turner. Robyn Joubert reports.
Favourites for the 2012 season
With the Transvaal Racing Pigeon Federation’s 2012 season currently underway, Thomas Smit looks at some of the favourites.
How SAPPO is helping small-scale pig farmers
The Baynesfield Training Academy in KZN offers emerging farmers training in pig production.
Preparing for fire
Veld fires in a high wind move faster than a galloping horse, so be prepared for the dry season, says Dr Mac.
Pigs reared on pastures and acorns
Allowing pigs to graze like sheep will never keep supermarkets stocked brimful with bacon, as Charlie Crowther admits. But he has nonetheless found a market for his pasture-reared pigs. Denene...
Connect with your horse
There’s nothing worse than asking your horse to do something and being met with resistance, says Kim Dyson.
100 years of memories
Oom Jacob Coetzee of Hartbeesfontein has watched agriculture develop over the course of the last century. Born in Cradock on 17 July 1912 he moved to the farm Mahemsvlei in...
Farming without frontiers
Justin Stirk of Goodwoods Bonsmaras in the Eastern Cape is one of a group of Bonsmara breeders who present the annual Frontier Bonsmara sale in Grahamstown. Heather Dugmore talks to...
Raub’s racers
KwaZulu-Natal fancier Mark Raubenheimer talks to Thomas Smit about his imported pigeon racing lines.
At the show
A horse can become very stressed and difficult to ride at shows, especially if it is on a high energy diet and not getting enough exercise, cautions Dr Mac.
Ngunis on the mountain
East Cape Nguni Club chairperson Wimpie Mostert calves over 200 registered Nguni stud females in an environment that has truly tested the value of the breed’s adaptability and hardiness. Mike...
Farming off the grid
The convenience of Eskom-supplied electricity is almost unknown to Bushmanland’s commercial livestock farmers. But thanks to the sun, wind and careful management, these farmers have all the power they need....
The juggling act
Ruminants are adapted to convert fibre into the energy needed to produce milk and meat, but total input needs to be balanced for optimum production.
Breeding tips
When it comes to breeding it’s important to familiarise yourself with your mare’s cycle, writes Kim Dyson.