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....
Following the herd to help reduce emissions
Identifying and including a low-methane trait in livestock breeding programmes could be the answer to the methane problem faced by animal farmers globally. But how conclusive is the research and...
Boost profit by using available genetic resources
Dr Japie van der Westhuizen, general manager of SA Stud Book, describes how to make use of animal genetic resources to select for sustainable profit in beef cattle from a...
The ARC’s farm assessment toolkit
The Agricultural Research Council’s Farm Assessment Toolkit has been developed to allow for the evaluation of a farm in a scientific manner, using the natural resource base of the farm...
Why this Durbanville dairy keeps on winning awards
Fair Cape Dairies won the ARC National Master Dairyman of the Year Award for the fourth time in 2022. Johannes Loubser spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the drivers of the...
White Savanna goats add meat to beef enterprise
Desmond Siteti, the Agricultural Research Council’s Eastern Cape emerging beef farmer for 2021, believes that his flock of white Savanna goats is the perfect complement to his beef operation near...
Blood tests: a quick, accurate guide to your horse’s health
Why do veterinarians take blood tests from a horse and what are they looking for? Dr Mac explains the basics of this crucial diagnostic tool.
Quality feathers give Oudtshoorn ostrich farmer the edge
Over the years, Laubscher Coetzee has established himself as a producer of top-quality ostrich feathers. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his production strategy.
How does a horse regulate its body temperature ?
Dr Mac explains how a horse uses thermoregulation to deal with changes in air temperature and to cope with vigorous exercise.
The riskiest periods for sheep producers
In this second part of our series on risk mitigation for sheep producers in South Africa, freelance strategist and writer PJ Mommsen looks at the riskiest periods that both mutton...
