Facial recognition technology: a new weapon against stock theft
Facial recognition technology is poised to revolutionise livestock management. Annelie Coleman spoke to experts about this Australian-developed technology and its potential to reshape livestock production in South Africa.
Epigenetics: what it is and what it can do for livestock production
Epigenetics is an emerging area of research in livestock nutrition, genetics and breeding. Prof Michiel Scholtz, specialist researcher in applied animal breeding at the Agricultural Research Council, spoke to Annelie Coleman about its potential role in animal production.
Running a Meatmaster stud on just 65ha
Innovative Meatmaster breeder René Rossouw runs her 350-strong Jumike Meatmasters stud on only 65ha on the family farm, Alice, in Wesselsbron in the Free State. She spoke to Annelie Coleman about how she manages to effectively run her flock on such a small piece of land.
Profitable free-range chicken production in the Swartland
Suzanne Smit, owner of The Country Chic, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about her journey into commercial broiler and layer production in the Swartland.
Dexter cattle find their niche in regenerative farming systems
The Dexter cattle breed is proving its mettle as a regenerative farming tool in the Western Cape’s intensive farming systems.
Are you deworming your horse too often?
Recent research reveals emerging anthelminthic resistance in equines and intenstinal parasite mutation, says Dr Mac.
Regenerative farming: from ‘lifeless dust’ to productive farm
The use of regenerative farming practices has enabled Barry Meijer to restore the ‘lifeless dust’ on his farm and turn it into productive pastures for his cattle. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the transformation.
The WOAH addresses four major animal health challenges
The World Organisation for Animal Health’s 2024 general session addressed global animal health challenges, including foot-and-mouth disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza, and African swine fever.
Understanding the economics of aquaponics
Since 2010, aquaponics has evolved into a refined farming method where fish and plants thrive in a closed system. This article explores the technology, commercial viability, and environmental benefits.
The role of reproduction in profitable beef cattle farming
Reproduction is vital for beef production, boosting income, genetic improvement, and reducing overheads. Hennie du Toit, animal and pasture scientist at Agropedo Armenta, writes about the importance of reproduction in beef cattle profitability.
Iberian pigs provide the world’s most expensive ham
Amidst the range of delicacies to be enjoyed in Spain, Iberian ham is both a culinary delight and a farming marvel. Lindi Botha visited Spain to find out what it takes to produce the most expensive ham in the world.
Why performance testing in livestock is important
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council’s Animal Production Institute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.
How an Eastern Cape miniature horse breeder built up his stud
Don’t be mistaken: the South African Miniature Horse is not a toy breed but a well-balanced, hardy animal, and if all reference to size were eliminated, would have the same conformational proportions than other full-sized light breeds.
RPO advises on FMD outbreak control and biosecurity measures
The Eastern Cape Red Meat Producers’ Organisation confirms that more than 140 animals have tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease in the province, and movement control is in place in certain areas.
South African Braunvieh set for global beef market success
The South African Braunvieh has all it takes to become a serious contender in the international red meat production arena, says Gawie Naudé, owner of the award-winning Eduan Braunvieh Stud near Rhodes in the Eastern Cape.
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 regenerative pig farming adds profit and ethics to pork production.
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 the Pungeni stud near Harare.
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?
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