Animals

In this second instalment on farming pigs, we look at which breeds to consider and how to examine a pig to see whether it’s healthy.

An early passion for farming can lead to a successful, profitable business for a teenager.

On 1 May, 72 outstanding racing pigeons owned by Corrie Naudé & Son were auctioned at the Alberton Homing Society, east of Johannesburg. Thomas Smit reports.

Live coverings can injure both horses, so more and more breeders are turning to artificial insemination, writes Dr Mac.

Chianina cattle are in a class of their own with high value for beef farmers. Chris Nel went to Italy with breeder Christiaan de Jager to learn more about these remarkable animals.

This technique teaches your young horse how to steer and stop, among other things, and will prevent injuries to both of you, writes Kim Dyson.

Hennie Wardeck was a formidable opponent with a knack for selecting champion pigeons. He will be sorely missed, writes Thomas Smit.

Brothers Jan and Dries Wiese recently added goat's milk cheese to their sheep farming operation.

Zodwa Twala urges new pig farmers to receive proper training before starting their ventures.

In a one-day racing pigeon loft, all the training and racing is done for you. But you still need to deliver the right kind of youngster, says Thomas Smit.

The painkiller horse owners like so much is really quite toxic, warns Dr Mac.

Kevin Lang began a milk processing plant to improve the profitability of his dairy cow herds.

The grazing, defecating, stomping and salivating of moving herds can build soil, restore vegetation and reverse the effects of desertification, a major cause of climate change, says holistic management pioneer Allan Savory who recently ran a three-day workshop in Graaff-Reinet. Heather Dugmore was there.

Silage eases fodder flow and bridges the hungry gap between the first frosts and the first flush.

As businessman and game breeder, Cyril Ramaphosa focuses on buying the best and conserving animals for the future. Sean Christie spoke to him.

Lay the foundations correctly to set you and your horse up for a successful partnership that should last a lifetime, writes Kim Dyson.

The new Bioboost feeding system makes it possible to produce the equivalent of up to 30ha grazing under irrigation in a small 'container'. This means a farmer can increase productivity while reducing input costs, have a constant supply of fresh and highly nutritious feed available for livestock, and 'drought-proof' the farm, says Vivian Beukes, who developed the system. Denene Erasmus spoke to him

Thomas Smit offers some tips on how to breed quality pigeons by helping nature along.

Taxi boss and communal land cattle farmer Jonathan Lefakgomo, of Mmametlhake, in Mpumalanga, has been trying to build a commercial beef herd since 1991. He spoke to Peter Mashala about his difficulties.

Breeders tend to take the pedigrees of their horses for granted, not realising that they are important legal documents. This is where the Animal Improvement Act and the South African Studbook and Animal Improvement Association come in, writes Dr Mac.