Animals

In 1994 Hennie Barnard became the first person to successfully breed sable antelope in the Eastern Cape. This finalist in the Wildlife Ranching South Africa’s 2011 Game Rancher of the Year competition has fine herds of sable and buffalo on his farm near Aberdeen. Heather Dugmore paid him a visit.

Businessman Muzi Dhlomo and his wife Mmakeng own the Jodema Pinzgauer Stud. Muzi believes in keeping things simple. Peter Mashala spoke to him.

It’s the main component in all living animal tissue, yet water is often neglected in ration formulations.

Got a fussy eater? Want to help your horse retain its shiny coat? Try flax! by Kim Dyson.

Success comes from taking both genetic and physical characteristics into account, and this is where racing pigeon auctions and shows are valuable, explains Thomas Smit.

Dr Roland Larson, a vet who has practiced in the Graaff-Reinet district for 27 years has made it his life’s mission to help farmers manage livestock parasite loads by encouraging a resilience-based approach. He talks to Heather Dugmore.

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.