Culling latecomers? Think again!
Many frustrated fanciers get rid of their under-performing pigeons. But is culling the best option? There are certain factors to consider before deciding to cull a weak pigeon, writes Thomas...
Learn more about your horse’s personality
Horse lovers can chat for hours about their horses and their wonderful personalities – but what are their animals’ actual strengths and weaknesses? How do they get along with other...
Downside of a One-Day Loft
In a One-Day Pigeon Loft, many difficulties can put the enterprise and the pigeons in jeopardy. Thomas Smit looks at the weaknesses of this system.
Choosing the right pig breed for your farm
Choosing the right kind of pig for your level of management is very important.
Surviving a two-year drought
The southern Western Cape is experiencing the worst drought in more than a century and running a profitable dairy has become next to impossible. But with clever management and stringent...
Treating chronic joint disease
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, can affect any joint, but it’s most common in the knee, hock, fetlock and coffin joints.
Save our game farms!
Two wildlife ranching experts call for more support from the authorities but warn that over-regulation could kill the industry.
One-Day Loft racing
Thomas Smit defines the One-Day loft - and describes the benefits of this form of pigeon racing.
Ngunis – a boon to these timber farmers
Nguni cattle can complement a timber business nicely – and are likely to captivate their owners with their beauty and no-nonsense traits. Brett Peatie and Brian Magor of Midlands Imperial...
The Ultimate Pigeon Race
A whopping combined cash prize pay-out of R3 375 000 will be up for grabs in Dinokeng Lofts’ Ultimate Pigeon Race. Thomas Smit provides all the details.
Afrikaners on veld – this female farmer’s success
Whether producing feedlot or veld beef, the Afrikaner is an excellent choice. A hardy, easy-calving breed with high disease-resistance, it excels under a wide range of conditions. Commercial cattle farmer...
Keeping bridles & saddles clean
A regular cleaning regime is the best way to keep your tack clear of mildew. Dr Mac discusses an effective step-by-step routine.
New bird species boosts ecotourism potential of stock farm
The Garingboom Guest Farm near Springfontein in the southern Free State has had 15 000 guests pass through it in the past 14 years, many of whom came to catch...
A no-fuss, farm-bred, dual-purpose chicken
While a fast-paced urban lifestyle is behind the need for commercial high-producing poultry breeds, a market exists in rural areas for a no-fuss, dual-purpose chicken. Husband-and-wife team Jaap and Shirley...
Boost immunity, treat canker
With many pigeon disease-causing organisms becoming increasingly resistant to standard treatments, Dr Ockert Botha recommends maintaining a high immunity with natural products. It's better to prevent than treat diseases like...
Does your pigeon have candidiasis?
Renowned South African veterinarian Dr Ockert Botha discusses the yeast infection candidiasis, in a follow up on his advice in last week's issue on pigeon parasites and malaria.
Trust, training & tricks with horses
If you’ve ever owned a horse that can open a locked stable door you’ll know how quickly they pick up a new trick! Horses love to learn tricks and there’s...
Pigeon parasites & malaria
Renowned South African veterinarian Dr Ockert Botha gives advice on prevention and treatment of pigeon diseases.
Show judging criteria for pigeons
What do you look for? And should you apply the textbook requirements of the show to select pigeons for race lofts? These are questions I'm asked frequently by beginners, and...
The Dexter: Dynamite in a small package
Don't be fooled by the Dexter's size - this dual-purpose breed carries a higher proportion of its body weight as saleable meat than most beef breeds, and offers sterling weight...
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