Emerging pig farmer’s commitment to learning pays off
At the time she was awarded a piggery by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Betty Nyambi knew little or nothing about pig farming. But she refused to...
How top small-scale farmer reduces risk
Western Cape pig farmer Leandre Mitchley was named Top Smallholder Farming Entrepreneur 2018 at the annual Female Entrepreneur Awards. Her success came after a slow start and a recent major...
Top female entrepreneur’s passion for training new farmers
Piggery owner Zodwa Thwala, winner of the 2017 Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Best Female Entrepreneur Award, says that her love for teaching motivated her to add farmer...
The indigenous Kolbroek pig – a South African success story
South Africa’s indigenous Kolbroek breed is ideal for contributing to food security in rural areas, according to Wessel Pistorius, a Kolbroek breeder near Magaliesburg. The modern animal, bred from a...
Small-scale piggery success in the Western Cape
With her tiny 10-sow piggery, Western Cape pig producer Augusta Thomas lacks economy of scale. But despite this, she is making a reasonable living. She spoke to Glenneis Kriel about...
Happy pigs make for good business
With 9 600 sows, Chalala Farms near Malmesbury in the Swartland will soon produce more than 275 000 piglets per year. Jeff van Zyl, manager of the piggery, spoke to Glenneis...
Investing in animal welfare pays off for German piggery
With the welfare of farm animals under close scrutiny in Europe, farmers there are increasingly utilising technologies and systems that balance animals’ well-being with profitability. Lloyd Phillips recently toured a...
Understanding the role of the boar in breeding
Novice pig farmers should start with highly marketable and popular breeds such as the Landrace or Large White, says Shane Brody.
The many advantages of pigs
Today’s domesticated pig has most of the qualities that the modern farmer looks for in livestock, including high profitability, explains Shane Brody.
Basic requirements for the sleeping area
The enclosed sleeping area for pigs should take up about a third of total pen size.
Basic infrastructure for small-scale pig farming
The size of your pig housing infrastructure will depend on the number of pigs you have. Ideally, it should be strong, simple and adaptable, and it need not be expensive,...
How whey can cut the cost of pig feed
Alternative feed options can help to buffer the impact of rising costs, especially when prices increase due to adverse climatic conditions. Mauro Delle Donne of Zandam Farm explained to Glenneis...
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Illegal vaccines compound China’s African swine fever crisis
China’s agricultural ministry has warned farmers against the use of illegal and experimental vaccines as the country continues to struggle to contain the African swine fever epidemic.
