Prevexxion RN: The next generation Marek’s disease vaccine
Marek’s disease in poultry can cause farmers huge economic losses. This is why Boehringer Ingelheim has invested in the development of a vaccine for Marek’s disease, which has proven effective...
Broiler producer uses her position to uplift others
Jo-andra Cloete, who farms in Joostenberg Vlakte near Cape Town, started producing broilers only a few years ago. She is now mentoring over a hundred farmers, whom she supplies with...
Backyard broiler business: Start small, dream big
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and Emmanuel Gumede has taken this proverb to heart in his dream to one day own andoperate a large-scale...
Poultry litter to biogas: adding more value to farm waste
The benefits of using chicken litter as fertiliser are well known. As the poultry industry grows, however, other uses for it must be found. Dr Idan Chiyanzu and Primrose Magama...
Success with premium free-range chickens
Without economies of scale, Lynne Griesel found it increasingly difficult to compete in the broiler chicken market. Switching to free-range chickens not only allowed her to tap into a more...
How to deal with mites on poultry
Chickens are often targeted by mites, external parasites that can harm the birds and cause a farmer substantial financial loss. The problem occurs in summer, and is made worse when...
Reduce heat stress in poultry with vitamin C supplementation
High environmental temperature is the most common stressor of chickens in South Africa.
Make money with free-range chickens
Free-range chickens take longer to raise than birds kept in a poultry house and given factory-made feed. On the other hand, they cost very little to produce and customers are...
How award-winning broiler producer stayed the course
Bhefika Matshenja of Inhlakanipho Projects and Farms, winner of the Star of Buhle Award for 2019, says that by implementing sound management principles, such as reinvesting profits, he has been...
Judicious use of antibiotics in poultry production
Consumers have become more informed and concerned about what goes into their food. One of the areas of concern has been the use of antibiotics in intensive farming systems such...
Raising stress-free broilers
Jeanne Groenewald, the CEO of Elgin Free Range Chickens, has established herself as a leading free-range poultry producer in South Africa.
Young poultry farmer thrives despite setbacks
Asiphe Pentu started his small-scale broiler business with only R2 000 when he was just 17 years old and still at school. After five years, he has a well-run, 100-chicken...
How to make a living running a small-scale broiler operation
Necessity inspired Anneke Loock of Bloemfontein to start earning a living from a small-scale poultry business. The lessons learnt on her journey to success will prove useful to anyone launching...
Free-range duck farming in KZN: Why less is more
Duck meat is a high-value niche product in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal farmer Vanessa Collocott supplies this market with certified free-range ducks, and has combined shrewd business sense with compassion in...
Dealing with external parasites on chickens
External parasites such as mites can be a major financial threat to a poultry operation. Control is essential.
Free-range chickens: Part-time farmer’s success on rented land
Robert Patson of Happy Land Farm in Kyalami believes free-range chickens not only hold the answer to healthy food, but that his model of farming could help alleviate poverty for...
A healthy profit from pasture-raised eggs
As a technician specialising in the installation and repair of gates, Rico Vergotine had little reason to be interested in agriculture. His life changed, however, after a chance meeting, and...
Biosecurity: your first line of defence against disease
Dr Fambies van Biljon, veterinarian at Sovereign Foods, talks to Glenneis Kriel about the crucial need to establish a well-run biosecurity programme at a poultry production facility.
Niche market supplying fresh chicken in the hot Lowveld
Alwyn Viljoen is the production manager of Zaytoon Farms, which is situated on the outskirts of Mbombela and is the only supplier of fresh chicken to the region’s supermarkets. Despite...
Chicken housing – get the basics right!
At a recent poultry production course hosted by the Agricultural Research Council and presented by Paulus Sape and July Mahlangu. Gerhard Uys learnt about some of the basic principles of...
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